JP3843538B2 - OUTPUT CONTROL SYSTEM, OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD, OUTPUT CONTROL PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING SUB-OUTPUT CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention belongs to a technical field of so-called preview processing in which a data generation apparatus confirms the output mode prior to data output from an output apparatus such as a printer connected to a data generation apparatus such as a computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, a preview process for displaying data output from an output device is generally performed on the data generation device. In this case, however, the output data output from the output device is as faithful as possible. In general, a preview process for displaying a simple image is performed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the conventional preview processing method, an image that is as faithful as possible to the output data that is output is not displayed. There was a problem that it would take extra time.
[0004]
  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is that a user who performs data output can display a minimum necessary image and quickly perform a preview process. Output control system, output control method, and output control programAnd secondary output control programIs to provide a recording medium on which is recorded.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a data generation apparatus such as a computer provided with display means such as a display for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the display data. A conversion device such as a data converter that generates the display data while converting the output data using conversion data, and an output device such as a printer that outputs the conversion output data; An output control system comprising the conversion device,in frontCorresponding to the entire output dataShould be generatedOverall display dataWithin a time limit which is a preset time limit and is a time until the display when the image indicating the output mode of the converted output data in the output device is displayed on the display means. Using the conversion data and the output data as long as it can be generatedBefore the output of the converted output data in the output device, such as a display data generation unit to generate,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitAnd a transmission means such as a CPU for transmitting display data to the data generation device.The data generation device includes a request unit such as a CPU for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data which is data outside the range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated. And the generation means generates the additional display data using the converted data and the output data when the request signal is transmitted, and the transmission means transmits the additional display data to the data generation apparatus. The transmitting means is configured to display the transmitted additional display data in addition to the transmitted display data.
[0006]
  According to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, the generation means included in the conversion device corresponds to the entire output data.Should be generatedOverall display dataCan be generated within a preset time limit using conversion data and output dataGenerate.
[0007]
  And the transmission means included in the conversion device, before the output of the conversion output data in the output device,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitThe display data is transmitted to the data generation device.
[0008]
  Therefore, the display of the display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is completed within the time limit, so that the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0009]
[0010]
  AlsoThe request means included in the data generation device generates a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data.
[0011]
  And a production | generation means produces | generates additional display data using conversion data and output data, when a request signal is transmitted.
[0012]
  Further, the transmission means transmits the additional display data to the data generation device.
[0013]
  Then, the display means displays the transmitted additional display data in addition to the display data.
[0014]
  Therefore, when display data alone is insufficient, a wider range of output modes can be confirmed.
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
  To solve the above problems, the claims2The invention described in (1) generates output data to be output and includes a data generation device including a display unit such as a display for displaying an image corresponding to the display data, and converts the output data using the conversion data and converts the output data An output control method in an output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates output data and the display data; and an output device that outputs the conversion output data, wherein the conversion device includes:in frontCorresponding to the entire output dataShould be generatedOverall display dataWithin a time limit which is a preset time limit and is a time until the display when the image indicating the output mode of the converted output data in the output device is displayed on the display means. Using the conversion data and the output data as long as it can be generatedIn the generating step for generating, and in the converting device, before outputting the converted output data in the output device,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitA transmission step of transmitting display data to the data generation device;In the data generation device, a request step for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data which is data outside the range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated, and the conversion device And when the request signal is transmitted, an additional generation step of generating the additional display data using the conversion data and the output data, and the conversion device transmits the additional display data to the data generation device. An additional transmission step; in the data generation device, in addition to the transmitted display data, a display step of displaying the transmitted additional display data on the display means;Is provided.
[0022]
  Claim2According to the operation of the invention described in the above, in the generation process, the entire output dataShould be generatedOverall display dataCan be generated within a preset time limit using conversion data and output dataGenerate.
[0023]
  And, in the transmission process, before outputting the converted output data in the output device,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitThe display data is transmitted to the data generation device.
[0024]
  Therefore, the display of the display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is completed within the time limit, so that the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0025]
[0026]
  AlsoIn the request step, a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data is generated.
[0027]
  Andadd toIn the generation process, when the request signal is transmitted, additional display data is generated using the conversion data and the output data.
[0028]
  Moreadd toIn the transmission step, the additional display data is transmitted to the data generation device.
[0029]
  In the display step, the transmitted additional display data is displayed on the display means in addition to the display data.
[0030]
  Therefore, when display data alone is insufficient, a wider range of output modes can be confirmed.
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
  To solve the above problems, the claims3The invention described in 1) generates output data to be output and a data generation device such as a computer including a display unit such as a display for displaying an image corresponding to the display data, and converts the output data using the conversion data. An output for output control in an output control system comprising: a conversion device such as a data converter for generating the converted output data and generating the display data; and an output device such as a printer for outputting the converted output data. A recording medium on which a control program is recorded, the computer included in the conversion device,in frontCorresponding to the entire output dataShould be generatedOverall display dataWithin a time limit which is a preset time limit and is a time until the display when the image indicating the output mode of the converted output data in the output device is displayed on the display means. Using the conversion data and the output data as long as it can be generatedBefore the output of the conversion output data in the generation means for generating and the output device,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitAn output control program for functioning as transmission means for transmitting display data to the data generation device is recorded.And a request for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data, which is data outside the range generated within the time limit, of the entire display data to be generated. A sub-output control program for functioning as a means is recorded, and the computer functioning as the generating means generates the additional display data using the converted data and the output data when the request signal is transmitted. Further, the computer functioning as the transmission means transmits the additional display data to the data generation device, and the computer included in the data generation device transmits the transmitted additional data in addition to the transmitted display data. The display data is configured to be displayed.
[0038]
  Claim3According to the operation of the invention described in (4), the computer functioning as the generation unit corresponds to the entire output data.Should be generatedOverall display dataCan be generated within a preset time limit using conversion data and output dataGenerate.
[0039]
  And the computer functioning as the transmission means, before outputting the converted output data in the output device,Of the entire display data to be generated, the range generated within the time limitThe display data is transmitted to the data generation device.
[0040]
  Therefore, the display of the display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is completed within the time limit, so that the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0041]
[0042]
  AlsoThe computer functioning as the requesting unit generates a request signal for requesting transmission of the additional display data.
[0043]
  Then, when the request signal is transmitted, the computer functioning as the generation unit generates additional display data using the converted data and the output data.
[0044]
  Further, the computer functioning as a transmission unit transmits the additional display data to the data generation device.
[0045]
  The computer functioning as the display control means causes the display means to display the transmitted additional display data in addition to the display data.
[0046]
  Therefore, when display data alone is insufficient, a wider range of output modes can be confirmed.
[0047]
[0048]
[0049]
[0050]
[0051]
[0052]
[0053]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, each computer in a network system in which a plurality of computers as data generation devices are connected to a printer as an output device via one data converter as a conversion device. This is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to output control when the printer is used jointly.
(I)overall structure
  First, the configuration of the network system of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0054]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system W according to the embodiment includes four computers 1 to 4, a data converter 6, a switch 5 that connects the computers 1 to 4 and the data converter 6, and a printer. 7.
[0055]
  In this configuration, each of the computers 1 to 4 generates output data to be printed out by the printer 7 using application software provided therein, and outputs the output data to the switch 5. Here, the output data is created by a well-known page description language such as “Postscript” of Adobe, for example. In parallel with this, each of the computers 1 to 4 performs a preview process described later.
[0056]
  Here, the preview process refers to a display described later that is included in each of the computers 1 to 4 or provided separately from the computer before print output in the printer 7 using the output data. This refers to a process of displaying the form of print output data (so-called bitmap data) that is printed out in correspondence with the output data (ie, the form such as font, character size, overall layout, color arrangement, etc.).
[0057]
  The switch 5 includes a buffer unit that temporarily stores output data from each of the computers 1 to 4, and outputs the output data to the data converter 6 in a time-sharing manner for each computer.
[0058]
  Furthermore, the switching device 5 distributes display data, which will be described later, output from the data converter 6 to each computer.
[0059]
  On the other hand, the data converter 6 prints output data transmitted from each of the computers 1 to 4 via the switch 5 by the printer 7 using the converted data held by the data converter 6. The data is expanded into output data (hereinafter referred to as print bitmap data) and output to the printer 7. Further, the data converter 6 performs a preview process described later.
[0060]
  Then, the printer 7 performs a corresponding print output based on the output print bitmap data.
[0061]
(II)Detail configuration
  Next, the detailed configuration of each constituent member constituting the network system W will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0062]
  First, the configuration and operation of the computers 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Since each of the computers 1 to 4 performs the same configuration and operation, the computer 1 will be described as a representative in the following description.
[0063]
  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the computer 1 reads out a program stored in the ROM 13 and executes each instruction included therein to execute a preview process described later, a CPU 10, a keyboard, An input unit 11 such as a mouse, a network connection unit 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 as a recording medium, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, and a display means including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or liquid crystal As a display 15 and a bus 16 for connecting each component in the computer 1.
[0064]
  In the above configuration, the network connection unit 12 is connected to the switch 5 and performs a so-called interface operation on data output from the computer 1 and data input to the computer 1.
[0065]
  On the other hand, when data necessary for processing in the computer 1 is input, the input unit 11 outputs the data to the CPU 10 or the like via the bus 16 and specifies a time limit in preview processing described later.
[0066]
  The ROM 13 is a read-only memory that stores a control program for the entire computer 1 (including a program corresponding to a flowchart for preview processing described later), reads out a necessary program at a predetermined timing, Output to bus 16.
[0067]
  The RAM 14 is actually composed of a storage device such as a hard disk device, temporarily stores data necessary for processing in the CPU 10, and outputs the data to the bus 16 as necessary.
[0068]
  Further, the display 15 performs display necessary for processing in the CPU 10 and displays an image corresponding to display data Sa or simplified display data described later.
[0069]
  Finally, the CPU 10 performs processing such as corresponding document creation and image processing using an application program stored in the RAM 14 to generate output data Sb, and controls each component constituting the computer 1.
[0070]
  The operation of the computer 1 in the preview process according to the present invention will be described later.
[0071]
  Next, the configuration and operation of the printer 7 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
  As shown in FIG. 2B, the printer 7 includes a CPU 16, a network connection unit 17, a ROM 18, a RAM 19, an output engine 20, and a bus 21.
[0073]
  In this configuration, the network connection unit 17 is connected to the data converter 6 and performs an interface operation on print bitmap data (bitmap format data) to be printed out by the printer 7 input to the printer 7. I do.
[0074]
  On the other hand, the CPU 16 controls each component constituting the printer 7 and prints out the print bitmap data.
[0075]
  The ROM 18 is a memory that stores a control program for the entire printer 7, reads out a necessary program at a predetermined timing, and outputs it to the bus 21.
[0076]
  Further, the RAM 14 temporarily stores data necessary for processing in the CPU 16 and outputs it to the bus 21 as necessary.
[0077]
  Finally, the output engine 20 includes a printing unit such as an ink jet method or a laser beam method, and performs print output processing of actual print bitmap data under the control of the CPU 16.
[0078]
  The operation of the printer 7 in the preview process according to the present invention will be described later.
[0079]
  Finally, the configuration and operation of the data converter 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0080]
  As shown in FIG. 3, the data converter 6 includes interfaces 22a and 22b, a CPU 23 that functions as a transmission unit by reading a program stored in the ROM 36 and executing each instruction included therein, and a recording medium. ROM 36, RAM 24, bitmap data generation unit 25, display data generation unit 26 as generation means, bus 27, and conversion data ROM 35.
[0081]
  Further, the bitmap data generation unit 25 incorporates a logical operation circuit composed of a CPU 25a, ROM 25b, and RAM 25c, and the display data generation unit 26 incorporates a logical operation circuit composed of a CPU 26a, ROM 26b, and RAM 26c.
[0082]
  Here, the ROM 25b stores a program for generating print bitmap data, and the ROM 26b stores a program for causing the CPU 26a to function as generation means.
[0083]
  In this configuration, the interface 22 a performs an interface operation with respect to data from the computers 1 to 4 via the switch 5 and outputs the data to the bus 27.
[0084]
  Then, the CPU 23 controls the entire data converter 6 and switches the switch 5 to display data Sa or simplified display data described below generated based on a request signal Sr described below transmitted from each of the computers 1 to 4. Output to each of the computers 1 to 4.
[0085]
  Next, the RAM 24 temporarily stores the output data Sb and the like from the computers 1 to 4 input to the data converter 6 and outputs them to the bus 27 as necessary. In parallel with this, the RAM 24 temporarily stores print bitmap data generated by a bitmap data generation unit 25 described later, and outputs it to the printer 7 via the bus 27 under the control of the CPU 23. The display data Sa generated by the display data generation unit 26 or the simplified display data is temporarily stored and output to the computers 1 to 4 through the bus 27 under the control of the CPU 23.
[0086]
  The ROM 36 is a read-only memory storing a program for controlling the entire data converter 6 (including a program corresponding to a flowchart for preview processing described later), and reads out a necessary program at a predetermined timing. To the bus 27.
[0087]
  Next, the conversion data ROM 35 is a ROM that stores conversion data for converting the output data Sb (page description data created in the page description language) input from the computer 1 into print bitmap data. The conversion data is shared by the bitmap data generation unit 25 and the display data generation unit 26. Specific conversion data includes conversion rule data 35b for interpreting individual command codes in the output data Sb and drawing graphics or the like and fonts corresponding to so-called character codes included in the output data Sb ( Font) data (outline data) 35a, which are read out as needed.
[0088]
  On the other hand, the bitmap data generation unit 25 develops output data Sb from each of the computers 1 to 4 into print bitmap data to be printed out by the printer 7 and outputs the data to the RAM 24. That is, the command code and the character code in the output data Sb are read, and the corresponding conversion rule data 35b or font data 35a is read from the conversion data ROM 35, and the command code is stored in the page memory in the RAM 24. Fonts corresponding to graphics and character codes are stored in bitmap format.
[0089]
  In the development processing in the bitmap data generation unit 25, print bitmap data is generated for each page that is actually printed out using the conversion data including fonts and the like that are actually used for printout in the printer 7. The
[0090]
  The interface 22b performs interface processing on data necessary for printing processing in the printer 7, such as the generated print bitmap data, and outputs the data to the printer 7.
[0091]
  Finally, the display data generation unit 26 responds to the request signal Sr transmitted from each computer 1 to 4, and outputs the output data Sb (output data Sb transmitted from each computer 1 to 4) and the conversion. Display data Sa for preview processing (that is, displayed on the display 15 as corresponding to the print bitmap data) is generated using the data. More specifically, the display data Sa in the bitmap format is generated by the same processing as the generation of the print bitmap data in the bitmap data generation unit 25. At this time, since the conversion data from the conversion data ROM 35 is shared with the bitmap generation unit 25, the display data Sa faithful to the actual print output in the printer 7 can be generated.
[0092]
  The operation of the data converter 6 in the preview process according to the present invention will be described below.
[0093]
(III)First embodiment of preview processing
  Next, a first embodiment of preview processing executed in the network system W will be described with reference to FIGS. In the preview process of the present embodiment, display data Sa faithful to the output data Sb (page description data) to be printed out by the printer 7 is generated and displayed on the display 15. At this time, it is set in advance. Only display data Sa that can be generated within the time limit for preview processing is displayed on the display 15.
[0094]
  4 is a flowchart showing the preview process, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the display data development process, and FIG. 6 is an example of an image displayed on the display 15 corresponding to the display data Sa. .
[0095]
  In the following description, preview processing using the computer 1, the data converter 6, and the printer 7 will be described for easy understanding.
[0096]
  First, the overall operation of the preview process of the embodiment will be described.
[0097]
  As shown in FIG. 4, in the preview processing of the embodiment, first, in the computer 1, output data Sb to be printed out (for example, a document or image to be printed out) is created using the printer 7. (Step S1).
[0098]
  The generated output data Sb is transmitted to the data converter 6 via the switch 5 (step S2), and is temporarily stored in the RAM 24 in the data converter 6 that has received it (step S2). Step S3).
[0099]
  Next, it is determined whether or not a command for previewing the output data Sb in the computer 1 is input via the input unit 11 (step S4).
[0100]
  If the command is not input in the determination in step S4 (step S4; no), the process proceeds to step S11 as it is, and if it is input (step S4; yes), the display data Sa is used to perform the preview. A request signal Sr for requesting transmission to the computer 1 is generated and transmitted to the data converter 6 (step S5).
[0101]
  Next, when the request signal Sr is received by the data converter 6 (step S6), the display data generation unit 26 outputs the output data stored in the RAM 24 under the control of the CPU 23 that has received the request signal Sr. Display data Sa to be displayed on the display 15 is generated (expanded) within a possible range within the time limit using Sb and the conversion data including the font data 35a and the conversion rule data 35b (step S7). . At this time, the generated display data Sa is in a bitmap format having substantially the same form as the form (character form, character size, overall layout, color arrangement, etc.) when the output data Sb is actually printed out. It is data.
[0102]
  Thereafter, the generated display data Sa is transmitted to the computer 1 (step S8).
[0103]
  Next, when the display data Sa is received by the computer 1 (step S9), the image corresponding to the generated display data Sa, that is, the mode when the output data Sb is printed out by the printer 7 is substantially the same. An image corresponding to the display data Sa within the generated range is displayed on the display 15, and the user confirms this (step S10).
[0104]
  When the input of auxiliary information for actually executing printing is executed in the computer 1 (step S11), next, instruction data indicating whether or not to actually start printing is transmitted from the computer 1. (Step S12).
[0105]
  Next, when the instruction data is received by the data converter 6 (step S13), it is determined whether or not to execute printing based on the contents (step S14), and if it is to be executed (step S14; yes), the output data Sb stored in the RAM 24 is developed into print bitmap data by the bitmap data generation unit 25 (step S15), and output to the printer 7. The printer 7 uses the output engine 20 to execute printing. (Step S16).
[0106]
  When the print output is finished, the output data Sb stored in the RAM 24 is deleted (step S17), and the process is finished.
[0107]
  On the other hand, in step S14, when the content of the instruction data indicates that the print output is not executed (for example, as a result of the user confirming the image corresponding to the display data Sa on the display 15, the desired output mode is not obtained). (Step S14; no), the process of step S17 is performed as it is, and the entire process is terminated.
[0108]
  Next, details of display data generation (development) processing in step S7 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0109]
  In the generation (development) process in step S7, first, it is confirmed whether or not the time limit is set (step S71).
[0110]
  Here, the time limit should be set by the user in the computer 1 or the data converter 6 before executing the preview process shown in FIG.
[0111]
  If the time limit is not set in step S71 (step S71; no), a part of the output data Sb stored in the RAM 24 as a normal preview process is executed (specifically, the display 15 is read (step S78).
[0112]
  Then, it is determined whether or not there is still output data Sb to be read (step S79). If there is output data Sb to be read (step S79; yes), next, the read figure or character 1 is read. Display data Sa (display data Sa corresponding to a plurality of horizontal scans on the display 15) is generated (developed) using the output data Sb for each piece and the conversion data including the font data 35a, the conversion rule data 35b, and the like ( Step S80). Thereafter, the generated display data Sa for a plurality of horizontal scans are temporarily stored in the RAM 24 (step S81), and the process returns to step S78 to obtain output data Sb to be developed next.
[0113]
  If it is determined in step S79 that the development of the output data Sb to the display data Sa has been completed (step S79; no), the process proceeds to step S8 to return the generated display data Sa to the computer 1. To do.
[0114]
  On the other hand, when the time limit is set in the determination in step S71 (step S71; yes), a timer (not shown) in the CPU 23 is started (step S72), and the output data stored in the RAM 24 is stored. Sb is read only for one figure or character (step S73).
[0115]
  Then, it is determined whether or not there is still output data Sb to be read (step S74). If there is output data Sb to be read (step S74; yes), next, the read figure or character 1 is read. Generation (development) of display data Sa for a plurality of horizontal scans is started using the pieces of output data Sb and the converted data (step S75). Thereafter, the generated display data Sa for a plurality of horizontal scans are temporarily stored in the RAM 24 (step S76), and then it is determined whether or not the timer has reached the time limit (step S77). If it is within (step S77; no), the above steps S73 to S76 are repeated, and the process of expanding the next output data Sb into the display data Sa is continued.
[0116]
  On the other hand, if the time limit is reached in the determination in step S77 (step S77; yes), the timer stops counting and the horizontal scanning display data Sa generated up to that point is sent to the computer 1. The process proceeds to step S8 as display data Sa to be returned.
[0117]
  In the determination of step S74, when all the development of the output data Sb to the display data Sa has been completed (step S74; no), the display data Sa generated regardless of the time limit should be returned to the computer 1. The process proceeds to step S8.
[0118]
  Next, an image displayed on the display 15 by the processing described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0119]
  In FIG. 6, for example, the output data Sb is output data Sb for printing out an image G including a blue circle 30, a red triangle 31, and a yellow square 32 as shown in FIG. 6A. Then, in the process of generating the display data Sa shown in FIG. 5, when the time limit is limited to the time for developing a part of the output data Sb into the display data Sa, the image G displayed on the display 15 is, for example, The image G ′ (corresponding to the display data Sa generated within the time limit) halfway as shown in FIG. 6B (ie, the expansion of the square 32 is halfway).
[0120]
  As described above, according to the preview process of the first embodiment, a part of the display data Sa corresponding to the output data Sb is displayed within the time limit based on the time limit set in advance. Thus, it is possible to quickly confirm the schematic aspect of the output before printing the bitmap data.
[0121]
  In the process of step S77, if the determination is made using the time obtained by subtracting the communication time between the computer 1 and the data converter 6 from the time limit set in step S71, the preview within the time limit is more accurately determined. Processing can be executed.
[0122]
  Further, the print bitmap data for print output in the printer 7 is obtained by converting the output data Sb generated in the computers 1 to 4 using the conversion data, while the display data Sa is converted to the computers 1 to 4. Since the display data Sa is generated based on the output data Sb and the conversion data generated in step S2, the display data Sa is faithful to the form of the print output actually output.
[0123]
(IV)Second embodiment of preview processing
  Next, a second embodiment, which is another embodiment of the preview process executed in the network system W, will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the following description, as in the first embodiment, preview processing using the computer 1, the data converter 6, and the printer 7 will be described for easy understanding.
[0124]
  In the preview processing of the second embodiment, when sufficient preview processing cannot be performed depending on the display data Sa displayed in the first embodiment (for example, the time limit is too short and the output mode is almost always confirmed. In the case of failure, etc.), the generation of the display data Sa is resumed by an instruction from the computer 1.
[0125]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the preview processing of the second embodiment, first, the processing of steps S1 to S10 shown in FIG. 4 is executed in the computer 1 and the data converter 6.
[0126]
  When the display data Sa corresponding to the amount generated within the time limit is displayed on the computer 1 (step S10), next, whether or not the display data Sa is data being developed (that is, all output) It is determined whether or not the development of the data Sb into the display data Sa has been completed (step S18). If the data is in the middle of development (step S18; yes), the user then presses the input unit 11 It is determined whether or not an instruction indicating whether or not to continue the preview processing via the display (that is, whether or not the display data Sa that has not been developed is confirmed on the display 15) has been issued (step S19). When an instruction to continue the preview process is given (step S19; yes), a request signal Sr to continue the display data Sa expansion is transmitted to the data converter 6 (step S20). When received by the data converter 6 (step S21), it is determined whether or not to continue the development of the display data Sa based on the request signal Sr received by the data converter 6 (step S22). (Step S22; yes) Returning to step S7, the conversion process of the output data Sb that has not yet been converted to the display data Sa is resumed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the expansion is not continued (step S22; no), the process proceeds to step S13.
[0127]
  Further, when it is not in the middle of development in the determination in step S18 (that is, when the development of the display data Sa corresponding to all the output data Sb has been completed; step S18; no), or when there is no instruction to continue the development. (Step S19; no) The process proceeds to Step S11 as it is.
[0128]
  Thereafter, the processing of steps S11 to S17 is executed in the computer 1, the data converter 6, and the printer 7.
[0129]
  According to the preview process of the second embodiment described above, in addition to the effect of the preview process of the first embodiment, when the request signal Sr indicating the continuation of expansion is transmitted to the data converter 6, the converted data and the output data Display data Sa is additionally generated using Sb, transmitted to the computer 1, and new additional display data Sa is displayed in addition to the display data Sa so far. A wider range of output modes can also be confirmed.
[0130]
(V)Variations of preview processing
  Next, a modified form of the preview process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0131]
  In the first embodiment described above, only the image corresponding to the display data Sa generated within the time limit is displayed on the display 15, but other than this, for example, other than the original display data Sa faithful to the output data Sb In addition, simplified display data obtained by simplifying the original display data Sa is set in advance, and only the simplified display data that can be displayed within the time limit corresponding to the time limit is displayed on the display 15. Also good.
[0132]
  Here, as the setting of the simplified display data, for example, only a frame indicating a range on the display 15 in which each display object (for example, a graphic or a character such as a circle or a triangle) included in the display data Sa is displayed. Frame data for display, outline data for displaying only the outline of the display object in a range on the display 15 where the display object is displayed, and monochrome data for displaying the display object in black and white Can be set. When each data is transmitted from the data converter 6, on the display 15 on the computer 1, only the frame corresponding to the display object (when the frame data is transmitted) or only the outline of the display object. (When contour data is transmitted) or a display object displayed in black and white (when black and white data is transmitted) is displayed.
[0133]
  More specifically, for example, the output data Sb is output data Sb for printing out an image G including a blue circle 30, a red triangle 31, and a yellow square 32 shown in FIG. 8A. Then, the image displayed on the display 15 based on the generated frame data is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, a range in which graphics included in the image shown in FIG. The image includes only frames 30A, 31A, and 32A.
[0134]
  The image displayed on the display 15 based on the contour data includes only the contours 30B, 31B, and 32B of the graphic included in the image shown in FIG. 8A, for example, as shown in FIG. It becomes an image including.
[0135]
  Furthermore, the images displayed on the display 15 based on the monochrome data are, for example, only monochrome images 30C, 31C, and 32C corresponding to the graphic included in the image shown in FIG. It becomes an image including.
[0136]
  With this setting, when comparing the time T1 for generating the original display data Sa, the time T2 for generating the monochrome data, the time T3 for generating the contour data, and the time T4 for generating the frame data, in general,
  T1> T2> T3> T4
  Therefore, when there is no time for generating the original display data Sa, it is possible to confirm the schematic form of the print bitmap data by sequentially simplifying the data.
[0137]
  On the other hand, when only the frame data is created and the corresponding image is displayed first, and when the continuation of the preview process is instructed by the method exemplified in the second embodiment, the contour data is next displayed. And corresponding images may be displayed, and hereinafter, the black and white data and the original display data Sa may be sequentially displayed.
[0138]
  According to the modification described above, the simplified display data obtained by simplifying the display data Sa corresponding to the output data Sb can be displayed within the time limit based on the time limit set in advance. It is possible to quickly confirm the schematic aspect of the output before the output.
[0139]
  Furthermore, since the simplified display data is any one of the frame data, the contour data, and the single color data, the simplified display data closer to the actual output mode can be displayed step by step corresponding to the time limit.
[0140]
  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the data converter 6 and the printer 7 have been described as separate devices. However, in addition to this, the printer itself has a function as the data converter. Is also possible. In this case, the program indicating the operation according to the present invention may be incorporated in the printer as a so-called RIP (Raster Image Processor) program for expanding the output data Sb from the computer into bitmap data. it can.
[0141]
  Further, a program related to the operation according to the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 7) is recorded on a flexible disk or the like as a recording medium, and is stored in a hard disk device constituting the RAM in the computer as necessary. You may make it use.
[0142]
  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to previewing print output using a printer but also to displaying an image to be displayed on the display after confirming in advance, for example, in a video conference.
[0143]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1,,The display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is displayed.PresetSince the process is completed within the time limit, the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0144]
  Therefore, the confirmation of the output mode can be speeded up and the entire output processing of the output data can be made efficient.
[0145]
  AlsoWhen display data is not enoughIsA wider range of output modes can also be confirmed.
[0146]
[0147]
[0148]
[0149]
  Claim2According to the invention described in,The display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is displayed.PresetSince the process is completed within the time limit, the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0150]
  Therefore, the confirmation of the output mode can be speeded up and the entire output processing of the output data can be made efficient.
[0151]
  AlsoWhen display data is not enoughIsA wider range of output modes can also be confirmed.
[0152]
[0153]
[0154]
[0155]
  Claim3According to the invention described in,The display data that is a part of the entire display data corresponding to the output data is displayed.PresetSince the process is completed within the time limit, the outline of the output can be quickly confirmed before the conversion output data is output.
[0156]
  Therefore, the confirmation of the output mode can be speeded up, and the entire output processing of the output data can be made efficient.
[0157]
  AlsoWhen display data is not enoughIsA wider range of output modes can also be confirmed.
[0158]
[0159]
[0160]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a computer and a printer, (a) is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the computer, and (b) is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the printer.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a data converter.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a preview process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of generating display data according to the first embodiment.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of an image in the preview processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an aspect of original data to be output. FIG. It is an example of an image displayed when generation of is not completed.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a preview process according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram (I) showing an example of display based on simplified display data, where (a) shows an aspect of original data to be output, and (b) shows only a frame indicating a graphic display position. It is a figure which shows the state currently displayed, (c) is a figure which shows the state in which only the outline of a figure is displayed.
FIG. 9 is a diagram (II) showing an example of display based on simplified display data, showing a state in which a figure is displayed using only black and white.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1, 2, 3, 4 ... computer
  5 ... Switch
  6 ... Data converter
  7 ... Printer
  10, 16, 23, 25a, 26a ... CPU
  11 ... Input section
  12, 17 ... Network connection part
  13, 18, 25b, 26b, 36 ... ROM
  14, 19, 24, 25c, 26c ... RAM
  15 ... Display
  16, 21, 27 ... bus
  20 ... Output engine
  22a, 22b ... Interface
  25. Bitmap data generator
  26: Display data generation unit
  30 ... maru
  31 ... Triangle
  32 ... square
  30A, 31A, 32A ... Frame
  30B, 31B, 32B ... contour
  30C, 31C, 32C ... Monochrome image
  35 ... Conversion data ROM
  35a ... Font data
  35b ... Conversion rule data
  W ... Network system
  G, G '... Image
  Sa: Display data
  Sb: Output data
  Sr ... Request signal

Claims (3)

A data generation device including display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the display data; and generating the conversion output data by converting the output data using the conversion data and the display data An output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates the output; and an output device that outputs the converted output data,
The converter is
The entire display data to be generated corresponding to the entire pre-SL output data, a time limit is set in advance, when displaying an image indicating the output mode in the output device of the converted output data to said display means Generating means for generating using the conversion data and the output data in a range that can be generated within a time limit that is the time until the display of the
Transmission means for transmitting display data in a range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated before output of the converted output data in the output device, to the data generation device ,
The data generation device includes:
Requesting means for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data that is data outside the range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated,
The generation means generates the additional display data using the converted data and the output data when the request signal is transmitted,
Further, the transmission means transmits the additional display data to the data generation device,
In addition to the transmitted display data, the display means displays the transmitted additional display data . A data generation device including display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the display data; and generating the conversion output data by converting the output data using the conversion data and the display data An output control method in an output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates the output; and an output device that outputs the converted output data,
In the converter, the pre-Symbol entire display data to be generated corresponding to the entire output data, a time limit is set in advance, the display an image showing an output mode in the output device of the transformed data A generation step of generating using the conversion data and the output data in a range that can be generated within a time limit that is a time until the display is ended when displaying on the means ;
In the conversion device, before outputting the converted output data in the output device, a transmission step of transmitting display data in a range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated to the data generation device When,
In the data generation device, a request step for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data which is data outside the range generated within the time limit among the entire display data to be generated,
In the conversion device, when the request signal is transmitted, an additional generation step of generating the additional display data using the conversion data and the output data;
In the conversion device, an additional transmission step of transmitting the additional display data to the data generation device;
In the data generation device, in addition to the transmitted display data, a display step of displaying the transmitted additional display data on the display means;
An output control method comprising: A data generation device including display means for generating output data to be output and displaying an image corresponding to the display data; and generating the conversion output data by converting the output data using the conversion data and the display data A recording medium on which an output control program and a sub-output control program for output control in an output control system comprising: a conversion device that generates the output data; and an output device that outputs the converted output data,
A computer included in the conversion device;
The entire display data to be generated corresponding to the entire pre-SL output data, a time limit is set in advance, when displaying an image indicating the output mode in the output device of the converted output data to said display means Generating means for generating using the conversion data and the output data in a range that can be generated within a time limit that is a time until the display of the display , and
Before transmitting the converted output data in the output device , among the entire display data to be generated, to function as transmission means for transmitting display data in a range generated within the time limit to the data generation device The output control program is recorded ,
A computer included in the data generation device;
A sub-output control program for functioning as request means for generating a request signal for requesting transmission of additional display data, which is data outside the range generated within the time limit, of the entire display data to be generated is recorded Has been
The computer functioning as the generation unit generates the additional display data using the converted data and the output data when the request signal is transmitted,
Further, the computer functioning as the transmission means transmits the additional display data to the data generation device,
The computer included in the data generation apparatus displays the transmitted additional display data in addition to the transmitted display data .

Images