JP7626972B2 - Computer program and image processing device - Google Patents

Description

This specification relates to a technology for generating print data and supplying it to a print execution unit.

The controller of the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs JPEG processing, resizing, image quality correction, and other processes to generate expanded image data when the user presses the print button after selecting an image file and print settings (paper size, layout, etc.). The controller generates print data from the expanded image data that can be printed by the printing mechanism, and controls the printing mechanism based on the print data. This allows the image to be printed.

JP 2008-213406 A

However, the above technology does not take into consideration that the processing conditions for the print data generation process may be changed after the print data generation process has started. As a result, if the processing conditions for the print data generation process are changed after the print data generation process has started, the time required for the print data generation process may be longer.

This specification discloses a technology that can prevent the time required for print data generation processing from increasing when the processing conditions for the generation processing are changed after the print data generation processing has started.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized as the following application examples:

[Application Example 1] A computer program that causes a computer to realize the following: an instruction acquisition function that acquires a data selection instruction input by a user, and acquires a printing condition change instruction that changes printing conditions and is input by the user after the input of the data selection instruction; a generation function that executes a generation process that generates print data using target image data selected based on the data selection instruction, the generation process including a plurality of processes; and a judgment function that, when the printing condition change instruction is acquired, judges whether each of the plurality of processes is a process to be changed, which is a process that should output output data different from before the printing conditions were changed in response to the change of the printing conditions based on the printing condition change instruction, and the generation function starts generating the print data after the data selection instruction is acquired, and when the printing condition change instruction is acquired after the start of generation of the print data, the generation function re-processes the process to be changed among the processes that have been started among the plurality of processes, does not re-process a process that is different from the process to be changed among the processes that have been started, and the re-processing changes at least a part of the input data and re-executes the process.

According to the above configuration, when a print condition change instruction is acquired after the start of print data generation, among the multiple types of processes, a process that has already started and is determined to be a process to be changed is re-executed, and among the processes that have already started and are determined not to be a process to be changed, is not re-executed. As a result, when the processing conditions of the generation process are changed after the print data generation process has started, it is possible to prevent the time required for the print data generation process from becoming longer. Furthermore, when the processing conditions of the generation process are changed after the print data generation process has started, appropriate print data can be generated.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as an image processing method and image processing device, a printing method and printing device, a computer program for realizing the functions of those methods or devices, a recording medium on which that computer program is recorded (e.g., a non-transitory recording medium), etc.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1000 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a print application PA. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen. 4 is a flowchart of a printing process. 4 is a flowchart of a printing process. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a table TB. 4 is a flowchart of the processing of processing units PS1 to PS5. FIG. FIG. FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram of the processing of each processing unit when a printing condition change instruction is obtained. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the parallel method when a printing condition change instruction is obtained. FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram of the process of each processing unit when a printing condition change instruction is obtained. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the sequential method when a printing condition change instruction is obtained.

A. Example:
A-1: Configuration of the Printing System 1000 Next, an embodiment will be described based on an example embodiment. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1000 according to the example embodiment.

The printing system 1000 includes a printer 200 and a terminal device 300 as an image processing device of this embodiment. The printer 200 and the terminal device 300 are communicatively connected via a network NW. In this embodiment, the network NW is a wireless network in which wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard is performed.

The terminal device 300 is a computer used by a user of the printer 200, such as a smartphone. The terminal device 300 includes a CPU 310 as a controller for the terminal device 300, a non-volatile storage device 320 such as a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive), a volatile storage device 330 such as RAM, an operation unit 360 such as a button or touch panel for acquiring operations by the user, a display unit 370 such as a liquid crystal display, and a communication unit 380. The communication unit 380 includes an interface (a wireless interface in this embodiment) for connecting to the network NW.

The volatile storage device 330 provides a buffer area 331 for the CPU 310. The non-volatile storage device 320 stores a plurality of computer programs, specifically, an application program AP and an OS program OP.

The application program AP is a program that causes the CPU 310 to realize the function of causing the printer 200 to print an image. The specific processing that is realized by the CPU 310 executing the application program AP will be described later. The application program AP is provided by the manufacturer of the printer 200, for example, in the form of being downloaded from a server.

The OS program OP is a program that causes the CPU 310 to function as an operating system (OS). The OS program OP is a well-known program such as Android (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), or Windows (registered trademark).

The printer 200 includes, for example, a print mechanism 250 as a print execution unit, a CPU 210 as a control device for the print mechanism 250, a non-volatile storage device 220 such as a hard disk or flash memory, a volatile storage device 230 such as a RAM, an operation unit 260 such as a button or touch panel for acquiring operations by a user, a display unit 270 such as a liquid crystal display, and a communication unit 280. The printer 200 is connected to an external device, for example, a user's terminal device (not shown) via the communication unit 280 so as to be able to communicate with the external device.

The volatile storage device 230 provides a buffer area 231 for temporarily storing various intermediate image data generated when the CPU 210 performs processing. The non-volatile storage device 220 stores a computer program PG. In this embodiment, the computer program PG is a control program for controlling the printer 200. The computer program PG may be provided by being stored in the non-volatile storage device 220 at the time of shipment of the printer 200. Alternatively, the computer program PG may be provided in a form downloaded from a server, or in a form stored on a DVD-ROM or the like.

The printing mechanism 250 is an inkjet printing mechanism that ejects multiple types of ink, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), to print on a print medium such as paper. Alternatively, the printing mechanism 250 may be an electrophotographic printing mechanism that uses multiple types of toner to print on a print medium.

A-2. Overview of the Print Application The function realized by the CPU 310 by executing the above-mentioned application program AP is also called the "print application PA." The print application PA generates print data using original image data, and causes the printer 200 to execute printing using the print data. The original image data in this embodiment is, for example, user image data stored in the non-volatile storage device 320. This image data is saved as image files in various formats, such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PDF (Portable Document Format), and XPS (XML Paper Specification).

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the print application PA. The print application PA includes a user interface (UI) processing unit UP and an image processing unit IP.

The UI processing unit UP displays a user interface (UI) screen on the display unit 270. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen. The UI screen in FIG. 3(A) is the main screen WI1. The UI processing unit UP displays the main screen WI1 on the display unit 370, for example, when a print application is launched. The main screen WI1 includes a preview image display area PW and buttons BT1 to BT3, SB1, and SB2.

The preview image display area PW is an area where an image (also called a preview image PI) is displayed, allowing the user to check the print image including the original image indicated by the original image data selected by the user. If the original image data is not selected by the user, no preview image is displayed in the preview image display area PW. The switch buttons SB1 and SB2 are buttons for switching the preview image PI displayed in the preview image display area PW among the multiple preview images PI corresponding to the multiple original image data when multiple original image data are selected.

When the image selection button BT1 is pressed on the main screen WI1, the UI processing unit UP displays the image selection screen WI2 of FIG. 3(B) on the display unit 270 instead of the main screen WI1. The image selection screen WI2 includes a list SL of multiple image files, a check box CB for selecting one or more image files from the list SL, and buttons BT4 and BT5. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(B), when an image file containing image data showing one image, for example an image file in JPEG or PNG format, is selected, it is permitted to select multiple image files. In this case, each image data contained in each image file is selected as the original image data.

In addition, when an image file containing multiple page image data, for example an image file in PDF format, is selected, only one image file can be selected. Then, it is permitted to select multiple page image data from the multiple page image data contained in one image file. In this case, each selected page image data is selected as the original image data. Illustrations of the PDF format image file and the UI screen for selecting page image data within the file are omitted.

When the decision button BT5 is pressed on the image selection screen WI2, the UI processing unit UP decides that the image data contained in the image file currently selected on the image selection screen WI2 is the original image data, and displays the main screen WI1 on the display unit 270 instead of the image selection screen WI2. That is, via the image selection screen WI2, the UI processing unit UP obtains a data selection instruction from the user to select the original image data. When the return button BT4 is pressed on the image selection screen WI2, the UI processing unit UP displays the main screen WI1 on the display unit 270 instead of the image selection screen WI2, without deciding the original image data.

When the print instruction button BT3 on the main screen WI1 is pressed after the data selection instruction is acquired, the UI processing unit UP acquires a print instruction corresponding to the data selection instruction. In the following, the print instruction corresponding to the data selection instruction means an instruction to cause the printer 200 to execute printing using a print job generated using the original image data selected by the data selection instruction. After the print instruction is acquired, the print job is sent to the printer 200.

After a data selection instruction is input, but before a print instruction is obtained, the user can input a data change instruction by selecting different original image data on the image selection screen WI2 and pressing the confirm button BT5. A data change instruction is an instruction to change the original image data to be used for printing.

When the print setting button BT2 is pressed on the main screen WI1, the UI processing unit UP displays the print setting screen WI3 of FIG. 3C on the display unit 270 instead of the main screen WI1. The print setting screen WI3 includes input elements for inputting print settings for a plurality of setting items. In the example of FIG. 3C, pull-down menus PM1 to PM3 for inputting print settings for the print color mode, paper size, and print quality are illustrated. Through the pull-down menu PM1, the color mode is set to one of a plurality of options (e.g., monochrome mode and color mode). Through the pull-down menu PM2, the paper size is set to one of a plurality of options (e.g., A3, A4, A5). Through the pull-down menu PM3, the print quality is set to one of a plurality of options (e.g., high quality (low speed), low quality (high speed)). Although not shown in the figure, the setting items set via the print setting screen WI3 include various other setting items, specifically, margin settings, number of copies to print, number of original images included in one print image (also called the number of layouts, for example, 1in1, 2in1, 4in1), double-sided/single-sided printing designation, tray settings (the paper feed tray that holds the paper to be used, and the output tray that prints the paper to be output to), etc.

When the confirm button BT7 is pressed on the print setting screen WI3, the UI processing unit UP updates the current print settings to the print settings set on the print setting screen WI3 at that time, and displays the main screen WI1 on the display unit 270 instead of the print setting screen WI3. That is, the UI processing unit UP acquires an instruction to change the print settings from the user via the print setting screen WI3. When the return button BT6 is pressed on the print setting screen WI3, the UI processing unit UP displays the main screen WI1 on the display unit 270 instead of the print setting screen WI3, without updating the print settings. Note that the print settings are set to the default settings until an instruction to change the print settings is acquired.

On the main screen WI1, the print instruction button BT3 is enabled when the original image data is selected. When the print instruction button BT3 is pressed, the UI processing unit UP obtains a print instruction that corresponds to the data selection instruction that has been obtained at that time.

The image processing unit IP includes a management unit CL, a plurality of processing units PS1 to PS5, and a plurality of delivery lists IL1 to IL5. The plurality of processing units PS1 to PS4 work together to generate print data using original image data selected by the user. The supply unit PS5 supplies a print job including the generated print data to the printer 200 in response to a print instruction obtained from the user. As a result, the printer 200 can be caused to execute printing.

The rasterization unit PS1 executes a rasterization process using the original image data to generate bitmap data representing the original image. The bitmap data is, for example, RGB image data including RGB values for each pixel. The RGB values are, for example, color values in the RGB color system including the three component values of red, green, and blue. The rasterization unit PS1 outputs the generated bitmap data in a predetermined format, in this embodiment, PNG format. In this way, the input image data to the rasterization unit PS1 is the original image data, and the output image data from the rasterization unit PS1 is the original image data converted to PNG format (also called converted image data). If the original image data is in PNG format, the rasterization process is not executed, and the rasterization unit PS1 outputs the input original image data as is.

Layout unit PS2 is a process that executes layout processing using the converted image data to generate layout image data. The layout image data indicates a print image in which an original image is arranged according to the print settings. For example, a margin having a set width is added to the print image according to the margin setting. Also, when a setting to arrange two original images in one print image (so-called 2in1) is specified, the two original images are arranged in the print image. Layout unit PS2 outputs the layout image data in a specified format, in this embodiment, PNG format. In this way, the input image data to layout unit PS2 is converted image data, and the output image data from layout unit PS2 is layout image data.

Preview section PS3 is a process that executes a preview process using layout image data to generate preview image data. Preview image data is image data that shows a preview image PI. Preview image data is used to display the preview image PI in the preview image display area PW of the main screen WI1 described above. Preview process includes, for example, various processes that adjust the preview image PI according to print settings. For example, when the color mode is set to a monochrome mode, it is preferable that the preview image PI is also a monochrome image, so the preview process includes a process that converts the layout image data into monochrome image data. The preview process may include, for example, a process that adjusts the number of pixels and the number of colors according to the characteristics of the display section 270. In this way, the input image data to preview section PS3 is layout image data, and the output image data from preview section PS3 is preview image data.

When the preview unit PS3 generates the preview image data, the UI processing unit UP immediately uses the preview image data to display a preview image PI in the preview image display area PW of the main screen WI1. That is, the preview image PI is displayed on the main screen WI1 after a data selection instruction is obtained and before a print instruction is obtained.

The build unit PS4 executes a build process using layout image data to generate print data. The build process converts the layout image data into a data format that can be interpreted by the printer 200. The print data is image data written in a data format that can be interpreted by the printer 200, for example, a page description language such as PostScript (registered trademark) or Printer Control Language (registered trademark). The build process includes different processes depending on various print settings, for example, print resolution and whether double-sided printing or single-sided printing. In this way, the input image data to the build unit PS4 is layout image data, and the output image data from the build unit PS4 is print data.

The supply unit PS5 executes a supply process using the print data. The supply process is a process of generating a print job by adding a print command to the print data and supplying the print job to the printer 200. The print job is supplied by sending the print job to the printer 200 via the communication unit 380. The added print command includes commands to specify setting items according to the print settings, specifically, the number of copies to be printed, print quality, the tray in which the paper to be used is stored, the tray to which the printed paper is output, and the like. In this way, the input image data to the supply unit PS5 is the print data, and the output image data from the supply unit PS5 is the print job.

The transfer list ILn (n is an integer from 1 to 5) is a list in which the path of the input image data to the processing unit PSn is described. Hereinafter, the description of the path of the image data in the list (the transfer list ILn or the management list OLn) is expressed as the image data being registered in the list. The image data registered in the transfer list IL1 is the original image data, and is registered by the management unit CL. The image data registered in the transfer list ILn (n is an integer from 2 to 5) is the output image data from the processing unit PS(n-1), and is registered by the processing unit PS(n-1). The processing unit PSn (n is an integer from 1 to 5) acquires the input image data registered in the transfer list ILn, and executes its own processing using the input image data. The processing unit PSn (n is an integer from 1 to 5) acquires the input image data one by one in the order in which they are registered in the transfer list ILn. In other words, the transfer list ILn functions as a FIFO (first in first out) queue.

The management list OLn (n is an integer between 1 and 5) is a list associated with each processing unit PSn. The management list OLn is a list in which the output image data generated by the corresponding processing unit PSn is registered. When each processing unit PSn performs a specified process using input image data to generate output image data, it registers the output image data in the management list OLn so that the correspondence with the input image data can be understood. For this reason, by referring to the management list OLn, it is possible to recognize whether output image data corresponding to specific input image data has already been generated. Details of the processing of each processing unit PSn using the delivery list ILn and management list OLn will be described later.

A-3. Operation of the Print Application A-3-1. Control Processing Figures 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the print processing. The print processing in Figure 4 is executed by the management unit CL of the image processing unit IP while the print application is started and one of the UI screens WI1 to WI2 is being displayed by the UI processing unit UP. The print processing is a process of generating print data and a print job including the print data using original image data selected by a data selection instruction, and supplying the print job to the printer 200 in response to a print instruction.

In S5, the management unit CL determines whether or not a data selection instruction has been acquired by the UI processing unit UP. If the UI processing unit UP has acquired a data selection instruction via the image selection screen WI2 (S5: YES), the management unit CL proceeds to S10. If the UI processing unit UP has not acquired a data selection instruction (S5: NO), the management unit CL waits until the UI processing unit UP acquires a data selection instruction.

In S10, the management unit CL acquires OS version information indicating the version of the OS program OP, paper size information indicating the size of the paper to be used for printing, and image size information indicating the size (number of pixels) of the print image. For example, the OS version information is acquired from the OS. The paper size information is specified by the print settings. The size of the print image (i.e., the size of the print data to be generated) is calculated based on the paper size and print resolution specified by the print settings.

In S13, the management unit CL determines the execution method of the print data generation process (described below) to be either the sequential method or the parallel method based on the OS version information, paper size information, and image size information. The sequential method is a method in which the processes of the above-mentioned processing units PS1 to PS4 for generating print data are executed sequentially, not in parallel. The parallel method is a method in which at least some of the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 are executed in parallel.

In this embodiment, if all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met, the execution method is determined to be the parallel method, and if at least one of the conditions (1) to (3) is not met, the execution method is determined to be the sequential method.
Condition (1): The OS version is equal to or higher than the standard. Condition (2): The paper size is smaller than the standard (A3 in this embodiment). Condition (3): The print image size is equal to or smaller than the standard (A4 size with 600 dpi pixels in this embodiment).

The OS version is used as the criterion because if the OS version is old, the parallel processing stability and processing speed may not be sufficiently high. The paper size and image size are used as the criterion because if the paper size or image size is excessively large, the parallel processing load may be excessively large. In these cases, the stability or speed of the parallel processing may decrease, and it may not be possible to achieve the advantage of using the parallel method, which is faster processing, so it is preferable to use the sequential method.

In S15, the management unit CL registers the original image data selected by the data selection instruction corresponding to the print process in the transfer list IL1 to the rasterization unit PS1. In S17, the management unit CL determines parameters for the processing units PS1 to PS4 according to the print settings, and supplies the parameters to the processing units PS1 to PS4.

In S20, the management unit CL causes the processing units PS1 to PS4 to start processing. The processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 will be described later, but the timing at which each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 actually executes processing thereafter differs between the parallel method and the sequential method, which will be described later.

In S25, the management unit CL determines whether a print condition change instruction has been acquired. The print condition change instruction includes a data change instruction acquired via the image selection screen WI2 and a print setting change instruction acquired via the print setting screen WI3.

If a print condition change instruction is not acquired (S25: NO), the management unit CL proceeds to S70. If a print condition change instruction is acquired (S25: YES), the management unit CL proceeds to S30.

In S30, the management unit CL causes the processing units PS1 to PS4 to stop processing. In S35, the management unit CL clears the delivery lists IL1 to IL5 for the processing units PS1 to PS5. This results in no image data being registered in any of the delivery lists IL1 to IL5.

In S40 of FIG. 5, the management unit CL determines whether the acquired printing condition change instruction includes a data change instruction. If the acquired printing condition change instruction includes a data change instruction (S40: YES), the management unit CL proceeds to S43. If the acquired printing condition change instruction does not include a data change instruction (S40: NO), the management unit CL skips S45.

In S43, the management unit CL identifies the original image data to be changed based on the data change instruction. For example, a case will be taken where the selected image data is changed from original image data D1_org, D2_org, D3_org to original image data D1_org, D3_org, D4_org by the data change instruction. In this case, since the original image data D2_org has been changed to original image data D4_org, the original image data D2_org is identified as the original image data to be changed.

In S45, the management unit CL updates the management lists OL1 to OL4 of the processing units PS1 to PS4. For example, if the processing target is changed from original image data D2_org to original image data D4_org, each processing unit PS1 to PS4 should output output image data corresponding to the original image data D4_org instead of the output image data corresponding to the original image data D2_org. For this reason, the management unit CL deletes the registration of the output image data corresponding to the original image data to be changed from the management lists OL1 to OL4. This is because even if these output image data have already been generated, the processing units PS1 to PS4 need to change the image data to be processed from original image data D2_org to original image data D4_org and process it again. For this reason, if output image data (converted image data D2_conv, layout image data D2_lay, preview image data D2_pre, or print data D2_bld) corresponding to the original image data D2_org is registered in the management lists OL1 to OL4, this output image data is deleted from the management lists OL1 to OL4.

In S50, the management unit CL determines whether the acquired printing condition change instruction includes a print setting change instruction. If the acquired printing condition change instruction includes a print setting change instruction (S50: YES), the management unit CL proceeds to S52. If the acquired printing condition change instruction does not include a print setting change instruction (S50: NO), the management unit CL skips S52 and S54.

In S52, the management unit CL determines which of the processing units PS1 to PS5 will be the target for reprocessing based on the print setting change instruction.

Figure 6 shows an example of a table TB for determining which processing units are to be reprocessed. The management unit CL refers to the table TB incorporated in the print application PA to determine which processing units are to be reprocessed.

Of the processing units PS1 to PS5, the processing units (also called parameter change processing units) whose parameters are changed in response to a change in print settings based on a print setting change instruction are subject to reprocessing. This is because even if the parameter change processing unit has already generated output image data, it is necessary to perform processing according to the changed parameters and generate output image data that differs from the output image data that has already been generated.

Processing units that use output image data generated by a processing unit that is the target of reprocessing as input image data to execute their own processing are also subject to reprocessing. This is because the input image data becomes different data due to the print setting change instruction. Therefore, when a specific processing unit becomes a parameter change processing unit due to the print setting change instruction, all processing units (hereinafter also referred to as processing units downstream of the specific processing unit) that directly or indirectly use the output image data generated by the specific processing unit become the target of reprocessing, regardless of whether their own parameters are changed or not. For example, when the rasterization unit PS1 becomes a parameter change processing unit, the rasterization unit PS1 and processing units PS2 to PS5 downstream of the rasterization unit PS1 become the target of reprocessing. When the layout unit PS2 becomes a parameter change processing unit, the layout unit PS2 and processing units PS3 to PS5 downstream of the layout unit PS2 become the target of reprocessing. When the build unit PS4 becomes a parameter change processing unit, the build unit PS4 and the supply unit PS5 downstream of the build unit PS4 become the target of reprocessing.

Even if a specific processing unit becomes a parameter change processing unit due to a print setting change instruction, if the output image data generated by the specific processing unit is not used as input image data and the processing unit itself does not become a parameter change processing unit, then that processing unit will not be subject to reprocessing. For example, even if the preview unit PS3 or the build unit PS4 becomes a parameter change processing unit, if the rasterization unit PS1 and the layout unit PS2 do not become parameter change processing units, then the rasterization unit PS1 and the layout unit PS2 will not be subject to reprocessing.

In this embodiment, the table TB in FIG. 6 specifies the processing units that are subject to reprocessing and the processing units that are not subject to reprocessing for each print setting that is changed by a print setting change instruction. In the table TB, the processing units marked with a circle are processing units that are subject to reprocessing, and the processing units marked with a hyphen are processing units that are not subject to reprocessing.

For example, when the paper size is changed, processing units PS1 to PS5 are subject to reprocessing. In this embodiment, when the paper size is changed, the number of pixels of the converted image data generated by the rasterization process is changed in order to prevent deterioration of image quality during printing, so rasterization unit PS1 is treated as the parameter change processing unit.

When the margins or number of allocations are changed, the rasterization unit PS1 is not subject to reprocessing, but the processing units PS2 to PS5 are. In this embodiment, when the margins or number of allocations are changed, it is necessary to generate layout image data that shows an image with the changed margins or number of allocations, so the layout unit PS2 is treated as a parameter change processing unit.

When the color mode is changed, processing units PS1 and PS2 are not subject to reprocessing, but processing units PS3 to PS5 are. In this embodiment, when the color mode is changed, it is necessary to generate preview image data and print data that show an image with a changed number of colors (monochrome or full color), so the preview unit PS3 and build unit PS4 are treated as parameter change processing units.

When the single-sided/double-sided printing setting is changed, processing units PS1 to PS3 are not subject to reprocessing, but processing units PS4 and PS5 are. When the single-sided/double-sided printing setting is changed, it is necessary to rotate the print image according to the binding position. In this embodiment, the rotation of the print image according to the binding position is performed in the build process, so the build unit PS4 is treated as the parameter change processing unit.

When the print quality, number of copies, or tray (feed tray and discharge tray) is changed, processing units PS1 to PS5 are not set for reprocessing, and supply unit PS5 becomes the target for reprocessing. In this embodiment, changes in print quality, number of copies, and tray are handled by printer 200 in response to print commands. Addition of print commands is executed by supply unit PS5. For this reason, supply unit PS5 is treated as a parameter change processing unit.

In S54, the management unit CL clears the management lists of the processing units PS1 to PS5 that have been determined to be the targets of reprocessing. The management lists of the processing units PS1 to PS5 that have not been determined to be the targets of reprocessing are not cleared. As a result, the management lists of the processing units OL1 to OL5 that have been determined to be the targets of reprocessing are in a state in which no image data is registered. The management lists of the processing units OL1 to OL5 that have not been determined to be the targets of reprocessing are maintained in the same state as they were before the processing units PS1 to PS4 were stopped in S30.

In S55, the management unit CL registers the original image data selected by the data selection instruction corresponding to the print process in the transfer list IL1 to the rasterization unit PS1. If a data change instruction has been acquired, the changed original image data is registered. In S60, the management unit CL determines parameters according to the print settings for the processing units PS1 to PS4, and supplies the parameters to the processing units PS1 to PS4. If a print setting change instruction has been acquired, the changed print setting parameters are supplied to the processing units PS1 to PS4.

In S65, the management unit CL causes the processing units PS1 to PS4 to resume processing. The processing units PS1 to PS4 then restart the processing of each processing unit, which will be described later, from the beginning.

In S70, the management unit CL determines whether or not a print instruction has been acquired via the main screen WI1 described above. If a print instruction has not been acquired (S70: NO), the management unit CL returns the process to S25 in FIG. 4. If a print instruction has been acquired (S70: YES), in S75, the management unit CL causes the supply unit PS5 to start processing. From this point on, a print job including the print data already generated by the processing units PS1 to PS4 is sent to the printer 200. After causing the supply unit PS5 to start processing, the management unit CL ends the print process.

As can be seen from the above explanation, after a data selection instruction is acquired, input of a print condition change instruction is permitted for printing based on the data selection instruction until the corresponding print instruction is acquired, but after the print instruction is acquired, input of a print condition change instruction is not permitted. In other words, input of a print instruction determines the print conditions for printing based on the corresponding data selection instruction.

A-3-3. Processing of Processing Units PS1 to PS5 The processing of processing units PS1 to PS5 that operate according to the control of management unit CL will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the processing of processing units PS1 to PS5. Since the processing units PS1 to PS5 have many common parts, they will be described together while appropriately pointing out the different parts. The transfer list in which input image data to a processing unit is registered is also called the transfer list on the upstream side of the processing unit, and the transfer list in which output image data from a processing unit is registered is also called the transfer list on the downstream side of the processing unit. For example, the transfer list on the upstream side of the rasterizing unit PS1 is the transfer list IL1, and the transfer list on the downstream side of the rasterizing unit PS1 is the transfer list IL2. There are transfer lists IL3 and IL5 on the upstream side of the preview unit PS3 and the supply unit PS5, but there are no transfer lists on the downstream side of the preview unit PS3 and the supply unit PS5.

The process in FIG. 7 is started in response to a start command from the management unit CL. In S100, the processing unit (one of the processing units PS1 to PS5) determines whether input image data for itself is registered in the upstream delivery list.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the processing of the processing unit. Figure 8 illustrates the states of the transfer lists IL1 to IL4 and the management lists OL1 and OL2 at multiple points during processing. Figure 8 illustrates an example in which three original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org are selected. Figure 8 (A) illustrates the state when processing is started in S20 of Figure 4. In the state of Figure 8 (A), three original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org are registered in the transfer list IL1. The registration of the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org in the transfer list IL1 is performed by the management unit CL (S15 in Figure 4 and S55 in Figure 5). No image data is registered in the other lists IL2 to IL4, OL1, and OL2. In this state, the rasterization unit PS1 determines that the input image data is registered in the upstream transfer list IL1. The layout section PS2 determines that the input image data is not registered in the upstream delivery list IL2.

If the input image data for itself is registered in the upstream transfer list (S100: YES), the processing unit proceeds to S105. If the input image data for itself is not registered in the upstream transfer list (S100: NO), the processing unit waits until the input image data for itself is registered in the transfer list.

In S105, the processing unit sets the image data that is registered first among the input image data registered in the upstream transfer list IL1 as the image data of interest, and deletes the registration of the image data of interest from the upstream transfer list. For example, in the example of FIG. 8(A), the rasterization unit PS1 sets the original image data D1_org as the image data of interest, and deletes the registration of the original image data D1_org from the transfer list IL1.

In S110, the processing unit determines whether or not the output image data corresponding to the image data of interest is registered in its own management list. The output image data corresponding to the image data of interest is image data generated by executing the processing to be performed by the processing unit on the image data of interest. In the example of FIG. 8(A), the converted image data D1_conv corresponding to the original image data D1_org is not registered in the management list OL1, so the rasterization unit PS1 determines that the output image data corresponding to the image data of interest is not registered in its own management list OL1.

If the output image data corresponding to the image data of interest is not registered in the management list (S110: NO), in S115, the processing unit executes the processing to be executed by itself using the image data of interest to generate output image data. The generated output image data is stored and saved in an image file.

In S120, the processing unit registers the output image data generated in S115 in its own management list. In other words, it writes the path of the image file that contains the output image data in its own management list.

If the output image data corresponding to the target image data is registered in the management list (S110: YES), S115 and S120 are skipped and processing proceeds to S125.

In S125, the processing unit registers the output image data generated in S115 in the downstream delivery list. After S125, the processing unit returns to S110.

When the processing unit is the layout unit PS2, there are two downstream transfer lists: a transfer list IL3 to the preview unit PS3, and a transfer list IL4 to the build unit PS4. In S125, the layout unit PS2 registers the output image data in both transfer lists IL3 and IL4. At that time, the layout unit PS2 registers the output image data in the transfer list IL3 to the preview unit PS3 before the transfer list IL4 to the build unit PS4. This is because it is considered that the user will input a print instruction after checking the preview image PI, and therefore the generation of preview image data should be prioritized over the generation of print data.

If the processing unit is the preview unit PS3 or the supply unit PS5, there is no downstream delivery list, so S125 is not executed.

Figure 8 (B) shows the state after the rasterization process using the original image data D1_org has been executed, i.e., after the rasterization unit PS1 has executed S105 to S125 of Figure 7 with the original image data D1_org as the image data of interest. At this point, the registration of the original image data D1_org has been deleted from the transfer list IL1 to the rasterization unit PS1 (S105). The converted image data D1_conv, which is the output image data corresponding to the original image data D1_org, has been registered in the management list OL1 of the rasterization unit PS1 (S120). The converted image data D1_conv has also been registered in the transfer list IL2 downstream of the rasterization unit PS1 (the transfer list IL2 upstream of the layout unit PS2). Because the converted image data D1_conv has been registered in the delivery list IL2 upstream of the layout section PS2, from this point on the layout section PS2 is ready to execute steps S105 to S125 in FIG. 7 using the converted image data D1_conv as the image data of interest.

A-3-4. Execution method of print data generation process The parallel method and sequential method, which are execution methods of print data generation process, will be described below. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the execution method, that is, an explanatory diagram of the parallel method (FIG. 9(A)) and an explanatory diagram of the sequential method (FIG. 9(B)). In FIG. 9, the vertical axis is time t. The numbers arranged along the axis of time t are identifiers given to the period during which the process is executed, and the identifier numbers are assigned in chronological order. In FIG. 9, the rectangles arranged below the names of the processing units PS1 to PS5 indicate the contents of the process executed by each of the processing units PS1 to PS5 and the period during which the process is executed. For example, in FIG. 9(A), a rectangle corresponding to the rasterizing unit PS1 is shown at the vertical position corresponding to period 1, and "D1_conv" is written inside the rectangle. This means that in period 1, the rasterizing process that generates the converted image data D1_conv is executed by the rasterizing unit PS1.

Here, the converted image data D1_conv, layout image data D1_lay, preview image data D1_pre, print data D1_bld, and print job D1_job are all image data generated using the original image data D1_org. For this reason, these image data D1_conv, D1_lay, D1_pre, D1_bld, and D1_job can all be said to be image data corresponding to the original image data D1_org. In addition, the converted image data D1_conv and layout image data D1_lay are also called intermediate image data, since they are all data temporarily generated in the process of generating the preview image data D1_pre and print data D1_bld.

A-3-4-1. Parallel Method In the parallel method, after the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS5 is started by the management unit CL in S20, S65, and S75 in Fig. 4, the processing units PS1 to PS5 operate asynchronously with each other. For example, the processing units PS1 to PS5 are executed as different threads in so-called multi-thread processing. For this reason, when input image data is registered in each of the processing units PS1 to PS5's delivery list, the processing units PS1 to PS5 immediately execute processing using the input image data. In the parallel method, at least some of the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is executed in parallel for at least some of the periods.

When a data selection instruction is input to select the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org, the four processing units PS1 to PS4, excluding the supply unit PS5, start processing (S20 in FIG. 4). At the start of period 1 in FIG. 9(A), as shown in FIG. 8(A) above, input image data is registered only in the delivery list IL1, so only the rasterization unit PS1 can execute processing. For this reason, during period 1 in FIG. 9(A), only the rasterization process that generates the converted image data D1_conv is executed.

When period 1 in FIG. 9(A) ends, as shown in FIG. 8(B) above, the converted image data D1_conv is generated and registered in the transfer list IL2, so that the rasterization unit PS1 and the layout unit PS2 can perform processing in parallel during period 2. For example, during period 2 in FIG. 9(A), the rasterization process in which the rasterization unit PS1 generates the converted image data D2_conv and the layout process in which the layout unit PS2 generates the layout image data D1_lay are performed in parallel.

Figure 8 (C) shows the state at the end of period 2 in Figure 9 (A), that is, at the end of the rasterization process to generate the converted image data D2_conv and the layout process to generate the layout image data D1_lay. At this point, the original image data D3_org is registered in the transfer list IL1, the converted image data D2_conv is registered in the transfer list IL2, and the layout image data D1_lay is registered in the transfer lists IL3 and IL4. Therefore, at this point, the processing units PS1 to PS4 are in a state where they can perform processing in parallel. Therefore, during period 3 in Figure 9 (A), the rasterization process to generate the converted image data D3_conv, the layout process to generate the layout image data D2_lay, the preview process to generate the preview image data D1_pre, and the build process to generate the print data D1_bld are executed in parallel.

Furthermore, in period 4 of FIG. 9(A), layout processing to generate layout image data D3_lay, preview processing to generate preview image data D2_pre, and build processing to generate print data D2_bld are executed in parallel. In period 5 of FIG. 9(A), preview processing to generate preview image data D3_pre, and build processing to generate print data D3_bld are executed in parallel, and at the end of period 5, generation of print data D1_bld, D2_bld, and D3_bld corresponding to all original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org is completed. Thus, in parallel processing, the number of periods required to generate print data using three original image data is five.

The supply process by the supply unit PS5 differs from the process by the processing units PS1 to PS4 in that it begins when a print instruction is acquired (S75 in FIG. 5). The process by the supply unit PS5 is executed as a thread separate from the process by the processing units PS1 to PS4 and is executed asynchronously with the process by the processing units PS1 to PS4. For this reason, the process by the supply unit PS5 can be executed in parallel with the process by the processing units PS1 to PS4.

Figure 9 (A) shows an example in which a print instruction is obtained at the end of period 4 (the start of period 5). At this point, two pieces of print data D1_bld and D2_bld have already been generated, so the supply unit PS5 can immediately start the supply process. In the example of Figure 9 (A), the supply process is executed in periods 5, 6, and 7 to supply print jobs D1_job, D2_job, and D3_job. For this reason, in period 5, the supply process is executed to supply print job D1_job in parallel with the preview process to generate preview image data D3_pre and the build process to generate print data D3_bld.

A-3-4-2. Sequential Method In the sequential method, after the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS5 is started by the management unit CL in S20 and S65 in Fig. 4, each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 operates sequentially under the control of the management unit CL. For example, all of the processing units PS1 to PS4 are executed as one thread. For this reason, it is not permitted for the processing of one processing unit (e.g., PS1) and the processing of other processing units (e.g., PS2 to PS4) to be executed in parallel.

However, in the sequential method of this embodiment, the processing of the supply unit PS5 is allowed to be executed in parallel with the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4. The supply processing of the supply unit PS5 involves generating a print job by adding a print command and sending the print job to the printer 200, and has a lower processing load compared to the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4, which may include relatively complex image processing. For this reason, even if the supply processing of the supply unit PS5 is executed in parallel with the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4, it is unlikely that the overall processing load will be excessively high.

For example, at the end of period 1 in FIG. 9(B), as shown in FIG. 8(B) above, the converted image data D1_conv is generated and registered in the transfer list IL2, so that in period 2, the layout unit PS2 is ready to start processing. Even in this state, in the sequential method of this embodiment, the layout unit PS2 does not start layout processing until the rasterization unit PS1 has completed generating all of the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv. The layout unit PS2 starts layout processing after all of the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv have been generated.

Figure 8 (D) shows the state at the end of period 3 in Figure 9 (B), i.e., when all converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv have been generated. In the example of Figure 8 (D), the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv have been generated and registered in the transfer list IL2, but it can be seen that the layout section PS2 has not performed layout processing. In the sequential method, layout processing is performed sequentially in periods 4, 5, and 6 to generate layout image data D1_lay, D2_lay, and D3_lay (Figure 9 (B)).

After all the layout image data D1_lay, D2_lay, and D3_lay are generated, both the preview process and the build process can be executed, but in this embodiment, the preview process takes precedence over the build process. As described above, it is considered that the user often inputs a print command after checking the preview image PI, so it is preferable to display the preview image PI promptly. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9B, in periods 7, 8, and 9 after all the layout image data D1_lay, D2_lay, and D3_lay are generated, the preview process for generating the preview image data D1_pre, D2_pre, and D3_pre is executed sequentially. In periods 10, 11, and 12 after all the preview image data D1_pre, D2_pre, and D3_pre are generated, the build process for generating the print data D1_bld, D2_bld, and D3_bld is executed sequentially.

In this embodiment, the supply process by the supply unit PS5 is started after a print instruction is obtained (S75 in FIG. 5). FIG. 9B illustrates a case where a print instruction is obtained before the generation of all print data D1_bld, D2_bld, and D3_bld is completed. In this case, after the print data D1_bld corresponding to the original image data D1_org is generated, the supply unit PS5 executes a supply process of the print job D1_job including the print data D1_bld in parallel with the build process of generating the print data D2_bld (period 11 in FIG. 9B). Then, after the print data D2_bld corresponding to the original image data D2_org is generated, the supply unit PS5 executes a supply process of the print job D2_job including the print data D2_bld in parallel with the build process of generating the print data D3_bld (period 12 in FIG. 9B). Finally, after the print data D3_bld corresponding to the original image data D3_org is generated, the PS5 executes a supply process for the print job D3_job that includes the print data D3_bld (period 13 in FIG. 9B).

The parallel method can generate and supply print jobs faster than the sequential method, for example, when the available resources (e.g., memory capacity) are sufficiently large compared to the processing load (e.g., the size of image data to be processed) and parallel processing can be performed efficiently. The sequential method can stably generate and supply print jobs even when the available resources are insufficient for the processing load and parallel processing cannot be performed efficiently.

A-3-4-3. Processing when a printing condition change instruction is acquired Next, a case where a printing condition change instruction is acquired will be described. FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram of the processing of the processing unit when a printing condition change instruction is acquired. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the parallel method when a printing condition change instruction is acquired. An explanatory diagram of the case where a printing condition change instruction is acquired by the parallel method. FIG. 11(A) illustrates a case where a margin change instruction is acquired at the end of period 4 (start of period 5) in the parallel method of FIG. 9(A). In this case, at the end of period 4, the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is temporarily stopped (S30 in FIG. 4). Note that the processing of the supply unit PS5 is started after the printing instruction is acquired, and input of a printing condition change instruction is not permitted after the printing instruction is acquired, and a printing condition change instruction is not acquired. For this reason, at the time when a printing condition change instruction is acquired, the processing of the supply unit PS5 has not been started, so in S30 in FIG. 4, it is not necessary to stop the processing of PS5.

Figure 10 (A) shows the state of management lists OL1, OL2 and transfer lists IL1 to IL4 at the end of period 4, i.e., at the time when processing by processing units PS1 to PS4 is stopped. At this point, the rasterization process corresponding to the original image data D1_org, D2_org, D3_org, i.e., the rasterization process generating the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, D3_conv, has ended. For this reason, no image data is registered in the transfer list IL1 to the rasterization unit PS1, and the generated (output) converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, D3_conv is registered in the management list OL1 of the rasterization unit PS1.

At this point, the layout processing corresponding to the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org, i.e., the layout processing to generate the layout image data D1_lay, D2_lay, and D3_lay, is completed. For this reason, no image data is registered in the delivery list IL2 to the layout section PS2, and the generated (output) layout image data D1_lay, D2_lay, and D3_lay are registered in the management list OL2 of the layout section PS2.

At this point, the preview and build processes corresponding to the original image data D1_org and D2_org, i.e., the preview process to generate preview image data D1_pre and D2_pre and the build to generate print data D1_bld and D2_bld, have been completed. At this point, the preview and build processes corresponding to the original image data D3_org, i.e., the preview process to generate preview image data D3_pre and the build to generate print data D3_bld, have not been completed. For this reason, only the layout image data D3_lay, which is unprocessed input image data, is registered in the transfer lists IL3 and IL4 to the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS4.

After the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is stopped (S30 in FIG. 4), the transfer lists IL1 to IL5 for the processing units PS1 to PS5 are cleared (S35 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, if a margin change instruction is acquired (YES in S50 in FIG. 5), the layout unit PS2 and the processing units PS3 to PS5 downstream of the layout unit PS2 are determined to be the targets for reprocessing (S52 in FIG. 5, FIG. 6). Therefore, in S54 in FIG. 5, the management lists OL2 to OL5 for the processing units PS2 to PS5 are cleared. Furthermore, the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org are registered again in the transfer list IL1 for the rasterization unit PS1 (S55 in FIG. 5), and the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is resumed (S65 in FIG. 5).

Figure 10 (B) shows the state of management lists OL1, OL2 and delivery lists IL1-IL4 at the time when processing of processing units PS1-PS4 is resumed after the end of period 4. At this point, because delivery lists IL1-IL5 were cleared in S35 of Figure 4, no image data has been registered in delivery lists IL2-IL4 of Figure 10 (B). Then, delivery list IL1 for processing unit PS1 is cleared once (S35 of Figure 4), but the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org are registered again (S55 of Figure 5), so the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org are registered in delivery list IL1 of Figure 10 (B). Furthermore, in FIG. 10B, the management list OL1 of the rasterization unit PS1, which is not the target of reprocessing, is maintained in the state it was in before it was stopped, but the management list OL2 of the layout unit PS2, which is the target of reprocessing, is cleared (S52 and S54 in FIG. 5).

When the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is resumed, the rasterization unit PS1, whose original image data is registered in its own transfer list IL1, first performs the process shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the rasterization unit PS1 sequentially sets the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org registered in the transfer list IL1 as image data of interest, and determines whether the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv corresponding to the image data of interest are registered in its own management list OL1 (S105 and S110 in FIG. 7). The original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org that are set as image data of interest are deleted from the transfer list IL1 (S105 in FIG. 7). These converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv are registered in its own management list OL1. For this reason, the rasterization unit PS1 does not re-process the rasterization process to generate the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv using the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org (YES in S110 in FIG. 7), but registers the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv in its own downstream transfer list IL2 (S125 in FIG. 7). This process of the rasterization unit PS1 is completed instantly because it does not actually execute the rasterization process, but simply registers the generated converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv in its own downstream transfer list IL2. In this way, the process of simply registering the output image data formally in the downstream transfer list without generating the output image data is also called formal processing.

Figure 10 (C) shows the state of the management lists OL1 and OL2 and the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 at the time when the formatting process of the rasterization unit PS1 is completed. At this point, the converted image data D1_conv, D2_conv, and D3_conv are registered as input image data in the delivery list IL2 to the layout unit PS2, so the layout unit PS2 can start its own processing.

The layout unit PS2 determines whether the converted image data D1_conv registered in the transfer list IL2 is the image data of interest and whether the corresponding layout image data D1_lay is registered in its own management list OL2 (S105, S110 in FIG. 7). The converted image data D1_conv that has been set as the image data of interest is deleted from the transfer list IL2 (S105 in FIG. 7). Since the management list OL2 has been cleared, the layout image data D1_lay is not registered in the management list OL2 (S54 in FIG. 5, FIG. 10(C)), so the layout unit PS2 determines that the layout image data D1_lay is not registered in its own management list OL2 (S110: NO in FIG. 7). For this purpose, the layout unit PS2 executes layout processing using the converted image data D1_conv to generate layout image data D1_lay (S115 in FIG. 7), registers the layout image data D1_lay in the management list OL2 (S120 in FIG. 7), and also registers the layout image data D1_lay in the downstream delivery lists IL3 and IL4 (S125 in FIG. 7). In this way, after the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is resumed, the layout unit PS2 executes layout processing to generate the layout image data D1_lay (period 5 in FIG. 11(A)).

Figure 10 (D) shows the state of the management lists OL1 and OL2 and the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 after the end of period 5, i.e., after the layout process to generate the layout image data D1_lay has been executed by the layout section PS2. In this state, as described above, the converted image data D1_conv has been deleted from the delivery list IL2 (S105 in Figure 7), and the layout image data D1_lay has been registered in the management list OL2 and the delivery list IL2 (S120, S125 in Figure 7).

As can be seen from the above explanation, the processing unit that is not the target of reprocessing (the rasterizing unit PS1 in the example of FIG. 11A) does not reprocess its own process when restarted because its management list has not been cleared, and registers its output image data in the downstream delivery list. The processing units that are the target of reprocessing (the processing units PS2 to PS4 in the example of FIG. 11A) have their management lists cleared, and therefore reprocess their own process when restarted, regenerate their own output image data, and register it in the downstream delivery list. In this way, by not clearing the management lists of the processing units that are not the target of reprocessing, and by clearing the management lists of the processing units that are the target of reprocessing, it is possible to appropriately prevent the processing units that are not the target of reprocessing from reprocessing and allow the processing units that are the target of reprocessing to reprocess. Note that the supply unit PS5 starts processing after a print instruction, and therefore does not perform reprocessing even if a print condition change instruction is acquired, because it starts processing after the print conditions are confirmed.

In the example of FIG. 11A, the single-hatched process is a re-process of the cross-hatched process. The output image data of the cross-hatched process is wasted because an instruction to change the margins has been obtained, and is not used to generate the final print job. The non-hatched process is a process that is not re-processed. The output image data of the non-hatched process and the output image data of the single-hatched process are used to generate the final print job. In other words, the output image data of the non-hatched process is not wasted even if it is a process performed before an instruction to change the margins is obtained. As a result, for example, even if an instruction to change the margins is obtained after the start of the print data generation process, some of the generated output image data is used to generate the final print job. Therefore, for example, the processing time required to generate print data and a print job can be shortened compared to the case where all processes are re-executed when an instruction to change the margins is obtained.

Figure 11 (B) illustrates a case where a data change instruction is obtained at the end of period 4 (start of period 5) in the parallel method of Figure 9 (A). In this example, the data change instruction is an instruction to select original image data D4_org instead of original image data D2_org. In this case, similar to the case where a margin change instruction is obtained, the processing of processing units PS1 to PS4 is temporarily stopped at the end of period 4 (S30 in Figure 4). At the end of period 4, that is, at the time when the processing of processing units PS1 to PS4 is stopped, the state of management lists OL1, OL2 and delivery lists IL1 to IL4 is as shown in Figure 10 (A) described above.

After the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is stopped (S30 in FIG. 4), the transfer lists IL1 to IL5 for the processing units PS1 to PS5 are cleared (S35 in FIG. 4). Furthermore, if a data change instruction is acquired (YES in S40 in FIG. 5), the management lists OL1 to OL4 for the processing units PS1 and PS4 are updated (S45 in FIG. 5). Specifically, the registration of the output image data corresponding to the original image data D2_org that is no longer the processing target is deleted from the management lists OL1 to OL4. Furthermore, the original image data D1_org, D3_org, and D4_org to be processed after the change are registered in the transfer list IL1 for the rasterization unit PS1 (S55 in FIG. 5), and the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is resumed (S65 in FIG. 5).

Figure 12 is a second explanatory diagram of the processing of each processing unit when a printing condition change instruction is obtained. Figure 12 (A) shows the state of management lists OL1 and OL2 and transfer lists IL1 to IL4 at the time when processing units PS1 to PS4 resume processing after the end of period 4. At this point, since transfer lists IL1 to IL5 were cleared in S35 of Figure 4, no image data is registered in transfer lists IL2 to IL4 in Figure 12 (A). Then, transfer list IL1 to processing unit PS1 is cleared once (S35 of Figure 4), but new original image data D1_org, D3_org, and D4_org are registered (S55 of Figure 5), so original image data D1_org, D3_org, and D4_org are registered in transfer list IL1 in Figure 11 (A). 12A, the registration of the converted image data D2_conv corresponding to the original image data D2_org that is no longer the processing target is deleted from the management list OL1 of the rasterization unit PS1 (S45 in FIG. 5). Similarly, the registration of the layout image data D2_lay corresponding to the original image data D2_org is deleted from the management list OL2 of the layout unit PS2. Although not shown in the figure, the registration of the preview image data D2_pre and the print data D2_bld corresponding to the original image data D2_org are also deleted from the management lists OL3 and OL4 of the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS4.

When the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is resumed, the rasterization unit PS1, whose original image data is registered in its own transfer list IL1, first performs the process shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the rasterization unit PS1 sequentially sets the original image data D1_org, D3_org registered in the transfer list IL1 as image data of interest, and determines whether the converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv corresponding to the image data of interest are registered in its own management list OL1 (S105, S110 in FIG. 7). The original image data D1_org, D3_org set as image data of interest are deleted from the transfer list IL1 (S105 in FIG. 7). These converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv are registered in its own management list OL1. For this reason, the rasterization unit PS1 does not re-execute the rasterization process to generate the converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv using the original image data D1_org, D3_org (YES in S110 in FIG. 7), but registers the converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv in its own downstream transfer list IL2 (S125 in FIG. 7).

Figure 12 (B) shows the state of the management lists OL1 and OL2 and the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 at the time when the formatting process of the rasterization unit PS1 is completed. At this point, the converted image data D1_conv and D3_conv are registered as input image data in the delivery list IL2 to the layout unit PS2, so the layout unit PS2 can start its own processing.

The layout section PS2 determines whether the corresponding layout image data D1_lay, D3_lay are registered in its own management list OL2, taking the converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv registered in the transfer list IL2 as the image data of interest (S105, S110 in FIG. 7). The converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv that are the image data of interest are deleted from the transfer list IL2 (S105 in FIG. 7). The layout image data D1_lay, D3_lay are registered in the management list OL2. For this reason, the layout section PS2 does not re-process the layout process that generates the layout image data D1_lay, D3_lay using the converted image data D1_conv, D3_conv (YES in S110 in FIG. 7), but registers the layout image data D1_lay, D3_lay in its own downstream transfer lists IL3, IL4 (S125 in FIG. 7).

Figure 12 (C) shows the state of management lists OL1, OL2 and delivery lists IL1 to IL4 at the time when the format processing of layout unit PS2 is completed. At this point, layout image data D1_lay, D3_lay are registered as input image data in delivery lists IL3, IL4 to preview unit PS3 and build unit PS4, so preview unit PS3 and build unit PS4 can start their own processing.

The preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS determine whether the layout image data D1_lay registered in the delivery lists IL3 and IL4 is the image data of interest, and whether the corresponding preview image data D1_pre and print data D1_bld are registered in their management lists OL3 and OL4 (S105 and S110 in FIG. 7). The layout image data D1_lay that is the image data of interest is deleted from the delivery lists IL3 and IL4 (S105 in FIG. 7). In period 3, the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS have already generated the preview image data D1_pre and print data D1_bld, so although not shown in the figure, the preview image data D1_pre and print data D1_bld are registered in the management lists OL3 and OL4, respectively. For this reason, the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS do not re-execute the layout process that generates the preview image data D1_pre and the print data D1_bld using the layout image data D1_lay (YES in S110 in FIG. 7). The build unit PS4 registers the print data D1_bld in its own downstream delivery list IL5 (S125 in FIG. 7).

Figure 12 (D) shows the state of the management lists OL1, OL2 and the transfer lists IL1 to IL4 at the time when the format processing of the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS is completed. At this point, the original image data D4_org is registered as the input image data in the transfer list IL1 to the rasterization unit PS1, and the layout image data D3_lay is registered as the input image data in the transfer lists IL3 and IL4 to the preview unit PS3 and the build unit PS. For this reason, during period 5 in Figure 11 (B), a rasterization process is executed to generate converted image data D4_conv using the original image data D4_org, a preview process is executed to generate preview image data D3_pre using the layout image data D3_lay, and a build process is executed to generate print data D3_bldre using the layout image data D3_lay. During period 5 in Figure 11 (B), the layout process is not executed.

In the subsequent period 6, as shown in FIG. 11(B), a layout process is executed to generate layout image data D4_lay using the converted image data D4_conv generated in period 5. In period 7, a preview process is executed to generate preview image data D4_pre and a build process is executed to generate print data D4_bld using the layout image data D4_lay generated in period 6.

As can be seen from the above explanation, instead of the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D2_org that is no longer the processing target due to the data change instruction, the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the new original image data D4_org is executed. If the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D1_org and D3_org that are still the processing target after the data change instruction has already been executed, it will not be executed again.

In the example of FIG. 11B, the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the single-hatched original image data D4_org can be said to be a re-processing of the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the cross-hatched original image data D2_org. The output image data of the cross-hatched processing is wasted because a margin change instruction has been acquired, and is not used in the generation of the final print job. The non-hatched processing is a processing that is not re-processed. The output image data of the non-hatched processing and the output image data of the single-hatched processing are used in the generation of the final print job. In other words, the output image data of the non-hatched processing is not wasted even if it is a processing before a data change instruction is acquired. As a result, for example, even if a data change instruction is acquired after the start of the print data generation processing, some of the generated output image data is used in the generation of the final print job. Therefore, for example, the processing time required to generate print data and a print job can be shortened compared to the case where all processing is re-executed when a data change instruction is acquired.

Next, the process executed when a print condition change instruction is acquired in the sequential method will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the sequential method when a print condition change instruction is acquired. FIG. 13(A) illustrates a case where a color mode change instruction is acquired at the end of period 8 (start of period 9) in the sequential method of FIG. 9(B). When a color mode change instruction is acquired, as shown in FIG. 6, processing units PS1 and PS2 are not subject to reprocessing, and processing units PS3 to PS5 are subject to reprocessing. Even in this case, as explained in the parallel method, S30 and S35 in FIG. 4 and S52 to S65 in FIG. 5 are executed. As a result, for the processes of processing units PS1 and PS2 that are not subject to reprocessing after period 9, reprocessing of the processes that have been executed up to period 8 is not executed. Then, of the processes of processing units PS3 to PS4 that are subject to reprocessing, reprocessing of the processes that have been executed up to period 8 is executed. In the example of FIG. 13A, reprocessing of the preview processes to generate preview image data D1_pre and D2_pre is performed in periods 9 and 10, respectively. In the example of FIG. 13A, the single-hatched processes are reprocessing of the cross-hatched processes.

Figure 13 (B) illustrates a case where a data change instruction is acquired at the end of period 8 (start of period 9) in the sequential method of Figure 9 (B). In this example, the data change instruction is an instruction to select original image data D4_org instead of original image data D2_org. Even in this case, as described in the parallel method, S30 and S35 of Figure 4 and S45, S55 to S65 of Figure 5 are executed. As a result, from period 9 onwards, instead of the processing of each processing unit PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D2_org, the processing of each processing unit PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D4_org is executed. For example, in period 10, a rasterization process is executed to generate converted image data D4_conv using the original image data D4_org, and in period 11, a layout process is executed to generate layout image data D4_lay using the converted image data D4_conv. In period 12, a preview process is executed to generate preview image data D4_pre using the layout image data D4_lay, and in period 15, a build process is executed to generate print data D4_bld using the layout image data D4_lay. Even after the data change instruction, if the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D1_org and D3_org to be processed have already been executed, they will not be executed again.

In the example of FIG. 13(B), the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS3 corresponding to the single-hatched original image data D4_org can be said to be a reprocessing of the processing of each of the processing units PS1 to PS3 corresponding to the cross-hatched original image data D2_org.

As can be seen from the above explanation, even in the sequential method, if a print condition change instruction (print setting change instruction or data change instruction) is obtained after the print data generation process has started, some of the generated output image data is used to generate the final print job. Therefore, for example, the processing time required to generate print data and a print job can be shortened compared to the case where all processing is re-executed when a print condition change instruction is obtained.

In addition, in this embodiment, reprocessing means that, for a process among the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 that is to be changed and that is to output output data that is different from that before the printing conditions were changed, at least a portion of the input data is changed and the process is executed again. The input data includes, for example, at least either input image data or parameters for print settings. For example, as described above, when a data change instruction is obtained, the process of the processing units PS1 to PS4 that corresponds to the original image data to be changed, which is identified in S43 of FIG. 5, is the target of reprocessing. When a print setting change instruction is obtained, the process of the processing unit determined in S52 of FIG. 5 is the target of reprocessing.

According to the embodiment described above, the UI processing unit UP acquires a data selection instruction input by the user, and acquires a printing condition change instruction input by the user after the data selection instruction is input (FIG. 3B). The processing units PS1 to PS4 execute a generation process that generates print data using the original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org selected based on the data selection instruction (S15 to S20 in FIG. 4, FIG. 7, FIG. 9). When a printing condition change instruction (data change instruction or print setting change instruction) is acquired (YES in S40 in FIG. 5, or YES in S50), the management unit CL determines whether the process is a change target process that is a process that should output output data different from the output data before the printing conditions were changed in response to the change in printing conditions based on the printing condition change instruction (S43 in FIG. 5, or S52 in FIG. 5). The processing units PS1 to PS4 start generating print data after the data selection instruction is acquired (S20 in FIG. 4, FIG. 9). When a printing condition change instruction is acquired after the start of print data generation, processing units PS1 to PS4 re-process the process to be changed among the processes that have already started among processing units PS1 to PS4, and do not re-process any process that has already started that is different from the process to be changed (FIG. 9). As a result, when printing conditions are changed after the start of print data generation processing, it is possible to prevent the time required for print data generation processing from becoming longer.

More specifically, in this embodiment, when a data selection instruction is acquired, the print data generation process is started without waiting for a print instruction to be acquired, so that the print job can be supplied to the printer 200 more quickly than when the print data generation process is started after the print instruction is acquired. On the other hand, since a print condition change instruction may be acquired until the print instruction is acquired, the print conditions are not determined. Therefore, since the print conditions may be changed after the print data generation process is started, it may be necessary to redo the print data generation process. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, among the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 that have already started, the process to be changed is reprocessed, and among the processes that have already started, the process other than the process to be changed is not reprocessed, so that the amount of redoing can be suppressed. Therefore, when the print conditions are changed after the print data generation process is started, the time required for the print data generation process can be suppressed from being long. Furthermore, even if the processing conditions of the generation process are changed after the print data generation process is started, appropriate print data can be generated according to the change in the printing conditions.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a data change instruction is acquired to change the original image data D2_org to original image data D4_org among the original image data D1_org and D2_org to be processed (FIGS. 11B and 13B), reprocessing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D2_org (cross-hatched processing in FIG. 11B and FIG. 13B) is executed. This reprocessing is executed by changing the input image data from the original image data D2_org to the original image data D4_org (single-hatched processing in FIG. 11B and FIG. 13B). Reprocessing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D1_org and D3_org is not executed (FIGS. 11B and FIG. 13B). As a result, when a data change instruction is acquired after the print data generation process has started, the time required for the print data generation process can be prevented from becoming long.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 includes a first process (e.g., rasterization process) corresponding to the original image data D1_org to D3_org, and a second process (e.g., layout process) executed using the output image data of the first process. The print condition change instruction includes a print setting change instruction (e.g., margin change instruction) that does not require a change in the parameters of the first process, but requires a change in the parameters of the second process. When the print setting change instruction is acquired, the first process is determined to be a process different from the process to be changed (a process that is not subject to reprocessing), and the layout process is determined to be a process to be changed (a process that is subject to reprocessing) (S52 in FIG. 5, FIG. 6). When the print setting change instruction is acquired after the start of the first process and the second process, the processing units PS1 to PS4 change the parameters of the second process and execute reprocessing of the second process, and do not execute reprocessing of the first process (S54, S60, S65 in FIG. 5, FIG. 11 (A), FIG. 13 (A)). As a result, if a setting change instruction, such as an instruction to change margins, is acquired after the print data generation process has started, the time required for the print data generation process can be prevented from increasing.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 includes a third process (e.g., a build process) that is executed using output image data of the second process (e.g., a layout). If the second process is the process to be changed, the management unit CL determines that the third process is the process to be changed (the process to be reprocessed) (FIG. 6). If a setting change instruction, such as an instruction to change margins, is acquired after the start of the third process, the processing units PS1 to PS4 execute reprocessing of the third process using output image data of the reprocessing of the second process (FIG. 11(A)). As a result, the reprocessing of the third process is executed using output image data of the reprocessing of the second process, so that appropriate print data can be generated in accordance with the print setting change instruction.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are cases where the layout process is reprocessed and the rasterization process is not reprocessed. That is, the first process is a rasterization process that generates first intermediate image data (e.g., converted image data D1_conv to D3_conv) having a first data format (e.g., PNG format) using the target image data (e.g., original image data D1_org to D3_org), and the second process is a layout process that generates second intermediate image data (e.g., layout image data D1_lay to D3_lay) indicating a print image in which an image is arranged according to the print settings using the first intermediate image data (e.g., converted image data D1_conv to D3_conv). According to this configuration, when the print setting change process is acquired, there are cases where the layout process is reprocessed and the rasterization process is not reprocessed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the print data generation process from becoming long.

In this embodiment, print settings in which the layout process is reprocessed but the rasterization process is not reprocessed include an allocation setting and a margin setting. The allocation setting is a setting of the number of images to be included in one print image printed on one side of one print medium (e.g., paper). The margin setting is a setting of the margin to be provided outside the image in the print image. As a result, when an instruction to change the margins or allocation number is obtained, it is possible to prevent the time required for the print data generation process from becoming longer.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are cases where the build process is reprocessed, and the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed. That is, the first process is a process (the entire rasterization process and layout process) that uses the target image data (e.g., original image data D1_org to D3_org) to generate intermediate image data indicating a print image in which an image is arranged, and the second process is a build process that uses the intermediate image data according to the print settings to generate print data having a data format that can be interpreted by the printer 200. According to this configuration, when an instruction to change the print settings is obtained, the build process is reprocessed, and the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed. This makes it possible to prevent the time required for the print data generation process from becoming longer.

In this embodiment, print settings for which the build process is reprocessed but the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed include a setting for selecting either double-sided printing or single-sided printing, and a setting for the number of colors in the print image (color mode setting). As a result, when an instruction to change the double-sided/single-sided printing setting or color mode is obtained, it is possible to prevent the time required for print data generation processing from becoming longer.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are cases where the preview process is reprocessed, but the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed. That is, the first process may be the entire rasterization process and layout process, and the second process may be a process for generating preview image data using intermediate image data according to the print settings. With this configuration, when an instruction to change the print settings is obtained, there are cases where the preview process is reprocessed, but the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the time required for the print data generation process from becoming long.

In this embodiment, the print settings for which the preview process is reprocessed but the rasterization process and layout process are not reprocessed include the setting of the number of colors in the print image (color mode setting). As a result, when an instruction to change the color mode is obtained, the preview image PI can be displayed quickly.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the print instruction is acquired, the supply unit PS5 executes a supply process in which a print command is added to the print data and the print data is supplied to the printer 200 (YES in S70, 75 in FIG. 5). The print condition change instruction includes a print setting change instruction that requires a change to the print command but not to the print data (FIG. 6). When such a print setting change instruction is acquired, the management unit CL determines that all of the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 included in the print data generation process are processes that are different from the process to be changed (processes that are not subject to reprocessing). In other words, only the supply process by the supply unit PS5 is subject to reprocessing (FIG. 6). In this case, the processing units PS1 to PS4 do not reprocess the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4. As a result, even if a setting change instruction that requires a change to the print command but not to the print data is acquired, the reprocessing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 is not executed, so that the time required for the print data generation process can be further suppressed from being long. In other words, by not adding the print command during the build process, but instead during the supply process of the supply unit PS5 that is performed after the print settings are finalized, if a print setting change instruction that can be handled by simply changing the print command is obtained, reprocessing by the processing units PS1 to PS4 can be eliminated. This reduces the frequency with which the build process is reprocessed, further preventing the time required for the print data generation process from becoming longer.

In this embodiment, print settings that can be handled simply by adding print commands in the supply process include the number of copies to be printed, print quality settings, and paper feed tray and output tray settings. As a result, when an instruction to change these print settings is obtained, there is no need to reprocess the print data generation process, which further reduces the time required for the print data generation process.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management unit CL manages the transfer lists IL1 to IL4, which are lists of input image data for each process of the processing units PS1 to PS4, and the management lists OL1 to OL4, which are lists of output image data generated by each process (S15, S35, S45, S54, S55 in FIG. 4). When the output image data to be generated using the input image data registered in the corresponding transfer list IL1 to IL4 is not registered in the corresponding management list OL1 to OL4 (NO in S110 in FIG. 7), each of the processing units PS1 to PS4 executes the corresponding process to generate the output image data to be generated (S115 in FIG. 7), and registers the generated output image data in the corresponding management list OL1 to OL4 (S120 in FIG. 7). When the output image data to be generated using the input image data registered in the corresponding transfer list IL1 to IL4 is registered in the corresponding management list OL1 to OL4 (YES in S110 in FIG. 7), the management unit CL does not execute the corresponding process. The management unit CL deletes the registration of the output image data corresponding to the process to be reprocessed from the management lists OL1 to OL4 corresponding to the process to be reprocessed (S54 in FIG. 5), thereby causing the processing units PS1 to PS4 to reprocess. As a result, the processing units PS1 to PS4 can use the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 and the management lists OL1 to OL4 to perform appropriate reprocessing.

As can be seen from the above explanation, the three original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org in this embodiment are all examples of target image data, the original image data D1_org is an example of first image data, the original image data D2_org is an example of second image data, and the original image data D4_org is an example of third image data. In addition, the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 are examples of input lists, and the management lists OL1 to OL4 are examples of output lists.

B. Modification (1) In the above embodiment, in the table TB of FIG. 6, processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and processing units that are subject to reprocessing are specified for each print setting. The table TB of FIG. 6 is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, some of the multiple print settings described in the table TB may be omitted. In addition, other print settings may be added to the table TB. In addition, for at least some print settings, the processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and the processing units that are subject to reprocessing may differ from those specified in the table TB.

For example, if the paper size setting is changed, processing units PS1 to PS5 are subject to reprocessing. Alternatively, for example, if the paper size setting is changed, rasterization unit PS1 may not be subject to reprocessing, and only processing units PS2 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing. Also, if the margin or allocation setting is changed, rasterization unit PS1 is not subject to reprocessing, and only processing units PS2 to PS5 are subject to reprocessing. Alternatively, for example, if the margin or allocation setting is changed, or if the paper size setting is changed, processing units PS1 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing.

Furthermore, the processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and the processing units that are subject to reprocessing may be changed depending on the type of original image data. For example, if image data generated by a specific application or image data saved in a specific file format is selected as the original image data, and the paper size setting has been changed, then only the processing units PS2 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing, without the rasterization unit PS1 being subject to reprocessing. If image data generated by an application other than the specific application or image data saved in a file format other than the specific file format is selected as the original image data, and the paper size setting has been changed, then the processing units PS1 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing. These may be determined appropriately depending on the type of original image data, for example, depending on the possibility of image quality degradation, etc.

Also, the types of print settings described in table TB in FIG. 6 are examples, and are not limited to these. For example, processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and processing units that are subject to reprocessing may be specified according to the print settings that specify the printer 200 to which the print job is supplied. For example, when the type of printer to which the print job is supplied is changed from an inkjet printer to a laser printer, the rasterization unit PS1 may not be subject to reprocessing, and only processing units PS2 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing. Also, processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and processing units that are subject to reprocessing may be specified according to the print resolution setting. For example, when the number of pixels of the converted image data is changed according to the output resolution, processing units PS2 to PS5 may be subject to reprocessing when the output resolution is changed. Also, when the number of pixels of the converted image data is not changed according to the output resolution, and only the number of pixels of the print data is changed, processing units PS1 to PS3 may not be subject to reprocessing, and only processing units PS4 and PS5 may be subject to reprocessing when the output resolution is changed. Additionally, depending on the type of print medium, for example, paper, overhead projector sheets, or recording disks such as CDs and DVDs, processing units that are not subject to reprocessing and processing units that are subject to reprocessing may be specified.

The supply unit PS5 may also be configured to only send the print job without adding a print command. In this case, for example, the addition of the print command may be executed by the build unit PS4. In this case, for example, when an instruction to change the print settings is acquired, the build unit PS4 may always be subject to reprocessing.

(2) In the above embodiment, the management unit CL manages the delivery lists IL1 to IL4 and the management lists OL1 to OL4 to control whether each processing unit executes reprocessing. Alternatively, other methods may be used to control whether each processing unit executes reprocessing. For example, the management unit CL may be configured to supply input image data and processing instructions to each processing unit, causing each processing unit to execute its own processing, and the management unit CL may control whether each processing unit executes reprocessing depending on whether it supplies a reprocessing instruction to the processing unit.

(3) The specific contents of the parallel method and sequential method in FIG. 9 are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, in the sequential process in FIG. 9(B), the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 that generate print data are not allowed to be executed in parallel, but the process of the supply unit PS5 is allowed to be executed in parallel with the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4. Alternatively, the process of the supply unit PS5 does not have to be allowed to be executed in parallel with the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4. In this case, for example, the process of the supply unit PS5 is executed after all the processes of the processing units PS1 to PS4 have been completed.

In the sequential method of FIG. 9B, after rasterization processing corresponding to the entire original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org is performed, layout processing corresponding to the entire original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org is performed. Then, after layout processing corresponding to the entire original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org is performed, build processing corresponding to the entire original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org is performed. Alternatively, processing by processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D1_org may be performed after processing by processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D2_org. Then, processing by processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D3_org may be performed after processing by processing units PS1 to PS4 corresponding to the original image data D2_org.

(4) In the above embodiment, when all of the above conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied, the execution format is determined to be the parallel method, and when at least one of the conditions (1) to (3) is not satisfied, the execution format is determined to be the sequential method. This judgment condition is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the execution format may be determined based on only one of the conditions (1) to (3). The execution format may also be determined based on information about resources available for the generation process. The information about resources may be determined based on, for example, the remaining memory Mr available for the generation process or the resources (usage rate and number of cores) of the CPU 310 available for the generation process. For example, the execution format may be determined to be the parallel method when the remaining memory Mr available for the generation process is equal to or greater than a reference value, and may be determined to be the sequential method when the remaining memory Mr is less than the reference value. The execution format may also be determined to be the parallel method when the number of applications running on the terminal device 300 is less than a reference value, and may be determined to be the sequential method when the number of applications running on the terminal device 300 is equal to or greater than a reference value.

(5) In the printing process of the above embodiment, the configuration of the processing units PS1 to PS5 that generate the print data is an example and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the preview unit PS3 and the preview process may be omitted. In this case, for example, the display of the preview image PI may be omitted, or the preview image PI may be displayed using layout image data generated by the layout unit PS2. Furthermore, the rasterization process and the layout process may be performed by a single processing unit.

The print data generated by the build unit PS4 is image data written in a specific page description language. Without being limited to this, the build unit PS4 may execute color conversion processing and halftone processing on the layout image data to generate dot data indicating the dot formation state for each pixel and for each color material used in printing (e.g., CMYK inks) as print data. The dot formation state may be, for example, two types of states, "no dots" and "dots", or four types of states, "no dots", "small", "medium", and "large".

In the above embodiment, the target image data includes multiple original image data D1_org, D2_org, and D3_org, and the processing of processing units PS1 to PS4 is performed for each original image data. Alternatively, for example, the processing of processing units PS1 to PS5 may be performed for each portion of data included in one piece of original image data. For example, an inkjet printer performs printing by repeating partial printing (also called passes) to form dots multiple times while performing a main scan of the print head, and the processing of processing units PS1 to PS5 may be performed for each partial print of data.

(6) In the printing process of the above embodiment, the sequential method and the parallel method are selectively used, but this is not limited to this. The sequential method may always be used, or the parallel method may always be used.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, the device that executes the processes in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is the CPU 310 of the terminal device 300. Alternatively, the device that executes the processes in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 may be the CPU 210 of the printer 200. In this case, the CPU 210 of the printer 200 supplies a print job to the print mechanism 250 as a print execution unit, causing the print mechanism 250 to execute printing. Alternatively, the device that executes the processes in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 may be, for example, a server that acquires image data from the terminal device 300 and generates a print job using the image data. Such a server may be a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other via a network. In addition, the terminal device 300 may cause the server to execute some of the processes in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7, for example, rasterization processing for a specific type of image data.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part or all of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, a part of the processing of the processing units PS1 to PS4 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that operates according to instructions from the CPU 310.

The present invention has been described above based on examples and modifications, but the above-mentioned embodiments of the invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

1000...printing system, 200...printer, 210...CPU, 220...non-volatile storage device, 230...volatile storage device, 231...buffer area, 250...printing mechanism, 260...operation unit, 270...display unit, 280...communication unit, 300...terminal device, 310...CPU, 320...non-volatile storage device, 330...volatile storage device, 331...buffer area, 360...operation unit, 370...display unit, 380...communication unit, AP...application Program, CL... Management section, IL1-IL5... Delivery list, IP1, IP2... Image processing section, OL1-OL5... Management list, OP... OS program, PA... Print application, PG... Computer program, PS1... Rasterization section, PS2... Layout section, PS3... Preview section, PS4... Build section, PS5... Supply section, UP... UI processing section, WI1... Main screen, WI2... Image selection screen, WI3... Print setting screen

Claims (14)

A computer program comprising:
an instruction acquisition function for acquiring a data selection instruction input by a user and acquiring a printing condition change instruction for changing printing conditions, the printing condition change instruction being input by the user after the input of the data selection instruction;
a generation function for executing a generation process for generating print data using the target image data selected based on the data selection instruction, the generation process including a plurality of processes;
a determination function for determining whether or not each of the plurality of processes is a change target process, which is a process that should output output data different from that before the printing conditions were changed in response to the change of the printing conditions based on the printing condition change instruction, when the printing condition change instruction is acquired;
This is realized on a computer.
the generating function starts generating the print data after the data selection instruction is acquired;
the generation function, when the printing condition change instruction is acquired after the start of generation of the print data, executes re-processing of the process to be changed among the processes that have been started among the plurality of processes, and does not execute the re-processing of a process that is different from the process to be changed among the processes that have been started;
The reprocessing comprises modifying at least a portion of the input data and re-executing the process. 2. A computer program according to claim 1, comprising:
the target image data selected based on the data selection instruction includes first image data and second image data;
the plurality of processes include a first generation process corresponding to the first image data and a second generation process corresponding to the second image data;
the printing condition change instruction includes a data change instruction to change the first image data to third image data,
the determination function, when the data change instruction is acquired, determines that the first generation process is the process to be changed and determines that the second generation process is a process different from the process to be changed;
The generation function is a computer program which, when the data change instruction is acquired after the start of the first generation process and the second generation process, changes the image data as input data from the first image data to the third image data and executes the re-processing of the first generation process, but does not execute the re-processing of the second generation process. 2. A computer program according to claim 1, comprising:
The plurality of processes include a first process corresponding to the target image data and a second process executed using output data of the first process,
the printing condition change instruction is a first setting change instruction for changing a first setting related to printing, the first setting change instruction not requiring a change in a parameter of the first process but requiring a change in a parameter of the second process,
the determination function, when the first setting change instruction is acquired, determines that the first process is a process different from the process to be changed and determines that the second process is the process to be changed;
The generation function is a computer program which, when the first setting change instruction is obtained after the start of the first process and the second process, changes parameters of the second process and executes the re-processing of the second process, and does not execute the re-processing of the first process. 4. A computer program according to claim 3, comprising:
the plurality of processes includes a third process executed using output data of the second process,
The determination function determines that the third process is the process to be changed,
The generation function is a computer program that, when the first setting change instruction is obtained after the start of the third process, executes the re-processing of the third process using output data of the re-processing of the second process. A computer program according to claim 3 or 4,
the first process includes a process of generating first intermediate image data having a first data format using the target image data indicating a target image;
The second process includes a process of generating, using the first intermediate image data, second intermediate image data indicating a print image in which the target image is arranged according to the first setting, the computer program. 6. A computer program according to claim 5, comprising:
A computer program, wherein the first setting includes at least one of a setting of the number of the target images to be included in one print image printed on one side of one print medium, a setting of margins to be provided outside the target images in the print image, a setting of the size of the print medium, and a setting specifying a print execution unit to which the print data is supplied. A computer program according to claim 3 or 4,
the first process includes a process of generating intermediate image data representing a print image in which the target image is arranged, using the target image data representing a target image;
The second process includes a process of generating the print data having a data format that can be interpreted by a print execution unit using the intermediate image data in accordance with the first setting. 8. A computer program according to claim 7, comprising:
The first setting includes at least one of a setting for selecting either double-sided printing or single-sided printing, and a setting for the number of colors in a print image. A computer program according to claim 3 or 4,
The generating function further generates image data for preview using the target image data selected based on the data selection instruction,
The computer program further comprises:
After the data selection instruction is acquired, a display function is implemented in the computer to display a preview image on a display unit using the preview image data;
the first process includes a process of generating intermediate image data representing a print image in which the target image is arranged, using the target image data representing a target image;
The second process includes a process of generating image data for preview using the intermediate image data in accordance with the first setting. 10. A computer program as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
The first setting includes a setting for the number of colors in a print image. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:
The instruction acquisition function further acquires a print instruction corresponding to the data selection instruction, the print instruction being input by a user after input of the data selection instruction;
The computer program further comprises:
a supply function is implemented in the computer to add a print command to the print data and supply the print data to a print execution unit after the print instruction is acquired;
the printing condition change instruction is a second setting change instruction for changing a second setting related to printing, the second setting change instruction requiring a change to the print command but not requiring a change to the print data;
the determining function, when the second setting change instruction is acquired, determines that all of the plurality of processes included in the generation process of the print data are processes different from the process to be changed;
The generation function does not execute the re-processing of the plurality of processes when the second setting change instruction is acquired. 12. A computer program according to claim 11, comprising:
A computer program, wherein the second setting includes at least one of a setting for the number of copies to be printed, a setting for selecting the print execution unit to which the print data is to be supplied , a setting for print quality, a setting for a tray for supplying the print medium to be used for printing, and a setting for a tray for ejecting the printed print medium. A computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:
A list management function is implemented in a computer to manage an input list, which is a list of input image data for each of the plurality of processes of the generation process, and an output list, which is a list of output image data generated by each of the processes;
the generating function includes a plurality of processing functions corresponding to the plurality of processes;
each of the plurality of processing functions executes a corresponding process asynchronously with respect to each other;
Each of the plurality of processing functions includes:
When output image data to be generated using input image data registered in the corresponding input list is not registered in the corresponding output list, a corresponding process is executed to generate the output image data to be generated, and the generated output image data is registered in the corresponding output list;
When output image data to be generated using the input image data registered in the corresponding input list is registered in the corresponding output list, the corresponding process is not executed;
A computer program in which the list management function causes the generation function to execute the reprocessing by deleting the registration of the output image data corresponding to the process for which the reprocessing is to be executed from the output list corresponding to the process for which the reprocessing is to be executed. An image processing device,
an instruction acquisition unit that acquires a data selection instruction input by a user and acquires a printing condition change instruction for changing printing conditions, the printing condition change instruction being input by the user after the input of the data selection instruction;
a generation unit that executes a generation process for generating print data using the target image data selected based on the data selection instruction, the generation process including a plurality of processes;
a determination unit that, when the printing condition change instruction is acquired, determines whether each of the plurality of processes is a change target process that is a process that should output output data different from that before the printing conditions were changed in response to the change of the printing conditions based on the printing condition change instruction; and
Equipped with
the generation unit starts generating the print data after the data selection instruction is acquired;
when the printing condition change instruction is acquired after the start of generation of the print data, the generation unit executes a re-processing of the process to be changed among the processes that have been started among the plurality of processes, and does not execute the re-processing of a process that is different from the process to be changed among the processes that have been started;
The reprocessing of the image processing device involves changing at least a part of the input data and re-executing the processing.

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