Image processing apparatus, control method for image processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide technique that materializes shortening of the time required until printing starts and furthermore materializes suppression of degradation of printing quality.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a reception buffer storing reception data received from another device; and a generation unit that sequentially reads the reception data from the reception buffer and generates print data. The image processing apparatus comprises: an evaluation unit that analyzes the print data generated by the generation unit during the reception of data from the other device, and evaluates the influence on print quality when printing is interrupted; and a control unit that, when the evaluation unit evaluates that the influence is small, performs control to start printing while receiving the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a printing device equipped with an image processing device, printing may stop midway if the data reception speed from the host device is slow or if image processing takes a long time. When printing stops, streaks or unevenness may occur, which may affect print quality. For this reason, there is a function that prevents printing from stopping by waiting until all print data has been received before printing. On the other hand, if printing is started after all data has been received, it takes a long time before printing can begin.

[0003] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses that printing begins when data is received until it is determined that printing may begin based on the data reception speed, the speed required for image processing to generate the print image, and the overall length of the print image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-89817 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, whether printing can start is determined before the data has been completely received. Therefore, if the communication environment changes after printing is permitted to start, such as if the communication speed with the host device drops, printing may stop midway, resulting in streaks and unevenness and a decrease in print quality. Thus, there is a problem in that it is difficult to reduce the time until printing can start while suppressing a decrease in print quality.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique for shortening the time until printing starts while suppressing deterioration in print quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above object, an image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a receiving buffer for storing received data received from another apparatus; and a generating unit for sequentially reading the received data from the receiving buffer and generating print data, an evaluation unit that analyzes the print data generated by the generation unit while receiving data from the other device, and evaluates the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway; a control unit that controls the printing to be started while receiving the data when the evaluation unit evaluates that the influence is small; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time until printing starts while suppressing deterioration in print quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a process in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment receives a job and simultaneously executes printing. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment receives a job and prints the job in parallel. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a process in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment executes printing after completing reception of a job. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment executes printing after completing reception of a job. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a process in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment receives a job up to a good dividing point and executes printing. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process procedure in which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment receives and prints jobs up to a good dividing point. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a printability determination for an image according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a user IF screen of the image processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <Configuration of image processing device> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing device 10 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the image processing device 10 includes a controller unit 100, a print engine unit 200, and a scanner engine unit 300. The image processing device 10 can be connected to a host device 400 via a host IF 102 or a wireless IF 103, which will be described later. The image processing device 10 can be connected to a print head via a head IF 206, which will be described later.

[0012] <Controller unit configuration> The controller unit 100 includes a main controller 101, a host IF 102, a wireless IF 103, a receiving buffer 104, and a print engine IF 105. The controller unit 100 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 107, a print data generation unit 108, an operation panel 109, a scanner engine IF 110, and an evaluation unit 112. The various components of the controller unit 100 are connected via a system bus 111.

[0013] The main controller 101 is composed of one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). The main controller 101 performs printing and maintenance operations and controls the overall operation of the image processing device 10, using a RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 107.

[0014] For example, when data is input as a job from the host device 400 via the host IF 102, it is stored in the receiving buffer 104. In accordance with instructions from the main controller 101, the print data generating unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received data to generate print data. As the receiving buffer 104, a non-volatile device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a volatile device such as a RAM may be used.

[0015] Then, the main controller 101 transmits the print data that has been subjected to image processing to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine IF 105. Furthermore, for example, when a read command is input as a job from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits this read command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine IF 110.

[0016] The RAM 106 is used as a work area for the main controller 101, as a temporary storage area for various data, and stores various setting data. The ROM 107 stores programs executed by the main controller 101 and various data necessary for various operations of the image processing device 10.

[0017] The print data generating unit 108 has various image processing units, and sequentially reads out the received data from the receiving buffer 104 to generate print data. The print data generating unit 108 performs, for example, a process of expanding (converting) the received data (for example, data expressed in a page description language) handled by the image processing device 10 into print data (bitmap image data) and other image processing. The print data generating unit 108 also converts the color space (for example, YCbCr) of the image data included in the input received data into a standard RGB color space (for example, sRGB). The print data generating unit 108 also performs various image processing on the received data as necessary, such as resolution conversion to a valid number of pixels (i.e., print processing by the image processing device 10), image analysis, image correction, data compression / expansion, etc. The print data obtained by these image processing operations is stored in the RAM 106.

[0018] The operation panel 109 includes hard keys and a panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display unit for displaying (notifying) various information to the user. If the display unit is configured as a touch panel, the user may perform various operations via the touch panel. Information may be displayed to the user by outputting a sound (buzzer, voice, etc.) based on acoustic information from a sound generator.

[0019] The evaluation unit 112 analyzes the print data generated by the print data generation unit 108 while receiving data from the host device 400, and evaluates the impact on print quality if printing is stopped midway. The evaluation method will be described in detail later. If the evaluation unit 112 evaluates that the impact on print quality is small, the main controller 101 can control the print engine IF 105 to start printing while receiving data from the host device 400.

[0020] <Print engine unit configuration> The print engine unit 200 is a printing section that forms an image. The print engine unit 200 includes a controller IF 201, a print controller 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, and an image processing controller 205. The print engine unit 200 also includes a head IF 206, a transport control section 207, a head carriage control section 208, an ink supply control section 209, and a maintenance control section 210 for performing various controls. Each section is connected via a system bus 211 , and the print engine unit 200 is connected to the recording head 500 via a head I / F 206 .

[0021] The print controller 202 is composed of one or more CPUs. The print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 203, using the RAM 204 as a work area. When various commands and print data are received via the controller IF 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored print data into recording data so that the recording head 500 can use it for a recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the recording head 500 to perform a recording operation based on the recording data. At this time, the print controller 202 instructs the transport control unit 207 to transport the recording medium.

[0022] According to instructions from the print controller 202, the recording head 500 performs a recording operation in conjunction with the transport operation of the recording medium, and print processing is performed. The head carriage control unit 208 controls the direction and position of the recording head 500 depending on the operating state of the image processing device 10, such as the maintenance state and the recording state. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 500 so that it falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the cleaning of the transport rollers and the recording head 500, which are controlled by the transport control unit 207.

[0023] The recording head 500 is a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet based on recording data. The recording head 500, for example, holds multiple print heads for multiple colors, and ejects ink from the print heads in synchronization with the transport of a recording medium such as paper to form an image on the recording medium.

[0024] The image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described taking an inkjet printer using ink as a recording material as an example, but is not limited to this. The image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment can be applied to printing devices of various printing methods, such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, laser printers, and other electrophotographic printers.

[0025] <Scanner engine unit configuration> The scanner engine unit 300 includes a controller IF 301, a scanner controller 302, a RAM 303, a transport control unit 304, and a sensor 305. Each unit is connected via a system bus 306.

[0026] The main controller 101 of the controller unit 100 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 in accordance with the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107, using the RAM 106 as a work area, thereby controlling various mechanisms provided in the scanner engine unit 300.

[0027] For example, the main controller 101 controls hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller IF 301 to transport an original document set by a user via the transport control unit 304 and read the document using a sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read data in the RAM 303.

[0028] In this embodiment, the operation panel 109 exists inside the image processing device 10, but is not limited to this and may be connected as an external configuration via the host IF 102, for example. Also, the host device 400 may be equipped with the operation panel 109. Also, in addition to the operation panel 109, other input / output devices may be further connectable to the image processing device 10 via the host IF 102, etc.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, the print data and read data are stored in the RAM 106, RAM 303, and RAM 204, but they may be stored in a non-volatile device such as a HDD, or in a volatile device such as a RAM.

[0030] The host device 400 is an external device that serves as a supply source of print data, such as a PC (Personal Computer) in which a printer driver is installed, or a server device. Instead of the host device 400, a data providing device that serves as a supply source of print data, such as a digital camera or a smartphone, may be provided. The connection between each device and the image processing device 10 is not limited to via the host IF 102, and may be directly connected by wireless communication via the wireless IF 103, for example.

[0031] The program for realizing the functions of this embodiment may be supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media. A computer (such as a CPU or MPU (Micro Processing Unit)) of the system or device may read the program and execute various functions, or have various mechanisms execute the programs. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. In addition, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which all processing is performed by a single CPU, but may also be configured so that multiple CPUs work together as appropriate to perform processing, or so that one CPU performs some processing and multiple CPUs work together to perform other processing.

[0033] <Processing (printing in parallel while receiving jobs: no consideration of impact on print quality)> Next, a process of receiving a job and printing in parallel will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the case where the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment receives a job and prints in parallel. Data received from the host device 400 is stored in the receive buffer 104 (receive buffer 2000 in FIG. 2), and the stored data is converted into print data in parallel and printed out sequentially. That is, received data 2002 is converted into print data and printed on a recording medium 2001, and received data 2003 is also received. Then, while the received data 2003 is being printed, received data 2004 is received. Similar processing is then performed on the received data 2004 and 2005.

[0035] 3 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment receives a job and prints the job in parallel. In step S301, the image processing device 10 receives a print execution instruction for the job via the host IF 102 and / or the wireless IF 103. The image processing device 10 then receives data from the host device 400 and temporarily stores the received data in the receive buffer 104.

[0036] In step S302, the image processing device 10 starts printing. Details of the print start process are shown in steps S304 and S305. In step S304, the print data generating unit 108 generates print data. Then, in step S305, the image processing device 10 performs printing. After starting printing in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0037] In step S303, the image processing device 10 determines whether or not there is next received data. If there is next data, the process returns to step S301. If there is no next data, the process ends. The print start process steps S304 and S305 are performed in parallel with the reception process steps S301, S302, and S303.

[0038] When performing this process, data reception and printing are performed in parallel, so printing can begin immediately after data is received, and the time required for printing is short. On the other hand, if the reception speed slows down or it takes a long time for the print data generation unit 108 to generate the print data, printing must be stopped, which may result in adverse effects on print quality such as streaks and unevenness.

[0039] <Processing (print after job reception is complete)> Next, a process for executing printing after completion of reception of a job will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a case where the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment executes printing after completion of reception of a job.

[0040] Data received from the host device 400 is stored in the receiving buffer 104 (receiving buffer 4000 in FIG. 4), and after reception is complete, the stored data is converted to print data and printed sequentially. Since all received data has been received by the recording medium 4001, print data can be generated smoothly and printing can be completed.

[0041] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow for the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment to perform printing after completing reception of a job. In step S501, the image processing device 10 receives a print execution instruction for the job via the host IF 102 and / or the wireless IF 103. Then, the image processing device 10 receives data from the host device 400 and temporarily stores the received data in the receive buffer 104.

[0042] In step S502, the image processing device 10 judges whether or not there is next received data. If there is paired data, the process returns to step S501. If there is no next data, the process proceeds to step S503 since reception is complete. In step S503, the print data generating unit 108 generates print data. Then, in step S504, the image processing device 10 performs printing. When performing this process, data reception and printing are performed in sequence, so there is no impact on print quality due to a decrease in reception speed, etc. On the other hand, since printing begins after all data has been received, the time it takes to print will be longer.

[0043] <Processing (Receive jobs up to a good stopping point and print: Considering the impact on print quality)> Next, the flow of processing executed by the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a case where the image processing device 10 according to this embodiment receives and prints a job up to a convenient dividing point. Data received from the host device 400 is stored in the receive buffer 104 (receive buffer 6000 in Fig. 6). After receiving data up to a point where the effect on print quality is small even if printing stops, the stored data is converted into print data in parallel and printed sequentially.

[0044] That is, for a recording medium 6001, received data 6002, 6003, and 6004 each indicate a portion where printing quality will not be affected even if printing is stopped at the boundary. The received data 6002 is converted to print data and printed, and the received data 6003 is received. Then, while the received data 6003 is being printed, the received data 6004 is received.

[0045] 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment receives and prints a job up to a good stopping point. In step S701, the image processing device 10 receives a print execution instruction for the job via the host IF 102 and / or the wireless IF 103. Then, the image processing device 10 receives data from the host device 400 and temporarily stores the received data in the receive buffer 104.

[0046] In step S702, the evaluation unit 112 analyzes the print data generated by the print data generation unit 108 from the received data. Specifically, the evaluation unit 112 analyzes the print data generated by the print data generation unit 108 while the received data is being received, and evaluates the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway.

[0047] In step S703, the evaluation unit 112 determines, based on the analysis and evaluation results, whether the impact on print quality would be small if printing were stopped midway, i.e., whether printing can be started. If it is determined that printing can be started, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if it is determined that printing cannot be started, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0048] In step S704, the image processing device 10 performs control to start printing. Details of the print start process are shown in steps S709 and S710. In step S709, the print data generating unit 108 generates print data for the range to be printed. Then, in step S710, the image processing device 10 performs printing. After starting printing in step S704, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0049] In step S705, the image processing apparatus 10 judges whether or not there is next received data. If there is next data, the process returns to step S701. If there is no next data, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0050] In step S706, the image processing device 10 determines whether or not there is unprinted received data. If there is unprinted received data, the process proceeds to step S707. If there is no unprinted received data, all printing has been performed, and the process ends. In step S707, the print data generating unit 108 generates print data. Then, in step S708, the image processing device 10 performs printing.

[0051] When performing this process, data reception and printing are performed in parallel for each unit separated at a point where the impact on print quality is small, so printing can start immediately after data is received, and the time required for printing is short. Also, although printing has to be stopped if the reception speed drops or it takes a long time for print data generation by print data generation unit 108, the impact on print quality can be reduced.

[0052] <How to determine whether printing can be started> 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the image processing device 10 according to the present embodiment determines in step S703 that printing can be started. Data is received sequentially from the top end of the recording medium in each of Examples 81, 82, and 83, and printing is performed. In all cases, it is determined that printing can be started when data has been received up to the dotted line portion 8011. The direction parallel to the dotted line portion 8011 is the main scanning direction during printing.

[0053] Example 81 shows a case where the analysis results in a blank area (blank band) in the received data, i.e., a blank band exists in the main scanning direction. Received data 8001 is received on a recording medium 8000, and then received data 8002 is received. If the analysis in step S702 determines that the received data 8002 is a blank area, printing begins when reception of the received data 8002 is completed. This is because even if printing stops before the data 8003 that is yet to be received, it is a blank area, and there is little impact on print quality, such as streaks or unevenness.

[0054] In this way, when the print data to be analyzed is a blank area, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates that printing the received data up to the blank area among the already received received data will have little effect on the print quality.

[0055] Next, Example 82 shows a case where the analysis results in the received data having a light-colored area (band), that is, a case where a light-colored band exists in the main scanning direction. Received data 8005 is received on a recording medium 8004, and then received data 8006 is received. If the analysis in step S702 determines that the received data 8006 is a light-colored area, printing starts when reception of the received data 8006 is completed. This is because even if printing stops before the data 8007 to be received, it is a light-colored area, and there is little impact on print quality, such as streaks or unevenness.

[0056] In this way, when the print data to be analyzed is a light-colored area, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates that printing the received data up to the light-colored area of ​​the already received received data will have little effect on the print quality.

[0057] The method of evaluating whether a color is light is determined by whether or not all of the following evaluation methods using lightness and saturation are satisfied for one or more lines of pixels. Other than this, existing area division methods, etc. may also be used.

[0058] If the average brightness is above the threshold, it can be determined that the color is light and not very noticeable. If the average saturation is below the threshold, it can be determined that the color is light and not very noticeable. If the variance of brightness and saturation is below a threshold, the area can be determined to be homogeneous.

[0059] That is, the evaluation unit 112 can determine that the print data is a light-colored region when the average brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold, and the variances of brightness and saturation are equal to or less than a threshold. Note that the evaluation unit 112 may be configured to determine that the print data is a light-colored region even if not all conditions are satisfied, for example, when the average brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold and the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0060] Furthermore, Example 83 shows a case where the analysis results in a boundary of different colors in the received data, that is, a case where bands of different colors exist in the main scanning direction. Received data 8009 is received on a recording medium 8008, and then received data 8010 is received. If the analysis in step S702 determines that the colors of received data 8009 and received data 8010 are different, printing of received data 8009 begins even while receiving received data 8010. This is because even if printing stops before the data 8010 being received, the colors are different and there is little impact on print quality, such as streaks or unevenness.

[0061] In this way, when the print data to be analyzed is an area (band) with a different color from the print data analyzed previously, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates that printing the received data up to the area with a different color among the already received data will have little effect on the print quality.

[0062] The method of evaluating whether or not the colors are different is to determine whether or not all of the following evaluation methods using lightness and saturation are satisfied for the pixels of the multiple lines being compared. Other than this, existing area division methods, etc. may also be used.

[0063] If the difference in average brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold, it can be determined to be the boundary of an area. If the difference in average saturation is equal to or greater than a threshold, it can be determined to be a region boundary. If the variance of brightness and saturation is below a threshold, the area can be determined to be homogeneous.

[0064] That is, the evaluation unit 112 can determine that the print data is an area with different hues when the average difference in luminosity between the print data to be analyzed and the print data analyzed previously is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average difference in saturation between the print data to be analyzed and the print data analyzed previously is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the variances of luminosity and saturation of the print data to be analyzed are equal to or less than a threshold. Note that even if not all conditions are satisfied, for example, when the average difference in luminosity between the print data to be analyzed and the print data analyzed previously is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the average difference in saturation between the print data to be analyzed and the print data analyzed previously is equal to or greater than a threshold, the evaluation unit 112 can determine that the print data is an area with different hues.

[0065] As described in this embodiment, the user may be able to select between the job processing method described with reference to Fig. 3 or Fig. 5 and the processing method for receiving and printing a job up to a convenient stopping point described with reference to Fig. 7. For example, the user may be able to select on the operation panel 109 or the host device 400.

[0066] Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of selection possible on the operation panel 109 or the host device 400 according to this embodiment. A menu 9002 for selecting a job output method 9001 is displayed and selectable on an operation screen 9000. The job output method 9001 selectable from the menu 9002 is, for example, (1) print while receiving, (2) print after receiving is completed, or (3) print while receiving (reducing the impact on image quality when printing is stopped). Options other than these may be added. Some of these may be excluded from the options. For example, option (2) or (3) may be selected.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print data is analyzed while the received data is being received, and if it is determined that stopping printing will have little effect on the print quality, printing is started. This reduces the effect on the print quality while shortening the time until printing starts.

[0068] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a program.

[0069] (Item 1) 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a receiving buffer for storing received data received from another apparatus; and a generating unit for sequentially reading the received data from the receiving buffer and generating print data, an evaluation unit that analyzes the print data generated by the generation unit while receiving data from the other device, and evaluates the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway; a control unit that controls the printing to be started while receiving the data when the evaluation unit evaluates that the influence is small; An image processing device comprising:

[0070] (Item 2) The image processing device according to item 1, characterized in that, when the print data is a blank area, the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small even if the received data up to the blank area of ​​the already received received data is printed.

[0071] (Item 3) The image processing device described in item 1 or 2, characterized in that when the print data is a light-colored area, the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small even if the received data up to the light-colored area of ​​the already received received data is printed.

[0072] (Item 4) 4. The image processing device according to item 3, wherein the evaluation unit determines whether the print data is in the light-colored area based on the lightness and saturation of the print data.

[0073] (Item 5) 5. The image processing device according to item 4, wherein the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in the light-colored area when the average brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold and the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0074] (Item 6) The image processing device described in item 4 or 5, characterized in that the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in the light-colored area when the average lightness is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold, and the variances of the lightness and saturation are equal to or less than thresholds.

[0075] (Item 7) The image processing device described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that when the print data is in an area with a different color from the print data analyzed previously, the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small even if the received data up to the area with the different color among the already received data is printed.

[0076] (Item 8) 8. The image processing device according to item 7, wherein the evaluation unit determines whether the print data is in the area with different color tones based on the lightness and saturation of the print data.

[0077] (Item 9) The image processing device described in item 8, characterized in that the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in an area with different color tones when the average difference in lightness between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the average difference in saturation between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0078] (Item 10) The image processing device described in item 8 or 9, characterized in that the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in an area with different colors when the average difference in lightness between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average difference in saturation between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold, and further, the variance of the lightness and saturation of the print data is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0079] (Item 11) the control unit causes a display unit to display options for an output method when printing the data; the options include a first output method for printing the data while it is being received, and a second print method for printing the data after the data has been received, The image processing device described in any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that when the first output method is selected and the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small, the control unit controls the printing to start while receiving the data.

[0080] (Item 12) A method for controlling an image processing device including a receive buffer for storing received data received from another device, and a generating unit for sequentially reading the received data from the receive buffer and generating print data, comprising: an evaluation step of analyzing the print data generated by the generation unit while receiving data from the other device, and evaluating the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway; a control step of controlling the printing to be started while the data is being received if the effect is evaluated to be small by the evaluation step; 13. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

[0081] (Item 13) Item 13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for the image processing device according to item 12.

[0082] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100: controller unit, 200: print engine unit, 300: scanner engine unit, 400: host device, 500: recording head

Claims

1. 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a receiving buffer for storing received data received from another apparatus; and a generating unit for sequentially reading the received data from the receiving buffer and generating print data, an evaluation unit that analyzes the print data generated by the generation unit while receiving data from the other device, and evaluates the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway; a control unit that controls the printing to be started while receiving the data when the evaluation unit evaluates that the influence is small; An image processing device comprising:

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein, when the print data is a blank area, the evaluation unit evaluates that the effect is small even if the received data up to the blank area among the already received received data is printed.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the evaluation unit evaluates that when the print data is a light-colored area, the effect is small even if the received data up to the light-colored area of ​​the already received received data is printed.

4. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the evaluation unit determines whether the print data is in the light-colored area based on a lightness and a saturation of the print data.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in the light-colored area when the average lightness is equal to or greater than a threshold and the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold.

6. The image processing device according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit determines that the print data is in the light-colored area when the average brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average saturation is equal to or less than a threshold, and the variances of the brightness and saturation are equal to or less than thresholds.

7. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the print data is in an area with a different color from the print data previously analyzed, the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small even if the received data up to the area with the different color among the already received data is printed.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the evaluation unit determines whether the print data is in the area with different hues based on a lightness and a saturation of the print data.

9. The image processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation unit determines that the print data is an area with different color tones when the average difference in lightness between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and when the average difference in saturation between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

10. The image processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation unit determines that the print data is an area with different colors when the average difference in brightness between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold, the average difference in saturation between the print data and the previously analyzed print data is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the variance of the brightness and saturation of the print data is equal to or less than a threshold.

11. the control unit causes a display unit to display options for an output method when printing the data; the options include a first output method of printing the data while it is being received, and a second print method of printing the data after the data has been completely received; 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the printing to start while receiving the data when the first output method is selected and the evaluation unit evaluates that the impact is small.

12. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus including a receive buffer for storing received data received from another apparatus, and a generating unit for sequentially reading the received data from the receive buffer and generating print data, comprising: an evaluation step of analyzing the print data generated by the generation unit while receiving data from the other device, and evaluating the effect on print quality when printing is stopped midway; a control step of controlling the printing to be started while the data is being received if the effect is evaluated to be small by the evaluation step; 13. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus comprising the steps of:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 12.

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