JP2002086839A - Recorder and method of recording - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent erroneous recording by stopping the recording when a setting condition of a recorder which is unsuitable for the recording, e.g. the recorder is held by a hand and to output an image having a stable quality irrespective of the setting orientation by surely executing the recording only at the predetermined setting orientation. SOLUTION: There is disclosed a recording method for the recorder having an external structure capable of being positioned in multiple orientations. A contact position between a recorder body having a recording means and a predetermined contact ground is detected by at least one point and the setting orientation of the recorder body is judged based on the detected result. A control process of the recording operation is changed based on the judged result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording device such as a small printer or a device incorporating the recording device.
The present invention relates to a recording device which is portable and can be installed in various directions such as vertical and horizontal, or a device incorporating the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a recording device and a recording method suitable for integration with a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a conventional recording apparatus is installed in one direction, and is prohibited from being installed and used in a direction other than a predetermined direction at an operation level. Further, even if the recording device is installed in a direction other than the predetermined proper installation direction, the recording operation is started when the recording start switch is pressed. However, if the recording apparatus is installed in an improper installation direction, the operation may become unstable or may eventually break down.

For this reason, a recording apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-101578 has been proposed. In order to enable the recording apparatus to be installed in multiple directions, it is possible to change the recording operation control according to the installation direction. It has become.

[0004]

However, in the above-described recording apparatus, the recording operation is controlled on the assumption that the recording apparatus is installed in one of several predetermined setting directions. Could not execute a proper recording operation. That is, the actual installation direction of the recording apparatus does not always match the direction set in advance, and if it is different from the direction set in advance, there is a problem in that proper operation compensation is not performed.

A recording apparatus integrated with a digital camera, which is a preferred application field of the present invention, has a structure which can be easily held by a user so that a user can easily take a picture. . Therefore, if recording is started while the user holds such a device in his / her hand, the recording may be disturbed by closing the paper exit by hand, or inadvertently shaking or changing the direction of the device. Frequently, recording cannot be performed due to the limitation of the recording mechanism. Therefore, it is extremely important for such an apparatus to detect whether or not the apparatus is installed at the time of recording.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and stops recording when an improper installation state for printing is detected, such as when a recording apparatus is held by a user's hand. In addition to preventing the recording from failing, and by ensuring that recording is performed only in the specified installation direction, stable quality images that are not affected by the installation direction can be obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly-reliable recording device capable of outputting.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus having an external structure which can be installed in multiple directions, wherein a contact between an apparatus main body having the recording means and a predetermined ground plane is provided. At least one installation position detecting means for detecting a position, an installation direction determining means for determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detecting means, and recording based on a determination result of the installation direction determining means. And control means for changing the operation control processing.

The present invention also relates to a recording apparatus having an external structure which can be installed in multiple directions, wherein at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between the apparatus main body having the recording means and a predetermined ground plane. Installation direction determining means for determining the installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with the detection result of the installation position detection means, and whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination means is a direction suitable for a recording operation. Setting direction judging means for judging, and control means for prohibiting the recording operation when the setting direction determined by the setting direction judging means is not the preset setting direction. It is.

Further, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, wherein at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane. Means, an installation direction determining means for determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detecting means, and whether or not the installation direction determined by the installation direction determining means has changed within a predetermined period. It is characterized by comprising a direction change judging means for judging, and a control means for changing the recording operation control processing based on the judgment result of the direction change judging means.

The present invention also relates to a recording apparatus having an external structure which can be installed in multiple directions, wherein at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between the apparatus main body having the recording means and a predetermined ground plane. Installation direction determining means for determining the installation direction of the apparatus main body according to the detection result of the installation position detection means; and determining whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination means has changed within a predetermined period. Direction change judging means, the installation direction change judging means for judging whether or not the installation direction judged by the installation direction judging means and the direction change judging means has changed within a predetermined period; and the installation direction judging means and direction. Control means for changing the recording operation control process based on the result of the determination by the change determination means.

Further, the present invention relates to a recording method having an external structure which can be installed in multiple directions, wherein an installation position detection for detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane at at least one place. And an installation direction determining step of determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detection unit; anda control step of changing a recording operation control process based on the determination result in the installation direction determination step. A recording method comprising:

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In this specification, the term "print" (sometimes referred to as "recording") refers to not only the case where significant information such as characters and figures is formed, but also whether a person perceives it visually regardless of significance. Regardless of whether or not it is evident, it refers to a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium, or a case where the print medium is processed.

The term "print medium" means not only paper used in general printing apparatuses but also inks such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, leather and the like. In the following, it is also referred to as “paper” or simply “paper”.

In this specification, a "camera" refers to a device or a device that optically captures an image and converts an optical image into an electric signal, and is also referred to as an "imaging unit" in the following description.

Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “print” described above. , A pattern, etc., processing of a print medium, or ink processing (for example, solidification or insolubilization of a coloring material in ink applied to the print medium).

One form of the head in which the present invention is effectively used is a form in which film boiling occurs in a liquid using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal transducer to form bubbles.

[Basic Configuration] First, the basic configuration of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. An apparatus described in this example includes an imaging unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “camera unit”) that optically captures an image and converts it into an electric signal, and an image recording unit that records an image based on the obtained electric signal. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a “printer unit”). Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus described in this example will be described as a “camera with a built-in printer”.

In the apparatus main unit A001, the camera unit A
A printer unit (recording device unit) B100 is integrated with the back side of the unit 100. The printer unit B100 records an image using ink and a print medium supplied from the media pack C100. In this configuration, the device body A
As is clear from FIG. 5 when the exterior is removed from the outer side of FIG. 5, the media pack C100 is inserted into the right side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure, and the printer unit B100 is inserted into the left side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure. Is arranged. When recording is performed by the printer unit B100, the camera unit A1
The position of the apparatus main body A001 can be set so that the liquid crystal display unit A105 described later at 00 is located above and the lens A101 is located below. In this printing position, a printing head B120 described later in the printer unit B100 is used.
Is in a posture of discharging ink downward. The recording posture may be the same posture as the posture in the shooting state by the camera unit A100, and is not limited to the above-described recording posture. From the viewpoint of the stability of the printing operation, the printing position in which the ink is ejected downward is preferable.

In the following, the mechanical basic configuration of the apparatus of this embodiment will be described by dividing it into A "camera unit", B "media pack", and C "printer unit". Will be described as D “signal processing system”.

A "Camera Unit" The camera unit A100 basically constitutes a general digital camera, and includes a printer unit B10 described later.
The digital camera with a built-in printer as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 1 to 3, A101 is a lens, A102 is a finder, A1
02a is a finder window, A103 is a flash, A10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a release button, and A105 denotes a liquid crystal display unit (external display unit). As will be described later, the camera unit A100
Processing of data captured using CD, Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory card (CF card) A107
It stores images in the printer unit, displays the images, and exchanges various data with the printer unit B100. A discharge unit A109 discharges a print medium C104 on which an image has been recorded when the photographed image is recorded on a print medium C104 described below. A108 shown in FIG. 5 is a battery as a power source for the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100.

B "Media Pack" The media pack C100 is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body A001. In the case of this example, the medium pack C100 is inserted from the insertion portion A002 (see FIG. 3) of the apparatus main body A001. As shown in FIG. The insertion portion A002 is closed as shown in FIG. 3 when the media pack C100 is not mounted, and is opened when the media pack C100 is mounted. FIG. 5 shows the media pack C100.
Shows a state in which the exterior has been removed from the apparatus main body A001 to which is attached. Pack body C101 of media pack C100
As shown in FIG. 4, a shutter C102 is provided so as to be slidable in the direction of arrow D. Shutter C102
When the media pack C100 is not mounted on the apparatus main body A001, it slides to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
When it is attached to the position 1, it slides to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.

The ink pack C is provided in the pack body C101.
103 and a print medium C104 are accommodated. FIG.
In the ink pack C103, the print medium C1
04. In the case of this example, ink pack C
Three 103s are provided so as to individually accommodate Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) inks, and about 20 print media C104 are accommodated in an overlapping manner. Those inks and print medium C104
Means that the best combination for image recording was selected,
They are housed in the same media pack C100. Therefore, various media packs C100 (for example, media packs for ultra-high image quality, normal image quality, seals (split seals), etc.) having different combinations of ink and print medium are prepared, and the images to be recorded are prepared. These media packs C100 are selectively loaded into the apparatus main assembly A0 in accordance with the type and use of the print medium on which the image is formed.
By mounting the ink cartridge on the print medium 01, an image suitable for the purpose can be reliably recorded using the optimal combination of ink and print medium. Further, the media pack C100 is provided with an EEPROM (identification IC) to be described later, and the EEPROM stores identification data such as ink contained in the media pack and the type and remaining amount of the print medium.

When the media pack C100 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A001, the ink pack C103 has Y,
Through three joints C105 corresponding to the M and C inks, respectively, it is connected to an ink supply system of the apparatus main body A001 described later. On the other hand, the print medium C104
Are separated one by one by a separation mechanism (not shown), and are then sent out in the direction of arrow C by a feed roller C110 (see FIG. 9) described later. The driving force of the paper feed roller C110 is supplied from a transport motor M002 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, provided on the apparatus main assembly A001 side, via a connecting portion C110a.

Further, the pack body C101 is provided with a wiper C106 for wiping a recording head of a printer unit described later, and an ink absorber C107 for absorbing waste ink discharged from the printer unit. ing. The recording head in the printer section reciprocates in the main scanning direction indicated by arrow A as described later. When the media pack C100 is detached from the apparatus main body A001, the shutter C102 slides to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, and the joint C105, the wiper C106,
And protect the ink absorber C107 and the like.

C "Printer Unit" The printer unit B100 of this example is a serial type using an ink jet recording head. This printer section B1
00 will be described separately for C-1 "print operation unit", C-2 "print medium transport system", and C-3 "ink supply system".

C-1 "Print Operation Unit" FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire printer unit B100, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer unit B100 with a part removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the leading end of the media pack C100 mounted on the apparatus main body A001 is located at a fixed position inside the main body of the printer section B100. The print medium C104 sent out from the media pack C100 in the direction of arrow C is transmitted to
While being sandwiched between the F roller B101 and the LF pinch roller B102, the sheet is conveyed on the platen B103 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B. A carriage B104 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A along the guide shaft B105 and the lead screw B106.

On the carriage B104, as shown in FIG.
A bearing B107 for the guide shaft B105 and a bearing B108 for the lead screw B106 are provided. At a fixed position of the carriage B104, as shown in FIG. 7, a screw pin B109 protruding inside the bearing B108 is attached by a spring B110. Then, the tip of the screw pin B109 fits into the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lead screw B106, so that the rotation of the lead screw B106 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the carriage B104.

The carriage B104 has Y, M,
Ink jet recording head B1 capable of discharging C ink
20 and a sub-tank (not shown) for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head B120. The recording head B120 is formed with a plurality of ink ejection ports B121 (see FIG. 8) arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction of the arrow A (in this example, orthogonal to the main scanning direction). The ink discharge port B121 forms a nozzle capable of discharging ink supplied from the sub tank. As a means for generating energy for ejecting ink, an electrothermal converter provided for each nozzle can be used. The electrothermal transducer generates bubbles in the ink in the nozzles by being driven to generate heat, and discharges ink droplets from the ink discharge port B121 by the bubbling energy.

The sub-tank has a smaller capacity than the ink pack C103 stored in the media pack C100, and has a size that stores at least an amount of ink necessary for recording an image of one print medium C104.
In the sub-tank, an ink supply portion and a negative pressure introduction portion are formed in the ink storage portions for each of the Y, M, and C inks, and these ink supply portions are individually provided to the corresponding three hollow needles B122. The negative pressure introduction sections are connected to a common supply air port B123. In such a sub-tank, as described later,
When the carriage B104 moves to the home position as shown in FIG. 6, ink is supplied from the ink pack C103 of the media pack C100.

In the carriage B104 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 24 denotes a needle cover. When the needle B122 and the joint C105 are not connected to each other, the needle cover 122 is moved to a position for protecting the needle B122 by the force of the spring as shown in FIG. When connecting, the needle B122 is pushed upward in the figure against the force of the spring to release the protection of the needle B122. The moving position of the carriage B104 is the carriage B1.
04 encoder sensor B131 and printer unit B1
00 linear scale B132 on the main body side (see FIG. 6)
And is detected by. The movement of the carriage B104 to the home position indicates that the carriage B10 has moved.
The HP (home position) flag B133 on the fourth side and the HP sensor B134 (FIG.
See).

In FIG. 7, at both ends of the guide shaft B105, support shafts (not shown) are provided at positions eccentric from the center axis. The position of the carriage 104 is adjusted by rotating and adjusting the guide shaft B105 about its support shaft, so that the recording head B120 and the platen B
The distance between the print medium 103 and the print medium C 104 (also referred to as “paper distance”) is adjusted. The lead screw B106 is driven to rotate by a carriage motor M001 via a screw gear B141, an idler gear B142, and a motor gear B143. Also,
B150 is a flexible cable for electrically connecting a control system described below and the recording head B120.

The recording head B120 includes a carriage B10
By ejecting ink from the ink ejection port B121 in accordance with the image signal while moving in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A together with 4, the image for one line is recorded on the print medium on the platen B103. By repeating such a recording operation for one line by the recording head B120 and a conveyance operation of a predetermined amount of the print medium in the sub-scanning direction of an arrow B by a print medium conveyance system described later, images are sequentially printed on the print medium. Record

C-2 "Print Medium Transport System" FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the components of the print medium transport system in the printer section B100. In FIG. 9, B201
Denotes a pair of discharge rollers, and one of the upper discharge rollers B201 in the figure includes a discharge roller gear B202 and a relay gear B2.
03, and is driven by the transport motor M002.
Similarly, the above-described LF roller B101 is connected to the transport motor M via the LF roller gear B204 and the relay gear B203.
002. The discharge roller B201 and the LF roller B101 convey the print medium C104 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B by the driving force of the conveyance motor M002 at the time of normal rotation.

On the other hand, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, the switching slider B211 and the switching cam B2
The pressure plate head B 213 and a lock mechanism (not shown) are driven through the drive unit 12, and a driving force is transmitted to the paper feed roller C 110 on the side of the media pack C 100. That is,
The pressure plate head B 213 is driven by the driving force of the transport motor M002 during the reverse rotation, passes through the window C102A of the shutter C102 of the media pack C100 (see FIG. 4), and print media C integrated in the media pack C100.
104 is pressed downward in FIG. As a result, the print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG.
The sheet 100 is pressed on the sheet feeding roller C110 in the sheet 100. A lock mechanism (not shown) locks the media pack C100 with respect to the apparatus main body A001 by the driving force of the transport motor M002 at the time of reverse rotation, and
0 removal is prohibited. Media pack C10
The zero-side paper feed roller C110 carries out one print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG. 4 in the direction of arrow C by transmitting the driving force at the time of reverse rotation of the transport motor M002.

As described above, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, only one print medium C104 is taken out from the media pack C100 in the direction of the arrow C. Thereafter, when the transport motor M002 rotates forward, the print medium C104 is rotated. Is transported in the direction of arrow B.

C-3 "Ink Supply System" FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of the ink supply system in the printer unit B100, and FIG. 11 is a diagram when the media pack C100 is mounted on the components of the ink supply system. It is a top view.

The joint C105 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer unit B100 is connected to the needle B12 on the side of the carriage B104 moved to the home position.
2 (see FIG. 8). The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a joint fork B301 (see FIG. 10) located below the joint C105, and the joint fork B301 is connected to the joint C1.
By moving 05 upward, the joint C105 is connected to the needle B122. This forms an ink supply path between the ink pack C103 on the media pack C100 side and the ink supply unit of the sub tank on the carriage B104 side. A carriage B10 moved to the home position is provided on the main body of the printer unit B100.
A supply joint B302 is provided below the fourth supply air port B123 (see FIG. 8). This supply joint B302 is provided via a supply tube B303.
It is connected to a pump cylinder B304 of a pump as a negative pressure source. The supply joint B302 is connected to the supply air port B123 on the carriage B104 side by being moved up by the joint lifter B305. Thus, a negative pressure introducing path is formed between the negative pressure introducing portion of the sub tank on the side of the carriage B104 and the pump cylinder B304. The joint lifter B305 moves the joint fork B301 up and down together with the supply joint B302 by the driving force of the joint motor M003.

The negative pressure introducing portion of the sub tank is provided with a gas-liquid separating member (not shown) for allowing the passage of air and preventing the passage of ink. The gas-liquid separation member allows the air in the sub-tank to be sucked through the negative pressure introduction passage, thereby supplying ink from the media pack C100 to the sub-tank. When the ink in the sub-tank reaches the gas-liquid separation member, when the ink is sufficiently replenished, the gas-liquid separation member stops the passage of the ink, so that the ink supply is automatically stopped. The gas-liquid separation member is provided in an ink supply unit in an ink storage portion for each ink in the sub tank, and automatically stops replenishing ink for each of those ink storage portions.

The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a suction cap B310 capable of capping the recording head B120 (see FIG. 8) on the carriage B104 moved to the home position. The suction cap B310 has a suction tube B311 inside.
, A negative pressure is introduced from the pump cylinder B304 through the ink discharge port B1 of the recording head B120.
The ink can be sucked and discharged (suction recovery processing) from the ink cartridge 21. The recording head B120 also removes ink that does not contribute to image recording, if necessary, with a suction cap B3.
10 (preliminary discharge processing). Suction cap B
The ink in the ink cartridge C107 in the media pack C110 flows from the pump cylinder B304 through the waste liquid tube B312 and the waste liquid joint B313.
Is discharged.

The pump cylinder B304 forms a pump unit B315 together with a pump motor M004 for reciprocating the pump cylinder B304. Pump motor M004 is
It also functions as a drive source for moving the wiper lifter B316 (see FIG. 10) up and down. Wiper lifter B31
No. 6 moves the wiper C106 to a position where the recording head B120 can be wiped by moving the wiper C106 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer unit B100 upward.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, B321
Is a pump HP sensor for detecting that the operating position of the pump constituted by the pump cylinder B 304 is at the home position. A joint HP sensor B322 detects that the ink supply path and the negative pressure introduction path described above have been formed. B323 is a chassis that forms the main body of the printer unit B100.

D "Signal Processing System" FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100.

In the camera section A100, 101 is a CCD as an image sensor, 102 is a microphone for voice input, 103 is an ASIC for performing hardware processing, 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a first memory for temporarily storing image data and the like;
Reference numeral 5 denotes a CF card (“CF card A1
07), an LCD (corresponding to the “liquid crystal display unit A105”) for displaying a captured image or a reproduced image, and 120
Is a first CPU for controlling the camera unit A100.

In the printer section B100, 210 is
An interface 201 between the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100, an image processing unit 201 (2 for binarizing an image)
202, a second memory used for performing image processing; 203, a band memory control unit;
4 is a band memory, 205 is a mask memory, 206 is a head controller, and 207 is a printhead (“printhead B12
0), 208 is an encoder (corresponding to “encoder sensor B131”), 209 is an encoder counter, 2
Reference numeral 20 denotes a second CPU for controlling the printer unit B100;
1 is a motor driver, 222 is a motor (“motor M00
1, M002, M003, M004 ") 223
Is a sensor ("HP sensors B134, B321, B322").
224, an EEPROM built in the media pack C100, 230, an audio encoder unit, 25
0 is a power supply unit ("Battery A108") for supplying power to the entire apparatus.
).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the camera unit A100. In the shooting mode, the lens 107
The image captured by the CCD 101 through the
Signal processing (CCD signal processing) by C103
It is converted into a V luminance two-color difference signal. Further, the image data is resized to a predetermined resolution, JPEG-compressed, and recorded on the CF card 105. The voice is input from the microphone 102 and stored in the CF card 105 via the ASIC 103. Regarding the recording of the sound, it can be stored at the same time as the shooting or as a post-recording after the shooting. In the playback mode, the JPE
The G image is read out, JPEG-decompressed by the ASIC 103, and further resized to the display resolution.
06 is displayed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the printer section B100.

The image reproduced on the camera unit A100 side, that is, the image read from the CF card 105, is JPEG expanded by the ASIC 103 and resized to a resolution suitable for the printing resolution as shown in FIG. Then, the resized image data (YUV) is sent to the printer unit B100 via the interface unit 210. As shown in FIG. 14, the printer unit B100 performs image processing on the image data sent from the camera unit A100 using the image processing unit 201, converts the image data into RGB signals, performs input γ correction according to the characteristics of the camera, and looks Color correction and color conversion using an up table (LUT), and conversion into a binary signal for printing. At the time of the binarization process, the second memory 202 is used as an error memory in order to perform an error diffusion (ED) process. In the case of this example, the binarization processing unit in the image processing unit 201 performs an error diffusion process, but other processes such as a binarization process using a dither pattern may be performed. The binarized print data is temporarily stored in the band memory 204 by the band memory control unit 203. An encoder pulse from the encoder 208 is input to the encoder counter 209 of the printer unit B100 every time the carriage B104 on which the recording head 207 and the encoder 208 are mounted moves a predetermined distance. Then, in synchronization with the encoder pulse, print data is read from the band memory 204 and the mask memory 205, and based on the print data, the head control unit 206 controls the print head 207 to perform printing.

The band memory control in FIG. 14 will be described as follows.

The plurality of nozzles in the recording head 207 are formed in rows so as to have a density of, for example, 1200 dpi. When the carriage is scanned once in order to print an image using such a recording head 207, the number of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter, also referred to as “vertical (Y direction)”) is equal to the number of nozzles in the main scanning direction (hereinafter, referred to as “vertical (Y direction)”). , "Horizontal (X direction)
In this case, it is necessary to create print data for the print area (print data for one scan) in advance.
After the recording data is created by the image processing unit 201,
Band memory 204 by band memory control unit 203
Is stored once. After one scan of print data is stored in the band memory 204, the carriage is scanned in the main scanning direction. At this time, encoder pulses input from the encoder 208 are counted by the encoder counter 209, print data is read from the band memory 204 according to the encoder pulses, and ink droplets are ejected from the print head 207 based on the image data. You. When the bidirectional printing method of printing an image (forward printing and backward printing) at the time of forward scan and backward scan of the print head 207 is adopted, image data is transferred from the band memory 204 according to the scan direction of the print head 207. Is read. For example, at the time of forward pass recording, the address of the image data read from the band memory 204 is sequentially incremented, and at the time of backward pass recording, the address of the image data read from the band memory 204 is sequentially decremented.

Actually, when the image data (C, M, Y) created by the image processing unit 201 is written to the band memory 204 and one band of image data is prepared, the scanning of the recording head 207 is performed. Becomes possible. Then, the recording head 207 is scanned, image data is read from the band memory 204, and the recording head 207 records an image based on the image data. During the recording operation, image data to be recorded next is created in the image processing unit 201,
The image data is written to an area of the band memory 204 corresponding to the recording position.

As described above, the band memory control is based on the recording data (C, M, Y) created by the image processing unit 201.
Is written in the band memory 204 and the operation of reading out the print data (C, M, Y) to be sent to the head control unit 206 in accordance with the scanning operation of the carriage is performed while switching.

The mask memory control in FIG. 14 will be described as follows.

This mask memory control is required when a multi-pass printing method is adopted. In the case of the multi-pass printing method, a print image for one row having a width corresponding to the length of the nozzle row of the print head 207 is printed by dividing the print head 207 into a plurality of scans. That is, the transport amount of the print medium that is transported intermittently in the sub-scanning direction is set to 1 / N of the length of the nozzle row. For example, when N = 2, one row of the recorded image is scanned twice. (N-pass printing), and when N = 4, a print image for one line is printed in four scans (4-pass printing). Similarly, when N = 8, 8-pass printing is performed, and when N = 16, 16-pass printing is performed. Therefore, the recording image for one line is recorded by the recording head 207.
Is completed by multiple scans.

Actually, mask data for allocating image data to a plurality of scans of the print head 207 is stored in the mask memory 205, and the logical product (AND) data of the mask data and the image data is stored in the mask memory 205. Then, the recording head 207 ejects ink to record an image.

In FIG. 14, the CF card 105
Are sent to the printer unit B100 via the interface 210 by the ASIC 102 in the same manner as the image data. Printer section B100
Is encoded (encoded) by the audio encoder 230 and recorded as code data in an image to be printed. When it is not necessary to add audio data to a print image, or when printing an image without audio data, naturally, coded audio data is not printed and only the image is printed.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given of a camera with a built-in printer in which the camera section A100 and the printer section B100 are integrated. However, the camera unit A100
And the printer unit B100 can be separated into separate devices, and the same configuration can be realized in a configuration in which they are connected by the interface 210, and the same function can be realized.

[Characteristic Configuration] Hereinafter, embodiments of the characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of this embodiment.

In FIG. 15, reference numerals 1a, 1b,... Denote a plurality of installation detectors for detecting whether or not a plurality of predetermined installation locations of the apparatus main body are in contact with a predetermined installation surface (grounded). Is an installation state change detection section that detects a change in the installation state of the apparatus main body based on the detection results of the installation detection sections 1a, 1b,..., And 4 detects an installation direction in which the apparatus main body is permitted based on the detection result of the installation state detection section. The installation direction detection unit, 5 is a recording control unit that controls the operation at the time of recording, 6, 7 are a plurality of control processes respectively corresponding to a plurality of installation situations, and 8 is detected by the installation change detection unit and the installation direction detection unit. And a control processing selecting unit for selecting a recording control processing according to the result.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a printer built-in type camera incorporating a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front of the lens.

Referring to FIG. 16, this camera with a built-in printer includes a digital camera (camera unit) and a recording device (printer unit). The cassette to be supplied is also stored in the housing 1200. Reference numeral 1201 denotes a lens unit of a camera unit; 1202, an optical viewfinder window of the camera unit; 1203, windows of various optical sensors of the camera unit;
Reference numeral 4 denotes a flash of the camera unit, 1205 denotes an LCD for displaying the shooting mode and the number of images that can be taken by the camera unit, and the number of recordings that can be performed by the printer unit. is there. In addition, 1
Reference numeral 208 denotes recording paper on which recording is performed by the printer unit and discharged.

Reference numerals 1210 and 1211 denote the housing 12.
00 is a grounding sensor for detecting that it is placed on a table or the like. Among them, 1210 is the housing 120
0, the lens unit 12011 of the housing 1200
1 are provided on the front surface, and each is constituted by a microswitch.

FIG. 17 is a view of the camera with a built-in printer shown in FIG. 16 placed on the installation surface F with the lens unit 1201 facing down and viewed from the bottom.

The ground sensor 121 is provided on the bottom of the housing 1200.
1, a screw hole 1220 for fixing the apparatus to a tripod, a battery replacement port 1221, and the like are formed. A color LCD 1 is provided on the rear surface of the lens 1201 for confirming a photographed image and displaying various information.
230, an optical viewfinder 1231 of the camera unit, a switch 1232 for switching the mode of the camera unit, switching the zoom magnification of the lens 1201, and a switch for operating a menu (displayed on the LCD 1230) for controlling the operation of the apparatus Group 1233 and the like. Also, housing 1
On the side face opposite to the paper discharge port 1207 of the printer 200, a memory card replacement port 1240 and a cassette replacement port 1241 for storing ink and paper of the printer unit are formed.

Since the printing apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is an ink jet type color printer as a printing unit, it is necessary to limit the installation direction in which printing is possible due to problems such as ink supply.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the ink tank, the ink position in the tank, and the ink supply port to the recording head. In FIG. 18, the ink tank 14
When the ink supply port 1402 is located at a position (A) facing the ground surface or at a lower position (B) in the direction of gravity with respect to 01, ink is supplied to the ink supply port 1402 even if the ink 1403 is running low. Can be
When the supply port 1402 is at a position (C) that is not opposed to the ground surface or at an upper position (D) in the direction of gravity, air enters between the ink supply port 1402 and the liquid surface of the ink 1403 (normal ink). Since the tank 1401 is provided with an atmosphere communication structure that takes in outside air to adjust the internal pressure), it is possible that the ink 1403 cannot be supplied to the print head during printing. Further, if the paper discharge port 1207 shown in FIG. 16 is closed, the paper 1208 cannot be discharged, so that the recording cannot be performed.

Under these circumstances, in the camera with a built-in printer according to the present embodiment, when the housing 1200 is installed on the installation surface F in the directions shown in FIGS. ), Recording is permitted only in (B). Therefore, the two ground sensors 12 described above are used.
10 and 1211 are provided on the surface of the lens 1201 and the housing 1200. Each sensor is operated by being pressed by the weight distributed to the contact portion with the installation surface F in the housing 1200, and only in the installation direction of FIG.
11 is turned on (the state of FIG. 18B), and the ground sensor 1210 is turned on only in the installation direction of FIG.
(State of (A)).

Therefore, by checking the ON and OFF states of the two sensors, it is possible to simultaneously detect whether or not the sensors are installed in the correct orientation on the installation surface F and the orientation of the installation. In this example, one sensor is provided for one installation direction. However, detection errors can be reduced by detecting installation using a plurality of sensors. Specifically, it is possible to eliminate a case where the user unconsciously pushes one sensor and holds the device in his hand.

FIG. 20 shows two ground sensors 121 during recording.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a recording control process according to states 0 and 1211. The instruction to start recording is made using the liquid crystal (LCD) display unit 1230, the release button 1206, the switch 1232, the switch group 1233, and the like. Hereinafter, the processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 20, first, at step 101, it is determined whether or not the recording is continued. If the recording has ended, the recording process ends.

If it is determined in step 101 that recording is being performed, it is determined in step 102 whether or not a user or system has issued a recording stop instruction between the previous loop and the current loop. As the recording stop instruction from the user, the user may operate a dedicated button (not shown) such as a recording cancel button, or may select an item from an operation menu.

The recording stop instruction from the system is issued when the system detects a state where recording is not possible, for example, a power-off instruction during recording or the like. Step 10
If the instruction to stop recording is confirmed in step 2, step 1
In 03, if an error occurs, the display is erased and processing for stopping recording, for example, discharging of the recording sheet is performed. After the recording is stopped, the process proceeds to step 101 of the next loop, thereby completing the recording process.

If the recording stop instruction is not confirmed in step 102, it is determined in step 104 whether the installation state has changed between the previous loop and the current loop. Note that the ground sensor 121 of the previous loop
The states of 0 and 1211 are S210 _n−1 and S211 _n−1, and the states of the ground sensors 1210 and 1211 of the current loop are S
If 210 _n and S211 _n are used, the change can be detected by calculating the exclusive OR of the previous and current times of each sensor, and further obtaining the logical OR of those results. The following table summarizes the above results.

In the table, states 1, 4, 13, and 16 are no changes, and the other states are changes.

[0077]

[Table 1]

If it is determined in step 104 that there has been no change in the installation state of the housing between the previous loop and the current loop, the recording is continued and the process proceeds to the next loop. On the other hand, if it is determined that the installation state of the housing has changed between the previous loop and the current loop, the recording is immediately suspended in step 105. In step 105 of the temporary stop, the user needs to take measures as much as possible so that the ink does not leak or the position of the sheet during recording is not shifted even if the user swings the apparatus by hand.

Next, at step 106, it is determined whether or not it is installed in an appropriate direction. This determination can be made by calculating the exclusive OR of the states of the ground sensors 1210 and 1211 in the current loop. That is, when only one of the sensors is in the ON state, it is determined that the sensor is installed in the appropriate direction. Normally, the two sensors are not simultaneously turned on at the same time, but it is also considered that the two sensors are in a bag or the like.

If it is determined in step 106 that the camera is not installed in the correct orientation, the user is notified in step 111 of an unrecordable state (error) due to an installation error via an alarm sound or the LCDs 1205 and 1230. Then, wait until it is installed in the correct direction in the subsequent loop. FIG. 19 shows an error display (50
This is an example of the case where 1) is performed. In this embodiment, the LCD 1230 is used to display an error. However, when the LCD 1230 is installed downward, the installation sensors 1210 and 1211 are both OFF, so that an error may not be notified to the user despite an error. . To solve such problems, use alarms aggressively or use LC
It is also effective to take measures such as mounting an error LED on the surface opposite to D1230.

If it is determined in step 106 that the camera is installed in the correct orientation, then in step 107 the orientation shown in FIG. 16 (vertical installation) or the orientation shown in FIG. 17 (horizontal installation)
Judge. That is, the ground sensor 121 of the current loop
When 0 is ON, horizontal installation is performed, and when OFF, vertical installation is performed. The states of Steps 106 and 107 are summarized in the following table.

[0082]

[Table 2]

If the horizontal installation is determined in step 107, a horizontal installation control process is selected in step 108,
If the night is determined in the horizontal installation, control processing for vertical installation is selected in step 109. The reason why the control process is changed depending on the installation direction is to eliminate the influence of gravity on the ink jet recording system.

In the vertical installation shown in FIG.
It moves parallel to the direction of gravity as indicated by an arrow 601. On the other hand, FIG.
7, the recording head moves in a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity as indicated by an arrow 601. In general, it is ideal for the print head to perform a constant speed motion at a desired speed for printing.However, when raising the print head in a vertical setting, no correction control is performed on the moving speed of the print head. Depending on the installation direction, the desired speed may not be reached in the recording area. In particular, a small printer with a narrow head operation range may not be able to provide a sufficient margin, so it may be necessary to change the control processing according to the installation state.

In the vertical installation shown in FIG. 16, the direction of ink ejection is a direction (arrow 602) orthogonal to gravity.
In the horizontal installation of FIG. 17, the direction is the direction of gravity (arrow 602).
At this time, there is a case where a difference in image quality appears due to a slight difference between the amounts of the droplets of the respective inks. Specifically, in the case of the vertical installation shown in FIG. 2, the amount of liquid droplets may be slightly reduced, and the impression may be slightly delicate as a whole. In such a case, it is also necessary to perform control processing for changing the image data processing (adjustment of the output density) according to the installation direction to match the colors in both installation directions. Further, it is important to change the recording control process so that the recording quality does not change depending on the installation direction, in order to prevent an obstacle such as a color change in the middle when the user changes the installation direction during recording. Control.

On the other hand, when the recording control process is selected in step 108 or 109, the paused recording is resumed using the selected control process (step 11).
0). At this time, if an error display or the like has been performed, this is erased. Then, the recording control loop described above is repeated until the recording is completed.

In this embodiment, two ground sensors are provided because the recording is permitted in only two directions. However, in the case where the recording is permitted in only one direction, one is provided.
In the case of adopting a configuration that permits recording in three directions with three ground sensors, it is possible to apply three ground sensors and perform the same processing.

In this embodiment, the direction in which recording is permitted is detected by the grounding sensor. However, a configuration in which the direction in which recording is not permitted may be detected.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use a ground sensor that permits recording and a ground sensor that does not permit recording at the same time so that the installation direction can be more finely recognized.

When the recording apparatus is operated by placing the lens 1201 downward as shown in FIG.
The ground sensor 1210 has not only a function as a sensor for detecting the suitability of the installation direction of the recording apparatus as described above, but also a function as a switch for urging the storage and protection of the lens 1201. As described above, the sensor can be used not only for the function of detecting the state related to the recording operation but also for the function of detecting other states.

Further, in the above embodiment, the microswitch is used as the installation sensor. However, depending on the situation of the installation surface or the like, other sensors such as a reflection type optical sensor can be used. It is not limited to the form.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, the contact position of the apparatus main body is detected, the installation direction of the apparatus main body is determined based on the detection result, and the control process of the recording apparatus is performed based on the determination result. Therefore, stable image quality can always be obtained regardless of the installation direction of the recording apparatus main body. In addition, this makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in the installation direction of the recording device, and to provide a recording device that is easier for the user to handle.

Further, the grounding position of the apparatus main body is detected, the installation direction of the apparatus main body is determined based on the detection result, and whether the apparatus main body is in the preset installation direction is determined based on the determination result. However, when the determined installation direction is not the preset installation direction, the recording operation is prohibited, so that the recording operation is performed in spite of the fact that the apparatus main body is not installed in the proper installation direction as in the related art. Is no longer inconvenient.
Because you can always record in the correct installation direction,
High-quality images can be output stably.

Further, according to the present invention, the grounding position of the apparatus main body is detected, the installation direction of the apparatus main body is determined based on the detection result, and it is determined whether or not the determined installation direction has changed. When it is determined that there is a change in the installation direction, the recording operation is stopped. For example, when an installation state that is inappropriate for recording, such as a user holding the apparatus main body by hand, is detected, the recording is performed. Since the operation is stopped, it is possible to prevent a recording failure from occurring, and it is possible to greatly improve the reliability of the recording apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera with a built-in printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a media pack that can be mounted on the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship of main components inside the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 6 with a part removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carriage in the printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of components of a print medium transport system in the printer unit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of components of an ink supply system in the printer unit of FIG.

11 is a plan view when a media pack is mounted on a component of the ink supply system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a camera unit and a printer unit in the camera of FIG. 1;

13 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the camera unit in FIG.

14 is an explanatory diagram of signal processing in the printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a camera with a built-in printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a lens direction.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the camera with a built-in printer according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory side view schematically showing the relationship between the direction of an ink tank, an ink supply port, and ink.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a recording error.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a recording control process.

[Explanation of symbols]

A001 Main unit A002 Insertion section A100 Camera section A101 Lens A102 Viewfinder A102a Viewfinder window A103 Strobe A104 Release button A105 Liquid crystal display section (external display section) A107 Compact flash memory card (CF card) A108 Battery A109 Ejection section B100 Printer section (recording device) Part) B101 LF roller B102 LF pinch roller B103 Platen B104 Carriage B105 Guide shaft B106 Lead screw B107 Bearing B108 Bearing B109 Screw pin B110 Spring B120 Recording head B121 Ink ejection port B122 Needle B123 Supply air port B124 Needle cover needle 132 B133 HP flag 134 HP sensor B141 Screw gear B142 Idler gear B143 Motor gear B150 Flexible cable B201 Discharge roller B202 Discharge roller gear B203 Relay gear B204 LF roller gear B211 Switching slider B212 Switching cam B213 Pressure plate head B301 Joint fork B302 Supply joint B304 Pump tube Lifter B310 Suction cap B311 Suction tube B312 Waste liquid tube B313 Waste liquid joint B315 Pump unit B316 Wiper lifter B321 Pump HP sensor B322 Joint HP sensor B323 Chassis C100 Media pack C101 Pack body C102 Shutter C102A Window C 103 Ink pack C104 Print medium C105 Joint C106 Wiper C107 Ink absorber C110 Feeding roller C110a Connecting part M001 Carriage motor M002 Transport motor M003 Joint motor M004 Pump motor 101 CCD 102 Microphone 103 ASIC 104 First memory 105 CF card (CF card) A107 ”) 106 LCD (corresponding to“ Liquid crystal display unit A105 ”) 107 Lens 120 First CPU 201 Image processing unit 202 Second memory 203 Band memory control unit 204 Band memory 205 Mask memory 206 Head control unit 207 Recording head (“ 208 Encoder (equivalent to “encoder sensor B131”) 209 Encoder counter 210 Centers face 220 a 2-CPU 221 motor driver 222 a motor ( "motor M001, M002, M00
223 sensor (“HP sensor B134, B321, B
224) 224 EEPROM 230 Audio encoder section 250 Power supply section (corresponding to "battery A108") 1, 2 Plural installation detection sections 3 Installation change detection section 4 Installation direction detection section 5 Recording control section 6, 7 Multiple recording Control processing 8 Control selection unit 1210 Ground sensor 1211 Ground sensor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 101: 00 B41J 3/04 101Z F-term (Reference) 2C056 EB06 EB29 EC26 EC67 FA03 2C061 AP10 AQ05 CC07 HH01 HJ10 HK11 HN02 HN22 5C022 AA13 AC78 5C052 AA12 AA17 CC11 DD02 EE02 EE08 FA02 FA03 FB01 FC06 FE04 GA02 GA05 GB06 GC05 GE06 GE08

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane; An installation direction determination unit configured to determine an installation direction of the apparatus main body according to a detection result of the position detection unit; and a control unit configured to change a recording operation control process based on a determination result of the installation direction determination unit. Recording device. 2. The control unit has a recording control process corresponding to a plurality of installation states of the recording apparatus main body, and a control selection unit that selects a recording operation process based on a determination result of the installation direction determination unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A recording apparatus having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between an apparatus body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane; An installation direction determining unit that determines an installation direction of the apparatus main body according to a detection result of the position detection unit; and an installation that determines whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination unit is a direction suitable for a recording operation. A recording apparatus comprising: a direction appropriateness determining unit; and a control unit that prohibits a recording operation when the installation direction determined by the installation direction appropriateness determining unit is not a preset installation direction. 4. A recording apparatus having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane; An installation direction determining means for determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the position detection means; and a direction change determination for determining whether or not the installation direction determined by the installation direction determining means has changed within a predetermined period. And a control unit for changing a recording operation control process based on a determination result of the direction change determining unit. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit prohibits the recording operation when the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination unit changes within a predetermined period. 6. A recording apparatus having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: at least one installation position detecting means for detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane; An installation direction determining means for determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the position detection means; and a direction change determination for determining whether or not the installation direction determined by the installation direction determining means has changed within a predetermined period. Means, an installation direction change determination means for determining whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination means and the direction change determination means has changed within a predetermined period, and an installation direction determination means and a direction change determination means. And a control means for changing a recording operation control process based on a result of the determination. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means generates bubbles in the ink by thermal energy, and discharges the ink by the generated energy of the bubbles. 8. A recording method having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: an installation position detecting step of detecting a contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined ground plane at at least one position; An installation direction determination step of determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detection means; and a control step of changing a recording operation control process based on the determination result in the installation direction determination step. Recording method characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. The control step includes a recording control processing step corresponding to a plurality of installation states of the recording apparatus main body, and a control selection step of selecting a recording operation process based on a determination result of the installation direction determination step. 9. The recording method according to claim 8, comprising: 10. A recording method having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: an installation position detection step of detecting at least one contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined grounding surface; An installation direction determination step of determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detection step; and determining whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination step is a direction suitable for a recording operation. A recording method comprising: an installation direction propriety determining step; and a control step of prohibiting a recording operation when the installation direction determined in the installation direction propriety determining step is not a preset installation direction. 11. A recording method having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: an installation position detecting step of detecting at least one contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined grounding surface; An installation direction determination step of determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detection step; and a direction change of determining whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination unit has changed within a predetermined period. A recording method, comprising: a determination step; and a control step of changing a recording operation control process based on a determination result of the direction change determination unit. 12. The recording method according to claim 11, wherein the control step inhibits a recording operation when the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination method changes within a predetermined period. 13. A recording method having an external structure capable of being installed in multiple directions, comprising: an installation position detecting step of detecting at least one contact position between an apparatus main body having a recording means and a predetermined grounding surface; An installation direction determining step of determining an installation direction of the apparatus main body in accordance with a detection result of the installation position detection unit; and a direction change determining whether the installation direction determined by the installation direction determination step has changed within a predetermined period. A recording method, comprising: a determination step; and control means for changing a recording operation control process based on a determination result of the installation direction determination step and a direction change determination means. 14. The recording method according to claim 8, wherein the recording means generates bubbles in the ink by thermal energy, and discharges the ink by the generated energy of the bubbles.