JP2006281794A - Printing which can change characteristic by selection of cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique whereby characteristics of one printer can be changed according to a user's desire. <P>SOLUTION: The printer comprises a printing head which has both basic color nozzle arrays and a specific nozzle array arranged staggering to a black ink nozzle array of the basic color nozzle arrays. Moreover, the specific nozzle array can receive supply of a liquid agent independently of the basic color nozzle arrays. The liquid agent can be selected from a plurality of kinds of liquid agents which include a black ink, by the selection of a specific cartridge loaded in a cartridge loading part. By selecting the black ink as the liquid agent, high-speed black-and-white printing is enabled with the use of two nozzle arrays of the black ink nozzle array and specific nozzle array. On the other hand, for example, by selecting a dark yellow ink or light black ink as the liquid agent, photograph printing can be made of a high image quality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for printing an image on a print medium by ejecting ink droplets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Printing devices that form ink dots on a printing medium by ejecting ink droplets to print an image (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printing device) are widely used as image output devices created by computers. The print head of the ink jet printing apparatus is provided with a plurality of nozzle groups, and these nozzle groups eject different inks.

  In the conventional ink jet printing apparatus, the color of the ink ejected from each nozzle group is determined in advance, and it has not been considered to improve the printing performance by actively changing this color.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and provides a technique capable of improving printing performance by changing the ink color ejected from the nozzle group of the print head. With the goal.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots, and includes four types of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow Four basic color nozzle arrays for ejecting each of the basic color inks, and additional nozzle arrays arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the black ink nozzle arrays for ejecting the black ink of the basic color nozzle arrays, A print head, one or a plurality of ink cartridges having a plurality of basic color ink tanks for respectively storing the basic color inks, and an additional tank having an additional tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row A cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a cartridge, and the additional nozzle row is independent of the basic color nozzle row, The liquid agent can be supplied from the additional tank, and the liquid agent supplied to the additional nozzle row is selected from among a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink according to the selection of the additional tank mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. Any one of the above can be selected.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a print head having a basic color nozzle row, a black ink nozzle row of these, and additional nozzle rows arranged in a staggered manner, and the additional nozzle row is independent of the basic color nozzle row. This liquid agent can be selected from any one of a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink by selecting an additional cartridge to be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. By selecting the black ink, it is possible to perform high-speed black-and-white printing using the two nozzle arrays of the black ink nozzle array and the additional nozzle array. On the other hand, for example, by selecting dark yellow ink or light black ink as the liquid agent, it is possible to improve the quality of photographic printing.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the cartridge mounting portion can mount the additional tank independently of one or a plurality of ink cartridges having the basic color ink tank.

  This has the advantage that only the additional cartridge that supplies the liquid agent to the additional nozzle row can be replaced.

  In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the cartridge mounting portion can mount the additional tank at an end portion of the cartridge mounting portion.

  By doing so, there is an advantage that the cartridge for supplying the liquid agent to the additional nozzle row can be easily replaced. The cartridge mounting unit may be integrated with the print head or may be separated from the print head.

  In the printing apparatus, the cartridge mounting unit includes a black ink cartridge mounting unit for mounting a black ink cartridge, and an additional cartridge mounting unit for mounting the additional cartridge. The shape of the first type housing for containing the black ink is different from that of the second type housing for containing the liquid agent other than the black ink. The ink cartridge has a shape that fits into both the case of the ink cartridge and the first type of case of the additional cartridge, and has a shape that does not fit into the second type of case of the additional cartridge. preferable.

  By doing so, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid inadvertently mounting a cartridge containing ink having a color other than black in the black ink cartridge mounting portion.

  In the printing apparatus, the print head further discharges light cyan ink nozzle rows for discharging light cyan ink having a lower density than cyan ink and light magenta ink having a lower density than magenta ink. A light magenta ink nozzle row, wherein the cartridge mounting portion can be further mounted with an ink tank that accommodates the light cyan ink and the light magenta ink, and the additional nozzle row further includes the light magenta ink nozzle row. The liquid agent may be supplied from the additional tank independently of the cyan ink nozzle row and the light magenta ink nozzle row.

  The printing control apparatus of the present invention is a printing control apparatus that generates print data to be supplied to a printing unit that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots, and the printing unit includes a black Staggered with respect to four basic color nozzle arrays for ejecting four basic color inks of cyan, magenta and yellow, respectively, and a black ink nozzle array for ejecting black ink of the basic color nozzle arrays An additional nozzle array arranged; a print head having one or a plurality of ink cartridges having a plurality of basic color ink tanks for respectively storing the basic color inks; and supplying the additional nozzle array to the additional nozzle array A cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional tank for storing a liquid agent, and the additional cartridge having the additional tank includes the liquid tank And a memory storing control information for performing printing using the printing apparatus, and the additional nozzle row receives supply of the liquid agent from the additional tank independently of the basic color nozzle row. The liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row can be selected from any one of a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink by selecting the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit, and the printing The control device selects one of a plurality of printing modes including a monochrome printing mode for printing using only black ink and a color printing mode for printing using color ink. A printing mode selection unit that permits the printing, and the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit when the monochrome printing mode is selected. When the control information stored in the memory included in the ridge includes information indicating that the black ink is stored, the black ink nozzle row and the additional nozzle according to the control information read from the memory And a print data generation unit that generates print data for performing monochrome printing using both of the columns.

  In the printing control apparatus of the present invention, the monochrome printing mode is selected for a printing unit including a print head having a basic color nozzle row, a black ink nozzle row of these, and an additional nozzle row arranged in a staggered manner. In some cases, when the additional cartridge contains black ink, print data for black and white printing is generated using the black ink nozzle row and the additional nozzle row in accordance with the control information read from the memory. Therefore, high-speed black-and-white printing can be performed using two nozzle arrays.

  In the print control apparatus, the print data generation unit may display control information stored in a memory included in the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit as compared with yellow ink when the color printing mode is selected. When information indicating that dark yellow ink with low lightness is contained is included, a plurality of images including the dark yellow ink are provided according to control information read from the memory. Color conversion is performed using a color conversion table in which combinations of color gradation values to be expressed using different types of ink are associated, and color is generated using both the basic color nozzle row and the additional nozzle row. It is preferable to generate print data for printing.

  Since the dark yellow ink is an ink having a lightness lower than that of the yellow ink, such a configuration can improve the image quality of color printing particularly in a shadow region having a low lightness.

  In the print control apparatus, the print data generation unit stores light black ink whose control information stored in a memory included in the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit has higher brightness than black ink. In the case of including the information indicating that, in accordance with the control information read from the memory, the given image and the image for expressing the image using a plurality of types of ink including the light black ink Color conversion is performed using a color conversion table in which combinations of color gradation values are associated with each other, and print data for performing printing using both the basic color nozzle row and the additional nozzle row is generated. It is preferable to do this.

  Since the light black ink is an ink having a lightness lower than that of the black ink, if this ink can be used, the generation of the composite black can be suppressed and the use of the black ink in the expression of the shadow portion can be suppressed. This composite black causes deterioration of image quality due to variations in color balance, and the expression of the shadow portion with black ink causes graininess and deteriorates the image quality. There is an advantage that it is possible to suppress deterioration in image quality.

  In the print control apparatus, the print data generation unit contains a protective agent for protecting the print medium on which the control information stored in the memory included in the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit is printed. Control information for discharging the protective agent from the additional nozzle row to protect the print medium according to the control information read from the memory. It is preferable to generate the print data including.

  In this configuration, for example, there is an advantage that the protective agent can be applied to the print medium without adding a device that mixes the protective agent to the ink to the printing apparatus. Further, the protective agent includes a gloss imparting liquid, a matting liquid, a light resistance improver, an antioxidant and the like depending on the content of protection, and an appropriate protective agent varies depending on the printing medium. Therefore, such a configuration also has an advantage that an appropriate protective agent can be discharged as necessary.

  In the print control apparatus, the print data generation unit contains a liquid agent for preventing control information stored in a memory included in the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit from drying the additional nozzle row. Control information including control information for using the liquid agent for preventing drying of the additional nozzle row is generated according to the control information read from the memory. It is preferable to do so.

  In this case, since the liquid agent for preventing the additional nozzle row from being dried is reliably used, there is an advantage that clogging of the additional nozzle row can be surely and prevented.

  In the print control apparatus, the print data generation unit contains a liquid agent for control information stored in a memory included in the additional cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit to clean the additional nozzle row. In the case of including information indicating that, control data including control information for using the liquid for cleaning the additional nozzle row is generated according to the control information read from the memory. It is preferable to do this.

  In this way, there is an advantage that the additional nozzle row can be reliably cleaned using the liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row. In particular, when the type of additional ink is changed, if the additional nozzle row is cleaned in advance before the change, there is an advantage that deterioration in image quality due to ink turbidity can be suppressed.

  The print head of the present invention is a print head used in a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets to form dots, and ejects four basic color inks of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Four basic color nozzle rows and additional nozzle rows arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the black ink nozzle rows for discharging black ink of the basic color nozzle rows, wherein the additional nozzle rows are The liquid agent can be supplied from the additional tank independently of the basic color nozzle row.

  In the print head, the additional nozzle row is preferably provided at an end of the print head.

  In this way, in the case where an additional tank that stores the liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row is mounted at the end of the cartridge mounting portion, an introduction pipe having a non-intersecting flow path can be easily formed. There is an advantage.

  A first configuration of the cartridge of the present invention is a cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by discharging ink droplets from a print head to form dots, and the print head includes at least cyan, magenta, Three color nozzle rows for ejecting three yellow color inks, a black ink nozzle row for ejecting black ink, and an additional nozzle row arranged in a staggered manner with the black ink nozzle row, The printing apparatus includes a color ink cartridge mounting portion that can mount a color ink cartridge that stores color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row, and a black ink that stores black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row. A black ink cartridge can be installed. And an additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row, and the additional cartridge mounting portion has a shape different from that of the black ink cartridge mounting portion. The cartridge has an additional tank that stores additional ink having a color other than black as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row, a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion, and the black And a housing having a shape that does not fit into the ink cartridge mounting portion.

  By doing so, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid inadvertently mounting a cartridge containing ink having a color other than black in the black ink cartridge mounting portion.

  In the cartridge, a color conversion table in which a given image is associated with a combination of color gradation values for expressing the image using a plurality of types of ink including the additional ink is used. A memory for storing control information used for generating print data is preferably provided.

  This has the advantage that the print control apparatus can automatically select a color conversion table suitable for the mounted cartridge.

  In the cartridge, the additional ink may be a dark yellow ink having a lightness lower than that of the yellow ink, or may be a light black ink having a lightness higher than that of the black ink.

  The second configuration of the cartridge of the present invention is fitted to any one of an additional tank that stores black ink as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row, and the black ink cartridge mounting portion and the additional cartridge mounting portion. And a housing having a shape.

  This has the advantage that the cartridge containing black ink can be used for supplying ink to the additional nozzle row and for supplying ink to the black ink nozzle row.

  According to a third configuration of the cartridge of the present invention, an additional tank that contains a protective agent for protecting a printing medium on which printing has been performed as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row, and the additional cartridge mounting portion are fitted. And a casing having a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion.

  By doing so, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid a situation in which the cartridge containing the protective agent is erroneously attached to the black ink cartridge attachment portion.

  The cartridge includes a memory for storing control information used to generate control data including control information for discharging the protective agent from the additional nozzle row in order to protect the print medium. Is preferred.

  By doing so, there is an advantage that the control method of the printing apparatus can be automatically changed so that the protective agent can be appropriately applied by mounting the cartridge containing the protective agent. Furthermore, the appropriate application method of the protective agent to the print medium may differ depending on the protective agent, but in this way, the protective device is applied by controlling the printing apparatus by an appropriate method according to the protective agent. There is also an advantage of being able to.

  According to a fourth configuration of the cartridge of the present invention, the additional tank that stores a liquid agent for preventing drying of the additional nozzle row as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row and the additional cartridge mounting portion are fitted. A dummy cartridge comprising a housing having a shape and a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion.

  Since the dummy cartridge contains a liquid agent for preventing drying of the additional nozzle row, the additional nozzle when not using the additional nozzle row is mounted by mounting the cartridge on the cartridge mounting portion when the additional nozzle row is not used. There is an advantage that clogging due to drying of the row can be prevented.

  Preferably, the cartridge includes a memory that stores control information used to generate control data including control information for using the liquid agent for preventing the additional nozzle row from drying.

  In this case, for example, there is an advantage that clogging of the additional nozzle row can be surely prevented by including a command for discharging the ink remaining in the additional nozzle row in the control information.

  The fifth configuration of the cartridge according to the present invention includes an additional tank that stores a liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row, and a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion. And a housing having a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion.

  Since the cleaning cartridge contains the liquid agent used for cleaning the additional nozzle row, it can be used for cleaning the additional nozzle row when the type of ink supplied to the additional nozzle row is changed.

  Preferably, the cartridge includes a memory for storing control information used to generate control data including control information for using the liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row.

  In this way, for example, by including control information for cleaning the inside of the additional nozzle row in the control information, there is an advantage that the cleaning of the additional nozzle row can be performed reliably.

  A first combination of the present invention is a combination of the above-described printing apparatus and cartridge, and a black ink having a color ink cartridge that contains at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow and an ink tank that contains black ink. It includes a cartridge and a dummy cartridge.

If sold in this combination, the cartridge can be used without waste as follows according to the user's wishes.
(1) To immediately perform high-speed monochrome printing, the printer 20 is purchased and used with a black ink cartridge.
(2) If super high image quality color printing is desired, the printer 20 is purchased and used together with a dark yellow ink cartridge or a light black ink cartridge.
(3) If it is desired to perform normal printing for the time being, only the printer 20 is purchased and a dummy cartridge is used.

  A second combination of the present invention is a combination of cartridges used in the printing apparatus, and includes a cartridge for storing ink or a protective agent and a cleaning cartridge.

  If the cartridge for storing the ink for the additional nozzle row and the protective agent is sold in combination with the cleaning cartridge, cleaning of the additional nozzle row can be promoted, so that there is an advantage that the quality of the print image quality can be further improved .

  The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a printing method and a printing apparatus, a printing control method and a printing control apparatus, a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or apparatuses, and the like The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, a data signal that includes the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, a print head or cartridge used in the printing apparatus, and a combination thereof.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Device configuration:
B. Printing process of the first embodiment:
C. Printing process of the second embodiment:
D. Variations:

A. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention. This printing system includes a computer 90 as a printing control device and a color printer 20 as a printing unit. The combination of the color printer 20 and the computer 90 can be called a “printing apparatus” in a broad sense.

  In the computer 90, an application program 95 operates under a predetermined operating system. A video driver 91 and a printer driver 96 are incorporated in the operating system, and print data PD to be transferred to the color printer 20 is output from the application program 95 via these drivers. The application program 95 performs desired processing on the image to be processed, and displays the image on the CRT 21 via the video driver 91.

  When the application program 95 issues a print command, the printer driver 96 of the computer 90 receives image data from the application program 95 and converts it into print data PD to be supplied to the color printer 20. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer driver 96 includes a resolution conversion module 97, a color conversion module 98, a halftone module 99, a rasterizer 100, a color conversion table LUT, and a print mode selection unit 101. A protective agent discharge control data generation unit 102.

  The resolution conversion module 97 plays a role of converting the resolution of the color image data handled by the application program 95 (that is, the number of pixels per unit length) into a resolution that can be handled by the printer driver 96. The image data subjected to resolution conversion in this way is still image information composed of three colors of RGB. The color conversion module 98 converts RGB image data into multi-tone data of a plurality of ink colors that can be used by the color printer 20 for each pixel while referring to the color conversion table LUT. In this example, a plurality of color conversion tables LUT are provided. The reason will be described later.

  The color-converted multi-gradation data has, for example, 256 gradation values. The halftone module 99 executes halftone processing for expressing the gradation value by the color printer 20 by forming the ink dots in a dispersed manner. The halftone processed image data is rearranged in the order of data to be transferred to the color printer 20 by the rasterizer 100 and output as final print data PD. The print data PD includes raster data indicating the dot recording state during each main scan and data indicating the sub-scan feed amount. The functions of the print mode selection unit 101 and the protective agent discharge control data generation unit 102 will be described later.

  The printer driver 96 corresponds to a program for realizing a function for generating the print data PD. A program for realizing the function of the printer driver 96 is supplied in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter printed with codes such as barcodes, computer internal storage devices (such as RAM and ROM). A variety of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the color printer 20. The color printer 20 includes a sub-scan feed mechanism that transports the printing paper P in the sub-scan direction by the paper feed motor 22 and a main scan feed that reciprocates the carriage 30 in the axial direction (main scan direction) of the platen 26 by the carriage motor 24. Mechanism, a head drive mechanism that drives a print head unit 60 (also referred to as a “print head assembly”) mounted on the carriage 30 to control ink ejection and dot formation, and these paper feed motor 22, carriage motor 24, a control circuit 40 that controls the exchange of signals with the print head unit 60 and the operation panel 32. The control circuit 40 is connected to the computer 90 via the connector 56.

  The sub-scan feed mechanism for transporting the printing paper P includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 22 to the platen 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown). Further, the main scanning feed mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 has an endless drive belt 36 between the carriage motor 24 and a slide shaft 34 that is installed in parallel with the axis of the platen 26 and slidably holds the carriage 30. And a position sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 30.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the color printer 20 with the control circuit 40 as the center. The control circuit 40 includes a CPU 41, a programmable ROM (PROM) 43, a RAM 44, a character generator (CG) 45 that stores a dot matrix of characters, and an MIB (Management Information) that is a database that holds the operating environment of the color printer 20. Base) 46 is configured as an arithmetic logic operation circuit. The control circuit 40 further includes an I / F dedicated circuit 50 dedicated to interface with an external motor and the like, and a head that is connected to the I / F dedicated circuit 50 and drives the print head unit 60 to eject ink. A drive circuit 52 and a motor drive circuit 54 for driving the paper feed motor 22 and the carriage motor 24 are provided.

  The I / F dedicated circuit 50 incorporates a parallel interface circuit and can receive print data PD supplied from the computer 90 via the connector 56. The color printer 20 executes printing according to the print data PD. The RAM 44 functions as a buffer memory for temporarily storing raster data. Further, the computer 90 can obtain information regarding the operating environment of the printer 20 by accessing the MIB 46. This operating environment includes information about the cartridges that are installed.

  The print head unit 60 has a print head 28 and can be mounted with an ink cartridge. The print head unit 60 is attached to and detached from the color printer 20 as one component. That is, when the print head 28 is to be replaced, the print head unit 60 is replaced.

  The print head unit 60 is provided with two black ink cartridges 171K and one color ink cartridge 170F. The black ink cartridge 171K and the color ink cartridge 170F are provided with memories 181K and 180F, respectively. In these memories 181K and 180F, ink information for specifying the type of ink stored in the ink cartridge is stored. The ink information is read by the data reading unit 53 and sent to the computer 90 via the I / F dedicated circuit 50 and the connector 56. The memories 181K and 180F may store various types of information such as the expiration date and remaining amount of ink stored therein.

  In this printing apparatus, a dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY for storing dark yellow ink can be mounted instead of the black ink cartridge 171K. Here, the dark yellow ink refers to an ink having a lightness lower than that of the yellow ink, and is also called a dark yellow ink. Specifically, the dark yellow ink is an ink in which a color material for other ink (for example, dark cyan and dark magenta) is mixed with the yellow ink. When using dark yellow ink containing a dark cyan component and a dark magenta component, the amount of ink (especially the amount of solvent) ejected onto the print medium compared to when yellow, dark cyan, and dark magenta ink droplets are ejected separately. ) Is less. As a result, there is an advantage that the print image quality of the shadow portion can be improved.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 28. The lower surface of the print head 28, for discharging the color ink, a cyan ink nozzle row C for ejecting cyan ink, light and light cyan ink nozzle row C _L for ejecting cyan ink, a magenta ink a magenta ink nozzle row M for ejecting the light magenta ink nozzle row M _L for ejecting light magenta ink, and a yellow nozzle row Y for ejecting yellow ink. Further, in order to eject black ink, there are a black ink nozzle row K for ejecting black ink and an additional nozzle row S for ejecting additional ink that can be selected from either black ink or dark yellow ink. Is formed.

  In the present specification, the four inks C, M, Y, and K other than the light ink are referred to as “four basic color inks”. More specifically, “four basic color inks” means cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink that can reproduce black by mixing almost equal amounts, and black ink that is not gray. ing. In the present specification, the four nozzle rows Y, M, C, and K for ejecting these four basic color inks are referred to as “basic color nozzle rows”.

  The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle row are aligned at a constant nozzle pitch K · D along the sub-scanning direction SS. Here, K is an integer, and D is a pitch (referred to as “dot pitch”) corresponding to the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction.

  The additional nozzle row S is arranged in a staggered manner with the black ink nozzle row K in order to eject black ink. Therefore, when black ink is selected as the additional ink, as can be seen from FIG. 4, the nozzle pitch of the plurality of nozzles that eject the black ink is (k / 2) × D. As a result, the number of raster lines that can be formed in one main scan is twice that in the case of black and white printing when dark yellow ink is selected as the additional ink.

  Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets. During printing, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle while the print head 28 moves in the main scanning direction MS.

  The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle row need not be arranged in a straight line along the sub-scanning direction, and may be arranged in a staggered manner, for example. Even when the nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern, the nozzle pitch K · D measured in the sub-scanning direction can be defined in the same manner as in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the print head unit 60. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the print head unit 60. The print head unit 60 includes a cartridge mounting unit including a color ink cartridge mounting unit 65 for five colors, a black ink cartridge mounting unit 66, and an additional cartridge mounting unit 67. Here, the additional cartridge refers to a cartridge having an additional ink tank that stores additional ink to be supplied to the additional nozzle row S. The additional ink is selected from either black ink or dark yellow ink. be able to. In this embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion is configured such that an additional cartridge can be mounted independently from the cartridge that stores the basic color ink at the end of the cartridge mounting portion. The reason for adopting such a configuration is that there is an advantage that the replacement of the cartridge for supplying the liquid agent to the additional nozzle row is facilitated.

  The print head 28 below the print head unit 60 is formed with a total of seven nozzle rows corresponding to the additional ink, black ink, and five color inks accommodated in the additional cartridge. At the bottom of 60, introduction pipes 72 to 78 for guiding ink from each cartridge are erected to each nozzle row. The introduction pipe 72 is a pipe for guiding ink from the additional cartridge. The introduction pipe 73 is a pipe for guiding ink from the black ink cartridge. The introduction pipes 74 to 78 are pipes for guiding ink from the color ink cartridge.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram of the print head unit 60 viewed in the direction of arrow A. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the print head unit 60 is provided with a black ink cartridge mounting portion 66 and an additional cartridge mounting portion 67 side by side. The black ink cartridge mounting portion 66 is provided with a black ink cartridge mounting guide 61, and the additional cartridge mounting portion 67 is provided with an additional cartridge mounting guide 62. As can be seen from the figure, the black ink cartridge mounting guide 61 and the additional cartridge mounting guide 62 have different shapes.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge 171K and the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY. The black ink cartridge 171K has a black ink cartridge side mounting guide 68 in its housing. The dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY has a dark yellow ink cartridge side mounting guide 69 in its housing.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the black ink cartridge mounting guide 68 of the black ink cartridge 171K is fitted to the black ink cartridge mounting guide 61 of the print head unit 60, but the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY has. The cartridge side mounting guide 69 is not fitted. On the other hand, the cartridge mounting guides 68 and 69 are fitted into the additional cartridge mounting guide 62 of the print head unit 60. As a result, only the black ink cartridge 171K can be mounted on the black ink cartridge mounting portion 66, and the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY cannot be mounted. On the other hand, both the black ink cartridge 171K and the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY can be mounted on the additional cartridge mounting portion 67.

  The reason why the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY cannot be mounted on the black ink cartridge mounting portion is to prevent ink from being supplied from the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY to the black ink nozzle row due to erroneous mounting. . On the other hand, the black ink cartridge 171K can be mounted in both the black ink cartridge mounting portion and the additional cartridge mounting portion. This is because it is preferable from the viewpoint of user convenience that the black ink cartridge 171K can be mounted in any case.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the color ink cartridge. In the color ink cartridge 170F, five types of inks of cyan (C), light cyan (LC), magenta (M), light magenta (LM), and yellow (Y) are integrally stored.

  The color ink cartridge 170F is a combination of five ink tanks for five types of ink. Instead of the ink cartridge 170F, the print head unit 60 may be configured so that an independent ink tank can be attached to the print head unit 60 for each ink. In this case, a memory is provided for each ink tank. As can be understood from this description, in this specification, the “ink tank” means a container for containing one type of ink. The ink cartridge means a container that is formed integrally and has at least one ink tank.

  In the color printer 20 having the hardware configuration described above, the carriage 30 is reciprocated by the carriage motor 24 while the paper P is transported by the paper feed motor 22, and simultaneously the piezo elements of the print head 28 are driven, so that each color ink Droplets are ejected to form ink dots on the paper P to form a multicolor / multi-tone image.

B. Printing process of the first embodiment:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a preparation procedure for print processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. This preparation procedure is automatically started when the color printer 20 is turned on (step S101). This preparation procedure is similarly started when one of the ink cartridges 171K and 170F (FIG. 3) is mounted while the power of the color printer 20 is “ON”. In this case, the procedure starts from the next step S102.

  In step S102, the CPU 41 of the color printer 20 detects the ink cartridges 171K and 170F. Here, the detection of the ink cartridge means that an electrical connection has been established with the memories 181K and 180F provided in the ink cartridges 171K and 170F.

  In step S103, the data reading unit 53 (FIG. 3) reads control information for using the ink cartridge mounted on the color printer 20 from the memories 181K and 180F. This control information includes information indicating the type of ink stored in the ink cartridge. The control information is sent to the computer 90 via the connector 56 (FIG. 3) (step S104).

  The computer 90 accesses the MIB 46 and checks whether there is any change in the operating environment of the printer 20, particularly whether there is a change in the mounted cartridge. When there is a change, for example, when the additional cartridge is changed from the dark yellow ink cartridge to the black ink cartridge, the additional nozzle row and the introduction pipe 72 are cleaned using the black ink stored in the black ink cartridge. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the mixing of the ink colors. In the case of changing the type of cartridge, it is preferable to clean the additional nozzle row using a cleaning cartridge that contains a cleaning liquid for cleaning the additional nozzle row prior to the change.

  In step S105, the print mode selection unit 101 (FIG. 1) performs a print mode management process. The print mode management process is performed according to the type of the installed ink cartridge. Specifically, as shown below, different management is performed depending on whether a black ink cartridge or a dark yellow ink cartridge is attached to the additional cartridge.

  When the black ink cartridge 171K is mounted, the color conversion table LUT is selected according to the control information read from the memory 181K included in the black ink cartridge 171K. The color conversion table LUT is data in which a given image is associated with a combination of color gradation values for expressing the image using a plurality of types of ink stored in the ink cartridges 171K and 170F. Is a set of Further, the print mode selection unit 101 manages the print mode so that high-speed printing is performed using two nozzle rows (additional nozzle row S and black ink nozzle row K) during monochrome printing.

  On the other hand, when the dark yellow ink cartridge is mounted, the color conversion table LUT is similarly selected. The color conversion table LUT associates a given image with a combination of color gradation values for expressing the image using a plurality of types of ink stored in the ink cartridges 171K, 171DY, and 170F. A collection of data. Furthermore, the print mode selection unit 101 manages the print mode so that a print mode for performing super high image quality printing using all ink including dark yellow ink can be selected during color printing.

  When such a preparation procedure is completed, the computer 90 stores the set new operating environment in the MIB 46. Then, the printing apparatus is in a state capable of performing a printing process as described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the printing process in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S201, the user instructs the computer 90 to print. In step S202, when a “property button” (not shown) in the print dialog box displayed on the CRT 21 is clicked, the print mode selection unit 101 (FIG. 1) displays the property setting screen shown in FIG. To display.

  The user can specify various parameters that define the print mode in the property setting screen. The print mode basic setting screen in FIG. 10 has a menu for designating various parameters, and includes an ink color selection button CLR. The ink color selection button CLR is a button for selecting whether to use color ink or only black ink.

  The user can also set other parameters on the detailed setting screen of the print mode, but in the description of the present embodiment, description of these other parameters is omitted.

  When the user selects an ink color and instructs printing to start in step S203 of FIG. 9, the rasterizer 100 (FIG. 1) performs rasterization according to the information sent from the print mode selection unit 101 in step S204. Determine the content of the process. The contents of the rasterizing process include, for example, information indicating that the black ink cartridge 171K is selected as the additional cartridge and “black” (FIG. 10) is selected by the ink color selection button CLR. Is sent from the additional nozzle array S and the black ink nozzle array K is set so that printing is performed at high speed.

  In step S206 of FIG. 9, the printer driver 96 performs color conversion using the color conversion table LUT selected in the print mode management process (step S105) shown in FIG. 8, and after halftone processing, in step S204. The print data PD is generated by performing the rasterization process in which the content of the process is determined. The print data PD is sent from the computer 90 (FIG. 1) via the connector 56 to the I / F dedicated circuit 50 of the control circuit 40 (FIG. 3). The printer 20 can perform high-speed monochrome printing according to the print data PD. On the other hand, when the dark yellow ink cartridge 171DY is selected as the additional cartridge, super high-quality color printing is possible.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by selecting a cartridge to be mounted, one printing apparatus can be used as a printing apparatus capable of high-speed black-and-white printing using two nozzle rows that discharge black ink. There is an advantage that it can also be used as a printing apparatus capable of super-high-quality color printing using ink.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid agent supplied to the additional nozzle row is selected from black ink or dark yellow ink, but light black ink may be selected. In general, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment can select the liquid agent supplied to the additional nozzle row from any one of a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink by selecting an additional tank mounted on the cartridge mounting unit. Anything is fine. However, if light black ink can be selected, the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment can suppress variation in color balance accompanying the generation of the composite black and graininess in the shadow portion. There is an advantage. Color balance refers to the balance of cyan, magenta, and yellow when forming composite black using color ink. If the color balance varies, that is, for example, if there is a large amount of cyan, there is a problem that the black becomes cyan.

C. Printing process of the second embodiment:
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a cartridge containing a protective agent for protecting the printed medium after printing is installed as an additional cartridge. This protective agent is a liquid agent for protecting a printing medium on which printing has been performed. As described below, the types of printing media that can be used for each protective agent may be limited, and the method of discharging onto the printing medium is appropriately controlled depending on the printing medium. It is preferable to do this.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of using a protective agent in the printing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is an explanatory view showing a method of using the protective agent X. As can be seen from FIG. 11A, the protective agent X can be used for the print media B to D, but cannot be used for the print medium A. Further, when the protective agent X is used for the printing medium B, it is preferable to discharge the protective agent X simultaneously with the ink discharge. However, when the protective agent X is used for the print media C and D, it is preferable to discharge the protective agent X onto the print medium in advance and then perform printing. FIG. 11B is an explanatory view showing a method of using another protective agent Y. As can be seen from these figures, the method of using the protective agent (appropriateness to the printing medium and preferable discharge method of the protective agent) may differ depending on the protective agent.

  Also in the printing process of the second embodiment, a preparation process for the printing process is performed. This preparation process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 as in the first embodiment. However, the control information read from the memory of the cartridge in step S103 includes information indicating that a protective agent for protecting the printed printing medium is stored, and protection as shown in the table of FIG. The first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes information used for discharging the agent.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a basic setting screen for the print mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the user can specify various parameters that define the print mode in this property setting screen. The basic setting screen of the print mode in FIG. 12 includes a paper type menu PM and a protective agent use check box PF. The paper type menu PM is a pull-down menu for selecting the type of print medium used for printing. The protective agent use check box PF is a check box for designating whether or not to use a protective agent. In this example, it is assumed that an additional cartridge (not shown) that stores the protective agent Y is attached to the printer 20.

  When the printing medium B is selected in the paper type menu PM, a protective agent use check box PF appears and a printing method when the protective agent is used is also displayed. The reason why such a display is performed is that the protective agent Y can be used for the print medium B as shown in FIG. Such display control is realized based on the control information read from the memory included in the additional cartridge containing the protective agent. When the print medium C is selected in the paper type menu PM, as shown in FIG. 11B, the display of the protective agent use check box PF and the printing method when using the protective agent disappears. .

  The user performs printing according to the instruction in the basic setting screen of the print mode. Specifically, first, a check mark is put in the protective agent use check box PF. Next, a print instruction is issued and printing is started. Finally, the printed printing paper is put into a paper feeding unit (not shown). In this way, the discharge of the protective agent onto the printing paper is automatically started after 5 minutes from printing. For example, the protective agent is ejected in the same manner as when solid printing is performed using ink. In this example, the reason why the protective agent is automatically discharged after 5 minutes has passed is that if a large amount of protective agent is applied immediately after printing, bleeding or cockling (deflection of the printing medium) occurs. This is to avoid such a situation that the print head 28 and the printing paper come into contact with each other. Such discharge control is performed according to the control data generated by the protective agent discharge control data generation unit 102.

  Thus, in the second embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that the protective agent coating process, which has been conventionally performed manually, can be easily performed by using the additional nozzle row.

  The control information used in the present embodiment only needs to include information indicating that a protective agent for protecting the printing medium on which printing is performed is contained. However, it is preferable that the control information includes a method for using the protective agent (appropriateness to the printing medium and a preferable ejection method of the protective agent). This is because there is an advantage that the protective agent can be applied by controlling the printing apparatus by an appropriate method according to the protective agent.

  The protective agent includes a light resistance improver, a water resistance improver, an antioxidant, and an ultraviolet absorber depending on the purpose of protection. In general, the protective agent may be a liquid agent for protecting the printing medium, and it is widely used to provide gloss such as a gloss-imparting liquid or to reduce the glossiness like a matting treatment liquid. Also included.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid agent supplied to the additional nozzle row is ink or a protective agent, but is a liquid agent that prevents drying of the additional nozzle row when not in use or a liquid agent that is used for cleaning the additional nozzle row. Also good. Generally, the liquid agent used in the present invention may be used for supplying to the additional nozzle row.

D. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

D-1. In the above-described embodiment, a print head including a nozzle array that ejects seven inks including light ink is used. However, the print head used in the present invention includes five basic color nozzle arrays and five additional nozzle arrays. A nozzle row may be provided. Generally, the print head used in the present invention has a basic color nozzle row and additional nozzle rows arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the black ink nozzle row for discharging black ink in the basic color nozzle row. Anything is fine.

D-2. In the above embodiment, the cartridge mounting unit can mount a color ink cartridge in which five ink tanks each containing five types of color inks are combined, a black ink cartridge, and an additional cartridge having an additional tank. However, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which an independent cartridge can be mounted for each ink. Generally, the cartridge mounting portion used in the present invention stores one or a plurality of ink cartridges each having a plurality of basic color ink tanks for storing basic color inks, and a liquid agent to be supplied to an additional nozzle row. It is sufficient that an additional cartridge having an additional tank to be mounted can be mounted.

D-3. In the above embodiment, it is assumed that an additional cartridge is mounted at the time of printing, but the printing apparatus of the present invention can perform printing without necessarily mounting an additional cartridge. However, when the additional cartridge is not mounted, for example, a dummy cartridge that stores a liquid agent for preventing the additional nozzle row from drying so that the liquid agent remaining in the additional nozzle row and the introduction pipe 72 does not evaporate and harden. It is preferable to wear. The dummy cartridge is preferably provided with a memory for storing control information used for generating print data including control information for using the liquid agent for preventing drying.

D-4. In the above embodiment, the additional nozzle row is cleaned using the additional ink. However, when the type of ink supplied to the additional nozzle row is changed, a liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row is accommodated. Preferably, the additional nozzle row is cleaned using a cleaning cartridge. The cleaning cartridge is preferably provided with a memory that stores control information used to generate print data including control information for using the cleaning liquid.

D-5. The printing apparatus of the present invention is preferably sold in combination with a color ink cartridge having a basic color ink tank, a black cartridge having a black ink tank, and a dummy cartridge. In this way, the cartridge can be used efficiently as shown below according to the user's wishes.
(1) To immediately perform high-speed monochrome printing, the printer 20 is purchased and used with a black ink cartridge.
(2) If super high image quality color printing is desired, the printer 20 is purchased and used together with a dark yellow ink cartridge or a light black ink cartridge.
(3) If it is desired to perform normal printing for the time being, only the printer 20 is purchased and a dummy cartridge is used.

D-6. The cartridge of the present invention is preferably sold in a combination including a cartridge containing ink or a protective agent and a cleaning cartridge. The reason for this is that if a cartridge containing ink and protective agent for the additional nozzle row is sold in combination with a cleaning cartridge, cleaning of the additional nozzle row can be promoted, thereby improving the quality of the print image quality. This is because there is an advantage that it can be done.

D-7. In the above embodiment, the type of the print medium is specified by selecting the print mode. However, the print medium may be specified by installing a means for automatically specifying the type of the print medium in the printing apparatus. In general, any configuration may be used as long as information indicating the type of print medium is given.

  As a means for automatically specifying the type of print medium, for example, a light specifying means for identifying and specifying reflected light based on a difference in light reflectance between dedicated paper and plain paper, a recording medium or its packaging in advance. There are bar code reading means for specifying by reading a bar code attached to a material, and means for specifying using an IC reader. Such means has the advantage that no user operation is required to specify the type of print medium, and the means specified by selecting the print mode has the advantage that it can be realized with a simple configuration.

  The present invention can also be applied to a drum printer. In the drum printer, the drum rotation direction is the main scanning direction, and the carriage traveling direction is the sub-scanning direction. The present invention can be applied not only to an ink jet printer but also to a dot recording apparatus that generally records on the surface of a print medium using a recording head having a plurality of nozzle arrays.

  In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. For example, part or all of the functions of the printer driver 96 shown in FIG. 1 can be executed by the control circuit 40 in the printer 20. In this case, part or all of the functions of the computer 90 serving as a print control apparatus for creating print data are realized by the control circuit 40 of the printer 20.

  When some or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, and the like. An external storage device fixed to the computer is also included.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit 40 in the color printer 20. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the print head unit 60. The perspective view of a black ink cartridge and a dark yellow ink cartridge. The perspective view of a color ink cartridge. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print data generation processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the basic setting screen of the printing mode in 1st Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the discharge method of the protective agent in the printing process of 2nd Example of this invention. The figure which shows the basic setting screen of the printing mode in 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

20 ... Color printer 21 ... CRT
22 ... paper feed motor 24 ... carriage motor 26 ... platen 28 ... printing head 30 ... carriage 32 ... operation panel 34 ... sliding shaft 36 ... drive belt 38. ..Pulley 39 ... Position sensor 40 ... Control circuit 41 ... CPU
44 ... RAM
46 ... MIB
50 ... I / F dedicated circuit 52 ... Head drive circuit 53 ... Data reading section 54 ... Motor drive circuit 56 ... Connector 60 ... Print head unit 61 ... Black ink cartridge Mounting guide 62 ... Additional cartridge mounting guide 65 ... Color ink cartridge mounting section 66 ... Black ink cartridge mounting section 67 ... Additional cartridge mounting section 68 ... Black ink cartridge side mounting guide 69 ... Dark yellow ink cartridge side installation guide 72-78 ... Introducing pipe 90 ... Computer 91 ... Video driver 95 ... Application program 96 ... Printer driver 97 ... Resolution conversion module 98 ... Color conversion module 99 ... Halftone module 100 ... Rasterizer 101 ... Print mode selection unit 102 ... Protective agent discharge control Over data generating unit 170F ... color ink cartridge 171DY ... dark yellow ink cartridge 171K ... black ink cartridge 181K ... memory

Claims (23)

A printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
Four basic color nozzle arrays for ejecting four basic color inks of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, and a staggered pattern of black ink nozzle arrays for ejecting black ink of the basic color nozzle arrays An additional nozzle row arranged in a print head, and
One or a plurality of ink cartridges having a plurality of basic color ink tanks for respectively storing the basic color inks, and an additional cartridge having an additional tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row can be mounted. The cartridge mounting part,
With
The additional nozzle row can be supplied with a liquid agent from the additional tank independently of the basic color nozzle row,
The liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row can be selected from any of a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink by selecting the additional tank mounted on the cartridge mounting unit. apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus, wherein the cartridge mounting unit can mount the additional tank independently from one or a plurality of ink cartridges having the basic color ink tank. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The printing apparatus, wherein the cartridge mounting unit can mount the additional tank at an end of the cartridge mounting unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The cartridge mounting portion includes a black ink cartridge mounting portion for mounting a black ink cartridge, and an additional cartridge mounting portion for mounting the additional cartridge,
The case of the additional cartridge is different in shape between a first type housing for containing black ink and a second type housing for containing a liquid agent other than black ink,
The black ink cartridge mounting portion has a shape that fits into both the casing of the black ink cartridge and the first type casing of the additional cartridge, and fits with the second type casing of the additional cartridge. A printing device having a shape that does not match. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The print head further comprises:
A light cyan ink nozzle array for discharging light cyan ink having a lower density than cyan ink;
A light magenta ink nozzle row for discharging light magenta ink having a density lower than that of magenta ink;
With
The cartridge mounting portion can further be mounted with an ink tank that stores the light cyan ink and the light magenta ink, respectively.
The additional nozzle array may be further supplied with a liquid agent from the additional tank independently of the light cyan ink nozzle array and the light magenta ink nozzle array. A print head used in a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets to form dots,
Four basic color nozzle rows for ejecting four basic color inks of black, cyan, magenta and yellow, respectively;
An additional nozzle row arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the black ink nozzle row for discharging black ink of the basic color nozzle row;
With
The print head according to claim 1, wherein the additional nozzle row can be supplied with a liquid agent from the additional tank independently of the basic color nozzle row. The print head according to claim 6, comprising:
The additional nozzle row is a print head provided at an end of the print head. The print head according to claim 6 or 7,
The print head further comprises:
A light cyan ink nozzle array for discharging light cyan ink having a lower density than cyan ink;
A light magenta ink nozzle row for discharging light magenta ink having a density lower than that of magenta ink;
With
The print head according to claim 1, wherein the additional nozzle row is further capable of receiving liquid supply from the additional tank independently of the light cyan ink nozzle row and the light magenta ink nozzle row. A cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
The print head is
Three color nozzle rows for ejecting at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively;
A black ink nozzle row for discharging black ink;
An additional nozzle row arranged in a staggered manner with the black ink nozzle row;
With
The printing apparatus includes:
A color ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a color ink cartridge containing color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row;
A black ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a black ink cartridge containing black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row;
An additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
The additional cartridge mounting portion has a different shape from the black ink cartridge mounting portion,
The cartridge is
An additional tank for storing additional ink having a color other than black as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
A housing having a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion and a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion;
A cartridge comprising: The cartridge of claim 9, further comprising:
To generate print data using a color conversion table in which a given image and a combination of color gradation values for expressing the image using a plurality of types of ink including the additional ink are associated with each other A cartridge comprising a memory for storing control information used in the cartridge. The cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
The additional ink is a dark yellow ink having a lightness lower than that of the yellow ink. The cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the additional ink is a light black ink having a higher lightness than the black ink. A cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
The print head includes at least three color nozzle arrays for ejecting at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, a black ink nozzle array for ejecting black ink, the black ink nozzle array, and a staggered pattern. With additional nozzle rows arranged,
The printing apparatus includes:
A color ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a color ink cartridge containing color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row;
A black ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a black ink cartridge containing black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row;
An additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
The additional cartridge mounting portion has a different shape from the black ink cartridge mounting portion,
The cartridge is
An additional tank containing black ink as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
A housing having a shape that fits into both the black ink cartridge mounting portion and the additional cartridge mounting portion;
A cartridge comprising: The cartridge of claim 13, further comprising:
A cartridge comprising a memory for storing control information used for generating print data for black and white printing using the black ink nozzle row and the additional nozzle row during black and white printing. A cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
The print head includes at least three color nozzle arrays for ejecting at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, a black ink nozzle array for ejecting black ink, the black ink nozzle array, and a staggered pattern. With additional nozzle rows arranged,
The printing apparatus includes:
A color ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a color ink cartridge containing color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row;
A black ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a black ink cartridge containing black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row;
An additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
The additional cartridge mounting portion has a different shape from the black ink cartridge mounting portion,
The cartridge is
An additional tank containing a protective agent for protecting the printing medium on which printing has been performed as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
A housing having a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion and a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion;
A cartridge comprising: The cartridge according to claim 15, wherein
A cartridge comprising a memory for storing control information used to generate control data including control information for discharging the protective agent from the additional nozzle row to protect the print medium. A dummy cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
The print head includes at least three color nozzle arrays for ejecting at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, a black ink nozzle array for ejecting black ink, the black ink nozzle array, and a staggered pattern. With additional nozzle rows arranged,
The printing apparatus includes:
A color ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a color ink cartridge containing color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row;
A black ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a black ink cartridge containing black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row;
An additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
The additional cartridge mounting portion has a different shape from the black ink cartridge mounting portion,
The cartridge is
An additional tank for storing a liquid agent for preventing drying of the additional nozzle row as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
A housing having a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion and a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion;
A dummy cartridge comprising: A dummy cartridge according to claim 17,
A dummy cartridge comprising a memory for storing control information used to generate control data including control information for using a liquid agent for preventing drying of the additional nozzle row. A cleaning cartridge that can be mounted on a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
The print head includes at least three color nozzle arrays for ejecting at least three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, a black ink nozzle array for ejecting black ink, the black ink nozzle array, and a staggered pattern. With additional nozzle rows arranged,
The printing apparatus includes:
A color ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a color ink cartridge containing color ink to be supplied to the color nozzle row;
A black ink cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting a black ink cartridge containing black ink to be supplied to the black ink nozzle row;
An additional cartridge mounting portion capable of mounting an additional cartridge for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
The additional cartridge mounting portion has a different shape from the black ink cartridge mounting portion,
The cartridge is
An additional tank containing a liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row as a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
A housing having a shape that fits into the additional cartridge mounting portion and a shape that does not fit into the black ink cartridge mounting portion;
A cleaning cartridge comprising: The cleaning cartridge according to claim 19, wherein
A cleaning cartridge comprising a memory for storing control information used to generate control data including control information for using a liquid agent for cleaning the additional nozzle row. A combination of a printing apparatus and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A color ink cartridge containing at least three color inks of cyan, magenta and yellow;
A black ink cartridge having an ink tank containing black ink;
A dummy cartridge according to claim 17 or 18,
A combination of a printing apparatus and a cartridge characterized by comprising: A combination of cartridges used in the printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 16,
A cleaning cartridge according to claim 19 or 20,
A cartridge combination characterized by comprising: A printing method for performing printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head to form dots,
Four basic color nozzle arrays for ejecting four basic color inks of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, and a staggered pattern of black ink nozzle arrays for ejecting black ink of the basic color nozzle arrays Providing a print head having an additional nozzle row arranged in
Mounting one or more ink cartridges having a plurality of basic color ink tanks for respectively storing the basic color inks, and an additional tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the additional nozzle row;
With
Supplying the liquid agent from the additional tank to the additional nozzle row independently of the basic color nozzle row;
The liquid agent supplied to the additional nozzle row is selected from any of a plurality of types of liquid agents including black ink by selecting the additional tank mounted on the cartridge mounting unit;
A printing method comprising:

Images