JP2002225241A - Ink jet printer and its printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet printer and its printing method for effective printing with improved printing speed by reducing useless printing operations according to the width of an image to be printed. SOLUTION: The printer has a print head having M nozzles (M is an integer not less than two) capable of printing M dots simultaneously at a given nozzle pitch in a Y-axis direction of two dimensions. In printing an image on a printing object by scanning it in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relatively, the width of the image to be printed as a width of the Y-axis direction of the printing is determined image; a feed pitch of the relative scanning in the Y-axis direction is determined according to the width; the head relatively scans the printing object in the X-axis direction to print dot-lines extending in the X-axis direction with M dots, to the maximum, aligned in the Y-axis direction; and after the printing, the head is relatively moved to the object at the feed pitch for relative scanning in the Y-axis direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet printer and a printing method thereof, and more particularly, to a case where two mutually orthogonal two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates are defined as an X axis and a Y axis.
A print image is printed on a print target by scanning a print target (inkjet head) having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the Y-axis direction relative to the print target in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The present invention relates to an inkjet printer and a printing method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, this type of ink jet printer employs a so-called microwave printing method because the amount of movement (feed pitch) in the Y-axis direction can be kept constant. For example, the present applicant has already proposed this type of ink jet printer (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
9-339361). Here, in the case of the so-called microwave printing method, at the feed pitch P and the nozzle pitch D, (the position of) the printable dot R = Pj
+ Di. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the feed pitch P = 4 and the nozzle pitch D = 3 (that is, printable dots R = 4j + 3i), i = 0, 1, 2, 3
If the four nozzles are used, as shown in FIG. 7B, after Step = 6, the state becomes OK (printing on all dots is possible), and printing can be performed in the illustrated pattern.

[0003]

However, in this type of printing method, it is necessary to start the printing operation from outside the actual printing area. For example, in the example described above with reference to FIG.
The actual print area is below the OK line shown in the figure (Step = 6 and later) as in “OK after step = 6”, but the printing operation is performed by moving the print head (inkjet head) above it. It is necessary to start from a state where the nozzle is moved to a position (a position where the nozzle at Pass = 1 is set to the reference position t = 0). That is, the printing operation is useless because it is not directly reflected in the printing. In particular, when the width of the print image in the Y-axis direction (width below the above-mentioned OK line) is small, the ratio of the useless printing operation to the effective printing operation is increased, and the printing efficiency is reduced as a whole. This causes a reduction in printing speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet printer capable of efficiently printing by reducing the waste of a printing operation according to the width of a printed image and achieving high-speed printing, and a printing method therefor. I do.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, when two mutually orthogonal two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates are defined as an X axis and a Y axis, the ink jet printer has a predetermined nozzle pitch in the Y axis direction. At the same time, a print head having M nozzles capable of printing M dots (M is an integer of 2 or more) is provided.
An ink jet printer that prints a print image on the print target by relatively scanning the print target in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the print image width being a width in the Y-axis direction of the print image. Determining a feed pitch in relative scanning in the Y-axis direction according to the print image width, and moving the print head in the X-axis direction with respect to the printing target. X-axis direction relative scanning means for printing M dot lines extending in the X-axis direction at maximum in the Y-axis direction by relative scanning, and the printing head after printing by the relative scanning in the X-axis direction. And a Y-axis direction relative scanning means for performing relative scanning in the Y-axis direction by relatively moving at a feed pitch with respect to the printing object.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method for an ink jet printer, wherein when two axes orthogonal to each other in two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates are an X axis and a Y axis, M dots are simultaneously formed at a predetermined nozzle pitch in the Y axis direction. (M is an integer of 2 or more), a print head having M nozzles capable of printing is relatively scanned in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the print target, thereby printing a print image on the print target. A printing method of an ink jet printer for printing, comprising: a print image width determining step of determining a print image width that is a width of the print image in a Y-axis direction; and in accordance with the print image width, a relative scan in a Y-axis direction. A feed pitch determining step of determining a feed pitch, and by scanning the print head relative to the printing object in the X-axis direction, a dot line extending at the maximum in the X-axis direction is formed in the Y-axis direction. X-axis direction relative scanning step for arranging and printing, and after printing by the X-axis direction relative scanning, the print head is relatively moved at the feed pitch with respect to the print target in the Y-axis direction. And a Y-axis direction relative scanning step of performing relative scanning.

[0007] In this ink jet printer and its printing method, M inks are simultaneously printed at a predetermined nozzle pitch in the Y-axis direction.
By printing a print head having M nozzles capable of printing dots (M is an integer of 2 or more) relative to the print target in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, a print image is printed on the print target. Print. In this case, the print image width, which is the width of the print image in the Y-axis direction, is determined, and the feed pitch in the relative scanning in the Y-axis direction is determined accordingly, so that the feed pitch is suitable for the print image width. Further, since the print head is relatively moved with respect to the print target at an appropriate feed pitch, waste of relative scanning in the Y-axis direction, that is, waste of the printing operation can be reduced. Therefore, the printing operation can be efficiently performed with less waste of the printing operation according to the width of the print image, and the printing speed can be increased.

Further, in the ink jet printer according to the first aspect, the feed pitch determination means may include a Y-axis defined based on a nozzle row length corresponding to an interval between nozzles at both ends of the M print heads. It is preferable to have a print width comparison unit that compares the single printable width in the direction with the print image width.

In the printing method of an ink jet printer according to claim 7, the step of determining the feed pitch is determined based on a nozzle row length corresponding to an interval between nozzles at both ends of the M print heads. It is preferable to include a print width comparison step of comparing the single printable width in the Y-axis direction with the print image width.

In this ink jet printer and its printing method, a single printable width in the Y-axis direction determined based on a nozzle row length corresponding to a distance between nozzles at both ends of the M print heads, and a print image As we compare the width, we refer to this comparison result (based on the comparison result)
The feed pitch can be determined. For example, it is possible to easily use a different feed pitch for the case where the single printable width ≧ the print image width and the case where the single printable width <the print image width, thereby printing according to the width of the print image. Reduce wasted motion,
High-speed printing can be achieved.

3. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the feed pitch determining means adjusts the feed pitch based on a relationship between the nozzle pitch of the print head and the resolution of the print image. It is preferable to have adjusting means.

Further, in the printing method of the ink jet printer according to claim 7 or 8, the step of determining the feed pitch adjusts the feed pitch based on a relationship between the nozzle pitch of the print head and the resolution of the print image. It is preferable to have a print resolution adjusting step.

In this ink jet printer and its printing method, the feed pitch is adjusted based on the relationship between the nozzle pitch of the print head and the resolution of the printed image.
The feed pitch can be determined in consideration of not only the width of the print image but also the resolution, whereby the waste of the printing operation can be reduced according to the width and the resolution of the print image, and the printing speed can be increased.

It is preferable that the ink jet printer according to any one of the first to third aspects further includes a print image storage unit that stores print image data representing the print image.

Preferably, the printing method of the ink jet printer according to any one of claims 7 to 9 further comprises a print image storing step of storing print image data representing the print image.

In this ink jet printer and its printing method, print image data representing a print image is stored, so that the print image width can be determined with reference to the print image data.

Preferably, the ink jet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprises a print target width detecting means for detecting a width of the print target in the Y-axis direction as a print target width.

Preferably, the printing method of an ink jet printer according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a print target width detecting step of detecting a width of the print target in the Y-axis direction as a print target width. .

In this ink jet printer and its printing method, the width of the printing object in the Y-axis direction is detected as the printing object width. Therefore, the detected printing object width is, for example, a default print image width (maximum printable width). For example, the print image width can be easily determined.

Further, in the ink jet printer according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, it is preferable that the printing object is long and is mounted so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the X-axis direction.

Further, in the printing method of the ink jet printer according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the printing object may have a long shape, and may be mounted so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the X-axis direction. preferable.

In this ink jet printer and its printing method, the object to be printed is long and mounted so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the X-axis direction. It can be increased, and the speed can be further increased.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image printing system to which the printing method is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the image printing system PSYS has a personal computer, an engineering workstation (EWS), and the like, and is provided with an image creation system (EWS) for creating print image data of a desired print image. Or an apparatus) WS0 and an image printing apparatus 1 for printing a print image based on the print image data. The print image data created by the image creation system WS0 includes line data expressing one line of the print image data. Is transferred (transmitted) to the image printing apparatus 1 via the first interface IF1 in units of.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the image printing apparatus 1, a tape T supplied (mounted) in a reel form (on the right side in the drawing) is used as a printing target, and a paper feed (PF) motor is used. PF roller 1 driven by MPF
1, the work area for printing (printable area)
The tape T is paid out to the suction unit 12 to be printed, and desired printing is performed on the tape T by a print head group (ink jet head group) PH (details not shown) mounted on the head unit 6. (To the left in the figure). The suction unit 12 holds the tape T at a predetermined printing position by a fan (not shown) during printing.

On the tape T, like a normal paper tape,
There are a type with no adhesive surface on the back surface and a type with an adhesive surface formed on the back surface and covered with release paper, and various tape widths of about 50 mm to 150 mm (20 types for every about 5 mm) Degree) is prepared. Further, a tape width detection sensor (not shown) is connected to a tape guide (feed guide: guide plate or the like) (not shown) provided to be adjustable in width to guide the mounting of the tape T, and the mounted tape T Tape width can be detected. As shown in FIG. 3, in the following description,
A longitudinal direction of the tape T is defined as an X-axis direction or a main scanning direction, and a direction orthogonal thereto is defined as a Y-axis direction or a sub-scanning direction.

The head unit 6 includes a main scanning unit 13
Carriage CR mounted on top and its carriage CR
6 colors (black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), light magenta (L
M), light cyan (LC)), and a print head group PH mounted below the carriage CR so as to be able to face the tape T.
Here, the main scanning unit 13 is movably driven in the sub-scanning direction (Y-axis direction) above the suction unit 12 by the sub-scanning carriage motor MCRY. The carriage CR is driven by the main scanning carriage motor MCRX so as to be movable in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction).
Is movable above the suction unit 12 (that is, above the work area for printing).

In this case, the printable area (printable area, workable area) WPA (see FIG. 12 and the like) on the downstream side of the tape T (left side in FIG. 12: small side of X) and on the back side of the apparatus (in FIG. The main scanning home position sensor SHPX detects the home position on the main scanning side (X side), with the print start position PS on the side, upper left in FIG.
Are arranged on the carriage CR, and a sub-scanning home position sensor SHPY for detecting a home position on the sub-scanning side (Y side) is arranged at a position shown in the figure (inside the housing capable of detecting the upper end of the carriage CR).

On the main scanning unit 13, a predetermined (for example, black and white) pattern image 13p is provided so as to be optically detectable, and the pattern of the pattern image 13p is placed at an opposing position on the carriage CR. A print timing detection sensor SPTS for detecting the position of the carriage CR and detecting the print timing by detecting the position of the carriage CR
Are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned respective mechanisms are accommodated in a protective case 15. In addition,
As the detection sensors, in addition to the above-described tape width detection sensor (not shown) and the above-mentioned (various sensors shown), for example,
A protective case open / close detection sensor SOPN for detecting an open / close state of the tape T and performing an emergency stop if the apparatus is being driven, a paper position detection sensor SPC for detecting the leading end of the tape T, and the like are provided.

Next, when the image printing apparatus 1 is viewed from a control system, as shown in FIG. 4, an operation unit 10 having a display lamp 4 and operation keys 3 for performing a (man-machine) interface with a user, Head control unit 6 for controlling the periphery of the head
0, an actuator control unit 70 for controlling actuators such as various motors, a power supply circuit 90 for supplying power to each unit, and a main control unit 20 which forms a center for controlling each unit in the image printing apparatus 1. Have.

The main control unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, an address decoder 23, a real-time clock 2
4, an operation unit input / output (operation unit I / O) 25 for interfacing with the operation unit 10, and the first
An image data input / output (image data I / O) 26 for performing communication via the interface IF1 is provided, and is connected to each other by an internal bus (CPU bus) 80 commonly used in the apparatus. The head control unit 60 includes first to fourth
It has head control blocks 61-64. The actuator control unit 70 also has a plurality of control blocks 71 to 73 and the like, like the head control unit 60.
Here, detailed description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first head control block 61 of the head control unit 60 includes a nozzle common control unit 610 and first to sixth nozzle control units 611 to 616.
And

The nozzle common control unit 610 controls the timing of ink ejection from each nozzle of the print head group PH based on a detection signal (encoder signal) 13s obtained by detecting the pattern of the pattern image 13p by the print timing detection sensor SPTS. Control 6101 and status control 61 for managing the status of each nozzle
02 and image buffers 6111, 6121, 613
Memory manager (M / M) 6 that manages buffering of data in 1, 6141, 6151, 6161
103.

The first nozzle control unit 611 includes a D / A converter (DAC) 6110 and an image buffer 6111
And a head driver 6 for driving a head nozzle 6113
112. The DAC 6110 converts control signals (digital signals) from the timing control 6101 and the status control 6102 into control waveforms (analog signals) of an applied voltage (for piezo discharge) for driving the head driver 6112. Other nozzle control units 612 to 616 are configured similarly to the first nozzle control unit 611. The other head control blocks 62 to
64 is configured similarly to the first head control block 61 described above.

Here, the six head nozzles 6113 and 612 controlled by the first head control block 61
3, 6133, 6143, 6153, 6163 are nozzle rows each composed of, for example, 180 nozzles, each having six colors (black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), light magenta (LM). ), Light cyan (L
C) is a nozzle row for discharging one color of ink.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, three print heads H1 to H3 each having two nozzle rows are used as a print head group PH (1) to form a first head control block 61.
And the same print head group PH (2),
Assuming that PH (3) and PH (4) are the second to fourth head control blocks 62 to 64, respectively, the print head group PH in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. (1) to PH (4) are provided, and a 12 head configuration of 3 heads × 4 is provided.

In addition, the number of control blocks may be changed in accordance with a change in specifications, such as a configuration of 18 heads of 3 heads × 6 or a configuration of 9 heads of 3 heads × 3. Also,
In this case, for example, by configuring one head control block with one board (head control board), the configuration change (specification change) may be performed only by inserting and removing (removing) the board.

Next, speeding up of printing in the image printing apparatus 1 will be described. First, the image printing apparatus 1 includes the print head groups PH (1) to PH (4) as the print head groups PH as described above with reference to FIG. 6B. More specifically, the print head groups PH (1) to PH (4)
Is for each of the six colors in the Y-axis direction (M =)
It has a nozzle row consisting of 180 nozzles. That is, for a single color (for example, cyan (C)), a print head capable of printing 180 dots or 180 dot lines in the Y-axis direction (here, a print head having a nozzle row corresponding to a single color may be used). ) Using N (four in the figure) and adopting a so-called multi-head,
Theoretically, printing of 4 × 180 dots can be performed in the Y-axis direction (however, since some duties can be overlapped, in that case, the number is slightly reduced).

For simplification of the description, the following description will be given.
(N =) The nozzle row of one color (for example, cyan (C)) among the six head nozzles (180 nozzle rows) of each of the four print head groups PH (1) to PH (4), The four print head groups PH (1) to PH (4) are represented by a nozzle row of 4 × 180 dots.
The nozzle number 4 × 180 dots is also simplified, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), 7 dots are used, and as shown in FIG. 2B, each nozzle is simply indicated by "●". In this case, the nozzle interval is 180 dpi (dot / inch).

Here, the movement of the dots that can be printed by the same nozzle in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction) is referred to as a feed pitch P, and the pitch of the head nozzles in the Y-axis direction (nozzle interval) is referred to as a nozzle pitch D. Expressed in dot units. However, in the following, a unit equivalent to one dot of 1440 dpi is used as a unit so as to be able to handle resolutions up to 1440 dpi. For this reason, the nozzle pitch D = 8 [dots] corresponding to the above-described nozzle interval of 180 dpi.

Hereinafter, the n-th printing is represented by the numeral n and expressed as “P
as = n ", and is indicated by" n "with a square frame. Further, when the position of one dot printable by the nozzle when Pass = 1 is set to the reference position t = 0, the deviation in the Y-axis direction from the reference position t = 0 is represented by a numerical value t.
The position of an arbitrary point in the Y-axis direction is described as “Step = t” (a numerical value related to the step control for the sub-scanning carriage motor MCRY).

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when printing an "H" character having a width of 32 dots in the Y-axis direction at a resolution of 360 dpi, the printing method shown in FIG. In the first printing (by scanning) (“Pass = 1”, shown by “1” with a square frame), the nozzles can print on Step = 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, and then In the second printing (“Pass = 2”, shown by “2” with a square frame) in the second printing (Step 1), Step = 4, 12, 2
0, 28, 36, 44 and 52 can be printed. Further, this completes all printing up to Step = 52,
Next, after moving in the Y-axis direction by the feed pitch P2 = 52, at Pass = 3, Step = 56, 64, 7
2, 80, 88, 96 and 104 can be printed.

The same size in the Y-axis direction and a resolution of 72
In the case of 0 dpi characters (64 dots width in the Y-axis direction), after the first printing, the character is moved at the first feed pitch P1 = 2, and when Pass = 2, Step = 2, 10, 18, 2
6, 34, 42, 50, and then moved at a feed pitch P2 = 2, Pass = 3, Step = 4,
12, 20, 28, 36, 44, and 52, and then moved at a feed pitch P3 = 2, and at Pass = 4,
Step = 6, 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54 can be printed. In addition, this completes the entire printing up to Step = 54. Next, after moving in the Y-axis direction by the feed pitch P4 = 50, St.
ep = 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104 can be printed.

In the case of these so-called band-pass printing methods, as shown in FIG. 8B, printing by the same nozzle is adjacent to each other, so that if there is a nozzle failure, the printing quality is extremely deteriorated. Further, the feed pitch is not constant as described above.

On the other hand, for example, in the printing method shown in FIG. 9C, the feed pitch can be made constant, such as the feed pitch P = 28. In the case of this type of so-called microwave printing method, as described in the specification of the earlier application (Japanese Patent Application No. 09-339361) of the present applicant introduced above,
The (possible) printable dot R (indicated by the number of Steps described above) can be expressed as follows: R = (P + k) j + Di (1)

Here, j is a variable indicating the number of times of printing (j = n-1 (j = 0, 1, 2,
...)), i is a variable indicating the nozzle number at the nozzle pitch D (the n-th nozzle is i = n-1 (i =
0, 1, 2, ...)). Further, k is a correction value in the case where the feed pitch P does not match the integral multiple of the dots in actual printing or does not meet the conditions for printing all the dots, and the pitch including the correction value k is If P is considered, the above equation (1) becomes R = Pj + Di (2) (the details are omitted from the above-mentioned prior application).

For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the feed pitch P = 4 and the nozzle pitch D = 3 (that is, the printable dots R = 4j + 3i), four values of i = 0, 1, 2, and 3 are obtained. If nozzles are used, the same figure (b)
As shown in (2), after Step = 6, the printing is OK (a state in which printing on all dots is possible), and printing can be performed in the illustrated pattern.

In the example of FIG. 8C, the feed pitch P = 28 and the nozzle pitch D = 8 (that is, printable dots R = 28j + 8i).
When ss = 1, Step = 0, 8,
16, 24, 32, 40, and 48, and using only the nozzles thereof, Step = 24, 32, 4
0, 48 can be printed.

After that, it is moved in the Y-axis direction by the feed pitch P = 28 minutes, and when Pass = 2, Step = 2
8, 36, 44, 52, 60, 68, 76
After that, it is moved again in the Y-axis direction by the feed pitch P = 28, and when Pass = 3, Step = 56, 64, 7
2, 80, 88, 96, 104, similarly, Pass = 4
Then, Step = 84, 92, 100, 108, 11
6, 124 and 132 can be printed. That is, Step
= 24 or later is OK (printing on all dots is possible), and printing can be performed in the illustrated pattern while the feed pitch P is constant (28 steps).

According to the same printing method as in the example of FIG. 8C, for example, as shown in FIG.
When printing an "H" character having a width of 9 dots in the Y-axis direction at a resolution of 0 dpi, as shown in FIG.
= 1 to 3 times (3 passes: 3 passes). That is, feed pitch P = 28, nozzle pitch D
= 8, so that when Pass = 1, printing is performed on Steps = 24, 32, 40, and 48 according to the nozzles, and when Pass = 2, Steps = 28, 36, 44, and
Print on 52, 60, 68, and 76. When Pass = 3, S
step = 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104
Can be printed on

However, in this case, what actually needs to be printed is that Step = 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44,
Since there are 9 dots of 48, 52 and 56, not only printing for Step = 0, 8, and 16 by the nozzle of Pass = 1, but also St for the nozzle of Pass = 2
Printing for ep = 60, 68, 76, or Pass = 3
Step = 64, 72, 80, 8
Printing on 8, 96 and 104 is not reflected in actual printing. That is, in this case, those printing operations (operations (moving operations) for scanning the print head) are wasted.

Therefore, in such a case, in the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG.
(That is, assuming that printable dots R = 20j + 8i), and when Pass = 1, the nozzle
= 24, 32, 40, 48, and when Pass = 2, Step = 20, 28, 36,
By printing on 44 and 52, OK (printing on all (9) dots that require printing is possible) after Step = 20, and the number of times of printing (the number of passes) can be reduced.

The same size in the Y-axis direction and a resolution of 72
In the case of 0 dpi characters (18 dots width in the Y-axis direction), for example, if the feed pitch P = 6 (that is, if the printable dots R = 6j + 8i), then, if Pass = 1, Step = 0,8 by the nozzles 〜 , 16, 2
St by nozzles of 4, 32, 40, 48
Printing on ep = 16, 24, 32, 40, Pass = 2
Then, Step = 6, 14, 22,
S by nozzles of 30, 38, 46, 54
step = 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, Pa
When ss = 3, Step = 12, 2
Nozzles of 0, 28, 36, 44, 52, 60
= 12, 20, 28, 36, and 44, and when Pass = 4, the nozzle
= 18,26,34,42,50,58,66 Step = 18,26,34,42 by the nozzles ~
Is printed, the printing becomes OK (printing is possible on all (18) dots that need to be printed) after Step = 12.

As described above, in the image printing apparatus 1, M dots (M is an integer of 2 or more) at the predetermined nozzle pitch D (D = 8 in the above) in the Y-axis direction at the same time;
7), the print head PH having (M =) 7 nozzles capable of printing is scanned relative to the tape (print target) T in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, so that In the example, the print image (of the character "H") is printed.

In this case, the print image width (the width of 32 dots in the example of FIG. 8 and the width of 9 dots in the example of FIG. 9) which is the width of the print image in the Y-axis direction is determined. Since the feed pitch P in the relative scanning (P = 28 in the examples of FIGS. 8C and 9B and P = 20 in the example of FIG. 9C) is determined, the feed pitch suitable for the print image width is determined. It becomes P. Further, since the print head PH is relatively moved with respect to the tape T at an appropriate feed pitch P, waste of relative scanning in the Y-axis direction, that is, waste of the printing operation can be reduced.
Therefore, the printing operation can be efficiently performed with less waste of the printing operation according to the width of the print image, and the printing speed can be increased.

In this case, (M) of the print head PH
=) Interval between nozzles at both ends of seven nozzles (nozzle row length)
, The single printable width in the Y-axis direction can be determined. In the above example, the distance between nozzles is 180 dpi,
It is equivalent to 4 steps × 13 = 52 steps (FIG. 7)
reference). On the other hand, for example, the print image width in the example of FIG.
pi = 32 dots, equivalent to 4 steps × 32 = 12
This is equivalent to 8 steps. In addition, for example, the print image width in the example of FIG. 9 is 9 dots of 360 dpi, which is equivalent to 4 steps × 9 = 36 steps.

By comparing the single printable width with the print image width, the feed pitch P can be determined with reference to the comparison result (based on the comparison result). For example, while the single printable width is equivalent to 52 Steps, the print image width is equivalent to 128 Steps in the example of FIG. 8 and 36 Steps in the example of FIG. For this reason, for example, in the case of the single printable width ≧ the print image width (in the case of the example of FIG. 9C),
In the case where the single printable width <the print image width (in the case of the example of FIG. 8C), it is easy to use a different feed pitch, and thereby, the printing operation is performed according to the width of the print image. Waste can be reduced and printing can be speeded up.

In the image printing apparatus 1, the print head P
The feed pitch P is adjusted based on the relationship between the nozzle pitch D of H and the resolution of the print image. In the example of FIG. 9C,
When the resolution is 360 dpi while having the same size in the Y-axis direction, the feed pitch P = 20 (printable dot R = 20j
+ 8i), and when the resolution is 720 dpi, the feed pitch P = 6 (printable dots R = 6j + 8i). That is, taking into account not only the width of the printed image but also the resolution,
The feed pitch P can be determined, whereby the printing operation can be reduced according to the width and resolution of the print image, and the printing speed can be increased.

In the image printing apparatus 1, print image data representing a print image is created and stored by the image creation system WS0, and is stored in the first interface IF.
1, and as described later with reference to FIG.
Print image DS of K (K is an integer of 2 or more) dots in the axial direction
Is K dots at the resolution of the print image DS, and refers to the print image data (or by receiving only the K information).
Can decide.

In the image printing apparatus 1, as described above, the width of the tape T in the Y-axis direction (tape width: width to be printed)
Of the printable area corresponding to the detected tape width (printable width), for example, the default print image width (maximum printable width) It is good. When the tape T is mounted, the tape width, its type, the print image width itself, or the numerical value of the feed pitch itself may be directly input by the operation keys 3 of the operation unit 10.

In the image printing apparatus 1, the print image data created by the image creation system WS0 is transmitted to the first interface IF1 as shown in FIGS.
Receive through. In this case, the image creation system WS0
Is transmitted to the image printing apparatus 1 via the first interface IF1 in units of each line data representing one line of the print image data. For example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the case of a print image DS of J (X is an integer of 2 or more) dots in the X-axis direction × K (K is an integer of 2 or more) dots in the Y-axis direction, print image data expressing the print image DS Of the J-dots arranged in the X-axis direction are sequentially received from the image creation system WS0 via the first interface IF1 to correspond to the K lines in the Y-axis direction. K line data are sequentially received.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9A, k (k is 1 ≦ K) out of K (K lines) for the print image DS.
The k-th line data DSL (k) is the k-th short line data DSL (k). In the image printing apparatus 1, the k-th short line data D is obtained by the image data I / O 26.
When receiving SL (k), it sends it to the head controller 60 via the internal bus 80. When the head control unit 60 receives the k-th short line data DSL (k), it is what line data (that is, k) and what color is designated (what color gradation value is indicated). And the like (in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 21 or self-determined), the k-th short line data DSL is stored in the image buffer of the head control block (for example, the image buffer 6111 of the first head control block 61) corresponding thereto. (K)
Is stored.

When the k-th short line data DSL (k) is stored, the image printing apparatus 1 copies N pieces of data in the same image buffer (for example, image buffer 6111) and sequentially arranges them, thereby obtaining one J dot. The k-th line data DLL (k) representing one line of J × N dots in which N lines are arranged in the X-axis direction is created. For example, assuming that N = 4, as shown in FIG. 3C, J × 4 in which four (= N) J dots for one line are arranged in the X-axis direction.
K-th line data DL representing one line of dots
Create L (k).

Then, the created k-th line data D
The first line of J × N dots (N = 4 in the above example) represented by LL (k) is printed in the X-axis direction of the tape (printing target) T with the k-th line. In this case, k
-Th line data (k-th short line data) DSL
After receiving (k), N-th line data DLL (k) can be created by copying the N-th line data, and the reception of all K line data, that is, the reception of the entire print image data, is waited. Even if it does not exist, one line of J × N dots can be printed every time each line data of one line of J dots is received. That is, communication of print image data and subsequent printing of a plurality of print images based on print image data can be performed in parallel.

Here, in the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the number N of print images can be designated by using the operation keys 3. Therefore, based on the k-th short line data DSL (k) expressing one line of J dots, the k-th long line data DLL expressing one line of J × N dots is used.
(K) can be easily created. Therefore, for example, FIG.
When it is desired to print six print images DS shown in (a), by specifying the number of prints N = 6, for example, as shown in FIG. (1) to D1 (6) can be printed.

When an image in which the same six print images D1 (1) to D1 (6) as the above-described print image DS are arranged is referred to as a unit print image D1 as a unit of one printing, the print image DS or the print image DS When a large number of unit print images D1 are printed, a large number of unit print images D1 are arranged and printed in the X-axis direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, when printing a large number of unit print images D1 in which five single print images DS are arranged, a printable area (printable area, workable area)
In the actual print area RPA on the WPA, the unit print image D1 is printed, the tape T is fed in the X-axis direction by the length in the X-axis direction (actual print unit length) RPL, and the unit is repeated. A large number of print images D1 can be printed side by side in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the tape T).

By the way, in a case where the same printing is performed while the printing object is being sent in the Y-axis direction, for example, the state is as shown in FIG. The same applies to the printing apparatus (ink jet printer) of the applicant's earlier application (Japanese Patent Application No. 09-339361) introduced above. On the other hand, when the print image is printed on the print target while the tape (print target) T is sent in the X-axis direction as in the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the print target is moved in the Y-axis direction. A problem that cannot occur when sending to the Internet occurs.

For the sake of explanation, if the unit print image D1 is more simply an image of a character “H” as shown in FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG.
While feeding in the Y-axis direction (the direction of black “
A print head PH having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the axial direction,
By scanning relative to the tape T in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the unit print image D1 can be continuously printed on the tape T. In this case, extra printing is performed between the printing operations of the unit print image D1. Operation does not occur.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, when the unit print image D1 is printed while the tape (object to be printed) T is sent in the X-axis direction (the direction of black “←” shown), When the printing is completed, the print head PH may be located at the end point EP which is diagonally related to the origin (start point) SP of the actual print area RPA. In such a case, if the tape is returned to the origin (start point) SP during the time of tape feeding (tape feeding) (indicated by a dashed line in the drawing), the movement amount is large and it takes time, and the tape feeding time is not enough. In some cases, the printing speed must be reduced to wait for the home position return.

Therefore, in the image printing apparatus 1, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the odd-numbered unit print image D1 is printed in the actual print area RPA, the print head P
In order that H starts from the start point SP and reaches the end point EP (see FIGS. 7A and 7C), X is applied to the tape T.
When printing the unit print image D1 of the even number of times by relatively scanning in the axial direction and the Y-axis direction, the print head PH
Is scanned relative to the tape T in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction so that starts from the end point EP and reaches the start point SP (see FIGS. 3B and 3D). In addition. Starting point S
Even when the end point EP is not diagonal to P (for example, when it is the other corner (vertex) of the same side), the same can be applied in the sense that the scanning trajectory (scanning route) is traced in reverse.

As described above, in the image printing apparatus 1, the print head PH having a plurality of (seven in the above example) nozzles arranged in the Y-axis direction while feeding the tape (object to be printed) T in the X-axis direction. Is scanned relative to the tape T in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby printing the unit print image D1 on the tape T a plurality of times (see FIG. 13). In this case, in the actual print area (predetermined print area) RPA, the relative scanning is performed such that the print head starts from the start point of the predetermined scan trajectory and reaches the end point with respect to the print target object at the odd number of times of the multiple printing. Then, the odd-numbered printing is performed (FIG. 17A)
(C), and at the even-numbered times of the multiple printing, the relative scanning is performed so as to start from the end point of the scanning trajectory and reach the starting point, and the even-numbered printing is performed (see FIGS. 17B and 17D). ).

That is, in the odd-numbered printing and the even-numbered printing, the same scanning locus (scanning route) is scanned in reverse to perform printing. For this reason, after the odd-numbered or even-numbered printing, the operation for returning to the origin is not required within the time of tape feeding (the printing target is sent by the unit print image in the X-axis direction). Therefore, while the print target is sent in the X-axis direction, the print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the Y-axis direction is scanned relative to the print target in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. When a unit print image is printed on a print target object a plurality of times, wasting time of a printing operation can be reduced as much as possible, and printing can be speeded up.

Returning to FIG. 1, in the image printing system PSYS, print image data representing a desired print image is created in the image creation system (or apparatus) WS0, and the created print image is created. Each line data of the data is sequentially transmitted via the first interface IF1. The image printing apparatus 1 on the receiving side receives each line data and prints it in the X-axis direction of the printing target (tape T). Therefore, by increasing the degree of parallelism between the communication of the print image data and the printing of the print image, the print image data representing the desired print image can be transferred to the first interface IF1.
And speeding up printing while communicating via the. Further, the printing object is a long object (tape T), and is mounted so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the X-axis direction. Therefore, the printable amount in one scan can be increased. The speed can be further increased.

Here, as the first interface IF1, RS-232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus) are used.
s), it is preferable to be able to communicate in accordance with standards such as IEEE 1394 and Centronics. For this reason, in the image printing apparatus 1, the image data I /
O26 is compatible with these interface standards (including those based on these standards). Of course, since the image creation system (device) WS0 has a personal computer, an EWS, and the like, it corresponds to these standard standards, and the first interface IF1 can communicate according to these standards. It has become. It goes without saying that wireless communication can be used as the first interface IF1.

As shown in the figure, the image printing system PSYS shown in FIG. 1 includes (or instead of) an image creation system WS0 and a workstation WS2 having a personal computer or the like (a personal computer, an EWS, or the like) for print image design. And a workstation WS1 having a personal computer or the like for outputting print line data. In this case, at the workstation WS2,
The print image data expressing the desired print image is created, and the created print image data is transmitted via the second interface IF2. On the other hand, the workstation WS1 divides the received print image data into line data, and sequentially transmits them one by one via the first interface IF1. Then, the image printing apparatus 1 performs printing in the X-axis direction of the tape (print target) T based on each line data.
Therefore, even in the image printing system PSYS in this case,
By increasing the degree of parallelism between communication and printing, speeding up printing as a whole, increasing the amount of printable by one scan,
Further speedup can be achieved.

Here, it is preferable that the second interface IF2 is via a predetermined network. For example, when the network includes the Internet or a predetermined local area network (LAN),
The second interface IF2 is via a predetermined network including the Internet and a predetermined LAN.
Further, a device capable of performing communication according to a communication protocol conforming to the IEEE standard LAN is preferable, and a device capable of performing communication according to at least one data link protocol of Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and ATM is preferable.
In addition, other than these, as a data link protocol,
Token Ring, 100VG-AnyLAN, F
iber Channel, HIPPI, IEEE13
94 (Fire Wire) or the like can also be used. Needless to say, wireless communication can be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the multi-head configuration has been described in a pseudo simplified manner. However, it goes without saying that a single-head configuration may be used. Further, in addition to the above-described examples, various modes can be adopted, and modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0078]

As described above, according to the ink jet printer and the printing method of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently print by reducing the waste of the printing operation according to the width of the printed image, and to increase the printing speed. There are effects such as being able to do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer and an image printing system to which a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration from the side of a mechanical system of the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration from the upper surface side corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a head control unit in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing functions and arrangements of a print head and a head nozzle in a head unit.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a single print head having only one nozzle row composed of seven head nozzles by simplifying the nozzle rows of head nozzles for a single color of a plurality of print heads when a multi-head is employed. FIG.

8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of scanning of the print head in the Y-axis direction and an image of the feed pitch when the print image of the character “H” is printed using the print head of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the width of a print image is reduced.
It is explanatory drawing similar to.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a feed pitch of relative scanning in the Y-axis direction, a nozzle pitch of a print head, and printable dots, and a pattern of printable dots at that time.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship among a print image, print image data, kth short line data, and kth long line data.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print image as a source of a unit print image and a plurality of (six) print images of the unit print image in one printing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a print image serving as a base of a unit print image, an image of a unit print image obtained by combining a plurality of (5) print images, and a unit print image while sending a tape to be printed in the X-axis direction. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image that is sequentially printed a plurality of times.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 13, showing a case where a printing target is sent in the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 14 in a case where a print image of the character “H” is printed a plurality of times as a unit print image while a print target is sent in the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 16 is an illustration showing an image when the print head is returned to the origin (start point) when a print image of the character “H” is printed a plurality of times as a unit print image while the print target is sent in the X-axis direction. FIG.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 16 when the same scanning route is reversely scanned in the odd-numbered printing and the even-numbered printing of the unit print image without returning the print head to the origin (starting point).

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image printing apparatus 6 Head unit 10 Operation part 20 Main control part 21 CPU 26 Image data input / output (image data I / O) 60 Head control part 61 1st head control block 62 2nd head control block 63 3rd head control block 64 Fourth head control block 70 Actuator control unit 80 Internal bus 90 Power supply circuit 610 Nozzle common control unit 611 First nozzle control unit 612 Second nozzle control unit 613 Third nozzle control unit 614 Fourth nozzle control unit 615 Fifth nozzle control Unit 616 Sixth nozzle control unit D Nozzle pitch IF1 First interface IF2 Second interface P Feed pitch PSSYS Image printing system PH, PH (1) to PH (4) Print head (group) T Tape WS0 Image creation system ( Image creation device) WS1 WS2 ...... workstation

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. When two axes of two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates orthogonal to each other are set to an X axis and a Y axis, M dots (M is an integer of 2 or more) can be simultaneously printed at a predetermined nozzle pitch in the Y axis direction. An inkjet printer that prints a print image on the print target by relatively scanning a print head having M nozzles in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the print target, A print image width determination unit that determines a print image width that is a width in the Y-axis direction; a feed pitch determination unit that determines a feed pitch in relative scanning in the Y-axis direction according to the print image width; Relative to the printing object in the X-axis direction, whereby X-axis direction relative scanning means for printing M dot lines extending in the X-axis direction at the maximum in the Y-axis direction, and One And a Y-axis direction relative scanning unit that performs relative scanning in the Y-axis direction by moving the print head relative to the printing target at the feed pitch after printing by the relative scanning. And an inkjet printer. 2. The single-printable width in the Y-axis direction determined based on a nozzle row length corresponding to an interval between nozzles at both ends of the M print heads, 2. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, further comprising a print width comparison unit that compares the print image width with the print image width. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feed pitch determining unit includes a print resolution adjusting unit that adjusts the feed pitch based on a relationship between the nozzle pitch of the print head and a resolution of the print image. The inkjet printer according to claim 1. 4. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, further comprising a print image storage unit that stores print image data representing the print image. 5. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, further comprising a print target width detecting unit that detects a width of the print target in the Y-axis direction as a print target width. . 6. The ink-jet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing target is a long object, and is mounted so that a longitudinal direction thereof is aligned with an X-axis direction. Printer. 7. When two axes orthogonal to each other in two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates are defined as an X axis and a Y axis, M dots (M is an integer of 2 or more) can be simultaneously printed at a predetermined nozzle pitch in the Y axis direction. A printing method for an inkjet printer that prints a print image on the print target by relatively scanning a print head having M nozzles in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the print target, A print image width determination step of determining a print image width that is a width of the print image in the Y-axis direction, and a feed pitch determination step of determining a feed pitch in relative scanning in the Y-axis direction according to the print image width. X-axis direction relative scanning step for printing by arranging a maximum of M dot lines extending in the X-axis direction in the Y-axis direction by relatively scanning the print head in the X-axis direction with respect to the printing target, After printing by the relative scanning in the X-axis direction, a relative scanning step in the Y-axis direction is performed by performing relative scanning in the Y-axis direction by relatively moving the print head with respect to the printing target at the feed pitch. A printing method for an ink jet printer. 8. The single-printable width in the Y-axis direction determined based on a nozzle row length corresponding to an interval between nozzles at both ends of the M print heads, The printing method of an ink jet printer according to claim 7, further comprising a print width comparing step of comparing the print image width with the print image width. 9. The print pitch determining step includes a print resolution adjusting step of adjusting the feed pitch based on a relationship between the nozzle pitch of the print head and the resolution of the print image. A printing method for an inkjet printer according to claim 7. 10. The printing method for an ink jet printer according to claim 7, further comprising a print image storing step of storing print image data representing the print image. 11. The inkjet printer according to claim 7, further comprising a print target width detecting step of detecting a width of the print target in the Y-axis direction as a print target width. Printing method. 12. The ink-jet apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the printing target has a long shape, and is mounted so that a longitudinal direction thereof coincides with an X-axis direction. The printing method of the printer.