JP2003011458A - Printer being set with print mode depending on information contained in image data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a printer in which a plurality of print modes are available and print data is printed while setting a print mode depending on information contained therein. SOLUTION: Print mode information for specifying a print mode being used for printing an image is previously included in image data, and a print mode can be set automatically depending on that information. Consequently, printing can be carried out while automatically setting a print mode intended by a user at the time of generating a print object image, for example.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for printing by forming dots on a print medium using a print head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, as an output device of a computer,
Color printers of the type that eject several colors of ink from an ink head have become widespread, and are widely used for printing images processed by a computer in multiple colors and multiple gradations. In such a printer, it is general that a print mode suitable for the image to be printed and the purpose of printing can be set. For example, it is possible to select and set a print mode from a print mode for performing beautiful photo printing and a print mode for performing quick text printing.

[0003]

However, since the print mode is conventionally set for each printed matter, for example, when a photograph and a text are mixed in the same page, the printing suitable for either one of the images is performed. There was a problem of having to select a mode. Further, it has been desired that a print mode for printing the image to be printed is designated in advance when the print target image is generated and printing is performed in the designated print mode.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and in a printing apparatus which can use a plurality of printing modes, the printing mode is set according to the information included in the image data. The purpose is to provide printing technology.

[0005]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a print medium while main scanning is performed by a print head in a main scanning direction. A print control device for processing given image data to generate print data to be supplied to the printing unit in order to perform printing using the printing unit that forms dots, wherein the image data is the image The print control device includes print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing data, and the print control device processes dot data representing a dot formation state of each pixel in a print image by processing the image data. A dot data generator that generates
Printing including raster data indicating a dot recording state at each main scan and sub-scan feed data indicating a sub-scan feed amount performed between each main scan according to the dot data and the print mode information And a print data generation unit configured to generate data according to the print mode designated by the print mode information so that the print unit executes printing.

According to the print control apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to generate print data for causing the printing unit to execute printing in accordance with the printing mode designated in advance by the information in the image data. Therefore, the printing unit is designated in advance. The specified print mode can be automatically set to perform printing.

In the above print control device, the image data is divided into a plurality of areas by a division line parallel to the main scanning direction, and a print mode used for printing each area of the plurality of areas. The print data generation unit includes print mode information for designating the print data according to the dot data and the print mode information according to the print mode of each area designated by the print mode information. It is preferable to generate each area so as to have a configuration for causing the printing unit to execute printing.

In this way, when a plurality of images having different print modes suitable for printing are mixed in the same page, each area is printed according to the print mode of each area designated in advance by the information in the image data. Since print data can be generated, printing can be performed in a print mode suitable for each image.

In the print control device, the plurality of divided areas include a photo area for displaying a photograph and a text area for displaying text, and the print data generation unit is configured to print the print mode information. Accordingly, it is preferable to generate the print data so that the main scanning lines belonging to the photo area are formed by more main scanning than the main scanning lines belonging to the text area.

In this way, the print data is generated so that the main scanning lines in the photographic area where banding is likely to occur are formed by more main scanning lines than the main scanning lines in other areas. The number can be increased to suppress banding, and the number of main scans can be reduced to increase the printing speed in other areas. Here, "banding" refers to stripes and streaks extending in the main scanning direction on the printed image. This striped stripe is due to nozzle manufacturing error, etc.
It occurs when the position of the dots on each raster in the sub-scanning direction changes.

In the above print control apparatus, the printing section has a bidirectional printing function for performing printing in both forward and backward movements of main scanning, and the plurality of divided areas are
A unidirectional printing area that should be printed during the forward or backward movement of the main scan, and a bidirectional printing area where printing is permitted during both the forward and backward movements of the main scan. Including,
According to the print mode information, the print data generation unit performs main scanning in both forward and backward movements when recording only main scanning lines belonging to the bidirectional printing area, and at least one When the main scanning lines belonging to the unidirectional printing area are recorded by some of the nozzles, it is preferable to generate print data for performing the main scanning while moving forward or backward.

In this way, for example, when a part of the printed image includes an image (for example, a photograph) which is desired to be displayed particularly neatly, but an area of another image (for example, text) is desired to be printed quickly, Such printing can be performed.

In the print control device, the plurality of divided areas include a photo area for displaying a photograph and a text area for displaying text, and the print data generating unit is configured to print the print mode information. Accordingly, it is preferable to generate the print data so that the main scan line belonging to the text area is formed with a higher resolution than the scan line belonging to the photo area.

In this way, since the raster data is generated so that the main scanning line including the pixels belonging to the text area is formed with a higher resolution than the main scanning line not belonging to the text area, the resolution of the text area is increased. This makes it possible to smooth the printed image and increase the printing speed by lowering the resolution of other areas.

In the print control device, the plurality of divided areas include a photo area for displaying a photograph and a text area for displaying text, and the print data generation unit is configured to print the print mode information. Accordingly, it is preferable to generate the print data so that the main scanning lines belonging to the photograph area are formed with a larger number of gradations than the main scanning lines belonging to the text area.

In this way, the raster data is generated so that the main scanning lines including the pixels belonging to the photographic area are formed with a larger number of gradations than the main scanning lines not belonging to the photographic area. By increasing the number, the photographic image can be made clean, and by reducing the number of gradations in other areas, the amount of print data can be reduced.

A second aspect of the present invention is an image data generation method for generating image data to be supplied to a printing apparatus that forms dots on a print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction. (A) a step of designating a print mode used to print a given print target image; (b) designating a data representing the print target image and a print mode used to print the print target image. And a step of generating image data using the print mode information.

Since the image data generating method of the present invention can include print mode information for designating the print mode used for printing a given image to be printed in the image data, it is suitable for the image, for example. Image data including information for printing in the print mode can be generated.

In the above image data generating method, the step (a) is used for dividing the image to be printed into a plurality of areas by division lines parallel to the main scanning direction, and used for printing each of the divided areas. And a step of designating a print mode to be performed.

In this way, the print mode information for designating the print mode used for printing each of the divided areas can be included in the image data, so that images of different print modes suitable for printing are printed on the same page. When the types are mixed, it is possible to generate image data for printing each image in a suitable print mode.

In the image data generating method, in the step (a), for each area divided into a plurality of areas by the dividing line, an image of only a kind designated in advance for each area is input. Is preferably included in the process.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the input of an image of a type different from what is assumed in advance.

In the above image data generating method, the step (a) includes selecting from among a plurality of types of standard forms different in at least one of the number of the dividing lines, the position of the dividing lines in the sub-scanning direction, and the designation. It is preferable to include a step of allowing the user to make a selection.

Further, the user may be allowed to freely add or move the dividing line on the input screen, or the input image may be designated on the input screen. In this case, the content of the print mode information is determined according to the setting made by the user.

By doing so, the degree of freedom regarding the layout of the printed image can be increased.

The present invention can be implemented in various modes, for example, a printing method and a printing device,
Print control method and print control apparatus, image data generation method, computer program for realizing functions of those methods or apparatuses, recording medium recording the computer program, and data embodied in carrier wave including the computer program It can be realized in the form of a signal or the like.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples. A. Device Configuration: B. First Example: C.I. Second embodiment: D. Third Example: E. Modification:

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 print control device, a color printer 20 as a printing unit,
Is equipped with. The combination of the color printer 20 and the computer 90 can be called a “printing device” in a broad sense.

In the computer 90, the application program 9 is executed under a predetermined operating system.
5 is working. A video driver 91 and a printer driver 96 are incorporated in the operating system, and the application program 95 outputs print data PD to be transferred to the color printer 20 via these drivers. The application program 95 performs desired processing on the image to be processed, and also displays the image on the CRT 21 via the video driver 91.

When the application program 95 issues a print command, the printer driver 9 of the computer 90
6 receives the 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 shown in FIG. 1, inside the printer driver 96, a resolution conversion module 97, a color conversion module 98, a halftone module 99, a rasterizer 100, and a color conversion table L.
A UT and a print mode determination unit 101 are provided.
Of these, the resolution conversion module 97, the color conversion module 98, and the halftone module 99 correspond to the “dot data generation unit” in the claims,
The print mode determination unit 101 and the rasterizer 100 correspond to the “print data generation unit” in the claims.

The resolution conversion module 97 plays a role of converting the resolution (that is, the number of pixels per unit length) of the color image data handled by the application program 95 into a resolution that can be handled by the printer driver 96. The image data whose resolution has been converted in this way is still image information consisting of three colors of RGB. The color conversion module 98 converts the RGB image data into multi-tone data of a plurality of ink colors usable by the color printer 20 for each pixel while referring to the color conversion table LUT.

The print mode determination unit 101 determines the print mode parameters used for forming each main scanning line according to the print mode information added to the image data. The determined print mode parameters include the number of overlaps, the resolution, and the number of gradations. The meaning of the overlap number will be described later.

The color-converted multi-tone data is, for example, 25
It has 6 gradation values. The halftone module 99 disperses and forms ink dots,
The color printer 20 executes halftone processing for expressing the gradation value. The image data that has undergone halftone processing is processed by the rasterizer 100 in the color printer 2
The data is rearranged in the order of data to be transferred to 0, and is output as final print data PD. The print data PD
Includes raster data indicating a dot recording state in each main scan and data indicating a sub-scan feed amount.

The printer driver 96 corresponds to a program for realizing the function of generating the print data PD. The program for realizing the functions of the printer driver 96 is supplied in the form recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of such a recording medium include a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which codes such as a bar code are printed, and an internal storage device (RAM, ROM, etc.) of a computer. memory)
Also, various computer-readable media such as 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 conveys the print 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, the paper feed motor 22, and the carriage motor. 24, print head unit 60 and operation panel 32
And a control circuit 40 that controls the exchange of signals with the. The control circuit 40 is connected to the computer 90 via the connector 56.

The sub-scan feed mechanism for conveying the print paper P is
A gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 22 to a platen 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown) is provided. Further, the main scanning feed mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 is provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 26, and a drive shaft 36 which is endless between the slide shaft 34 which slidably holds the carriage 30 and the carriage motor 24. 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 centering on the control circuit 40. The control circuit 40 includes a CPU 41 and a programmable ROM (PRO
M) 43, a RAM 44, and a character generator (CG) 45 that stores a dot matrix of characters, and is configured as an arithmetic logic operation circuit. The control circuit 40 further has an I / F dedicated circuit 50 dedicated to interface with an external motor and the like, and a head connected to the I / F dedicated circuit 50 for driving the print head unit 60 to eject ink. A drive circuit 52, a motor drive circuit 54 that drives the paper feed motor 22 and the carriage motor 24, and a scanner control circuit 55 that controls the scanner 80 are provided. The I / F dedicated circuit 50 has a built-in parallel interface circuit, and print data PD supplied from the computer 90 via the connector 56.
Can receive. The color printer 20 executes printing according to the print data PD. RAM
Reference numeral 44 functions as a buffer memory for temporarily storing the raster data.

The print head unit 60 includes the print head 2
8 and an ink cartridge can be mounted. 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 replaced, the print head unit 60 is replaced.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 28. On the lower surface of the print head 28, a black ink nozzle row K for ejecting black ink, a dark cyan ink nozzle row C for ejecting dark cyan ink, and a light cyan ink nozzle for ejecting light cyan ink. Row LC, dark magenta ink nozzle row M for ejecting dark magenta ink, and light magenta ink nozzle row L for ejecting light magenta ink
M and a yellow ink nozzle row Y for ejecting yellow ink are formed.

The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle row are arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction SS. Here, k is an integer, and D is a pitch (“dot pitch”) corresponding to the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction.
Is called). In the present specification, it is also referred to as "the nozzle pitch is k dots". The unit [dot] at this time is
It means the dot pitch of the print resolution. Similarly, for the sub-scan feed amount, the unit of [dot] is used.

Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (described later) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets. When printing, print head 2
Ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle while 8 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.
For example, they may be arranged in a staggered pattern. Even when the nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern, the nozzle pitch k · D measured in the sub-scanning direction can be defined as in the case of FIG. In this specification, the term "a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction" has a broad meaning including nozzles arranged in a straight line and staggered nozzles. There is. Each nozzle row has a width of 0.25 inch in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main structure of the head drive circuit 52 (FIG. 3). Head drive circuit 52
Is an original drive signal generator 220 and a plurality of mask circuits 22.
2 and the piezo element PE of each nozzle. The mask circuit 222 uses the nozzles # 1 and # 2 of the print head 28.
It is provided corresponding to. In FIG. 5, the number in parentheses added to the end of the signal name indicates the nozzle number to which the signal is supplied.

FIG. 6A is a timing chart showing the operation of the head drive circuit 52 in the printing system in which the main scan line is recorded by one main scan. The original drive signal generator 220 uses the original drive signal CO commonly used for each nozzle.
The MDRV is generated and supplied to the plurality of mask circuits 222. The original drive signal COMDRV is a signal including one pulse within the main scanning period Td for one pixel. The i-th mask circuit 222 outputs the original drive signal COMDR according to the level of the serial print signal PRT (i) of the i-th nozzle.
Mask V. In this specification, such a printing method is called a non-overlap method.

Specifically, the mask circuit 222 outputs the original drive signal COM when the print signal PRT (i) is 1 level.
Pass DRV as it is. Then, the original drive signal is supplied to the piezo element PE as the drive signal DRV. on the other hand,
When the print signal PRT (i) is at 0 level, the original drive signal COMDRV is cut off. This serial print signal PRT
(I) is a signal indicating the printing state of each pixel printed by the i-th nozzle in one main scan, and is the print data PD (FIG. 1) given from the computer 90 decomposed for each nozzle. is there. Note that FIG. 6A is an example in which dots are recorded every other pixel, and when dots are recorded in all pixels, the original drive signal COMDRV is directly used as the drive signal DRV in the piezo element PE. Supplied.

FIG. 6B is a timing chart when dots are formed at odd-numbered pixel positions in the method of recording main-scanning lines by two main-scannings, and FIG. 6C is at even-numbered pixel positions. It is a timing chart at the time of forming a dot. In these examples, the waveform of the original drive signal COMDRV is generated at a ratio of 1 pixel to 2 pixels. Therefore,
When the original drive signal waveform of FIG. 6B is used, even if the serial print signals PRT (i) are all at "1" level, dots can only be formed at odd pixel positions. Similarly, when the original drive signal waveform of FIG. 6C is used, all the serial print signals PRT (i) are “1”.
Even at the level, dots can only be formed at even pixel positions. In this specification, such a printing method for recording a main scanning line by a plurality of main scans is called an overlap method.

In the case of printing by the overlap method, since each main scanning line can be formed by using a plurality of different nozzles in a plurality of main scans, the dots caused by the manufacturing error of the nozzles or the main scanning feed error. It is possible to reduce the error in the formation position. Therefore, when it is used for printing a print image such as a photograph in which the image quality is greatly deteriorated due to banding, the print image quality can be greatly improved. However, since each main scan line is formed by a plurality of main scans, the printing speed tends to be slower than in the non-overlap method in which each main scan line is formed by one main scan.

The color printer 20 having the above-described hardware structure conveys the paper P by the paper feed motor 22 and reciprocates the carriage 30 by the carriage motor 24, and at the same time drives the piezo element of the print head 28. , Ink droplets of each color are ejected to form ink dots, and a multi-color multi-tone image is formed on the paper P.

B. First Embodiment: FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each area of a print image and the print mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. The print image includes a photo area Z1 for displaying a photo, a text area Z2 for displaying text, and a transition area Z3 in which printing is not performed. The photograph area Z1 is the upper 40% area in FIG. 7, and the text area Z2 is the lower 50% area. The transition area Z3 is provided between the photographic area Z1 and the text area Z2, and the width in the sub-scanning direction is the width (0.25 in the sub-scanning direction) of the nozzle row included in the print head 28.
Inches).

The photo area Z1 is printed by the overlap method. Since printing is performed by the overlap method, banding can be suppressed in this area. On the other hand, the text area Z2 is printed by the non-overlap method. Since printing is performed by the non-overlap method, fast printing is possible in this area.
As described above, the photograph area Z1 and the text area Z2 are
Since a transition area is provided between and, only one of the photo area Z1 and the text area Z2 is the area to be printed in any one main scan.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for generating image data representing such an image to be printed and the generated image data. The input screen includes a photo input area and a text input area. Each area is preliminarily divided by a division line parallel to the main scanning direction. In addition, print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing each area is preset in each area.

In this example, the image is above the section line 1,
It is divided into a lower side of the dividing line 2 and an area sandwiched between the dividing line 1 and the dividing line 2. The print mode information in the upper area of the dividing line 1 includes information indicating that printing is performed by the overlap method, and the print mode information in the lower area of the dividing line 2 includes information indicating that printing is performed by the non-overlap method. The print mode information of the area sandwiched between the dividing line 1 and the dividing line 2 includes information indicating that printing is not performed. The contents of the print mode information are determined in advance before the image is input.

An image can be pasted in the photo input area but text cannot be entered, and a text can be entered in the text input area but an image is pasted. Preferably not. This is because it is possible to prevent the input of an image of a type different from what is assumed in advance.

Further, the input screen is one of plural types of standard forms in which at least one of the number of lane markings, the position of the lane markings in the sub-scanning direction, and the designation of the input image (for example, photograph or text) is different. Preferably, one can be selected from. Further, the user may be allowed to freely add or move the dividing line on the input screen, or the input image may be designated on the input screen. This is because it is possible to increase the degree of freedom regarding the layout of the print image. The image data as shown in FIG. 8B is generated as described above. This image data includes, for each page, a range of each area, a header including data representing a print mode designated in each area, and RGB data.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure of print data generation processing for printing in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S101, the print mode determination unit 101 (FIG. 1) extracts print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing each area of the image from image data having a plurality of areas.

In step S102, the print mode determination unit 101 determines the print mode of the pixels belonging to each area in the halftone data sent from the halftone module 99 to the rasterizer 100. In particular,
Among the halftone data, the pixel data included in the photo area Z1 is determined as the overlap method, and the pixel data included in the text area Z2 is determined as the non-overlap method. This determination is made for each main scanning line.

In step S103, the rasterizer 10
0 determines the print mode of the main scan forming each main scan line. Specifically, the main scanning for forming at least one main scanning line specified for the overlap method is the main scanning for specifying the overlap method and forming at least one main scanning line determined for the non-overlap method. Is determined to be a non-overlap method. In this embodiment, since the width of the transition area Z3 is larger than the length of each nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning line to be printed in one main scanning is the main scanning determined by the overlap method. It does not include both the line and the main scanning line determined as the non-overlap type at the same time.

In step S104, the rasterizer 10
0 generates print data including raster data and sub-scan feed data. In the main scanning determined by the overlap method, raster data and sub-scan feed data for printing in the overlap method are generated. This raster data is data for forming a pixel having only one of an odd pixel number and an even pixel number. The sub-scan feed data is data in which nozzles ejecting the same ink are positioned twice at all main scan line positions.

On the other hand, in the main scanning determined as the non-overlap method, raster data and sub-scan feed data for printing in the non-overlap method are generated. This raster data contains 1 for both odd pixel positions and even pixel positions.
It is data that can be recorded by one main scan. The sub-scan feed data is data in which nozzles that eject the same ink are positioned once at all main scan line positions.

In accordance with such print data, the printer 20 performs printing in the photo area Z1 in the overlap mode in which the printing speed is relatively slow but the banding which tends to occur in printing of the picture is suppressed, and the text area is displayed. Z
In No. 2, printing is performed in the non-overlap mode in which the printing speed is relatively high.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the print mode can be changed within the same page, when printing a plurality of types of images within the same page, printing according to the type of print image is performed. You can print in mode.

C. Second Embodiment: FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each area of a print image and a print mode in the embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that there is no transition area between the photo area Z1 and the text area Z2. As a result, the nozzles provided in the print head 28 may enter both the photo area Z1 and the text area Z2.

FIG. 11 shows the photograph area Z1 and the text area Z.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which printing is performed in each main scan (pass) at the boundary of 2. For ease of explanation, the number of nozzles in each nozzle row is four. Pass 1 to pass 7
Up to are the paths for forming the print image of the photographic area. Paths 8 and after are paths for forming a print image in the text area.

Recording of each main scanning line (raster numbers 1 to 6) forming an image in the photographic area is completed by two main scannings. For example, dots are printed on the first main scanning line by printing with the second nozzle in pass 2 and by printing with pass 5
The recording is completed with the No. 0 nozzle in. The sub-scan feed amount executed after each pass is a constant value of 2 dots. The main scanning line is also called a raster line.

From pass 4 to pass 7, some of the nozzles are in the text area Z2, but the nozzles in the text area Z2, such as No. 3 nozzle in pass 4, are not used. Note that in FIG. 11, nozzles not used in each pass are marked with a cross.

The recording of each raster line (raster number 7 and later) forming the image of the text area is completed by one main scan. For example, the recording of dots on the 7th raster line is completed only by recording with the No. 0 nozzle in pass 8. The sub-scan feed amount to be executed after pass 8 and pass 9 is 1 dot, and the sub-scan feed amount to be executed after each pass after pass 10 is a constant value of 4 dots. . The reason for such irregular feeding is to prevent omission of raster lines. This is because, for example, assuming that the sub-scan feed amount after pass 8 is 4 dots, the 8th and 9th rasters cannot be recorded.

In this way, when the raster lines belonging to each area are formed by separate main scanning for each area, there is no transition area between the photo area Z1 and the text area Z2. It is understood that the present invention can be applied to

C. Third Embodiment: FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each area and a print mode in the embodiment. In this embodiment, the print resolution and the number of expressible gradations are changed within the same page. Specifically, in the photography area,
The resolution is 360 dpi (main scanning direction) x 360 dpi
In the (sub-scanning direction), the number of gradations that can be expressed is specified as 4, and the resolution is 720 dpi in the text area.
(Main scanning direction) × 360 dpi (sub scanning direction), and the number of expressible gray scales is specified to be 2, respectively.

In order to express the photograph neatly, increasing the number of gradations is more effective than increasing the resolution. On the other hand, in order to print the text neatly, it is preferable to increase the resolution and express a smooth outline. In such a case, the present invention can be applied, for example, by specifying the print resolution and the number of gradations in the print mode information. It should be noted that only one of the resolution and the number of expressible gradations may be designated.

In this way, the print resolution and the number of gradations can be included in the print mode parameters changed within the same page.

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

E-1. In each of the above embodiments, the image data is divided into a plurality of areas, and the print mode is set for each area according to the print mode information.
The image data may not be divided into a plurality of areas. Generally, in the present invention, printing may be performed according to the print mode designated by the print mode information included in the image data.

E-2. In the first embodiment, each main scan line belonging to the photo area is formed by two main scans and the main scan line belonging to the text area is formed by one main scan. Each main scanning line to which it belongs may be formed by four main scannings. Generally, the print data may be generated such that the main scanning lines belonging to the photographic area are formed by more main scanning than the main scanning lines not belonging to the photographic area.

E-3. In each of the above-described embodiments, the print mode parameters changed within the same page are the number of overlaps, the print resolution, and the number of gradations. For example, the print mode is changed from the unidirectional printing method to the bidirectional printing method within the same page. It may be done. Generally, according to the present invention, it is only necessary to perform printing such that the print mode is changed within the same page according to the print mode information included in the image data. If the print mode can be changed from the unidirectional printing method to the bidirectional printing method within the same page, as shown in FIG. 13, a part of the printed image includes an image (for example, a photograph) which is particularly neatly displayed. However, the area of another image (for example, text) is particularly effective when it is desired to print quickly.

It should be noted that the switching of the print mode between the unidirectional printing method and the bidirectional printing method is performed as shown in FIG.
It is preferable to use the unidirectional printing method for main scanning for printing an area in which at least a part of the unidirectional printing method is specified, in order to secure image quality. Such a print mode switching method can also be applied to print mode parameters such as resolution and the number of gradations. For example, with respect to main scanning for printing an area in which at least a part of the high resolution gradation number is specified, print data may be generated so as to be printed at high resolution. Generally, in the main scanning for printing a plurality of areas, it is sufficient to use a print mode that can clearly display a print image among the designated print modes.

E-4. In each of the above embodiments, the print mode information is information that directly specifies a print mode such as "overlap" or "non-overlap", but may be information indicating the type of image, for example. Generally, the print mode information may be any information that can be used for determining the print mode used for printing. For example, if the print mode information of a certain area is “photo”, the print mode determination unit selects a mode, which is relatively suitable for a photo, from among the print modes available in the printer. Just do it.

E-5. The present invention can be applied to monochrome printing as well as color printing. It can also be applied to printing in which multiple gradations are expressed by expressing one pixel with a plurality of dots. It can also be applied to a drum printer. still,
In the drum printer, the drum rotation direction is the main scanning direction and the carriage traveling direction is the sub scanning direction. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to an ink jet printer, but also to a dot recording apparatus that generally records on a surface of a print medium using a recording head having a plurality of nozzle rows.

In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. Good. For example, a 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, some or all of the functions of the computer 90 serving as a print control device that creates print data are performed by the printer 20.
The control circuit 40 of FIG.

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, "computer-readable recording medium"
The term is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but includes an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, and an external storage device fixed to the computer such as a hard disk. I'm out.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a printer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit 40 in the color printer 20.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a nozzle array on the lower surface of the print head.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a head drive circuit 52.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the head drive circuit 52.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a print image and a print mode in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an input screen for generating image data and image data generated in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of print data generation processing in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a print image and a print mode in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which printing is performed in the main scan in the vicinity of the boundary between the photo area Z1 and the text area Z2.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a print image and a print mode in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a print image and a print mode in a modified example of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ... Color printer 21 ... CRT 22 ... Paper feed motor 24 ... Carriage motor 26 ... Platen 28 ... Print head 30 ... Carriage 32 ... Operation panel 34 ... Sliding shaft 36 ... Drive belt 38 ... pulley 39 ... Position sensor 40 ... Control circuit 41 ... CPU 44 ... RAM 50 ... I / F dedicated circuit 52 ... Head drive circuit 54 ... Motor drive circuit 55 ... Scanner control circuit 56 ... Connector 60 ... Print head unit 80 ... Scanner 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 determination unit 220 ... Original drive signal generator 222 ... Mask circuit

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Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. In order to perform printing using a printing unit that forms dots on a print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction, the image data provided is processed and supplied to the printing unit. A print control device that generates print data to be printed, wherein the image data includes print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing the image data, and the print control device stores the image data. A dot data generation unit that generates dot data representing a dot formation state of each pixel in a print image by processing, and a dot recording state at each main scan according to the dot data and the print mode information. Print data that includes raster data that represents the sub-scan feed amount and sub-scan feed data that represents the sub-scan feed amount that is performed between main scans. Characterized in that it comprises a print data generating unit that generates so as to have a configuration to execute printing on the printing unit according to over-de, the print control apparatus. 2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the image data is divided into a plurality of areas by a division line parallel to the main scanning direction, and each area of the plurality of areas is divided. Print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing, the print data generation unit designates the print data by the print mode information according to the dot data and the print mode information. A print control device that generates each area according to the print mode of each area so as to have a configuration for causing the printing unit to execute printing. 3. The print control device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of divided areas include a photo area for displaying a photograph and a text area for displaying text, and the print data. The generation unit generates the print data according to the print mode information so that the main scanning lines belonging to the photo area are formed with more main scanning lines than the main scanning lines belonging to the text area. 4. The printing control device according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit has a bidirectional printing function for performing printing in both forward and backward movements of main scanning, The divided areas are allowed to be printed in the forward and backward movements of the main scan and in the unidirectional printing area and in the forward and backward movements of the main scan. The bidirectional printing area, the print data generating unit, in the case of recording only the main scanning line belonging to the bidirectional printing area according to the print mode information, when the main scanning forward and When performing the main scan in both the backward movement and at least some of the nozzles record the main scanning line belonging to the unidirectional printing area, the print data for performing the main scanning in the forward movement or the backward movement is provided. A print control device to generate. 5. The print control device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of divided areas are a photo area for displaying a photo and a text area for displaying text. Including, the print data generation unit generates print data so as to form a main scan line belonging to the text area at a higher resolution than a scan line belonging to the photo area, according to the print mode information. Print control device. 6. The print control device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of divided areas are a photograph area for displaying a photograph and a text area for displaying a text. Including the print data so that the print data generation unit forms the main scan lines belonging to the photo area with a larger number of gradations than the main scan lines belonging to the text area according to the print mode information. A print control device to generate. 7. A printing device for performing printing by forming dots on a print medium, the printing unit forming dots on the print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction. A print control device according to any one of 1 to 6;
A printing device including. 8. An ink jet printing method for forming dots on a print medium while main scanning a print head in a main scanning direction, comprising: (a) designating a print mode used for printing a given image to be printed. And (b) data representing the print target image, and print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing the print target image,
And a step of (c) executing printing in accordance with the print mode specified by the print mode information according to the image data. 9. A print control method for generating print data to be supplied to the printing unit in order to perform printing using a printing unit that forms dots on a print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction. A step of preparing image data representing image to be printed, the image data including print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing the image data; and processing the image data. Thereby, a step of generating dot data representing a dot formation state of each pixel in the print image, and raster data representing a dot recording state at each main scanning in accordance with the dot data and the print mode information. Print data including sub-scan feed data representing the sub-scan feed amount performed between the main scans according to the print mode specified by the print mode information. And a step of generating the printing unit to have a configuration for executing printing. 10. In order to perform printing using a printing unit that forms dots on a print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction, the image data provided is processed and supplied to the printing unit. A computer program for generating print data to be printed, wherein the image data includes print mode information for designating a print mode used for printing the image data, and the print control device includes the image data. By processing the dot data representing the dot formation state of each pixel in the print image, and represents the dot recording state at each main scan in accordance with the dot data and the print mode information. The print data including the raster data and the sub-scan feed data indicating the sub-scan feed amount performed between the main scans is designated by the print mode information. Computer program for realizing a function of generating so as to have a configuration to execute printing on the printing unit in accordance with the printing mode, the said computer. 11. An image data generating method for generating image data to be supplied to a printing device for forming dots on a print medium while main scanning a print head in a main scanning direction, the method comprising:
(A) a step of designating a print mode used to print a given print target image; (b) designating a data representing the print target image and a print mode used to print the print target image. And a step of generating image data using the print mode information for performing the image data generation method. 12. The method of generating image data according to claim 11, wherein the step (a) divides the print target image into a plurality of areas by a division line parallel to the main scanning direction, and the division. Specifying a print mode used for printing each of the generated areas, the image data generating method. 13. The image data generation method according to claim 12, wherein the step (a) specifies in advance for each area divided into a plurality of areas by the dividing line. A method of generating image data, including the step of allowing a user to input an image of only the specified type. 14. The image data generating method according to claim 12, wherein in the step (a), at least one of the number of the division lines, the position of the division line in the sub-scanning direction, and the designation is set. A method for generating image data, which includes a step of allowing a user to select from a plurality of different types of standard forms. 15. A computer program for causing a computer to generate image data to be supplied to a printing device that forms dots on a print medium while main scanning the print head in the main scanning direction, the computer program comprising: Image data is generated using a function of designating a print mode used to print a given print target image, data representing the print target image, and information for printing in the designated print mode. And a computer program that causes the computer to realize the function to perform, the printing apparatus processing the image data to generate dot data representing a dot formation state of each pixel in the print image. According to the dot data and the print mode information, the dot recording state at each main scan The print data including the raster data indicating the state and the sub-scan feed data indicating the sub-scan feed amount performed between the main scans is printed on the printing unit according to the print mode specified by the print mode information. A computer program comprising: a print data generation unit configured to generate the print data; and a print unit configured to form dots on the print medium while main scanning the print head in a main scanning direction in accordance with the print data. . 16. A computer-readable recording medium in which the computer program according to claim 10 or 15 is recorded.