JP2003305900A - Recorder, record control method and recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that it is difficult to guarantee transfer of print data to a printer because processing at a host computer is not guaranteed to be devoted to generation and transfer of print data. <P>SOLUTION: The recorder for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head comprises a print buffer 420 incapable of storing record data recordable by single main scanning of the recording head at one time. The record data is stored in units of block in the print buffer 420 and a recording head drive section 1105 starts record scanning by starting main scanning when the record data of single main scanning is stored in the print buffer 420 or the record data of next block cannot be stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording control method and a recording system for scanning a recording head to record an image on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink jet recording apparatuses are widely used in general printers, copying machines, etc. because they have low noise, low cost, low running cost, and can be easily downsized.

Of these, in the serial type ink jet recording apparatus, the recording head is reciprocated in the main scanning direction, and every time an image is recorded, a length corresponding to the recording width (length in the sub scanning direction) of the recording head is used in the sub scanning direction. This is a recording apparatus that moves the recording paper to the second position and repeats such an operation to record one page. Such a printing apparatus has a line memory (print buffer) capable of storing at least all print data to be printed in one main scan, and determines all print data to be printed in one main scan to be stored in the line memory. The control is performed so that the main scanning of the recording head is started after the data is stored. Therefore, there is a problem that a large amount of expensive memory is required and the cost of the device increases.

[0004]

Therefore, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-146929, there is disclosed a recording apparatus which uses a memory having a memory capacity smaller than a memory capacity capable of storing recording data for one main scanning as a print buffer. A technique has been proposed, which describes a technique of managing an address of a print buffer storing print data and performing printing based on the print data stored in the print buffer.

However, in the technique described in this publication, it is not possible to use the memory efficiently, and it is disclosed how the memory operates when the transfer of the recording data is not in time for the operation during recording. It has not been.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-259248 proposes a printer device which starts main scanning of a recording head without waiting for completion of recording data for one main scanning. However, in the printer device described in this publication, it is assumed that sufficient print data is sent to complete the recording by the main scanning while the main scanning is performed by the recording head. There is. That is, it is premised that the print data is supplied in time for the main scan of the print head. Therefore, for example, a host computer that supplies recording data to such a printer device is
It is necessary to supply print data in time for the scan of the print head.

However, the host computer of recent years has a window system incorporated therein and is constructed so as to be capable of general-purpose multitask processing. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the processing in the host computer can concentrate on the generation and transfer of print data, and it is becoming difficult to guarantee the transfer of print data to the printer device as described above.

Further, in order to guarantee the transfer of print data to the printer device, it is necessary to change the processing by the printer driver in the host computer to the specification that guarantees the data transfer. O
It will also hinder the general-purpose multitask function of S.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head with a memory capacity smaller than the amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan of the print head. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus, a recording control method, and a recording system that are provided with a memory for storing data and can perform recording by efficiently using the memory.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus, a recording control method, and a recording system that shorten the time required for recording by optimizing the timing of starting recording by the recording head when recording is performed using the above memory. To do.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a recording apparatus in which the time required for recording is shortened by determining the timing of starting recording by the recording head according to the recording data when recording is performed using the above memory. It is to provide a control method and a recording system.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording apparatus that scans a recording head to record an image on a recording medium, has a capacity smaller than a data amount of recording data that can be recorded by one main scanning of the recording head, A memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan, and print data sent from an external device to the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scan direction and the sub scan direction. And a main scanning control means for starting main scanning of the recording head and controlling main scanning of the recording head when recording data of a predetermined number of blocks is stored in the memory. And reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head controlled by the main scan control means, and driving the print head according to the print data. And a head driving means for, wherein said predetermined number is changed.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording device that scans a recording head to record an image on a recording medium,
A memory having a memory capacity larger than the amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan of the print head, and a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head; Storage control means for storing the print data in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and less than the number of blocks corresponding to the capacity of the memory in advance. When a predetermined number of blocks of print data are stored in the memory, main scan control means for starting main scan of the print head to control main scan of the print head, and control by the main scan control means Head driving means for reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with main scanning of the print head and driving the print head in accordance with the print data. Characterized in that it has a.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording device that scans a recording head to record an image on a recording medium,
A memory having a memory capacity smaller than the maximum amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan of the print head, and a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head; and an external device. Storage control means for storing the print data to be transmitted in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and a predetermined amount of the print data in the memory. Stored in the main scanning control means for starting the main scanning of the recording head to control the main scanning of the recording head,
Head drive means for reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with main scan of the print head controlled by the main scan control means and driving the print head in accordance with the print data. And

In order to achieve the above object, the recording system of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording system having a recording device that scans a recording head to record an image on a recording medium and a host device that supplies recording data to the recording device, wherein the recording device is a single recording head. A memory having a memory capacity smaller than the amount of print data that can be printed in main scanning, a memory for storing print data to be printed in main scanning of the print head, and print data received from the host device as main data. Storage control means for storing print data in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and print data of a predetermined number of blocks received from the host device are stored in the memory. Then, main scanning control means for starting the main scanning of the recording head to control the main scanning of the recording head, and before being controlled by the main scanning control means. A host drive unit that reads the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head and drives the print head in accordance with the print data; and the host device includes a color included in the print data. It is characterized by further comprising notifying means for notifying the recording device of the predetermined number according to the type of information or the recording mode.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording control method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, the printhead has a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the printhead with a capacity smaller than the amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan, and scans the printhead. A recording control method for recording an image on a recording medium by recording the recording data transmitted from an external device in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. And a main scan control step of starting main scan of the print head and controlling main scan of the print head when print data of a predetermined number of blocks is stored in the memory. And reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step, and driving the print head according to the print data. That has a head driving process, a recording control method characterized by changing the number of said predetermined.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording control method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, the printhead has a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the printhead with a capacity smaller than the amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan, and scans the printhead. A recording control method for recording an image on a recording medium by recording the recording data transmitted from an external device in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. And a storage control step of storing the print data of a predetermined number of blocks smaller than the number of blocks corresponding to the capacity of the memory, the main scan of the print head is started to start the main scanning. A main scan control step of controlling the main scan of the print head, and reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step. And having a head driving step of driving the recording head in accordance with the recording data.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording control method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, the print head has a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head with a memory capacity smaller than the maximum amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan. A recording control method for scanning an image on a recording medium by scanning the recording medium, wherein recording data transmitted from an external device is stored in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. A storage control step of storing print data, and a main scan control step of starting main scan of the print head to control main scan of the print head when a predetermined amount of print data is stored in the memory And reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step, and driving the print head according to the print data. And having a head driving step that, a.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, an inkjet recording apparatus will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a recording apparatus that scans a recording head to perform recording may be, for example, a thermal printer or a wire. A recording device such as a dot printer may be used.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The recording medium 105 inserted in the paper feeding position of the recording apparatus 100 is fed in the direction of arrow P by the rotation of the feed roller 106, and is conveyed to the recordable area by the recording head 104. Recording medium 10 in this recordable area
A platen 107 is provided at the bottom of the unit 5. The carriage 101 is movable in a direction along the axial directions of the two guide shafts 102 and 103, and a scanning region including a recording region is set in the main scanning direction by driving a carriage motor (not shown). Reciprocating scanning is performed along the directions indicated by arrows Q1 and Q2. When one main scan by the carriage 101 is completed, the recording medium 105 is moved to the arrow P
A predetermined amount (corresponding to the recording width of the recording head 104) is fed in the sub-scanning direction, which is the direction, to prepare for the next main scanning. The main scan and the sub scan are repeated to record one page.

In FIG. 1, the recording head 104 mounted on the carriage 101 includes an ejection port (nozzle) capable of ejecting ink and an ink tank containing the ink, and the ejection port of the recording head 104 is located below. It is mounted on the carriage 101 with the ejection port facing downward so that ink is ejected and recorded on the recording medium 105 located at.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an operation unit including a switch and a display unit. The switch is used to turn on / off the power of the recording apparatus 100, set various recording modes, and the like, and the display unit displays the state of the recording apparatus 100. It is configured to be displayable.

The recording head 104 can record four colors of Bk, C, M, and Y, and the number of ejection openings of each of the heads of Bk, C, M, and Y is 128, and the ejection of each color is performed. The arrangement pitch of the outlets is (1/600) d with respect to the sub-scanning direction.
At pi, the spacing is about 42 microns. The drive frequency of the recording head 104 is 15 kHz, and recording can be performed with a resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction. Therefore, the moving speed of the carriage 101 in the main scanning direction during the recording operation is 25 [i / s].

Further, in the vicinity of each ejection port of the recording head 104, a heating element for generating thermal energy for ejecting ink droplets is provided. The ink in the nozzle that is rapidly heated by the heat generated by the heating element forms a bubble by film boiling, and the pressure of the bubble causes the ink droplet to form an ink droplet.
Is discharged from the discharge port in the direction of
Record characters and images on top. The ink jet recording method using such a heat generating element which is an electric / heat converting element generally uses bubble jet (registered trademark) because it uses bubbles formed by applying thermal energy when ejecting ink droplets. It is called the recording method. The present embodiment is not limited to this type of ink jet head, and may be, for example, an ink discharge type recording head using a piezoelectric element.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

When a character or image data to be recorded is transmitted from the host device 500 to the ink jet recording device 100, the data is stored in the reception buffer 401. Further, at the time of receiving this data, the data for confirming whether the data is correctly transferred and the data for notifying the operation state of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 are transmitted from the recording apparatus 100 to the host apparatus 500.

The data stored in the reception buffer 401 in this way is under the control of the CPU 402.
4 is processed into print data for printing when the main scan is performed and is stored in the print buffer 420 of the RAM 403. The print data stored in the print buffer 420 is transferred to the print head 104 under the control of the print head controller 410, and the print head 104 is driven based on the print data to print characters and images. The printhead control unit 410 also detects temperature information indicating the state of the printhead 104, and detects the CPU 4
I am sending it to 02. As a result, the CPU 402 transmits the control information according to the state of the print head to the print head control unit 410, and thereby the print head 104.
Can be drive-controlled according to the state.

The machine control unit 404 includes a CPU 40.
2 has a mechanism for performing main scanning of the recording head 104 and conveyance of a recording medium according to a command from 2, and a motor such as a carriage motor or a line feed motor is also provided here. The sensor / SW control unit 406 is a sensor / switch (SW) having various sensors and SWs (switches).
A signal from the unit 407 is sent to the CPU 402. The display element control unit 408 controls display on the display unit 409 including an LED of the operation panel 108, a liquid crystal display element, and the like in accordance with a command from the CPU 402. The switch unit and the display unit 409 described above are provided in the operation unit 108 described above.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the print buffer 420 of the RAM 403 is used.
Has a memory capacity smaller than the memory capacity sufficient to store all the print data to be printed by one main scan of the print head.

In the following embodiments, the ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is an ink jet recording apparatus for performing color recording, and the ejection ports (nozzles) of the Bk, C, M, and Y heads of the recording head 104 are used. ) Is used to record an image in one pass.

In the case of a print buffer capable of storing all print data to be printed in one main scan, the print width is set to 8 inches, and when this is printed at a density of 600 dpi, 8 [inch] × 600 [ dpi] × 128
A memory capacity of [piece] × 4 [color] = 300 [kbyte] is required. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the memory capacity of the print buffer 420 is set to 2560 dots which is a width smaller than 4800 dots corresponding to a total width of 8 inches and a width larger than 1/2 thereof. did. As a result, the required memory capacity of the print buffer 420 is 2560 [dots] × 128 [pieces] × 4.
[Color] = 160 [kbytes], which is about half the memory capacity (300 kbytes) capable of storing full-width print data.

Next, the data structure of the print buffer 420 will be described.

The recording data for each color is stored separately for each of the colors Bk, C, M, and Y. The length is 128 dots in the sub-scanning direction, and 512 dots in the main scanning direction are recorded for four colors. The print data is stored in the print buffer 420 in units of rectangular blocks indicating the print data. At this time, the maximum size of each block is 128 × 512 dots = 65, 536 dots = 8,
192 bytes = 8 kbytes, which is 32 kbytes for four colors. The size of each block in the vertical direction can be set to n1 times 16 (n1 is an integer of 1 or more), and in the present embodiment, as described above, n1 is set in correspondence with the number of ejection ports of the print heads of each color. = 8 and 128 (= 16 × 8).
The horizontal size of each block is 2 ⁿ² (n2 is 0
The above integer) can be set, and in the present embodiment, n2
= 9 and 2 ⁹ = 512. Therefore, the print buffer 420 according to the present embodiment has a horizontal width of 2560/51 with respect to the recording width (8 inches) of the recording medium 105.
The configuration is such that the recording data for 2 = 5 [pieces] blocks can be stored.

FIG. 3 is a concept showing a block set in the print buffer 420 when data of 8 inches in width (length in the main scanning direction) is recorded on the A4 size recording medium 105 in one scan (main scanning). It is a figure.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment, since the resolution for recording in the main scanning direction is 600 dpi, in order to record the entire width of 8 inches, 10 blocks of 512 dot width 300 (4800/512) are used. = 9.375) Required. However, in this embodiment, the print buffer 4
Since the memory capacity of 20 has only the width of 2560 dots as described above, the print buffer 42
The number of recording data blocks 300 that can be stored in 0 is five (indicated by 301 in FIG. 3).

Further, in the structure of the print buffer 420 described above, in the main scan of the print head 104 for printing, a memory area is secured in the print buffer 420 for each color in a block where print data does not exist. Instead, a zero flag is set instead to handle it as null data during recording, thereby saving the memory capacity used by the print buffer 420. This will be described in detail below.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show Bk, when there is no recording data of magenta (M) in a certain block.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which only the C and Y recording data are stored as block data to save the memory capacity used in the print buffer 420.

FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a state in which print data corresponding to each color in a certain block is stored. Here, black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow ( Y) in order of maximum 128 ×
The data for 512 dots can be stored.

FIG. 4B shows a case where there is no print data for printing magenta dots. In this case,
Recording data of yellow (Y) is stored following black (Bk) and cyan (C), and the memory capacity of this block is reduced to 128 × 512 × 3 dots.

In this case, the block color information indicating the presence or absence of print data for each color is Bk, C, M, Y = (1111) because all the color data exists in FIG. 4A.
In contrast, in the example of FIG. 4B, since there is no magenta recording data, the block color information is Bk, C, M, Y = (1101) (4 bits).
Has become.

As a result, the print data can be packed and stored in the print buffer 420, so that the use area of each block in the print buffer 420 can be saved.

Further, even if the print data of each color exists, it is unlikely that the print data exists over 128 × 512 dots. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, printing of each color in one block is performed. The data is subdivided into smaller blocks, the presence or absence of print data for printing dots is checked for each small block, and the print buffer 420 is filled with memory areas corresponding to the small blocks in which there is no print data for printing dots. Remember. As a result, more effective recording data can be stored in the print buffer 420.

In FIG. 5, each block of Bk, C, M and Y shown in FIG. 4 is further divided into n3 = 16 (ejection port) units to be made into small blocks, and dots are recorded in each small block. It is a figure explaining the example which checks the presence or absence of recording data.

Here, the print data of each color of each block is divided into n3 units (n3 is an integer of 1 or more) corresponding to the number of ejection ports in the vertical direction and a width of 512 dots in the horizontal direction.
It is divided into individual (numbers 0 to 7) small blocks. Then, for each small block, the presence / absence of print data for printing dots is determined, a memory area is not reserved for a small block in which the print data does not exist, and a zero flag is set to substitute. Then, at the time of printing the small block, the printing data of the ejection port corresponding to the small block is set to null data, and printing is performed while suppressing the memory capacity used by the print buffer 420.

In the example of FIG. 5, since the recording data exists only in the small blocks having the numbers 2 to 4, the storage areas of the remaining small blocks are not secured in the print buffer 420, and the storage areas having the numbers 2 to 4 are provided. Only small blocks are reserved. As a result, the memory capacity used by the print buffer 420 can be saved. In FIG. 5, the vertical direction corresponds to the arrangement direction of the ejection ports, and the number of ejection ports of the recording head 104 according to the present embodiment is 128.
= 16, it is divided into 8 small blocks.
In FIG. 5, print data for printing dots is stored in the small blocks of Nos. 2 to 4, and this corresponds to the 33rd to 80th ejection ports (nozzles) of the recording head 104.

Further, here, as the cyan small block information, "1" is set only to the bit position corresponding to the small block in which the recording data for recording the dot exists, and the bit positions corresponding to the other small blocks are set. The small block information in which "0" is set to is stored in the RAM 403.
The small block information may set the start number and end number (numbers 2 and 4 in the example of FIG. 5) of the small block in which the print data for printing dots exists.

By thus saving the amount of recording data to be stored, it is possible to reduce the amount of block data to be stored in the print buffer 420, and as a result, the print buffer 420 having a limited memory capacity. The number of blocks that can be stored (160 kB in this embodiment) can be increased.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining the management of print data in such a print buffer 420. The print buffer 42 of FIG.
0 and the management table of FIG. 6B are the RAM 403 described above.
It is provided in.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which a maximum of 32 kbyte blocks (blocks 1 to 5) are stored in the 160 kbyte print buffer 420.

However, since the size of each block changes according to the amount of recording data of each color of the block as described above, as shown in FIG. 6B, printing of that block is performed for each block. The start address and the final address in the buffer 420, block color information (4 bits) indicating the presence or absence of print data for each color, and small block information (8 bits) indicating the presence or absence of print data in small blocks for each color are stored. There is. Although FIG. 6B shows the case of block 1, the same applies to other blocks.

In the structure of the print buffer 420 described above, when performing printing, print data for one main scan transmitted from the host apparatus 500 is printed in the print buffer 420.
Therefore, the main scanning of the print head 104 is started at the time when a part of the print data is determined, and the block for which printing is completed is used as a block for storing the next print data.

Specifically, the operation will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the data receiving and recording operation in the ink jet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, and the program for executing this processing is stored in the ROM 411.

First, in step S1, when print data is received from the host device 500, the process proceeds to step S2, and the received print data is stored in the reception buffer 401.
It should be noted that, here, the print data of each color is transmitted from the host device 500 in units of each block described above, and the print data of the color component for which the print data for printing dots does not exist does not have the print data for that color. It shall be notified from the device 500. Then, in step S3, the print data stored in the reception buffer 401 is stored in the print buffer 420. This process will be described later in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this way, the process proceeds to step S4, where the print data of a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) of blocks has been stored in the print buffer 420, or the print buffer 420 can store more block data. Check if it is gone, otherwise step S
Returning to 1, the process of receiving the print data from the host device 500 is executed. When the condition of step S4 is satisfied in this way, the process proceeds to step S5, the rotational drive of the carriage motor is started, and the scanning of the carriage 101 (recording head 104) is started.

Next, in step S6, the printer processing of the print data for one block stored in the print buffer 420 is executed. This one-block printing process will be described later in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the printing of the print data for one block is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S7, and it is checked whether the printing by one scan of the print head 104 is finished. If the recording for one scan is not completed, the process proceeds to step S8, and the print buffer 42
It is checked whether or not 0 has already recorded the remaining print data for one scan. If it is stored, it is not necessary to store the print data in the print buffer 420 any more in this one scan, and the process returns to step S6 to execute the above-described processing. On the other hand, if the print buffer 420 does not store the remaining print data for one scan, the process advances to step S9 to release the area in which the print data of the recorded block has been stored, and to follow the released area. Store the record data of the block. At this time, if the capacity of the recording data of the subsequent block is larger than the capacity of the released memory area and the recording data of the block cannot be stored, the recording of the next block is terminated. After waiting, when the empty area enough to store the print data of the subsequent block is secured, the print data of the block is stored in the print buffer 420. When the process of step S9 is completed, the process returns to step S6, and the recording data for one block is recorded based on the recording data of the next block.

Thus, in step S7, the recording head 10
When the recording for one scanning by 4 is completed, the procedure proceeds to step S10, the scanning of the carriage 101 (recording head 104) is stopped, and then the procedure proceeds to step S11, and the width of the image recorded by the one scanning (length in the sub-scanning direction). The recording medium is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction.

Even after the recording process is started in step S5 and thereafter, the receiving process of the recording data from the host device 500 is executed, and the receiving buffer 4 is used in the receiving process.
The print data stored in 01 is stored in the print buffer 420 in step S9.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the process of storing the print data in block units in the print buffer 420 in step S3 of FIG.

First, in step S31, the reception buffer 40
The recording data for one block is read from 1. Then, in step S32, it is checked whether or not there is a color component for which there is no print data for printing dots among the print data for each color of Bk, C, M, and Y, and the flag for the color component for which the print data does not exist is set. The block color information is set to "0" by setting the flags of the other color components to "1" (see FIG. 4).
reference). Next, in step S33, among the print data of the color components in which the print data for printing the dots exists, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, for each small block divided into small blocks of 16 nozzles × 512 dots, It is checked whether or not there is print data for printing dots, and if there is a small block in which the print data does not exist at all, the flag corresponding to that small block is set to "0", and it corresponds to the other small blocks. The flag is set to "1" and the small block information is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S34, and among the print data of the small blocks and the respective color components, the blocks or the small blocks in which the print data for printing the dots does not exist are packed (without securing these memory areas) and recorded in the print buffer 420. Store data. Next, in step S35, the print buffer 42
The start address and end address of the block at 0 are stored in the RAM 403 (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the recording process for one block based on the recording data stored in the print buffer 420 in step S6 of FIG.

First, in step S61, 4 for one block
Color recording data is read from the print buffer 420, and the table shown in FIG. 6B stored in the RAM 403 is referred to, and in step S62, it is determined whether or not there is color information whose block color information is “0”. . If there is, the process proceeds to step S63, the print data in which the print data of the corresponding color block is all set to "0 (null)" is generated, and the process proceeds to step S66.

On the other hand, if there is no color information in which the block color information is "0" in step S62, the process proceeds to step S64.
It is checked whether there is color information in which the small block information is "0". If so, the process proceeds to step S65 to generate print data in which the print data corresponding to the small blocks of the corresponding color block are all set to "0" (null), and the process proceeds to step S65.
Proceed to 66.

When the block color information does not include "0" and there is no color information in which the small block information is "0", or after executing steps S53 and S65, the process proceeds to step S66, and one block of four colors The image data is expanded in the buffer (RAM 403). Then, the process proceeds to step S67, the data to be recorded at the next recording timing is transferred to the recording head 104, and the recording head 104 is transferred at step S68.
Has reached the recording position. When the recording position has been reached, the process proceeds to step S69 to drive the recording head 104 to perform recording. Then, in step S70, it is checked whether or not the scanning or recording by the recording head 104 for 512 dots corresponding to one block has been performed, that is, whether the recording for one block has been completed, and if not completed, step S67.
Then, the print data to be printed at the next print timing is transferred to the print head 104.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the data in the print buffer 420 and the recording on the recording medium 105 in accordance with the above operation.

In FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the main scanning of the print head 104 is started at the time when print data for five blocks is stored in the print buffer 420.
Then, at 110, when the print head for 512 dots corresponding to the first block 1 scans and the recording corresponding to block 1 is completed, the block 6 is stored in the memory area in the print buffer 420 where the block 1 is stored.
The record data of is stored. Then, as indicated by 111,
When the recording head for the next 512 dots scans and the recording of the block 2 is completed, the recording data of the block 7 is stored in the memory area of the block 2. After that, when the printing of the print data of the final block 10 is completed while sequentially reusing the memory area of the recorded blocks, the main scanning of the print head 104 is completed.

After the main scanning of the recording head 104 is completed in this way, the next main scanning may be performed by scanning the recording head 104 in the opposite direction to the previous one, or the recording head 104 may be used. It is also possible to return to the home position and scan the recording head 104 in the same direction as the previous time to perform recording.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the same parts as those described above are designated by the same symbols.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1100 denotes a print data determination unit, and in the print data received from the host device 500, whether or not print data in which dots are not printed is included for each print data of each color component, and further, the above-mentioned. The presence of print data in which dots are not printed is checked in small block units, and the color flag information and small block information for each color are determined. The storage control unit 1101 includes a recording data determination unit 11
The print data of each color component is stored in the print buffer 420 based on the determination result of 00 (color flag information and small block information for each color). At this time, regarding the block or the small block in which the print data for printing the dots does not exist, the memory area to be stored in the print buffer 420 is not secured, and the print data is stuffed and stored accordingly.

In this way, the print data of the predetermined amount of blocks in the print buffer 420, or the print buffer 4
When the recording data for the capacity of 20 is stored, the recording head 1
The scanning of 04 is started, and the print data is sequentially read from the print buffer 420 under the control of the read control unit 1103. At this time, the read control unit 1103 identifies the block data of the print buffer 420 by referring to the color flag information, the small block information for each color, and the address table 1102, and the block that does not include the recording data for recording dots. Or for small blocks,
The null data generation unit 1104 generates (0: null) data as recording data.

The recording data read by the read control unit 1103 and the null data generation unit 1104 in this way.
The print data including the null data generated in step S6 is sent to the print head drive unit 1105, and based on the print data,
The recording head 104 is driven to perform recording. The print head drive unit 1105 also controls the rotation of the carriage motor 1106 to control the main scanning of the print head 104, and when the printing of the print data corresponding to one block is completed, the storage control unit 1 for 1101
Notify that recording of blocks has been completed. As a result, the storage control unit 1101 can release the area in the print buffer 420 where the block data was stored, and store the print data of the next block therein.

As described above, during one main scan of the print head, the memory area storing the print data of the recorded block is released, and the print data of the next received block is stored in the memory area. If you try
It may happen that the reception of the recording data of the next block is not in time for the recording of the block. That is, the recording head 1
Although 04 has scanned up to the recording position of the block, there is a possibility that the area corresponding to the block cannot be recorded.

In this case, the printing based on the print data of the block up to immediately before the block which cannot be received in time is completed, and the scanning of the print head is once ended. Then, while the print head is stopped, subsequent print data including a block that was not in time for printing is received, and after reception of print data of a predetermined amount of blocks or more is completed, the main print head again The scanning is started, and the recording based on the recording data after the block which is not received in time is completed to complete the recording by the one main scanning (such recording is referred to as "rescan recording"). This "rescan recording" process is executed by the rescan recording controller 1107 in FIG.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a printing scan by one main scan of the print head 104 (carriage 101) in the ink jet printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, which is a feature of the second embodiment of the present invention. The scan start timing for starting is described. Since the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the following second to sixth embodiments is the same as the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 according to the above-described first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, when the print data for the predetermined number (five) of blocks is stored in the print buffer 420, the main scan of the carriage (print head 104) is started and printing is performed. It was

Considering the print data stored in the print buffer 420, depending on the print data,
There may be a blank portion (data portion where dots are not recorded) in one main scan, or there may be no recording data for all colors. Print buffer 420 according to the present embodiment
Since the null data is not stored as described above, the amount of memory used can be reduced, and the print buffer with a limited memory capacity (160 k in the present embodiment).
The number of blocks that can be stored in (byte) can be increased. For example, when there is no Y-color print data at the time of printing in one main scan, the capacity of the print data for one block is when the print data for all colors (for four colors) exists. In comparison, it is substantially 3/4. This means that up to 5 blocks can be stored in the print buffer 420 when print data of all colors (for 4 colors) exists, while 4 / Three
This means that it is possible to store approximately 6 blocks of recording data.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when receiving and recording the print data of one main scan, in the case of the color print data including only the print data of three colors, the print data of up to 6 blocks is recorded. The main scan of the print head 104 is started at the timing when the print data is received and stored in the print buffer 420, and the next one block of print data cannot be received and stored.

If the print data is monochrome data and contains, for example, only black (one color) print data, the data amount corresponding to one block is (4
It is about 1/4 compared to the case where recorded data of (color) is included,
Even with the memory capacity of the print buffer 420 according to the present embodiment, all blocks (1
It is possible to store print data of 0 block).
Therefore, in such a case, that is, when the print data for one main scan includes print data for one color only, print data for all blocks (here, 10 blocks) is received and printed. When stored in the buffer 42,
The main scanning of the recording head 104 is started, and the recording for one main scanning is started.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the processing according to the second embodiment. Here, in FIG.
Instead of step S4 in the flowchart of FIG.
72, S73 is executed. The program that executes this process is stored in the ROM 411.

In steps S1 to S3 of FIG. 7 described above, when the print data is received in block units from the host device 500 and stored in the print buffer 420, step S72.
Then, it is determined whether or not the print data for all the blocks to be printed in one main scan has been stored in the print buffer 420. If the print data for all blocks is stored here, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 7 to start the rotation drive of the carriage motor 1106 to start the print head 104.
To start scanning.

On the other hand, in step S72, if the print data for all the blocks to be printed in one main scan is not stored in the print buffer 420, the process proceeds to step S73, the free space of the print buffer 420 is determined, and the next step is performed. It is determined whether the print data for one block can be received and stored in the print buffer 420. In this determination, the number of colors of the print data included in the print data is naturally taken into consideration. In this way, the empty area in which the recording data for the next one block can be stored is the print buffer 42.
When it is determined that the value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S5, and scanning of the recording head is started. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the next block of print data can be stored, the process proceeds to step S1 of FIG. 7, and the next block of print data is received and stored in the print buffer 420.

When the scanning of the recording head is started in this way and the recording of one main scanning is started, the recording is sequentially performed from the recording data of the leading block of the main scanning, and the print buffer storing the blocks after the recording is stored. Free the memory area of 420. If there is print data for the unstored block during printing of the next block, the print data of that block is stored in the released memory area, and printing of one main scan is performed by repeating this. To do.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When the storage of print data for blocks that can be stored in the print buffer 420 is completed, or when the storage of print data for all blocks for one main scan is completed, the scan of the print head is started and printing is performed. Since this is performed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the print data for the blocks to be printed will not be stored in time for the main scan of the print head.

[Third Embodiment] In the second embodiment described above, the print data of all the blocks for one main scan is printed at the time when the storage of the print data for the blocks that can be stored in the print buffer 420 is completed. Buffer 420
The scanning of the recording head is started at the time when the data is stored in.

However, in this case, the print buffer 42
Print head 1 until a predetermined amount of print data is stored in 0
Since the 04 scan is not started, a lot of waiting time occurs between the start of storing the print data for one main scan and the start of the scan of the print head 104, and as a result, a large waiting time is required to complete the print. It will take time.

For example, when the print data is monochrome data and includes only black print data, the print data of all blocks (10 blocks) capable of printing one main scan are printed in the first and second embodiments. Buffer 42
Can be stored at 0. Therefore, in this case, the scan of the print head may be started at the time when the print data for all blocks is stored in the print buffer 420. However, this causes a waiting time until the print data for all blocks for one main scan is stored in the print buffer 420.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the print data for all blocks of one main scan is printed in the print buffer 4.
Even when the print data can be stored in 20, the main scan of the print head 104 is started before the print data for all blocks is stored, for example, when the print data for 5 blocks is stored in the print buffer 420. Start recording. Then, in parallel with recording the recording data of the stored blocks, the recording data of the remaining unstored blocks of the main scanning is printed in the print buffer 420.
It will be stored in. At this time, it is not necessary to erase the recorded data recorded in the print buffer 420 and release the memory area. In this way, it is possible to print all of one main scan. By doing so, it is not necessary to delay the start of the main scanning of the recording head 104 until the print buffer 420 is full, and the recording time can be shortened accordingly.

Even when the print buffer 420 is set to start the scan of the print head 104 until the print data of six blocks is stored, the print data of five blocks is stored. The print buffer 420 may become full. In this case, of course, the scan of the recording head 104 is started when the print buffer 420 is full. As described above, even when the print data for many blocks can be stored in the print buffer 420, the print data for a certain fixed number of blocks is stored at the time when the print data is completed in the print buffer 420 or at the print buffer 420. The recording time can be shortened by starting the scanning of the recording head 104 at the time when the recording of the recordable blocks of data is completed.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, instead of step S4 of the flow chart of FIG. 7, steps S82 to S8 are carried out.
Execute 4. The program that executes this processing is R
It is stored in the OM 411.

In steps S1 to S3 of FIG. 7 described above, when the print data is received in block units from the host device 500 and stored in the print buffer 420, step S82 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the print data for all the blocks to be printed in one main scan has been stored in the print buffer 420. If the print data for all blocks is stored here, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 7 to start the rotation drive of the carriage motor 1106 to start the print head 104.
To start scanning.

On the other hand, in step S82, if the print data for all the blocks to be printed in one main scan is not stored in the print buffer 420, the process proceeds to step S83 and the n4th block (n4 is an integer of 1 or more). It is determined whether or not the print data up to the minute has been stored in the print buffer 420. Note that n4 = 6 here. If the print data up to the n4th block has been stored, the process proceeds to step S5, and the main scan of the print head is started to start printing. On the other hand, in step S83, if the print data up to the n4th block is not stored, step S84
To determine the free space in the print buffer 420,
It is determined whether the next one block of print data can be received and stored in the print buffer 420. In this determination, the number of colors of the print data included in the print data is naturally taken into consideration. In this way, when it is determined that there is no empty area in the print buffer 420 in which the next block of print data can be stored, the process proceeds to step S5 described above,
Start scanning the printhead. On the other hand, step S84
Then, if it is determined that the recording data for the next one block can be stored, the process proceeds to step S1 in FIG. 7, and the recording data for the next one block is received and stored in the print buffer 420.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the print data up to a certain predetermined block is stored in the print buffer 420, or the print data of the block that can be stored in the print buffer 420 is stored. When the storage is completed, or when the print data for all the blocks for one main scan is completely stored, the print head 1
Since the main scanning of 04 is started and the printing is started, it is possible to reduce the time delay from the start of storing the print data for one main scanning in the print buffer 420 to the start of the printing operation. . In addition, when the main scanning of the print head is started at the time when the print data of the predetermined number of blocks is stored in the memory, the predetermined number can be variably set to change the print start timing. It is possible to shorten the recording time.

Further, the user may arbitrarily set the number of blocks for starting the main scanning of the recording head.

Further, as in the second embodiment described above, the scan of the print head is started after waiting for the print data for the blocks that can be stored in the print buffer 420 to be stored, or in the third embodiment. As described above, the user may be allowed to select whether to start the scan of the print head and perform printing when the storage of the print data of the predetermined number of blocks is completed.

The selection unit for the number of blocks and the scan start timing is the recording device 10 according to the present embodiment.
SW associated with 0 sensor / SW control unit 407
It may be a (switch). Alternatively, the result set by the user using the input unit of the host apparatus 500 for transmitting the print data may be transmitted from the host apparatus 500 to the print apparatus 100 as the set data together with the print data. Further, the recording device may be provided with recording means such as a non-volatile recording element and the set value thereof may be stored in a non-volatile manner.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the number of blocks stored in the print buffer 420 for determining the timing of starting the scan of the print head, that is, the start of the scan of the print head 104. Is determined based on the color information that constitutes the print data.

The host apparatus 500 transmits the color configuration information constituting the print data of one main scan to the printing apparatus 100 before transmitting the print data for each main scan. As a result, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 determines which color information the print data for one main scan to store is composed of the color configuration information sent from the host device 500. Here, the recorded data is Y, M, C,
In the case of the data of four colors of Bk, the scan of the print head 104 is started at the time when the print data for the maximum number of blocks (5 in the above example) that can be stored in the print buffer 420 is completely stored.

The print data transmitted from the host device 500 is any of Y, M, C, and Bk 2 to 3
When the print data for the color is included, the print buffer 420 is controlled to start scanning the print head 104 at the time when the print data for five blocks is stored. Alternatively, if the print data transmitted from the host device 500 includes print data of only one color of Y, M, C, and Bk, the print buffer 420 stores print data of three blocks. Recording head 10
The scanning of 4 is started.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, instead of step S4 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, steps S91 to S9 are performed.
6 is executed. The program that executes this processing is R
It is stored in the OM 411.

In the above steps S1 to S3 of FIG. 7, when the print data is received in block units from the host device 500 and stored in the print buffer 420, the step S91 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the print data to be printed by this main scanning includes print data for four colors. If the print data for four colors is included, the flow advances to step S92 to set the number N of blocks for starting print scanning to "5". If the recording data for four colors is not included in step S91, the process proceeds to step S93 to check whether the recording data for two to three colors is included. If so, the process proceeds to step S94, and the number N of blocks for starting the print scan is set to "5". If it is determined in step S93 that print data for two or three colors is not included, step S95.
And the number N of blocks for starting the print scan is set to "3".

Thus, steps S92, S94 and S95 are performed.
When the value of the number of blocks N is set in any of the above, the process proceeds to step S96, and it is checked whether the set N blocks of print data have been received and stored in the print buffer 420. If it is stored, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 7, the rotational drive of the carriage motor 1106 is started, and the scanning of the recording head 104 is started. or,
If not, the process returns to step S1 (FIG. 7) to receive the print data of the next block.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the number of colors to be printed is determined by determining the scan start timing of the print head, that is, the print start timing according to the color information included in the print data. The smaller the number is (the smaller the amount of recording data is), the shorter the time delay can be, and the recording can be started. As a result, the recording time can be shortened.

The host device 500 can also determine whether to switch the scan start timing of the recording head 104. That is, in the host device 500, the timing of starting the scan of the print head 104 is determined from the color configuration information of the print data to be printed in one main scan, and when the print data is transmitted, the scan start timing of the one main scan ( The scanning start block number N) is transmitted to the recording apparatus 100 and notified. As a result, the printing apparatus 100 starts scanning the print head 104 at the time when the print data of the designated block number N is stored in the print buffer 420 when printing the print data of one main scan. Print for one main scan.

Further, the determination of switching the scanning start timing of the recording head 104 is made not for each main scanning but for each main scanning.
It may be performed for each page or for each print job. Also in this case, this determination may be performed by either the host device 500 or the recording device 100.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment described above, the scanning start timing (the number of blocks N) of the print head 104 is switched based on the color information that constitutes the print data. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment,
The number of blocks N stored at the time of starting the scan of the print head is switched based on the print mode at the time of printing.

The recording mode referred to here is "HQ mode" (moving speed of the carriage 101 is 25 inches / second,
The drive frequency of the recording head 104 is 15 kHz) and "HS
Mode "(moving speed of the carriage 101 is 40 inches /
Second, the drive frequency of the recording head 104 is 24 kHz). The “HQ mode” is a mode for recording print data sent at a resolution of main scanning (600 dpi) × sub scanning (600 dpi), and the “HS mode” is for main scanning (3
Print data sent at a resolution of (00 dpi) × sub-scanning (300 dpi) in the carriage 101 in the main scanning direction.
The main scanning speed and the driving frequency of the recording head 104 are changed to have a resolution of 300 dpi in the main scanning direction, and in the sub-scanning direction, every other nozzle arranged at a resolution of 600 dpi is used to generate 300 dpi. This is a mode for recording at resolution.

As described above, when the same recording data is recorded, the data amount of the recording data is smaller because the resolution is lower in the “HS mode” than in the “HQ mode”. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the host apparatus 500 transmits the print mode information for printing the print data to the printing apparatus 100 before sending the print data for each print job or each main scan. .

As a result, in the recording apparatus 100, the recording mode information sent from the host apparatus 500 is "HQ mode".
In the case of, the scanning of the recording head 104 is started at the time when the recording data of 5 blocks is stored in the print buffer 420, and recording is performed. On the other hand, in the “HS mode”, when the print data for three blocks is stored in the print buffer 420, the scan of the print head 104 is started and printing is performed. However, in the case of "HS mode", "HQ
In consideration of the fact that the print speed is 1.5 times faster than the “mode” and that the print data amount may be ¼, the block for starting the print scan so that the print data can be stored in the print buffer 420 in time. The number N may be determined.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, instead of step S4 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, steps S101 to S101.
Step 104 is executed. The program that executes this process is stored in the ROM 411.

When the print data is received in block units from the host device 500 and stored in the print buffer 420 in steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 7 described above, step S10 is performed.
The process proceeds to step 1 to check whether the printing mode for printing by this main scanning is the "HQ mode" or the "HS mode". In the case of the "HQ mode", the process proceeds to step S102, and the number N of blocks for starting the print scan is set to "5". On the other hand, step S10
If the recording mode is “HS mode” in step 1, step S
In step 103, the number N of blocks for starting the print scan is set to "3". Thus, steps S102 and S10
When the value of the number of blocks N is set in any of No. 3, the process proceeds to step S104, and it is determined whether reception of the set N blocks of print data is completed and stored in the print buffer 420. If it is stored, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 7, the rotational drive of the carriage motor 1106 is started, and the scanning of the recording head 104 is started.
If not, the process returns to step S1 (FIG. 7) to receive the print data of the next block.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the scan start timing of the print head 104, that is, the print start timing is determined according to the print mode information of the print data, so that the amount of print data is small. Recording can be started with less time delay, and as a result, recording time can be shortened.

Further, it is also possible for the host device 500 to determine the switching of the scan start timing of the recording head 104. In this case, when the host apparatus 500 determines the timing to start the scan of the print head 104, that is, the number of blocks N based on the print mode information for printing in one main scan, and sends the print data to the print apparatus 100. , The number of blocks N at the time of starting the scan is transmitted to the recording apparatus 100. Accordingly, the recording device 100
When the print data for one main scan is printed, the scan of the print head 104 is started when the print data for the designated number N of blocks is stored in the print buffer 420, and Complete minute recording.

Further, the switching determination of the scanning start timing of the recording head may be determined not for each main scanning but for each page or each print job.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, the scanning start timing of the print head, that is, the number of blocks at the time of starting scanning, is determined when the print buffer is full or a predetermined block. The number is determined based on the number, the number of colors to be recorded, or the number of blocks determined by the recording mode. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the scan start timing of the print head is not determined by the number N of blocks as described above, but based on the data amount of print data stored (it does not depend on the number of blocks). To
The scanning of the recording head 104 is started. An example of the scan start determination processing of the recording head 104 based on the stored data amount will be described.

Recording apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 6
Stores the print data sent in block units in the print buffer 420, and the total data amount of the stored print data is a predetermined ratio of the memory capacity of the print buffer 420 (for example, 80% in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not it exceeds. If it does not exceed, the print data for the next block is stored, but if it exceeds, or if the storage of print data for all blocks in one main scan is completed, the scan of the print head 104 is started. To do.

The processing in this case is replaced by, for example, the determination as to whether or not the print data of the next block can be received and stored in the print buffer 420 in step S73 of the flowchart of FIG. 12 according to the second embodiment. ,
The total amount of print data stored in the print buffer 420 is 80% of the memory capacity of the print buffer 420.
It is judged whether or not it exceeds, and if it does not exceed,
Then, the process returns to step S1 and the above-mentioned processing is executed. on the other hand,
If it is determined that the memory capacity of the print buffer 420 does not exceed 80%, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 7, the scanning of the recording head 104 is started, and the recording operation is started.

As described above, the determination of the scanning start timing of the recording head 104, that is, the determination of the recording start timing is performed not based on the number of blocks but on the data amount of the recording data actually stored in the print buffer 420. Therefore, even if the size of the print data of one block changes depending on the ratio of the blank area, the number of colors to be printed, and the print mode, printing can be started at the optimum timing.

In the print buffer 420,
The amount of stored recording data is the print buffer 4
When the scanning of the recording head 104 is started based on how much the memory capacity of the entire 20 is, the ratio may be arbitrarily set by the user.

This setting is based on the sensor / S of the recording device 100.
This can be performed using a SW (switch) attached to the W control unit 407. Alternatively, the value set by the user on the host device 500 may be used as the setting data by using the input unit of the host device 500 that transmits the recording data, and the setting data may be transmitted to the recording device 100 together with the recording data. Further, the recording device 100 may be provided with a recording unit such as a nonvolatile recording element and the set value thereof may be held in a nonvolatile manner.

(Other Embodiments) As described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the embodiment to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus. This can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of (1) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. may be used. You can

Moreover, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program code. This also includes the case where the system) performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code. It also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the memory capacity of the print buffer 420 is smaller than the memory capacity capable of storing all the print data recorded in one main scan. Then, the print data of each color is stored in block units, and a block that does not include print data for printing dots for each color or a small block smaller than that is not stored in the print buffer and is flagged instead and recorded. Sometimes treated as null data. As a result, the memory capacity of the print buffer used for printing can be saved, and an inexpensive recording apparatus can be realized.

Further, using the print buffer having such a configuration, main scanning of the print head is started at the time when a predetermined amount of print data is stored in the print buffer, and printing is sequentially performed. By setting the timing of starting the main scan of the print head to start printing as the time when the print data for all blocks that can be stored in the print buffer is stored, the print head receives and stores the print data in the main scan. We were able to realize a recording device with a comfortable recording environment by reducing as much as possible the situation that is too late.

Further, the timing of starting the main scan of the print head to start printing is determined based on the number N of blocks stored in the print buffer, and further, the color information included in the print data or the print mode is considered. By determining the number of blocks N in this manner, the delay time from the reception of the print data can be reduced, and the print scan can be started. As a result, the print time can be shortened.

Further, by determining the timing of starting the main scanning of the print head based on the data amount (ratio) of the print data stored in the print buffer, not on the number N of blocks, the use efficiency of the print buffer is improved. In addition, the print scan can be started with a reduced delay time after receiving the print data. Therefore, there is an effect that the recording time can be shortened as a result.

[0128]

As described above, according to the present invention, the print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head can be recorded with the memory capacity smaller than the data amount of the print data that can be printed in one main scan of the print head. A memory for storing is provided, and the memory can be efficiently used for recording.

Further, according to the present invention, when recording is performed using the above memory, there is an effect that the timing for starting recording by the recording head can be optimized to shorten the time required for recording.

Further, according to the present invention, when recording is performed using the above-mentioned memory, there is an effect that the time required for recording can be shortened by determining the timing of starting recording by the recording head according to the recording data. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a recording unit of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a block configuration of a print buffer in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of print data for each color in one block.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration in which a block of cyan recording data is divided into small blocks.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a block configuration of a print buffer and its management table in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing recording processing by the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of storing print data in block units in a print buffer in step S3 of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a recording (printing) process of recording data of one block in step S6 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a relationship between a recording process and a print buffer block in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a print scan start timing in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining the print scan start timing in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining the print scan start timing in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a print scan start timing in an inkjet recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus which scans a recording head to record an image on a recording medium, the recording apparatus having a capacity smaller than a data amount of recording data which can be recorded by one main scan of the recording head. A memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head; and a memory for storing print data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scan direction and the sub scan direction. A storage control unit for storing print data in the memory; and a main control unit for starting main scan of the print head and controlling main scan of the print head when print data of a predetermined number of blocks is stored in the memory. The recording data is read from the memory in synchronization with the main scanning of the recording head controlled by the scanning control unit and the main scanning control unit, and the recording is performed according to the recording data. And a head driving means for driving the head, a recording apparatus, wherein the predetermined number is changed. 2. A recording device for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head, the recording device having a capacity smaller than a data amount of recording data recordable by one main scanning of the recording head, A memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head; and a memory for storing print data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scan direction and the sub scan direction. A storage control unit for storing print data in the memory, and when the print data of a predetermined number of blocks smaller than the number of blocks corresponding to the capacity of the memory is stored in the memory, main scanning of the print head is started. Main scanning control means for controlling the main scanning of the recording head, and the recording from the memory in synchronization with the main scanning of the recording head controlled by the main scanning control means. Recording apparatus comprising: the head driving means, the driving of the recording head in accordance with the recording data read out over data. 3. A determination means for determining a recording mode of the recording data is further provided, and the predetermined number is determined according to the recording mode determined by the determination means. Item 2. The recording device according to item 1 or 2. 4. A color determination unit for determining color information included in the print data, wherein the predetermined number is
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is determined according to the type of color information determined by the color determination unit. 5. A recording device for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head, comprising a memory capacity smaller than a maximum data amount of recording data recordable by one main scanning of the recording head. A memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head, and print data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scan direction and the sub scan direction. Storage control means for storing print data in the memory; and a main control means for starting main scan of the print head to control main scan of the print head when a predetermined amount of print data is stored in the memory. The recording data is read from the memory in synchronization with the main scanning of the recording head controlled by the scanning control unit and the main scanning control unit, and the recording is performed according to the recording data. Recording device comprising a head drive means for driving the head, to have a. 6. The storage control means, when determining that there is no print data for printing dots in the block, without securing a storage area of the block in the memory,
The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a block including recording data for recording the dots is controlled to be stored in the memory. 7. The head drive means further reads the print data from the memory in synchronization with main scan of the print head controlled by the main scan control means, and there is no print data for printing the dots. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording data corresponding to the block determined to be is supplied to the recording head as data not recording dots. 8. A recording system comprising a recording device for scanning a recording head to record an image on a recording medium, and a host device for supplying recording data to the recording device, wherein the recording device comprises: A memory having a memory capacity smaller than the amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan, and a memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head; and print data received from the host device. Storage control means for storing print data in the memory in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and print data of a predetermined number of blocks received from the host device is stored in the memory. Stored in the main scanning control unit, the main scanning control unit starts the main scanning of the recording head to control the main scanning of the recording head, and the main scanning control unit controls the main scanning. A head drive unit that reads the print data from the memory in synchronization with main scanning of the print head and drives the print head in accordance with the print data; A recording system comprising a notifying unit for notifying the recording device of the predetermined number according to the type of color information included or the recording mode. 9. The host device further comprises determination means for determining a recording mode of the recording data, and the predetermined number is determined according to the recording mode determined by the determination means. The recording system according to claim 8. 10. The host device further comprises color determination means for determining color information included in the print data, and the predetermined number is determined according to the type of color information determined by the color determination means. The recording system according to claim 8, wherein the recording system is provided. 11. The recording head has a memory for storing the recording data to be recorded in the main scanning of the recording head with a capacity smaller than the data amount of the recording data that can be recorded in one main scanning. A recording control method for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a head, wherein the memory stores the recording data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. A storage control step of storing print data in the memory, and a main scan control unit for starting the main scan of the print head and controlling the main scan of the print head when print data of a predetermined number of blocks is stored in the memory. In synchronization with the scan control step and the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step, the print data is read from the memory and the print data is read according to the print data. A head driving step of driving the head, and changing the predetermined number. 12. The recording head comprises a memory for storing the recording data to be recorded in the main scanning of the recording head with a capacity smaller than the data amount of the recording data which can be recorded in one main scanning. A recording control method for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a head, wherein the memory stores the recording data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. A storage control step of storing print data in the memory, and when the print data of a predetermined number of blocks smaller than the number of blocks corresponding to the capacity of the memory is stored in the memory, main scanning of the print head is started. The main scanning control step of controlling the main scanning of the recording head, and the recording data from the memory in synchronization with the main scanning of the recording head controlled in the main scanning control step. And a head driving step of driving the recording head according to the recording data. 13. A determination step of determining a recording mode of the recording data, wherein the predetermined number is determined according to the recording mode determined in the determination step. Item 13. The recording control method according to Item 11 or 12. 14. A color determination step of determining color information included in the recording data, wherein the predetermined number is determined according to the type of color information determined in the color determination step. 13. The recording control method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: 15. A memory for storing print data to be printed in the main scan of the print head with a memory capacity smaller than the maximum amount of print data that can be printed in one main scan of the print head, A recording control method for scanning an image on a recording medium by scanning the recording head, comprising recording data transmitted from an external device in units of blocks defined by a predetermined width in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. A storage control step of storing print data in the memory; and a main control for starting main scan of the print head and controlling main scan of the print head when a predetermined amount of print data is stored in the memory. In synchronization with the scan control step and the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step, the print data is read from the memory and the print data is read according to the print data. And a head driving step of driving the head. 16. In the storage control step, if it is determined that there is no print data for printing dots in the block, a block including print data for printing the dots is not reserved in the memory for the storage area of the block. 16. The recording control method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the recording is controlled to be stored in the memory. 17. In the head driving step, further, there is no print data for reading the print data from the memory in synchronization with the main scan of the print head controlled in the main scan control step and printing the dots. 17. The recording control method according to claim 16, wherein the recording data corresponding to the block determined to be is supplied to the recording head as data not recording dots. 18. A program for executing the recording control method according to any one of claims 11 to 17. 19. A computer-readable storage medium, which stores a program for executing the recording control method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.