JP2004001560A - Recorder and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder and a recording method in which the image quality can be prevented from deteriorating by suppressing variation in the dot forming position for each of a plurality of recording elements thereby suppressing the shift in dot forming position among rasters. <P>SOLUTION: In a system for recording dots on N adjacent rasters and dots on M adjacent columns under different conditions using a recording head having a plurality of arrays of ink ejection openings by performing a plurality of times (P times) of main scanning and at least one time of subscanning, a plurality of dots arrangement pattern being employed for the same level of image data is altered periodically. A pattern for making uniform the number of dots being formed, respectively, for the N rasters and the number of dots being formed, respectively, for the M columns in one period where they are used repeatedly is employed as the plurality of dots arrangement pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method, and more particularly to a recording apparatus and a recording method suitable for use in an ink jet recording method.

(4) A serial scanning type recording apparatus that performs a recording operation while scanning a recording head on a recording medium is adapted to various image recordings. In particular, ink jet type recording apparatuses have been rapidly spreading in recent years because of the progress of higher resolution and colorization and improvement of image quality. The serial scanning type recording apparatus repeats a recording operation of recording an image on a recording medium while the recording head moves in the main scanning direction, and a transport operation of transporting the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, Images are sequentially recorded on a recording medium.

(4) In a serial scanning type ink jet recording apparatus, a multi-nozzle head in which a plurality of ejection ports constituting nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets are arranged as a recording head is used. By further increasing the integration density of these ejection ports and decreasing the amount of ink ejection per dot, it has become possible to record even higher resolution images. In addition, in order to realize image recording with an image quality approaching that of silver halide photography, in addition to the basic four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) inks, a light ink with a reduced density of these is added, for a total of 6 inks. Many technical developments have been made, such as recording using inks of colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta). Further, in order to avoid a decrease in printing speed which is concerned with the high image quality, the number of printing elements having a configuration including ejection ports is increased, the driving frequency of the printing head is increased, and A technique such as bidirectional printing for performing printing at the time of scanning in one direction and the other direction of the print head is employed. As a result, a good throughput has been obtained.

シ リ ア ル In such a serial scanning type ink jet printing apparatus, various proposals have been made regarding the configuration of a print head and a printing method in order to support higher resolution image printing.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are explanatory views of a configuration example of an inkjet recording head H as a multi-nozzle head for increasing the nozzle array density and realizing high-density image recording. In a multi-nozzle head, in a single-row arrangement of nozzles in which discharge ports are arranged in one row, there is a limit in the nozzle arrangement density due to its manufacture. Therefore, in the recording head H of FIG. 11, a plurality of ejection ports P capable of ejecting ink are formed to form two rows (hereinafter, also referred to as “nozzle rows”) L1 and L2. The nozzle rows L1 and L2 extend in the sub-scanning direction of the arrow B through which the recording medium is conveyed, and the ejection ports P are arranged at a predetermined pitch Py in each of the nozzle rows L1 and L2. Arrow X is the main scanning direction in which the recording head H reciprocates. The ejection port P of the nozzle row L1 and the ejection port P of the nozzle row L2 are shifted by a half pitch (Py / 2) in the sub-scanning direction, thereby realizing twice the resolution of one nozzle row. Is done. For example, when an image is printed using six colors of ink, as shown in FIG. 12, a total of six print heads H for ejecting each ink are provided in the sub-scanning direction. The ejection timing of ink from the ejection ports P of the nozzle rows L1 and L2 is adjusted. In this way, by recording an image of one color ink using the two nozzle rows L1 and L2, twice the number of times of recording an image of one color ink using one nozzle row is obtained. A color image having a resolution of.

On the other hand, the recording resolution of the recording device is not always equal to the resolution of image data input from the host device to the recording device (hereinafter, also referred to as “input resolution”). Recent recording apparatuses are capable of recording according to a plurality of input resolutions. For example, if the printing apparatus has a printing resolution of 1200 dpi (dots / inch), the host device processes the image data at a resolution of 300 dpi (pixels / inch), and transfers the image data to the printing apparatus. Thus, the processing time and data transfer time of the host device can be reduced. If the host device processes the image data at a resolution of 1200 dpi in accordance with the recording resolution of 1200 dpi of the recording device and transfers the image data to the recording device, an excessive load is applied to the host device. When the host device processes image data at a resolution of 300 ppi, which is １ ／ of 1200 ppi, and transfers the image data to the recording device, the recording device, for example, transfers the image data to a recording area of 4 × 4 pixels. It can be recorded with gradation expressed in it.

Such a recording method is described in, for example, JP-A-9-46522. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the recording method. In the case of the example of FIG. 15, it is an explanatory diagram in a case where the recording apparatus records an image at a resolution of 600 dpi based on image data of a resolution of 300 dpi from a host device. When image data with an input resolution of 300 ppi is recorded at that resolution, the recording resolution is 300 dpi. Therefore, it can be said that the example of FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram in a case where the recording apparatus records an image at a resolution of 600 dpi based on image data of a resolution of 300 dpi from the host apparatus.

The printing apparatus uses an arrangement pattern of dots D (hereinafter, also referred to as a “dot arrangement pattern”) in a recording area of 2 × 2 pixels to obtain “ Five-level gradation recording of “level 0” to “level 4” is realized. For “level 1”, “level 2”, and “level 3”, a plurality of dot arrangement patterns can be used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-46522 describes that such a plurality of dot arrangement patterns are used sequentially or randomly. As shown in FIGS. 15 (b), (c), and (d), the arrangement of the dots D expressing the gradations of “level 1”, “level 2”, and “level 3” is not fixed, so that the recording is performed. It is possible to prevent a phenomenon of ink movement on a medium, for example, a so-called “squeeze phenomenon” that appears in a pseudo contour or an edge portion of an image when pseudo intermediate processing is performed. Further, the frequency of use of the nozzles in the recording head can be averaged.

Such a recording method is particularly effective when used in a recording apparatus having a high recording resolution. When realizing image recording of photographic quality, an input resolution higher than a visually recognizable resolution is not necessary. If an input resolution of about 600 dpi is obtained, it is better to further increase the input resolution than to increase the input resolution. It is more effective to increase the quality. Further, by using six inks including the light ink as described above to enhance the gradation, a smooth image with less granularity can be recorded.

ス ル ー プ ッ ト Furthermore, as the recording density increases as the resolution increases, there is a concern that the throughput will decrease. As a countermeasure, it has been proposed to employ a so-called column thinning recording method in addition to the above-mentioned multi-nozzle recording head, increase in the driving frequency of the recording head, and adoption of the bidirectional printing method.

Next, the column thinning recording method will be described. In general, in a serial scanning type ink jet recording apparatus, a moving speed of a carriage on which a recording head is mounted in a main scanning direction is defined by an ejection frequency of ink ejected according to a driving frequency of the recording head and a basic resolution. You. In the case of the column thinning printing method, the printing operation is performed while moving the carriage at a speed higher than such a specified speed. That is, first, the thinned image is recorded by the recording head while the carriage is moved in the main scanning direction, and then the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount in the sub scanning direction, and then the carriage is moved in the main scanning direction. While recording, the image portion not recorded by the previous recording is recorded by the recording head. In other words, the image to be printed is divided into a plurality of parts that complement each other, and these image parts are recorded by being divided into a plurality of scans of the recording head.

{For example, in the case of the two-pass bi-directional column thinning printing method, the moving speed of the carriage is set to twice the normally specified moving speed, and the driving frequency of the print head is set to the normal driving frequency. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, assuming a grid corresponding to the basic recording resolution on the recording medium, pixel portions to be recorded at intersections of the grid (hereinafter, also referred to as “basic lattice points”) are represented by black circles. And the white circle portion, the former black circle portion is printed at the time of the first scan (first pass) of the print head. Thereafter, the recording medium is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by a distance equal to half the length of the nozzle array in the recording head, and then the white circle in FIG. 16 is used for the second scanning of the recording head (second pass). Record. In the case of this example, the black circles in FIG. 16 are recorded during forward scanning when the recording head moves in the forward direction (forward recording), and the white circles in FIG. 16 are recorded during backward scanning when the recording head moves in the backward direction. It is recorded (return recording). Further, in the case of this example, the moving speed of the carriage was doubled while keeping the recording resolution at the basic recording resolution. However, without changing the moving speed of the carriage, the interval between the recording positions of the pixel portions in the main scanning direction is made shorter than the distance between the basic grid points in FIG. 16 for each main scan (each pass) of the print head. The recording resolution in the main scanning direction can be increased. Further, by using these together, it is possible to increase the moving speed of the carriage and the recording resolution.

However, when the six color inks are used to improve the image quality of the recorded image, the light ink improves the granularity in the low density region of the image, but the recording area is changed from the light ink recording area to the dark ink recording area. In the part where the gradation changes, the granularity of the image quality may remain. The reason is that in a gradation area represented by light ink, dark ink discharged into the area is conspicuous. In addition, there is a case where a sufficient image density cannot be obtained even though ink is applied to all of the recording grid points.

Also, as described above, when the print head H of FIG. 11 is used, printing on even-numbered raster lines and odd-numbered raster lines alternately arranged in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow Y is performed by different nozzle arrays L1 or L2. Therefore, if the landing positions of the ink droplets on the recording medium are slightly shifted for each of the nozzle rows L1 and L2, the image quality may be degraded. Causes of the displacement of the landing positions of the ink droplets include a thermal deformation of the head face surface of the recording head H in which the ejection ports P are formed, in addition to a formation error of the ejection ports P at the time of manufacturing the recording head H. In other words, the head face surface is deformed by the temperature of the ink and the environment, so that the ejection direction of the ink droplet I 'from the ejection port P of the nozzle row L1 and the The discharge direction of the ink droplet I 'from the discharge port P changes. In the case of FIG. 13, the ejection direction of the two ink droplets I ′ (the direction of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13) changes from the normal ejection direction of the solid line in FIG. Has changed. Also, the ejection direction of both ink drops I 'may change from the normal ejection direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 13 so as to close in a reverse "C" shape, contrary to the case of FIG.

に お い て In the recording head H of FIG. 13, h is a heater (electric heat converter), which generates heat energy used as ejection energy of the ink droplet I ′ according to the drive signal. A film boiling occurs in the ink I in the nozzle due to the heat energy of the heater h, and the ink droplet I ′ is ejected from the ejection port P by the foaming energy at that time. Further, in such a recording head H, the ejection direction of the ink droplet I 'is shifted in the direction of the flow path of the ink I due to the increase in the ejection force of the ink droplet I' due to the temperature rise. The ejection direction may change as indicated by a two-dot chain line.

The landing position of the ink droplet between an odd raster in which dots are formed by one of the nozzle rows L1 and L2 due to such a phenomenon and an even raster in which dots are formed by the other of the nozzle rows L1 and L2. Even a slight shift adversely affects the recording quality of an image. In particular, when a high-resolution image is recorded based on image data obtained by a binarization method such as an error diffusion method, the recorded image is significantly deteriorated.

Also, conventionally, a method of correcting a landing position shift of each ink color of an ink droplet ejected from a print head, and a correction of a landing position shift of the same color ink during forward scanning and backward scanning in bidirectional printing. There are many suggestions on how to do this. However, when a recording head H as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is used, the method of correcting the deviation of the landing position of the same color ink which occurs between adjacent raster lines has a narrow allowable range of the landing position deviation. In addition, despite the great adverse effect on the recorded image, there has been no effective adjustment method.

Further, the shift in the ejection direction of the ink droplet I 'from the ejection port P of the nozzle rows L1 and L2 as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. , The history of the ink droplet I 'ejection frequency, and the environment during the printing operation. For example, during a continuous printing operation, the temperature of the print head H increases, causing a decrease in ink viscosity, an increase in ejection force, a change in ejection angle, and an increase in ejection speed. May be shifted in the ejection direction. Such a shift in the ejection direction changes according to the temperature rise of the print head H during the printing operation, and returns to the original state when the temperature of the print head H decreases after the printing operation is completed. Therefore, even if the user is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the ejection direction by the user, it is not possible to cope with such a change in the situation.

The technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-46522 is not for eliminating the displacement of the landing positions of the ink droplets between the rasters, and such displacement of the landing positions is still not eliminated. Further, as described in the publication, when the dot arrangement pattern is randomly changed, the above-described effect can be expected. However, a circuit for randomly generating a plurality of arrangement patterns is required, and there is a concern that the circuit has a considerably complicated configuration. Further, when a plurality of arrangement patterns are generated at random as described above, since the capacity of a memory for supplying the plurality of arrangement patterns is limited, a large periodicity occurs in the change of the arrangement pattern. May also be noticeable on the recorded image.

Further, as described above, in order to perform printing without lowering the throughput, when the column thinning printing method is employed, the landing of the ink droplets between the rasters is caused by the displacement of the dot arrangement between the complementary paths. The position shift occurs. Further, when the bidirectional printing method is adopted, when a color image is printed using each color ink, the ejection order of each color ink changes according to the scanning direction of the print head. Therefore, particularly in a high-density portion recorded on a recording medium, the color development may change due to the difference in the order in which the dots of each color ink are stacked, and color unevenness that may cause image deterioration may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the influence of variations in dot formation positions among a plurality of recording elements and to reduce the deviation of dot formation positions between rasters. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of preventing image quality from deteriorating by suppressing image quality.

The recording apparatus of the present invention uses a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements capable of forming dots on a recording medium are arranged on a plurality of columns, and performs a plurality of P main scanning in the main scanning direction of the recording head. In a printing apparatus which prints dots on N rasters adjacent to each other and dots on M columns adjacent to each other under different conditions by at least one conveyance of the printing medium in the sub-scanning direction, each gradation of one image data Using a dot arrangement pattern corresponding to a level, when recording a dot corresponding to a gradation level of the image data on a recording medium, a plurality of the dot arrangement patterns used for the same gradation level of the image data, While periodically changing, forming dots on odd-numbered columns at the time of main scanning in the forward direction of the recording head and performing main scanning in the backward direction of the recording head. A control unit for forming dots on odd columns, wherein the control unit performs dot formation as a dot arrangement pattern of a certain gradation level only in one of main scanning in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head. And a second dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed during both main scanning in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head as the dot arrangement pattern of another gradation level. And M is an integer of 2 or more.

The recording method of the present invention uses a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements capable of forming dots on a recording medium are arranged on a plurality of columns, and performs a plurality of P times of main scanning in the main scanning direction of the recording head. In a recording method for recording dots on N rasters adjacent to each other and dots on M columns adjacent to each other under different conditions by at least one conveyance of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, each gradation of one image data is used. Using a dot arrangement pattern corresponding to a level, when recording a dot corresponding to a gradation level of the image data on a recording medium, a plurality of the dot arrangement patterns used for the same gradation level of the image data, While periodically changing, forming dots on odd-numbered columns at the time of main scanning in the forward direction of the recording head and performing main scanning in the backward direction of the recording head. A first dot arrangement pattern having a recording step of forming dots on odd-numbered columns, wherein dots are formed only during one of main scanning in the forward and backward directions of the recording head as a dot arrangement pattern of a certain gradation level; And a second dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed at the time of main scanning in both the forward and backward directions of the recording head, and P, N, and M are 2 It is characterized by being an integer of the above.

The present invention uses a printhead in which a plurality of print elements are arranged on a plurality of printheads, and performs a plurality of P main scans in a main scan direction of the printhead and at least one conveyance of a recording medium in a subscan direction. In the printing method of printing dots on the N rasters adjacent to each other and dots on the M columns adjacent to each other under different conditions, the influence of the variation in the dot formation position for each of the plurality of printing elements can be reduced. The deviation of the dot formation position between the dots can be suppressed to a small value, and as a result, the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented.

Hereinafter, prior to the description of the embodiments of the characteristic components of the present invention, first, the embodiments of the basic components of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the embodiments described below, a printer will be described as an example of a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method.

In this specification, the term “print” (also referred to as “record”) refers not only to the formation of significant information such as characters and figures, but also to the perception of human beings, whether significant or insignificant. Irrespective of whether or not the surface is obtained so as to be obtained, a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium or a case where the medium is processed is also referred to.

Here, the term "print medium" refers to not only paper used in a general printing apparatus but also a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. Shall also say.

Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “print” described above, and is provided on a print medium to enable the image, pattern, pattern, etc. It refers to a liquid that can be subjected to formation or processing of the print medium, or processing of the ink (eg, solidification or insolubilization of the color material in the ink applied to the print medium).

[Apparatus body]
1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer using an ink jet recording system. In FIG. 1, the outer periphery of the apparatus main body M1000 of the printer in this embodiment includes an outer member including a lower case M1001, an upper case M1002, an access cover M1003, and a discharge tray M1004, and a chassis M3019 (FIG. 2).

The chassis M3019 is composed of a plurality of plate-like metal members having a predetermined rigidity, forms a skeleton of a recording apparatus, and holds each recording operation mechanism described later.

Also, the lower case M1001 forms a substantially lower half of the exterior of the apparatus main body M1000, and the upper case M1002 forms a substantially upper half of the exterior of the apparatus main body M1000. It has a hollow body structure having a storage space for storing the mechanism. Openings are formed in the upper surface and the front surface of the apparatus main body M1000, respectively.

{Circle around (1)} One end of the discharge tray M1004 is rotatably held by the lower case M1001, and the rotation allows the opening formed in the front surface of the lower case M1001 to be opened and closed. For this reason, when the recording operation is performed, the recording sheet can be discharged from here by rotating the discharge tray M1004 to the front side to open the opening, and the discharged recording sheets P are sequentially stacked. It is possible to do. Further, the paper discharge tray M1004 contains two auxiliary trays M1004a and M1004b. By pulling out each tray as needed, the sheet support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It has become.

One end of the access cover M1003 is rotatably held by the upper case M1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. When the access cover M1003 is opened, the access cover M1003 is housed inside the main body. It becomes possible to replace the recording head cartridge H1000 or the ink tank H1900 that is present. Although not shown here, when the access cover M1003 is opened and closed, a projection formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening / closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a microswitch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.

In addition, on the rear upper surface of the upper case M1002, a power key E0018 and a resume key E0019 are provided so as to be able to be pressed, and an LED $ E0020 is provided. When the power key E0018 is pressed, the LED $ E0020 is turned on to enable recording. Is notified to the operator. The LED E0020 has various display functions such as changing the blinking method and color, and notifying an operator of a printer trouble or the like. Further, the buzzer E0021 (FIG. 7) can be leveled. When the trouble or the like is solved, the recording is restarted by pressing the resume key E0019.

[Recording operation mechanism]
Next, a recording operation mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment that is stored and held in the apparatus main body M1000 of the printer will be described.

The recording operation mechanism according to the present embodiment includes an automatic feeding unit M3022 that automatically feeds the recording sheet P into the apparatus main body, and a recording sheet P that is sent one by one from the automatic feeding unit. A transport unit M3029 for guiding the recording sheet P from the recording position to the discharge unit M3030, a recording unit for performing desired recording on the recording sheet P conveyed to the recording position, and a recovery process for the recording unit and the like. And a recovery unit (M5000).

(Recording unit)
Here, the recording section will be described. The recording section includes a carriage M4001 movably supported by a carriage shaft M4021, and a recording head cartridge H1000 removably mounted on the carriage M4001.

Recording Head Cartridge First, a recording head cartridge used in the recording section will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 3, the print head cartridge H1000 in this embodiment includes an ink tank H1900 that stores ink, and a print head H1001 that discharges ink supplied from the ink tank H1900 from nozzles according to print information. . The recording head H1001 employs a so-called cartridge system which is detachably mounted on a carriage M4001 described later.

In the print head cartridge H1000 shown here, for example, black, light cyan, light magenta, cyan, magenta, and yellow independent ink tanks H1900 are prepared as ink tanks in order to enable photographic high-quality color printing. As shown in FIG. 4, each is detachable from the recording head H1001.

As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5, the recording head H1001 includes a recording element substrate H1100, a first plate H1200, an electric wiring substrate H1300, a second plate H1400, a tank holder H1500, a flow path forming member H1600, It is composed of a filter H1700 and a seal rubber H1800.

On the printing element substrate H1100, a plurality of printing elements for ejecting ink to one surface of a Si substrate and electric wiring of Al or the like for supplying power to each printing element are formed by a film forming technique. A plurality of corresponding ink flow paths and a plurality of discharge ports H1100T are formed by photolithography, and an ink supply port for supplying ink to the plurality of ink flow paths is formed so as to open on the back surface. . The printing element substrate H1100 is bonded and fixed to a first plate H1200, and an ink supply port H1201 for supplying ink to the printing element substrate H1100 is formed here. Further, a second plate H1400 having an opening is adhesively fixed to the first plate H1200, and the electric wiring board H1300 is electrically connected to the recording element substrate H1100 via the second plate H1400. It is held to be connected to. The electric wiring board H1300 is for applying an electric signal for discharging ink to the recording element substrate H1100. The electric wiring corresponding to the recording element substrate H1100 and the electric wiring located at the end of the electric wiring and from the main body. An external signal input terminal H1301 for receiving a signal is provided, and the external signal input terminal H1301 is positioned and fixed on the back side of a tank holder H1500 described later.

On the other hand, a flow path forming member H1600 is fixed to the tank holder H1500 that detachably holds the ink tank H1900, for example, by ultrasonic welding, and forms an ink flow path H1501 extending from the ink tank H1900 to the first plate H1200. ing. In addition, a filter H1700 is provided at an end portion of the ink flow path H1501 on the ink tank side which engages with the ink tank H1900, so that intrusion of dust from the outside can be prevented. In addition, a seal rubber H1800 is attached to an engagement portion with the ink tank H1900, so that evaporation of ink from the engagement portion can be prevented.

Further, as described above, the tank holder portion including the tank holder H1500, the flow path forming member H1600, the filter H1700, and the seal rubber H1800, the recording element substrate H1100, the first plate H1200, the electric wiring substrate H1300, and the second The print head H1001 is configured by bonding the print element unit including the plate H1400 with an adhesive or the like.

(carriage)
Next, the carriage M4001 on which the recording head cartridge H1000 is mounted will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage M4001 is engaged with the carriage cover M4002 which engages with the carriage M4001 to guide the recording head H1001 to a predetermined mounting position on the carriage M4001, and engages with the tank holder H1500 of the recording head H1001. A head set lever M4007 for pressing the recording head H1001 to a predetermined mounting position is provided.

That is, the head set lever M4007 is provided on the carriage M4001 so as to be rotatable with respect to the head set lever shaft, and a spring-biased head set plate (not shown) is provided at an engagement portion with the recording head H1001. The recording head H1001 is mounted on the carriage M4001 while being pressed by the spring force.

Further, a contact flexible print cable (see FIG. 7, hereinafter, referred to as a contact FPC) E0011 is provided at another engagement portion of the carriage M4001 with the recording head H1001, and the contact portion on the contact FPC @ E0011 and the recording head H1001 are provided. The provided contact portion (external signal input terminal) H1301 is in electrical contact, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various information for recording, supplying power to the recording head H1001, and the like.

Here, an elastic member such as rubber (not shown) is provided between the contact portion of the contact FPC @ E0011 and the carriage M4001, and the contact portion and the carriage M4001 are formed by the elastic force of the elastic member and the pressing force of the headset lever spring. It is designed to enable reliable contact. Further, the contact FPC @ E0011 is connected to a carriage substrate E0013 mounted on the back of the carriage M4001 (see FIG. 7).

[Scanner]
The printer in this embodiment can also be used as a reading device by mounting a scanner on the carriage M4001 instead of the above-described recording head cartridge H1000.

The scanner moves in the main scanning direction together with the carriage M4001 on the printer side, and reads a document image fed instead of a recording medium in the process of moving in the main scanning direction. By alternately performing the reading operation of (1) and the feeding operation of the document in the sub-scanning direction, one document image information can be read.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the scanner M6000 upside down to explain the schematic configuration of the scanner M6000.

As shown in the figure, the scanner holder M6001 has a substantially box-like shape, and houses therein an optical system and a processing circuit necessary for reading. When the scanner M6000 is mounted on the carriage M4001, a reading unit lens M6006 is provided at a portion facing the original surface, and the lens M6006 converges the reflected light from the original surface to the internal reading unit. Thus, the original image is read. On the other hand, the illumination unit lens M6005 has a light source (not shown) inside, and light emitted from the light source is applied to the document via the lens M6005.

The scanner cover M6003 fixed to the bottom of the scanner holder M6001 is fitted so as to shield the inside of the scanner holder M6001 from light, and the louver-shaped gripping portions provided on the side surface improve the attachment / detachment to the carriage M4001. I have. The outer shape of the scanner holder M6001 is substantially the same as that of the recording head H1001, and can be attached to and detached from the carriage M4001 by the same operation as that of the recording head cartridge H1000.

The scanner holder M6001 accommodates a substrate having a read processing circuit, while a scanner contact PCB connected to the substrate is provided to be exposed to the outside. When the scanner M6000 is mounted on the carriage M4001, The scanner contact PCB # M6004 comes into contact with the contact FPC # E0011 on the carriage M4001 side, and the board is electrically connected to the control system on the main body side via the carriage M4001.

[Configuration of electrical circuit of printer]
Next, an electric circuit configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration example of an electric circuit in this embodiment.

The electric circuit in this embodiment mainly includes a carriage board (CRPCB) E0013, a main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) E0014, a power supply unit E0015, and the like.
Here, the power supply unit E0015 is connected to the main PCB E0014 and supplies various drive powers.
The carriage substrate E0013 is a printed circuit board unit mounted on the carriage M4001 (FIG. 2), functions as an interface for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the recording head through the contact FPC E0011, and has an encoder associated with the movement of the carriage M4001. Based on the pulse signal output from the sensor E0004, a change in the positional relationship between the encoder scale E0005 and the encoder sensor E0004 is detected, and the output signal is output to the main PCB E0014 via a flexible flat cable (CRFFC) E0012.

Further, a main PCBE0014 is a printed circuit board unit which controls the driving of each part of the ink jet recording apparatus in this embodiment, and includes a paper edge detection sensor (PE sensor) E0007, an ASF (automatic paper feeder) sensor E0009, a cover sensor E0022, and a parallel sensor. An I / O port for an interface (parallel I / F) E0016, serial interface (serial I / F) E0017, resume key E0019, LED @ E0020, power key E0018, buzzer E0021, and the like is provided on the board. Further, a motor (CR motor) E0001 as a driving source for main scanning of the carriage M1400, a motor (LF motor) E0002 as a driving source for transporting the recording medium, a rotating operation of the recording head and a rotation of the recording medium. In addition to being connected to a motor (PG motor) E0003 used for the paper feeding operation and controlling these drives, it has a connection interface with an ink empty sensor E0006, a GAP sensor E0008, a PG sensor E0010, a CRFFC @ E0012, and a power supply unit E0015. .

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the main PCB E0014. In the figure, reference numeral E1001 denotes a CPU. The CPU # E1001 has a clock generator (CG) # E1002 connected to the oscillation circuit E1005 therein, and generates a system clock by an output signal E1019. Further, it is connected to a ROM E1004 and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) E1006 through a control bus E1014, and controls the ASIC E1006 according to a program stored in the ROM, an input signal E1017 from a power key, and an input signal E1016 from a resume key. , A cover detection signal E1042, a head detection signal (HSENS) E1013, and a buzzer signal (BUZ) E1018 to drive a buzzer E0021, and an ink empty detection signal connected to a built-in A / D converter E1003. (INKS) While the state of the temperature detection signal (TH) E1012 is detected by the E1011 and the thermistor, various other logical operations and condition judgments are performed, and the drive control of the ink jet recording apparatus is controlled.

Here, the head detection signal E1013 is a head mounting detection signal input from the recording head cartridge H1000 via the flexible flat cable E0012, the carriage substrate E0013, and the contact flexible print cable E0011, and the ink empty detection signal E1011 is an ink empty sensor. The analog signal output from E0006 and the temperature detection signal E1012 are analog signals from a thermistor (not shown) provided on the carriage substrate E0013.

$ E1008 is a CR motor driver, which uses a motor power supply (VM) E1040 as a drive source, generates a CR motor drive signal E1037 according to a CR motor control signal E1036 from the ASIC $ E1006, and drives the CR motor E0001. E1009 is an LF / PG motor driver, which uses a motor power supply E1040 as a drive source, generates an LF motor drive signal E1035 according to a pulse motor control signal (PM control signal) E1033 from the ASIC # E1006, and drives the LF motor. At the same time, a PG motor drive signal E1034 is generated to drive the PG motor.

$ E1010 is a power supply control circuit that controls power supply to each sensor having a light emitting element according to a power supply control signal E1024 from the ASIC # E1006. The parallel I / F E0016 transmits the parallel I / F signal E1030 from the ASIC E1006 to the externally connected parallel I / F cable E1031, and transmits the signal of the parallel I / F cable E1031 to the ASIC E1006. The serial I / F E0017 transmits a serial I / F signal E1028 from the ASIC E1006 to an externally connected serial I / F cable E1029, and transmits a signal from the cable E1029 to the ASIC E1006.

On the other hand, a head power supply (VH) E1039, a motor power supply (VM) E1040, and a logic power supply (VDD) E1041 are supplied from the power supply unit E0015. Further, a head power supply ON signal (VHON) E1022 and a motor power supply ON signal (VMOM) E1023 from the ASIC # E1006 are input to the power supply unit E0015 to control ON / OFF of the head power supply E1039 and the motor power supply E1040, respectively. The logic power supply (VDD) E1041 supplied from the power supply unit E0015 is voltage-converted as necessary, and then supplied to various parts inside and outside the main PCB E0014.

The head power signal E1039 is sent to the flexible flat cable E0011 after being smoothed on the main PCB E0014, and is used to drive the recording head cartridge H1000.

$ E1007 is a reset circuit that detects a drop in the logic power supply voltage E1041, supplies a reset signal (RESET) E1015 to the CPU $ E1001 and the ASIC $ E1006, and performs initialization.

The ASIC E1006 is a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit, which is controlled by the CPU E1001 through a control bus E1014, and controls the aforementioned CR motor control signal E1036, PM control signal E1033, power supply control signal E1024, head power supply ON signal E1022, and motor power supply. It outputs an ON signal E1023 and the like to exchange signals with the parallel I / F E0016 and the serial I / F E0017. In addition, a PE detection signal (PES) E1025 from the PE sensor E0007 and an ASF detection signal (from the ASF sensor E0009) (ASFS) E1026, a GAP detection signal (GAPS) E1027 from a sensor (GAP) sensor E0008 for detecting a gap between the recording head and the recording medium, and a PG detection signal (PGS) E from a PG sensor E0010. Detects the state of 032, and transmitted to the CPU E1001 through the control bus E1014 data representing the state, CPU E1001 based on the input data performs a flashing LEDE0020 controls the driving of an LED drive signal E1038.

(4) Further, the status of the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 is detected to generate a timing signal, and the head control signal E1021 is used to interface with the print head cartridge H1000 to control the printing operation. Here, the encoder signal (ENC) E1020 is an output signal of the CR encoder sensor E0004 input through the flexible flat cable E0012. The head control signal E1021 is supplied to the print head H1000 via the flexible flat cable E0012, the carriage board E0013, and the contact FPC @ E0011.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the ASIC E1006.

In the figure, the connection between the blocks shows only the flow of data related to the control of the head and the mechanical components such as the recording data and the motor control data, and the reading and writing of the registers built in each block are shown. Related control signals, clocks, control signals related to DMA control, and the like are omitted to avoid complication in the drawings.

In the drawing, reference numeral E2002 denotes a PLL controller, which supplies a clock (CLK) E2031 and a PLL control signal (PLLON) E2033 output from the CPU $ E1001 to a clock supplied to most of the ASIC # E1006 as shown in FIG. (Not shown).

E2001 denotes a CPU interface (CPU I / F), which is controlled by a reset signal E1015, a soft reset signal (PDWN) E2032 output from the CPU # E1001, a clock signal (CLK) E2031, and a control signal from the control bus E1014. It controls register read / write for each block as described, supplies a clock to some blocks, accepts an interrupt signal, etc. (none is shown), and outputs an interrupt signal (INT) E2034 to the CPU $ E1001. Then, the occurrence of an interrupt within ASIC $ E1006 is notified.

Reference numeral E2005 denotes a DRAM, which has areas such as a reception buffer E2010, a work buffer E2011, a print buffer E2014, and a development data buffer E2016 as recording data buffers, and has a motor control buffer E2023 for motor control. Further, the buffer used in the scanner operation mode includes areas such as a scanner fetch buffer E2024, a scanner data buffer E2026, and a transmission buffer E2028 which are used in place of the recording data buffers described above.

The DRAM E2005 is also used as a work area necessary for the operation of the CPU E1001. In other words, reference numeral E2004 denotes a DRAM control unit, which switches between access from the CPU E1001 to the DRAM E2005 via a control bus and access from the DMA control unit E2003 to the DRAM E2005, which will be described later, to perform read / write operations on the DRAM E2005.

The DMA control unit E2003 receives a request (not shown) from each block, and receives an address signal and a control signal (not shown), and in the case of a write operation, write data E2038, E2041, E2044, E2053, E2055, and E2057. Are output to the DRAM control unit E2004 to perform DRAM access. In the case of reading, the read data E2040, E2043, E2045, E2051, E2054, E2056, E2058, and E2059 from the DRAM control unit E2004 are transferred to the requesting block.

E2006 is an IEEE 1284 I / F, which performs a bidirectional communication interface with an external host device (not shown) through a parallel I / F E0016 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. The reception data (PIF reception data E2036) from the I / F E0016 is transferred to the reception control unit E2008 by the DMA processing, and the data stored in the transmission buffer E2028 in the DRAM E2005 (1284 transmission data (RDPIF) E2059) during the scanner reading. Is transmitted to the parallel I / F by the DMA processing.

E2007 is a universal serial bus (USB) I / F, which performs a bidirectional communication interface with an external host device (not shown) through the serial I / F E0017 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. At the time of printing, the reception data (USB reception data E2037) from the serial I / F E0017 is transferred to the reception control unit E2008 by DMA processing, and at the time of scanner reading, the data (USB transmission data (RDUSB)) stored in the transmission buffer E2028 in the DRAM E2005. E2058) to the serial I / F E0017 by DMA processing. The reception control unit E2008 writes the reception data (WDIF) E2038 from the selected I / F of the 1284 I / F @ E2006 or the USB I / F @ E2007 into the reception buffer write address managed by the reception buffer control unit E2039. Put in.

Reference numeral E2009 denotes a compression / decompression DMA controller, which controls the reception data (raster data) stored in the reception buffer E2010 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F @ E2001 to read the reception buffer read address managed by the reception buffer control unit E2039. And compresses / decompresses the data (RDWK) E2040 in accordance with the designated mode, and writes the data (RDWK) E2041 in the work buffer area as a recording code string (WDWK) E2041.

Reference numeral E2013 denotes a print buffer transfer DMA controller which reads a print code (RDWP) E2043 on the work buffer E2011 under the control of the CPU E1007 via the CPU I / F E2001 and converts each print code into a data transfer order to the print head cartridge H1000. The data is rearranged to an appropriate address on the print buffer E2014 and transferred (WDWP @ E2044). Reference numeral E2012 denotes a work clear DMA controller, which controls the CPU # E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001 to control the operation of the CPU # E1001 to transfer the designated work fill data (WDWF) to the area on the work buffer to which the transfer has been completed by the DMA controller $ 2013. E2042 is repeatedly written.

Reference numeral E2015 denotes a print data expansion DMA controller, which is rearranged and written on the print buffer under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001, triggered by the data expansion timing signal E2050 from the head control unit E2018. The code and the data for development written on the data buffer for development E2016 are read, and the development record data (RDHDG) E2045 is written to the column buffer E2017 as column buffer write data (WDHDG) E2047. Here, the column buffer E2017 is an SRAM for temporarily storing transfer data (expanded print data) to the print head cartridge H1000, and a handshake signal (not shown) between the print data expanded DMA controller E2015 and the head control unit E2018. ) Is shared and managed by both blocks.

Reference numeral E2018 denotes a head control unit, which controls the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001 to interface with the recording head cartridge H1000 or the scanner via a head control signal, and also outputs a head drive timing signal from the encoder signal processing unit E2019. Based on E2049, a data development timing signal E2050 is output to the recording data development DMA controller.

Further, at the time of printing, in accordance with the head drive timing signal E2049, the developed print data (RDHD) E2048 is read from the column buffer, and the data is output to the print head cartridge H1000 as a head control signal E1021.
In the scanner reading mode, the fetched data (WDHD) E2053 input as the head control signal E1021 is DMA-transferred to the scanner fetch buffer E2024 on the DRAM E2005. Reference numeral E2025 denotes a scanner data processing DMA controller which, under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / FE 2001, reads the read buffer read data (RDAV) E2054 stored in the scanner read buffer E2024 and performs processing such as averaging. The processed data (WDAV) E2055 is written to the scanner data buffer E2026 on the DRAM E2005.

E2027 is a scanner data compression DMA controller which reads the processed data (RDYC) E2056 on the scanner data buffer E2026 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001 to perform data compression, and compresses the compressed data (WDYC) E2057. The data is written and transferred to the transmission buffer E2028.

E2019 denotes an encoder signal processing unit which receives an encoder signal (ENC), outputs a head drive timing signal E2049 in accordance with a mode determined by the control of the CPU # E1001, and outputs the position and speed of the carriage M4001 obtained from the encoder signal E1020. Is stored in a register and provided to the CPU $ E1001. The CPU $ E1001 determines various parameters for controlling the CR motor E0001 based on this information. Reference numeral E2020 denotes a CR motor control unit, which outputs a CR motor control signal E1036 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001.

E2022 is a sensor signal processing unit which receives the detection signals E1033, E1024, E926, and E1027 output from the PG sensor E0010, the PE sensor E0007, the ASF sensor E0009, the GAP sensor E0008, and the like, and is determined by the control of the CPU $ E1001. In addition to transmitting these sensor information to the CPU E1001 in accordance with the selected mode, it also outputs a sensor detection signal E2052 to the LF / PG motor control DMA controller E2021.

The LF / PG motor control DMA controller E2021 reads the pulse motor drive table (RDPM) E2051 from the motor control buffer E2023 on the DRAM E2005 and controls the pulse motor control signal E1033 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. In addition to the output, a pulse motor control signal E1033 is output using the sensor detection signal as a control trigger depending on the operation mode.

E2030 denotes an LED control unit which outputs an LED drive signal E1038 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001. Reference numeral E2029 denotes a port control unit which outputs a head power ON signal E1022, a motor power ON signal E1023, and a power control signal E1024 under the control of the CPU E1001 via the CPU I / F E2001.

[Printer operation]
Next, the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the apparatus main body 1000 is connected to the AC power supply, first, in step S1, first initialization processing of the apparatus is performed. In this initialization process, a check of the electric circuit system such as a check of the ROM and RAM of the present apparatus is performed to confirm whether the present apparatus can be normally operated electrically.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the power key E0018 provided on the upper case M1002 of the apparatus main body M1000 has been turned on. If the power key E0018 has been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S3. Here, a second initialization process is performed.

(4) In the second initialization processing, various drive mechanisms and the recording head of the apparatus are checked. That is, when the various motors are initialized and the head information is read, it is confirmed whether the apparatus can operate normally.

(5) Next, in step S4, an event is waited. That is, the apparatus monitors command events from the external I / F, panel key events due to user operations, internal control events, and the like, and executes a process corresponding to the event when these events occur.

For example, if a print command event from the external I / F is received in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, and if a power key event by a user operation occurs in the same step, the process proceeds to step S10. If another event occurs in the same step, the process proceeds to step S11.

Here, in step S5, a print command from the external I / F is analyzed to determine the designated paper type, paper size, print quality, paper feed method, and the like, and data representing the determination result is stored in the apparatus. The data is stored in the RAM $ E2005, and the process proceeds to step S6.

Next, in step S6, sheet feeding is started by the sheet feeding method designated in step S5, the sheet is fed to a recording start position, and the process proceeds to step S7.

(4) In step S7, a recording operation is performed. In this print operation, print data sent from the external I / F is temporarily stored in a print buffer, and then the CR motor E0001 is driven to start moving the carriage M4001 in the main scanning direction, and the print buffer E2014 Is supplied to the print head H1001 to print one row, and when the printing operation of one row of print data is completed, the LF motor E0002 is driven, and the LF roller M3001 is rotated to form a sheet. In the sub-scanning direction. Thereafter, the above operation is repeatedly performed, and when the recording of the recording data for one page from the external I / F is completed, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the LF motor E0002 is driven, the paper discharge roller M2003 is driven, and the paper feeding is repeated until it is determined that the paper is completely fed out of the apparatus. When the paper feeding is completed, the paper is placed on the paper discharge tray M1004a. The sheet is completely discharged.

Next, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the recording operation of all pages to be recorded has been completed, and if there are pages to be recorded remaining, the process returns to step S5. The recording operation is completed when the recording operation of all pages to be recorded is completed, and then the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.

Meanwhile, in step S10, a printer termination process is performed, and the operation of this apparatus is stopped. That is, in order to turn off the power of various motors and heads, the state is shifted to a state where the power can be turned off, then the power is turned off and the process proceeds to step S4 to wait for the next event.

{Circle around (4)} In step S11, other event processing other than the above is performed. For example, a process corresponding to a recovery command from various panel keys or an external I / F of the apparatus or a recovery event generated internally is performed. After the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S4 and waits for the next event.

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

(1st Embodiment)
Next, a first embodiment of the characteristic components of the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, as the print head H1001 mounted on the carriage M4001, the print head H having the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 described in the conventional example is used. In the recording head H of the present example, 128 ejection ports P (128 nozzles) are formed in each of the nozzle rows L1 and L2, with the pitch Py being an interval corresponding to 600 dpi. The ejection ports P of the nozzle row L1 and the ejection ports P of the nozzle row L2 are shifted by a half pitch (Py / 2) corresponding to 1200 dpi in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow Y. By ejecting the same color ink from these two rows of ejection openings P, an image can be recorded with a dot density in the sub-scanning direction of 1200 dpi. The ejection frequency f (Hz) of the recording head H and the moving speed of the carriage M4001 (scanning speed of the recording head H) Vc (inch / second) have a relationship of Vc = f / 1200. Therefore, an image can be recorded with the dot density of the arrow X in the main scanning direction also being 1200 dpi. Therefore, the recording resolution of the recording head H is (1200 dpi × 1200 dpi). Therefore, by using this recording head H, it is possible to form dots at the recording lattice points with the distance between the basic lattice points in FIG. 16 being about 20 μm corresponding to 1200 dpi. The size of the dots formed on the recording medium by the recording head H differs depending on the type of ink and the recording medium, but generally has a diameter of about 40 to 50 μm. FIG. 14 shows a relationship between a dot D having a diameter d of about 45 μm and a basic lattice point PA.

In the following description, nozzle numbers of nozzle 1, nozzle 2, nozzle 3,... Nozzle 256 are assigned to the nozzles including the discharge port P in the order from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. On the row L1, odd-numbered nozzles (nozzle 1, nozzle 3, nozzle 5... Nozzle 255) are located, and on the nozzle row L2, even-numbered nozzles (nozzle 2, nozzle 4, nozzle 6,... Nozzle 256). Shall be located.

In the case of this example, the resolution of the image data input from the host device to the printing apparatus is (600 ppi × 600 ppi) with respect to the printing resolution of 1200 dpi of the printing head H. Here, ppi represents the number of pixels per inch (pixel per inch). The recording apparatus can record one image data by 2 × 2 four pixels. In this case, the image data has five gradations from “level 0” to “level 4”, and is expressed in gradation in a 2 × 2 four-pixel recording area using a preset dot arrangement pattern.

In the case of this example, in order to further improve the recording image quality, an 8-pass bidirectional column thinning recording method was adopted. The print head H performs printing at the time of forward scanning of the odd-numbered pass (first, third, fifth and seventh passes) (forward printing) and at the time of backward scanning of the even-numbered pass (second, fourth, sixth and eighth passes). The recording (return path recording) is repeated, and the landing positions of the ink droplets during the forward path recording and the backward path recording are shifted by half the distance between the basic grid points in the main scanning direction (a distance corresponding to 2400 dpi). As a result, a resolution of 2400 dpi in the main scanning direction and a resolution of 1200 dpi in the sub-scanning direction can be obtained (2400 dpi × 1200 dpi). The resolution of the image data input from the host device to the recording device remains (600 ppi × 600 ppi). The printing apparatus expresses one image data of (600 ppi × 600 ppi) by 8 pixels of 4 × 2 of 4 pixels in the main scanning direction and 2 pixels in the sub-scanning direction in order to correspond to a printing mode of (2400 dpi × 1200 dpi). I do.

Further, in this example, a color image is recorded using a plurality of colors of ink including a dark ink and a light ink, and the gradation levels of the dark ink are set to 6 gradations from “level 0” to “level 5”. The grayscale levels of the light ink are 9 grayscales from “level 0” to “level 8”. The reason why the number of gradations with dark ink is smaller than that with light ink is that dark ink has less effect of improving recording density by overprinting than light ink.

FIGS. 17A to 17I are reference examples that can be considered as dot arrangement patterns corresponding to nine levels of “level 0” to “level 8” (hereinafter, also referred to as “dot arrangement patterns”).

(4) When importance is placed on the smoothness of the recorded image, it is preferable to set one arrangement pattern for each gradation as shown in FIG. In the case of the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 17, since the dots D are almost uniformly arranged in 4 × 2 8 pixels (pixels P1 to P8) having 4 pixels in the main scanning direction and 2 pixels in the sub-scanning direction, recording is performed. Image uniformity is improved. Pixels P1 to P4 are recorded by nozzles on nozzle row L1 (odd-numbered nozzles), and pixels P5 to P8 are recorded by nozzles on nozzle row L2 (even-numbered nozzles). The raster Ro in which the pixels P1 to P4 are located is also referred to as an odd raster, and the raster Re in which the pixels P5 to P8 are located is also referred to as an even raster.

However, in the case of the reference example of FIG. 17, the nozzles used are biased. That is, at “level 1” in FIG. 9B, the pixel P1 is formed only by the odd-numbered nozzles. In addition, at “level 3” in FIG. 9D, two pixels P1 and P3 are formed by odd-numbered nozzles, and one pixel P6 is formed by even-numbered nozzles. The usage ratio between the nozzles and the even-numbered nozzles becomes 2: 1 and the usage ratio of the odd-numbered nozzles also increases. As described above, when the load on the specific nozzle is large, the life of the recording head is determined by the life of the nozzle having a high usage rate, and as a result, the life of the recording head is shortened. Therefore, in the case of a multi-nozzle head as shown in FIG. 11, it is desirable that the nozzles are used as uniformly as possible.

FIGS. 18 (a) to 18 (i) are reference examples of dot arrangement patterns in which the use frequency of the nozzles is equalized and the uniformity of the image is not lost. In the case of FIG. 18, dots D are formed equally for odd-numbered rasters Ro and even-numbered rasters Re by alternately using two types of arrangement patterns for “level 1” to “level 7”. As a result, it is possible to equalize the load on the odd-numbered nozzles and the even-numbered nozzles while maintaining the uniformity of the image.

However, the arrangement pattern of FIG. 18 causes a problem when a shift in the landing position of the ink droplet, that is, a shift in the dot formation position occurs between the even raster line Ro and the odd raster line Re. FIGS. 19A to 19D show the state. Here, in the “level 1” recording area of FIG. 18B, there is no shift in the dot formation position between the odd raster Ro and the even raster Re (FIG. 19A), and only the even raster Re is changed to 1 FIG. 19 shows a state in which pixels are shifted to the left in FIG. 19 (FIGS. 19B to 19D). Compared to the dot arrangement without shift shown in FIG. 19A, the dots overlap when shifted by one pixel as shown in FIG. 19B, and almost the same when shifted by 2 pixels as shown in FIG. 19C. They are lined up and down in the middle. When the dots overlap, the proportion of the non-recording area on the recording medium increases, and the recording density is visually perceived to be low. The area ratio occupied by the dot formation surface using the dot arrangement pattern with respect to the recording surface of the recording medium corresponding to the recording range of the dot arrangement pattern is also referred to as a coverage. The coverage is minimized when shifted by two pixels as shown in FIG. 19 (c), rises again by shifting by three pixels as shown in FIG. 19 (d), and returns to the original state by shifting by four pixels. .

The pattern 1 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 20 shows such a relationship between the coverage and the shift of the dots. The dot formation position changes in a 4-pixel cycle with a shift of 4 pixels, and the coverage changes in a width of 55 to 95%. I understand.

Further, in the 8-pass bidirectional column thinning recording method adopted in this example, the odd-numbered column Co is recorded in the odd-numbered pass (1, 3, 5, 7th pass), and the even-numbered column Ce is recorded in the even-numbered bus (2, 2). By performing printing in the fourth, sixth and eighth passes), the printing resolution in the main scanning direction is set to 4200 dpi, which is twice the basic printing density (1200 dpi). As described above, in the 8-pass bidirectional column thinning printing method, pixels on the same raster are printed using eight different nozzles by eight passes of the print head H. It is less susceptible to misalignment (skew) and variations in ink ejection amount. However, when dots exist only in the odd-numbered columns Co as in “level 1” in FIG. 18B, the dots are formed only in the odd-numbered passes (first, third, fifth, and seventh passes). Instead, recording is performed using only four nozzles, which are half of eight nozzles. For this reason, each nozzle is strongly affected by a deviation (skew) in the ink ejection direction and a variation in the ink ejection amount.

FIGS. 21A to 21I are explanatory diagrams of the dot arrangement pattern used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 21 (b), (d), (f), and (h), four types of dot arrangement patterns are the same for "level 1," "level 3," "level 5," and "level 7." The dots are used in the horizontal order in the figure, and two types of dot arrangement patterns are used in the horizontal order in the figure for “level 2” and “level 6” as shown in FIGS. In such an arrangement pattern, the dots D are evenly arranged on the odd raster lines Ro and the even raster lines Re, and the dots D are evenly arranged on the odd columns Co and the even columns Ce. As a result, while maintaining the uniformity of the image, the load on the odd-numbered nozzles and the even-numbered nozzles can be made uniform, and printing can be performed evenly in the odd and even passes of the print head H. it can.

FIGS. 22A to 22H show a state where there is no shift in the dot formation position between the odd raster Ro and the even raster Re in the “level 1” recording area of FIG. 21B (FIG. 19A). 19, only the even-numbered raster Re is shifted to the left in the same figure up to seven pixels by one pixel (FIGS. 19B to 19H). In FIG. 20, a pattern 2 indicated by a solid line indicates the relationship between the coverage and the dot shift at this time. Even if the dot formation position is shifted by about two pixels, the change in the coverage is limited to about 10%.

In the above description, emphasis was placed on the dot arrangement of “level 1”. The reason is that, in the dot arrangement of “level 1”, when the dot formation position between the odd raster line Ro and the even raster line Re shifts, the coverage greatly changes and the adverse effect is likely to appear. As for the gradations of “level 2” or higher, the entire recording area is almost completely filled with the dots, and thus the influence of the shift has the same tendency, although the influence is not as great as that of “level 1”. In particular, in the case of light ink, since the density increases due to the overlapping of dots, not only the coverage but also the rate of change in the area of the overlapping portion of the dots is important. Such a change in the coverage and the area of the overlapping portion of the dots is particularly conspicuous in a uniform dot arrangement such as “level 4”. Therefore, it is necessary to place emphasis on the dot arrangement of not only “level 1” but also “level 4”.

In the case of this example, one type of arrangement pattern as shown in FIG. 21E is used as the “level 4” arrangement pattern. FIGS. 23A to 23D show the dot arrangement formed by the “level 4” arrangement pattern in FIG. 21E divided into four. That is, FIG. 23A shows the arrangement of dots forming pixels P1 on odd-numbered rasters Ro and odd-numbered columns Co, and FIG. 23B shows the arrangement of dots forming pixels P2 on odd-numbered rasters Ro and even-numbered columns Ce. FIG. 4C shows the arrangement of dots forming pixels P5 on even-numbered raster Re and odd-numbered columns Co. FIG. 4D shows the arrangement of dots forming pixels P6 on even-numbered raster Re and even-numbered columns Ce. Arrangement, respectively. In these four dot arrangements, the coverage is 90% or more, and the dots are uniformly distributed. Therefore, even if the arrangement of the dots is displaced between the odd raster line Ro and the even raster line Re and between the odd column Co and the even column Ce, the change of the overlapping manner of the respective dots, that is, the change of the coverage ratio The change is as small as 10% or less. Therefore, such dot arrangement is excellent in recording uniformity.

The arrangement pattern for setting the coverage to almost 100% as shown in FIG. 23 is not limited to the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 21E, but may be used between two adjacent rasters (the odd raster Ro and the even raster Re). In other words, any arrangement pattern can be used as long as the arrangement of dots can be equalized between each of the two adjacent columns (between the odd column Co and the even column Ce). For example, by using an arrangement pattern as shown in FIG. 24A or FIG. 24B as the arrangement pattern of “Level 4”, the coverage can be made almost 100%.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are explanatory diagrams in the case where a plurality of types of arrangement patterns are used as the “level 4” arrangement pattern. In the case of FIGS. 25A and 25B, two types of arrangement patterns are used in the horizontal arrangement order in FIG. FIGS. 26A to 26D show the dot arrangement formed by the “level 4” arrangement pattern of FIG. 25A divided into four. That is, FIG. 26A shows the arrangement of dots formed on odd raster lines Ro and odd columns Co, and FIG. 26B shows the arrangement of dots formed on odd raster lines Ro and even columns Ce. ) Shows the arrangement of the dots formed in the even-numbered raster Re and the odd-numbered columns Co, and FIG. 2D shows the arrangement of the dots formed in the even-numbered raster Re and the even-numbered columns Ce. Similarly, FIGS. 27A to 27D show four different dot arrangements formed by the “level 4” arrangement pattern in FIG. 25B. When a plurality of types of arrangement patterns are used, as shown in FIGS. 26A to 26D and FIGS. 27A to 27D, a remarkable bias occurs in the arrangement of the four dots. Therefore, it is clear that a large difference occurs in the coverage when a dot dislocation occurs between the odd raster line Ro and the even raster line Re and between the odd column Co and the even column Ce. .

(Second embodiment)
In the case of the 8-pass bi-directional column thinning printing method of the above-described embodiment, the landing position of the ink droplet at the time of forward printing and at the time of backward printing is only １ ／ of the distance between the basic lattice points (a distance corresponding to 2400 dpi). The printing resolution is shifted in the main scanning direction, thereby doubling the printing resolution in the main scanning direction to 2400 dpi. As described above, in the column thinning printing method, the printing resolution is increased by a factor of M by shifting the landing position of the dot in the main scanning direction by 1 / M of the distance between the basic lattice points.

In the present embodiment, the feature of the column thinning recording method in which the recording resolution is M times as described above is used. In the following, similarly to the above-described embodiment, an 8-pass bi-directional column thinning recording method with M = 2 will be described as an example.

In the case of the 8-pass bi-directional column thinning printing method, as described above, the dots of the odd-numbered columns are printed during the forward scan of the odd-numbered pass of the print head H, and the even-numbered dots are printed at the time of the backward scan of the even-numbered pass of the print head H. The column dot is recorded. Therefore, the recording head H depends on how the dot arrangement is allocated to a (4 × 2) dot recording area in which the main scanning direction is 4 dots and the sub-scanning direction is 2 dots, that is, how the dot arrangement is allocated to odd columns or even columns. It is possible to select whether to perform recording during forward scanning or backward scanning.

Here, the causes of the deterioration of the recorded image include a disturbance of the ink ejection direction at the nozzles of the recording head (distortion) and a variation in the amount of ejected ink, and a color formation caused by a change in the ink overlapping order due to the bidirectional recording. There is uneven color caused by the difference. The former image disturbance is mainly conspicuous in a low- to medium-density recording area where the dot density is not so high, while the latter is uneven in a high-density recording area where the dot density is high. The reason is that in the low- to medium-density recording area, the disturbance of the landing position of the ink droplet due to the deviation (distortion) of the ink ejection direction of each nozzle tends to be conspicuous. This is because, in the region, a deviation (distortion) in the ink ejection direction of each nozzle is not easily recognized as a disorder of the landing position of the ink droplet.

Conventionally, in order to avoid image disturbance in a low- to medium-density printing area, a multi-pass printing method of printing one raster by dividing the printing head H into a plurality of scans has been adopted, The recording method using the nozzle of the above has been adopted. On the other hand, as a method of preventing color unevenness, a method of increasing the number of scans (multi-pass number) of a print head for printing one raster, or adjusting the print ratio of dots to be printed first by using a mask is adopted. Had been.

According to the present invention, by employing the above-described column thinning-out printing method, it is possible to select bidirectional printing or one-way printing according to a gradation level.

{For example, the dot arrangement patterns of "level 1", "level 2", "level 3", and "level 4" are set as shown in FIGS. The “level 1” and “level 2” of FIGS. 28A and 28B are printed (bidirectional printing) when the print head H scans in both directions, and the “level 1” and “level 2” of FIGS. "Level 3" and "level 4" are recorded only when the print head H scans in one direction (one-way recording). Therefore, in the low-density print areas of “level 1” and “level 2”, the same raster is printed using eight different nozzles by eight passes of the print head H by the eight-pass bidirectional printing method. Will be. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence of the disturbance of the image due to the deviation (skew) of the ink ejection direction in each nozzle. On the other hand, with respect to the high-density printing areas of “level 3” and “level 4”, printing is performed only during the forward scan of the odd-numbered pass of the eight passes of the print head H by the 8-pass one-way printing method. Will be. As a result, the ink overlapping order is fixed, and the occurrence of color unevenness is avoided.

(Other embodiments)
The recording head used in the present invention is not limited to an ink jet recording head that discharges ink, but may be any one provided with a plurality of various recording elements capable of forming dots on a recording medium.

Further, the printing method is not limited to the 8-pass bidirectional printing method as in the above-described embodiment, but includes a plurality of P main scans in the main scan direction of the print head and at least one sub-scan of the recording medium. It suffices if dots on N rasters adjacent to each other and dots on M columns adjacent to each other can be recorded under different conditions depending on the conveyance in the scanning direction. Further, the plurality of dot arrangement patterns used for the same level is not limited to the pattern of the above-described embodiment, and the number of dots formed on each of the N rasters in one cycle in which the plurality of dot arrangement patterns are repeatedly used, and Any pattern may be used as long as the number of dots formed in each of the M columns is uniform. Further, the number of printing element rows in the printing head may be two or more N rows. With the N rows of recording elements, dots on N rasters adjacent to each other can be formed. In that case, the recording elements may be arranged at a fixed Py interval along the column, and the group of recording elements for each column may be shifted by Py / N in the column direction.

数 Also, the number of divisions of the basic lattice point distance is not limited to only two divisions as in the above-described embodiment. For example, by using a distance obtained by dividing the divided M as a dot interval in the main scanning direction and using a plurality of rows of recording elements, dots can be formed by P times of main scanning, which is a multiple of M times. Further, when n is an integer of 0 to P / M and k is an integer of 1 to M-1, the distance between basic lattice points is divided into M at the time of n × M + k (≦ P) main scanning of the recording head. It is possible to form a dot at the specified position.

When n is an integer of 0 to P / M and k is an integer of 1 to M-1, a plurality of dot arrangement patterns periodically used for the same level of image data are repeatedly used. Any pattern may be used as long as the pattern equalizes the total number of dots formed during the n × M + k (≦ P) main scanning of the recording head within one cycle.

記録 Further, the recording range of the dot arrangement pattern is not specified only in the above-described embodiment. The recording range of the dot arrangement pattern may be a range of (l × N) dots in the sub-scanning direction and (m × N × M) dots in the main scanning direction, where each of l and m is a natural number. it can.

The plurality of dot arrangement patterns used periodically for the same level of image data mainly include dots formed based on at least one of the plurality of dot arrangement patterns in one cycle in which the plurality of dot arrangement patterns are used repeatedly. It is desirable that the change in the coverage be within 10% when there is a shift of at least two pixels in the scanning direction.

{Circle around (1)} One dot arrangement pattern used for the same level of image data is not specified only in the above-described embodiment. Thus, it is desirable that one dot arrangement pattern used for the same level of image data has a coverage of 90% or more.

(Other)
In addition, the present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for causing ink to be ejected, particularly in an ink jet recording system. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type that causes a change in the state. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

With respect to the typical configuration and principle, it is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby causing the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, and This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the liquid, and as a result, air bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal one-to-one can be formed. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (straight liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) of the discharge port, liquid path, and electrothermal converter as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which a is bent, is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be performed reliably and efficiently regardless of the form of the recording head.

In addition, even with the serial type printer as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main unit or attached to the main unit enables electrical connection with the main unit and supply of ink from the main unit. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself is used.

付 加 Further, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, heating is performed on the recording head by using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used.

Regarding the type or number of print heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to one provided for single color ink, a plurality of print heads are provided corresponding to a plurality of inks having different print colors and densities. May be used. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to the printing mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming the printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or below and that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used, or In general, in the ink jet method, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. A liquid may be used. In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent ink from evaporating, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink is held in a state of being held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260. Alternatively, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, in addition to a form used as an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a computer, a form of a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function are adopted. Or the like.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an exterior member of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a recording head cartridge used in the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention is assembled. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the recording head cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head illustrated in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from below. FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the configuration of a scanner cartridge that can be mounted on a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention instead of the recording head cartridge of FIG. It is. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an electric circuit in a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a main PCB in the electric circuit illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an ASIC in the main PCB illustrated in FIG. 8. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a recording head used in the first embodiment of the characteristic components of the present invention as viewed from the nozzle side. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram when a plurality of recording heads of FIG. 11 are used. FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a basic lattice point in the first embodiment of a characteristic part of the present invention. (A)-(e) is an explanatory view of a dot arrangement pattern used in a conventional recording method. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of recording lattice points in a conventional recording method. (A)-(i) is explanatory drawing of the reference example of the dot arrangement pattern corresponding to 9 gradation levels of image data. (A)-(i) is an explanatory view of another reference example of a dot arrangement pattern corresponding to nine gradation levels of image data. (A)-(d) is an explanatory view of the dot displacement in the “level 1” recording area of FIG. 18 (b). FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the image shift and the coverage at “level 1” in FIG. 18B and “level 1” in the first embodiment of the characteristic components of the present invention. (A)-(i) is an explanatory view of a dot arrangement pattern in the first embodiment of the characteristic components of the present invention. (A) to (h) of FIG. 21 are explanatory diagrams of dot displacements in the “level 1” recording area of FIG. (A) to (d) of FIG. 21 are explanatory diagrams illustrating four different dot formation positions in the “level 4” recording area in FIG. FIGS. 21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams of another example having a different dot arrangement pattern of “level 4” in FIG. (A) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of reference examples having different dot arrangement patterns of “level 4”. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing of the dot displacement when the dot arrangement pattern of FIG.25 (a) is used. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing of the dot displacement when the dot arrangement pattern of FIG.25 (b) is used. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing of the dot arrangement pattern in 2nd Embodiment of the characteristic part of this invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

M1000 apparatus main body M1001 lower case M1002 upper case M1003 access cover M1004 discharge tray M2015 sheet gap adjusting lever M2003 discharge roller M3001 LF roller M3019 chassis M3022 automatic feeding section M3029 transport section M3030 discharge section M4000 recording section M4001 carriage M4001 carriage M4001 carriage Set lever M4021 Carriage shaft M5000 Recovery unit M6000 Scanner M6001 Scanner holder M6003 Scanner cover M6004 Scanner contact PCB
M6005 Scanner illumination lens M6006 Scanner reading lens 1
M6100 Storage box M6101 Storage box base M6102 Storage box cover M6103 Storage box cap M6104 Storage box spring E0001 Carriage motor E0002 LF motor E0003 PG motor E0004 Encoder sensor E0005 Encoder scale E0006 Ink end sensor E0007 PE sensor E0008 GAP sensor (Paper sensor)
E0009 ASF sensor E0010 PG sensor E0011 Contact FPC (flexible printed cable)
E0012 CRFFC (flexible flat cable)
E0013 Carriage board E0014 Main board E0015 Power supply unit E0016 Parallel I / F
E0017 Serial I / F
E0018 Power key E0019 Resume key E0020 LED
E0021 Buzzer E0022 Cover sensor E1001 CPU
E1002 OSC (CPU built-in oscillator)
E1003 A / D (A / D converter with built-in CPU)
E1004 ROM
E1005 oscillation circuit E1006 ASIC
E1007 Reset circuit E1008 CR motor driver E1009 LF / PG motor driver E1010 Power supply control circuit E1011 INKS (ink end detection signal)
E1012 TH (Thermistor temperature detection signal)
E1013 HSENS (head detection signal)
E1014 control bus E1015 RESET (reset signal)
E1016 RESUME (Resume key input)
E1017 POWER (Power key input)
E1018 BUZ (Buzzer signal)
E1019 Oscillator circuit output signal E1020 ENC (encoder signal)
E1021 Head control signal E1022 VHON (Head power ON signal)
E1023 VMON (Motor power ON signal)
E1024 Power control signal E1025 PES (PE detection signal)
E1026 ASFS (ASF detection signal)
E1027 GAPS (GAP detection signal)
E0028 Serial I / F signal E1029 Serial I / F cable E1030 Parallel I / F signal E1031 Parallel I / F cable E1032 PGS (PG detection signal)
E1033 PM control signal (pulse motor control signal)
E1034 PG motor drive signal E1035 LF motor drive signal E1036 CR motor control signal E1037 CR motor drive signal E0038 LED drive signal E1039 VH (head power supply)
E1040 VM (Motor power supply)
E1041 VDD (Logic power supply)
E1042 COVS (cover detection signal)
E2001 CPU I / F
E2002 PLL
E2003 DMA controller E2004 DRAM controller E2005 DRAM
E2006 1284 I / F
E2007 USB I / F
E2008 Reception control unit E2009 Compression / expansion DMA
E2010 Receive buffer E2011 Work buffer E2012 Work area DMA
E2013 Recording buffer transfer DMA
E2014 Print buffer E2015 Record data expansion DMA
E2016 Expansion data buffer E2017 Column buffer E2018 Head control unit E2019 Encoder signal processing unit E2020 CR motor control unit E2021 LF / PG motor control unit E2022 Sensor signal processing unit E2023 Motor control buffer E2020 Scanner capture buffer E2025 Scanner data processing DMA
E2026 Scanner data buffer E2027 Scanner data compression DMA
E2028 Sending buffer E2029 Port controller E2030 LED controller E2031 CLK (clock signal)
E2032 PDWM (soft control signal)
E2033 PLLON (PLL control signal)
E2034 INT (interrupt signal)
E2036 PIF reception data E2037 USB reception data E2038 WDIF (reception data / raster data)
E2039 Receive buffer controller E2040 RDWK (Receive buffer read data / raster data)
E2041 WDWK (work buffer write data / recording code)
E2042 WDWF (work fill data)
E2043 RDWP (work buffer read data / record code)
E2044 WDWP (Sort recording code)
E2045 RHDHG (recording and development data)
E2047 WHDHG (column buffer write data / expansion record data)
E2048 RDHD (column buffer read data / expansion record data)
E2049 Head drive timing signal E2050 Data expansion timing signal E2051 RDPM (pulse motor drive table read data)
E2052 Sensor detection signal E2053 WDHD (captured data)
E2054 RDAV (fetch buffer read data)
E2055 WDAV (data buffer write data / processed data)
E2056 RDYC (data buffer read data / processed data)
E2057 WDYC (transmission buffer write data / compressed data)
E2058 RDUSB (USB transmission data / compressed data)
E2059 RDPIF (1284 transmission data)
H1000 print head cartridge H1001 print head H1100 print element substrate H1100T discharge port H1200 first plate H1201 ink supply port H1300 electric wiring board H1301 external signal input terminal H1400 second plate H1500 tank holder H1501 ink flow path H1600 flow path forming member H1700 Filter H1800 Seal rubber H1900 Ink tank H1600d Communication passage

Claims (5)

Using a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements capable of forming dots on a recording medium are arranged on a plurality of rows, a plurality of P times of main scanning in the main scanning direction of the recording head, and at least one of the recording media. A printing apparatus that prints dots on an N raster adjacent to each other and dots on an M column adjacent to each other under different conditions by transporting in the sub-scanning direction twice.
When recording dots corresponding to the gradation levels of the image data on a recording medium using dot arrangement patterns corresponding to the respective gradation levels of one image data, the dots used for the same gradation level of the image data While periodically changing a plurality of dot arrangement patterns, dots are formed on odd-numbered columns during main scanning in the forward direction of the recording head, and dots on odd-numbered columns are formed during main scanning in the backward direction of the recording head. Equipped with control means,
The control means uses, as a dot arrangement pattern of a certain gradation level, a first dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed only during one of the main scanning in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head, and a dot of another gradation level is used. As the arrangement pattern, a second dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed during both main scanning in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head,
The recording apparatus, wherein P, N, and M are integers of 2 or more. The control means uses the second dot arrangement pattern as the dot arrangement pattern corresponding to a predetermined gradation level or less, and uses the first dot as the dot arrangement pattern corresponding to a gradation level exceeding the predetermined gradation level. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement pattern is used. 記録 The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording element has an ejection port capable of ejecting ink. The first dot arrangement pattern is a pattern in which dots are formed only in one of the odd columns and the even columns, and the second dot arrangement pattern is dots formed in both the odd columns and the even columns. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a pattern. Using a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements capable of forming dots on a recording medium are arranged on a plurality of rows, a plurality of P times of main scanning in the main scanning direction of the recording head, and at least one of the recording media. A method of printing dots on N rasters adjacent to each other and dots on M columns adjacent to each other under different conditions depending on the number of times of conveyance in the sub-scanning direction.
When recording dots corresponding to the gradation levels of the image data on a recording medium using dot arrangement patterns corresponding to the respective gradation levels of one image data, the dots used for the same gradation level of the image data While periodically changing a plurality of dot arrangement patterns, dots are formed on odd-numbered columns during main scanning in the forward direction of the recording head, and dots on odd-numbered columns are formed during main scanning in the backward direction of the recording head. Having a recording step,
As a dot arrangement pattern of a certain gradation level, a first dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed only in one of the main scanning in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head is used, and as a dot arrangement pattern of another gradation level, Using a second dot arrangement pattern in which dots are formed during both main scanning in the forward and backward directions of the recording head,
The recording method, wherein P, N and M are integers of 2 or more.

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