JP2004050528A - Continuous printing of a plurality of images - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for printing a plurality of images continuously using a plurality of nozzles provided in a print head efficiently. <P>SOLUTION: Printing is performed by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in the main scanning direction depending on a plurality of image data. In such a printer, two recording areas adjacent in the subscanning direction out of a plurality of recording areas being recorded depending on a plurality of image data can be recorded, at least partially, during the same main scanning. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for printing by recording ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art As a device that outputs an image to paper, an ink jet printer that performs printing by discharging ink droplets from a print head while performing main scanning and sub scanning is widely used. On the other hand, with the widespread use of digital cameras, opportunities to output photographic images are increasing. In the output of photographic images, it is often required to continuously print a large number of images.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, conventionally, since the printing process was performed for each image, it was not possible to record over a plurality of recording areas (printing areas). For this reason, even in a state where the nozzles are arranged on the recording area adjacent to the recording area during recording, it is not possible to perform recording on the adjacent recording area.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and provides a technology that enables continuous printing of a plurality of images by efficiently using a plurality of nozzles provided in a print head. The purpose is to:
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction according to a plurality of image data, The plurality of image data are data each independently representing a different image, and the print head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along a sub-scanning direction to eject the same ink for at least one color. Wherein the printing apparatus performs at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction by the same main scanning among a plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data. It is characterized by being recordable.
[0006]
According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction among a plurality of recording areas which are respectively recorded according to a plurality of image data independently representing different images. Can be recorded in the same main scan, so that a plurality of images can be continuously printed using a plurality of nozzles provided in the print head efficiently.
[0007]
In the printing device, an image data conversion unit that converts the plurality of image data to generate a plurality of bitmap image data that is bitmap image data, and an image data combination unit that combines the plurality of bitmap image data And print data for converting the combined bitmap image data to generate print data including raster data representing an ink dot formation state in each main scan of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount. It is preferable to include a conversion unit.
[0008]
As described above, by combining a plurality of bitmap image data into one data, data processing for continuously printing a plurality of images can be easily realized. The bitmap image data includes data representing the pixel value of each pixel in the image, such as RGB image data, CMYK image data, and dot data.
[0009]
In the above-described printing apparatus, it is preferable that the plurality of bitmap image data is dot data representing an ink dot formation state in each pixel of each of the plurality of recording areas.
[0010]
This makes it possible to simplify the algorithm for converting a plurality of image data into print data.
[0011]
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the print data generation process is performed by cyclically using at least a part of the memory.
[0012]
This makes it possible to print in a recording area having an unlimited length in the sub-scanning direction using a limited memory space. Such a feature has a remarkable effect when a plurality of images are continuously printed on roll paper.
[0013]
Note that the present invention can be realized in various modes, for example, a printing method and a printing apparatus, a printing control method and a printing control apparatus, a computer program for realizing the functions of those methods or apparatuses, and a computer program therefor. The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Overall configuration of the device:
B. Printing procedure:
C. Details of the printing process:
D. Modification:
[0015]
A. Overall configuration of printing device:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing apparatus 20 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 20 includes a control circuit 40, a paper feed motor 23, a carriage motor 24 for performing main scanning, a print head 50 mounted on the carriage 30, and image data from a memory card MC. The image processing apparatus includes a readable image data reading unit 70 and a user interface 33.
[0016]
The control circuit 40 includes an interface 41 for receiving image data from the image data reading unit 70 and an input signal from the user interface 33, a RAM 42 for storing various data, and a ROM 43 for storing various data processing routines and the like. , An oscillation circuit 44, a control unit 45 having a CPU, an original drive signal generation unit 206, and a print signal and a drive signal for controlling a mechanism system such as the paper feed motor 23, the carriage motor 24, and the print head 50. Interface circuit 47.
[0017]
The RAM 42 is used as a reception buffer 42A, an intermediate buffer 42B, or an output buffer 42C. The image data from the image data reading unit 70 is stored in the reception buffer 42A via the interface 41. This data is converted into an intermediate code and stored in the intermediate buffer 42B. The intermediate code stored in the intermediate buffer 42B is converted into print data including raster data indicating a dot formation state in each main scan of the print head 50 and sub-scan feed amount data indicating a sub-scan feed amount, and output. Recorded in the buffer 42C. Details of these processes will be described later.
[0018]
The output buffer 42C is connected to the print head 50 via the interface circuit 47 and a cable called FFC (FLEXIBLE FLAT CABLE). This cable FFC is connectable between the print head 50 and the control circuit 40 and is deformable so as to follow the movement of the carriage 30 on which the print head 50 is mounted.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the mechanism section 21 included in the printing apparatus 20. The mechanism section 21 includes a sub-scan feed mechanism that conveys the printing paper P in the sub-scan direction by the paper feed motor 23, and a main scan feed that reciprocates the carriage 30 in the axial direction (main scan direction) of the platen 26 by the carriage motor 24. A mechanism and a head drive mechanism that drives the print head 50 mounted on the carriage 30 to control ink ejection and dot formation.
[0020]
A main scanning feed mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 extends an endless drive belt 36 between the carriage motor 24 and a slide shaft 34 erected in parallel with the axis of the platen 26 and slidably holding the carriage 30. And a position sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 30. The paper feed motor 23, the carriage motor 24, the position sensor 39, and the print head 50 are connected to an interface circuit 47 included in a control circuit (FIG. 1).
[0021]
The sub-scan feed mechanism that transports the printing paper P includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 23 to the platen 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown). The printing paper P is a roll paper and is supplied from a roll paper holder (not shown).
[0022]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 28. The lower surface of the print head 28, the black ink nozzle group K for ejecting black ink, a dark cyan ink nozzle group C _D for ejecting dark cyan ink, light cyan ink for ejecting light cyan ink a nozzle group C _L, and dark magenta ink nozzle group M _D for ejecting dark magenta ink, a light magenta ink nozzle group M _L for ejecting light magenta ink, yellow ink nozzle for ejecting yellow ink A group Y is formed.
[0023]
The capital letter of the first alphabet in the code indicating each nozzle group means the ink color, the subscript “D” indicates that the ink has a relatively high density, and the subscript “L” indicates the ink. This means that the ink has a relatively low density, respectively.
[0024]
The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle group are aligned at a constant nozzle pitch kD along the sub-scanning direction SS. Here, k is an integer, and D is a pitch (referred to as “dot pitch”) corresponding to the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction. In this specification, it is also referred to as “the nozzle pitch is k dots”. The unit [dot] at this time means the dot pitch of the printing resolution. Similarly, the unit of [dot] is used for the sub-scan feed amount.
[0025]
Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a driving element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets. During printing, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle while the print head 28 moves in the main scanning direction MS.
[0026]
The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle group need not be arranged in a straight line along the sub-scanning direction, but may be arranged in a staggered pattern, for example. Note that even when the nozzles are arranged in a staggered manner, the nozzle pitch kD measured in the sub-scanning direction can be defined in the same manner as in FIG. In this specification, the phrase "a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction" has a broad meaning including nozzles arranged on a straight line and nozzles arranged in a staggered manner. I have.
[0027]
In the printing apparatus 20 having the hardware configuration described above, the carriage 30 is reciprocated by the carriage motor 24 while the paper P is being conveyed by the paper feed motor 23, and at the same time, the piezo elements of the print head 28 are driven, and the respective inks Drops are ejected to form ink dots to form a multi-color and multi-tone image on the paper P.
[0028]
B. Printing procedure:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing operation procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus 20 and an interface 33 included in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step S110, the user inserts the memory card MC into the image data reading unit 70 (memory card insertion slot) provided in the printing device 20. The image data reading unit 70 reads a plurality of image data from the memory card MC and displays an image represented by the read image data on the user interface 33. The user interface 33 is configured as a touch panel, and can receive an input from a user.
[0029]
In step S120, the user selects an image desired to be printed. Selection of an image is performed by using the user interface 33 and touching an image for which printing is not desired. The touched image indicates that the display has become thin and has been removed from the print target.
[0030]
In step S130, the user selects a print size. The selectable sizes include the size of the photo, such as six or four. When the size selection is completed and the user touches the “selection completed / print” icon 32 (step S140), a print processing routine (S150) is started.
[0031]
C. Details of the printing process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the printing process according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step S210, the control unit 45 (FIG. 1) performs an image data conversion process. The image data conversion process is a process of converting the storage format (for example, JPEG format) of the image data stored in the memory card MC into the RGB bitmap format.
[0032]
The control unit 45 performs a resolution conversion process (Step S220), a color conversion process (Step S230), and a color reduction process (Step S240) on the bitmap format image data. These processes are processes for generating dot data which is data indicating a dot formation state in each pixel on the print medium. Here, the resolution conversion process is a process for matching the resolution of the bitmap format image data with the resolution of the print image. The color conversion process is a process of converting RGB bitmap data into multi-gradation data of a plurality of ink colors that can be used by the printing apparatus 20. The color reduction processing is processing for reducing the number of gradations of multi-gradation data. For example, when the printing apparatus 20 has two gradations, that is, whether or not ink dots are formed, the number of gradations is reduced to two gradations.
[0033]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of dot data generated in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows two pieces of dot data G1 and G2 among the plurality of pieces of generated dot data. These dot data represent the formation state of ink dots to be formed on a print medium in order to reproduce each image. For example, when the pixel value of the first row of column A of the dot data G1 is “0”, no ink dot is formed at the corresponding pixel position in the print image, and when the pixel value is “1”, no ink dot is formed. It is shown that it is done.
[0034]
In step S250, the control unit 45 performs a layout process. In this embodiment, the layout processing refers to combining a plurality of dot data to generate one dot data.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the dot data GC generated in this manner. The dot data GC is generated by arranging two dot data G1 and G2 in one recording area selected from a plurality of recording areas prepared in advance. The recording area is selected so that image data to be further printed can be arranged according to the paper size (for example, quarter cut) and the printing resolution selected by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 8, one having a recording area of 10 pixels × 20 pixels (main scanning direction × sub scanning direction) is selected.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, the dot data G1 and G2 are arranged at the center in the main scanning direction at an interval of one line (the 11th line) in the main scanning direction in the recording area. Dummy data is stored in the area around the dot data G1 and G2 and the area between them. The dummy data is data indicating that no ink dot is formed. The dot data GC thus generated is stored in the intermediate buffer 42B.
[0037]
In step S260 (FIG. 6), the control unit 45 performs a print data conversion process. The print data conversion process is a process of generating, from the dot data GC, print data including raster data indicating a recording state of ink dots formed by each nozzle during each main scan and data indicating a sub-scan feed amount. Say.
[0038]
9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of the print data conversion processing in the memory space. FIG. 9 shows a memory space having a storage area of 10 pixels × 14 pixels (main scanning direction × sub-scanning direction) and a simplified print head Ka. In this memory space, the pixel values of the first to fourteenth rows of the dot data GC are stored. Since the pixel value indicates the state of ink dot formation in each pixel, the state of ink dot formation on the print medium is virtually configured in the memory space.
[0039]
The simplified print head Ka is obtained by taking out the black ink nozzle group K from the print head 28 (FIG. 3), setting the number of used nozzles to three, and setting the nozzle pitch k to 2 dots. The reason why such a print head Ka is used in the present embodiment is to explain the print data conversion process in an easily understandable manner. In this specification, the main scanning is also called a pass.
[0040]
In the print data conversion processing performed in step S260, the formation state of the ink dots virtually configured in the memory space is reproduced on the print medium using the mechanism unit 21 (FIG. 2) of the printing apparatus 20. This is a process for generating print data used for this purpose. The content of the conversion processing is determined according to the parameters of the recording method in the mechanism section 21. The parameters of the printing method in the mechanism section 21 include the number of nozzles used and the sub-scan feed amount F.
[0041]
The print data conversion processing is specifically performed as follows. In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the first main scan (pass 1) in the mechanism unit 21, the # 1, # 2, and # 3 nozzles are used and the first, third, and fifth rows are used, respectively. It is assumed that a raster line is formed. In order to form these raster lines in pass 1, the raster data of nozzles # 1, # 2, and # 3 in pass 1 is transferred to the first, third, and fifth rows in the memory space. It can be seen that the data (pixel value) stored in the eye may be generated by copying.
[0042]
According to the printing parameters assumed by the mechanism unit 21, the sub-scan feed of 3 dots is performed between passes, so that pass 2 is performed at a position shifted by 3 dots in the sub-scan direction from pass 1. Is As a result, as can be seen from FIG. 9, the raster data of nozzles # 1, # 2, and # 3 in pass 2 are stored in the fourth, sixth, and eighth rows in the memory space. Can be generated by copying the existing data. Thus, it can be seen that raster data in each pass can be generated.
[0043]
On the other hand, at least a part of an area (used area) used for generating raster data in the storage area in the memory space is managed so that data can be written. The area in which data can be written is indicated by a blank as shown in FIGS. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, an algorithm is set so that data can be written in an area (an area of the first to sixth rows) that the # 1 nozzle has passed.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 11, data in the 15th and subsequent rows of the dot data GC (FIG. 8) is copied into the space where data can be written. Specifically, the data of the 15th to 19th lines of the dot data GC is copied to the storage area of the 1st to 5th lines in the memory space.
[0045]
The raster data of nozzles # 1, # 2, and # 3 in pass 5 is generated as follows. The raster data of nozzle # 1 is generated by copying the data of the thirteenth row in the memory space. The raster data of the nozzles # 2 and # 3 are generated by copying the data of the first and third rows in the memory space, respectively. The data on the first and third lines in the memory space are obtained by copying the data on the 15th and 17th lines in the dot data GC.
[0046]
Raster data can be generated in a similar manner after pass 6. The data (FIG. 12) generated in this manner is stored in the output buffer 42C. In the output buffer 42C, a cyclic (circular) memory management is performed in a similar manner so that the storage area of the data used in the mechanism unit 21 can be written. In this example, the image data to be printed is two, but it can be understood that the same processing can be performed even when there are three or more image data.
[0047]
The cyclic memory management can be applied to not only the print data conversion processing but also all the processing from the reception processing of the image data from the image data reading unit 70 to the print data conversion processing. Such memory management can be applied to the entire memory space of the printing apparatus such as the reception buffer 42A, the intermediate buffer 42B, and the output buffer 42C.
[0048]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of recording ink dots in the present invention. The recording of the ink dots is performed by the recording method assumed in the print data conversion processing. Specifically, the mechanism section 21 performs recording while sending the print head Ka having three used nozzles in the sub-scanning direction by a regular feed of three dots. As a result, the content of the dot data GC (FIG. 8) is reproduced on the print medium. A blank pixel indicates that no ink dot is formed.
[0049]
As described above, since the memory space is cyclically used, it is possible to print on a recording area having an unlimited length in the sub-scanning direction in a limited memory space. Thus, the print images can be printed on the roll paper without limiting the number.
[0050]
As described above, in the present embodiment, printing is performed based on dot data generated by independently combining data representing different images. Therefore, at least each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction is printed. A part can be recorded by the same main scanning. As a result, when printing is performed in accordance with a plurality of image data, a plurality of nozzles provided in the print head can be used efficiently.
[0051]
D. Modification:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention, and for example, the following modifications are possible.
[0052]
D-1. In the above embodiment, the non-overlap printing method is adopted as the recording method, but the present invention can be applied to the overlap method. Here, the non-overlap printing method refers to a recording method in which each raster line is recorded in one main scan, and the overlap printing method records at least a part of a raster line in a plurality of main scans. Refers to the recording method.
[0053]
D-2. When the print head extends over three or more recording areas, recording can be performed by the same main scanning over three or more recording areas.
[0054]
D-3. In the above embodiment, the blank area is expressed by storing dummy data in an area where no image is recorded in the layout processing. For example, it indicates that an area of a predetermined row is sandwiched between images. Control data such as image interval data and peripheral region data representing the width of the peripheral region of the image may be used.
[0055]
D-4. In the above-described embodiment, the data is combined after the dot data is generated by performing the resolution conversion, the color conversion, and the color reduction processing. However, the data may be combined before performing the above-described processing. In general, the image data to be combined in the present invention may be any data that represents the pixel value of each pixel in the image that represents the pixel value of each pixel in the image, such as RGB image data, CMYK image data, and dot data. However, if the data to be combined is dot data, there is an advantage that an algorithm for converting a plurality of image data into print data can have a simple configuration.
[0056]
D-5. In the above embodiment, the print data is generated by combining the dot data and converting the combined dot data, but the printing is performed using the control data representing the positional relationship of each image without combining the dot data. Data may be generated. However, the method of generating print data by converting the combined dot data has the advantage that it can be converted to print data by a simple algorithm as described above.
[0057]
In the above embodiment, a color print head capable of discharging a plurality of color inks is used. However, for example, a monochrome print head that discharges only black ink may be used. Generally, a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction to eject the same ink for at least one color can be used in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
[0058]
When some or all of the functions of the present invention are implemented by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the "computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but may be an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs or ROMs, a hard disk or the like. And an external storage device fixed to the computer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system as one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a mechanism unit 21 included in the printing apparatus 20.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a nozzle arrangement on a lower surface of a print head.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing operation procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of a printing apparatus and an interface of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing process according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of dot data generated in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing dot data generated by combining a plurality of dot data.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a print data conversion process in a memory space.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a print data conversion process in a memory space.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a print data conversion process in a memory space.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of raster data generated from dot data GC.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of recording an ink dot in the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 20 printing device 21 mechanism unit 23 paper feed motor 24 carriage motor 26 platen 28 print head 30 carriage 32 icon 33 user interface 34 sliding shaft 36 drive belt 38 pulley 39 position sensor 40 control circuit 41 interface 42 RAM
43… ROM
44 oscillation circuit 45 control unit 47 interface circuit 50 print head 70 image data reading unit 70
206: Original drive signal generator

Claims (7)

A printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction according to a plurality of image data,
The plurality of image data is data representing a plurality of images each independently different,
The print head has a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction to eject the same ink for at least one color,
The printing apparatus can print at least a part of each of two printing areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction by the same main scanning among a plurality of printing areas respectively printed according to the plurality of image data. A printing device, characterized in that: The printing device according to claim 1,
An image data conversion unit that converts the plurality of image data and generates a plurality of bitmap image data that is bitmap image data,
An image data combining unit that combines the plurality of bitmap image data,
A print data conversion unit that converts the combined bitmap image data to generate print data including raster data representing the formation state of ink dots in each main scan of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount; ,
A printing device comprising: 3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein
The printing apparatus, wherein the plurality of bitmap image data is dot data indicating a formation state of an ink dot in each pixel of each of the plurality of recording areas. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein:
The printing device, wherein the printing device performs the print data generation process by using at least a part of a memory cyclically. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing device, wherein the printing device continuously prints the plurality of images on roll paper. A printing method for performing printing in accordance with a plurality of image data, each of which is data representing a plurality of different images independently,
(A) preparing a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction to eject the same ink for at least one color;
(B) performing printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving the print head in the main scanning direction;
With
In the step (b), at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction among a plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data is recorded by the same main scanning. A printing method comprising a step. Printing having a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction to eject at least one color of the same ink in accordance with a plurality of image data, each of which is data representing a plurality of different images independently. A computer program for controlling a printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a head in a main scanning direction,
A program for causing the printing apparatus to realize a function of performing printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving the print head in the main scanning direction,
The function includes a function of recording at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction by the same main scanning among a plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data. A computer program characterized by the above-mentioned.

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