JP2004167817A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder in which a user can record a positional information image or other ordinary images freely while suppressing deterioration in the recording quality of the positional information image and which is also suitable for recording only ordinary images. <P>SOLUTION: The recorder has first and second recording modes performing different processing from each other in recording operation. In the first recording mode, an image including positional information being associated with its own recording position is recorded. In the second recording mode, an ordinary image not including the positional information is recorded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus suitable for performing color printing or the like using a plurality of types of ink, and more particularly to a printing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of types of printing modes in terms of printing speed, printing quality, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium using color inks such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), or inks of a plurality of colors obtained by adding black (Bk) ink to these. Have been.
[0003]
On the other hand, as a recording medium on which characters and the like can be handwritten, for example, a recording medium in which an image representing predetermined position information (hereinafter, referred to as a position information image) over the entire recording region is known in advance. ing. This position information image itself includes information indicating a position to be recorded on the recording medium, that is, information in which the recording position is associated with coordinates on the recording medium, and, for example, a plurality of information recorded in the recording area. It can be represented by a combination of black spot patterns.
[0004]
When handwriting a character or the like on a recording medium on which such a position information image is recorded, by using a pen integrated with a small camera capable of detecting and reading the image, the position of the pen tip on the recording medium is obtained. Is detected by the camera, and a position where a character is written and a character or the like as a trajectory of the pattern can be recognized from the pattern. The recognition of the handwritten characters and the like can be performed by transmitting a detection signal of the camera from the camera to various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer via wireless communication, for example, and performing processing by the information processing apparatus. Hereinafter, a method of inputting handwritten characters or the like using such a pen is also referred to as a “pen input method”.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the position information image as described above is recorded in advance on a recording medium, and the user purchases and uses a recording medium in which the position information image is recorded on the entire surface of the recording medium, for example. For this reason, the position information image can be freely recorded on the recording medium according to the purpose of use of the recording medium, for example, the shape, size, relative position, etc. of the area for specifying the handwritten position cannot be set flexibly. I couldn't do that. In addition, when an image representing such position information is recorded on a recording medium on which an image is to be recorded using a recording device, the above-described reading of the position information image is hindered, and the position information is no longer read. Function may not be achieved.
[0006]
In view of this, it has been considered that both the above-described position information image and other normal images are recorded by using a recording apparatus on a recording medium that is not recorded at all, that is, a blank recording medium. However, since the position information image is an image representing the position of the pen tip pointing on the recording medium and the like, if the recording operation is performed in the same manner as other normal images, the position information image with sufficient accuracy is obtained. Cannot be obtained, and there is a possibility that an error may occur in position information such as a pen tip position detected based on the position information.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to allow a user to freely record a position information image and other ordinary images, and to print a position information image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in recording quality and suitable for recording only normal images.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
[0009]
That is, the present invention is a recording apparatus that performs a recording operation of applying a recording material to a recording medium in accordance with a recording mode selected from a plurality of different recording modes. There are first and second recording modes for performing different processes with respect to operation, and the first recording mode is for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium. This is a mode for performing a recording operation process, and the second recording mode is a mode for recording a normal image that does not include the position information.
[0010]
Here, the image including the position information means an image composed of at least an image (position information image) representing the position information, and an image obtained by combining the position information image with a normal image not including the position information. Including.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
(Basic configuration of the embodiment)
First, a basic configuration of an ink jet printing apparatus as a printing apparatus applicable to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus.
The recording medium 105 inserted in the direction of arrow P from the paper feed position on the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus (printer type apparatus in this embodiment) 100 is fed after the transport direction is reversed on the rear side of the recording apparatus 100. The recording paper is conveyed by the rollers 106 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow R to the recordable area of the recording head 104. A platen 107 is provided below the recording medium 105 in the recordable area. The carriage 101 can be moved in the main scanning direction indicated by arrows Q1 and Q2 along the axial directions of the carriage 101 by two guide shafts 102 and 103. The scanning area including the recording area is driven by a stepping motor (not shown). Is reciprocally scanned. A recording head 104 capable of discharging ink from a discharge port is mounted on the carriage 101. After one main scan of the print head 104 is completed, the print medium 105 is fed by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow R, and is ready for the next main scan. By repeating these main scanning and sub-scanning, an image is recorded on one page of the recording medium 105.
[0013]
The recording head 104 of this embodiment constitutes an ink jet cartridge in a form separable or integrally connected to an ink tank containing ink. The recording head 104 records an image on the recording medium 105 by discharging the ink supplied from the ink tank toward the recording medium 105 from a downwardly directed ejection port in the figure. Reference numeral 108 denotes an arrangement portion of a switch unit and a display unit. The switch unit is used for turning on / off the power of the recording apparatus, setting various recording modes, and the like. The display unit can display the state of the recording apparatus. It is configured.
[0014]
The recording head 104 according to the present embodiment can eject four colors of inks of Y, M, C, and Bk (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). The number of ejection openings for ejecting 128 and Bk inks is 320. The ejection openings for each ink color are arranged in rows in the sub-scanning direction, and the arrangement pitch of the ejection openings is about 42 microns, which corresponds to 1/600 dpi (dots / inch). The recording head 104 is provided with a heater as an electrothermal converter for each ejection port, generates bubbles in the ink using thermal energy generated by the heater, and discharges the ink by the pressure of the bubbles. is there. The driving frequency of the recording head 104 is 15 kHz, and the recording operation can be performed at a density of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction. Therefore, the moving speed of the carriage 101 in the main scanning direction during the printing operation is 25 i / s (inch / second).
[0015]
Here, as described later, the Bk ink is an ink using a pigment containing carbon black as a coloring material (hereinafter, also referred to as “carbon Bk ink”), while each ink of Y, M, and C is a dye. (Hereinafter also referred to as “dye ink”). The ejection amount of the carbon Bk ink is about 30 pl (picoliter), and the ejection amount of each of the Y, M, and C dye inks is about 5 pl. Each time one dot is formed, these volumes of liquid ink are ejected. Is done. The recording resolution of this recording apparatus is 600 × 600 dpi, the recording medium 105 uses a regular recording medium called plain paper, and the Bk ink droplet ejected from the recording head 104 is in a 1/600 inch square recording area. One dot is formed on the recording area, and two dots of Y, M, C color ink droplets are formed in a 1/600 inch square recording area. These numerical values may change according to the characteristics of the recording medium 105 even for the same plain paper. The recording apparatus of this example is designed in accordance with the characteristics of a generally available and widely used recording medium.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control configuration in the inkjet recording apparatus. Record data of characters and images to be recorded is transmitted from the host (host) device 500 to the recording device 100 as a lower device, and the data is stored in the reception buffer 401. Further, data for confirming whether data is correctly transferred and data for notifying the operation state of the recording device 100 are transmitted from the recording device 100 to the host device 500. Here, the higher-level device 500 is a PC (personal computer), a digital camera, or the like, and is a device capable of transmitting recording data to the recording device 100 as a lower-level device.
[0017]
The data stored in the reception buffer 401 is processed under the control of the CPU 402 into data for performing printing during the main scanning of the print head 104, and is stored in a print buffer unit in a random access memory unit (RAM) 403. Is done. The data in the print buffer unit is transferred to the print head 104 by the print head control unit 410, and the print head 104 is driven based on the data, thereby discharging ink of each color, and printing an image including characters and the like. You. The printhead control unit 410 detects temperature information indicating the state of the printhead 104 and sends it to the CPU 402, and the printhead control unit 410 controls the drive of the printhead 104 based on the information.
[0018]
The machine control unit 404 controls driving of a mechanical unit 405 such as a carriage motor for moving the carriage 101 and a line feed motor for conveying the recording medium 105 according to a command from the CPU 402. The sensor / SW control unit 406 sends signals from the sensor / SW unit 407 including various sensors and SWs (switches) to the CPU 402. The display element control unit 408 is configured to control a display unit 409 including an LED of a display panel group, a liquid crystal display element, and the like according to a command from the CPU 402.
[0019]
The recording apparatus 100 is configured to select a recording mode in accordance with a user's selection input from a plurality of recording modes, and to record an image according to the selected recording mode. For example, when high-speed printing is desired, a one-pass printing mode is selected, and when high-quality images are to be printed, a 16-pass printing mode is selected. The one-pass print mode is a mode for printing an image on the same print area by one print scan of the print head 104, and the 16-pass print mode is a mode for printing the print head 104 on the same print area. This is a mode for recording an image by 16 main scans while shifting the position in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined amount (while conveying the recording medium).
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the host computer 500 as the higher-level device shown in FIG. 2. The host computer 500 and the recording device 100 described in FIG. 2 constitute a recording system.
[0021]
In FIG. 3, the host computer 500 includes a CPU 202, a memory 203, an external storage unit 204, an input unit 205, and an interface 206 with an inkjet printer as the recording apparatus 100. The CPU 202 executes various processes according to various programs stored in the memory 203, and generates an image (including a character such as a character in the present specification) in response to a user's input via the input unit 205, for example. , And performs processing related to editing. When such an image is to be printed, image processing such as color conversion is performed by a printer driver, which is one of the programs, and print data used by the printing apparatus 100 is created. More specifically, predetermined image processing such as color conversion, output γ correction, and quantization (binarization) is performed on the R, G, and B data of the created and edited image, and C, M, and Y Get value data. Further, in this image processing, binary data of Bk for carbon Bk ink for recording a black spot pattern described later with reference to FIG. 4 is obtained. The host computer 500 is connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the interface 206, and printing is performed by sending print data obtained by such image processing to the printing apparatus 100.
[0022]
The various programs may be stored in the external storage unit 204, or may be supplied from an external device.
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a position information image used in the above-described pen input method. In the present embodiment, the position information is recorded by the recording device 100. More specifically, this position information is recorded on one recording medium with carbon Bk ink, and a normal image other than the position information image is recorded with each of the C, M, and Y dye inks.
[0024]
The position information is recorded as a predetermined pattern of black spots scattered over the entire printable area on the print medium 105, for example. More specifically, the black points are recorded with reference to grid points at predetermined intervals assumed on the recording medium 105. For example, black points are recorded one by one in the vicinity of each grid point having a grid interval of about 0.3 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, there are four recording positions of the black point depending on the positional relationship with respect to the lattice point, the position U above the lattice point, the position D below the lattice point, the position R right of the lattice point, and the lattice position. One of the positions L to the left of the point. An arrangement pattern formed by a predetermined plurality of such black points constitutes "position information". More specifically, for example, the pattern of the arrangement of black points recorded near each lattice point in a predetermined two-dimensional array of lattice points is made different for each unit area configured by the two-dimensional array, and , That is, the combination of U, D, R, and L is the “position information” of the unit area. As described above, the position information is obtained by detecting the arrangement pattern of the black dots by the camera at the tip of the pen and reading the arrangement pattern for each unit area, thereby knowing the position of the pen tip on the recording medium. Alternatively, it is possible to know that the position where the pen tip is placed is a predetermined specific area on the recording medium.
[0025]
Also, in consideration of the number of combinations of U, D, R, and L, this “position information” is used as information indicating a position on a huge virtual plane that far exceeds the range of one recording medium. You can also. For example, when the same pattern is not recorded twice or more as the arrangement pattern of the black dots, the arrangement pattern is associated with each of the recording media, so that one recording medium on which the arrangement pattern by the black point is recorded can be used. It can also be specified.
[0026]
When a character or the like is handwritten on the recording medium 105 on which the above-described position information is recorded, a pen (pen-integrated camera) integrated with a small camera is used to obtain the “position information” as described above. Can be obtained, and an image including a handwritten character or the like can be read with this pen. That is, the trajectory of the position where the pen tip moves can be known from the above-mentioned "position information", whereby handwritten characters and the like can be recognized. The recognition of the handwritten characters and the like can be performed by various information processing devices that input the detection signal of the camera.
[0027]
Thus, in order to detect a black spot pattern by the camera, in this example, as described above, this pattern is recorded by the carbon Bk ink, and the camera detects carbon on the recording medium 105 by the ink. Has become. Further, a normal image is recorded by using Y, M and C dye inks not containing carbon. That is, the camera of this example does not react to these dyes and cannot detect these images.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a recording mode selection process and the like executed in the recording apparatus 100.
In the present embodiment, a plurality of recording modes of the recording apparatus can be selectively executed according to information to be recorded. That is, the image data to be recorded is image data including position information image data associated with the recording position of the recording medium, or the image data to be recorded is image data not including the position information image data. Is determined based on the user's setting input data or input image data (step S1). If the image data includes position information image data, the first recording mode is selected and the position information image is selected. If no data is included, the second recording mode is selected (step S2). In this embodiment, in the first recording mode, data recorded on the same recording medium includes position information image data and other normal image data.
[0029]
Here, as the position information image recorded in the first recording mode, for example, formation of an arrangement pattern of black spots recorded on a recording medium applied to the above-described pen input method or the like is given as an example. . Therefore, in this case, the first recording mode can be said to be a pen input method compatible mode, and when forming a black dot and a color image, the recording head for discharging the Bk ink and the other desired color image are formed. A recording head for discharging color ink used for formation is used. In the second recording mode, similarly, Bk ink containing carbon and color ink are used.
[0030]
When a mode is selected in step S2 or S3, different recording control operations are executed according to each mode (steps S4 and S5), and an image is recorded.
[0031]
As described above, in the first recording mode, an image representing position information corresponding to its own recording position is recorded on the image to be recorded, so that the image is recorded with higher precision than when recording a normal image. Need to be formed. That is, it is necessary to maintain the landing position of the ink droplet ejected from the print head with high accuracy, and therefore, the printing process in the first printing mode is suitable for forming a high-accuracy image in which printing accuracy is more important than printing speed. The recording process is performed.
[0032]
On the other hand, in a normal image formed in the second recording mode, the recording operation is performed with priority given to the recording speed because the accuracy is not required as high as in the first recording mode. For example, in one print scan of the print head, it is desirable to execute so-called one-pass printing for performing a print operation using the maximum width of the nozzle row formed in each print head.
[0033]
As described above, in this embodiment, when a recording medium for realizing the pen input method or the like is formed, the position information can be recorded with high accuracy by selecting the first recording mode. In the case of recording a normal image, it is possible to perform high-speed recording by selecting the second recording mode, so that an efficient recording operation according to required recording quality and recording speed can be performed. Is achieved.
[0034]
The first recording mode can be said to be a mode to be executed when it is necessary to recognize an image printed with Bk ink containing carbon separately from an image printed with another ink, and The second print mode is a mode to be executed when it is not necessary to distinguish between an image printed with Bk ink containing carbon and an image printed with another ink (color ink) not containing carbon. It can also be said that the first recording mode is a mode corresponding to the above-described pen input method.
[0035]
Here, the first recording mode, which is a high-quality recording mode applied to the present invention, and the second recording mode, which is a normal recording mode, will be described more specifically with reference to the following examples.
[0036]
(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, as a high-quality recording mode (first recording mode), in a reciprocating operation of the recording head, the recording operation is performed by discharging ink from the recording head only in one of the forward movement and the backward movement. , A so-called one-way recording mode. As a normal print mode (second print mode), a bidirectional print mode in which ink is ejected in both forward and backward movements in a reciprocating scan of the print head to perform a printing operation is employed. I do.
[0037]
In the bidirectional printing mode, the displacement of the landing positions of ink droplets tends to occur in different directions in both the reciprocating directions, and the landing accuracy is lower than in one-way printing. On the other hand, in the one-way recording mode, the ink is always ejected only in the same direction. Therefore, even if the displacement of the landing position of the ink droplet ejected from the recording head occurs, the displacement is in a certain direction. Because of this tendency, the deterioration of the entire image is not so large. Although the recording speed is slower than that of the bidirectional recording, the unidirectional recording mode is suitable for recording an image that emphasizes accuracy.
[0038]
As described above, in the first embodiment, when a recording medium on which a position information image for realizing a pen input method or the like is formed is formed, a one-way recording mode (first recording mode) is used. In the case of recording a normal image, high-speed recording can be performed by a bidirectional recording mode (second recording mode).
[0039]
(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, as a high-quality recording mode (first recording mode), an image to be recorded in the same recording scanning area in the main scanning direction on a recording medium is printed a plurality of times by different nozzles in the recording head. The multi-pass printing mode in which printing is performed by scanning, that is, so-called multi-pass printing is adopted. In a normal printing mode (second printing mode), a so-called one-pass printing in which an image to be printed in the same printing scanning area in the main scanning direction on a printing medium is completed by one printing scan. It has been adopted.
[0040]
Generally, when the printing operation is performed in the above-described multi-pass printing mode, there is a characteristic that the quality of the printed image is improved as compared with the case where the one-pass printing mode is performed. This is for the following reason.
[0041]
The first reason is that in the multi-pass printing mode, the amount of ink ejected per unit time and unit area in the printing is smaller than that in the one-pass printing mode, and the ink ejected on the printing medium is easily dried quickly. Therefore, the bleeding of the ink in units of one dot is smaller than in the one-pass printing mode.
[0042]
The second reason is that, when a large amount of ink is ejected per unit time as in the one-pass printing mode, the amount of satellites with respect to the main ink droplet to be ejected increases, and the occurrence of ink mist increases. However, in multi-pass printing, the amount of ink ejected per unit time is small, so that the occurrence of ink mist can be suppressed. Further, in the ink jet printing apparatus, a phenomenon that the landing position may be reduced due to the air flow when the ink is ejected may occur. In the multi-pass printing mode, the generation of the air flow is reduced as compared with the one-pass printing mode. This is advantageous in obtaining high quality. However, in the multi-pass printing mode, printing is performed a plurality of times on the same printing area, so that the printing time becomes longer. On the other hand, in the one-pass printing mode, a high-speed printing operation can be realized.
[0043]
Therefore, by selectively executing both modes as appropriate, it is possible to realize higher precision of a recorded image and higher recording speed as required.
[0044]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, as a high-quality recording mode (first recording mode), the landing accuracy of ink droplets in recording elements (corresponding to each nozzle in an ink jet recording apparatus) arranged in a recording head is determined. While a recording element selection mode in which recording is performed using only high recording elements is employed, a normal recording mode (second recording mode) is used in which the recording element of the recording head is used without particular selection. The selection mode is adopted.
[0045]
The following two cases are conceivable for implementing the nozzle selection mode.
[0046]
The first case is a case where the landing accuracy of each nozzle of the print head is measured by using a predetermined measuring device when the print head is shipped from a factory. In this case, the measurement result is stored in a ROM or the like, and the recording operation is performed using only the nozzle.
[0047]
The second case is a case in which an image reading unit or the like provided in the recording device is used to determine the landing accuracy. That is, in this case, first, after recording is performed by each recording head of the recording apparatus, dots in the recorded area are read by a scanner mounted on a carriage or the like, and the formation position accuracy of each dot is determined based on the read data. Is measured, and only the nozzles that have formed dots with high landing position accuracy are selected based on the measurement result, and the recording operation is performed using only the nozzles.
[0048]
In this selection mode (first printing mode), a method of performing a printing operation using only nozzles with high printing accuracy includes, for example, a printing operation using only an area where nozzles with high printing accuracy are most continuous. (First method), and a method of setting the transport pitch so that nozzles with low printing accuracy are always located at non-printing locations (second method).
[0049]
Among them, in the first method, print data is supplied only to a region where the nozzles with high printing accuracy are most continuous, and the conveyance pitch of the printing medium is set according to the width of the region. A recording operation using only the above is realized. In this selection mode (first printing mode), a method of performing a printing operation using only nozzles with high printing accuracy includes, for example, a printing operation using only an area where nozzles with high printing accuracy are most continuous. (First method), and a method of selectively using only nozzles having good printing accuracy on the premise of multi-mass printing (second method).
[0050]
Among them, in the first method, print data is supplied only to a region where the nozzles with high printing accuracy are most continuous, and the conveyance pitch of the printing medium is set according to the width of the region. A recording operation using only the above is realized.
The first method is applicable to a one-pass printing method and a multi-pass printing method. In the case of one-pass printing, a nozzle may be appropriately selected and used from a continuous normal nozzle group. When a multi-pass printing method is assumed, the appropriate nozzle may be selectively used according to the number of passes to be applied.
[0051]
The second method presupposes multi-pass printing, and selects and prints only nozzles having good printing accuracy for each printing scan pass. For example, in the two-pass printing, characters and images are completed by the first and second scans. However, even if there is print data at a position where a nozzle with poor printing accuracy is used during the first scan, printing is not performed. The unrecorded data is recorded in the second scan for recording a position relatively different from the recording position.
[0052]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, as a high-quality recording mode (first recording mode), a recording method in which a plurality of dots are formed by using a plurality of nozzles at the same dot forming position on a recording medium is used. As a normal recording mode (second recording mode), a general recording method of forming a single dot by using a single nozzle at each dot forming position on a recording medium is employed. It has become something.
[0053]
In actual ink jet recording, a slight landing position shift occurs for each nozzle, and in some cases, a specific nozzle is not ejected due to long-term use. However, there is a demand for a recording device in such a situation to be capable of recording a position information image used in a pen input method and to be able to appropriately perform position detection by a pen-integrated camera. . This embodiment can respond to such a request.
[0054]
In other words, at least in the first print mode for printing a position information image composed of black points, the position where the black point is to be printed is determined by using a multi-pass printing method and performing multiple scans at the same point on the print medium. An operation of recording a plurality of black dots is performed. Regarding the recording of an image other than the position information image (black point), a plurality of dots may be formed at the same point by a plurality of scans in the same manner, or a single dot may be recorded. The selection may be appropriately made as needed.
[0055]
As described above, in this embodiment, even if an ejection failure or the like occurs in one nozzle corresponding to the position where the dot forming the position information is to be formed, this is compensated for by the recording operation by the other nozzles. Thus, an appropriate recording operation can be performed, and the reliability of the recording medium is greatly improved.
[0056]
(Fifth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, as the high-accuracy recording mode (first recording mode), a recording method in which a plurality of dots are formed by using a plurality of nozzles at the same dot forming position on a recording medium is employed. However, in the fifth embodiment, as the first recording mode, a recording method in which dots are formed at a dot formation position on a recording medium and a dot formation position adjacent thereto is adopted. The normal recording mode (second recording mode) is the same as in the fourth embodiment.
[0057]
According to the fifth embodiment, dots are additionally recorded not only at the formation positions of the dots forming the position information image and the like, but also at positions adjacent to the formation positions. Even if a nozzle corresponding to a position has a defect, a dot is formed by another nozzle at a position adjacent to the nozzle, so that a dot formed at this position can compensate for a dot that is not recorded, and Location information can be supplied.
[0058]
FIG. 6 shows an example in which one dot is added to an adjacent position on the right side of the original black spot forming position. Here, since dots are added to the right of all the black points constituting the position information image, no deviation occurs in the coordinates between the dots at intervals of about 0.3 mm. Further, even if dots formed at adjacent positions are two dots, three dots, or four dots, there is no deviation in coordinates. However, if too many dots are formed adjacent to each other, the reading limit of the recording position detecting means of the pen input method may be exceeded, so it is necessary to keep the reading limit within the limit. Further, if the number of black spots on the entire recording medium is excessively increased, there is a possibility that a problem may occur that characters and images to be recorded become difficult to understand. If the pen input method is used, the number of dots that can be recorded or the diameter of the dots is determined by the relationship between the recognizable range of input means such as a camera and the character or image quality to be recorded, and the lack of dots or dots It is determined in relation to the recording position accuracy.
[0059]
(Sixth embodiment)
In each of the embodiments described above, the scanning speed of the carriage during printing is the same, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, by lowering the carriage speed, the landing position accuracy of the recording dots can be improved. Therefore, a mode for performing a printing operation with the carriage speed set to half of the normal speed may be provided as the high-quality printing mode (first printing mode).
[0060]
(Other)
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the position information was recorded with the carbon-containing Bk ink using the pen-integrated camera capable of detecting carbon in accordance with the “pen input method”. However, in the pen input method, the recording material of the positional information is not limited to the carbon-containing Bk ink, but may be any recording material that can be detected by a pen-integrated camera. For example, an ink containing a fluorescent dye may be used instead of the carbon-containing Bk ink. In that case, a diaminostilbene sulfonic acid derivative or the like can be used because the diaminostilbene-based compound has fluorescent characteristics. The pen-integrated camera may use a sensor or a filter capable of detecting the ultraviolet wavelength with high sensitivity. In this case, by recording the position information using a recording material of a color having high brightness, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the quality of an image including characters and the like. In this regard, when a position information image is recorded using carbon-containing Bk ink, although the position information image is an image composed of minute dots (black dots) as described above, particles are not recognized by human eyes. There is a possibility that the image including characters to be reflected and recorded is slightly deteriorated.
[0061]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where each of the first to fifth embodiments is individually applied as the high-precision recording mode (first recording mode) and the normal recording mode (second recording mode). However, the present invention can be configured to use the embodiments in combination as needed.
[0062]
The present invention includes a high-precision recording mode (first mode) for recording a position information image and the like and a normal recording mode (second mode) for recording a general image. The invention is also effective for a printing apparatus that executes only the high-accuracy printing mode. Therefore, for example, the position information image and the normal image are recorded on the recording medium, or only the position information image as described above is recorded on the recording medium. The present invention can be easily realized based on the contents described in the examples, and in each case, excellent effects can be expected as compared with the related art, and the present invention is not particularly limited to the above-described embodiments.
[0063]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus, but can be applied to other recording apparatuses such as a laser beam printer.
[0064]
Further, as described above, the present invention is applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but is constituted by one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) May be applied.
[0065]
Further, a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is stored in an apparatus or a computer in a system connected to the various devices so as to operate the various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes those which are supplied and implemented by operating a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus according to a stored program and operating the various devices.
[0066]
In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and a unit for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a storage storing the program code The medium constitutes the present invention.
[0067]
As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.
[0068]
When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer, or other application software. It goes without saying that such a program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the above.
[0069]
Further, the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided on a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then, based on an instruction of the program code, a CPU or the like provided on the function expansion board or the function expansion unit. It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0070]
Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be listed.
[Embodiment 1] A printing apparatus which performs a printing operation of applying a printing material to a printing medium in accordance with a printing mode selected from a plurality of different printing modes,
The plurality of types of recording modes include first and second recording modes for performing different processes with respect to a recording operation,
The first recording mode is a mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium,
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second recording mode is a mode for recording a normal image not including the position information.
[0071]
[Second Embodiment] The recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the first recording mode is a high-precision recording mode capable of forming an image with higher precision than the second recording mode.
[0072]
[Embodiment 3] The recording medium is intermittently conveyed to the recording unit by a predetermined conveying unit along the sub-scanning direction,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit reciprocates with respect to the recording medium in a main scanning direction that intersects with the sub-scanning direction.
[0073]
[Embodiment 4] In the first recording mode, a recording operation is performed only during one of a forward movement and a backward movement of the recording means.
4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the second recording mode, a recording operation is performed both when the recording unit moves forward and backward.
[0074]
[Embodiment 5] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the recording means is provided with a plurality of recording elements for forming dots on a recording medium using a recording material.
[0075]
[Sixth Embodiment] In the first printing mode, a multi-scan is performed in which an image to be formed in the printing area is completed by performing a plurality of printing scans on the same printing area in the main scanning direction on a printing medium using different printing elements. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing apparatus executes a pass printing method.
[0076]
[Embodiment 7] In the second printing mode, an image to be formed in the printing area is completed by performing one printing scan with the same printing element on the same printing area in the main scanning direction on the printing medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing apparatus executes a one-pass printing method.
[0077]
[Eighth Embodiment] In the first printing mode, the dot assignment accuracy with respect to the previous recording medium is stored for each recording element provided in the recording unit, and only the nozzles with high dot assignment accuracy are selectively used. The recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein a recording element selection recording method to be used is executed.
[0078]
[Embodiment 9] The recording according to embodiment 5, wherein in the first recording mode, a plurality of dots are superimposed and recorded on the same location on the recording medium using different recording elements of the recording medium. apparatus.
[0079]
[Embodiment 10] The recording apparatus according to Embodiment 5, wherein in the first recording mode, a plurality of dots are recorded on adjacent portions on the recording medium using different recording elements of the recording medium. .
[0080]
[Embodiment 11] A recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein an operation obtained by combining a plurality of the first recording modes according to Embodiments 2 to 10 is executed as a first recording mode.
[0081]
[Embodiment 12] The embodiments 1 to 11 are characterized in that selection of which of the first recording mode and the second recording mode to use is made based on recording image data to be recorded. Recording device.
[0082]
[Thirteenth Embodiment] A method according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the selection of one of the first recording mode and the second recording mode is performed based on mode designation information input in advance. Recording device.
[0083]
[Embodiment 14] The first recording mode is a mode for performing a recording operation process for recording only an image of position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium. 14. The recording device according to aspects 1 to 13.
[0084]
Embodiment 15 The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the recording material is ink or toner.
[0085]
[Embodiment 16] The recording according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the recording material for recording the position information image contains carbon, and the recording material for recording the other image does not contain carbon. apparatus.
[0086]
[Embodiment 17] The recording material for recording the position information image is a pigment or dye ink containing carbon, and the recording material for recording the other image is a pigment or dye ink containing no carbon. 16. The recording apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein
[0087]
Embodiment 18 The recording material for recording the position information image is black, and the recording material for recording the other images is a plurality of colors capable of recording a color image. 18. The recording device according to any one of items 17 to 17.
[0088]
[Embodiment 19] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the plurality of colors of the other image recording material include yellow, magenta, and cyan.
[0089]
[Embodiment 20] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of colors of the other image recording color materials include yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
[0090]
[Embodiment 21] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the image of the position information is recorded by a combination of a plurality of points.
[0091]
[Embodiment 22] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the position information is information associated with a coordinate position on the recording medium on which the position information is recorded.
[0092]
Embodiment 23 The position information according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the position information is information associated with a coordinate position on a virtual plane that exceeds a range on a recording medium on which the position information is recorded. The recording device according to the above.
[0093]
[Embodiment 24] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23, wherein recording is performed using an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink as the recording material.
[0094]
[Embodiment 25] The recording apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the ink jet recording head includes an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used as ink ejection energy.
[0095]
[Embodiment 26] A recording method for performing a recording operation of applying a recording material to a recording medium according to a recording mode selected from a plurality of different recording modes,
The plurality of types of recording modes include first and second recording modes for performing different processes with respect to a recording operation,
The first recording mode is a mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium,
The recording method according to claim 2, wherein the second recording mode is a mode for recording a normal image not including the position information.
[0096]
[Embodiment 27] A recording medium characterized in that an image including position information associated with its own recording position is recorded on the recording medium by the recording device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25.
[0097]
[Embodiment 28] A recording system which executes a recording operation of applying a recording material to a recording medium in accordance with a recording mode selected from a plurality of different recording modes,
The plurality of types of recording modes include first and second recording modes for performing different processes with respect to a recording operation,
The first recording mode is a mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium,
The recording system according to claim 2, wherein the second recording mode is a mode for recording a normal image not including the position information.
[0098]
[Embodiment 29] A program for executing a recording operation of applying a recording material to a recording medium according to a recording mode selected from a plurality of different recording modes,
Executing a first recording mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on the recording medium;
And a step of executing a second recording mode for recording a normal image not including position information.
[0099]
[Embodiment 30] A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to embodiment 29.
[0100]
[Embodiment 31] In the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the first printing mode performs a printing operation in which a main scanning speed at the time of printing execution is slower than the second printing mode. Recording device.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the recording apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first recording mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium; Since the second recording mode for recording a normal image containing no information can be selectively executed, the user can freely form a recording medium on which an image containing positional information is recorded. Further, the first recording mode is a high-precision recording mode capable of forming an image with higher precision than the second recording mode, and recording of an image requiring high precision, such as a position information image, is changed to the first mode. In the case of a normal image in which speed is more important than accuracy, it is possible to select to use the second recording mode, and it is possible to appropriately and efficiently execute a recording operation according to the type of image to be recorded. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus applicable to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a control configuration in the inkjet recording apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer as a higher-level device illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a recording mode selection process executed in the recording apparatus.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrangement pattern of black points in a position information image used in a pen input method.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrangement pattern of black points in a position information image used in a pen input method.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Recording device
101 carriage
102,103 Guide shaft
104 recording head
105 Recording medium
106 feed roller
107 Platen
108 Switch and display
401 Receive buffer
402 CPU
403 Random access memory
404 Machine control section
405 machine part
406 Sensor / SW control unit
407 Sensor / SW section
408 Display element control unit
409 Display element
410 Recording head control unit
500 Host device

Claims (1)

A recording apparatus that performs a recording operation of applying a recording material to a recording medium according to a recording mode selected from a plurality of different recording modes,
The plurality of types of recording modes include first and second recording modes for performing different processes with respect to a recording operation,
The first recording mode is a mode for performing a recording operation process for recording an image including position information associated with its own recording position on a recording medium,
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second recording mode is a mode for recording a normal image not including the position information.

Images