JP2005028717A - Liquid ejector and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid ejector which prevents a margin from occurring on a medium, and a computer system. <P>SOLUTION: This liquid ejector comprises a movable ejection head for ejecting a liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium, and a detection means for detecting a position of an end of the medium. The liquid ejector repeats an operation for detecting the position of the end by the detection means, an operation for feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation for ejecting the liquid to the medium from the moving ejection head. The detection means movable with the ejection head is provided outside nozzles at both ends among a plurality of nozzles, which are provided in the ejection head, in the moving direction of the ejection head. The liquid ejector changes at least either of start and end positions to eject the liquid from the moving ejection head, depending the position of the end, detected by the detection means. When the position of the end is not detected, the start or end position is set as a predetermined position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus and a computer system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A color ink jet printer which is a typical liquid ejecting apparatus is already well known. This color inkjet printer includes a print head as an example of an ink jet type ejection head that ejects ink as an example of liquid from nozzles, and ejects ink onto printing paper as an example of a medium to thereby print images and characters. Etc. are recorded.
The print head is supported by the carriage with the nozzle surface on which the nozzles are formed facing the print paper, and moves (main scan) in the width direction of the print paper along the guide member. Ink is ejected in synchronization with.
In recent years, color ink jet printers capable of so-called borderless printing, which performs printing on the entire surface of printing paper, are gaining popularity for the reason that an output result of the same image as a photograph can be obtained. By borderless printing, for example, it is possible to print by ejecting ink without margins on the four edges of the printing paper.
[0003]
By the way, in the case of borderless printing, since printing is performed on the entire surface of the printing paper, it is important to prevent a margin from being formed at the edge of the printed printing paper. In order to realize this, taking into consideration that the printing paper is bent (obliquely), it is slightly larger than the printing paper, in other words, has a certain margin compared to the size of the printing paper. It is effective to prepare prepared print data and perform printing on printing paper based on the print data.
In addition, in order to reduce the problem of the present technique that ink is consumed unnecessarily when printing is performed on an area other than the printing paper, the position of the edge of the printing paper is detected by the detection unit and detected. It is also effective to change the starting position and the ending position for ejecting ink according to the position of the end.
[0004]
However, there may be a situation in which the position of the edge of the printing paper is not detected for some reason during execution of such a measure. In such a situation, without changing the method for determining the start position and the end position for ejecting ink, instead of information related to the end position, information related to the end position detected previously is simply used. If the starting position and the ending position are determined by using them, there may be a problem that a margin is erroneously generated on the printing paper. In other words, the edge position that should have been detected and the edge position that was previously detected may differ greatly due to the printing paper being bent (obliquely) fed. If the start position and end position are determined using information related to the end position detected before without changing the method for determining the start position and end position for ejecting ink, the above problem will occur. Can occur.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-103721 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a liquid ejecting apparatus and a computer system that do not cause a margin in a medium.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The main present invention has a movable ejection head for ejecting a liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding a medium, and a detection means for detecting the position of an end of the medium, and the detection means A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting the position of the end, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium, wherein the detecting means , Movable with the ejection head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in the movement direction of the ejection head, and detected by the detection means In a liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is ejected from the moving ejection head according to an end position, If the position of the serial edge was not detected, a liquid discharge apparatus characterized in that the predetermined position the start position or the end position.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
A movable ejection head for ejecting liquid; a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium. The position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium, wherein the detection means is used together with the ejection head Depending on the position of the end detected by the detection means, the nozzle is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in the movement direction of the ejection head. In the liquid discharge apparatus that changes at least one of the start position and the end position for discharging liquid from the moving discharge head, the position of the end is detected. When that has not been, the liquid discharge apparatus, characterized in that the predetermined position the start position or the end position.
[0009]
When the end position is not detected, the start position or the end position is set to a predetermined position, so that it is possible to avoid erroneously creating a blank in the medium. Further, the detection means is movable with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the movement direction of the discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of the situation where the end position is not detected.
[0010]
Next, a movable ejection head for ejecting liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium, and a detection unit for detecting the position of the end of the medium, the end by the detection unit A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting the position of the medium, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium. It is movable together with the ejection head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in the movement direction of the ejection head, and the end detected by the detection means In the liquid discharge apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for discharging liquid from the moving discharge head according to the position, the position of the end There when not detected based on the position of the edge that were detected in the past, a liquid discharge apparatus characterized by determining the start position or the end position.
[0011]
When the edge position is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the edge position detected in the past, thereby avoiding an erroneous margin on the medium. It becomes possible to do. Further, the detection means is movable with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the movement direction of the discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of the situation where the end position is not detected.
[0012]
Further, when the position of the end is not detected, the start position or the end position may be determined based on a plurality of positions of the end detected in the past.
In this way, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately.
[0013]
Further, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is determined from a plurality of positions of the end that have been detected in the past, and the position of the end is determined based on the determined position of the end. The start position or the end position may be determined.
In this way, the start position or the end position can be determined more easily.
[0014]
Further, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is determined from the two positions of the end detected in the past, and the position of the end is determined based on the determined position of the end. The start position or the end position may be determined.
In this way, the start position or the end position can be determined from the minimum information relating to the position of the edge detected in the past.
[0015]
Further, when the position of the end was not detected, it was not detected from a plurality of the positions of the end detected in the past and the amount of medium fed since the position of the end was detected. The position of the end may be obtained, and the start position or the end position may be determined based on the obtained position of the end.
In this way, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately.
[0016]
Further, when the end position is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on one end position detected in the past and the predicted maximum tilt angle of the medium. May be determined.
In this way, the start position or the end position can be determined from the minimum information relating to the position of the edge detected in the past.
[0017]
Further, when the edge position is not detected, the position of the edge that has not been detected is obtained from one edge position detected in the past and the predicted maximum tilt angle of the medium. The start position or the end position may be determined based on the obtained position of the end.
In this way, the start position or the end position can be determined more easily.
[0018]
Further, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of one end detected in the past, the feeding amount of the medium from when the position of the end is detected, and the predicted medium It is also possible to obtain the position of the end that has not been detected from the maximum inclination angle of the image and determine the start position or the end position based on the obtained position of the end.
In this way, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately.
[0019]
Next, a movable ejection head for ejecting liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium, and detection means for detecting positions of both ends of the medium, the both ends by the detection means A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting the position of the medium, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium. It is movable together with the ejection head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in the movement direction of the ejection head, and the both ends detected by the detection means. According to at least one of the positions, at least one of the start position and the end position for discharging the liquid from the moving discharge head is changed. In the liquid ejection device, when the position of one end of the positions at both ends is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the other end of the positions at both ends. A liquid ejection device.
[0020]
When the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends. Can be avoided. Further, the detection means is movable with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the movement direction of the discharge head. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of the situation where the end position is not detected.
[0021]
Further, when the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end that is not detected from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends is obtained, and the position of the obtained one end is determined. Based on this, the start position or the end position may be determined.
In this way, the start position or the end position can be determined more easily.
[0022]
Further, when the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end not detected is obtained from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends and the width of the medium. The start position or the end position may be determined based on the obtained position of the one end.
In this way, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately.
[0023]
The liquid may be discharged over the entire surface of the medium.
In the case where the liquid is ejected on the entire surface of the medium, the liquid is also ejected to the edge of the medium, so that the merit of the above means is further increased.
[0024]
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light moving in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, The position of the end may be detected based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor caused by the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocking the end.
In this way, the position of the end can be detected more easily.
[0025]
Further, two ends whose positions in the main scanning direction are different based on a change in an output value of the light receiving sensor due to light emitted from the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocking the end. Detecting a position, changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and ending according to the other of the two detected end positions The position may be changed.
In this way, the above-described effect, that is, the effect that it is possible to avoid erroneously creating a blank in the medium, is more remarkably exhibited.
[0026]
The detection unit may be provided on a movable member that includes the ejection head and is movable.
If it does in this way, the moving mechanism of a moving member and a detection means can be made shared.
[0027]
The light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction is based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to blocking the end. The end position may be detected, and the liquid may be discharged from the discharge head onto the medium.
In this way, an efficient operation of the liquid ejection device can be realized.
[0028]
The liquid may be ink, and the liquid ejection device may be a printing device that performs printing on a printing medium that is the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head.
In such a case, it is possible to realize a printing apparatus that exhibits the effects described above.
[0029]
A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid; a feed mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the edge of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting a position, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium. The means is movable together with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the moving direction of the discharge head, and is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is ejected from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end. When the end position is not detected, the start position or the end position is set as a predetermined position, and the detection means includes a light emission means for emitting light, and main scanning of the light emission means. A light receiving sensor for receiving the light moving in the main scanning direction according to the movement in the direction, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocks the end Based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor, the position of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction is detected, and the start position is determined according to one of the two detected positions of the end. And the detection means is provided in a movable member that includes the discharge head and is movable, in accordance with the other of the two detected end positions. The main moving member Detecting the position of the end based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving in the direction, blocking the end; The liquid is ejected from the ejection head onto the medium, the liquid is ink, and the liquid ejection apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on the printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. It is also possible to realize a liquid ejection device characterized by the above.
[0030]
A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid; a feed mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the edge of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting a position, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium. The means is movable together with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the moving direction of the discharge head, and is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is ejected from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end. When the position of the end is not detected, it is not detected from the positions of the two ends detected in the past and the amount of the medium fed since the position of the end was detected. The end position is obtained, the start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained end position, and the detection means is a light emitting means for emitting light, and a main scanning direction of the light emitting means A light receiving sensor for receiving the light moving in the main scanning direction according to the movement to the light, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocks the end. Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor, the positions of the two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction are detected, and the start position is determined according to one of the two detected positions of the ends. The two detected and changed ends According to the other of the positions, the end position is changed, the movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detection means, and the moving member is moved in the main scanning direction, The light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction detects the position of the end based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to blocking the end, and the medium from the ejection head A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid is an ink, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. Is also feasible.
[0031]
A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid; a feed mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the edge of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting a position, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium. The means is movable together with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the moving direction of the discharge head, and is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is ejected from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end. When the position of the edge is not detected, the position of one edge detected in the past, the amount of medium fed since the position of the edge was detected, and the medium to be predicted And determining the start position or the end position based on the determined end position, and the detecting means for emitting light. A light emitting means; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light that moves in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, and is emitted by the light emitting means that moves in the main scanning direction. Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to the light blocking the end, the positions of the two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction are detected, and the detected positions of the two ends are detected. Change the start position according to one of them And, depending on the other of the two detected end positions, the end position is changed, and the movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detection means, The position of the end is determined based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor caused by the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction. The liquid is discharged from the discharge head onto the medium, the liquid is ink, and the liquid discharge apparatus performs printing on the printing medium as the medium by discharging ink from the discharge head. A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized by being a printing apparatus can also be realized.
[0032]
A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid; a feed mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the positions of both ends of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting a position, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium. The means is movable together with the discharge head, and is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head in the moving direction of the discharge head, and is detected by the detection means. And at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is ejected from the moving ejection head according to at least one of the positions at both ends. In the liquid ejecting apparatus that changes one of the positions, when the position of one end of the positions at both ends is not detected, the position is detected from the position at the other end of the positions at both ends and the width of the medium. The position of the one end that has not been obtained is determined, and the start position or the end position is determined based on the determined position of the one end, and the detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; A light receiving sensor for receiving the light moving in the main scanning direction according to the movement in the scanning direction, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocks the end. Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor, the position of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction is detected, and the start is determined according to one of the two detected positions of the ends Change position, and According to the other of the two known end positions, the end position is changed, and the movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detecting means, and the movable member is mainly used as the movable member. While detecting the position of the end based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor caused by the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving in the scanning direction blocking the end. The liquid is ejected from the ejection head onto the medium, the liquid is ink, and the liquid ejection apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on the printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. It is also possible to realize a liquid discharge apparatus characterized by this.
[0033]
A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, and a feeding mechanism for sending a medium Detecting means for detecting the position of the end of the medium, and detecting the position of the end by the detecting means, feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and moving the ejection head A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats the operation of ejecting liquid from the medium to the medium, wherein the detection means is movable together with the ejection head, and is provided in the plurality of ejection heads in the movement direction of the ejection head. The discharge head is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the nozzles, and moves according to the position of the end detected by the detection means. A liquid discharge device that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is discharged from the liquid, and when the end position is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined in advance. It is also possible to realize a computer system characterized by including a liquid ejection device at a certain position.
[0034]
A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, and a feeding mechanism for sending a medium Detecting means for detecting the position of the end of the medium, and detecting the position of the end by the detecting means, feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and moving the ejection head A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats the operation of ejecting liquid from the medium to the medium, wherein the detection means is movable together with the ejection head, and is provided in the plurality of ejection heads in the movement direction of the ejection head. The discharge head is provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the nozzles, and moves according to the position of the end detected by the detection means. A liquid discharge apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which liquid is discharged from the liquid, and when the position of the end is not detected, based on the position of the end detected in the past In addition, it is possible to realize a computer system including a liquid ejection device that determines the start position or the end position.
[0035]
A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, and a feeding mechanism for sending a medium Detecting means for detecting the positions of both ends of the medium, an operation of detecting the positions of the both ends by the detecting means, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and the ejection head that moves A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats the operation of ejecting liquid from the medium to the medium, wherein the detection means is movable together with the ejection head, and is provided in the plurality of ejection heads in the movement direction of the ejection head. At least one of the positions of the both ends detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the direction, and the position of one end of the positions at both ends is not detected In this case, it is also possible to realize a computer system including a liquid ejection device that determines the start position or the end position based on the position of the other end among the positions of the both ends.
[0036]
The computer system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.
[0037]
=== Example of Overall Configuration of Apparatus ===
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system as an example of the present invention. This printing system includes a computer 90 and a color inkjet printer 20 as an example of a liquid ejection device. The printing system including the color inkjet printer 20 and the computer 90 can also be called a “liquid ejecting apparatus” in a broad sense. Although not shown, from the computer 90, the color inkjet printer 20, a display device such as a CRT 21 or a liquid crystal display device, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, a drive device such as a flexible drive device or a CD-ROM drive device, or the like. A computer system has been built.
[0038]
In the computer 90, an application program 95 operates under a predetermined operating system. A video driver 91 and a printer driver 96 are incorporated in the operating system, and print data PD to be transferred to the color inkjet printer 20 is output from the application program 95 via these drivers. The application program 95 that performs image retouching or the like performs desired processing on the image to be processed, and displays an image on the CRT 21 via the video driver 91.
[0039]
When the application program 95 issues a print command, the printer driver 96 of the computer 90 receives the image data from the application program 95 and converts it into print data PD to be supplied to the color inkjet printer 20. The printer driver 96 includes a resolution conversion module 97, a color conversion module 98, a halftone module 99, a rasterizer 100, a user interface display module 101, a UI printer interface module 102, and a color conversion lookup table LUT. And are provided.
[0040]
The resolution conversion module 97 plays a role of converting the resolution of the color image data formed by the application program 95 into the print resolution. The image data thus converted in resolution is still image information composed of three color components of RGB. The color conversion module 98 converts RGB image data into multi-gradation data of a plurality of ink colors that can be used by the color inkjet printer 20 for each pixel while referring to the color conversion lookup table LUT.
[0041]
The color-converted multi-gradation data has, for example, 256 gradation values. The halftone module 99 performs so-called halftone processing to generate halftone image data. The halftone image data is rearranged in the order of data to be transferred to the color inkjet printer 20 by the rasterizer 100, and is output as final print data PD. The print data PD includes raster data indicating the dot formation state during each main scan and data indicating the sub-scan feed amount.
[0042]
The user interface display module 101 has a function of displaying various user interface windows related to printing, and a function of receiving user input in these windows.
The UI printer interface module 102 has a function of interfacing between a user interface (UI) and a color inkjet printer. Interpret the command instructed by the user through the user interface and send various commands COM to the color inkjet printer, or conversely interpret the command COM received from the color inkjet printer and perform various displays on the user interface .
[0043]
The printer driver 96 realizes a function of transmitting / receiving various commands COM, a function of supplying print data PD to the color inkjet printer 20, and the like. A program for realizing the function of the printer driver 96 is supplied in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter on which codes such as bar codes are printed, computer internal storage devices (such as RAM and ROM). A variety of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used. It is also possible to download such a computer program to the computer 90 via the Internet.
[0044]
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a main configuration of the color inkjet printer 20. The color inkjet printer 20 includes a paper stacker 22, a paper feed roller 24 driven by a step motor (not shown), a platen 26, and a carriage as an example of a movable moving member that includes a print head for forming dots. 28, a carriage motor 30, a traction belt 32 driven by the carriage motor 30, and a guide rail 34 for the carriage 28. The carriage 28 is mounted with a print head 36 as an example of an ejection head having a large number of nozzles, and a reflective optical sensor 29 as an example of a detection means described in detail later.
[0045]
The printing paper P is taken up by the paper feeding roller 24 from the paper stacker 22 and fed on the surface of the platen 26 in the paper feeding direction (hereinafter also referred to as sub-scanning direction). The carriage 28 is pulled by a pulling belt 32 driven by a carriage motor 30 and moves in the main scanning direction along the guide rail 34. The main scanning direction means two directions perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction as shown in the figure. The paper feeding roller 24 also performs a paper feeding operation for supplying the printing paper P to the color ink jet printer 20 and a paper discharging operation for discharging the printing paper P from the color ink jet printer 20.
[0046]
=== Configuration Example of Reflective Optical Sensor ===
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the reflective optical sensor 29. The reflective optical sensor 29 is attached to the carriage 28, and includes a light emitting unit 38 as an example of a light emitting unit including, for example, a light emitting diode, and a light receiving unit 40 as an example of a light receiving sensor including, for example, a phototransistor. . Light emitted from the light emitting unit 38, that is, incident light, is reflected by the platen 26 when the printing paper P is not in the direction of the printing paper P or emitted light, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit 40, and is electrically Converted to a signal. And the magnitude | size of an electrical signal is measured as an output value of the light receiving sensor according to the intensity of the received reflected light.
[0047]
In the above description, as shown in the drawing, the light emitting unit 38 and the light receiving unit 40 are integrated to form a device called the reflective optical sensor 29. However, like the light emitting device and the light receiving device, respectively. A separate device may be configured.
[0048]
In the above, in order to obtain the intensity of the received reflected light, the magnitude of the electric signal is measured after converting the reflected light into an electric signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is only necessary to measure the output value of the light receiving sensor according to the intensity of the reflected light.
[0049]
=== Example of configuration around carriage ===
Next, the configuration around the carriage will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration around the carriage 28 of the inkjet printer.
The ink jet printer shown in FIG. 4 includes a paper feed motor (hereinafter also referred to as a PF motor) 31 that feeds paper as an example of a feed mechanism, and a print head 36 that ejects ink as an example of liquid onto the print paper P. A carriage 28 that is fixed and driven in the main scanning direction, a carriage motor (hereinafter also referred to as a CR motor) 30 that drives the carriage 28, a linear encoder 11 that is fixed to the carriage 28, and slits at predetermined intervals. The formed linear encoder code plate 12, the rotary encoder 13 (not shown) for the PF motor 31, the platen 26 that supports the printing paper P, and the paper that is driven by the PF motor 31 to convey the printing paper P Driven by the feed roller 24, a pulley 25 attached to the rotating shaft of the CR motor 30, and the pulley 25. And a pull belt 32.
[0050]
Next, the linear encoder 11 and the rotary encoder 13 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the linear encoder 11 attached to the carriage 28.
The linear encoder 11 shown in FIG. 5 includes a light emitting diode 11a, a collimator lens 11b, and a detection processing unit 11c. The detection processing unit 11c includes a plurality of (for example, four) photodiodes 11d, a signal processing circuit 11e, and, for example, two comparators 11fA and 11fB.
[0051]
When the voltage VCC is applied to both ends of the light emitting diode 11a through a resistor, light is emitted from the light emitting diode 11a. This light is condensed into parallel light by the collimator lens 11 b and passes through the linear encoder code plate 12. The linear encoder code plate 12 is provided with slits at predetermined intervals (for example, 1/180 inch (1 inch = 2.54 cm)).
[0052]
The parallel light that has passed through the linear encoder code plate 12 passes through a fixed slit (not shown), enters each photodiode 11d, and is converted into an electrical signal. The electric signals output from the four photodiodes 11d are subjected to signal processing in the signal processing circuit 11e, the signals output from the signal processing circuit 11e are compared in the comparators 11fA and 11fB, and the comparison result is output as a pulse. The pulses ENC-A and ENC-B output from the comparators 11fA and 11fB are the outputs of the linear encoder 11.
[0053]
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing waveforms of two output signals of the linear encoder 11 at the time of forward rotation and reverse rotation of the CR motor.
As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B differ in phase by 90 degrees in both cases of CR motor forward rotation and reverse rotation. When the CR motor 30 is rotating forward, that is, when the carriage 28 is moving in the main scanning direction, the pulse ENC-A is 90 degrees from the pulse ENC-B, as shown in FIG. When the phase is advanced by the time and the CR motor 30 is reversely rotated, the phase of the pulse ENC-A is delayed by 90 degrees from the pulse ENC-B, as shown in FIG. One cycle T of the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B is equal to the time during which the carriage 28 moves through the slit interval of the linear encoder code plate 12.
[0054]
Then, the rising edge and the rising edge of each of the output pulses ENC-A and ENC-B of the linear encoder 11 are detected, the number of detected edges is counted, and the rotational position of the CR motor 30 is based on the counted value. Is calculated. This count is incremented by “+1” when one edge is detected when the CR motor 30 is rotating forward, and is “−1” when one edge is detected when the CR motor 30 is rotating in the reverse direction. Is added. The period of each of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B is the time from when a slit passes through the linear encoder 11 until the next slit passes through the linear encoder 11 of the linear encoder code plate 12. The pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B are different in phase by 90 degrees. For this reason, the count value “1” of the count corresponds to ¼ of the slit interval of the linear encoder code plate 12. Thus, if the count value is multiplied by ¼ of the slit interval, the movement amount of the CR motor 30 from the rotational position corresponding to the count value “0” can be obtained based on the multiplication value. At this time, the resolution of the linear encoder 11 is ¼ of the slit interval of the linear encoder code plate 12.
[0055]
On the other hand, the rotary encoder 13 for the PF motor 31 has the same configuration as the linear encoder 11 except that the rotary encoder code plate 14 is a rotating disk that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the PF motor 31. Two output pulses ENC-A and ENC-B are output, and the movement amount of the PF motor 31 can be obtained based on the outputs.
[0056]
=== Example of an electrical configuration of a color inkjet printer ===
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the color inkjet printer 20. The color inkjet printer 20 includes a buffer memory 50 that receives a signal supplied from a computer 90, an image buffer 52 that stores print data, a system controller 54 that controls the overall operation of the color inkjet printer 20, and a main memory 56. And an EEPROM 58. The system controller 54 further includes a main scanning drive circuit 61 that drives the carriage motor 30, a sub-scanning drive circuit 62 that drives the paper feed motor 31, a head drive circuit 63 that drives the print head 36, and reflective optics. A reflection type optical sensor control circuit 65 that controls the light emitting unit 38 and the light receiving unit 40 of the sensor 29, the linear encoder 11 described above, and the rotary encoder 13 described above are connected. The reflection type optical sensor control circuit 65 includes an electric signal measurement unit 66 for measuring an electric signal converted from the reflected light received by the light receiving unit 40.
[0057]
The print data transferred from the computer 90 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 50. In the color ink jet printer 20, the system controller 54 reads necessary information from the print data from the buffer memory 50, and based on this information, the system controller 54 sends it to the main scanning drive circuit 61, the sub-scanning drive circuit 62, the head drive circuit 63, and the like. Send a control signal to it.
[0058]
The image buffer 52 stores print data of a plurality of color components received by the buffer memory 50. The head drive circuit 63 reads the print data of each color component from the image buffer 52 in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 54 and drives the nozzle array of each color provided in the print head 36 in response to this.
[0059]
=== Example of nozzle arrangement of print head, etc. ===
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 36. The print head 36 has a black nozzle row, a yellow nozzle row, a magenta nozzle row, and a cyan nozzle row arranged on a straight line along the sub-scanning direction. As shown in the figure, each nozzle row is provided in two rows. In this specification, each nozzle row is designated as a first black nozzle row, a second black nozzle row, a first yellow nozzle row, They are called a two yellow nozzle row, a first magenta nozzle row, a second magenta nozzle row, a first cyan nozzle row, and a second cyan nozzle row.
[0060]
The black nozzle row (indicated by white circles) has 360 nozzles # 1 to # 360. Among these nozzles, odd-numbered nozzles # 1, # 3,..., # 359 are in the first black nozzle row, and even-numbered nozzles # 2, # 4,. Belongs to the nozzle row. The nozzles # 1, # 3,..., # 359 in the first black nozzle row are arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction. Here, D is the dot pitch in the sub-scanning direction, and k is an integer. The dot pitch D in the sub-scanning direction is equal to the pitch of the main scanning line (raster line). Hereinafter, the integer k representing the nozzle pitch k · D is simply referred to as “nozzle pitch k”. In the example of FIG. 8, the nozzle pitch k is 4 dots. However, the nozzle pitch k can be set to an arbitrary integer.
[0061]
The nozzles # 2, # 4,..., # 360 in the second black nozzle row are also arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D (nozzle pitch k = 4) along the sub-scanning direction. However, as shown in the figure, the position of each nozzle in the sub-scanning direction is shifted from the position of each nozzle in the first black nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction. In the example of FIG. 8, the amount of deviation is ½ · k · D (k = 4).
[0062]
The same applies to the yellow nozzle row (indicated by white triangles), the magenta nozzle row (indicated by white squares), and the cyan nozzle row (indicated by white rhombuses). That is, each nozzle row has 360 nozzles # 1 to # 360, of which odd-numbered nozzles # 1, # 3,..., # 359 are in the first row, # 2, # 4, ..., # 360 belongs to the second column. The nozzle rows are arranged at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction, and the positions of the nozzles in the second row in the sub-scanning direction are the same as those in the sub-scanning direction of the nozzles in the first row. Compared with the position, it is shifted by ½ · k · D (k = 4).
[0063]
That is, the nozzle group arranged in the print head 36 has a zigzag shape. During printing, while the print head 36 moves at a constant speed in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 28, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle. Discharged. However, depending on the printing method, not all nozzles are always used, and only some nozzles may be used.
[0064]
The reflective optical sensor 29 described above is attached to the carriage 28 together with the print head 36. Therefore, the reflective optical sensor 29 can move together with the print head 36.
[0065]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the sub-scanning direction coincides with the position of the nozzle # 360 described above in the sub-scanning direction. Further, as shown in the figure, the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the main scanning direction is outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head.
[0066]
=== First Embodiment ===
Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship among the print head 36, the reflective optical sensor 29, and the printing paper P, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the first embodiment.
[0067]
First, the user instructs to perform printing in the application program 95 or the like (step S2). When the application program 95 that has received this instruction issues a print command, the printer driver 96 of the computer 90 receives image data from the application program 95, and receives the raster data and the sub data indicating the dot formation state during each main scan. The print data PD including data indicating the scanning feed amount is converted. Further, the printer driver 96 supplies the print data PD to the color inkjet printer 20 together with various commands COM. The color inkjet printer 20 receives these by the buffer memory 50 and then transmits them to the image buffer 52 or the system controller 54.
[0068]
Further, the user can instruct the user interface display module 101 to perform the size of the printing paper P or borderless printing. The instruction by the user is received by the user interface display module 101 and sent to the UI printer interface module 102. The UI printer interface module 102 interprets the instructed command and transmits a command COM to the color inkjet printer 20. The color inkjet printer 20 receives the command COM by the buffer memory 50 and then transmits it to the system controller 54.
[0069]
Based on the command transmitted to the system controller 54, the color inkjet printer 20 feeds the printing paper P by driving the paper feed motor 31 by the sub-scanning drive circuit 62 (step S4).
[0070]
Then, the system controller 54 moves the carriage 28 in the main scanning direction while feeding the printing paper P in the paper feeding direction, and discharges ink from the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28 to perform borderless printing ( Step S6, Step S8). The printing paper P is fed in the paper feeding direction by driving the paper feeding motor 31 by the sub-scanning driving circuit 62, and the carriage 28 is moved in the main scanning direction by the main scanning driving circuit 61. The ink is ejected from the print head 36 by being driven by driving the print head 36 by the head drive circuit 63.
[0071]
The color inkjet printer 20 continues to perform the operations of step S6 and step S8. For example, when the number of movements of the carriage 28 in the main scanning direction reaches a predetermined number (step S10), the next main scanning is performed. From the movement of the carriage 28 in the direction, the following operation is performed.
[0072]
The system controller 54 controls the reflective optical sensor 29 provided in the carriage 28 by the reflective optical sensor control circuit 65, and emits light from the light emitting unit 38 of the reflective optical sensor 29 toward the platen 26 (step). S12).
[0073]
Then, a counter (not shown) for counting the following series of repeated operations is prepared, and the system controller 54 resets the counter (step S14). Such a reset is realized, for example, by setting a counter value N to 0. Next, the system controller 54 adds 1 to the value N of the counter (step S16), and as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, ink is supplied from the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28. In order to perform borderless printing by discharging, the main scanning drive circuit 61 drives the CR motor 30 to move the carriage 28 (step S18). Eventually, as shown in FIG. 9B, the light emitted from the light emitting section 38 blocks the edge of the printing paper P (step S20). At this time, the incident destination of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 38 is changed from the platen 26 to the printing paper P, so that the electric signal that is the output value of the light receiving unit 40 of the reflective optical sensor 29 that has received the reflected light. The size changes. Then, the magnitude of the electric signal is measured by the electric signal measuring unit 66 to detect that the light has passed through the end of the printing paper P.
[0074]
Then, the movement amount from the reference position of the CR motor 30 is obtained based on the output pulse of the linear encoder 11, and the movement amount, in other words, the position of the carriage 28 (hereinafter, the position is also referred to as position A) is N. This is stored as the second data (step S22).
[0075]
As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the system controller 54 moves the carriage 28 even after the above-described step S16 and step S18, and the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28. Ink is then discharged to perform borderless printing (step S24).
[0076]
Eventually, as shown in FIG. 9C, the light emitted from the light emitting section 38 blocks the end of the printing paper P (the end in the main scanning direction is different from the end blocked in step S20). (Step S26). At this time, since the incident destination of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 38 is changed from the printing paper P to the platen 26, the electric signal that is the output value of the light receiving unit 40 of the reflective optical sensor 29 that has received the reflected light. The size changes. Then, the magnitude of the electric signal is measured by the electric signal measuring unit 66 to detect that the light has passed through the end of the printing paper P.
[0077]
Then, the movement amount from the reference position of the CR motor 30 is obtained based on the output pulse of the linear encoder 11, and the movement amount, in other words, the position of the carriage 28 (hereinafter, the position is also referred to as position B) is N. The second data is stored (step S28).
[0078]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the system controller 54 drives the CR motor 30 to move the carriage 28 and also drives the paper feed motor 31 to perform printing. A predetermined amount of paper P is fed to prepare for the next borderless printing (step S30).
[0079]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the system controller 54 performs main scan driving in order to perform borderless printing by ejecting ink from the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28. The CR motor 30 is driven by the circuit 61 to move the carriage 28 (step S18). Prior to this operation, the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position of the print head 36 are determined (step S32 to step S50). A method for determining the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described later.
[0080]
Next, the procedure returns to step S16, and the system controller 54 adds 1 to the value N of the counter (step S16), and thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 9 (d), 9 (e), and 9 (f). As described above, the procedure from step S18 to step S50 described above is executed. At this time, the system controller 54 controls the head drive circuit 63 to start ink discharge from the determined ink discharge start position, and ends ink discharge at the determined ink discharge end position.
The subsequent procedure is a repetition of steps S16 to S50 as shown in the loop structure in the flowchart of FIG.
[0081]
Next, an example of how to obtain the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to obtain the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position.
[0082]
First, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S20 and S22. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position A, and performs the determination based on the read data (step S32).
[0083]
Here, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position A is stored), the position is indicated by the Nth position A (dotted circle in FIG. 11). The starting position for ejecting ink is determined based on (shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0084]
In addition, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is not detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position A is not stored), the Nth position A A predetermined position regardless of the position is set as an ink discharge start position (indicated by a square mark in FIG. 11) (step S38).
[0085]
Similarly, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S26 and S28. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position B, and makes the determination based on the read data (step S44).
[0086]
Here, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position B is stored), the Nth position B (the dotted triangle mark in FIG. 11 indicates the position). In step S48, an end position for ejecting ink is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0087]
In addition, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is not detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position B is not stored), the Nth position B A predetermined position regardless of the position is set as the ink discharge end position (indicated by a cross in FIG. 11) (step S50).
[0088]
Note that the margin α is set based on, for example, a detection error when detecting the edge of the printing paper P in consideration of the fact that unnecessary margins are not generated on the printing paper P. In the above description, the value of the margin α is a common value when the start position is determined and when the end position is determined. However, different values may be set.
[0089]
In addition, it is desirable that the predetermined start position and end position are set with a sufficient margin in consideration of not causing unnecessary margins on the printing paper P. For example, the start position and the end position of the print data having a margin to some extent as compared with the size of the print paper described in the section of the related art may be set as the predetermined start position and end position.
[0090]
A program for performing the above processing is stored in the EEPROM 58, and the program is executed by the system controller 54.
[0091]
As described in the section of the prior art, the position of the edge of the printing paper is detected and detected in order to reduce the problem of wasteful ink consumption due to printing on the area other than the printing paper. Although a measure for changing the start position and the end position for ejecting ink according to the edge position is effective, a situation may occur in which the edge position of the printing paper is not detected for some reason during the execution of such a measure. In such a situation, without changing the method for determining the start position and the end position for ejecting ink, instead of information related to the end position, information related to the end position detected previously is simply used. If the starting position and the ending position are determined by using them, there may be a problem that a margin is erroneously generated on the printing paper. In other words, the edge position that should have been detected and the edge position that was previously detected may differ greatly due to the printing paper being bent (obliquely) fed. If the start position and end position are determined using information related to the end position detected before without changing the method for determining the start position and end position for ejecting ink, the above problem will occur. Can occur.
[0092]
Therefore, as described above, when the position of the edge is not detected, the start position or the end position is set to a predetermined position, thereby avoiding an erroneous margin on the printing paper. It becomes possible to do.
As described above, the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the main scanning direction is outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head. More specifically, in FIG. 9, it is further left than the leftmost nozzle in the main scanning direction.
Therefore, even when the inclination of the printing paper P is large, the possibility that the left edge of the printing paper P cannot be detected can be minimized. Of course, in FIG. 9, when the reflective optical sensor 29 is provided further to the right than the rightmost nozzle in the main scanning direction, the right end of the printing paper P is moved even when the inclination of the printing paper P is large. It is possible to minimize the possibility that it cannot be detected.
In any case, the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the main scanning direction is arranged outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the print head 36, so that Detection errors can be effectively suppressed.
[0093]
=== Second Embodiment ===
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment.
[0094]
First, the flowchart starts with the user instructing to perform printing in the application program 95 or the like (step S102). Hereinafter, from step S2 described in the first embodiment until step S130. This is the same as step S30.
[0095]
In step S130, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the system controller 54 drives the CR motor 30, moves the carriage 28, and drives the paper feed motor 31, The printing paper P is fed by a predetermined amount to prepare for the next borderless printing. At this time, the system controller 54 obtains the movement amount from the reference position of the PF motor 31 based on the output pulse of the rotary encoder 13. The movement amount, in other words, the feed amount of the printing paper P is stored (step S131).
[0096]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the system controller 54 performs main scan driving in order to perform borderless printing by ejecting ink from the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28. The CR motor 30 is driven by the circuit 61 to move the carriage 28 (step S118). Prior to this operation, the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position of the print head 36 are determined (step S132 to step S154). A method for determining the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described later.
[0097]
Next, the procedure returns to step S116, and the system controller 54 adds 1 to the value N of the counter (step S116), and thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 9 (d), 9 (e), and 9 (f). As described above, the procedure from step S118 to step S154 described above is executed. At this time, the system controller 54 controls the head drive circuit 63 to start ink discharge from the determined ink discharge start position, and ends ink discharge at the determined ink discharge end position.
The subsequent procedure is a repetition of steps S116 to S154 as shown in the loop structure in the flowchart of FIG.
[0098]
Next, an example of how to obtain the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S120 and S122. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position A, and makes the determination based on the read data (step S132).
[0099]
Here, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position A is stored), the position is indicated by the Nth position A (dotted circle in FIG. 11). The starting position for ejecting ink is determined based on (shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0100]
Further, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 (for example, the Nth position A has not been stored), it has been detected in the past. The position of the undetected edge is obtained from the position of the two edges, the amount of printing paper fed from when the edge position is detected, and ink is ejected based on the obtained edge position. Determine the starting position.
[0101]
Add more specific explanation with examples. If the position of the edge of the printing paper P is not detected (the Nth position A is not stored in step S122), first, the positions of the two edges detected in the past, The amount of printing paper fed since the position was detected and the position of the edge that was not detected are obtained (step S140). For example, the (N-2) th position A and the (N-1) th position A are stored, the (N-2) th position A, the (N-1) th position A, and the Nth position not stored. A is Xan-2, Xan-1, and Xan, respectively, and the N-3th feed amount, the N-2th feed amount, and the N-1th feed amount of the printing paper stored in step S131 are respectively set. When Pn-3, Pn-2, and Pn-1, (Xan-Xan-1) / (Xan-Xan-2) = (Pn-1-Pn-2) / (Pn-1-Pn-3) From the relationship, Xan, which is the Nth position A that has not been stored, is obtained. That is, when the above formula is rearranged, Xan = ((Pn-1-Pn-3) .Xan-1- (Pn-1-Pn-2) .Xan-2) / (Pn-2-Pn-3). Xan can be obtained from known Xan-2, Xan-1, Pn-3, Pn-2, and Pn-1.
[0102]
Then, based on the obtained Nth position A (indicated by a dotted circle in FIG. 11), a start position for ejecting ink is determined (step S142). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0103]
Similarly, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the edge position of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S126 and S128. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position B, and performs the determination based on the read data (step S144).
[0104]
Here, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position B is stored), the Nth position B (the dotted triangle mark in FIG. 11 indicates the position). In step S148, an end position for ejecting ink is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0105]
Further, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position B has not been stored), it has been detected in the past. The position of the undetected edge is obtained from the position of the two edges, the amount of printing paper fed from when the edge position is detected, and ink is ejected based on the obtained edge position. Determine the end position.
[0106]
Add more specific explanation with examples. If the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected (the Nth position B has not been stored in step S128), first, the positions of the two edges detected in the past, The amount of printing paper fed since the position was detected and the position of the edge that was not detected are obtained (step S152). For example, the (N-2) th position B and the (N-1) th position B are stored, the (N-2) th position B, the (N-1) th position B, and the Nth position not stored. B is Xbn-2, Xbn-1, and Xbn, respectively, and the N-3th feed amount, the N-2th feed amount, and the N-1th feed amount of the printing paper stored in step S131 are respectively set. Assuming Pn-3, Pn-2, and Pn-1, (Xbn-Xbn-1) / (Xbn-Xbn-2) = (Pn-1-Pn-2) / (Pn-1-Pn-3) From the relationship, Xbn which is the Nth position B which has not been stored is obtained. That is, when this equation is arranged, Xbn = ((Pn-1-Pn-3) .Xbn-1- (Pn-1-Pn-2) .Xbn-2) / (Pn-2-Pn-3). Xn can be obtained from known Xbn-2, Xbn-1, Pn-3, Pn-2, and Pn-1.
[0107]
Then, based on the determined Nth position B (indicated by a dotted triangle in FIG. 11), an end position for ejecting ink is determined (step S142). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0108]
Next, another example of how to obtain the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the above description, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position A has not been stored), it is detected in the past. The position of the undetected edge is determined from the position of the two detected edges, the feed amount of the printing paper from when the edge position is detected, and the ink is discharged based on the determined edge position. The start position of ejection is determined, but instead of such a method, the position of one edge detected in the past and the feed amount of the printing paper from when the position of the edge is detected are predicted. The position of the undetected edge is obtained from the maximum inclination angle of the printing paper to be determined, and the start position for ejecting ink is determined based on the obtained edge position.
[0109]
Add more specific explanation with examples. If the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected (the Nth position A was not stored in step S122), first, the position of one edge detected in the past, The position of the edge that has not been detected is determined from the amount of feeding of the printing paper since the position was detected and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper (step S140). For example, the N−1th position A is stored, the N−1th position A and the Nth position A that has not been stored are Xan−1 and Xan, respectively, and the printing stored in step S131 is performed. Assuming that the N-2th feed amount and the N-1th feed amount of the paper are Pn-2 and Pn-1, respectively, and the maximum inclination angle of the predicted printing paper is θ, (Xan-Xan-1) From the relationship of / (Pn-1-Pn-2) = tan θ, Xan which is the Nth position A that has not been stored is obtained. That is, when this equation is arranged, Xan = Xan−1 + (Pn−1−Pn−2) · tan θ, and Xan can be obtained from known Xan−1, Pn−2, Pn−1, θ.
[0110]
Then, based on the determined Nth position A (indicated by a dotted circle in FIG. 11), a start position for ejecting ink is determined (step S142). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0111]
Similarly, in the above, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position B is not stored), The position of the two edges detected in the past, the feed amount of the printing paper from when the position of the edge was detected, and the position of the undetected edge are obtained, and based on the obtained edge position. However, instead of such a method, the position of one edge detected in the past and the feed amount of the printing paper from when the position of the edge is detected are determined. Then, the position of the undetected edge is obtained from the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper, and the end position for ejecting ink is determined based on the obtained edge position.
[0112]
Add more specific explanation with examples. If the edge position of the printing paper P has not been detected (the Nth position B has not been stored in step S128), first, the position of one edge detected in the past, The position of the edge that has not been detected is determined from the feed amount of the printing paper from when the position was detected and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper (step S152). For example, the N−1th position B is stored, the N−1th position B and the Nth position B that has not been stored are Xbn−1 and Xbn, respectively, and the printing stored in step S131 is performed. If the N-2th feed amount and the N-1th feed amount of the paper are Pn-2 and Pn-1, respectively, and the maximum inclination angle of the predicted printing paper is θ, (Xbn-Xbn-1) Xbn, which is the Nth position B that has not been stored, is obtained from the relationship of / (Pn-1-Pn-2) = tan θ. That is, when this equation is arranged, Xbn = Xbn-1 + (Pn-1-Pn-2) · tan θ, and Xbn can be obtained from known Xbn-1, Pn-2, Pn-1, and θ.
[0113]
Then, based on the obtained Nth position B (indicated by a dotted triangle in FIG. 11), an end position for ejecting ink is determined (step S154). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0114]
In the above description, the margin α is set based on, for example, a detection error when detecting the edge of the printing paper P in consideration of the fact that unnecessary margins are not generated on the printing paper P. In the above description, the value of the margin α is a common value when the start position is determined and when the end position is determined. However, different values may be set.
[0115]
In the above, in order to obtain the Nth position A or B, the N-1th position A or B and the N-2th position A or B are used in the former method, and N is used in the latter method. Although the first position A or B is used, the position is not limited to the position A or B detected in the past.
[0116]
In the above, in order to obtain the Nth position A or B, two positions A or B detected in the past in the former method are used, and one position A or B detected in the past is used in the latter method. Alternatively, since B is used, while the past position information is not yet sufficiently obtained, the ink discharge start position (see FIG. 5) is set as a predetermined position as described in the section of the first embodiment. 11 and the end position (the position is indicated by a cross in FIG. 11) (step S134, step S135, step S138, step S146, step S147, step S150). In addition, it is desirable that the predetermined start position and end position at this time are set with a sufficient margin in consideration of not causing unnecessary margins on the printing paper P. For example, the start position and the end position of the print data having a margin to some extent as compared with the size of the print paper described in the section of the related art may be set as the predetermined start position and end position.
[0117]
In addition, the maximum inclination angle of the printing paper described above can be set by predicting the angle at which the printing paper can be tilted from the information related to the structure and mechanism of the printing apparatus, for example.
[0118]
A program for performing the above processing is stored in the EEPROM 58, and the program is executed by the system controller 54.
[0119]
As described in the section of the prior art, the position of the edge of the printing paper is detected and detected in order to reduce the problem of wasteful ink consumption due to printing on the area other than the printing paper. Although a measure for changing the start position and the end position for ejecting ink according to the edge position is effective, a situation may occur in which the edge position of the printing paper is not detected for some reason during the execution of such a measure. In such a situation, without changing the method for determining the start position and the end position for ejecting ink, instead of information related to the end position, information related to the end position detected previously is simply used. If the starting position and the ending position are determined by using them, there may be a problem that a margin is erroneously generated on the printing paper. In other words, the edge position that should have been detected and the edge position that was previously detected may differ greatly due to the printing paper being bent (obliquely) fed. If the start position and end position are determined using information related to the end position detected before without changing the method for determining the start position and end position for ejecting ink, the above problem will occur. Can occur.
[0120]
Therefore, when the position of the edge is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the edge detected in the past by the method as described above. It becomes possible to avoid generating a margin by mistake. Further, since the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the main scanning direction is outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the print head 36, the detection error itself at one end of the printing paper P itself is also effective. Can be suppressed.
[0121]
In the above embodiment, as the former method, when the position of the edge of the printing paper is not detected, the start position or the end is determined based on a plurality of the positions of the edge detected in the past. The method for determining the position is the latter method. When the position of the edge of the printing paper is not detected, the position of one edge detected in the past and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper Although the method for determining the start position or the end position based on the above has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto.
However, in the former method, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately. In the latter method, the minimum information related to the end position detected in the past is used. The above embodiment is more preferable in that the start position or the end position can be determined from the above.
[0122]
Further, regarding the former method, in the above embodiment, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is determined from a plurality of positions of the end that have been detected in the past, The start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained end position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start position or the end position may be determined from a plurality of the positions of the edges detected directly in the past without obtaining the positions of the edges that have not been detected.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the start position or the end position can be determined more easily by doing in this way.
[0123]
Further, regarding the former method, in the above embodiment, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is determined from the position of the two ends that have been detected in the past. The start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained end position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position of the end that has not been detected may be obtained from three or more positions of the end that have been detected in the past.
However, in this way, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the start position or the end position can be determined from the minimum information related to the position of the edge detected in the past. .
[0124]
Regarding the former method, in the above embodiment, when the position of the end is not detected, the positions of the plurality of ends detected in the past and the time when the positions of the ends are detected. The position of the edge that has not been detected is determined from the amount of feed of the printing paper, and the start position or the end position is determined based on the determined position of the edge. It is not something.
However, by using the information related to the feed amount of the printing paper in order to obtain the position of the edge that has not been detected, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately. The above embodiment is more desirable.
[0125]
Regarding the latter method, in the above embodiment, when the edge position is not detected, the position of one edge detected in the past and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper The position of the end that has not been detected is obtained, and the start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained position of the end. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without obtaining the position of the edge that has not been detected, the start position or the end position can be calculated from the position of the one edge detected directly in the past and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper. May be determined.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the start position or the end position can be determined more easily by doing in this way.
[0126]
Regarding the latter method, in the above embodiment, when the position of the end is not detected, the position of one end detected in the past and the time when the position of the end is detected are detected. The position of the edge that has not been detected is obtained from the amount of printing paper fed and the predicted maximum inclination angle of the printing paper, and the start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained edge position. Although it was decided, it is not limited to this.
However, by using the information related to the feed amount of the printing paper in order to obtain the position of the edge that has not been detected, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately. The above embodiment is more desirable.
[0127]
=== Third embodiment ===
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment.
[0128]
First, the flowchart starts with the user instructing to perform printing in the application program 95 or the like (step S202). Hereinafter, from step S2 described in the first embodiment until step S230. This is the same as step S30.
[0129]
In step S230, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the system controller 54 drives the CR motor 30, moves the carriage 28, and drives the paper feed motor 31, After feeding the printing paper P by a predetermined amount and preparing for the next borderless printing, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the system controller 54 prints the print head 36 provided in the carriage 28. In order to perform borderless printing by ejecting ink from the main body, the main scanning drive circuit 61 drives the CR motor 30 to move the carriage 28 (step S218). Prior to this operation, the ink ejection of the print head 36 is started. The position and the ink discharge end position are determined (steps S232 to S250). A method for determining the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described later.
[0130]
Next, the procedure returns to step S216, and the system controller 54 adds 1 to the counter value N (step S216), and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), FIG. 9 (e), and FIG. 9 (f). As described above, the procedure from step S218 to step S250 described above is executed. At this time, the system controller 54 controls the head drive circuit 63 to start ink discharge from the determined ink discharge start position, and ends ink discharge at the determined ink discharge end position.
The subsequent procedure is a repetition of steps S216 to S250 as shown in the loop structure in the flowchart of FIG.
[0131]
Next, an example of how to obtain the ink discharge start position and the ink discharge end position will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S220 and S222. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position A, and makes the determination based on the read data (step S232).
Here, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position A is stored), the position is indicated by the Nth position A (dotted circle in FIG. 11). The starting position for ejecting ink is determined based on (shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0132]
Next, the system controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S226 and S228. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position B, and makes the determination based on the read data (step S236).
Here, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position B is stored), the Nth position B (the dotted triangle mark in FIG. 11 indicates the position). In step S238, an end position for ejecting ink is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0133]
Further, when the position of the edge of the printing paper P is not detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position B is not stored), the detected N The position of the edge that has not been detected is obtained from the second position A and the width of the printing paper, and the end position for ejecting ink is determined based on the obtained edge position.
That is, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected (the Nth position B has not been stored in step S228), first, the detected Nth position A and the printing paper are detected. And the position of the end that was not detected from the width length (step S240). For example, the width of the printing paper is added to the detected Nth position A to obtain the Nth position B.
Then, based on the obtained Nth position B (indicated by a dotted triangle in FIG. 11), an end position for ejecting ink is determined (step S238). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0134]
In step S232, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P is not detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position A is not stored), the system The controller 54 determines whether or not the position of the edge of the printing paper P has been detected in steps S226 and S228. For example, the system controller 54 reads data from the storage area corresponding to the Nth position B, and makes the determination based on the read data (step S242).
If the edge position of the printing paper P is detected (for example, the Nth position B is stored), the detected Nth position B, the width of the printing paper, The N-th position A that has not been detected is obtained, and a start position for ejecting ink is determined based on the obtained end position.
That is, first, the N-th position A that has not been detected is determined from the detected N-th position B and the width of the printing paper (step S244). For example, the Nth position A is obtained by subtracting the width of the printing paper from the detected Nth position B.
Then, based on the obtained Nth position A (indicated by a dotted circle in FIG. 11), a start position for ejecting ink is determined (step S246). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a start position (indicated by a solid circle in FIG. 11) is determined to eject ink with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position A.
[0135]
Next, based on the detected Nth position B (indicated by a dotted triangle in FIG. 11), an end position for ejecting ink is determined (step S238). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an end position (indicated by a solid triangle in FIG. 11) at which ink is ejected with a margin of a distance α from the Nth position B is determined.
[0136]
In step S242, if the position of the edge of the printing paper P has not been detected due to a failure of the reflective optical sensor 29 or the like (for example, the Nth position B has not been stored), N A predetermined position irrespective of the th position A is set as an ink discharge start position (indicated by a square mark in FIG. 11) (step S248). Similarly, a predetermined position irrespective of the Nth position B is set as an ink discharge end position (indicated by a cross in FIG. 11) (step S250).
[0137]
In the above description, the margin α is set based on, for example, a detection error when detecting the edge of the printing paper P in consideration of the fact that unnecessary margins are not generated on the printing paper P. In the above description, the value of the margin α is a common value when the start position is determined and when the end position is determined. However, different values may be set.
[0138]
In addition, it is desirable that the above-described predetermined start position and end position are set with a sufficient margin in consideration of not causing unnecessary margins on the printing paper P. For example, the start position and the end position of the print data having a margin to some extent as compared with the size of the print paper described in the section of the related art may be set as the predetermined start position and end position.
[0139]
In the above description, the width of the printing paper is added to the detected Nth position A to obtain the Nth position B. However, the width is taken into consideration that the printing paper is inclined. The Nth position B may be obtained by adding the length plus the margin to the detected Nth position A. Further, the inclination of the printing paper may be obtained by some means, and the amount of margin added to the width length may be obtained from the obtained inclination. The above is also applicable when the Nth position A is obtained by subtracting the width of the printing paper from the detected Nth position B.
[0140]
A program for performing the above processing is stored in the EEPROM 58, and the program is executed by the system controller 54.
[0141]
As described in the section of the prior art, the position of the edge of the printing paper is detected and detected in order to reduce the problem of wasteful ink consumption due to printing on the area other than the printing paper. Although a measure for changing the start position and the end position for ejecting ink according to the edge position is effective, a situation may occur in which the edge position of the printing paper is not detected for some reason during the execution of such a measure. In such a situation, without changing the method for determining the start position and the end position for ejecting ink, instead of information related to the end position, information related to the end position detected previously is simply used. If the starting position and the ending position are determined by using them, there may be a problem that a margin is erroneously generated on the printing paper. In other words, the edge position that should have been detected and the edge position that was previously detected may differ greatly due to the printing paper being bent (obliquely) fed. If the start position and end position are determined using information related to the end position detected before without changing the method for determining the start position and end position for ejecting ink, the above problem will occur. Can occur.
[0142]
Therefore, as described above, when the position of one end of the positions of both ends of the printing paper is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the other end of the positions of both ends. By doing so, it is possible to avoid erroneously generating a margin in the printing paper. Further, since the position of the reflective optical sensor 29 in the main scanning direction is outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the print head 36, the detection error itself at one end of the printing paper P itself is also effective. Can be suppressed.
[0143]
In the above embodiment, when the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end that is not detected from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends is obtained and obtained. The start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained position of the one end, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start position or the end position may be determined directly from the position of the other end among the positions of the both ends without obtaining the position of the one end that has not been detected.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the start position or the end position can be determined more easily by doing in this way.
[0144]
In the above embodiment, when the position of one end of the positions at both ends is not detected, it is not detected from the position at the other end of the positions at both ends and the width of the printing paper. Further, although the position of the one end is obtained and the start position or the end position is determined based on the obtained position of the one end, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, by using the information related to the width of the printing paper in order to obtain the position of the one end that has not been detected, the appropriate start position or end position can be determined more accurately. The above embodiment is more desirable.
[0145]
=== Other Embodiments ===
As mentioned above, although the liquid discharge apparatus etc. which concern on this invention have been demonstrated based on one Embodiment, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and limits this invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.
[0146]
Further, although the printing paper has been described as an example of the medium, a film, a cloth, a thin metal plate, or the like may be used as the medium.
[0147]
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus has been described as an example of the liquid ejection apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, color filter manufacturing apparatus, dyeing apparatus, fine processing apparatus, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, surface processing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling machine, liquid vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing apparatus (particularly polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), display manufacturing apparatus, film formation You may apply the same technique as this embodiment to an apparatus, a DNA chip manufacturing apparatus, etc. Even if the present technology is applied to such a field, since the liquid can be ejected toward the medium, the above-described effects can be maintained.
[0148]
In the above-described embodiment, a color inkjet printer has been described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a monochrome inkjet printer.
[0149]
In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a liquid (including water) containing a metal material, an organic material (particularly a polymer material), a magnetic material, a conductive material, a wiring material, a film forming material, a processing solution, a gene solution, or the like may be discharged from a nozzle. .
[0150]
In the above-described embodiment, printing is performed on the entire surface of the printing paper, that is, so-called borderless printing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When printing is performed over a wide range, not on the surface, the above means exerts an effective effect.
However, in the case of borderless printing, since the printing is performed also on the edge of the printing paper, the merit by the above means becomes larger.
[0151]
In the above embodiment, the reflective optical sensor receives a light emitting unit for emitting light and the light moving in the main scanning direction in accordance with the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction. And detecting the position of the end based on a change in the output value of the light receiving unit caused by the light emitted by the light emitting unit moving in the main scanning direction blocking the end. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the position of the end can be detected more easily by doing in this way.
[0152]
In the above embodiment, the light emitted from the light emitting unit moving in the main scanning direction is positioned in the main scanning direction based on the change in the output value of the light receiving unit caused by blocking the end. Detects the positions of two different ends, changes the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and detects the positions of the two detected end positions. Although the end position is changed according to the other, it is not limited to this. For example, the position of one end is detected in the detection operation based on a change in the output value of the light receiving unit due to light emitted from the light emitting unit moving in the main scanning direction blocking the end. The start position or the end position may be changed according to the detected position of the one end.
However, in this way, the above-described effect, that is, the effect that it is possible to avoid the generation of a margin in the printing paper by mistake, can be exhibited more significantly. This form is more desirable.
[0153]
In the above embodiment, the reflective optical sensor is provided on the movable carriage provided with the print head. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the carriage and the reflective optical sensor may be configured to be movable separately.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that the moving mechanism of the carriage and the reflection type optical sensor can be made common by doing in this way.
[0154]
Further, in the above embodiment, the output value of the light receiving unit is that light emitted from the light emitting unit moving in the main scanning direction while moving the carriage in the main scanning direction blocks the edge of the printing paper. While the position of the edge is detected based on the change in the ink and ink is ejected from the print head onto the printing paper, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection operation and the discharge operation may be performed separately.
However, the above embodiment is more preferable in that an efficient operation can be realized by doing in this way.
[0155]
Further, in the above embodiment, the position of the edge of the printing paper P is caused by a failure of the reflection-type optical sensor 29 even though the light emitted from the reflection-type optical sensor has passed through the edge of the printing paper. Although the case where it was not detected has been described, the light emitted from the reflective optical sensor that may occur when the so-called logical seek method is adopted does not pass through the edge of the printing paper, and the position of the edge of the printing paper P is detected It is also applicable to the case where it was not done.
[0156]
=== Configuration of Computer System etc. ===
Next, an embodiment of a computer system which is an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0157]
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the computer system. The computer system 1000 includes a computer main body 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. In this embodiment, the computer main body 1102 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1104 is generally a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 1106, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 1108 is a keyboard 1108A and a mouse 1108B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 1110 uses a flexible disk drive device 1110A and a CD-ROM drive device 1110B. However, the reading device 1110 is not limited to this. For example, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Other devices such as Disk) may be used.
[0158]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 1102 is housed.
[0159]
In the above description, the printer 1106 is connected to the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110 to configure the computer system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may include a computer main body 1102 and a printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.
Further, for example, the printer 1106 may have a part of each function or mechanism of the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing, a display unit that performs various displays, a recording medium attachment / detachment unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium that records image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as a structure to have.
The computer system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.
[0160]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a liquid ejecting apparatus and a computer system that do not cause a margin in a medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system as an example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a main configuration of the color inkjet printer 20;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a reflective optical sensor 29;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration around a carriage 28 of an inkjet printer.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a linear encoder 11 attached to a carriage 28;
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing waveforms of two output signals of the linear encoder 11 during normal rotation and reverse rotation of the CR motor.
7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the color inkjet printer 20. FIG.
8 is an explanatory diagram showing a nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 36. FIG.
9 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship among the print head 36, the reflective optical sensor 29, and the printing paper P. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to obtain an ink discharge start position and an ink discharge end position;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a third embodiment;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.
15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Linear encoder 12 Linear encoder code plate
13 Rotary encoder 14 Code plate for rotary encoder
20 Color inkjet printer 21 CRT
22 Paper stacker 24 Paper feed roller
25 pulley 26 platen
28 Carriage 29 Reflective optical sensor
30 Carriage motor 31 Paper feed motor
32 Traction belt 34 Guide rail
36 Print Head 38 Light Emitting Unit
40 Light receiver 50 Buffer memory
52 Image buffer 54 System controller
56 Main memory 58 EEPROM
61 Main scan drive circuit 62 Sub scan drive circuit
63 Head drive circuit 65 Reflective optical sensor control circuit
66 Electrical Signal Measurement Unit 90 Computer
91 Video driver 95 Application program
96 Printer driver 97 Resolution conversion module
98 color conversion module 99 halftone module
100 Rasterizer
101 User interface display module
102 UI printer interface module
1000 computer system
1102 Computer main body
1104 Display device
1106 Printer
1108 Input device
1108A keyboard
1108B mouse
1110 Reader
1110A Flexible disk drive device
1110B CD-ROM drive device
1202 Internal memory
1204 Hard disk drive unit

Claims (25)

A movable ejection head for ejecting liquid; a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium. The position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In the liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end detected by the detection unit,
When the position of the end is not detected, the start position or the end position is set to a predetermined position. A movable ejection head for ejecting a liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding a medium, and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium, and the position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection device that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In the liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end detected by the detection unit,
When the position of the end is not detected, the liquid ejecting apparatus determines the start position or the end position based on the position of the end detected in the past. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
When the position of the end is not detected, the liquid ejecting apparatus determines the start position or the end position based on a plurality of positions of the end detected in the past. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
When the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is obtained from a plurality of positions of the end that have been detected in the past, and the start position is determined based on the determined position of the end. Alternatively, the liquid discharge apparatus is characterized in that the end position is determined. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
When the position of the end is not detected, the position of the end that has not been detected is obtained from two positions of the end that have been detected in the past, and the start position is determined based on the determined position of the end. Alternatively, the liquid discharge apparatus is characterized in that the end position is determined. In the liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
When the position of the end is not detected, the end that has not been detected from the positions of the plurality of ends that have been detected in the past and the amount of feeding of the medium since the position of the end has been detected. And determining the start position or the end position based on the determined end position. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
When the end position is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on one end position detected in the past and the predicted maximum tilt angle of the medium. A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by: The liquid ejection device according to claim 7, wherein
When the position of the edge is not detected, the position of the edge that has not been detected is obtained from the position of the one edge detected in the past and the maximum inclination angle of the medium that is predicted. The liquid ejection apparatus, wherein the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the end. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
When the position of the edge is not detected, the position of one of the edges detected in the past, the amount of feeding of the medium since the position of the edge is detected, and the predicted maximum of the medium A liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: obtaining an end position not detected from an inclination angle; and determining the start position or the end position based on the obtained end position. A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid, a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium, and a detection means for detecting the positions of both ends of the medium, and the positions of the both ends are detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In a liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to at least one of the positions at both ends detected by the detection means,
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein when the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends. . The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
When the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end that is not detected from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends is obtained, and based on the position of the one end that is obtained The liquid discharge apparatus, wherein the start position or the end position is determined. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
When the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end not detected is determined from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends and the width of the medium. The liquid ejection apparatus, wherein the start position or the end position is determined based on the position of the one end. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid on the entire surface of the medium. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light moving in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction,
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the light emitted from the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction detects the position of the end based on a change in an output value of the light receiving sensor due to blocking the end. . The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction blocking the end, the positions of the two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction are determined. Detect
Changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions; and
The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end position is changed in accordance with the other of the two detected end positions. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is provided in a movable member including the ejecting head. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
While moving the moving member in the main scanning direction,
The light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction detects the position of the end based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor caused by blocking the end,
A liquid discharge apparatus for discharging liquid from the discharge head onto the medium. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The liquid is ink;
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium to be printed as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. A movable ejection head for ejecting liquid; a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium. The position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In the liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end detected by the detection unit,
When the position of the end is not detected, the start position or the end position is a predetermined position,
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light that moves in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, and the main scanning. Detecting the positions of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the direction blocking the ends; Changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and changing the end position according to the other of the two detected end positions;
The movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detecting means, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction, Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor by blocking the end, the position of the end is detected, and the liquid is discharged from the discharge head onto the medium,
The liquid is an ink, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. A movable ejection head for ejecting liquid; a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium. The position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In the liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end detected by the detection unit,
When the position of the end is not detected, the end that has not been detected from the positions of the two ends that have been detected in the past and the amount of media fed since the position of the end was detected. Determining the start position or the end position based on the determined position of the end,
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light that moves in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, and the main scanning. Detecting the positions of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the direction blocking the ends; Changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and changing the end position according to the other of the two detected end positions;
The movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detecting means, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction, Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor by blocking the end, the position of the end is detected, and the liquid is discharged from the discharge head onto the medium,
The liquid is an ink, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. A movable ejection head for ejecting liquid; a feeding mechanism for feeding the medium; and a detection means for detecting the position of the end of the medium. The position of the end is detected by the detection means. A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In the liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to the position of the end detected by the detection unit,
When the position of the edge is not detected, the position of one of the edges detected in the past, the amount of feeding of the medium from when the position of the edge is detected, and the predicted maximum of the medium Finding the position of the end not detected from the inclination angle, and determining the start position or the end position based on the obtained position of the end,
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light that moves in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, and the main scanning. Detecting the positions of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the direction blocking the ends; Changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and changing the end position according to the other of the two detected end positions;
The movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detecting means, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction, Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor by blocking the end, the position of the end is detected, and the liquid is discharged from the discharge head onto the medium,
The liquid is an ink, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. A movable ejection head for ejecting the liquid, a feed mechanism for feeding the medium, and a detection means for detecting the positions of both ends of the medium, and the positions of the both ends are detected by the detection means. A liquid ejecting apparatus that repeats an operation of detecting, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and an operation of ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head to the entire surface of the medium,
The detection means includes
Movable with the ejection head,
In the moving direction of the discharge head, provided outside the nozzles at both ends of the plurality of nozzles provided in the discharge head,
In a liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting liquid from the moving ejection head according to at least one of the positions at both ends detected by the detection means,
When the position of one end of the positions of the both ends is not detected, the position of the one end not detected is determined from the position of the other end of the positions of the both ends and the width of the medium. Based on the position of the one end, the start position or the end position is determined,
The detection means includes: a light emitting means for emitting light; and a light receiving sensor for receiving the light that moves in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the light emitting means in the main scanning direction, and the main scanning. Detecting the positions of two ends having different positions in the main scanning direction based on a change in the output value of the light receiving sensor due to light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the direction blocking the ends; Changing the start position according to one of the two detected end positions, and changing the end position according to the other of the two detected end positions;
The movable member provided with the ejection head is provided with the detecting means, and the light emitted by the light emitting means moving in the main scanning direction while moving the moving member in the main scanning direction, Based on the change in the output value of the light receiving sensor by blocking the end, the position of the end is detected, and the liquid is discharged from the discharge head onto the medium,
The liquid is an ink, and the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium as the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head. A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, a feeding mechanism for sending a medium, Detecting means for detecting the position of the end of the medium, an operation of detecting the position of the end by the detecting means, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and the moving discharge head from the discharge head And a plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in a moving direction of the ejection head. The liquid ejection device repeatedly ejects liquid onto a medium. The discharge head is provided outside the nozzles at both ends, and moves according to the position of the end detected by the detection means. A liquid ejection apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for ejecting a body, and when the position of the end is not detected, the start position or the end position is determined in advance. A computer system comprising: a liquid ejection device as a position. A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, a feeding mechanism for sending a medium, Detecting means for detecting the position of the end of the medium, an operation of detecting the position of the end by the detecting means, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and the moving discharge head from the discharge head And a plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in a moving direction of the ejection head. The liquid ejection device repeatedly ejects liquid onto a medium. The discharge head is provided outside the nozzles at both ends, and moves according to the position of the end detected by the detection means. A liquid discharge apparatus that changes at least one of a start position and an end position for discharging a body, and when the position of the end is not detected, based on the position of the end detected in the past A computer system comprising: a liquid ejection device that determines the start position or the end position. A computer main body, a display device connectable to the computer main body, and a liquid discharge device connectable to the computer main body, a movable discharge head for discharging liquid, a feeding mechanism for sending a medium, Detecting means for detecting the positions of both ends of the medium, an operation of detecting the positions of the both ends by the detecting means, an operation of feeding the medium by the feeding mechanism, and the moving discharge head from the discharge head And a plurality of nozzles provided in the ejection head in a moving direction of the ejection head. The liquid ejection device repeatedly ejects liquid onto a medium. Is provided outside the nozzles at both ends, and at least one of the positions of the both ends detected by the detection means. And a liquid discharge device that changes at least one of a start position and an end position at which the liquid is discharged from the moving discharge head, and one end position of the both end positions is not detected. Comprises a liquid ejection device that determines the start position or the end position based on the position of the other end of the positions at both ends.

Images