JP2005144808A - Printer, computer program, printing system, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and the like, which can adjust a position of a pixel to be formed by each of ink ejection parts, by using a higher resolution than a pixel pitch. <P>SOLUTION: This printer forms the pixel on a medium by ejecting ink from each of the ink ejection parts, in accordance with a driving signal which is supplied by making a reference timing signal serve as a trigger, while moving a movable body equipped with the ink ejection parts. In the printer, the driving signal is changed according to the amount of misregistration between the target position of the pixel to be formed by the ink ejected from the ink ejection part, and the position of the pixel to be formed by having the ink ejected from the ink ejection part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a computer program, a printing system, and a printing method that perform printing by ejecting ink from a plurality of ink ejection units to form pixels on a medium.

  As a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink from a plurality of ink ejection units to form pixels on a medium, for example, an inkjet printer is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In an ink jet printer, a drive signal for ejecting ink from each ink ejection unit is supplied to each ink ejection unit using a reference timing signal as a trigger to form pixels on the medium. Then, an image is printed by a plurality of pixels formed by ink ejected from each ink ejection unit. For this reason, it is desirable that the position of each pixel formed on the medium is accurately formed at the target position where the pixel is to be formed.

In addition, even if ink is ejected from different ink ejection units to form a pixel at the same target position with the same drive signal, it is formed due to the difference in ink ejection characteristics of the ink ejection unit and the characteristics of the ink to be ejected. There are cases where the positions of the pixels to be different are different. For this reason, in order to adjust the position of the pixel to be formed, the position of the pixel to be formed with approximately the same resolution as the pixel pitch by changing the timing of the drive signal supplied to each ink ejection unit in units of pixels. Has changed.
JP 2000-318146 A

  However, when the position where the pixel is formed is changed with a resolution substantially equal to the pixel pitch as described above, the position of the formed pixel can be appropriately adjusted with respect to a shift smaller than the pixel pitch. There is a problem that it cannot be done.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is a printing apparatus, a computer program, a printing system, and printing that can adjust the position of a pixel formed in each ink ejection unit with a resolution higher than the pixel pitch. It aims to provide a method.

  The main invention includes a movable body that includes a plurality of ink discharge units and is movable in a predetermined direction, and the plurality of the plurality of ink ejection units are moved based on a drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger while the movable body moves. In a printing apparatus that forms pixels on a medium by ejecting ink from an ink ejection unit, a target position of a pixel to be formed with ink ejected from the ink ejection unit, and ink ejected from the ink ejection unit. The printing apparatus is characterized in that the drive signal is changed based on an amount of deviation from a position of a pixel to be formed.

  Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is possible to implement | achieve the printing apparatus, computer program, printing system, and printing method which can adjust the position of the pixel formed in each ink discharge part with a resolution higher than a pixel pitch. .

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A plurality of ink ejecting sections, each having a movable body that is movable in a predetermined direction, and based on a drive signal supplied by using a reference timing signal as a trigger while the movable body moves; In a printing apparatus that discharges ink to form pixels on a medium, a pixel target position to be formed with ink discharged from the ink discharge portion and pixels formed by discharging ink from the ink discharge portion The printing apparatus is characterized in that the drive signal is changed based on an amount of deviation from the position.
According to such a printing apparatus, the drive signal is changed based on the amount of deviation between the target position where the pixel is to be formed and the position of the pixel formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit. The drive signal can be changed according to the amount of deviation. In addition, in order to change the drive signal, it is possible to change the timing at which ink is ejected within the period in which one pixel is formed. For this reason, it is possible to change the position at which the pixel is formed with a high resolution smaller than the so-called pixel pitch. Therefore, it is possible to form pixels with high accuracy according to the target position with the ink ejected from the ink ejection section, and thus it is possible to print a good image.

In such a printing apparatus, it is desirable that the target position is a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from different ink ejection units.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to make the positions of the pixels formed by the ink ejected from the respective ink ejection units coincide.

In such a printing apparatus, the moving body is capable of reciprocating, and the target position is a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from a predetermined ink ejecting section in the forward path of the moving body, It is desirable to change the drive signal so as to adjust the position of the pixel formed by the ink ejected from the predetermined ink ejection section in the return path of the moving body.
According to such a printing apparatus, even if the moving body reciprocates and pixels are formed in the forward path and the backward path, the pixels formed in the forward path with the ink ejected from the same ink ejection unit The pixels formed in the return path can be formed at the target position. For this reason, it is possible to match the position of the pixel formed in the forward path and the position of the pixel formed in the backward path during a moving operation in which the moving direction of the moving body is different, so that a good image can be obtained. It is possible to print. In addition, since printing is performed in both the forward and backward movement operations, a good image can be printed in a short time.

In such a printing apparatus, the drive signal can form a dot with each ink droplet by ejecting the ink droplet a plurality of times from the ink ejection unit within a period in which one pixel can be formed. It is desirable to have a plurality of dot formation signals for changing the dot formation signals individually.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to change only the position of any one of a plurality of dots forming a pixel. That is, it is possible to print by adjusting the positions of dots constituting one pixel with higher accuracy.

In the printing apparatus, the dot formation signal is supplied based on an ejection timing signal output a plurality of times to eject the ink droplets a plurality of times using the reference timing signal as a trigger, and changes the driving signal. Accordingly, it is preferable that the time from when each of the ejection timing signals is supplied to when the ink is ejected is changed.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the time from when each ejection timing signal is supplied to when ink is ejected is changed, each ejection for forming each of a plurality of dots forming one pixel is performed. Each timing signal can be accurately and reliably changed with reference to the timing signal.

In such a printing apparatus, the ink ejection unit ejects ink by changing from a state in which the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential, and from when the dot formation signal is supplied to when ink is ejected. The time is preferably changed by adjusting the timing at which the dot formation signal starts to change from a state where the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the timing at which the dot formation signal starts to change from a state where the dot formation signal is maintained is adjusted, dots are formed while maintaining the change in potential for ejecting ink. It is possible to change only the position.

In such a printing apparatus, the ink discharge unit discharges ink in a drawing operation for drawing ink and an extrusion operation for pushing out ink based on the change in potential, and defines the drawing operation and the pushing operation. It is desirable to adjust the timing at which the potential starts to change while maintaining the potential pattern for the purpose.
According to such a printing apparatus, while maintaining the potential pattern for defining the pull-in operation and the extrusion operation, the timing at which the potential starts to change is adjusted, so even if the timing at which the ink is ejected is changed, The potential pattern is maintained, and the ink ejection timing can be changed without changing the ink ejection amount.

In such a printing apparatus, it is desirable that the amount of ink ejected from the ink ejecting section for forming dots is changed by changing the drive signal.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the ink ejection amount is changed, the medium reaches the medium quickly because the weight is large when the amount of ink is large, and it is slow because the weight is small when the amount of ink is small. The medium will be reached. For this reason, by changing the amount of ejected ink, the position where dots are formed can be adjusted, and the amount of deviation can be reduced.

In such a printing apparatus, it is preferable that the amount of ink ejected from the ink ejection section is changed by adjusting the maximum potential in the dot formation signal.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to easily and reliably change the ink ejection amount by adjusting the maximum potential in the dot formation signal.

In such a printing apparatus, the ink ejection unit can eject a plurality of types of dots of different sizes by ejecting ink, and the dot formation signal to be changed is a dot of the maximum size among the plurality of types of dots. It is desirable that the dot formation signal is for forming dots to be excluded.
Because the maximum size dot is large, even if the position where it is formed is misaligned, the effect on image quality is small, but the dots other than the maximum size dot are formed in the low-gradation part of the image. If there is a shift in the position of the dots formed in the low gradation part, the color tone of the formed image may be different or the graininess may be conspicuous, and the image quality may deteriorate. According to the printing apparatus, since the dot formation signal for forming dots other than the maximum size dot formed in the low gradation portion is changed, it is possible to print an image having the low gradation portion satisfactorily. is there.

In the printing apparatus, the plurality of ink ejection units can eject, for each color, a plurality of colors including inks having different densities in the same color, and inks having a lower density among the inks having different densities in the same color. It is desirable to change the drive signal so that the amount of deviation of the formed pixels is small.
Dots formed with low-density ink are often formed in the low gradation part of the image, and if the dots formed in the low gradation part are misaligned, the color tone of the formed image differs. Or graininess may be conspicuous, and image quality may deteriorate. According to the printing apparatus, since the dot formation signal for forming dots with low density ink formed in the low gradation portion is changed, it is possible to print an image having the low gradation portion satisfactorily.

In such a printing apparatus, it is preferable that the ink ejection unit includes a drive element for ejecting ink, and the drive signal is changed based on a natural vibration period of the drive element.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the drive signal is changed based on the natural vibration period of the drive element, the drive element is operated smoothly and efficiently based on the changed drive signal, and the ink is printed at a desired timing. Can be discharged.

In such a printing apparatus, a plurality of drive signal information for generating different drive signals is provided corresponding to the shift amount, and one of the drive signal information is selected from the drive signal information based on the shift amount. It is preferable that a drive signal generated based on the selected drive signal information is supplied.
According to such a printing apparatus, a plurality of drive signal information corresponding to the shift amount is provided, and the drive signal is generated based on the drive signal information selected based on the shift amount, so that control is easy. Since the burden on the control unit or the like is reduced, it is possible to print a good image without reducing the throughput.

A plurality of ink ejecting units that are movable in a predetermined direction, and the plurality of ink ejecting units are moved based on a drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger while the moving body moves; In a printing apparatus that forms pixels on a medium by ejecting ink from the respective sections, the ink ejecting section can eject a plurality of types of dots of different sizes by ejecting ink, and the plurality of ink ejecting sections include: A plurality of color inks including inks having different densities in the same color can be ejected for each color, and the drive signal ejects ink droplets from the ink ejection unit a plurality of times within a period in which one pixel can be formed. A plurality of dot formation signals for enabling ejection and forming dots with each ink droplet, the dot formation signals can be individually changed, and the dot formation signals are The reference timing signal is used as a trigger to supply the ink droplets based on a discharge timing signal that is output a plurality of times in order to discharge the ink droplets a plurality of times, and the ink discharge unit draws ink based on the change in potential. A drive element for ejecting ink in an operation and an extruding operation for extruding the ink, and a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from a different ink ejection unit as a target position from the ink ejection unit Based on the amount of deviation from the position of a pixel formed by ejecting ink, the dot formation signal for forming a dot excluding the dot of the maximum size among the plurality of types of dots, and the density in the same color Of the dot formation signal for forming a pixel formed of low-density ink among different inks, before the ink discharge portion. While maintaining the potential pattern for defining the pull-in operation and the push-out operation, the timing at which the dot formation signal starts to change from the state where the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential after being supplied. A plurality of drive signal information for adjustment based on the natural vibration period of the drive element is provided corresponding to the amount of deviation, and one of the drive signal information is selected from the drive signal information based on the amount of deviation And a drive signal generated based on the selected drive signal information is supplied.
According to such a printing apparatus, since the above-described effects can be obtained, the object of the present invention can be achieved most effectively.

  A plurality of ink ejecting units that are movable in a predetermined direction, and the plurality of ink ejecting units are moved based on a drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger while the moving body moves; Forming a pixel on a medium by ejecting ink from each part, and forming the target position of the pixel to be formed with the ink ejected from the ink ejecting part and the ink ejecting part from the ink ejecting part. It is also possible to implement a computer program for realizing the function of changing the drive signal based on the amount of deviation from the pixel position.

  A computer body and a movable body connected to the computer body and provided with a plurality of ink discharge units and movable in a predetermined direction, and the movable body is moved and supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger; In a printing system comprising a printing device that forms pixels on a medium by ejecting ink from each of the plurality of ink ejection units based on a drive signal, the printing system should be formed of ink ejected from the ink ejection unit It is also possible to realize a printing system in which the drive signal is changed based on a shift amount between a pixel target position and a pixel position formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit.

  In addition, a target position of a pixel to be formed by ink ejected from an ink ejection unit provided in a movable body movable in a predetermined direction, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection unit while the movable body moves. The step of selecting a drive signal for ejecting ink from the plurality of ink ejection units based on the amount of deviation from the position of the pixel to be formed, and the selected drive signal supplied using a reference timing signal as a trigger And a step of forming pixels on a medium by ejecting ink from each of the plurality of ink ejecting sections.

=== Overall Configuration of Printing Apparatus ===
1 to 4 are views for explaining an embodiment of an ink jet printer as a printing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the ink jet printer of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the ink jet printer, FIG. 3 is a view showing the carriage of the ink jet printer and its peripheral part, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the conveyance part and peripheral part of a printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 1 has a structure for discharging a medium such as printing paper supplied from the back side from the front side. A unit 3 is provided, and a paper feeding unit 4 is provided on the back side thereof. Various operation buttons 5 and display lamps 6 are provided on the operation panel 2. Further, the paper discharge unit 3 is provided with a paper discharge tray 7 that closes the paper discharge port when not in use. The paper feed unit 4 includes a paper feed tray 8 that holds cut paper (not shown) and roll paper unit holders 35 and 36 that hold a roll paper unit 30 as a medium unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a paper transport unit 10, an ink discharge unit 20, a carriage drive unit 40, a measuring instrument group 50, and a controller 60 as main parts.

  The paper conveyance unit 10 conveys a medium such as printing paper to a printable position, and conveys the medium intermittently with a predetermined movement amount in a predetermined conveyance direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) during a printing operation. Acts as a mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4, the paper transport unit 10 includes a paper insertion slot 11A for inserting thin printing paper and the like, an insertion opening 11B for inserting roll paper, thick printing paper, and the like, and a paper feed motor ( (Not shown), paper feed roller 13, platen 14, paper transport motor (hereinafter referred to as PF motor) 15, paper transport motor driver (hereinafter referred to as PF motor driver) 16, transport roller 17A and paper discharge roller 17B, a free roller 18A, and a free roller 18B. However, in order for the paper transport unit 10 to function as a transport mechanism, all of these components are not necessarily required.

  The paper feed motor (not shown) is a motor that conveys the printing paper inserted into the paper insertion slot 11A into the printer 1, and is constituted by a pulse motor. The paper feed roller 13 is a roller for transporting the paper inserted from the paper insertion slot 11A into the printer 1, and is driven by a paper feed motor. On the other hand, roll paper or thick printing paper is inserted by the operator of the printer 1 from the paper insertion slot 11B.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the PF motor 15 is a motor that sends out, for example, printing paper as a medium in the paper conveyance direction, and is configured by a DC motor. The PF motor driver 16 is for driving the PF motor 15. The transport roller 17 </ b> A is a roller that feeds the printing paper transported into the printer by the paper feed roller 13 to a printable area, and is driven by the PF motor 15. The free roller 18A is provided at a position facing the transport roller 17A, and presses the print paper toward the transport roller 17A by sandwiching the print paper with the transport roller 17A. The roll paper or thick printing paper inserted from the paper insertion slot 11B is inserted so that the leading end is sandwiched between a later-described transport roller 17A and free roller 18A, and then is transported by the transport roller 17A as described above. Be transported.

  The paper discharge roller 17B is a roller that discharges the printed paper after printing to the outside of the printer. The paper discharge roller 17B is driven by the PF motor 15 by a gear (not shown). The free roller 18B is provided at a position facing the paper discharge roller 17B, and presses the print paper toward the paper discharge roller 17B by sandwiching the print paper with the paper discharge roller 17B. The platen 14 will be described later.

  The ink discharge unit 20 is for discharging ink onto a medium such as printing paper. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink ejection unit 20 includes a print head 21 and a head driver 22. The print head 21 has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, and ejects ink intermittently from each nozzle. The head driver 22 is for driving the print head 21 to intermittently eject ink from the print head 21.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage unit 40 moves a carriage 41 as a moving body on which the ink cartridges 48 and 49 for storing ink and the print head 21 are mounted in a predetermined direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. It is for moving in the CR movement direction). The carriage unit 40 includes a carriage 41, a carriage motor (hereinafter referred to as a CR motor) 42, a carriage motor driver (hereinafter referred to as a CR motor driver) 43, a pulley 44, a timing belt 45, and a guide rail 46. . The nozzles of the print head 21 are configured to intermittently eject ink while moving along the CR movement direction.

  The CR motor 42 is a motor that moves the carriage 41 in the CR movement direction, and is constituted by a DC motor. The CR motor driver 43 is for driving the CR motor 42. The pulley 44 is attached to the rotation shaft of the CR motor 42. The timing belt 45 is driven by a pulley 44. The guide rail 46 guides the carriage 41 in the CR movement direction.

  The measuring instrument group 50 includes a linear encoder 51 for detecting the position of the carriage 41, a rotary encoder 52 for detecting the rotation amount of the conveying roller 17A, and positions of the leading and trailing edges of the paper to be printed. And a paper detection sensor 53 for detecting.

  The controller 60 controls each unit of the printer 1 to print an image based on print data PD sent from a computer or the like connected to the printer 1.

  In such a printer 1, during printing, printing paper is intermittently transported by a predetermined transport amount by the transport roller 17 </ b> A, and the carriage 41 moves between the intermittent transports in the transport direction by the transport roller 17 </ b> A. Ink is ejected from the ejection head 21 toward the printing paper while moving along the intersecting direction, that is, the CR movement direction. With the ejected ink, dots are formed on the printing paper and an image is formed on the printing paper.

=== Controller ===
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the controller of this embodiment.
The controller 60 includes an external interface (external I / F) 25, a RAM 26 that temporarily stores various data, a ROM 27 that stores a control program, a control unit 28 that includes a CPU, a clock signal, and the like. An oscillation circuit 29 that generates (CK), a drive signal generation circuit 221 that generates a drive signal (COM) to be supplied to the print head 21 (details will be described later), a drive signal, and print data (recording data). And an internal interface (internal I / F) 31 for transmitting the dot pattern data (bitmap data) developed based on the data to the paper transport unit 10, the ink discharge unit 20, the carriage drive unit 40, and the like. .

  The external I / F 25 receives, for example, print data composed of character codes, graphic functions, image data, and the like from an external computer (not shown). In addition, a busy signal (BUSY) and an acknowledge signal (ACK) are output to a computer or the like through the external I / F 25.

  The RAM 26 includes a reception buffer, an intermediate buffer, an output buffer, and a work memory (not shown). The reception buffer temporarily stores print data received through the external I / F 25, the intermediate buffer stores intermediate code data converted by the control unit 28, and the output buffer stores pixel pattern data. Remember. Here, the pixel pattern data is print data obtained by decoding (translating) intermediate code data (for example, gradation data).

  The ROM 27 stores font data, graphic functions, and the like in addition to a control program (control routine) for performing various data processing. In addition, the ROM 27 also stores a drive data table for associating shift amount information associated with each nozzle row, which will be described later, and a drive signal supplied to each nozzle row.

  The control unit 28 performs various controls according to the control program stored in the ROM 27. For example, the print data in the reception buffer is read and the print data is converted into intermediate code data, and the intermediate code data is stored in the intermediate buffer. The control unit 28 analyzes the intermediate code data read from the intermediate buffer and develops (decodes) it into pixel pattern data with reference to the font data and graphic functions stored in the ROM 27. Then, the control unit 28 stores the pixel pattern data in the output buffer after performing the necessary decoration processing. Each pixel pattern data includes, for example, 2-bit data as gradation information. That is, the control unit 28 functions as a gradation data setting unit.

  When recordable pixel pattern data for one line is obtained by one movement of the print head 21 in the CR movement direction, the pixel pattern data for one line is sequentially transferred from the output buffer to the head driver through the internal I / F 31. 22 is output. When pixel pattern data for one row is output from the output buffer, the developed intermediate code data is erased from the intermediate buffer, and the development process for the next intermediate code data is performed.

  The controller 60 is connected to the paper transport unit 10 and the carriage drive unit 40. The controller drives the PF motor 15 to transport the print paper, and the CR motor motor is driven to move the carriage 41. .

=== Configuration of Ink Ejection Unit ===
The ink discharge unit 20 includes a print head 21 and a head driver 22.

<<< Print head >>>
FIG. 6 is a view of the print head 21 as viewed from the lower surface side. On the lower surface of the print head 21, and a black ink nozzle row K _D as an ink ejection portion for ejecting black ink, a dark cyan ink nozzle row C _D for ejecting dark cyan ink, for ejecting light cyan ink light cyan ink nozzle row C _L of conc a dark magenta ink nozzle row M _D for ejecting magenta ink, a light magenta ink nozzle row M _L for ejecting light magenta ink, for ejecting yellow ink yellow ink nozzle row Y _D, are provided for.
The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle row are aligned along the transport direction. At the time of printing, ink is ejected from each nozzle row while the print head 21 moves in the CR movement direction together with the carriage 41 (FIG. 2). For example, droplets of ink are ejected from each nozzle. In this example, No. 1 nozzle # 1 is arranged on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the print head.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the print head 21, an ink chamber 62 to which ink from ink cartridges 48 and 49 (see FIG. 3) is supplied and a plurality (for example, 64) of nozzles n are arranged in the carrying direction. The nozzle plate 64 and a plurality of pressure chambers 66 corresponding to each of the nozzles n are mainly provided. The pressure chamber 66 is expanded and contracted by deformation of the piezo element 65 as a drive element.
The ink chamber 62 and the pressure chamber 66 communicate with each other via an ink supply port 67 and a supply side communication hole 68. Further, the pressure chamber 66 and the nozzle n are communicated via the first nozzle communication hole 69 and the second nozzle communication hole 61. That is, a series of ink flow paths from the ink chamber 62 to the nozzle n through the pressure chamber 66 is formed for each nozzle n.

The nozzle plate 64 in the present embodiment is configured as an ink repellent nozzle plate.
The nozzle n is opened with a relatively small diameter on the outer surface of the nozzle plate 64 facing the printing paper, and is opened with a relatively large diameter on the back side of the nozzle plate on the second nozzle communication hole 61 side. doing. For this reason, the inner wall surface of the nozzle n has a funnel shape or a cone shape.

The piezo element 65 is a so-called flexural vibration mode piezo element 65. When the piezoelectric element 65 in the flexural vibration mode is used, the piezoelectric element 65 contracts in a direction orthogonal to the electric field by charging and the pressure chamber 66 contracts, and the charged piezoelectric element 65 is discharged. The pressure chamber 66 expands in an orthogonal direction.
That is, in the print head 21, the capacity of the corresponding pressure chamber 66 changes as the piezo element 65 is charged / discharged. By utilizing such pressure fluctuations in the pressure chamber 66, ink droplets can be ejected from the nozzle n.

  Instead of the above-described flexural vibration mode piezoelectric element 65, a so-called longitudinal vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator may be used. The piezoelectric vibrator in the longitudinal vibration mode is a piezoelectric vibrator that expands the pressure chamber by deformation due to charging and contracts the pressure chamber 66 by deformation due to discharge.

  The printer 1 configured as described above ejects ink droplets from the print head 21 in synchronization with each reciprocation of the carriage 41 during the recording operation. On the other hand, when the carriage 41 is switched between the forward movement and the backward movement, the conveyance roller 17A is rotated to move the printing paper by the set line width in the conveyance direction. As a result, images, characters, and the like based on the print data are recorded on the print paper.

<<< Head driver >>>
As shown in FIG. 5, the head driver 22 includes a shift register circuit including a first shift register (first SR) 32 and a second shift register (second SR) 33, and a first latch circuit 37 and a second latch circuit 38. And a decoder 39, a control logic 54, a level shifter 34, and a switch circuit 55.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the head driver.

  As shown in FIG. 8, each shift register, each latch circuit, decoder, and switch circuit is provided with a first shift register 32A to 32N, a second shift register 33A to 33N, a second shift register provided for each nozzle n of the print head 21, respectively. 1 latch circuits 37A to 37N, second latch circuits 38A to 38N, decoders 39A to 39N, and switch circuits 55A to 55N.

  Driven by such a head driver 22, the print head 21 ejects ink droplets based on print data and timing signals from the controller 60. The print data (SI) from the controller 60 is serially transmitted from the internal I / F 31 to the first shift register 32 and the second shift register 33 in synchronization with the clock signal (CK) from the oscillation circuit 29.

  The print data from the controller 60 indicates each pixel as 2-bit data. Each pixel can form three types of pixels having different sizes by forming or not forming three dots that can be formed by three ink droplets. Specifically, each pixel is represented by four gradations including non-formed, small size pixels, medium size pixels, and large size pixels, and the print data is non-recording (00) and small size pixels are (01). The medium size pixel is indicated by (10) and the large size pixel is indicated by (11).

  Such print data is set for each pixel and for each nozzle n. Then, the lower bit data for all nozzles n is input to the first shift register 32 (32A to 32N), and the upper bit data for all nozzles n is input to the second shift register 33 (33A to 33N). .

  As shown in FIG. 8, a first latch circuit 37 is electrically connected to the first shift register 32. Similarly, a second latch circuit 38 is electrically connected to the second shift register 33.

  When a latch signal (LAT) supplied from the controller 60 using the PTS signal as a reference timing signal as a trigger is input to each of the latch circuits 37 and 38, the first latch circuit 37 outputs the lower-order bit data of the print data. The second latch circuit 38 latches the upper bits of the print data.

  Thus, the circuit unit composed of the first shift register 32 and the first latch circuit 37 and the circuit unit composed of the second shift register 33 and the second latch circuit 38 each function as a memory circuit. That is, these circuit units temporarily store print data before being input to the decoder 39.

  The print data latched by the latch circuits 37 and 38 is input to the decoders 39A to 39N. The decoder 39 translates the 2-bit print data to generate pulse selection data (pulse selection information). The pulse selection data is composed of a plurality of bits equal to or greater than the gradation data, and each bit corresponds to each pulse waveform constituting the drive signal (COM). The supply / non-supply of the drive pulse waveform to the piezo element 65 is selected according to the contents of each bit (for example, (0), (1)). Details of the supply of the drive signal (COM) and the drive pulse waveform will be described later.

On the other hand, a latch signal (LAT) and a change signal (CH) are also input to the decoder 39 as timing signals from the control logic 54.
The pulse selection data translated by the decoder 39 is input to the level shifter 34 every time the timing defined by the timing signal comes in order from the higher bit side. For example, the most significant bit data of the pulse selection data is input to the level shifter 34 at the first timing in the recording cycle, and the second bit data of the pulse selection data is input to the level shifter 34 at the second timing.
The level shifter 34 functions as a voltage amplifier. When the pulse selection data is “1”, the level shifter 34 outputs an electric signal boosted to a voltage capable of driving the switch circuit 55, for example, a voltage of about several tens of volts.

  The pulse selection data “1” boosted by the level shifter 34 is supplied to a switch circuit 55 that functions as drive pulse generation means and a control main unit. The switch circuit 55 generates a drive pulse by selecting a drive pulse included in the drive signal (COM) based on the pulse selection data generated by translating the print data, and supplies the drive pulse to the piezo element 65. To do. Therefore, the drive signal (COM) from the drive signal generation circuit 221 is supplied to the input side of the switch circuit 55, and the piezo element 65 is connected to the output side thereof.

  The pulse selection data controls the operation of the switch circuit 55. For example, during the period when the pulse selection data applied to the switch circuit 55 is “1”, the switch circuit 55 is in a connected state, and the drive pulse of the drive signal is supplied to the piezo element 65. As a result, the potential level of the piezo element 65 changes.

  On the other hand, during the period when the pulse selection data applied to the switch circuit 55 is “0”, the electric signal for operating the switch circuit 55 is not output from the level shifter 34. For this reason, the switch circuit 55 is disconnected, and the drive pulse of the drive signal is not supplied to the piezo element 65. During the period when the pulse selection data is “0”, the piezo element 65 maintains the potential level immediately before the pulse selection data switches to “0”.

=== Drive signal for ejecting ink ====
In the present invention, when ink is ejected from each nozzle row while the carriage 41 is moving, the target position where a pixel is to be formed with the ejected ink and the ink actually ejected from the nozzle row are formed. Since the drive signal is changed based on the amount of deviation from the pixel position, the drive signal is not one type, but a reference drive signal that is a reference for a plurality of different drive signals will be described first.

  In the present embodiment, one pixel is formed of each size pixel, that is, a large pixel, a medium pixel, and a small pixel, by combining three ink droplets. Then, a maximum of three ink droplets are ejected during a period (hereinafter referred to as one pixel period) TW in which ink for forming one pixel can be ejected.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a reference drive signal for ejecting ink from the nozzle row.
As shown in FIG. 9, the drive signal W has three dot formation signals that can form dots with three drops of ink within one pixel period. This dot formation signal is a first pulse signal PS1 output in the period T1, a second pulse signal PS2 output in the period T2, and a third pulse signal PS3 output in the period T3. Is a pulse train waveform signal that is repeatedly generated at a period TW.

  In the drive signal W, the first pulse signal PS1 is a medium dot drive pulse DP1 that ejects a medium ink droplet from the nozzle n, and the second pulse signal PS2 is a small dot drive pulse DP2 that ejects a small ink droplet from the nozzle n. Similarly to the first pulse signal PS1, the third pulse signal PS3 is a medium dot drive pulse DP3 for ejecting a medium ink droplet from the nozzle n.

  Then, when forming a large pixel as shown in FIG. 9, the first pulse signal PS1 and the third pulse signal PS3 are supplied to the piezo element 65 to form one pixel with two medium dots. Is done. When forming the medium size pixel, one of the first pulse signal PS1 and the third pulse signal PS3 and the second pulse signal PS2 are supplied to the piezo element 65, and one medium dot, one small dot, A single pixel is formed. At this time, which of the first pulse signal PS1 and the third pulse signal PS3 is supplied is set according to the moving direction of the carriage 41. When forming a small pixel, the second pulse signal PS2 is supplied to the piezo element 65, and one pixel is formed by one small dot. In the pixel image diagram of FIG. 9, the dots formed by the pixels formed by two dots are shown as being spaced apart from each other. However, in actuality, one pixel is formed by spreading or bleeding of ink. Yes.

  The first drive pulse DP1 is a first hold element P1 that maintains the intermediate potential VM until the potential starts to change after the latch signal (LAT) that is supplied with the PTS signal as a trigger is output, and the first drive pulse DP1 from the intermediate potential VM. A first charging element P2 that raises the potential to the highest potential VH1, a second hold element P3 that maintains the first highest potential VH1 for a predetermined time, and a potential from the first highest potential VH1 to the first lowest potential VL1 at a predetermined time. A first discharge element P4 to be lowered, a third hold element P5 to maintain the first lowest potential VL1 for a predetermined time, and a second charging element P6 to increase the potential from the first lowest potential VL1 to the intermediate potential VM in a predetermined time, And a fourth hold element P7 for maintaining the intermediate potential VM. The elements constituting the third drive pulse DP3 are the same as those of the first drive pulse DP1, but the base point of the first hold element is not a latch signal but a change signal supplied after a predetermined time from the output of the PTS signal. It is different. The first drive pulse DP1 and the third drive pulse DP3 can individually set the maximum potential, the minimum potential, the hold time of each hold element, the required time of the charge element, and the discharge element.

  When the drive pulses DP1 and DP3 are supplied to the piezo element, an amount of ink droplets that can form a medium dot is ejected from the nozzle n. More specifically, after being maintained at the intermediate potential VM for a predetermined time by the first hold element P1, the first charging element P2 is supplied and the piezo element 65 is charged from the intermediate potential VM. By this charging, the volume of the pressure chamber 66 expands from the reference volume to the first maximum volume. This expansion operation of the pressure chamber 66 is a drawing operation in which ink is drawn into the pressure chamber 66. Then, the pressure chamber 66 is rapidly contracted to the first minimum volume by the first discharge element P4. The contracted state of the pressure chamber 66 is maintained over a period during which the third hold element P5 is supplied. Due to the rapid contraction of the pressure chamber 66 and the maintenance of the contracted state, the ink pressure in the pressure chamber 66 is rapidly increased, and a medium ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle n. That is, the contraction operation of the pressure chamber 66 is an extrusion operation for extruding ink from the pressure chamber 66. Then, the pressure chamber 66 is expanded and restored by the second charging element P6 in order to converge the meniscus vibration in a short time.

  The drive pulse DP2 includes the fifth hold element P8 that maintains the intermediate potential VM until the potential starts to change after the change signal supplied after a predetermined time is output after the PTS signal is output, and the second pulse from the intermediate potential VM. A third charging element P9 that raises the potential to the highest potential VH2, a sixth hold element P10 that maintains the second highest potential VH2 for a predetermined time, and a potential from the second highest potential VH2 to the second lowest potential VL2 at a predetermined time. A second discharge element P11 to be lowered, a seventh hold element P12 to maintain the second lowest potential VL2 for a predetermined time, and a fourth charging element P13 to increase the potential in a predetermined time from the second lowest potential VL2 to the intermediate potential VM; And an eighth hold element P14 for maintaining the intermediate potential VM. The second drive pulse DP2 can set a maximum potential, a minimum potential, a hold time for each hold element, a required time for a charge element, and a discharge element.

  When the drive pulse DP2 is supplied to the piezo element 65, an amount of ink droplets that can form a small dot is ejected from the nozzle n. More specifically, after being maintained at the intermediate potential VM for a predetermined time by the fifth hold element P8, the third charging element P9 is supplied and the piezo element 65 is charged from the intermediate potential VM. The volume expands from the reference volume to the second maximum volume (retraction operation). The pressure chamber 66 is rapidly contracted to the second minimum volume by the second discharge element P11. The contracted state of the pressure chamber 66 is maintained over a period during which the seventh hold element P12 is supplied. Due to the rapid contraction of the pressure chamber 66 and the maintenance of the contracted state, the ink pressure in the pressure chamber 66 is rapidly increased, and a small ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle n (extrusion operation). Then, the pressure chamber 66 is expanded and restored by the fourth charging element P13 so as to converge the vibration of the meniscus in a short time.

  The drive signal is generated based on the shift amount information of each nozzle row and the drive data table stored in the ROM 27. The reference drive signal is a drive signal supplied to the nozzle row associated with the shift amount information indicating that the shift amount is “0”. Each nozzle row is supplied with drive data for generating a drive signal corresponding to the shift amount associated with the nozzle row.

==== Drive Signal Generation Unit ===
The drive signal described above is generated by the drive signal generation unit based on the shift amount information stored in the ROM 27 and the drive data table.

  The drive signal generation unit 221 includes a selector 222 for selecting a drive signal corresponding to each nozzle row based on a shift amount information and a drive data table, which will be described later, and a DAC circuit 223 that generates the selected drive signal. Have.

  The drive data table stores digital data as drive signal information for generating each drive signal. When the drive signal corresponding to the shift amount of the nozzle row to be driven is selected by the selector 222, the selection is made. The digital data of the drive data table corresponding to the drive signal thus output is output to the DAC circuit 223 at a predetermined cycle.

  The digital data is, for example, 4-bit data. In the first hold element P1, the data “1000” for applying the intermediate potential VM to the piezo element 65 corresponds to the first hold element P1 in synchronization with the period. It continues to be output to the DAC circuit for the time. When the time corresponding to the first hold element P1 elapses, the digital data is output in synchronization with the cycle such as “1001”, “1010”, “1011”..., And the intermediate potential VM is set to form the first charging element P2. From 1 to the first highest potential VH1, the potential increases step by step by a predetermined amount. When the digital data “1111” is supplied and reaches the first highest potential VH1, the state of the first highest potential VH1 is maintained by continuously supplying “1111” to form the second hold element P3. . When the time corresponding to the second hold element P3 elapses, the digital data is output in synchronization with the cycle as “1110” “1101” “1100”. The potential drops stepwise from the potential VH1 by a predetermined amount toward the first lowest potential VL1. When the digital data “0000” is supplied and reaches the first lowest potential VL1, “0000” is continuously supplied to form the third hold element P5, thereby maintaining the first lowest potential VL1. Then, when the time corresponding to the third hold element P5 elapses, the digital data is output in synchronization with the cycle as “0001”, “0010”, “0011”. 1 The potential rises stepwise from the lowest potential VL1 toward the intermediate potential VM by a predetermined amount.

  As described above, the DAC circuit 223 generates a drive signal based on the digital data of the drive signal selected by the selector 222. That is, in this case, the drive signal that is changed according to the amount of deviation is determined by the number of steps for supplying the digital data “1000” output to the DAC circuit 223 for the time corresponding to the first hold element P1. The timing at which the potential starts to change from the state where it is maintained at VM is adjusted.

=== Deviation Information and Drive Data Table Corresponding to Each Nozzle Row ===
For example, when the carriage 41 moves in one direction, the displacement amount information corresponding to each nozzle row is determined by ejecting ink from different nozzle rows to form a pixel row at a predetermined target position. At the time of formation, the displacement amount of the position of the pixel row formed by the ink ejected from each nozzle row, and when the carriage 41 reciprocates, in order to form the pixel row at a predetermined target position, In other words, a value obtained by measuring a positional deviation between a pixel row formed by ejecting ink from a predetermined nozzle row and a pixel row formed by ejecting ink from the same nozzle row in the forward pass, This is information indicating the measured value.

  The amount of misalignment information for each nozzle row is determined by measuring the amount of misalignment of the pixel rows formed by each nozzle row by printing ink from each nozzle row and printing a print pattern for measuring the amount of misalignment in the printer manufacturing process. It is obtained by measurement and stored in the ROM 27 in advance. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the concept of the shift amount information stored in the ROM 27.

  For example, based on the reference driving signal, first, in order to form a pixel row at a predetermined position, ink is actually ejected from each nozzle row, and a printing pattern for measuring a deviation amount is printed. The amount of misalignment of the other pixel rows is measured with reference to any one of the pixel rows formed by each nozzle row of the printed pattern. That is, the pixel row formed by the reference nozzle row becomes the target position, and the amount of deviation between this target position and the pixel row formed by each nozzle row is measured.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a deviation amount measurement pattern for measuring a deviation amount generated when printing is performed by moving the carriage in one direction. In this example, it is assumed that the deviation amount of the pixel columns (C, LC, M, LM, Y) formed with other inks is measured with reference to the black pixel column K formed with black ink. In the shift amount measurement pattern, the black pixel row K forms a pixel row with half of the nozzles of the black nozzle row located on the downstream side in the transport direction, and the other nozzle rows have each nozzle row. A pixel row is formed by nozzles located upstream in the transport direction among the nozzles. When a print pattern as shown in FIG. 11 is printed, the amount of deviation between the black pixel row and each pixel row is measured, and information indicating the measured amount of deviation is associated with each nozzle row. And stored in the ROM 27.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a misregistration amount measurement pattern for measuring the misregistration amount generated when printing is performed by reciprocating the carriage. Displacement measurement pattern The ink is ejected from each nozzle row at a predetermined interval in the outward path to form a pixel array, and the ink is ejected from the same nozzle array with the pixel array formed in the forward path as a target position. Thus, a pixel column is formed. That is, in the present embodiment, since the number of nozzle rows is six, six rows of pixel rows of different colors (described as (out) in FIG. 12) are formed in the forward pass, and six colors of six rows are also provided in the return pass. A pixel row (described as (reverse) in FIG. 12) is formed. Then, when a print pattern as shown in FIG. 12 is printed, the amount of deviation between the two pixel rows formed of the same color ink is measured, and information indicating the measured amount of deviation and each nozzle row Are stored in the ROM 27 in association with each other.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the concept of the drive data table stored in the ROM 27. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the drive data table forms a pixel column in which the target position coincides with the shift amount information, the pixel column formed with the ink ejected from the nozzle column associated with the shift amount information. Information indicating possible drive signals is associated.

  In the example of the drive data table shown in FIG. 13, as the shift amount information, the shift amount is set in three steps in units of 5 μm with the shift amount “0” as the center, and seven drive signals corresponding to the total shift amount of seven steps. Is set.

  In the present embodiment, the first to third driving in the reference driving signal is used as a driving signal for forming a pixel column formed by ink ejected from each nozzle column and a target column that matches the target position. By changing the time of the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 of the pulses DP1 to DP3, the timing at which ink is ejected to form medium dots and small dots is changed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the difference between the reference drive signal and other drive signals.
In FIG. 14, the middle stage signal is a reference drive signal, the upper stage signal is a drive signal corresponding to a deviation “15 μm”, and the lower stage signal is a drive signal corresponding to a deviation “−15 μm”. It is. Further, below each drive signal, an image showing a difference in dot formation positions formed by each drive signal is shown. The reference drive signal serving as the drive signal corresponding to the shift amount “0” is as described above.

  As shown in the figure, the drive signal corresponding to the amount of deviation “15 μm” indicates that the times of the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 of the first to third drive pulses DP1 to DP3 are compared with the reference drive signal. The drive signal corresponding to the shift amount “−15 μm” is shortened by the time t. The drive signals corresponding to the shift amount “−15 μm” are the times of the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 of the first to third drive pulses DP1 to DP3. Both are extended by time t compared to the reference drive signal. For this reason, when ink is ejected based on the drive signal corresponding to the shift amount “15 μm”, the ejection timing is earlier than when ink is ejected based on the reference drive signal, and the formed pixels are in the CR movement direction. In the direction opposite to the traveling direction. Further, when ink is ejected based on the drive signal corresponding to the deviation amount “−15 μm”, the ejection timing is delayed as compared with the case where ink is ejected based on the reference drive signal, and the formed pixels are in the CR movement direction. In this case, it is formed on the traveling direction side.

  In the present embodiment, the elements other than the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 constituting the first to third drive pulses DP1 to DP3 are all the same as the reference drive signal. For this reason, it is possible to change only the position where a pixel is formed without changing the size of the medium dots and small dots formed. In addition, the drive data table associates the shift amount information with the drive signal suitable for the shift amount, and stores digital data as drive signal information for forming a necessary drive signal in the ROM 27 or the like in advance. It is possible to easily generate a drive signal, reduce the burden on the control unit, and improve the throughput.

  The drive signal corresponding to the deviation amount “5 μm” and the deviation amount “−5 μm” is the extension time and shortening time of the first hold element P1 (1/3) × t, and the deviation amount “10 μm” and the deviation amount. In the drive signal corresponding to “−10 μm”, the extension time and reduction of the first hold element P1 are (2/3) × t.

  At this time, it is desirable to set the extension time and the reduction time of the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 in each drive signal based on the natural vibration period Tc of the piezo element. For example, if the extension time and the reduction time (1/3) × t are set to an integral multiple of the natural vibration period Tc, the piezo element can be operated efficiently, so the first hold element P1 and the first hold element P1 It is possible to secure a desired time set as the 5-hold element P8.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8 of the first to third drive pulses DP1 to DP3 are changed, but the first to third drive pulses DP1 to DP3 are not necessarily changed. It is not necessary to change the first hold element P1 and the fifth hold element P8. In this case, for example, it is desirable to change only the drive pulse for forming the dots constituting the low gradation portion. Here, the reason why the low gradation portion is particularly selected is that, in the region excluding the low gradation portion, large-sized pixels and medium-sized pixels are also formed, so even if a shift occurs in the position where the pixels are formed, This is because the pixel size is so large that it is difficult to stand out. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the generation ratio of dots constituting an image and the density (gradation) of the image. As shown in the figure, the dots constituting the low gradation portion are small dots, and a high-quality image can be printed by forming the small dots at appropriate positions.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a drive signal in which only a signal for forming a small dot is changed. As shown in the figure, by changing only the fifth hold element P8 of the second drive pulse DP2, it is possible to print an image having a low gradation portion with high image quality and mainly medium characters such as characters and illustrations. In the case of printing with a large size pixel constituted by the above, it is possible to reduce the time required for the process of generating the drive signal by using the reference drive signal.

  In addition, since the low gradation portion is formed by light color ink, that is, light cyan ink, light magenta ink, yellow ink, etc., a process of changing the drive signal to adjust the position where the pixel is formed is performed. Alternatively, only the nozzle row that discharges light-colored ink may be used. In this case, the work of measuring the amount of deviation in the manufacturing process is reduced, and the amount of deviation information and the data amount of the drive data table are reduced.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the printer of this embodiment.
When the power is turned on (S101), the printer 1 associates each nozzle row with a drive signal suitable for each nozzle row based on the deviation amount information stored in the ROM 27 and the drive data table ( S102)
The printer 1 receives print data together with a print command signal from a computer connected to the printer 1 (S103), and generates a drive signal associated with each nozzle row in the drive signal generation unit 221 (S104). Based on the signal, the generated drive signal is supplied to the switch (S105). The control unit operates the switch based on the print data while moving the carriage 41, and prints an image by appropriately supplying the drive pulse of the drive signal to the piezo element 65 (S106).

  According to the ink jet printer 1 of this embodiment, when the carriage 41 moves in one direction, the positions of the pixel rows formed by all the nozzle rows of the print head 21 can be matched. Further, when the carriage 41 reciprocates, it is possible to match the positions of the pixel rows formed in the forward path and the backward path by the same nozzle row. For this reason, it is possible to print a good image that is less likely to cause uneven color tone and uneven density due to pixel misalignment.

  In the above embodiment, the amount of deviation between the position of the pixel formed in each nozzle row and the target position is measured, and the drive signal is changed according to the measured amount of deviation. It is possible to change the formation position. Further, when changing the drive signal, only the time of the first hold element P1 in the drive pulse is changed, so that the position of the pixel to be formed can be changed by a minute amount, and the piezo element 65 is vibrated. Since the signals to be generated, that is, the highest potential, the lowest potential, the charging and discharging time, and the like are the same, it is possible to change the position where the pixel is formed without changing the amount of ejected ink. . For this reason, since a pixel is formed at the target position by the ink ejected from the ink ejection section, it is possible to print a good image.

=== Modification of Drive Signal ===
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modification of the drive signal in the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the drive signal in this modification changes the first and second highest potentials VH1 and VH2 and the first and second lowest potentials VL1 and VL2 without changing the time of the first hold element P1. This is different from the above-described embodiment.

  By changing the first and second highest potentials VH1 and VH2, and the first and second lowest potentials VL1 and VL2, the change in volume of the pressure chamber 66 due to charging and discharging, that is, the amount of expansion and contraction changes. Therefore, by changing the first and second highest potentials VH1 and VH2, and the first and second lowest potentials VL1 and VL2, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle is different. When the amount of ink is different, the ink weight to be ejected is naturally different, and the time from the ejection to the printing paper is different. That is, by increasing the maximum potential and decreasing the minimum potential, the amount of ink discharged increases, so that the ink discharge speed increases and reaches the printing paper quickly. For this reason, compared with the case where ink is ejected by the reference drive signal, the position where the pixel is formed is formed on the opposite side to the traveling direction in the CR movement direction.

  Further, by lowering the maximum potential and increasing the minimum potential, the amount of ink discharged is reduced, so that the ink discharge speed is reduced and the time until the ink reaches the printing paper is increased. For this reason, the position where the pixel is formed is formed on the traveling direction side in the CR movement direction as compared with the case where ink is ejected by the reference drive signal.

  By associating such drive signals with the shift amount information in the drive data table, it is possible to adjust the shift amount of the pixel column formed by each nozzle. In this case, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle becomes uniform because the ink ejection amount is adjusted by changing the drive signal so that the ink ejection speed is the same. For this reason, the size variation among the large size pixels, medium size pixels, and small size pixels formed by being discharged from each nozzle is reduced, and a better image can be printed.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

  (1) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good.

  (2) The present invention is generally applicable to printing apparatuses that eject ink droplets, and can be applied to various printing apparatuses other than color inkjet printers. For example, the present invention can be applied to an ink jet facsimile machine and a copying machine.

  In the above-described embodiment, a printer provided with one print head has been described. However, this is different in a printer having a plurality of print heads and each print head having a nozzle array that ejects ink of a plurality of colors. The drive signal may be changed for each nozzle row so that the shift amount of the pixel row formed by the nozzle row ejecting the same color ink provided in the print head is reduced. In this case, even when one image is printed using a plurality of print heads, the positions of pixels formed by different print heads are the same. It is possible to print a good image at high speed.

<<< Configuration of printing system >>>
Next, embodiments of a printing system and a computer program, which are examples of embodiments according to the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the printing system. The computer system 700 includes a computer main body 702, a display device 704, a printer 706, an input device 708, and a reading device 710. The display device 704 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 706, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 708 uses a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 710 uses a flexible disk drive device 710A and a CD-ROM drive device 710B. However, the reading device 710 is not limited to this. For example, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device or a DVD (Digital Versatile) is used. Disk) etc. may be used.

  20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system illustrated in FIG. An internal memory 802 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 804 are further provided in a housing in which the computer main body 702 is housed.

  In the above description, the example in which the printer 706 is connected to the computer main body 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710 to configure the computer system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the computer system may be configured by the computer main body 702 and the printer 706, and the printing system may not include any of the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710.

  For example, the printer 706 may have a part of each function or mechanism of the computer main body 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710. As an example, the printer 706 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.

  In addition, the computer program for controlling the printer in the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the printer controller 41, and the printer controller executes the computer program to achieve the printer operation of the above-described embodiment. Also good.

  The printing system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet printer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a carriage and its peripheral portion of an inkjet printer. The figure which shows the conveyance part and its peripheral part of an inkjet printer. The block diagram for demonstrating the controller of this embodiment. The figure which looked at the print head from the lower surface side. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the internal structure of a print head. The block diagram for demonstrating a head driver. The figure which shows the reference | standard drive signal for discharging ink from a nozzle row. The figure which shows an example of the concept of the deviation | shift amount information memorize | stored in ROM. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a deviation amount measurement pattern for measuring a deviation amount generated when printing is performed by moving a carriage in one direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a deviation amount measurement pattern for measuring a deviation amount generated when printing is performed by reciprocating a carriage. The figure which shows an example of the concept of the drive data table memorize | stored in ROM. The figure for demonstrating the difference with a reference drive signal and another drive signal. The figure which shows the response | compatibility with the generation rate of the dot which comprises an image, and the density | concentration of an image. The figure which shows the drive signal which changed only the signal for forming a small dot. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the modification of the drive signal in this invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a printing system. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing system illustrated in FIG. 19.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet printer, 2 Operation panel, 3 Paper discharge part, 4 Paper feed part 5 Operation button, 6 Indicator lamp, 7 Paper discharge tray, 8 Paper feed tray,
10 paper transport unit, 13 paper feed roller, 14 platen,
15 Paper transport motor (PF motor), 16 Paper transport motor driver (PF motor driver)
17A transport roller, 17B paper discharge roller, 18A / 18B free roller 20 ink discharge unit, 21 print head, 22 head driver,
221 drive signal generator, 222 selector, 223 DAC circuit, 25 external I / F,
26 RAM, 27 ROM, 28 control unit, 29 oscillation circuit, 30 roll paper unit,
31 internal I / F, 32 first shift register (first SR),
33 second shift register (second SR), 34 level shifter, 35,
36 roll paper unit holder, 37 first latch circuit, 38 second latch circuit,
39 Decoder, 40 Carriage unit, 41 Carriage,
42 Carriage motor (CR motor),
43 Carriage motor driver (CR motor driver),
44 pulley, 45 timing belt, 46 guide rail,
48 ink cartridge (black), 49 ink cartridge (color)
50 measuring instrument group, 51 linear encoder, 52 rotary encoder,
53 paper detection sensor, 55 switch circuit, 60 control unit,
61 second nozzle communication hole, 62 ink chamber, 64 nozzle plate,
65 piezo elements, 66 pressure chambers, 67 ink supply ports, 68 supply side communication holes,
69 first nozzle communication hole, 700 printing system, 702 computer main body,
704 display device, 706 printer, 708 input device,
708A keyboard, 708B mouse, 710 reader,
710A flexible disk drive device,
710B CD-ROM drive device, 802 internal memory,
804 hard disk drive unit,
n Nozzle

Claims (17)

A movable body that includes a plurality of ink ejection units and is movable in a predetermined direction;
While the moving body is moving,
In a printing apparatus that discharges ink from each of the plurality of ink discharge units to form pixels on a medium based on a drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger,
The drive signal is changed based on a shift amount between a target position of a pixel to be formed by ink ejected from the ink ejection unit and a position of a pixel formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit. A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target position is a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from different ink ejection units. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The moving body is reciprocally movable;
The target position is a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from a predetermined ink ejection unit in the forward path of the moving body,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal is changed so as to adjust a position of a pixel formed by ink ejected from the predetermined ink ejection unit in a return path of the moving body. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The drive signal is a dot formation signal for ejecting ink droplets from the ink ejection section a plurality of times within a period in which one pixel can be formed, and enabling each ink droplet to form a dot. A plurality of
A printing apparatus characterized in that the dot formation signal can be individually changed. The printing apparatus according to claim 4,
The dot formation signal is supplied based on an ejection timing signal output a plurality of times to eject the ink droplets a plurality of times using the reference timing signal as a trigger,
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the time from when each of the ejection timing signals is supplied to when the ink is ejected is changed by changing the drive signal. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The ink ejection unit ejects ink by changing from a state in which the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential,
The time from when the dot formation signal is supplied to when ink is ejected is changed by adjusting the timing at which the dot formation signal starts to change from the state where the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.
The ink discharge unit discharges ink in a pull-in operation that draws ink and an extrusion operation that pushes out ink based on the change in the potential,
A printing apparatus that adjusts the timing at which a potential starts to change while maintaining a potential pattern for defining the pull-in operation and the push-out operation. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of ink ejected from the ink ejection unit that forms dots is changed by changing the drive signal. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of ink ejected from the ink ejection section is changed by adjusting a maximum potential in the dot formation signal. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The ink ejection unit can eject a plurality of types of dots of different sizes by ejecting ink;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dot formation signal to be changed is the dot formation signal for forming a dot excluding the dot of the maximum size among the plurality of types of dots. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The plurality of ink ejection units can eject a plurality of color inks including inks having different densities in the same color for each color,
The printing apparatus, wherein the drive signal is changed so that a shift amount of a pixel formed by ink having a low density among the inks having the same color and different density is small. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The ink ejection unit has a drive element for ejecting ink,
The printing apparatus, wherein the drive signal is changed based on a natural vibration period of the drive element. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A plurality of drive signal information for generating different drive signals corresponding to the amount of deviation;
One of the drive signal information is selected based on the shift amount, and a drive signal generated based on the selected drive signal information is supplied. A movable body that includes a plurality of ink ejection units and is movable in a predetermined direction;
While the moving body is moving,
In a printing apparatus that discharges ink from each of the plurality of ink discharge units to form pixels on a medium based on a drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger,
The ink ejection unit can eject a plurality of types of dots of different sizes by ejecting ink;
The plurality of ink ejection units can eject a plurality of color inks including inks having different densities in the same color for each color,
The drive signal is a dot formation signal for ejecting ink droplets from the ink ejection section a plurality of times within a period in which one pixel can be formed, and enabling each ink droplet to form a dot. A plurality of
The dot formation signal can be individually changed,
The dot formation signal is supplied based on an ejection timing signal output a plurality of times to eject the ink droplets a plurality of times using the reference timing signal as a trigger,
The ink ejection unit has a drive element for ejecting ink in a drawing operation for drawing ink and an extrusion operation for pushing out ink based on the change in the potential;
Based on the amount of deviation from the position of the pixel formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection section, with the position of the pixel formed by ink ejected from a different ink ejection section as the target position,
Among the plurality of types of dots, the dot formation signal for forming dots excluding the dots of the maximum size and the pixels formed with the low density ink among the inks having different densities in the same color are formed. While maintaining the potential pattern for defining the pull-in operation of the ink ejection unit and the push-out operation of the dot formation signal for
Drive signal information for adjusting the timing at which the dot formation signal starts to change from a state where the dot formation signal is maintained at a predetermined potential after the dot formation signal is supplied based on the natural vibration period of the drive element, There are multiple units corresponding to the amount of displacement,
One of the drive signal information is selected based on the shift amount, and a drive signal generated based on the selected drive signal information is supplied. A movable body that includes a plurality of ink ejection units and is movable in a predetermined direction;
While the moving body is moving,
Based on a drive signal supplied using a reference timing signal as a trigger, a printing apparatus that ejects ink from each of the plurality of ink ejection units to form pixels on a medium,
The drive signal is changed based on a shift amount between a target position of a pixel to be formed by ink ejected from the ink ejection unit and a position of a pixel formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit. A computer program for realizing the functions. A computer body,
It has a moving body that is connected to the computer main body and includes a plurality of ink ejection units and is movable in a predetermined direction.
While the moving body is moving,
In a printing system comprising: a printing device that ejects ink from each of the plurality of ink ejection units to form pixels on a medium based on a drive signal supplied using a reference timing signal as a trigger;
The drive signal is changed based on a shift amount between a target position of a pixel to be formed by ink ejected from the ink ejection unit and a position of a pixel formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit. A printing system characterized by that. A target position of a pixel to be formed with ink ejected from an ink ejection unit provided in a movable body movable in a predetermined direction, and formed by ejecting ink from the ink ejection unit while the movable body moves. Selecting a drive signal for ejecting ink from the plurality of ink ejection units based on the amount of deviation from the position of the pixel to be
Forming a pixel on a medium by ejecting ink from each of the plurality of ink ejection units based on the selected drive signal supplied with a reference timing signal as a trigger.

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