JP2012035602A - Recorder, recording system, and recording module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording module, a recorder and a recording system allowing recording of an image of high definition by relationally setting drive timings of a plurality of recording heads while maintaining independence of control systems of the recording heads.SOLUTION: An encoder signal according to a carrying amount of a recording medium, and a TOF signal output when a mark on the recording medium is detected are input into the recording modules A, B. Each of the recording modules A, B uniquely generates an Hsignal every time the recording medium is carried by a predetermined amount. The recording module A sets an output timing of a drive signal of a recording head 1K according to the difference between an Hsignal rise time tA and a TOF signal rise time t0. The recording module B sets an output timing of a drive signal of a recording head 2K according to the difference between a Hsignal rise time tB and the TOF signal rise time t0.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording system, and a recording module for recording an image on a recording medium transported along a predetermined transport path using a plurality of recording heads.

  In order to record an image on a recording medium that is continuously transported along a predetermined transport path, a plurality of recording heads that independently perform a recording operation are provided at positions facing the recording medium on the transport path. There is a recording system provided (see Patent Document 1). When these recording heads are divided into a plurality of recording modules, the recording modules are arranged in a direction intersecting the conveyance path or along the conveyance path. These recording modules can record an image in cooperation with one recording medium by driving a recording head provided therein. Each recording module can drive the recording head in synchronization with a common first pulse signal corresponding to the recording medium conveyance speed. The recording module independently generates a second pulse signal every time the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount, and drives the recording head in synchronization with the second pulse signal, thereby enabling an independent control system. Can be configured. That is, each recording module can control the recording head independently for each recording module using individually input recording data and the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal set individually. , It is not necessary to send and receive data and signals between each other.

JP 2007-160916 A

  However, when the plurality of recording modules independently generate the second pulse signal, the relationship between the drive timings of the recording heads among the plurality of recording modules is not managed, and therefore the second pulse signal There is a risk of deviation. When such a deviation occurs, there is a possibility that the image recorded by the cooperation of the recording heads of the plurality of recording modules is disturbed, and the image quality is lowered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a recording module and a recording module capable of recording a high-quality image by relatedly setting the drive timing of the recording heads while maintaining the independence of the control system of the plurality of recording heads. To provide an apparatus and a recording system.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention uses a plurality of recording heads arranged at positions opposite to a conveyance path where the recording medium is conveyed to a predetermined conveyance path, and records an image on the recording medium on the conveyance path based on the recording data. A first generating means for generating a first pulse signal corresponding to the transport amount of the recording medium, and a detection when a predetermined portion of the recording medium passes a predetermined position on the transport path Detecting means for outputting a signal; second generating means for generating a second pulse signal corresponding to each recording head based on the first pulse signal each time the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount; and the detection The output timing of the drive signal for driving the recording head for each recording head according to the deviation between the signal output timing and the generation timing of the second pulse signal corresponding to each recording head. Characterized by comprising setting means for setting a grayed, the.

  According to the present invention, by setting the output timing of the drive signals of the recording heads based on signals common to the plurality of recording heads, while maintaining the independence of the control systems of those recording heads, High-quality images can be recorded with the same recording position.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system as a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a plan view of a recording apparatus in the printing system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the recording apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a control system of the print system of FIG. 1. It is a timing chart for explaining basic operation of one recording module. It is explanatory drawing of the recorded image by the basic operation | movement of one recording module. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the basic operation | movement of two recording modules, and a recording medium. 7 is a timing chart for explaining a recording operation of recording heads provided in the two recording modules of FIG. 6. It is explanatory drawing of the recording image by the recording head with which the two recording modules of FIG. 6 are equipped. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a recording operation of two recording modules in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a recorded image by the recording operation of the two recording modules in FIG. 9. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a recording operation of the recording module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a top view of the recording device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view of the recording device. It is explanatory drawing of the recording image by the recording head with which the two recording modules of FIG. 12 are equipped.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a recording system according to the present embodiment, in which a recording apparatus provided with a recording module and a host computer (host apparatus) as a control apparatus are connected. 2A and 2B are a plan view and a side view of the main part of the recording apparatus.

  The recording apparatus 10 of this example includes two recording modules 1 and 2 and a transport unit 3, and these recording modules 1 and 2 are connected to a host computer 51 by a printer cable 52. The host computer 51 outputs image data, information on paper (recording medium), and the like as control commands to the recording modules 1 and 2 via the printer cable 52. Further, the host computer 51 notifies the user of the status of the recording modules 1 and 2 by receiving the status information (such as error information) of the recording modules 1 and 2 as a control command.

  The transport unit 3 transports the recording medium P in the transport direction indicated by the arrow A along the transport path on the roller 7. The transport unit 3 continuously transports the recording medium P in the direction of arrow A by driving the roller 7 by the transport motor 5. An encoder (first generation means) 6 for detecting the rotation is attached to the roller 7, and the detection signal is sent to the recording modules 1 and 2 as an encoder signal (first pulse signal) as will be described later. Entered. The encoder signal is output according to the conveyance amount of the recording medium. In this example, the encoder signal is output according to the rotation amount of the roller 7. As shown in FIG. 2B, the conveyance unit 3 may include a conveyance belt 8 that is stretched between the roller 7 and the guide roller 4. The recording medium P is marked with a mark M for each predetermined range. For example, when images are recorded for each predetermined range corresponding to one page on a continuous recording medium P, a mark M is added for each predetermined range. In the example of FIG. 2A, the same image is repeatedly recorded on a continuous recording medium P every predetermined range corresponding to one page. Further, when an image is recorded on the recording medium P in units of one page, a mark M is given for each page. In the following description, it is assumed that the mark M is attached to each page. The transport unit 3 includes a TOF sensor 9 for detecting the mark M, and the detection signal of the TOF sensor 9 is recorded as a TOF signal for detecting the recording start position for each page, as will be described later. Input to modules 1 and 2. The TOF signal is output when a predetermined portion of the recording medium to which the mark M is attached passes through a predetermined position (a position where the TOF sensor is installed) on the transport path.

  The recording modules 1 and 2 are disposed above the transport unit 3 and record images on the recording medium P transported in the transport direction indicated by the arrow A by the transport unit 3. In this example, the recording modules 1 and 2 are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction and the transport direction of the recording medium P, and record images on the recording medium P in cooperation with each other. That is, the recording module 1 is positioned on the left side in the conveyance direction A of the recording medium P and records the left side portion of the image to be recorded, while the recording module 2 is directed in the conveyance direction A of the recording medium P. The right part of the image to be recorded is recorded on the right side. The host computer 51 can divide the recording data in accordance with the positions where the recording modules 1 and 2 are arranged, and then transmit the divided recording data to the corresponding recording modules 1 and 2.

  Each of the recording modules 1 and 2 is provided with a recording head of an ink jet method or a thermal method capable of recording an image, and these recording heads are arranged in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. A plurality of recording elements are provided. For example, in the case of an ink jet recording head, nozzles constituting a recording element are arranged, and in the case of a thermal recording head, a heat generating part constituting a recording element is arranged.

  In the case of this example, the recording module 1 includes a recording head 1K for discharging black ink, a recording head 1C for discharging cyan ink, a recording head 1M for discharging magenta ink, and a recording head 1Y for discharging yellow ink. Yes. Similarly, the recording module 2 includes a recording head 2K for discharging black ink, a recording head 2C for discharging cyan ink, a recording head 2M for discharging magenta ink, and a recording head 2Y for discharging yellow ink. In this example, the recording heads provided in the recording modules 1 and 2 are ink jets capable of ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles arranged in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the recording medium P (in the present example, a direction orthogonal). It is a recording head. Such a recording head can eject ink from an ejection port at the tip of the nozzle using an electrothermal conversion element (heater), a piezoelectric element, or the like. For example, in the case where an electrothermal conversion element is used, the ink can be ejected by utilizing the foaming energy by generating heat to foam the ink. The recording heads included in the recording modules 1 and 2 are not limited to such an ink jet recording head, and may be any recording head that can record an image on the recording medium P conveyed in the arrow A direction.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a control system of the recording apparatus 10 in the present embodiment.

  Since the recording module 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “recording module A”) and the recording module 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “recording module A”) are configured in the same manner, the configuration of the recording module 1 is represented below. I will explain.

  Recording data and commands transmitted from the host computer 51 to the recording module 1 are received by the main controller 11A via the interface controller 12A under the control of the main controller 11A. The main controller 11 </ b> A is an arithmetic processing device that performs overall control of recording data reception and recording operation in the recording module 1. After analyzing the command received from the host computer 51 via the interface controller 12A, the main controller 11A renders the image data of each color component of the recording data by developing a bitmap on the image memory 14A. The image memory 14A is used as an image development unit. The operation processing of the recording module 1 before image recording includes processing of driving the capping motor 20A and the head lifting / lowering motor 19A by the main controller 11A via the input / output port 16A and the motor driving unit 18A. The capping motor 20A is a motor for moving a cap capable of capping the nozzles of the recording head, and the head lifting motor 19A is a motor for lifting the recording head. By driving these motors by the main controller 11A, the recording head can be moved away from the cap and moved to the image recording position.

  The main controller 11A of the recording module 1 inputs an encoder signal and a TOF signal output from the encoder 6 and the TOF sensor 9 of the transport unit 3 via an input / output port (input unit) 17A. As will be described later, the main controller 11A detects the conveyance state of the recording medium based on the encoder signal from the encoder 6, and determines the recording start timing for each page based on the TOF signal from the TOF sensor 9. Further, the main controller 11A sequentially reads the recording data from the image memory 14A in synchronization with the encoder signal from the encoder 6. The recording data read from the image memory 14A is transferred by the main controller 11A to the corresponding recording head via the recording head control circuit 22A.

  The operation of the main controller 11A is executed based on a program stored in the program ROM 13A. The program ROM 13A stores processing programs and tables corresponding to control described later. A work RAM 15A is used as a working memory. The main controller 11A pressurizes or sucks ink in the recording head by driving the pump motor 21A via the input / output port 16A and the motor driving unit 18A during the cleaning or recovery operation of the recording head.

  As will be described later, the main controller 11A generates a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync signal) synchronized with the conveyance of the recording medium P based on the encoder signal from the encoder 6. The Hsync signal is a pulse signal (second pulse signal) output every time the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount, and the main controller 11A functions as a second generation unit that generates the signal. The output timing of the drive signal for each recording head is determined by the main controller 11A according to the Hsync signal and the TOF signal. Along with the drive signal, image data for one raster stored in the image memory 14A is sent to the recording head control circuit 22A by the main controller 11A. Based on the image data, the corresponding recording head ejects ink toward the recording medium P to record an image.

  Since the recording module 2 is configured in the same manner as the recording module 1, the same parts as the components 11A to 22A in the recording module 1 are denoted by reference numerals 11B to 22B, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the transport unit 3, the main controller 23 drives the transport motor 5 via the motor drive circuit 24, and the input / output port 25 is connected to the input / output ports 17 A and 17 B of the recording modules 1 and 2. The transport unit 3 includes an operation panel 26 that receives an input from the operator.

(Basic operation of the recording module)
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the basic operation of the recording module, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a recording result by the basic operation. Here, the operation of the recording module 1 will be described by taking as an example the case of using one recording head 1K in one recording module 1 as shown in FIG.

  The recording module detects the running state of the recording medium P based on the encoder signal input from the transport unit 3. In the case of this example, the encoder signal is a signal that outputs 4800 pulses every time the recording medium P is conveyed 1 inch in the direction of arrow A, and corresponds to a recording density of 4800 dpi. The recording module generates a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync signal) as a signal for determining the ejection cycle of the recording head 1K based on the encoder signal. In this example, the encoder signal of 4800 dpi is divided to generate an Hsync signal corresponding to a recording density of 600 dpi. In some cases, the encoder signal is multiplied to generate an Hsync signal.

  The recording module inputs a TOF signal, which is a detection signal of the mark M, from the transport unit 3 and then drives the recording signal in synchronization with the Hsync signal when the recording medium P is transported in the direction of arrow A by a distance (L1 + L2). Is output to the recording head 1K. The distance L1 is the distance between the TOF sensor 9 and the recording head 1K, and the distance L2 is the distance from the mark M to the recording start position of the image for one page (the leading margin). The recording head 1K receives ink according to the recording data from the time when the recording medium P is conveyed by the distance (L1 + L2), that is, from the time when the recording start position of the image for one page passes the position facing the recording head 1K. An image is recorded by ejecting. The detection of the edge of the TOF signal and the calculation of the transport distance of the recording medium up to the subsequent drive timing of the recording head 1K are all performed in units of the cycle of the Hsync signal. When image recording is performed using the recording heads 1K, 1C, 1M, and 1Y in the recording module 1, a driving signal is output for each recording head based on the same Hsync signal.

  In this example, the recording head is divided into 16 blocks and driven in blocks. That is, all the nozzles of the recording head are divided into 16 blocks, and these nozzles are driven at different timings for each block. Therefore, 16 blocks of drive signals A1, A2, A3,... A16 are output from the time when the edge of the Hsync signal is detected as a drive signal for the recording head. In the example of FIG. 5, 64 nozzles having nozzle numbers 1, 2, 3,... 64 are formed on the recording head 1K from the left side to the right side in FIG. They are divided into 4 groups. In response to the first drive signal A1, the 16n + 1th nozzle (n is a positive integer including 0) ejects ink to form a dot D1. Similarly, by the second, third,..., 16th drive signals A2, A3,... A16, the 16n + 2nd, 16n + 3rd,. ..., D16 is formed. In this way, by ejecting ink in 16 blocks from 64 nozzles, an image is recorded line by line as lines A, B, and C in FIG.

  FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the recording operation when the recording modules 1 and 2 are used. As described above, the recording modules 1 and 2 (recording modules A and B) use the Hsync from the encoder signal. Generate a signal. The Hsync signals generated by these recording modules 1 and 2 are not always synchronized. The reason is that the recording modules 1 and 2 independently generate Hsync signals, and these Hsync signals are generated so as to be synchronized with a common encoder signal, but are not synchronized with each other. It is because it is generated. That is, since the recording modules 1 and 2 independently generate Hsync signals according to their respective activation timings, timing deviations may occur in these Hsync signals.

  When such a shift in the Hsync signal occurs, even if the recording modules 1 and 2 receive the common encoder signal and TOF signal, the positions of dots formed on the recording medium P (ink droplet landing positions) ).

  The recording module 1 synchronizes with the Hsync signal after the time t0 when the TOF signal rises and when the recording medium P is conveyed in the direction of arrow A by the distance (L1A + L2) from the first rise time t1 of Hsync. A drive signal for the recording head 1K is output. The distance L1A is the distance between the TOF sensor 9 and the recording head 1K, and the distance L2 is the distance from the mark M to the recording start position of the image for one page (the leading margin). PA is a recording area of an image for one page on the recording medium P. Similarly, after the time t0 when the TOF signal rises, the recording module 2 changes the Hsync signal when the recording medium P is conveyed in the direction of arrow A by the distance (L1B + L2) from the first rising time t2 of Hsync. Synchronously, a drive signal for the recording head 2K is output. The distance L1B is a distance between the TOF sensor 9 and the recording head 2K. Similarly, driving signals for the recording heads 1C, 1M, and 1Y of the recording module 1 and driving signals for the recording heads 2C, 2M, and 2Y of the recording module 2 are also output based on the Hsync signal.

  In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the rising times t1 and t2 of the Hsync signal of the recording modules 1 and 2 are shifted by 3 pulses of the encode signal. These Hsync signals are signals corresponding to a recording density of 600 dpi as described above.

  As described above, when an image is recorded by ejecting ink from the recording heads 1K and 2K by the block driving method similar to that shown in FIG. 5 in a state where the Hsync signals of the recording modules 1 and 2 are shifted, FIG. As shown in FIG. That is, since the output timing of the drive signals of the recording heads 1K and 2K is shifted in accordance with the shift of the Hsync signal, the recording image of the lines A, B,... By the recording head 1K and the line A by the recording head 2K. .., B,...

(Characteristic configuration of this embodiment)
9A and 9B are timing charts for explaining the recording operation in the present embodiment, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a recording result by the recording operation, and FIG. 12 is for explaining the recording operation. It is a flowchart of.

  In this example, as in the case of FIG. 6 described above, images are recorded on the recording medium P using the recording modules 1 and 2, and these recording modules perform recording operations independently according to the flowchart of FIG. Execute.

  First, each recording module receives recording data from the host computer 51 (step S1), develops it in the image memories 14A and 14B, and moves the recording head provided in the recording module to a predetermined recording position. (Step S2). Thereafter, the conveyance state of the recording medium P is detected from the encoder signal input from the conveyance unit 3 (step S3), and an Hsync signal is generated based on the encoder signal (step S4). In this example, as shown in FIG. 9A, an encoder signal corresponding to a recording density of 4800 dpi is divided to generate an Hsync signal corresponding to a recording density of 600 dpi. As described above, the Hsync signal generated for each recording module serves as a reference for the driving signal of the recording head in each recording module. In addition, the Hsync signal generated independently for each recording module may shift without being synchronized as described above. In the case of this example, the Hsync signals of the recording modules 1 and 2 are shifted by 3 pulses of the encoder signal as shown in FIG.

  Next, each recording module detects the mark M from the TOF signal input from the transport unit 3 (step S5), and calculates the distance (L1 + L2) for each recording head in each recording module in units of pulses of the Hsync signal. (Step S6). As described above, the distance L1 is the distance between the TOF sensor 9 and the recording head, and the distance L2 is the distance from the mark M to the recording start position of the image for one page (tip margin). . Specifically, the recording module 1 (A) calculates the distance (L1A + L2) as shown in FIG. 6 as the distance (L1 + L2) for the recording head 1K, and the recording module 2 (B) calculates the distance for the recording head 2K. A distance (L1B + L2) as shown in FIG. 6 is calculated as (L1 + L2). Further, each recording module measures a delay time T between the output timing of the TOF signal and the generation timing of the Hsync signal in units of pulses of the drive signal (step S7). Specifically, the recording module 1 (A) measures the time T1 from time tA to time t0 as shown in FIG. 9A as the delay time T, and the recording module 2 (B) uses the delay time T as the delay time T. Time T2 from time tB to time t0 as shown in FIG. 9A is measured.

  Next, each recording module sets the output timing of the drive signal for each recording head in those recording modules (step S8). Specifically, the recording module 1 (A) sets a time point ta in FIG. 9A as the output timing of the drive signal for the recording head 1K. The time point ta is a time point that has elapsed from the rise time point t1 of the Hsync signal by the number of pulses obtained by adding the pulse number corresponding to the distance (L1A + L2) and the pulse number corresponding to the delay time T1. Further, the recording module 2 (B) sets a time point tb in FIG. 9A as the output timing of the drive signal for the recording head 2K. The time point tb is a time point that has elapsed from the rising point t2 of the Hsync signal by the number of pulses obtained by adding the number of pulses corresponding to the distance (L1B + L2) and the number of pulses corresponding to the delay time T2.

  In the case of this example, as described above, the recording head is divided into 16 blocks and block-driven. Therefore, the drive signals A1, A2,... A16 for 16 blocks for the recording head 1K are output from the time ta, and the drive signals B1, AB,. Will be output. More specifically, for the recording head 1K, the number of Hsync signal pulses corresponding to the distance (L1B + L2) is counted from the time point t0, and then the number of driving signal pulses corresponding to the delay time T1 is further counted. A drive signal is output from time ta. Similarly, for the recording head 2K, the number of Hsync signal pulses corresponding to the distance (L1A + L2) is counted from the time point t0, and then the number of driving signal pulses corresponding to the delay time T2 is counted. The drive signal is output.

  Each recording module records an image on the recording medium P by ejecting ink based on the recording data and driving signal for each recording head in the recording module (step S9). The recording data corresponds to ink ejection or non-ejection from the nozzles of the recording head, and the drive signal corresponds to the ink ejection timing. Based on the drive signal for each recording head, ink is ejected from the recording heads 1K, 1C, 1M, 1Y and 2K, 2C, 2M, 2Y of the recording modules 1 and 2 onto the recording medium P. A color image can be recorded. Such a recording operation is repeated until the recording amount on the recording medium P reaches a specified amount (for example, a predetermined number of sheets) (step S10).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, recording is performed in consideration of the delay time T between the Hsync signal set individually for each of the recording modules 1 and 2 and the TOF signal common to the recording modules 1 and 2. A head drive signal is generated. Therefore, when the Hsync signal for each of the recording modules 1 and 2 is shifted, the shift can be corrected with reference to the TOF signal. As a result, the recording positions of the images by the recording modules 1 and 2 can be adjusted with high accuracy. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to record high-quality images by matching the recording lines A, B, C... By the recording heads 1K, 2K of the recording modules 1, 2 with high accuracy.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a plurality of recording modules capable of recording a color image using four colors of ink are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of recording heads for recording images of the same color are mounted on one recording module, and a plurality of recording heads are used by using a plurality of such recording modules. It can be configured to record images in cooperation.

  12A and 12B show the recording modules 1 and 2 arranged in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the recording heads 1K-1 to 1K-4 and 2K-1 to 2K-4 for discharging black ink. Is installed. Each of the recording modules 1 and 2 divides the same recording data on the image memory into four, and records them by four recording heads.

  Similar to the above-described embodiment, by correcting the shift of the Hsync signal for each of the recording modules 1 and 2 with reference to the TOF signal, four recording heads in the recording modules 1 and 2 as shown in FIG. High-quality images can be recorded at high speed. That is, the line A is recorded by the recording heads 1K-1 and 2K-1, the line B is recorded by the recording heads 1K-2 and 2K-2, the line C is recorded by the recording heads 1K-3 and 2K-3, The line D is recorded by the recording heads 1K-4 and 2K-4. As a result, compared to the case of the first embodiment described above, the conveyance speed of the recording medium P can be quadrupled, and an image can be recorded at a fourfold speed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by mounting a plurality of recording heads for recording the same color image on each of the plurality of recording media, the images are recorded at high speed in cooperation with the plurality of recording heads. be able to.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the recording apparatus including two recording modules has been described. However, three or more recording modules may be provided. Further, it is sufficient that one or more recording heads are mounted on the recording module. Further, the transport unit 3 is not limited to a configuration that outputs an encoder signal using the encoder 6, but may be any configuration that generates a pulse signal corresponding to the transport speed of the recording medium.

  The present invention is also applicable to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a printer, etc.) and a device composed of a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.). can do. The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus. That is, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading out the program code from the storage medium and executing it. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. be able to. In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, on the basis of an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing. . Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the above-described implementation is performed based on the instruction of the program code. Form functions can also be realized. That is, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording module 1K, 1C, 1M, 1Y Recording head 2 Recording module 2K, 2C, 2M, 2Y Recording head 3 Conveying part 6 Encoder 9 TOF sensor 51 Host computer 11A, 11B Main controller P Recording medium M Mark

Claims (10)

A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium on a conveyance path based on recording data using a plurality of recording heads arranged at positions facing a conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction. ,
First generating means for generating a first pulse signal corresponding to the conveyance amount of the recording medium;
Detection means for outputting a detection signal when a predetermined portion of the recording medium passes a predetermined position on the conveyance path;
Second generating means for generating a second pulse signal corresponding to each recording head based on the first pulse signal each time the recording medium is conveyed by a predetermined amount;
A drive signal for driving the recording head for each recording head according to a deviation between the output timing of the detection signal and the generation timing of the second pulse signal corresponding to each recording head. Setting means for setting the output timing;
A recording apparatus comprising: The second generation means generates the second pulse signal in common for two or more of the recording heads,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets an output timing of driving signals of the two or more recording heads according to the same deviation.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first generation unit includes an encoder that detects a rotation amount of a roller on the conveyance path. The recording head includes a plurality of recording elements arranged in a direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of the recording medium,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of recording elements are driven based on the drive signal. The plurality of recording elements are divided into a plurality of blocks,
The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive signal is output for each of the plurality of blocks.   2. The plurality of recording heads include a plurality of recording heads capable of recording images of different colors, and are arranged so as to be shifted at least in a direction along or intersecting a conveyance direction of the recording medium. To 5. The recording device according to any one of 5 to 5.   2. The plurality of recording heads include a plurality of recording heads capable of recording an image of the same color, and are arranged so as to be shifted at least in a direction along or intersecting with the conveyance direction of the recording medium. To 5. The recording device according to any one of 5 to 5. The plurality of recording heads are mounted in a plurality of recording modules,
The first pulse signal and the detection signal are input to each of the plurality of recording modules,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation unit and the setting unit are provided in each of the plurality of recording modules. A recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A host device that generates and outputs the recording data according to the deployment position of the recording head for the plurality of recording heads;
A recording system comprising: A recording module provided in the recording apparatus according to claim 8,
A recording module comprising: at least one recording head; an input unit for inputting the first pulse signal and the detection signal; the second generation unit; and the setting unit.

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