JP2016041488A - Printer, print control program, and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve highly-precise and rapid printing processing by reducing recording processing of a pixel on a recording unit.SOLUTION: A printer includes one or a plurality of printing recording parts (8), a pixel extraction part (12), a storage part (14), and one or a plurality of pixel writing part (16). The printing recording part includes a plurality of recording units (10) arranged side by side and shifting a recording position of a pixel between the recording units, and prints on a printing medium (18) by printing means (6). The pixel extraction part extracts and holds pixel information included in fetched print image data in an order of recording on the recording units in each recording unit of a recording destination. The storage part stores the pixel information held in the pixel extraction part collectively by each predetermined capacity. A pixel writing part fetches and holds the pixel information from the storage part and writes the held pixel information in the recording unit upon a timing of a writing start set on each recording unit to the corresponding printing recording part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The technology of the present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus, a printing control method, and a printing control program including a pixel rearrangement function in printing processing.

  In a printing apparatus, for example, when printing a multi-color image, or in order to increase the resolution of a print image, a plurality of recording units for recording print data to be printed are arranged, or a plurality of print heads having a recording unit are arranged. Things are known. In the printing apparatus, for example, the number of recording units and the arrangement direction of the print heads and the arrangement direction are determined according to the recording structure of pixel data, the method of the print processing function, and the like. In addition, it is known that a printing apparatus performs data rewriting or correction processing in advance on a deviation amount generated by printing processing on a plurality of recording units and print heads arranged side by side.

  With respect to such a printing apparatus, in writing line data, it is known to write line data into buffer memories having different correction amounts in accordance with a deviation in parallelism with other print heads (for example, Patent Document 1). ). In addition, it is known to set the pixel shift amount of the recording data in accordance with the inclination of the recording head for the recording head in which a part of the recording head chips in which the recording elements are arranged in a row is overlapped ( For example, Patent Document 2)

JP-A-11-268348 JP 2007-196483 A

  By the way, in a printing apparatus, for example, when a plurality of low-priced recording units are arranged in parallel and the resolution is increased by interpolating pixels between these recording units, there is a difference between the printed pixels depending on the arrangement state between the recording units. Occurs. In the printing apparatus, for example, the recording units are arranged to be shifted in order to interpolate between pixels. Therefore, when the pixel information of the provided image is simply distributed to each recording unit and printed, an image in which the pixel arrangement is switched is obtained. It will be printed.

  Therefore, in a host computer connected to the printing apparatus, for example, when printing is requested, it is necessary to generate image data for printing in which pixel information is rearranged according to the printing characteristics of each printing apparatus. For this reason, even if a print request is issued by the host computer, the printing apparatus waits until the image data for printing is provided, so that it takes time for the printing process. When image data for printing is generated on the printing apparatus side, the printing apparatus does not provide a processing area such as a register for each recording position set in each recording unit in order to store and arrange pixel information, for example. There is a problem that leads to higher costs.

  Further, in the printing apparatus, for example, when image data is received and processed in units of pages, the capacity of pixel information to be processed becomes large, so that it takes time to rearrange pixels and to arrange pixel information for a recording unit. Also, since the printing apparatus has a small recording area with respect to the host computer, it cannot store a large number of pages at a time, and repeating the transmission and reception of image data with the host computer reduces the time loss of the entire printing process. growing. The printing apparatus needs a larger storage area to store a large number of pages of the generated printing data.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose or suggest such problems, and the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot solve such problems.

Accordingly, an object of the technology of the present disclosure is to reduce the processing and realize high-precision and quick printing processing with respect to the pixel recording processing for the arrangement structure of the recording units on the printing apparatus side.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure includes one or more print recording units, a pixel extraction unit, a storage unit, and one or more pixel writing units. The print recording unit includes a plurality of recording units arranged in parallel and with pixel recording positions shifted between the recording units, and causes pixel information recorded in the recording units to be printed on a print medium by a printing unit. The pixel extracting unit extracts and holds the pixel information included in the captured print image data for each recording unit as a recording destination and in the order in which the recording unit records the pixel information. The storage unit stores the pixel information held in the pixel extraction unit for each predetermined capacity. The pixel writing unit captures and holds the pixel information from the storage unit, and holds the pixel information triggered by a writing start timing set for each recording unit with respect to the associated print recording unit. Information is written to the recording unit.

  According to the technique of the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Since the pixel rearrangement process included in the print image data can be performed together with the print process, the print process can be started quickly.

  (2) The image data can be rearranged on the printing apparatus side with respect to the arrangement order set for the recording units, and the waiting time from the print request to the start of printing can be reduced.

  (3) A processing area of a certain capacity may be secured for each recording unit, and the cost of the printing apparatus can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing recording part. It is a figure which shows the principle of pixel interpolation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print control. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing recording part. It is a figure which shows the example of a printing state according to the structure of a printing recording part. It is a figure which shows an example of the function which extracts and aggregates pixel information from print image data. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage state of the aggregated pixel information. It is a figure which shows an example of the writing function of pixel information. It is a figure which shows the process example which rewrites the image data for printing according to the transmission timing of pixel information. It is a figure which shows the image printed based on the image data for printing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer of a printer control unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print control. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a printing recording part. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | generation function of the data for printing. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a pixel writing part. It is a figure which shows an example of the read-out pixel information set to each intermediate memory read-out part. It is a figure which shows the count process by a transmission start line counter. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data for printing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the transition process of a pixel writing part. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | generation function of the data for printing. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a pixel writing part. It is a figure which shows an example of the read-out pixel information set to each intermediate memory read-out part.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

  The printing apparatus 2 is an example of a printing apparatus of the present disclosure, and prints print image data provided from the host computer 4 on a print medium 18 (FIG. 2) such as a print sheet. The printing apparatus 2 is, for example, a laser printer, an inkjet printer, a dot printer, or the like, and is not limited to a printing method or a pixel information recording method. The printing apparatus 2 includes, for example, a printing unit 6, a print recording unit 8, a pixel extraction unit 12, a storage unit 14, a pixel writing unit 16, and the like, and prints on a print medium 18 while converting print image data into print data. Let

  The printing unit 6 is an example of a unit that prints pixel information written in the recording unit 10 on the printing medium 18. The printing unit 6 is associated with, for example, the recording units 10A, 10B,... Connected to the print recording unit 8, and the printing position is set for each of the recording units 10A, 10B,. In the printing apparatus 2, for example, when a plurality of printing units 6-1, 6-2,... Are provided, the same number or a plurality of printing recording units 8-fewer than the printing units 6-1, 6-2,. 1, 8-2,... May be associated, or one print recording unit 8 may be associated.

  The print recording unit 8 is an example of a unit that stores pixel information to be printed by the printing unit 6, and includes one or a plurality of recording units 10A, 10B,. The recording units 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B cause the printing function component to set the pixel information in a printable state by writing the pixel information. Each of the recording units 10A, 10B,... May be a physically independent storage unit, or may be virtually divided into a storage area such as a memory. The recording units 10A, 10B,... Are arranged in parallel, for example, and can be displaced by displacing the start point and end point of the recording position of the pixel information between the adjacent recording units 10A, 10B,. Are arranged as follows. Accordingly, in the printing process, the printing unit 6 is associated with the arrangement configuration of the recording units 10A, 10B,.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the recording unit 8 includes four recording units 10A to 10D arranged in parallel in the conveyance direction (longitudinal direction) of the printing medium 18. For example, A line is printed. On the recording units 10A to 10D, recording positions P11, P12... For printing the pixel information on the printing unit 6 are set, and adjacent recording positions on the same recording unit 10A to 10D. There is a predetermined arrangement interval X. The arrangement intervals X are all set at equal intervals. The recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D displace the print recording position in the print recording direction (lateral direction) with respect to the print medium 18. The recording positions P11, P21, P31, P41, P12,... Of the recording units 10A to 10D do not overlap on a straight line parallel to the conveyance direction of the print medium 18. That is, the sum of the positional deviation amounts XL of the recording units 10A to 10D is set to be equal to or smaller than the arrangement interval X.

  In the printing process of the printing apparatus 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pixel information recorded at the recording positions P11, P12,... Of the recording units 10A to 10D at the first printing timing (I). Print images PA11, PA12,... Are printed. Next, the printing apparatus 2 advances the printing medium 18 by a predetermined amount in the transport direction, and then performs printing processing at the second printing timing (II). By the second printing process, the second printing images PA11, PA12 are placed on the printing medium 18 at positions shifted by the carry amount with respect to the printing images PA11, PA12,... Printed by the first printing process. Printed.

  For example, when the number of times of the printing process is increased, the print medium 18 is moved between the print images PA11, PA12, PA13,... Print images PA21, PA31, PA41,... Of the recording units 10B to 10D are arranged. In this printing apparatus 2, for example, by interpolating between pixels by the arrangement of the recording units 10A to 10D, it is possible to perform printing at four times the resolution.

  In the printing apparatus 2, a resolution other than four times is realized by setting the number of recording units 10A, 10B,..., The arrangement interval X of the recording positions P11, P12,. Can do.

  The printing apparatus 2 can perform high-resolution printing that fills the space between the arrangement intervals X by performing printing by interpolating between pixels with different recording units 10A to 10D. Further, the printing apparatus 2 can avoid bleeding and mixing of ink and toner by printing the interpolated print image at different print timings.

  The printing apparatus 2 performs printing by, for example, shifting the print medium 18 in the transport direction, and interpolates between all the pixels of the print images PA11, PA12,... Printed by several lines of print processing from the start. Is not to be done. In the printing apparatus 2, for example, the number of prints and the print state in which interpolation between pixels is performed differ depending on the arrangement state of the recording units 10A to 10D, the conveyance amount of the print medium 18, and the like. Therefore, the printing apparatus 2 records pixel information for the recording units 10A to 10D based on conditions set by the arrangement characteristics of the print positions, the transport amount of the print medium 18, or the pixel recording order. That is, the printing apparatus 2 generates printing image data by rearranging the pixel information by setting the conditions such as the arrangement characteristics and recording timing of the recording units 10A to 10D and recording the pixel information.

  The pixel extraction unit 12 is an example of a functional component that generates print data from print image data provided from the host computer 4, and extracts pixel information from received print image data according to specific extraction conditions. The pixel extraction unit 12 includes, for example, the number of recording units 10A, 10B,... Installed in the print recording unit 8, the arrangement interval between the recording units 10A, 10B,. Is set. Then, the pixel extraction unit 12 extracts pixel information from the print image data in the recording order for each of the recording units 10A, 10B,.

  Accordingly, the pixel extraction unit 12 aggregates, arranges, and holds the pixel information to be recorded in the same recording unit 10A, 10B,. As for the condition of this arrangement, for example, the recording order with the earlier recording order may be arranged first with reference to the recording position on either the left or right end side of the recording units 10A, 10B,. This recording order is set according to the conditions of the order in which pixel information is written at the recording positions P11, P12,.

  The storage unit 14 is an example of a unit that stores the extracted pixel information. The pixel information extracted and held by the pixel extraction unit 12 is stored for each recording unit 10A, 10B,. Are stored together. In the storage unit 14, an address indicating a storage position is set for each piece of pixel information or for each group of a plurality of pieces of pixel information, and stored in the arrangement order set by the pixel extraction unit 12. In sending out the pixel information, the pixel information is taken out for each capacity set from the designated address and sent to the pixel writing unit 16 or the like.

  The pixel writing unit 16 is an example of a functional component that generates print data. The pixel writing unit 16 takes in pixel information from the storage unit 14, and sets pixel information for each recording unit 10A, 10B,... According to the set writing start timing. Write. The pixel writing unit 16 includes, for example, the print recording unit 8 to which pixel information is written, and has the same number of storage areas as the recording units 10A and 10B of the print recording unit 8 therein. In each storage area, pixel information is fetched for each predetermined capacity based on the address set to the storage unit 14.

  The writing start timing is an example of timing information for writing pixel information to each recording position P11, P12,..., And is counted or counted in conjunction with the printing timing. In the printing process, in order to interpolate between the printing pixels by the recording units 10A to 10D, the timing for writing the pixels to the recording positions P11, P12,.

  The pixel writing unit 16 acquires pixel information to be written from the storage unit 14 for each of the associated recording units 10A to 10D. Then, in the printing process, when the writing start timing set after the printing process is started, pixel information is sent to specific recording positions P11, P12,. Accordingly, the print image data is rewritten to print data by being written in the recording units 10A to 10D in accordance with the set write start timing.

  The printing apparatus 2 may include a plurality of pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2,... According to the number of print recording units 8-1, 8-2,. Further, one pixel writing unit 16 may be associated with, for example, a plurality of print recording units 8-1, 8-2,. In this case, the pixel writing unit 16 may write pixel information to different print recording units by writing timing control corresponding to the plurality of print recording units 8-1, 8-2,.

  <About print processing>

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print control. This print control is an example of the print control method or print control program of the present disclosure, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such processing contents and processing procedures.

  In the print control, a print request from the host computer 4 is received and print image data is captured (S1). At this time, the host computer 4 does not rearrange the pixels based on the printing apparatus 2 including the print position condition. The pixel extraction unit 12 extracts pixel information for each of the recording units 10A to 10D from the received print image data based on a predetermined condition (S2) and holds it, and stores it in the storage unit 14 at a predetermined timing. The extracted pixel information is stored (S3). In the pixel information extraction process, for example, the pixel information is distributed by a predetermined capacity to the recording area secured in the pixel extraction unit 12 for each of the recording units 10A to 10D.

  The pixel writing unit 16 takes in the pixel information of the capacity set from the storage unit 14 (S4), and waits until printing is started. The pixel writing unit 16 monitors the writing start timing in conjunction with the printing timing in response to the start of printing (S5). Then, the pixel writing unit 16 repeats the determination of whether or not the number of prints has progressed and the writing start timing has come (NO in S6). When it is time to start writing (YES in S6), the pixel writing unit 16 writes the pixel information to the recording positions of the recording units 10A, 10B,... In the order stored, for example (S7).

  According to such a configuration, since the rearrangement process of the pixels included in the print image data can be performed together with the print process, the print process can be started quickly. Further, the image data can be rearranged on the printing apparatus 2 side with respect to the arrangement order set for the recording units 10A to 10D, and the waiting time from the print request to the start of printing can be reduced. A processing area having a certain capacity may be secured for each of the recording units 10A to 10D, and the cost of the printing apparatus 2 can be reduced.

  [Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The printing apparatus 30 is an example of a printing apparatus according to the present disclosure, and pixel information for the print medium 18 is recorded by one print recording unit 8, and print processing is performed based on the pixel information. In the printing apparatus 30, print data is generated by the image extraction unit 12, the intermediate memory 34, and the pixel writing unit 16 for the captured print image data, and the print data is recorded in the print recording unit 8. . In addition, the printing apparatus 30 includes a printer control unit 36, a medium transport unit 38, and the like.

  The printing device 30 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) device 32, for example, wirelessly or by wire, and performs printing processing of image data on the printing medium 18 in response to a print request. The PC device 32 is an information processing device that performs image processing such as text and video, and includes a mobile terminal device and a game machine in addition to a PC. The PC device 32 includes, for example, an image generation unit 40, and a print request for the generated image 42 is made to the printing device 30. In the printing process, print image data including the generated image 42 is transmitted from the PC device 32 to the printing device 30 together with the print request.

  The pixel extraction unit 12 includes an aggregation shift register unit 44 and an intermediate memory writing unit 46, for example. The aggregation shift register unit 44 is an example of a holding register of the present disclosure, and is an area that holds pixel information included in print image data pixel by pixel. The aggregation shift register units 44 are provided in the same number as the number of the recording units 10 included in the print recording unit 8, and are associated so as to hold pixel information to be recorded by a specific recording unit 10.

  In the aggregation shift register unit 44, for example, a storage area corresponding to the capacity of pixel information to be recorded in one printing process is set in the intermediate memory 34. The recording capacity of the aggregate shift register unit 44 is set based on the number of pixels to be recorded in the associated recording units 10A to 10D (FIG. 6) out of pixel data for one line to be printed with print data, for example. Good. In the extraction of pixel information, for example, pixel information is extracted and held for each recording unit based on conditions such as a preset recording position of the recording unit 10. That is, the aggregation shift register unit 44 aggregates pixel information to be recorded for each of the recording units 10A to 10D.

  When pixel information having a certain capacity is held, the pixel extraction unit 12 transmits the held pixel information to the intermediate memory 34 via the intermediate memory writing unit 46. The intermediate memory writing unit 46 has a function of temporarily storing the pixel information in addition to designating the recording position of the extracted pixel information with respect to the intermediate memory 34.

  The intermediate memory 34 is an example of a storage unit of the present disclosure, and pixel information for each fixed capacity extracted by the pixel extraction unit 12 is stored in a designated storage area. Further, the intermediate memory 34 transmits the pixel information stored at the specified address to the pixel writing unit 16 for the stored pixel information.

  In the pixel writing unit 16, for example, a transmission shift register unit 48 and an intermediate memory reading unit 50 are formed. The transmission shift register unit 48 is associated with a specific recording unit 10 and is an example of a processing area for transmitting and writing pixel information to the recording unit 10. The intermediate memory reading unit 50 is an example of a processing unit that reads pixel information for each predetermined capacity from a specific address in the intermediate memory 34. The intermediate memory reading unit 50 corresponds to the progress of the printing process, the number of times of reading from the intermediate memory 34, and the like. The reading position in 34 is specified.

  The sending shift register unit 48 adjusts the timing for starting writing pixel information to the recording unit 10 based on conditions set by the array characteristics of the recording unit 10, the transport amount of the printing medium 18, the pixel recording order, and the like. The sending shift register unit 48 causes the recording unit 10 to transfer pixel information of a capacity for each recording line to be printed in one printing process, for example.

  The print recording unit 8, the pixel extraction unit 12, the intermediate memory 34, and the pixel writing unit 16 are formed by a computer using, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable gate array). These processing functions may be formed by independent processing circuits, or these processing functions may be formed in one processing circuit.

  The printer control unit 36 is an example of a unit that controls the entire operation function of the printing apparatus 30. The printer control unit 36 includes, for example, response processing to a print request with the PC device 32, control of the start and end of printing processing, linkage processing between pixel information recombination and conveyance by the medium conveyance unit 38, and the like. .

  The medium transport unit 38 is an example of a control function that controls a transport mechanism for the print medium 18 (not shown). For example, based on an instruction from the printer control unit 36, the medium transport unit 38 performs an operation control process of a driving unit that forms the transport unit, a start and end process of the transport process, an adjustment process of the transport amount of the print medium 18, and the like.

  <About the configuration of the print recording unit 8 and its printing state>

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the print recording unit. In the printing apparatus 30, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a pixel information recording area is set by one print recording unit 8 for the print medium 18. In the printing apparatus 30, for example, four recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are arranged in parallel in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the print medium 18. These recording units 10A to 10D are arranged, for example, with a shift amount U having an equivalent size. The recording units 10A to 10D are displaced, for example, with respect to the recording row direction, and the left and right end portions are displaced according to the amount of displacement. The amount of change between the recording units 10A to 10D is formed, for example, by one pixel with reference to the recording unit 10A.

  Note that the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D illustrated in FIG. 6 indicate pixel information recording areas to be printed in the row direction of the print medium 18. Accordingly, the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are not limited to those having the same width as the print medium 18. In the printing process, the pixel information recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D may be printed by, for example, one printing component, or a narrow printing unit is moved in the line direction with respect to the printing medium 18. The pixel information recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D may be printed. In addition, although the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D show a case where, for example, a part of the right or left end portion protrudes from the print medium 18, the present invention is not limited to this. When the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are longer than the print medium 18, the printing apparatus 30 may record pixel information in an area that matches the width of the print medium 18.

  <Recording of Pixel Information for Recording Units 10A to 10D and an Example of Printed Image>

  In the printing apparatus 30, for example, pixel information is arranged and stored pixel by pixel from the recording unit 10A to the recording unit 10D in order. In the printing process, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, when printing the print image data D, the recording units 10A to 10D are caused to record pixel information for each recording row. However, the print medium 18 is printed in a state different from the print image data D by printing according to the arrangement shape of the recording units 10A to 10B, for example, as shown in B of FIG. Specifically, when the data DI (A1, A2, A3...) Of one recording line transferred first is printed on the print image, a deviation amount U between the respective recording units 10A to 10D. Pixel information is printed at the same time. At this time, since the deviation amount U is adjacent to, for example, pixel information (C1, C2, C3,...) Printed for the third time, the deviation amount U is an interval corresponding to two timings in the transport direction. The amount of deviation U to be printed is determined according to the amount of conveyance once for the print medium 18.

  Therefore, in the printing apparatus 30, in order to print on the print medium 18 with the same arrangement as the pixel information of the print image data D, the pixel information is rearranged and printed according to the arrangement characteristics of the recording units 10A to 10D. The printing apparatus 30 grasps the printing state based on the array characteristics of the recording units 10A to 10D and stores in advance a pixel information conversion method for the array characteristics. Moreover, the printing apparatus 30 should just memorize | store several conversion methods according to the conveyance amount of the printing medium 18, for example.

  <About the pixel information extraction function>

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the function of the pixel extraction unit 12 that extracts and aggregates pixel information from print image data. The processing procedure and processing content shown in FIG. 8 are examples.

  In the printing apparatus 30, for example, as pixel data extraction processing, pixel information is captured for each recording row from print image data (A in FIG. 8). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the pixel extraction unit 12 includes aggregation shift register units 44 </ b> A to 44 </ b> D and intermediate memory writing units 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D respectively associated with the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D. The pixel extraction unit 12 distributes and records pixel information to the aggregate shift register units 44 </ b> A to 44 </ b> D according to preset pixel recording conditions for the fetched print data of the first recording row.

  In the distribution of the pixel information, the pixel information is sequentially stored in the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D from one end side of the print image data for one recording line in accordance with the above-described conditions. Each aggregation shift register unit 44A to 44D stores the pixel information while maintaining the sorted order. Aggregate shift register units 44A to 44D each have a recording area having a capacity corresponding to the number of pixels to be continuously processed, for example, in pixel write timing processing described later. This recording capacity is set such that pixel information for one recording row can be stored, for example, with respect to the arrangement conditions of the recording units 10A to 10D.

  When the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D record the pixel information for one recording row, the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D transmit the pixel information to the write buffer registers 52A to 52D of the intermediate memory writing units 46A to 46D. The write buffer registers 52 </ b> A to 52 </ b> D are an example of a processing area for performing pixel information writing processing on the intermediate memory 34. By providing the buffer registers 52A to 52D, the pixel information extraction process by the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D and the writing process to the intermediate memory 34 can be executed independently, and the printing process can be speeded up.

  The intermediate memory writing units 46A to 46D store pixel information at designated addresses in the intermediate memory 34 based on the instruction information recorded in the write address registers 54A to 54D. The write address registers 54A to 54D are examples of the address register of the present disclosure, and store position information in the intermediate memory 34 that records the extracted pixel information. The write address registers 54A to 54D may count, for example, the number of pixel information extraction processes. In addition, the write address registers 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> D may specify the recording position in the intermediate memory 34 according to an instruction from the printer control unit 36, for example.

  For example, when the extraction of the pixel information for one recording row is completed, the pixel extraction unit 12 stores the pixel information directly from the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D in the intermediate memory 34 in accordance with an instruction from the intermediate memory writing units 46A to 46D. May be.

  <Configuration Example of Intermediate Memory 34>

  In the intermediate memory 34, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, recording areas 34A to 34D are divided in association with the recording units 10A to 10D, and pixel information is stored. That is, the pixel information extracted for the aggregate shift register unit 44A is stored in the recording area 34A. In the recording area 34A, pixel information is arranged in a state of being grouped for each recording row. In the pixel information writing process, pixel information for each recording row is collectively sent to the pixel writing unit 16.

  In the intermediate memory 34, for example, address information for specifying the recording start position and the reading position of the pixel information is set according to the capacity of the collected pixel information.

  <Regarding pixel information writing function>

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the pixel writing unit 16 includes intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D associated with the recording units 10A to 10D. In each of the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D, for example, transmission start row counters 58A to 58D, read address registers 60A to 60D, and read buffer registers 62A to 62D are formed. The transmission start row counters 58A to 58D are examples of the counter of the present disclosure, and count the timing at which the pixel information stored in the transmission shift register unit 48 is transmitted to the recording units 10A to 10D. The sending start line counters 58A to 58D count the number of printing processes for each recording line.

  The intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D fetch and hold pixel information for each predetermined capacity in the read buffer registers 62A to 62D based on the set addresses in the intermediate memory 34 set in the read address registers 60A to 60D, respectively. The read buffer registers 62A to 62D may read the pixel information from the intermediate memory 34 when, for example, the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D each count 0.

  The transmission start line counters 58A to 58D start counting when the printing process starts. When the counts by the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D are not 0, the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D output, for example, blank pixels. When the counter reaches 0, the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D take in pixel information from the read buffer registers 62A to 62D, for example.

The sending shift register units 48A to 48D output pixel information to the selector 64 pixel by pixel. The selector 64 is an example of a processing function unit that is formed across the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D and captures pixel information transmitted from the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D at each transmission timing. The transmission start row counter value Sm of the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D is calculated and set by the following equation (1), for example. m is a character for identifying the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D, for example, A to D.
Sm = (N−M) × U (1)
Here, M is the number of the recording units 10A to 10D corresponding to the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D, and 1 to 4 are assigned to the recording units 10D in order from the recording unit 10A. N is the number of recording units set in the print recording unit 8. U represents the amount of deviation between the adjacent recording units 10A and 10B.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the selector 64 takes in pixel information L1, L2,... Sent out from the sending shift register units 48A to 48D simultaneously or one pixel at a time in a specific order. Print data to be recorded at the print timing is generated. In the transmission shift registers 48A to 48D in which the count values of the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D are not 0, for example, information indicating no pixel information ("-") is output. In the print medium 18, the positions where no pixel information is recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D are blank.

  In the printing apparatus 30, for example, the number of times of pixel information fetched by the selector 64 is determined according to the number of pixels W in one recording row to be recorded by the print recording unit 8 in one printing process. When the number of pixels W in one recording row is 40, since the recording units 10A to 10D are four, the selector 64 performs the capturing process of the pixel information L1, L2,. That is, the number of captures of the selector 64 is the number of pixels arranged in the recording row direction of each of the recording units 10A to 10D.

  The transmission start row counters 58A to 58D include blank pixels without pixel information as one recording row, and reduce the count value one by one as pixel information for each predetermined capacity is transmitted. At this time, the transmission start line counter 58A is set to “6” as a count value set based on the deviation amount U of the recording units 10A to 10D, for example. Further, for example, “4” is set as the count value in the transmission start line counter 58B, and for example, the count value “2” is set in the transmission start line counter 58C. Here, the printing apparatus 20 performs a printing process for each recording line and performs a recording process of pixel information for the recording units 10A to 10D. In the printing apparatus 20, the printing medium 18 is conveyed by the conveying unit for each printing process of one recording line. In the printing apparatus 20, the transmission start line counters 58 </ b> A to 58 </ b> D count the pixel writing timing and the conveyance timing of the printing medium 18 for each recording line, thereby conveying the printing medium 18 to the set position. Predetermined pixel information can be recorded at the timing.

  The transmission shift register units 48A to 48D transmit pixel information to the recording units 10A to 10D according to the count values of the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D. As a result, the printing apparatus 30 generates printing image data 70 in which pixel information included in the printing image data is rewritten, as shown in FIG. 11B.

  By generating the printing image data 70, the printing apparatus 30 has the maximum misaligned row number Z of “7”, for example, as shown in FIG. The maximum misaligned row number Z indicates a count value from the first printing timing to the printing timing at which pixel information is sent out by all the sending shift register units 48A to 48D. This maximum deviation row number Z is a value determined by the arrangement condition of the pixel information set by the number of recording units 10A to 10D, the deviation amount U, and the conveyance amount of the print medium 18. The printing apparatus 30 stores in advance a pixel information arrangement condition for the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D and the maximum number of shifted rows Z.

In the printing apparatus 30, for example, in order to generate the printing image data 70 in which the maximum number of shifted lines Z is set, the number of pixels until at least all the transmission shift register units 48 </ b> A to 48 </ b> D start to transmit pixel information can be stored. With a large storage capacity. That is, in the printing apparatus 30, for example, the required capacity of the intermediate memory 34 for one recording unit 10A to 10D can be expressed by the following equation.
(Required capacity of intermediate memory for one recording unit) = W ÷ N × Z (2)
Here, W is the number of pixels in one row. The total capacity of the intermediate memory 34 at this time is, for example, (required capacity of the intermediate memory for the entire recording unit) = W × Z (3)
It becomes.

The intermediate memory writing units 46A to 46D set initial values of the write address registers 54A to 54D, for example, based on the set value of the maximum shift row number Z. The write address Am of the write address registers 54A to 54D is set by the following equation, for example.
Am = (M−1) × W ÷ N × Z (4)

  In the printing process, the printing image data 70 generated as shown in FIG. 12B is recorded and printed in the recording units 10A to 10D one recording line at a time, so that the original print image data is printed on the print medium 18. Pixel information can be arranged and printed.

  <Configuration of Printer Control Unit 36>

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the printer control unit 36 is formed by a computer, and includes a processor 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 74, a memory 76, an external I / O (Input / Output) 78, and an internal I / O 80. The communication unit 82 is formed.

  The processor 72 is an example of an arithmetic unit that processes a program for executing a printing process, and an OS (Operating System) that is an operation control program of the printing apparatus 30 stored in the memory 76 and a conveyance process of the printing medium 18. Process the program that controls.

  The RAM 74 forms a processing area for various programs that are processed by the processor 72, for example. The memory 76 is an example of a unit that stores a program used for print control and setting information such as a conveyance amount of the print medium 18 and stores print image data provided from the PC device 32. In addition, the memory 76 may record, for example, the number of times the printing medium 18 is conveyed, the number of times of printing by the printing unit, and the recording state of the pixel information with respect to the intermediate memory 34, which are status information of the printing process. The memory 76 is a nonvolatile memory such as a FLASH memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

  The external I / O 78 is an example of an interface for connecting the printing apparatus 30 to a host computer such as an external PC apparatus 32, and is a connection terminal compliant with, for example, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard or other standards. The internal I / O 80 is an example of a connection unit for transmitting / receiving control information to / from the pixel extraction unit 12, the pixel writing unit 16, the print recording unit 8, and the medium transport unit 38 that configure the printing apparatus 30. The internal I / O 80 may be, for example, a bus that electrically connects the printer control unit 36 formed on a single or a plurality of control boards and other functional units.

  The communication unit 82 is an example of a functional component for connecting the printing apparatus 30 to a wireless local area network (LAN), the Internet, or the like. The printing device 30 may communicate with an external PC device 32 and other server devices by wireless communication, for example, and transmits / receives print image data, a print instruction, etc., and acquires a print control program from the external server device. May be.

  <About print control processing>

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the print control process. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 are examples, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In this print control, the pixel information of the print image data is extracted in accordance with the arrangement conditions of the recording units 10A to 10D (F1), and the pixel information is recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D in accordance with the set sending timing. Processing (F2) to be performed is included.

  For example, the printer control unit 36 receives a print request from the PC device 32 (S11), and requests the PC device 32 and the like for print image data and other print setting information. The printer control unit 36 receives the print image data from the PC device 32 (S 12) and stores it in the memory 76.

  For example, the pixel extraction unit 12 performs an array process of pixel information on the aggregate shift register unit 44 for each print line for the print image data stored in the memory 76 (S13). In each of the aggregate shift register units 44A to 44D, pixel information is stored pixel by pixel in accordance with the set arrangement condition.

  The pixel extraction unit 12 transmits pixel information to a specified address in the intermediate memory 34 in accordance with the write address registers 54A to 54D when the write capacity of each of the aggregate shift register units 44A to 44D is lost (S14). ). The aggregated pixel information is transmitted to the intermediate memory 34 from, for example, the write buffer registers 52A to 52D that fetch the pixel information from the aggregation shift register units 44A to 44D.

  The write address registers 54A to 54D switch write position information for the intermediate memory 34, for example, in response to transmission of pixel information (S15). For example, the pixel extraction unit 12 may monitor the execution of the transmission process of the pixel information to the intermediate memory 34 and the number of times, and instruct the write address registers 54A to 54D to switch the write position. Further, for example, the printer control unit 36 may monitor the transmission state of the pixel information.

  When a certain amount of pixel information is stored in the intermediate memory 34, the printing apparatus 30 starts the pixel information writing process F2 for the print recording unit 8, and performs printing by the printing unit. When printing is started, the pixel writing unit 16 starts counting the sending start row counters 58A to 58D (S16).

  The intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D refer to the counter values of the respective transmission start row counters 58A to 58D and determine whether or not the counter value is “0” (S17). When the counter value is “0” (YES in S17), the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D corresponding to the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D that have become “0” shift to pixel information writing processing. To do.

  The intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D in which the transmission start row counters 58A to 58D are set to “0” read pixel information from the intermediate memory 34 in accordance with the recording information of the read address registers 60A to 60D (S18). The intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D monitor the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D to determine whether pixel information remains (S19). When the pixel information does not remain in the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D (NO in S19), the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D store the read pixel information in the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D (S20). The absence of pixel information in the sending shift register units 48A to 48D includes, for example, when printing processing is started or when pixel information corresponding to the storage capacity of the sending shift register units 48A to 48D is recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D. .

  When the pixel information remains in the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D (YES in S19), the transmission shift register units 48A to 48D transmit the pixel information (S21). The transmitted pixel information is taken in by the selector 64 and recorded in the recording units 10A to 10D simultaneously with the pixel information from the other transmission shift register units 48A to 48D.

  The writing of the pixel information to the print recording unit 8 is terminated when, for example, all the pixel information is sent and the printing process is completed, or in response to a control instruction from the printer control unit 36 or the like.

  Further, when the counter value is not “0” (NO in S17), the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D do not print the pixel information, so that the transmission shift register units 48A to 48A Blank pixels are output from 48D (S22). The intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D monitor the sending state of pixel information or blank pixels, and determine whether writing for one recording line is completed (S23). When the recording process for one recording line is completed (YES in S23), the transmission start line counters 58A to 58D decrement the count value that is not “0” by one (S24). When the next recording line print processing timing is reached, the intermediate memory reading units 50A to 50D determine the counter value again.

  In the printing apparatus 30, the pixel information extraction process (F1) from the print image data and the process (F2) for recording the pixel information in the recording units 10A to 10D may be executed in conjunction with each other. It may be executed at an independent timing. Further, the sending start row counter value Sm differs depending on the recording conditions of the pixel information for the recording units 10A to 10D, and is not limited to the calculated value according to the above-described equation (1).

  According to such a configuration, the writing process of the pixel information to the print recording unit 8 and the rearrangement process of the pixel information included in the print image data can be performed independently, and a quick printing process is possible. Since the pixel information is rearranged on the printing apparatus 30 side according to the arrangement order set for the recording units 10A to 10D, the waiting time from the print request to the start of printing is reduced without waiting for rewriting of all the pixel information. be able to. Further, the printing apparatus 30 does not generate print image data in which all pixel information is rearranged before starting printing, thereby reducing the rewrite processing area and the rewritten storage area in addition to the received print image storage area. And cost reduction can be achieved. Further, the intermediate memory 34 includes an area corresponding to the maximum shifted line of pixels generated in the printing process, thereby preventing an error in the recording start line of the pixel information of the recording units 10A to 10D. This ensures the reliability of the printing apparatus.

  [Third Embodiment]

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the printing apparatus 90 includes three print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3. The print processing of each record line is performed by The printing apparatus 90 includes, for example, printing units 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2 associated with the respective print recording units 8-1, 8-2, 8-3. 16-3. The pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 are connected in parallel to the intermediate memory 34, and may read pixel information from the intermediate memory 34 at the same time, or at a set processing timing. You may read together. In addition, the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 are electrically connected, for example, and are linked with respect to pixel writing processing timing and the like.

  In addition, each of the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 has a function equivalent to that of the pixel writing unit 16 described above.

  <Regarding the layout configuration example of the print recording unit>

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 are arranged in two rows in the print direction with respect to the print medium 18, and adjacent print recording units 8-1 and 8-2. 8-3 are arranged so as to be displaced with respect to the transport direction of the print medium 18. That is, the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 are arranged in a so-called zigzag pattern in the recording row direction of the print medium 18. The print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 form, for example, a rear recording unit group, and the recording units 10A to 10D can record pixel information in the same column in the recording row direction. Further, the print recording unit 8-2 forms, for example, a pre-stage recording unit group, and is arranged so as to be shifted with respect to the print recording units 8-1, 8-2 in the transport direction and the backward direction. As described above, the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 form a recording unit group that performs print processing at different positions with respect to the print medium 18. The recording units 10A to 10D of the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 have the same shape, and the adjacent recording units 10A to 10D have a shift amount U. In the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3, conditions such as the arrangement order and arrangement interval of the pixel information for the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are also matched.

  The recording units of the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 and the print recording unit 8-2 have a predetermined shift amount K with respect to each of the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D, for example. Further, the print recording unit 8-2 has, for example, the left and right ends of the recording units 10A to 10D in the transport direction with respect to the right end or the left end of the respective recording units 10A to 10D of the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3. It is arranged so as to be aligned in a straight line. As a result, in the printing process, there is a gap between the printing of the pixel information recorded in the printing recording units 8-1 and 8-3 and the printing of the pixel information recorded in the printing recording unit 8-2. Blocking.

  In the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3, for example, conditions such as a recording order and a recording position of pixel information for each of the recording units 10A to 10D are set in the same manner as in the above embodiment. ing.

  <Examples of Configuration of Pixel Writing Units 16-1, 16-2, 16-3>

  17A and 17B show an example of a print data generation function. Each pixel writing unit 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 reads pixel information according to a preset read address with respect to the pixel information stored in the intermediate memory 34, for example. In the pixel writing unit 16-1, for example, the takeover counter 120 is set in addition to the intermediate memory reading units 100A to 100D and the selector 64-1. The pixel writing unit 16-2 includes a takeover counter 122 in addition to the intermediate memory reading units 102A to 102D and the selector 64-2, for example. The pixel writing unit 16-3 includes, for example, the takeover counter 124 in addition to the intermediate memory reading units 104A to 104D and the selector 64-3.

  The takeover counters 120, 122, 124 count the number of pixel information written to the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 associated with the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, respectively. It is an example of the means to do. In the printing apparatus 90, since the pixel information is sequentially recorded on the three print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3, the processing is performed between the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3. It is necessary to take over. Accordingly, each of the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 counts the number of pixel information writing processes for one set recording row.

  FIG. 18 illustrates a functional configuration example of the pixel writing unit.

  The pixel writing unit 16-1 that writes pixel information to the print recording unit 8-1 includes, for example, transmission start row counters 130A to 130D, read address registers 132A to 132D, and read buffer registers 134A to 134A to 100A to 100D. 134D is included. Further, the pixel writing unit 16-1 includes next row transition amount registers 140A to 140D in addition to the transmission shift register units 136A to 136D.

  The intermediate memory reading units 100A to 100D and the transmission shift register units 136A to 136D generate printing image data in which pixel information is rearranged according to the arrangement conditions for the recording units 10A to 10D.

  The takeover counter 120 counts the number of pixel information sent from each of the sending shift register units 136A to 136D and taken in by the selector 64-1, and when the processing of the number of pixels for one recording row is completed, the pixel writing unit The count is transferred to the transfer counter 122 of 16-2.

  Note that the function of counting the takeover processing of the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 may be executed by, for example, a counter installed in the printer control unit 36.

  The next row transition amount registers 140 </ b> A to 140 </ b> D are an example of a unit that shifts the read address of the pixel information read at the next print processing timing with respect to the pixel information stored in the intermediate memory 34, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, storage areas 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> D in which pixel information is aggregated for each of the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are set in the intermediate memory 34. In the storage area 34A, pixel information to be recorded in all the recording units 10A set in the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 is arranged. In the storage area 34A, pixel information is stored in the reading order for each of the intermediate memory reading units 100A, 102A, and 104A. Therefore, when the intermediate memory reading unit 100A shifts from the current recording line to the printing process of the next recording line, for example, the intermediate memory reading unit 100A starts from the address in consideration of pixel information read by the other intermediate memory reading units 102A and 104A in the intermediate memory 34. It is necessary to read out pixel information. Therefore, the next row transition amount registers 140A to 140D designate the read position for the read address registers 132A to 132D.

  The same applies to the next row transition amount registers 142A to 142D and 144A to 144D of the other pixel writing units 16-2 and 16-3. These next-row transition amount registers 140A to 140D, 142A to 142D, and 144A to 144D are, for example, the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3, respectively, or all of the pixel information for one recording row. In response to the writing, a read position transition instruction is output to the read address registers 132A to 132D, 152A to 152D, and 162A to 162D.

  <Example of Pixel Information Sending Processing Between Print Recording Units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3>

  FIG. 20 shows an example of count processing by the transmission start line counter. FIG. 21 shows an example of print image data. The count values, processing procedures, and pixel information arrangement shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are examples, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this content.

  In the printing apparatus 90, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, one recording line by the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 is recorded 40 pixels at a time, and one line of the printing medium 18 is printed with 120 pixels. Shows the case. In the printing process, after the pixel writing unit 16-1 records pixel information for one recording row, the pixel writing unit 16-2 shifts to record the pixel information, and the pixel information by the pixel writing unit 16-3. When the recording is completed, the printing process for one line is completed. In each of the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3, count processing is performed by the transmission start row counters 130A to 130D, 150A to 150D, and 160A to 160D, and the takeover counters 120, 122, and 124.

  The count numbers set in the sending start line counters 130A to 130D, 150A to 150D, and 160A to 160D are the arrangement conditions of the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 and the recording units 10A to 10D, and the pixel information. It is set in advance according to the arrangement conditions and the transport amount of the print medium 18. In the printing apparatus 90, when the printing process is started, pixel transmission is performed in the pixel writing unit 16-1. In the transmission start row counters 130A to 130D associated with the recording units 10A to 10D, the set pixel transmission timing is set. When this value is not “0”, the transmission shift register units 136A to 136D Send blank pixels. The takeover counter 120 counts the number of pixels to be recorded by the print recording unit 8-1 in the first printing process, that is, the number of pixels for one record, by each of the sending shift registers 136A to 136D repeatedly sending pixel information. . In this printing apparatus 90, as described above, each print recording unit 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 records 40 pixels at a time in one printing process, so the takeover counter 120 counts 40 times. I do.

  When the pixel writing unit 16-1 completes the pixel transmission of 40 pixels, the printing timing (16-1-I) on the first line is finished. At this time, the takeover counter 120 becomes “0” and outputs a print processing switching instruction to the takeover counter 122 of the pixel writing unit 16-2. Based on this switching instruction, in the pixel writing unit 16-2, transmission of pixel information by the intermediate memory reading units 102A to 102D is started. Each of the transmission start line counters 130A to 130D decrements the count value by one in accordance with the completion of the printing process for one recording line.

  In the pixel writing unit 16-2, transmission of pixel information is started according to the count values of the respective transmission start row counters 150A to 150D. In the sending start line counter 150D, the count value is “0” at this printing timing, and therefore the pixel information is sent from the sending shift register unit 156D. At this time, “A44”, “A48”,... Are recorded in the print recording unit 8-2, for example, as shown in FIG. At this print timing (16-2-I), for example, out of 40 pixels of one recording row, only the transmission shift register unit 156D transmits pixel information to the print recording unit 8-2. Information is recorded. The other sending shift register units 156A to 156C send blank pixels.

  When the pixel writing unit 16-2 completes the pixel transmission of 40 pixels, the print timing (16-2-I) of the first row is completed, and a switching instruction is output from the takeover counter 122 to the takeover counter 124. In the transmission start line counters 150A to 150C, the respective count values are decreased by one. Further, since the count value of the transmission start line counter 150D is “0”, the value “0” is continued as it is.

  Similarly, in the pixel writing unit 16-3, blank pixels are transmitted according to the count values set in the transmission start row counters 160A to 160D, and when the count of the takeover counter 124 becomes 0, the print timing (16-3 -I) is completed.

  When the printing timings (16-1-I), (16-2-I), and (16-3-I) are completed, the printing apparatus 90 completes the first printing process (I). In the printing apparatus 90, the printing medium 18 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, and the second printing process (II) is performed.

In the printing apparatus 90, the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 are arranged in the same row with respect to the transport direction, and the print recording medium 8-2 is arranged so as to protrude in the transport direction. In the printing image data in which the arrangement of the pixel information is rearranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the printing process by the print recording unit 8-2 is performed before the printing process by the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3. Is set to
Therefore, the count values of the transmission start row counters 130A to 130D and the transmission start row counters 160A to 160D of the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-3 are set to the same value.

  In the generated image data for printing, as an example, the printing timing for two times is set as the deviation amount U between the recording units 10A to 10D, and the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 As the deviation amount K, the printing timing for 11 times is set. Further, as an example, the printing timing for 17 times is set as the maximum number of shifted lines Z from the start of printing until all the recording units 10A to 10D start recording pixel information. This deviation amount K coincides with the initial count value of the transmission start row counters 130D and 160D. Further, the maximum number of shifted rows Z coincides with the initial count value of the transmission start row counters 130A and 160A.

In the printing apparatus 90, for example, the count values Sp_m of the transmission start line counters 130A to 130D, 150A to 150D, and 160A to 160D are set based on the conditions of the deviation amount and the number of lines. The count value Sp_m for the print recording unit 8-2 which is the preceding recording unit group is calculated by, for example, the following equation (5).
Sp_m = (N−M) × U (5)
N is the number of recording units. The count value Sp_m for the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3, which are the subsequent recording group, is calculated by, for example, the following equation (6).
Sp_m = (N−M) × U + Z (6)
The calculation formulas shown in Formulas (5) and (6) are examples, and are set according to the condition of the shift amount and the number of rows of the recording units 110A to 10D.

Further, the initial setting value Apm of the pixel writing address register set in the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 is calculated by, for example, the following equation (7).
Apm = (M−1) × W ÷ N × Z + (P + 1) × Q (7)
Here, P is a value such as a device number set in the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3. For example, the print recording unit 8-3 sequentially starts with the print recording unit 8-3. On the other hand, 1 to 3 are assigned.

  In the printing apparatus 90, the received print image can be printed on the print medium 18 by arranging the pixel information according to the set count numbers of the transmission start line counters 130A to 130D, 150A to 150D, and 160A to 160D. it can.

  The arrangement conditions of the print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 and the arrangement of the recording units 10A to 10D shown in this embodiment are merely examples. This printing apparatus 90 includes a case where the arrangement conditions and the number of installations of the print recording unit 8 are different, and a case where the number of recording units 10 set and the arrangement conditions of pixel information are different. In this case, in the printing control of the printing apparatus 90, the count value by the transmission start line counter or the takeover counter may be set according to the arrangement conditions of the print recording unit 8 and the recording conditions for the recording units 10A to 10D.

  <About print control processing>

  FIG. 22 shows an example of transition processing of the pixel writing unit. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 22 are examples.

  The transition process illustrated in FIG. 22 is an example of the print control process of the present disclosure, and includes a switching process of a plurality of pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3, a pixel sending count process, and a pixel information writing process. included. When the printing apparatus 90 performs the pixel information extraction process and the pixel information recording process (F1) on the intermediate memory 34 for the print image data (S31), the printing apparatus 90 performs a writing order confirmation process (S32). ). In this confirmation process, the order of sending pixel information by the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 is specified based on the setting conditions of the printing process.

  In each pixel writing unit 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, the takeover counters 120, 122, 124 are counted (S33), and the associated print recording units 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 are counted. Pixel information is sent and written to the recording units 10A to 10D (F2) (S34). The pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 monitor the count values of the takeover counters 120, 122, 124, and determine whether or not the counter values have become “0” (S35). This pixel information sending process is repeated until the count value becomes “0” (NO in S35). When the count value becomes “0” (YES in S35), the pixel writing units 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 that have executed the pixel sending process are other pixel writing units in the set order. A switching instruction is issued to 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3, and the pixel sending process is shifted (S36).

  According to such a configuration, when printing processing is performed by the plurality of print recording units 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3, extraction of pixel information according to the arrangement state and the arrangement conditions of the recording units 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D, Printing image data can be generated by controlling the sending timing. In the intermediate memory, when the pixel information transmitted to the plurality of print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 is aggregated for each recording unit to be distributed, the read address of the next row is managed. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly increase the intermediate memory, and an increase in the number of parts of the storage means can be prevented.

  [Fourth Embodiment]

  FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The printing apparatus 200 includes, for example, three print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3. The print recording unit 8-2 forms, for example, a front recording unit group, and is disposed so as to protrude from the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 of the rear recording unit group to the opposite side with respect to the transport direction. The print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3 are arranged in a so-called staggered pattern.

  The printing apparatus 200 includes, for example, pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 as means for recording pixel information in the three print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3. That is, in this printing apparatus 200, the number of installations is smaller than the number of print recording units, and the plurality of pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 include print recording units 8-1, 8-2, and 8-. 3 sends pixel information. The pixel writing unit 16-1 performs transmission processing of pixel information to the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3. The pixel writing unit 16-2 performs a process of sending pixel information to the print recording unit 8-2.

  <Regarding Configuration Examples of Pixel Writing Units 16-1 and 16-2>

  FIG. 24 shows an example of a print data generation function. The pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 read the pixel information according to a preset read address with respect to the pixel information stored in the intermediate memory 34, as shown in A of FIG. In the pixel writing unit 16-1, the intermediate memory reading units 100A to 100D read the pixel information associated with the print recording unit 8-1 and the pixel information associated with the print recording unit 8-3, and select the selector 64-1. Via the transmission timing set via The takeover counter 120 counts the number of pixels for one recording line in the process of sending pixel information to the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3.

  In the pixel writing unit 16-2, the intermediate memory reading units 102A to 102D read the pixel information associated with the print recording unit 8-2 from the intermediate memory 34, and send it at the sending timing set through the selector 64-2. . The takeover counter 122 counts the number of pixels for one recording line in the process of sending pixel information to the print recording unit 8-2.

  In the printing process, for example, as shown in FIG. 24B, the pixel information of the count set in the takeover counter 120 is sent to the print recording unit 8-1, and the takeover counter is sent to the print recording unit 8-2. Pixel information of the count number set to 122 is sent out. Further, the pixel information of the count number set in the takeover counter 120 is sent from the pixel writing unit 16-1 to the print recording unit 8-3. With this process, the printing apparatus 200 records pixel information for one recording row in the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3.

  FIG. 25 shows a functional configuration example of the pixel writing unit.

  The pixel writing unit 16-1 reads a plurality of pieces of pixel information from the intermediate memory 34 in accordance with the count values of the transmission start row counters 130A to 130D, and sends them to the selector 64-1 in a predetermined order by the transmission shift register units 136A to 136D. The pixel information is sent out pixel by pixel. The selector 64-1 collects the pixel information sent from each of the sending shift register units 136A to 136D, and records it in the print recording unit 8-1 or the print recording unit 8-3 which is the recording timing of the pixel information.

  The takeover counter 120 counts the number of pixel information sent from the sending shift register units 136A to 136D and taken in by the selector 64-1. For example, when the pixel information sending process to the print recording unit 8-1 is performed, the takeover counter 120 completes the pixel writing unit when the processing of the number of pixels for one recording line of the print recording unit 8-1 is completed. The count is transferred to the transfer counter 122 of 16-2. For example, when the pixel counter sending process of the pixel information to the print recording unit 8-3 is performed, the takeover counter 120 continuously counts the number of pixels for one recording line of the print recording unit 8-3. The count process is terminated without taking over the count to the takeover counter 122. That is, in the printing process, when the printing process by the print recording unit 16-3 is completed, pixel information for one line of the printing medium 18 is recorded. In the printing process for the next line, the pixel writing unit 16-1 again sends the pixel information to the print recording unit 8-1, so that the takeover counter 120 takes over between the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2. Do not process.

  <Reading out pixel information from the intermediate memory 34>

  The pixel writing unit 16-1 includes, for example, next row transition amount registers 140 </ b> A to 140 </ b> D and read skip amount registers 202 </ b> A to 202 </ b> D as an example of a means for specifying a reading position of pixel information recorded in the intermediate memory 34. Yes. When reading pixel information from other non-consecutive addresses in the intermediate memory 34 at the same print processing timing, the reading skip amount registers 202A to 202D skip pixel information from the current read address to other addresses. It is an example of a means.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the pixel writing unit 16-1 reads pixel information for one recording line from the address specified by the read address register 132A as a printing process for the print recording unit 8-1. Next, the pixel writing unit 16-1 causes the intermediate memory reading unit 100A to change the reading position of the pixel information in the intermediate memory 34 based on the number of pixels or the designated address recorded in the skip amount register 202A. . The intermediate memory reading unit 100A skips the pixel information read by the pixel writing unit 16-2 in the intermediate memory 34, and transitions to an address where the pixel information to be recorded by the print recording unit 8-3 is recorded. Then, the intermediate memory reading unit 100A reads the pixel information associated with the print recording unit 8-3 from the read destination address, stores the pixel information in the read buffer register 134A, and sends the pixel information pixel by pixel at the set sending timing.

  When the next line printing process for the print medium 18 is started after the sending process to the print recording unit 8-3 is completed, the pixel writing unit 16-1 is instructed by the next line transition amount register 140A. Pixel information is read from the address of the memory 34. Similarly to the intermediate memory reading unit 100A, the read address of the intermediate memory 34 is designated by the skip amount registers 202B to 202D for the other intermediate memory reading units 100B to 100D of the pixel writing unit 16-1.

  Further, the pixel writing unit 16-2 may be provided with a next row transition amount register 142 in order to read pixel information from a specific address in the intermediate memory 34 in the printing process of one recording row.

  In addition, the pixel information is rearranged by the configuration of the intermediate memory reading units 100A to 100D, 102A to 102D and the transmission shift register units 136A to 136D, 156A to 156D, and the counts of the transmission start row counters 130A to 130D and 150A to 150D. The processing is as described above, and a description thereof is omitted. Further, according to the printing process shown in this embodiment, the same pixel information as the printing image data shown in FIG. 21 can be rearranged.

  In the printing apparatus 200, when the pixel writing unit 16-2 sends pixel information to a plurality of print recording units, a skip amount register may be provided.

  In addition, in the intermediate memory 34 shown in FIG. 26, an example in which pixel information associated with the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 is continuously read for each predetermined capacity is shown. However, it is not limited to this. In the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2, the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 and the print recording unit 8-2 are arranged so as to be shifted in the transport direction, and therefore the pixel information transmission start timing is different. Therefore, in the intermediate memory 34, for example, even when pixel information for the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 is sequentially arranged and recorded, adjacent pixel information may not be read for each predetermined capacity at the same print timing. . The pixel writing unit 16-1 may read out the pixel information according to the skip amount of the skip amount registers 202A to 202D even if the pixel information having different print timings is continuously recorded in the intermediate memory 34. .

  In addition, when pixel information is sent to a plurality of print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 with respect to one pixel writing unit 16-1, for example, print recording of a group of print recording units arranged in the same number of rows It is desirable that the sections 8-1 and 8-3 are set. That is, the pixel writing unit 16-1 counts the transmission timing of the pixel information in generating the print image data by rearranging the pixel information, but in the case of the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 having the same number of lines. Can share the count value. Further, when the pixel writing unit 16-1 is shared for different print recording unit groups, the pixel writing unit 16-1 may include a transmission start line counter for each print recording unit to be associated, for example.

  According to such a configuration, pixel information can be sent to a plurality of print recording units by one pixel writing unit, so that the processing area can be reduced, and the configuration of the printing apparatus 200 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. Can do. Further, since the pixel information is rearranged on the printing apparatus 200 side, the waiting time from the print request to the start of printing can be reduced without waiting for rewriting of all the pixel information.

  With respect to the embodiment described above, the features and modifications thereof are listed below.

  (1) This printing apparatus 2 interpolates pixel information between a plurality of recording units 10A to 10D, generates a recording image 8 on the printing medium 18 and forms a recording image on the printing medium 18, and sequentially generates pixels to be printed. A pixel writing unit 16 for sending information to the print recording unit 8 is provided. The printing apparatus 2 also includes a medium transport unit 38 that transports the print medium 18 in accordance with the recording timing of the print recording unit 8. The printing apparatus 2 includes a pixel extraction unit 12 that captures image information and collects pixel information for each of the recording units 10A to 10D, and an intermediate memory 34 that writes pixel information collected by the pixel extraction unit 12. Further, the printing apparatus 2 includes a pixel writing unit 16 that reads out pixel information from the intermediate memory 34 in accordance with a preset transmission timing, and transmits the pixel information to the print recording unit 8, and includes pixel interpolation of the recording units 10A to 10D. Conversion corresponding to the amount of deviation due to.

  (2) The printing apparatus 90 includes a plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3, and can connect pixel information between the print recording units and extend an image on the print medium 18. The printing apparatus 90 has the same number of pixel writing units 16-1 to 16-3 as the printing recording units 8-1 to 8-3, and the takeover counters 120 to 124 are provided for each of the pixel writing units 16-1 to 16-3. There is. Then, the pixel writing units 16-1 to 16-3 sequentially take over the pixel information sending operation by the takeover counters 120 to 124, thereby corresponding to the image extension of the plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3. The array of pixel information is converted.

  (3) The printing apparatus 200 includes a plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 in which the arrangement in the transport direction is grouped into several groups. The number of pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 is different from that of the sending unit. In the printing apparatus 200, the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 have the same number as the groups set in the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3. Further, the pixel writing unit 16-1 is provided with the skip amount registers 202A to 202D, and when the operation of the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-2 is successively taken over, the value of the skip amount registers 202A to 202D is set to the read address. Add Thereby, in the printing apparatus 200, the pixel writing unit 16-1 is used again in the printing process of one recording line, and the pixel information corresponding to the image extension of the plurality of printing recording units 8-1 and 8-3 is rearranged. It can be carried out.

  (4) In the printing apparatuses 2, 30, 90, and 200, a plurality of recording units 10A to 10D are arranged and high-resolution printing processing is realized by interpolating between pixels. In the printing process, print data in which pixel information is rearranged with respect to the received print image data is generated for the deviation corresponding to the arrangement of the recording units 10A to 10D, and the same arrangement as the pixel information of the print image is generated. Printing on the printing medium 18 is possible. Further, when the length of the print recording unit 8 in the recording direction is insufficient with respect to the width of the print medium, a plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 are arranged in a so-called staggered manner to interpolate between pixels. As a result, a printing process having the required number of pixels can be performed. In the printing process, the pixel information is rearranged according to the shift between the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 in addition to the shift between the recording units 10A to 10D.

  (5) In the printing apparatuses 2, 30, 90, and 200, the pixel information is rearranged and the pixel information is sent to the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 in the printing process, so that the pixels are printed before printing is started. There is no time to convert information. Further, since the printing apparatuses 2, 30, 90, and 200 do not perform pixel information conversion processing for each page before printing, the processing area and the area for holding the converted printing data are not necessary. That is, the processing area may include at least a buffer memory having a capacity corresponding to the amount of deviation caused by the arrangement of the recording units 10A to 10D. In the printing apparatuses 90 and 200 that use the plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3, the next line transition amount for specifying the takeover counters 120 to 124 for taking over the process and the read address for the intermediate memory 34. There may be registers 140A-140D, 142A-142D, 144A-144D.

  (6) With such a configuration, the arrangement of the recording unit 10 of the print recording unit 8 can be converted to a pixel arrangement at the same time (real time) as sending the recording pixels necessary for printing with a small amount of buffer memory. A high-resolution printing apparatus can be realized. As a specific example, the amount of buffer memory is W for the number of pixels in the width (recording row) direction, L for the number of pixels in the length (conveying direction), and the maximum deviation between recording units or recording units for image information to be printed. When the number of rows (number of pixels) is Z, the conventional print processing requires W × L pixels. On the other hand, according to the technique of the present disclosure, the size is W × Z pixels. In general, L> Z, and Z is generally about 1 [inch] depending on the configuration of the apparatus. When L is assumed to be 11 [inch], Z can be realized with a memory amount of 1/11.

  (7) In the above embodiment, in the pixel information sending process to the plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3, the printing apparatus 90 performs the pixel information sending process in order from the pixel writing unit 16-1. Although the case is shown, it is not limited to this. In the printing apparatus 90, for example, a plurality of pixel writing units 16-1 to 16-3 may simultaneously perform pixel sending processing. In that case, for example, the pixel writing units 16-1 and 16-3 for the print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 of the print recording group arranged in the same row may be operated simultaneously.

  (8) In the above embodiment, a case where one pixel writing unit 16-1 is shared by a plurality of print recording units 8-1 and 8-3 in the printing apparatus 200 in which a plurality of recording unit groups are formed is shown. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the printing apparatus 200 may perform pixel information sending processing to a plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3 by using one pixel writing unit 16-1.

  (9) In the printing apparatuses 90 and 200 of the above-described embodiment, the number of pixel information records, the array conditions, the shift amount, and the like are the same for the plurality of print recording units 8-1 to 8-3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printing devices 90 and 200 may use devices having different arrangement conditions and the number of arrangements of pixel information on the recording units for each of the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3. In this case, it is only necessary to set printing data generation conditions for the printing apparatuses 90 and 200 according to conditions such as the arrangement order of the print recording units 8-1 to 8-3. Based on the set condition, the extraction condition of the pixel information to be recorded in the intermediate memory 34 and the pixel sending counter value for each pixel writing unit 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 may be set.

  Next, the following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

(Appendix 1) One or a plurality of recording units are arranged in parallel and the pixel recording positions are shifted between the recording units, and the pixel information recorded in the recording units is printed on a printing medium by a printing unit. A print recording unit;
A pixel extraction unit that extracts and holds the pixel information included in the captured print image data for each recording unit as a recording destination and in an order of recording in the recording unit;
A storage unit that collectively stores the pixel information held in the pixel extraction unit for each predetermined capacity;
The pixel information is fetched and held from the storage unit, and the held pixel information is triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit with respect to the associated print recording unit. One or more pixel writing units that write to
A printing apparatus comprising:

  (Supplementary Note 2) The print recording unit has a positional deviation in which a plurality of the recording units are orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the print medium and the start point and the end point for recording the pixel information are displaced for each recording unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing units formed and interpolated between pixels printed adjacent to each other are formed with the misregistration.

(Supplementary Note 3) In the pixel extraction unit,
A holding register for holding the pixel information for each recording unit;
An address register that holds storage position information of the storage unit that stores the pixel information held in the holding register;
The printing apparatus according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, characterized by comprising:

(Supplementary Note 4) The write start timing is set based on a recording position shift amount between the specific recording unit and the other recording unit and a conveyance state of the print medium with respect to an arrangement interval between the print recording units,
The printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the pixel writing unit includes a counter that counts the write start timing.

  (Supplementary Note 5) The printing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the counter counts one by one in response to an instruction to send the pixel information for one or every predetermined capacity.

  (Supplementary Note 6) The counter may count either the conveyance timing of the print medium by the conveyance unit and the writing timing of the pixel information with respect to the recording unit. A printing apparatus according to 1.

  (Supplementary note 7) The printing apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein the recording unit records blank pixel information when the pixel data is not written from the pixel writing unit. .

(Appendix 8) A plurality of the print recording units are arranged in the printing direction of the print medium, and are arranged by displacing the adjacent print recording units in the transport direction,
The pixel writing units are connected to each other,
The pixel writing unit includes a takeover counter that counts the number of writing of the pixel information to the associated print recording unit, and when the takeover counter counts a set number, the other pixel writing units To start the writing process of the pixel information,
The printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein

  (Additional remark 9) Furthermore, the said pixel writing part is provided with the transition register which changes the reading position in the said storage part based on the writing start instruction | indication of the said pixel information received from the other said pixel writing part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing apparatus according to appendix 8.

(Additional remark 10) The said printing recording part is installed more than the said pixel writing part,
Some of the pixel writing units are associated with the plurality of print recording units, and for each of the associated print recording units, the pixel reading position is set up to a storage position of the storage unit in which the pixel information is stored. It has a skip amount register to make transition,
Taking in a certain amount of the pixel information and writing it to the recording unit, transitioning the reading position in the storage unit by the skip amount register, and writing the pixel information to the other associated print recording unit The printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein:

(Supplementary Note 11) A print control program to be executed by a computer mounted on a printing apparatus,
The pixel information included in the captured print image data is extracted and held for each recording unit at the recording destination and in the order in which the recording unit is recorded out of one or a plurality of print recording units including a plurality of recording units. Let
The stored pixel information is stored together in a storage unit for each predetermined capacity,
Capture and hold the pixel information from the storage unit,
Write the held pixel information to the recording unit by one or a plurality of pixel writing units, triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit, with respect to the associated print recording unit,
A print control program for causing the computer to execute processing.

(Supplementary Note 12) The pixel information included in the captured print image data is recorded for each recording unit as a recording destination in one or a plurality of print recording units including a plurality of recording units, and in the order in which the recording units are recorded. Extract and hold
The held pixel information is collectively stored in a storage unit for each predetermined capacity,
Capture and hold the pixel information from the storage unit,
Write the held pixel information to the recording unit by one or a plurality of pixel writing units, triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit, with respect to the associated print recording unit,
A printing control method comprising processing.

  The preferred embodiments of the configuration of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the above embodiment. It goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the technology described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. Needless to say, such modifications and changes are included in the technology of the present disclosure.

2, 30, 90, 200 Printing device 4 Host computer 6, 6-1, 6-2,... Printing means 8, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, .. print recording unit 10, 10A to 10D Recording unit 12 Pixel extraction unit 14 Storage unit 16, 16-1, 16-2, 16-3,... Pixel writing unit 18 Print medium 32 PC device 34, 34A to 34D Intermediate memory 36 Printer control unit 38 Medium transport unit 40 Image generation unit 42 Generated image 44, 44A to 44D Aggregate shift register unit 46, 46A to 46D Intermediate memory write unit 48 Send shift register unit 50, 50A to 50D, 100A to 100D, 102A to 102D, 104A to 104D Intermediate memory read unit 52A to 52D Write buffer register 54A to 54D Write address register 58A to 58D Transmission start Row counters 60A-60D, 132A-132D, 152A-152D, 162A-162D Read address registers 62A-62D, 134A-134D, 154A-154D, 164A-164D Read buffer registers 64, 64-1, 64-2, 64- 3 selector 70 image data for printing 120, 122, 124 takeover counters 130A-130D, 150A-150D, 160A-160D transmission start row counters 136A-136D, 156A-156D, 166A-166D transmission shift register sections 140A-140D, 142A ˜142D, 144A˜144D Next row transition amount register 202A˜202D Read skip amount register

Claims (7)

A plurality of recording units arranged in parallel and at different pixel recording positions between the recording units, and one or a plurality of printing recording units for printing pixel information recorded in the recording units on a printing medium by a printing unit; ,
A pixel extraction unit that extracts and holds the pixel information included in the captured print image data for each recording unit as a recording destination and in an order of recording in the recording unit;
A storage unit that collectively stores the pixel information held in the pixel extraction unit for each predetermined capacity;
The pixel information is fetched and held from the storage unit, and the held pixel information is triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit with respect to the associated print recording unit. One or more pixel writing units that write to
A printing apparatus comprising: In the pixel extraction unit,
A holding register for holding the pixel information for each recording unit;
An address register that holds storage position information of the storage unit that stores the pixel information held in the holding register;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The write start timing is set based on a recording position shift amount between the specific recording unit and the other recording unit and a conveyance state of the print medium with respect to an arrangement interval between the print recording units,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel writing unit includes a counter that counts the writing start timing. The print recording units are arranged in a plurality in the printing direction of the print medium, and are arranged by displacing adjacent print recording units in the transport direction,
The pixel writing units are connected to each other,
The pixel writing unit includes a takeover counter that counts the number of writing of the pixel information to the associated print recording unit, and when the takeover counter counts a set number, the other pixel writing units To start the writing process of the pixel information,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. The print recording unit is installed more than the pixel writing unit,
Some of the pixel writing units are associated with the plurality of print recording units, and for each of the associated print recording units, the pixel reading position is set up to a storage position of the storage unit in which the pixel information is stored. It has a skip amount register to make transition,
Taking in a certain amount of the pixel information and writing it to the recording unit, transitioning the reading position in the storage unit by the skip amount register, and writing the pixel information to the other associated print recording unit The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized in that: A print control program to be executed by a computer mounted on a printing apparatus,
The pixel information included in the captured print image data is extracted and held for each recording unit at the recording destination and in the order in which the recording unit is recorded out of one or a plurality of print recording units including a plurality of recording units. Let
The pixel information held in the pixel extraction unit is collectively stored in a storage unit for each predetermined capacity,
Capture and hold the pixel information from the storage unit,
Write the held pixel information to the recording unit by one or a plurality of pixel writing units, triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit, with respect to the associated print recording unit,
A print control program for causing the computer to execute processing. The pixel information included in the captured print image data is extracted and held for each recording unit at the recording destination and in the order in which the recording unit is recorded out of one or a plurality of print recording units including a plurality of recording units. And
The pixel information held in the pixel extraction unit is collectively stored in a storage unit for each predetermined capacity,
Capture and hold the pixel information from the storage unit,
Write the held pixel information to the recording unit by one or a plurality of pixel writing units, triggered by the writing start timing set for each recording unit, with respect to the associated print recording unit,
A printing control method comprising processing.

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