JP4022934B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of density adjustment in an ink jet recording apparatus that records recording information using an ink jet system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, development of multifunction peripheral devices having a facsimile transmission / reception function, a copy function, and a printer function in a single housing has been actively conducted.
[0003]
In general multifunction peripherals, there are a plurality of methods for acquiring information (that is, facsimile reception, image reading, and capturing from an external computer). Recording is performed using a recording unit. As a method of the recording unit, there are a dot impact method, a thermal method, an ink jet method, and the like. In recent years, multifunction peripheral devices including an ink jet recording unit are increasing.
[0004]
Here, in the recording unit of the multifunction peripheral device using the conventional inkjet method, the attribute of the information to be recorded, that is, the facsimile information received by facsimile, the read copy information to be copied, or taken from the computer Regardless of the image recording information, the density of one pixel in the recording information is recorded as common.
[0005]
By the way, in general, image recording information captured from a computer often includes, for example, information that should be painted in black, and so on. When recording, it was usual to reduce the recording density. Therefore, the density at the time of recording facsimile information or copy information other than the image recording information is the same as the density at the time of recording the image recording information.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the density of all input information is set to the density at which the image recording information is recorded uniformly, for example, when recording facsimile information, the received information may be too thin to be read. There was a problem that occurred. In view of the fact that the same information can usually be received only once in the case of a facsimile, the received information is lost, which is a problem that has a great influence.
[0007]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the problem is that clear recording is possible even when information of any attribute among facsimile information, copy information, and image recording information is input. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of obtaining a result.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus comprising temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient temperature around the apparatus and recording means for recording a desired image on recording paper. And a recording control means for setting the density of an image recorded on the recording paper to be higher as the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is lower.
[0014]
According to the operation of the first aspect of the invention, the density of the image recorded on the recording paper is set higher as the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detecting means becomes lower, so that the density can be varied with a simple configuration. Can do.
[0015]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the recording control means according to claim 1 controls the density according to the amount of recording ink ejected to form one pixel. It is characterized by controlling.
[0016]
According to the operation of the invention described in claim 2 , in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 , the recording control means adjusts the density according to the amount of the recording ink ejected to form one pixel. Since it is controlled, the density can be made variable with a simple configuration.
[0017]
[0018]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second aspect , the amount of recording ink is controlled by the number of pulses of the data signal corresponding to one of the pixels. It is characterized by that.
[0019]
According to the operation of the invention described in claim 3 , in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 2 , the amount of recording ink is controlled by the number of pulses of the data signal corresponding to one pixel.
[0020]
Therefore, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 2 , since the amount of recording ink is controlled by the number of pulses of the data signal corresponding to one pixel, it is possible to execute recording with high density. .
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below includes a printer function for recording information to be recorded on a predetermined recording sheet, a scanner function for reading information such as an image, a copy function for recording information read using the scanner function, and a scanner. A multifunction peripheral device equipped with a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving information read using a function to the outside via a telephone line and a so-called answering machine function for automatically recording a caller's message. In the embodiment, the present invention is applied.
[0025]
(I) Configuration of Multifunctional Peripheral Device First, the overall configuration and operation of the multifunction peripheral device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-functional peripheral device 1 according to the present invention includes a CPU 10 as a determination means, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 12, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). ) 13, scanner unit 14, printer unit 15, interface unit 16, receiver 18, NCU (Network Control Unit) 19, modem unit 20 with voice function, operation panel 2, amplifier 21, A speaker 22 and a bus 23 are included.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 15 includes a recording head control unit 15A serving as a determination unit and a density setting unit for executing recording control in the printer unit 15 by an operation shown in a flowchart described later, and a recording head. Under the control of the control unit 15A, a recording head 15B serving as an ink jet recording unit that actually performs a printing operation (recording operation) on a recording sheet.
[0028]
Next, the operation of each unit will be described.
[0029]
The NCU 19 outputs facsimile information input via the telephone line 24 to the modem unit 20 and outputs voice information input via the telephone line 24 to the receiver 18 or the modem unit 20.
[0030]
In parallel with this, the NCU 19 sends information to be transmitted by facsimile output from the modem unit 20 to the telephone line 24 and also sends voice information generated by the receiver 18 to the telephone line 24.
[0031]
Next, the modem unit 20 performs a so-called modulation / demodulation operation. More specifically, the modem unit 20 demodulates the facsimile information input from the NCU 19, and sends a digital signal corresponding to the facsimile information to the bus 23. Along with the output, the facsimile information from the bus 23 is modulated and output to the NCU 19.
[0032]
The modem unit 20 has a so-called voice function. More specifically, the modem unit 20 converts voice information (analog signal) input from the NCU 19 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the bus 23. The voice information (digital information) input via the terminal is restored to an analog signal and output to the NCU 19.
[0033]
The scanner unit 14 reads information such as an image to be transmitted by facsimile when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device under the control of the CPU 10 and outputs the information to the bus 23, and the multifunction peripheral device 1 copies the copying device. In the case of functioning as a data, the information such as the image to be copied is read and output to the bus 23.
[0034]
The printer unit 15 stores the facsimile information input via the NCU 19 and the modem unit 20 when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile machine under the control of the CPU 10 after temporarily storing it in the RAM 13 or directly. Recording is performed on a predetermined recording sheet by an ink jet method and output. In addition, the printer unit 15 receives information such as an image to be copied from the bus 23 when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a copy device, records the information on the recording sheet by the ink jet method, Information input from the personal computer 30 when the apparatus 1 functions as a printer apparatus is received from the bus 23 and recorded on a recording sheet by an ink jet method.
[0035]
In the operation of the printer unit 15, the recording head control unit 15A receives recording data as recording information to be recorded via the bus 23, outputs the data as a data signal Sd to the recording head 15B, and the recording head 15B is input. Actual recording is performed by the ink jet method using the data signal Sd as a drive signal. At this time, the data signal Sd corresponds to the attribute of the recording data (facsimile information, copy information, or image recording information) according to the operation shown in the flowchart described later. And a waveform (hereinafter referred to as a drive waveform) as a drive signal for one pixel constituting recording data.
[0036]
Note that the recording head 15B of the present embodiment has a configuration in which when one pulse in the drive waveform of the data signal Sd corresponding to one pixel is input, a recording ink is ejected onto a recording sheet for recording. I have.
[0037]
On the other hand, the operation panel 2 displays an instruction operation or state for giving an instruction to the multi-function peripheral device 1 or setting a predetermined state.
[0038]
Next, the ROM 11 is a read-only memory for storing a control program for realizing a facsimile function, a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function or the like mainly executed in the CPU 10. Necessary data and the like are output via the bus 23.
[0039]
The EEPROM 12 stores information that should not be lost even when the multifunction peripheral device 1 is turned off, for example, a telephone number of a partner frequently transmitted by facsimile when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device, This is a non-volatile memory for storing a telephone number for so-called speed dial.
[0040]
The RAM 13 is a readable / writable memory for temporarily storing necessary data under the control of the CPU 10. Specifically, the RAM 13 is input as facsimile information via the telephone line 24, the NCU 19, or the like. The stored data, facsimile information to be transmitted to the outside via the telephone line 24, information read by the scanner unit 14, and the like are temporarily stored, and read at a predetermined timing under the control of the CPU 10.
[0041]
The interface unit 16 takes in data transmitted from an external computer or the like connected via the connection cable 17 to the multi-function peripheral device 1 and also outputs information to be output from the multi-function peripheral device 1 to the outside. Performs interface operation to convert for output.
[0042]
The amplifier 21 amplifies voice information such as a ringing tone or guidance voice to be output from the speaker 22 under the control of the CPU 10 and outputs the amplified information to the speaker 22.
[0043]
Finally, the CPU 10 controls the operation of each component described above based on the control program recorded in the ROM 11 via the bus 23.
[0044]
When the answering machine function is executed in the above configuration, a so-called response message and a voice (message) of the caller inputted in advance for responding to a call from an external caller are temporarily stored in the RAM 13. Is remembered. Further, these answering machine functions are controlled by the CPU 10. At this time, the RAM 13 can be backed up so that the stored contents are not lost even when the power is turned off.
[0045]
On the other hand, in the above configuration, transmission information for the transfer function is also stored in the RAM 13.
[0046]
(II) Detailed Operation Next, operations of the CPU 10 and the printer unit 15 according to the present invention in the multifunction peripheral device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation executed based on the control of the CPU 10 and the recording head controller 15A, and FIG. 4 is a timing showing an example of the waveform of the data signal Sd corresponding to the attribute of each recording data. It is a chart.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 3, the printer unit 15 first determines whether or not recording data to be recorded has been received from the bus 23 or the like (step S1), and if not received (step S1; NO) When the recording data is received (step S1; YES), the received recording data is processed into a data structure for driving the recording head 15B during actual recording (step S2). . Then, the processed recording data is transmitted to the recording head controller 15A (step S3). At this time, the CPU 10 determines the attribute of the recording data, adds a command corresponding to the determined attribute to the recording data, and transmits it.
[0048]
Next, whether or not the multi-function peripheral device 1 is functioning as a facsimile machine or a copier (monochrome copy function only) is determined based on the command of the received print data. When it is determined by the control unit 15A (step S4) and functions as a facsimile machine or a monochrome (monochrome) copying machine (step S4; YES), the recording head control unit 15A is based on the next processed recording data. Generates and outputs the data signal Sd for driving the actual recording head 15B (steps S5 and S6). At this time, the waveform of the data signal Sd corresponding to one pixel in the processed recording data is such that the driving voltage is the voltage VH (step S5) and the driving waveform is one pixel as shown in the middle of FIG. Is set to a waveform that includes two pulses for the recording data corresponding to (step S6). Here, the voltage VH is set to a value higher than the drive voltage VL (described later) of the data signal Sd when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a printer device that records the image recording information. Further, the value of the voltage VH is preset and stored in the ROM 11 by the recording head 15A via the bus 23.
[0049]
When the drive voltage and drive waveform of the data signal Sd are set in steps S5 and S6, the recording head 15B next performs a preparation process for the actual recording operation (step S9), and then the data signal Sd Based on this, actual recording is performed (step S10). At this time, since two pulses are included in one pixel, two drops of recording ink are emitted to one pixel, and high density recording is executed.
[0050]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the multifunction peripheral device 1 is executing a function other than the facsimile machine or the monochrome copying machine (step S4; NO), the recording head is based on the next processed recording data. The controller 15A generates and outputs the data signal Sd (steps S7 and S8). At this time, the waveform of the data signal Sd corresponding to one pixel in the processed recording data is such that the driving voltage is the voltage VL (step S7) and the driving waveform is one pixel as shown in the lower part of FIG. Is set to such a waveform that only one pulse is included in the recording data corresponding to (step S8). Here, the voltage VL is set to a value lower than the voltage VH. Also, the value of the voltage VL is the value set in advance and stored in the ROM 11 by the recording head 15A via the bus 23, like the voltage VH. More specifically, the range of the voltage VH and the voltage VL is, for example, the voltage VH> the voltage VL in the range of 14V to 30V.
[0051]
When the drive voltage and drive waveform of the data signal Sd are set in steps S7 and S8, the operations in steps S9 and S10 are performed. At this time, since one pulse is included for one pixel, one drop of recording ink is emitted to one pixel, and recording is performed at a normal density (density for recording image recording information). Is done.
[0052]
As described above, according to the multi-function peripheral device 1 of the embodiment, when the attribute of the input recording data is judged and the recording data is facsimile information or copying information for monochrome copying, the The pixel density is set higher than the density of one pixel when recording data with other attributes (especially image recording information) is recorded, so that the density when recording image recording information is high. Thus, the recorded image can be prevented from becoming unclear, and the density at the time of recording facsimile information can be reduced to prevent the information received by facsimile from being lost without being recorded.
[0053]
Further, by changing the drive waveform and drive voltage of the data signal Sd corresponding to one pixel, the amount of recording ink emitted to form the one pixel is controlled to set the density. The concentration can be varied with a simple configuration.
[0054]
In the above configuration, when recording is performed at a high density, the drive waveform of the data signal Sd is a waveform including two pulses, but as a waveform including three or more pulses as necessary. Also good.
[0055]
Further, when the multi-function peripheral device 1 is capable of multi-color recording (color recording), the above-described density control process may be applied to any color recording ink. When applied, the clearest recording results are obtained.
[0056]
(III) Modified Embodiment Next, a modified embodiment of the above embodiment will be described.
[0057]
In the above-described embodiment, the density is made variable by changing the amount of the recording ink ejected according to the attribute of the recording data. In addition to this, the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays the drive waveform of the data signal Sd. It may be variable corresponding to the ambient temperature (air temperature) of the place where it is installed.
[0058]
That is, some of the recording inks for the ink jet recording apparatus have a characteristic that the color after recording on the recording paper is lighter as the ambient temperature is lower.
[0059]
Therefore, when recording is performed using recording ink having such characteristics, a temperature sensor is provided in the multi-function peripheral device 1, and one pixel corresponding to the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor. If the control is performed so that the number of pulses included in the data signal Sd corresponding to the number of pulses increases as the ambient temperature decreases, the darker the recording is performed using a larger amount of recording ink as the ambient temperature decreases. It is possible to prevent the color from becoming thin due to the low temperature.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus including the temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient temperature around the apparatus and the recording means for recording a desired image on the recording paper. Since the recording control means sets the density of the image recorded on the recording paper as the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detecting means becomes lower, the density can be made variable with a simple configuration.
[0061]
According to the invention described in claim 2 , in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 , the recording control means controls the density by the amount of recording ink ejected to form one pixel. Therefore, the concentration can be made variable with a simple configuration.
[0062]
According to the invention described in claim 3 , in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2 , since the amount of recording ink is controlled by the number of pulses of the data signal corresponding to one pixel, recording with high density is performed. Can be executed.
[0063]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral device.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer unit.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a recording process.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a waveform of a data signal.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multifunctional peripheral device 2 ... Operation panel 6 ... Main body 10 ... CPU
11 ... ROM
12… EEPROM
13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Scanner part 15 ... Printer part 15A ... Recording head control part 15B ... Recording head 16 ... Interface part 17 ... Connection cable 18 ... Receiver 19 ... NCU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Modem part 21 ... Amplifier 22 ... Speaker 23 ... Bus 24 ... Telephone line Sd ... Data signal

Claims (3)

Temperature detecting means for detecting the ambient temperature around the device;
In an ink jet recording apparatus provided with a recording means for recording a desired image on a recording paper,
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit configured to set a higher density of an image recorded on the recording sheet as the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit decreases. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the recording control unit controls the density based on an amount of recording ink ejected to form one pixel. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the amount of the recording ink is controlled by the number of pulses of the data signal corresponding to one of the pixels.

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