JP4193433B2 - Continuous printing of multiple images - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for performing printing by recording ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Inkjet printers that perform printing by ejecting ink droplets from a print head while performing main scanning and sub-scanning are widely used as devices that output images on paper. On the other hand, with the widespread use of digital cameras, there are increasing opportunities for output of photographic images. In outputting a photographic image, it is often required to print a large number of images continuously.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, conventionally, since printing processing was performed for each image, it was not possible to record over a plurality of recording areas (printing areas). For this reason, even in a state where the nozzle is arranged on the recording area adjacent to the recording area being recorded, it was not possible to record in the adjacent recording area.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and provides a technique capable of continuously printing a plurality of images by efficiently using a plurality of nozzles provided in a print head. For the purpose.
[0005]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction according to a plurality of image data, The plurality of image data are data representing different images independently, and the print head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction in order to eject the same ink for at least one color. And the printing apparatus performs at least a part of each of the two recording areas adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction in the same main scanning among the plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data. It is possible to record.
[0006]
According to the printing apparatus of the present invention, at least a part of each of the two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction among the plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data representing different images independently. Can be recorded in the same main scanning, and a plurality of nozzles provided in the print head can be efficiently used to print a plurality of images continuously.
[0007]
In the printing apparatus, an image data conversion unit that converts the plurality of image data to generate a plurality of bitmap image data that is bitmap format image data, and an image data combination that combines the plurality of bitmap image data Printing data for generating raster data representing the ink dot formation state in each main scanning of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount by converting the combined bitmap image data It is preferable to provide a conversion unit.
[0008]
As described above, by combining a plurality of bitmap image data into one data, data processing for continuously printing a plurality of images can be easily realized. The bitmap image data includes data representing the pixel value of each pixel in the image, such as RGB image data, CMYK image data, and dot data.
[0009]
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable that the plurality of bitmap image data is dot data representing an ink dot formation state in each pixel of the plurality of recording regions.
[0010]
In this way, an algorithm for converting a plurality of image data into print data can be simplified.
[0011]
In the printing apparatus, it is preferable to perform the print data generation process by cyclically using at least a part of the memory.
[0012]
In this way, it is possible to print in a recording area having an unlimited length in the sub-scanning direction using a limited memory space. Such a feature has a remarkable effect when a plurality of images are continuously printed on roll paper.
[0013]
The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a printing method and a printing apparatus, a printing control method and a printing control apparatus, a computer program for realizing the functions of these methods or apparatuses, and the like The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium that records a computer program, a data signal that includes the computer program and is embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Overall configuration of the device:
B. Printing procedure:
C. Contents of the printing process:
D. Variation:
[0015]
A. Overall configuration of the printing device:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing apparatus 20 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 20 receives image data from a control circuit 40, a paper feed motor 23, a carriage motor 24 that performs main scanning, a print head 50 mounted on the carriage 30, and a memory card MC. A readable image data reading unit 70 and a user interface 33 are provided.
[0016]
The control circuit 40 includes an interface 41 that receives image data from the image data reading unit 70 and an input signal from the user interface 33, a RAM 42 that stores various data, a ROM 43 that stores routines for various data processing, and the like. In order to send a print signal and a drive signal for controlling the mechanical system such as the oscillation circuit 44, the control unit 45 having a CPU, the original drive signal generation unit 206, the paper feed motor 23, the carriage motor 24, and the print head 50. Interface circuit 47.
[0017]
The RAM 42 is used as a reception buffer 42A, an intermediate buffer 42B, or an output buffer 42C. The image data from the image data reading unit 70 is stored in the reception buffer 42A via the interface 41. This data is converted into an intermediate code and stored in the intermediate buffer 42B. The intermediate code stored in the intermediate buffer 42B is converted into print data including raster data representing the dot formation state in each main scan of the print head 50 and sub-scan feed data representing the sub-scan feed amount, and output. Recorded in the buffer 42C. Details of these processes will be described later.
[0018]
The output buffer 42C is connected to the print head 50 via an interface circuit 47 and a cable called FFC (FLEXIBLEAT CABLE). The cable FFC connects the print head 50 and the control circuit 40 and can be deformed so as to follow the movement of the carriage 30 on which the print head 50 is mounted.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the mechanism unit 21 included in the printing apparatus 20. The mechanism unit 21 includes a sub-scan feed mechanism that transports the printing paper P in the sub-scan direction by the paper feed motor 23 and a main-scan feed that causes the carriage 30 to reciprocate in the axial direction (main scan direction) of the platen 26 by the carriage motor 24. A mechanism and a head drive mechanism that drives a print head 50 mounted on the carriage 30 to control ink ejection and dot formation.
[0020]
The main scanning feed mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 includes an endless drive belt 36 that is stretched between the carriage motor 24 and a slide shaft 34 that is laid in parallel with the platen 26 shaft and slidably holds the carriage 30. A pulley 38 to be provided and a position sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 30 are provided. The paper feed motor 23, the carriage motor 24, the position sensor 39, and the print head 50 are connected to an interface circuit 47 included in the control circuit (FIG. 1).
[0021]
The sub-scan feed mechanism that transports the printing paper P includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 23 to the platen 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown). The printing paper P is roll paper and is supplied from a roll paper holder (not shown).
[0022]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head 28. The lower surface of the print head 28, the black ink nozzle group K for ejecting black ink, a dark cyan ink nozzle group C _D for ejecting dark cyan ink, light cyan ink for ejecting light cyan ink a nozzle group C _L, and dark magenta ink nozzle group M _D for ejecting dark magenta ink, a light magenta ink nozzle group M _L for ejecting light magenta ink, yellow ink nozzle for ejecting yellow ink Group Y is formed.
[0023]
The capital letter of the first alphabet in the code indicating each nozzle group means the ink color, and the subscript “D” indicates that the ink has a relatively high density, and the subscript “L” This means that the ink has a relatively low density.
[0024]
The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle group are aligned at a constant nozzle pitch k · D along the sub-scanning direction SS. Here, k is an integer, and D is a pitch (referred to as “dot pitch”) corresponding to the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction. In this specification, it is also referred to as “nozzle pitch is k dots”. The unit [dot] at this time means the dot pitch of the printing resolution. Similarly, the unit of [dot] is used for the sub-scan feed amount.
[0025]
Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets. During printing, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle while the print head 28 moves in the main scanning direction MS.
[0026]
Note that the plurality of nozzles of each nozzle group need not be arranged in a straight line along the sub-scanning direction, and may be arranged in a staggered manner, for example. Even when the nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern, the nozzle pitch k · D measured in the sub-scanning direction can be defined as in the case of FIG. In this specification, the phrase “a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction” has a broad meaning including nozzles arranged in a straight line and nozzles arranged in a staggered pattern. Yes.
[0027]
The printing apparatus 20 having the hardware configuration described above transports the paper P by the paper feed motor 23, reciprocates the carriage 30 by the carriage motor 24, and simultaneously drives the piezo elements of the print head 28 so that each color ink Droplets are ejected to form ink dots on the paper P to form a multicolor / multi-tone image.
[0028]
B. Printing procedure:
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing operation procedure in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the printing apparatus 20 and the interface 33 of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step S110, the user inserts the memory card MC into the image data reading unit 70 (memory card insertion slot) provided in the printing apparatus 20. The image data reading unit 70 reads a plurality of image data from the memory card MC and displays an image represented by the read image data on the user interface 33. The user interface 33 is configured as a touch panel and can receive input from the user.
[0029]
In step S120, the user selects an image desired to be printed. The image is selected by touching an image that is not desired to be printed using the user interface 33. The touched image indicates that the display is lightened and removed from the print target.
[0030]
In step S130, the user selects a print size. Selectable sizes include photo sizes such as six or four. When the selection of the size is completed and the user touches the “selection completion / print” icon 32 (step S140), a printing process routine (S150) is started.
[0031]
C. Contents of the printing process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing in the embodiment of the present invention. In step S210, the control unit 45 (FIG. 1) performs an image data conversion process. The image data conversion process is a process of converting from a storage format (for example, JPEG format) of image data stored in the memory card MC to an RGB bitmap format.
[0032]
The control unit 45 performs resolution conversion processing (step S220), color conversion processing (step S230), and color reduction processing (step S240) on the bitmap format image data. These processes are processes for generating dot data that is data representing the dot formation state in each pixel on the print medium. Here, the resolution conversion process is a process for matching the resolution of the image data in the bitmap format with the resolution of the print image. The color conversion process is a conversion process from RGB bitmap data to multi-gradation data of a plurality of ink colors that can be used by the printing apparatus 20. The color reduction process is a process for reducing the number of gradations of multi-gradation data. For example, when the printing apparatus 20 has two gradations, ie, whether ink dots are formed, the number of gradations is reduced to two gradations.
[0033]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of dot data generated in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows two dot data G1 and G2 among a plurality of generated dot data. These dot data represent the formation state of ink dots to be formed on the print medium in order to reproduce each image. For example, when the pixel value of the A column and 1 row of the dot data G1 is “0”, no ink dot is formed at the corresponding pixel position in the print image, and when the pixel value is “1”, an ink dot is formed. It is shown that.
[0034]
In step S250, the control unit 45 performs layout processing. In the present embodiment, layout processing refers to combining a plurality of dot data to generate one dot data.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the dot data GC generated in this way. The dot data GC is generated by arranging two dot data G1 and G2 in one recording area selected from a plurality of recording areas prepared in advance. The recording area is selected so that further image data to be printed can be arranged according to the paper size (for example, cut into four) selected by the user and the print resolution. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a pixel having a recording area of 10 pixels × 20 pixels (main scanning direction × sub-scanning direction) is selected.
[0036]
In this embodiment, the dot data G1 and G2 are arranged at the center in the main scanning direction with an interval of one line (11th line) in the main scanning direction within the recording area. Dummy data is stored in the area around the dot data G1 and G2 and the interval between them. The dummy data is data indicating that no ink dot is formed. The dot data GC generated in this way is stored in the intermediate buffer 42B.
[0037]
In step S260 (FIG. 6), the control unit 45 performs print data conversion processing. The print data conversion process is a process for generating print data including raster data indicating the recording state of ink dots formed by each nozzle during each main scan and data indicating the sub-scan feed amount from the dot data GC. Say.
[0038]
9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams showing the contents of print data conversion processing in the memory space. FIG. 9 shows a memory space having a storage area of 10 pixels × 14 pixels (main scanning direction × sub-scanning direction) and a simplified print head Ka. In this memory space, pixel values from the first line to the 14th line of the dot data GC are stored. Since the pixel value represents the ink dot formation state in each pixel, the ink dot formation state on the print medium is virtually configured in the memory space.
[0039]
In the simplified print head Ka, the black ink nozzle group K is taken out from the print head 28 (FIG. 3), the number of used nozzles is three, and the nozzle pitch k is 2 dots. The reason why such a print head Ka is used in this embodiment is to explain the print data conversion process in an easy-to-understand manner. In the present specification, main scanning is also called a pass.
[0040]
In the print data conversion process performed in step S260, the ink dot formation state virtually configured in the memory space is reproduced on the print medium using the mechanism unit 21 (FIG. 2) of the printing apparatus 20. This is processing for generating print data to be used for this purpose. The contents of this conversion processing are determined according to the recording method parameters in the mechanism unit 21. The printing method parameters in the mechanism unit 21 include the number of nozzles used and the sub-scan feed amount F.
[0041]
Specifically, the print data conversion process is performed as follows. In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the first main scanning (pass 1) in the mechanism unit 21, the # 1, No. 2, and # 3 nozzles are used for the first, third, and fifth rows, respectively. It is assumed that a raster line is formed. In order to form these raster lines in pass 1, the raster data of nozzle # 1, nozzle # 2, and nozzle # 3 in pass 1 are stored in the first, third, and fifth rows in the memory space. It can be seen that it may be generated by copying the data (pixel value) stored in the eye.
[0042]
With the recording parameters assumed by the mechanism unit 21, sub-scan feed of 3 dots is performed between passes. Therefore, pass 2 is performed at a position moved by 3 dots in the sub-scanning direction from pass 1. Is called. As a result, as can be seen from FIG. 9, the raster data of nozzle # 1, nozzle # 2, and nozzle # 3 in pass 2 is stored in the fourth, sixth, and eighth lines in the memory space. It can be generated by copying existing data. In this way, it can be seen that raster data in each pass can be generated.
[0043]
On the other hand, the memory is managed so that data can be written in at least a part of an area (used area) used for generating raster data in the storage area in the memory space. The area in which data can be written is represented by a blank as shown in FIGS. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, an algorithm is set so that data can be written in the area (the first to sixth line areas) through which the nozzle # 1 has passed.
[0044]
In the space where data can be written, the data of the 15th and subsequent lines of the dot data GC (FIG. 8) is copied as shown in FIG. Specifically, the data from the 15th line to the 19th line of the dot data GC are copied to the storage areas from the 1st line to the 5th line in the memory space.
[0045]
The raster data of # 1, # 2, and # 3 nozzles in pass 5 is generated as follows. The raster data for # 1 nozzle is generated by copying the 13th row data in the memory space. The raster data of # 2 nozzle and # 3 nozzle is generated by copying the data of the first row and the third row in the memory space, respectively. The data on the first and third lines in the memory space is a copy of the data on the 15th and 17th lines in the dot data GC.
[0046]
Raster data can be generated in the same manner from pass 6 onward. The data generated in this way (FIG. 12) is stored in the output buffer 42C. In the output buffer 42C, cyclic memory management is performed so that the storage area of the data used in the mechanism unit 21 can be written in the same manner. In this example, there are two pieces of image data to be printed, but it can be understood that the same processing can be performed even if there are three or more pieces of image data.
[0047]
Cyclic memory management is applicable not only to print data conversion processing but also to all processing from image data reception processing from the image data reading unit 70 to print data conversion processing. Such memory management can be applied to the entire memory space of the printing apparatus such as the reception buffer 42A, the intermediate buffer 42B, and the output buffer 42C.
[0048]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing how ink dots are recorded in the present invention. Ink dot recording is performed by a recording method assumed in the print data conversion process. Specifically, the mechanism unit 21 performs recording while feeding the print head Ka having three used nozzles in the sub-scanning direction by regular feeding of 3 dots. Thereby, the content of the dot data GC (FIG. 8) is reproduced on the print medium. A blank pixel indicates that no ink dot is formed.
[0049]
As described above, since the memory space is used cyclically, it is possible to print in an unlimited length recording area in the sub-scanning direction in a limited memory space. As a result, printing can be performed on the roll paper without limiting the number of print images.
[0050]
As described above, in the present embodiment, printing is performed based on dot data generated by combining data representing different images independently. Therefore, at least each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction is used. A part can be recorded by the same main scanning. As a result, when printing is performed according to a plurality of image data, a plurality of nozzles provided in the print head can be used efficiently.
[0051]
D. Variation:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.
[0052]
D-1. In the above embodiment, the non-overlap printing method is adopted as the recording method, but the present invention can also be applied to the overlapping method. Here, the non-overlapping printing method refers to a recording method in which each raster line is recorded by one main scanning, and the overlapping printing method records at least a part of the raster lines by a plurality of main scannings. A recording method.
[0053]
D-2. In the case where the print head extends over three or more recording areas, recording can be performed by the same main scanning over three or more recording areas.
[0054]
D-3. In the above embodiment, the blank area is expressed by storing dummy data in the area where the image is not recorded in the layout process. For example, this indicates that a predetermined line area is sandwiched between the images. Control data such as image interval data and peripheral area data representing the width of the peripheral area of the image may be used.
[0055]
D-4. In the above-described embodiment, the data is combined after generating the dot data by performing the resolution conversion, the color conversion, and the color reduction process. However, for example, the data may be combined before each of the above processes. In general, the image data combined in the present invention may be data representing the pixel value of each pixel in the image representing the pixel value of each pixel in the image, such as RGB image data, CMYK image data, and dot data. However, if the combined data is dot data, there is an advantage that an algorithm for converting a plurality of image data into print data can be simplified.
[0056]
D-5. In the above embodiment, the print data is generated by combining the dot data and converting the combined dot data. However, printing is performed using the control data representing the positional relationship between the images without combining the dot data. Data may be generated. However, the method for generating print data by converting the combined dot data has the advantage that it can be converted to print data with a simple algorithm as described above.
[0057]
In the above embodiment, a color print head capable of ejecting a plurality of color inks is used. However, for example, a monochrome print head that ejects only black ink may be used. In general, a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction in order to eject the same ink for at least one color can be used in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
[0058]
When some or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, and the like. An external storage device fixed to the computer is also included.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a mechanism unit 21 included in the printing apparatus 20;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the print head.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a printing operation procedure in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus and an interface included in the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of printing processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of dot data generated in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing dot data generated by combining a plurality of dot data.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of print data conversion processing in a memory space.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of print data conversion processing in a memory space.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of print data conversion processing in a memory space.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of raster data generated from dot data GC.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing how ink dots are recorded in the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Printing apparatus 21 ... Mechanism part 23 ... Paper feed motor 24 ... Carriage motor 26 ... Platen 28 ... Print head 30 ... Carriage 32 ... Icon 33 ... User interface 34 ... Sliding shaft 36 ... Drive belt 38 ... Pulley 39 ... Position sensor 40 ... Control circuit 41 ... Interface 42 ... RAM
43 ... ROM
44 ... Oscillator 45 ... Control unit 47 ... Interface circuit 50 ... Print head 70 ... Image data reading unit 70
206: Original drive signal generator

Claims (3)

A printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a print head in a main scanning direction according to a plurality of image data,
The plurality of image data are data representing a plurality of different images, each independently.
The print head has a plurality of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction in order to eject the same ink for at least one color,
The printing apparatus is capable of recording at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction among the plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data by the same main scanning. ,
The printing apparatus further includes:
An image data converter that converts the plurality of image data to generate a plurality of bitmap image data that is image data in a bitmap format;
The plurality of bits are automatically added by automatically adding at least one of dummy data indicating that no ink dots are formed and control data indicating that a predetermined interval is sandwiched between the plurality of bitmap image data. An image data combiner for combining map image data;
A print data conversion unit that converts the combined bitmap image data and generates print data including raster data representing the ink dot formation state in each main scan of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount; ,
Bei El, the printing device. A printing method for performing printing according to a plurality of image data, each of which represents a plurality of different images independently.
(A) preparing a print head having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction in order to eject the same ink for at least one color;
(B) printing by forming ink dots on the print medium while moving the print head in the main scanning direction;
With
In the step (b), at least a part of each of the two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction among the plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data is recorded by the same main scanning. Including steps,
The printing method further includes:
An image data conversion step of converting the plurality of image data to generate a plurality of bitmap image data which is image data in a bitmap format;
The plurality of bits are automatically added by automatically adding at least one of dummy data indicating that no ink dots are formed and control data indicating that a predetermined interval is sandwiched between the plurality of bitmap image data. An image data combining step for combining map image data;
A print data conversion step of converting the combined bitmap image data to generate print data including raster data representing the ink dot formation state in each main scan of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount; ,
Ru equipped with, printing method. Printing having a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction in order to eject the same ink for at least one color in accordance with a plurality of image data, each representing data representing a plurality of different images independently A computer program for controlling a printing apparatus that performs printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving a head in a main scanning direction,
A program for causing the printing apparatus to realize a function of performing printing by forming ink dots on a print medium while moving the print head in the main scanning direction;
The function includes a function of recording at least a part of each of two recording areas adjacent in the sub-scanning direction among the plurality of recording areas respectively recorded according to the plurality of image data by the same main scanning. ,
The computer program further includes:
An image data conversion function for converting the plurality of image data and generating a plurality of bitmap image data which is image data in a bitmap format;
The plurality of bits are automatically added by automatically adding at least one of dummy data indicating that no ink dots are formed and control data indicating that a predetermined interval is sandwiched between the plurality of bitmap image data. Image data combining function to combine map image data,
A print data conversion function for converting the combined bitmap image data to generate print data including raster data representing the ink dot formation state in each main scan of the print head and the sub-scan feed amount; ,
The Ru comprising a program for realizing the printing device, the computer program.

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