JP4543703B2 - Printing apparatus, information processing apparatus, printing control method, program, test pattern data, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  One invention relates to a test pattern printing technique suitable for application to a printing apparatus. Moreover, one invention relates to an information processing apparatus that controls a printing apparatus to print a test pattern. Furthermore, one invention relates to a method for controlling printing of a test pattern by a printing apparatus.

  Furthermore, one invention relates to the program which implement | achieves the printing control mentioned above. The present invention also relates to a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Furthermore, one invention relates to test pattern data. The present invention also relates to a recording medium on which the test pattern data is recorded.

The prior art will be described below using an ink jet printer as an example. Inkjet printers are widely used as devices for printing a print pattern by ejecting ink droplets onto a print medium. In this print head, a large number of nozzles corresponding to the minimum print unit (dot) are arranged. In particular, today the height of the printing speed and resolution are important, Ru numerous nozzles are mounted in the print head Tei.

  On the other hand, very high processing techniques are required to process fine nozzles. In addition, a high control technique is required to land an appropriate amount of ink droplets at an appropriate position. For this reason, in this type of print head equipped with a large number of nozzles, there is a high possibility that nozzles having non-ejection, misalignment, defective ejection amount, and other ejection defects will appear.

  However, defective nozzle ejection causes a decrease in print quality. For this reason, a method for confirming whether normal printing is possible with the print head is required. Currently, a method of printing a test pattern on paper is known as a method for confirming nozzle ejection failure.

  For example, there is a method disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. FIG. 1 shows an example of a test pattern disclosed in Patent Document 1. This test pattern is printed when 16 nozzles are arranged in the vertical direction on the print head. The printing procedure of this test pattern is shown below.

  This printing is performed while the print head moves from the left side to the right side relative to the photographic paper. First, the first nozzle prints a horizontal line 1, and then prints a vertical line 2 indicating a break. Thereafter, the horizontal line 1 and the vertical line 2 are printed in order for the second to sixteenth nozzles in the same order as the first nozzle described above.

  At this time, each horizontal line 1 is printed so as to be lowered by one dot (interval between nozzles) with respect to the latest left horizontal line. The vertical line 2 is printed twice every five lines. The print pattern shown in FIG. 1 can be printed by such a procedure.

  In the case of this test pattern, for example, if there is a third non-ejection nozzle from the paper surface, the horizontal line portion to be printed by the third nozzle is blank. Therefore, the operator can know that the third nozzle is not ejecting by counting the number of blank portions from the left.

For example, there is a method disclosed in Patent Document 2. FIG. 2 shows an example of a test pattern disclosed in Patent Document 2. This test pattern is also basically the same as the test pattern disclosed in Patent Document 1. However, in the case of FIG. 2, a number for preventing miscounting is printed corresponding to each horizontal line.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-261078 JP-A-61-261079

  However, these two test patterns require a very long print area in the lateral direction of the paper. For this reason, when the number of nozzles increases, it becomes impossible to fit the test pattern print result on one sheet. In other words, it is not suitable as a test pattern for today's print heads equipped with a very large number of nozzles.

  Note that if the test pattern is compressed so that it fits on one sheet of paper, it is difficult to visually confirm the defective portion. This is because the same number of vertical lines as the number of nozzles are densely arranged, so that the masking effect makes it difficult to identify horizontal lines. In addition, since the vertical lines themselves are arranged very densely, it is easy to make a mistake in counting the positions of the vertical lines.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a test pattern applicable to a print head on which a large number of printing elements are mounted, and a printing technique therefor.

  The test pattern proposed here is based on the following print head and drive system. That is, the print head is assumed to have a plurality of print elements corresponding to the minimum print unit.

  In addition, the print head and the print medium are relatively moved in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the print elements. In other words, the printing apparatus prints a print pattern corresponding to the print data on the recording medium by such relative movement. The movement may be on the print head side, the printing target side, or both.

  FIG. 3 shows a basic configuration example of the test pattern proposed in this specification. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the test pattern. Therefore, in actuality, printing is performed in a compressed state in the arrangement direction of the printing elements. This test pattern includes a test pattern area 10 and a separation area 20.

  The test pattern area 10 is composed of a plurality of unit test patterns 12 arranged along the arrangement direction of the printing elements. In each unit test pattern 12, a plurality of ruled line patterns 14 corresponding to individual printing elements are arranged.

  Each ruled line pattern 14 is a fixed length pattern having a fixed length in the relative moving direction of the print head and the printing medium. Here, the ruled line patterns 14 are arranged in steps in the relative movement direction in the unit test pattern 12. That is, the plurality of ruled line patterns 14 constituting the unit test pattern 12 are all arranged at different positions with respect to the relative movement direction.

  For this reason, the ruled line pattern 14 appears in the same stage in different unit test patterns. Therefore, if a certain number or more of ruled line patterns 14 to be arranged in one unit test pattern 12 are secured, it is possible to secure a sufficient distance between the ruled line patterns 14 appearing on the same stage so as to be visually identified.

  Note that the number of unit test patterns 12 constituting the test pattern region 10 increases in proportion to the number of printing elements mounted on the print head if the number of ruled line patterns 14 constituting the unit test pattern 12 is fixed. .

  By adopting such an arrangement pattern, regardless of the number of printing elements, the length in the relative movement direction necessary for the test pattern region 10 is the length necessary for printing the ruled line pattern 14 constituting the unit test pattern. Limited to

  In addition, the length required in the arrangement direction of the printing elements matches the arrangement width of the printing elements. For this reason, it can fit in one sheet. Thus, in this test pattern, the ruled line pattern 14 is distributed and arranged in two directions, the moving direction relative to the arrangement direction of the printing elements.

  Incidentally, when printing is performed, a plurality of ruled line patterns 14 positioned at the same stage in the plurality of unit test patterns 12 are simultaneously printed as a set of print patterns.

  One separation region 20 is arranged along the outer edge of the test pattern region 10 extending in the arrangement direction. In the case of FIG. 3, the dividing line 22 is arranged along the upper edge of the test pattern region 10. Incidentally, the straight line 24 extending in the arrangement direction is for confirmation of the separation region 20. However, the straight line 24 is not essential.

  In this delimiter area 20, delimiter lines 22 for position confirmation are assigned at a ratio of one to a plurality of printing elements. That is, the dividing line 22 repeatedly appears in the arrangement direction at regular intervals. Here, the dividing line 22 is not necessarily a ruled line pattern, and may be a circle mark, a triangle mark, or other patterns.

  Further, it is desirable that the dividing line 22 is arranged at the head position of the unit test pattern 12 as shown in FIG. At this time, the dividing line 22 does not need to be arranged for each unit test pattern 12, and may be arranged at a ratio of one to the plurality of unit test patterns 12.

  Thus, the appearance frequency of the dividing line 22 is reduced as compared with the arrangement density of the printing elements. Therefore, even when the printing elements are densely arranged, the separation line 22 can be easily identified and confirmed. The dividing line 22 is arranged in a spatially different area from the ruled line pattern 14. For this reason, there is no worry that the confirmation of the ruled line pattern 14 is hindered.

  By employing the above-described configuration, a test pattern that can be printed within a certain range can be realized regardless of the number of printing elements mounted on the print head. In addition, even when the printing elements are arranged at a high density, it is easier to visually check the defective portion as compared with the conventional method.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. For techniques not specifically shown or described in the present specification, well-known or publicly known techniques in the technical field are applied.

(1) Test Pattern Hereinafter, another pattern example based on the above-described test pattern of FIG. 3 will be described.

(1-1) Pattern example 1
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 1. The pattern example 1 is an example in which the separation regions 20 are arranged on both sides of the outer edge extending in the arrangement direction of the test pattern regions 10. That is, this is an example having two test pattern regions 10.

  Since the delimiter areas 20 are on both sides of the test pattern area 10, the position of the ruled line pattern 14 can be counted from the delimiter line 22 of the delimiter area 20 closer to the defective part. This is effective in reducing counting mistakes. In particular, a high effect can be expected when the number of ruled line patterns 14 constituting the unit test pattern 12 is large.

  In this example, the unit test pattern 12 is composed of 16 ruled line patterns 14. The ruled line pattern 14 corresponds to each printing element arranged in the print head. Here, when the printing elements are arranged at 600 [dpi], 16 ruled line patterns 14 are arranged within a width of about 0.68 [mm].

  One ruled line pattern 14 is a fixed length pattern having a length of about 2.1 [mm]. In this case, the length (width) of the unit test pattern 12 in the relative movement direction is about 33.6 [mm]. Of course, the discriminability can be improved by changing the ruled line pattern 14 to a longer pattern. For example, if the pattern length is 3 [mm], the discriminability can be improved accordingly.

  In the case of this example, the dividing lines 22 are arranged at a rate of one for the four unit test patterns 12. That is, the dividing lines 22 are arranged at intervals of about 2.7 [mm]. Therefore, the position of the dividing line can be easily confirmed visually.

  In addition, the color printed using a printing element is arbitrary. In general, four colors of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow are set as basic colors. At this time, it is possible to assign the same color as the color assigned to the ruled line pattern 14 to the dividing line 22 or to assign a different color.

  For example, the magenta separator line 22 is combined with the black and cyan ruled line pattern 14. Further, for example, a black dividing line 22 is combined with the magenta and yellow ruled line pattern 14. However, the color combination of the ruled line pattern 14 and the dividing line 22 is arbitrary. In general, a combination that allows easy identification is selected in consideration of visibility.

  In general, when yellow is printed on white paper, the identification becomes difficult. Therefore, when the test pattern is printed on white paper, it is desirable to print the dividing line 22 in any one of black, magenta, and cyan.

  FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion where a defective portion is recognized in the test pattern printing result. It is assumed that the dividing line 22 closest to the defective portion corresponds to “010 *” in hexadecimal. Here, “*” corresponds to a numerical value indicating the order of the unit test pattern 12 in the ruled line pattern 14. For example, if the position of the first ruled line pattern 14 is represented by “0”, the position of the third ruled line pattern 14 is represented by “2”.

  In the case of FIG. 5, the unit test pattern 12 to which the defective portion 30 belongs is located on the right side (next to the arrangement direction) of the dividing line 22 corresponding to “010 *”. Therefore, the ruled line pattern 14 belonging to the unit test pattern 12 can be represented as “011 *”. Then, if it is found that the defective portion 30 is the fifth from the top, it can be understood that the position is “0114” in hexadecimal.

  In the case of FIG. 5, since there are two separation areas 20, even when the ruled line pattern 14 at a position away from the head in the unit test pattern 12 is defective as in the defective portion 32, the movement distance of the line of sight is The position can be confirmed in a small state.

  In this example, the dividing line 22 closest to the defective portion 32 corresponds to “014 *” in hexadecimal. Further, since the defective portion 32 is the second from the last in the unit test pattern 12 immediately before the dividing line 22, it can be easily confirmed that it is “013E”.

  As described above, by arranging the two separation regions 20 on the upper and lower sides of the test pattern region 10, not only the defective portion 30 on the first half side of the unit test pattern 12 but also the defect on the second half side of the unit test pattern 12. The position can be reliably identified with a small amount of line-of-sight movement with respect to the location 32 as well.

(1-2) Pattern example 2
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 2. Similarly to the pattern example 1 described above, the pattern example 2 also uses two separation regions 20. However, in the case of this pattern example 2, the dividing line 22 is arranged so as to be positioned between the two dividing lines 22 of the other dividing area 20.

  Note that the pattern length and arrangement density of the ruled line pattern 14 are the same as those in the pattern example 1. One unit test pattern 12 is composed of 16 ruled line patterns 14. Furthermore, it is assumed that the dividing line 22 is arranged at a rate of one for the four unit test patterns 12. These conditions are the same for other pattern examples described later.

  In the case of this pattern example 2, the dividing lines 22 located on both sides of the test pattern region 10 are substantially the same as the density of pattern example 1 is doubled. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce miscounting positions of the unit test patterns 12 including defective portions. In addition, as far as the same delimiter region 20 is concerned, the appearance interval of the delimiter line 22 is the same as that of the pattern example 1, and therefore the situation where the identification of the delimiter line 22 itself can be effectively avoided.

(1-3) Pattern example 3
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 3. In the case of this pattern example 3, the dividing line 22 is arranged so as to reach from one outer edge side extending in the arrangement direction of the test pattern region 10 to the other outer edge side. That is, the dividing line 22 is arranged so as to cross the test pattern region 10.

  The extending direction of the dividing line 22 is the same as the relative moving direction of the print head and the print medium. That is, the direction of the ruled line pattern 14 is the same. In the case of this pattern example, the test pattern area 10 is divided into small blocks including four unit test patterns 12. In FIG. 7, a one-dot chain line is used as the dividing line 22, but a dotted line, a solid line, a two-dot chain line, or other line types may be used. Further, the thickness of the line may be changed.

  Thus, if the pattern length of the dividing line 22 is increased, the positional relationship of the unit test pattern 12 can be easily confirmed. However, in the case of this pattern example, the dividing line 22 overlaps the ruled line pattern 14 at the head position of the first unit test pattern 12 of the small block.

  For this reason, when the ruled line pattern 14 and the dividing line 22 have the same color, it is expected that it is difficult to confirm the defective portion. However, even in that case, if the printing element for printing the ruled line pattern 14 and the printing element for printing the dividing line 22 are the same, it can be easily confirmed by the absence of the dividing line 22 as far as no ejection is concerned.

  In the case of this pattern example, it is desirable to separate the color assigned to the ruled line pattern 14 and the color assigned to the dividing line 22. If two colors are used that are easily distant from each other, the presence or absence of a defective portion can be easily confirmed for the ruled line pattern 14 that overlaps the dividing line 22 or the ruled line pattern 14 that is adjacent to the dividing line 22.

(1-4) Pattern example 4
FIG. 8 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 4. This pattern example 4 is a configuration in which the auxiliary dividing line 26 is combined with the basic pattern (FIG. 3). Here, the auxiliary dividing line 26 is a dividing line extending perpendicularly to the relative movement direction in the test pattern region 10.

  However, the auxiliary dividing line 26 is arranged at a rate of one for the plurality of ruled line patterns 14. In this respect, this is different from the conventional method in which one dividing line is arranged for each ruled line pattern. By arranging the auxiliary dividing lines 26 at a ratio of one to a plurality, it is possible to avoid difficulty in confirming the ruled line pattern 14 that is the original observation target.

  In this example, auxiliary dividing lines 26 are arranged at a rate of one for four ruled line patterns 14. With the auxiliary dividing line 26, the unit test pattern 12 can be divided into four small blocks.

  If the number of ruled line patterns 14 constituting one block is about four, it is possible to visually determine the approximate positional relationship (the number in the small block). As a result, it is difficult to cause miscounting when specifying the position of the ruled line pattern 14 at the defective portion.

  In FIG. 8, a one-dot chain line is used as the auxiliary dividing line 26, but a dotted line, a solid line, a two-dot chain line, or other line types may be used. Further, the thickness of the line may be changed. Further, as in pattern example 3, the color of the auxiliary dividing line 26 may be the same as or different from the color of the ruled line pattern 14.

(1-5) Pattern example 5
FIG. 9 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 5. This pattern example is a modification of the pattern example 4. That is, this is an example in which the auxiliary dividing lines 26 are arranged at the 4m + 3rd and 4m + 3 + 1th pieces (m is an integer (variable) of 0 or more) from the outer edge of the test pattern region in the arrangement direction.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary dividing line 26 is arranged to cross the third and fourth, the seventh and eighth, the eleventh and twelfth, and the fifteenth and sixteenth from the top of the unit test pattern 12. . In this case, it can be easily confirmed that the ruled line pattern 14 located in the narrower region between the two auxiliary dividing lines 26 is fourth, eighth, twelfth and sixteenth in order from the top.

  Further, in the case of this pattern example, the position of the ruled line pattern 14 located in the wider area of the region sandwiched between the two auxiliary dividing lines 26 can be easily determined. This is because the number of ruled line patterns 14 located in this area is three. In other words, the three ruled line patterns 14 can be classified as being in contact with the upper auxiliary dividing line 26, in contact with the lower auxiliary dividing line 26, or none of them.

  That is, since there are only three ruled line patterns 14, it is one of upper, lower and middle. For this reason, it becomes very easy to specify the position of the defective portion. Further, if the position of the defective portion can be specified, the position can be specified only by adding or subtracting “1” or “2” starting from any of the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth positions.

  In the case of FIG. 9, the auxiliary delimiter lines 26 are arranged at the 4m + 3th and 4m + 3 + 1th pieces (m is an integer (variable) of 0 or more) from the top of the unit test pattern 12. Patterns are possible.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to a pattern in which the auxiliary dividing line 26 is arranged at the 3m + 2 and 3m + 2 + 1th patterns, and a pattern in which the auxiliary dividing line 26 is arranged at the 5mth and 5m + 0 + 1th items. Of course, a number of 6 or more can be used as the number of breaks. Needless to say, various combinations can be considered for the line type, color, and the like of the auxiliary dividing line 26 as in the pattern example described above.

(1-6) Pattern example 6
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 6. If the auxiliary dividing line 26 is arranged as in the pattern example 4 and the pattern example 5 described above, it is easy to specify the number of the ruled line pattern 14 from the top. However, if the number of auxiliary dividing lines 26 arranged in the test pattern region 10 is too large, the visibility of the ruled line pattern 14 is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the pattern example 6, the auxiliary dividing line 26 is not arranged, but the blank area 28 is arranged at a ratio of one to the four ruled line patterns 14. Since the blank area 28 performs the same function as the auxiliary dividing line 26, the blank area 28 extends in parallel to the arrangement direction of the printing elements. With this blank area 28, the test pattern area 10 is divided into four areas with respect to the relative movement direction of the print head and the printing medium.

  In the case of this pattern example 6, since the margin in the test pattern area 10 increases, it is easier to check the individual ruled line patterns 14 accordingly. Also, when the position of the defective portion is specified, the blank area 28 corresponds to the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth divisions from the top, so that the number of the ruled line pattern 14 from the relative positional relationship. Can be easily confirmed.

  In the case of FIG. 10, the blank area 28 is arranged at a ratio of one to the four ruled line patterns 14, but various patterns can be considered as necessary. For example, one of the three ruled line patterns 14 may be arranged, or one of the five ruled line patterns 14 may be arranged. Here, if the number of divisions is set to an odd number, the position can be easily specified depending on whether it is in the middle of the block divided by the blank area or on the front side or the rear side.

(1-7) Pattern example 7
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of Pattern Example 7. This pattern example 7 is an example of a configuration in which a pattern 40 that gives position information is arranged in the vicinity of the dividing line 22 that forms the basic pattern (FIG. 3). In the case of FIG. 11, a hexadecimal value “010 *” corresponding to the dividing line 22 is added. From this, it can be seen that the position of the ruled line pattern 14 of the unit test pattern 12 immediately below the dividing line 22 corresponds to a value from “0100” to “010F”.

  Further, it can be seen that the ruled line pattern 14 of the unit test pattern 12 on the right side corresponds to values from “0110” to “011F”. Thus, in the case of this pattern example, it is possible to simultaneously confirm the position information of each dividing line 22 on the print result of the test pattern. This is effective in eliminating misreading of the position of the dividing line 22.

  Unlike FIG. 11, a hexadecimal numerical value “0100” corresponding to the ruled line pattern 14 at the position corresponding to the dividing line 22 may be arranged. Similar to the above description, when the defective portion is specified, the numerical value of the first digit may be read according to the position.

  In addition, the pattern 40 for giving position information need not be limited to the notation in n-ary (n is a natural number). For example, circles, triangles, and other patterns may be used as long as the position information can be confirmed.

(1-8) Other pattern examples Some of the seven pattern examples described above may be combined. For example, any one of pattern examples 1 to 6 can be combined with pattern example 7 (an example in which a pattern 40 that gives position information of the dividing line 22 is added). By using test patterns related to these combinations, it is possible to more easily identify the position at the time of printing.

  Also, any one of pattern examples 1 to 3 and pattern example 4 or 5 can be combined. If a test pattern related to such a combination is used, the position of the defective portion can be specified more reliably.

(2) Printing Device Next, an embodiment of a printing device that prints the above test pattern will be described. Note that the printing apparatus of this example is an inkjet printer. However, the printing apparatus according to the invention can be widely applied to a printing apparatus that performs printing in units of dots, such as a wire dot printer, a thermal transfer printer, or the like.

(2-1) Print Head An embodiment of the print head will be described. FIG. 12 shows a partially enlarged view of the head surface 50. On the head surface 50, four rows of nozzle groups N1 to N4 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the printing direction (opposite to the moving direction of the recording medium).

  In the nozzle groups N1 to N4, nozzles 52 are arranged at the same density as the printing resolution over the printing width. The nozzle groups N1 to N4 are arranged at a specified pitch in the printing direction. The nozzle groups N1 to N4 correspond to ink slots in which containers (that is, ink cartridges) filled with ink are mounted.

  For example, the first nozzle group N1 corresponds to the ink slot 1. Similarly, the second, third, and fourth nozzle groups N2 to N4 correspond to the ink slots 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

  On the head surface 50, nozzle numbers 54 representing nozzle positions are arranged at regular intervals on both sides of the four rows of nozzle groups N1 to N4. In the case of FIG. 12, the mark 54 which gives a nozzle number is arranged for every 16 pieces. This mark 54 corresponds to each unit test pattern 12 of the test pattern described above. However, it is not essential to arrange the mark 54 on the head surface 50.

  FIG. 13 shows the top surface of the print head 56. Four ink slots 58A to 58D for mounting the ink cartridge 60 (FIG. 14) are provided on the upper surface. The ink slot 58A corresponds to the nozzle group N1. The ink slots 58B to 58D correspond to the nozzle groups N2 to N4, respectively.

  An ink supply opening is formed on the bottom surface of each of the ink slots 58A to 58D. Each opening is connected to a corresponding nozzle group N1 to N4 through an ink flow path. The opening is formed near the center of the bottom surface. The ink supply port 62 of the ink cartridge 60 (FIG. 14) is inserted into this opening.

(2-2) Apparatus Main Body FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of the discharge control unit 70 mounted on the apparatus main body. The ejection control unit 70 is a signal processing unit that converts print data captured from inside and outside the apparatus into gradation data suitable for ejection of ink droplets. As shown in FIG. 15, the ejection control unit 70 includes a color conversion unit 72, a gamma conversion unit 74, a gradation conversion unit 76, a system control unit 78, a test pattern storage unit 80, and a head drive data generation unit 81.

  The color conversion unit 72 converts print data composed of the three primary colors red (R), green (G), and blue (B) into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and ink colors of the printer. A process of converting to a density signal of black (K) is executed.

  The converted density signal is output from the color converter 72 to the gamma converter 74. In this embodiment, the print data is an image signal Vin in the bitmap format. A known technique is used for the color conversion unit 72.

  The gamma conversion unit 74 executes signal processing for converting the density signal of the original image into a density signal corresponding to the density reproduction characteristic. A gamma characteristic curve is used for this conversion. Gamma refers to a characteristic curve for density reproduction that varies depending on the ink absorption rate of the recording medium, the area filling rate of the ink to the recording medium, and the like.

  The gradation conversion unit 76 executes signal processing for reducing the number of gradations of the density signal after gamma conversion. In other words, the gradation converting unit 76 converts the gradation data into gradation data with a reduced number of gradations while maintaining the reproducibility of the intermediate gradation of the original image as much as possible. That is, the gradation conversion unit 76 performs quantization processing.

  The test pattern storage unit 78 is a storage device that stores data (data structure) corresponding to any one or more of the above-described test patterns. In other words, the test pattern storage unit 78 stores a test pattern including first print data corresponding to the test pattern area 10 and second print data corresponding to the separation area 20.

  There are various storage methods for this data. For example, the test pattern storage unit 78 stores the format of the head drive data created by the head drive data generation unit 81 in the form itself. Further, for example, the test pattern storage unit 78 stores the head drive data in a compressed form.

  Further, for example, the test pattern storage unit 78 stores only data necessary for generating head drive data. In this example, the head drive data is generated by processing data read from the test pattern storage unit 78.

  Incidentally, a non-volatile storage device is used for the test pattern storage unit 78. For example, a read only memory (ROM) is used. However, in the case of a system in which the test pattern can be rewritten, a rewritable nonvolatile memory is used.

  The system control unit 80 controls the entire apparatus. For example, a print mode detection process and a control process for each unit corresponding to the detected print mode are executed. For example, drive control of the transport mechanism is also executed. The system control unit 80 has a computer configuration and executes control operations of the respective units according to predetermined firmware.

  For example, when test pattern data having the same data format as the head drive data generated by the head drive data generation unit 81 is stored in the test pattern storage unit 78, the system control unit 80 performs the following operation during test printing. .

  First, the system control unit 80 sequentially reads test pattern data from the test pattern storage unit 78. Thereafter, the system control unit 80 gives the read test pattern data to the head and prints the test pattern. Of course, in this case, print data for one line corresponding to each of the nozzle groups N1 to N4 is read in the printing order.

  For example, when test pattern data in a format in which the head drive data generated by the head drive data generation unit 81 is compressed is stored in the test pattern storage unit 78, the system control unit 80 performs the following operation at the time of test printing To do.

  First, the system control unit 80 sequentially reads test pattern data stored in a compressed state from the test pattern storage unit 78. Thereafter, the system control unit 80 decompresses the test pattern data and applies it to the head to print the test pattern.

  In addition, for example, when only data necessary for generating head drive data is stored in the test pattern storage unit 78, the system control unit 80 performs the following operation during test printing. First, the system control unit 80 reads data necessary for generating head drive data from the test pattern storage unit 78.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 80 generates head drive data from the data and gives it to the head to print a test pattern. Alternatively, the system control unit 80 generates data in a format that can be processed by the head drive data generation unit 81 from the data, and supplies the data to the head drive data generation unit 81. In this case, head drive data is generated based on the data input by the head drive data generation unit 81, and the head is driven.

  As described above, the head drive data generation unit 81 generates head drive data for actually driving the head. The head is driven by the head drive data, and ink is ejected from each ejection unit.

(2-3) Test Print Operation As described above, the test print operation is executed by reading data corresponding to the test pattern. However, the test pattern can be divided into first print data corresponding to the test pattern area 10 and second print data corresponding to the separation area 20 as described above.

  Therefore, this test printing operation can be grasped as a processing operation shown in FIG. 16 from a functional viewpoint. That is, a process P1 for sequentially reading a set of ruled line patterns 14 corresponding to each stage (one line) of the test pattern area 10, a process P2 for reading the delimiter line 22 of the delimiter area 20, and printing the read pattern data Processing P3 to be performed, processing P4 for determining whether or not reading of all pattern data corresponding to the test pattern has been completed, and processing P5 for updating the printing position information when a negative result is obtained in processing P4. Can do.

  In process P5, the position information of the printing target with respect to the relative movement direction is updated, and the process returns to process P1 again. By repeating this series of processing, the test pattern is printed on the printing target.

(3) Information processing apparatus The above description assumes that test pattern data held inside the apparatus is printed in accordance with a test print execution instruction given from inside or outside the apparatus. However, a method of giving test pattern data from an external device is also conceivable.

  Here, the external device can be realized as a dedicated device for test printing. However, generally, a test pattern necessary for an information processing apparatus having a computer configuration can be stored, or read out from a storage device (recording medium) connected to the information processing apparatus, and given to the above-described ink jet printer.

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 90. The hardware itself has a well-known configuration. The information processing apparatus 90 includes a central processing unit 92, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 94, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 96, a hard disk drive 98, a keyboard 100, a display 102, and a communication port 104.

  The central processing unit 92 executes a program using the RAM 96 as a work area. Various functions are realized by executing the program. For example, the function of printing a test pattern is realized by the above-described processing procedure (FIG. 16). The ROM 94 stores a basic program for controlling input / output with peripheral devices. The RAM 96 executes an operation system and application programs.

  The hard disk drive 98 stores an operation system and application programs. A test pattern and a test pattern printing program are also stored in the hard disk drive 98.

  The test pattern may be stored in a semiconductor memory (including a memory card), an optical disk, or other storage medium. Further, it may be stored in an external storage device (recording medium).

  The keyboard 100 is one of input devices used for an operator to input instructions and information to a computer. Another example of the input device is a mouse. The display device 102 is one of output devices that display a user interface designed using graphics parts such as buttons and menus.

  The operator can instruct execution of test printing through the user interface screen. The communication port 104 realizes communication between the central processing unit 92 connected to the internal bus and the ink jet printer.

  When the information processing apparatus 90 and the ink jet printer are connected via a network, a communication port 104 that supports a network protocol is used. Of course, the communication form is not limited to the wired system, but may be a wireless system.

  Such an information processing apparatus 90 can be applied to a mobile information terminal, a mobile phone, a game device, an imaging device, and other electronic devices incorporating a computer in addition to a so-called computer.

It is a figure which shows the prior art example (the 1) of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the prior art example (the 2) of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the basic structural example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a printing result containing a defective location. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a test pattern. It is a figure which shows the head surface of a print head. It is a figure which shows the top view of a print head. It is a figure which shows an ink cartridge. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a discharge control part. It is a figure which shows a functional test print processing procedure. It is a figure which shows the structural example of information processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 Test Pattern Area 12 Unit Test Pattern 14 Ruled Line Pattern 20 Separation Area 22 Separation Line 26 Auxiliary Separation Line 28 Blank Area 78 Test Pattern Storage Unit

Claims (14)

A print head in which a plurality of printing elements corresponding to the minimum printing unit are arranged in a first direction and a printing medium are moved relatively in a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction, the printing apparatus for printing a print pattern corresponding to the print data on the recording medium,
A ruled line pattern corresponding to an individual of the printing element, the second one having a predetermined length in the direction, the second unit test pattern arranged different levels in the direction, along the first direction as the test pattern area which is several parallel arranged adjacent without overlap are printed onto the printing medium, a first print data sequentially controlling a set of said printing elements corresponding to each stage Stored first storage means;
Along said outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern area, a plurality of said separated areas separators appears repeatedly position confirmation in a ratio of one to the printing device the printing medium on And a second storage means for storing second print data for controlling the print head so as to be printed on the printer. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the partition region is arranged on both sides of an outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern region. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The dividing line arranged along one outer edge and the dividing line arranged along the other outer edge are arranged so as to be positioned between the two dividing lines on the other side. Printing device to do. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the dividing line is arranged so as to reach from one outer edge side extending in the first direction to the other outer edge side in the test pattern region. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the test pattern area, a position confirmation auxiliary dividing line extending from one outer edge side to the other outer edge side extending in the second direction is arranged at a ratio of one to the plurality of ruled line patterns. 3. A printing apparatus, comprising: a third storage unit that stores three data structures. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The auxiliary dividing lines are (k · m + n) -th and (k · m + n + 1) -th (k is an integer (constant) of 3 or more) from one outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern region. . m is an integer greater than or equal to 0 (variable). n is an integer of 0 or more (constant). The printing apparatus is arranged at a position where the ruled line pattern is separated. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test pattern area includes a blank area that separates the ruled line patterns in the second direction at a ratio of one to a plurality of ruled line patterns. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pattern that gives positional information of a printing element that prints a ruled line pattern at a position corresponding to each dividing line is arranged in the vicinity of each dividing line. A print head in which a plurality of printing elements corresponding to the minimum printing unit are arranged in a first direction and a printing medium are moved relatively in a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction, an information processing apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus for printing a print pattern corresponding to the print data on the recording medium,
A ruled line pattern corresponding to an individual of the printing elements, those having a predetermined length in the second direction, the second unit test pattern arranged in different levels in the direction of, along the first direction as the test pattern area which is several parallel arranged adjacent without overlap are printed onto the print medium, the first print control means for sequentially controlling a set of said printing elements corresponding to each stage When,
Along said outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern area, a plurality of said separated areas separators appears repeatedly position confirmation in a ratio of one to the printing device the printing medium on An information processing apparatus comprising: a second print control unit that controls the print head so that printing is performed on the print head. A print head in which a plurality of printing elements corresponding to the minimum printing unit are arranged in a first direction and a printing medium are moved relatively in a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction, the print control method for printing a print pattern corresponding to the print data on the recording medium,
A ruled line pattern corresponding to an individual of the printing element, the second one having a predetermined length in the direction, the second unit test pattern arranged different levels in the direction, along the first direction as the test pattern area which is several parallel arranged adjacent without overlap are printed onto the printing medium, a first processing for sequentially controlling a set of said printing elements corresponding to each stage,
Along said outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern area, a plurality of said separated areas separators appears repeatedly position confirmation in a ratio of one to the printing device the printing medium on And a second process for controlling the print head so that printing is performed on the print head. A print head in which a plurality of printing elements corresponding to the minimum printing unit are arranged in a first direction and a printing medium are moved relatively in a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction, the print pattern corresponding to the print data to a computer for controlling the printing device for printing on the recording medium,
A ruled line pattern corresponding to an individual of the printing element, the second one having a predetermined length in the direction, the second unit test pattern arranged different levels in the direction, along the first direction as the test pattern area which is several parallel arranged adjacent without overlap are printed onto the printing medium, a first processing for sequentially controlling a set of said printing elements corresponding to each stage,
Along said outer edge extending in the first direction in the test pattern area, a plurality of said separated areas separators appears repeatedly position confirmation in a ratio of one to the printing device the printing medium on And a second process for controlling the print head so that the print head is printed. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 11 is recorded. A print head in which a plurality of printing elements corresponding to the minimum printing unit are arranged in a first direction and a printing medium are moved relatively in a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction, a test pattern data for printing device for printing a print pattern corresponding to the print data on the recording medium,
A ruled line pattern corresponding to an individual of the printing element, the second one having a predetermined length in the direction, the second unit test pattern arranged different levels in the direction, along the first direction First print data corresponding to a plurality of test pattern regions arranged in parallel adjacently without overlapping ,
Along the outer edge extending in the first direction of the test pattern area, separators for position confirmation in a ratio of one for a plurality of the printing elements repeated a second corresponding to the delimiter area appearing Test pattern data characterized by having print data. A computer-readable recording medium on which the test pattern data according to claim 13 is recorded.

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