JP5493647B2 - Multiple printing that overlays and forms images on print media - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing multiple printing in which images are formed on a print medium in an overlapping manner.

  For example, there are cases where it is required to print at a relatively high density, such as printing outdoor signs. Relatively high density printing can be realized by printing (hereinafter referred to as “multiple printing”) in which the same image is formed at the same position on the print medium.

  A line head type printer having two nozzle lines for each color and capable of forming ink dots of the same color at the same position with the nozzles of each nozzle line is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-168241 A

  The above conventional printer reduces the banding phenomenon by forming ink dots of the same color at the same position with the nozzles of each nozzle line in order to express the gradation of each pixel, and realizes multiple printing. I couldn't. Although it is possible to realize multiple printing by performing printing a plurality of times based on the same print data without performing printing medium feeding, it takes time to dry ink dots between each printing operation. If it is not taken sufficiently, ink overflow may occur, and it is difficult to achieve both high-speed printing and improved printing quality.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize multiple printing at high speed and with high quality.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples. One embodiment of the present invention is a printing apparatus, which ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster which is an ink dot array arranged in one direction of the print medium on the print medium; A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the direction, and controls the head and the first scanning mechanism. And a control unit that forms an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium, and the plurality of nozzles of the head constitute a plurality of nozzle rows that eject inks of different colors. The control unit groups each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged in the same manner in the first scanning direction, and includes at least two colors. No For the same position on the print medium, the formation of the same image M (M is an integer not less than 2 and not more than N) times using the different nozzle groups sandwiches the first scan. The head and the first scanning mechanism are controlled such that the control unit of the print control apparatus acquires designation of the number M of times for forming the image, and the number M is When the number is smaller than the number N of nozzle groups, the image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located at the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing apparatus that controls the head . In addition, the present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 A printing apparatus,
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the head relative to the print medium along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium, and
The control unit groups the plurality of nozzles of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and is arranged at the same position on the print medium. On the other hand, the head and the head are formed such that M (M is an integer of 2 or more and N or less) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups is repeatedly performed with the first scan interposed therebetween. A printing apparatus that controls the first scanning mechanism.

  In this printing apparatus, the first scan for moving the head relative to the print medium is performed during each image forming operation in M times of identical image formation (multiple printing) at the same position on the print medium. As a result, time for drying the ink dots is secured. Therefore, in this printing apparatus, the occurrence of ink overflow can be suppressed without performing a waiting process for drying ink dots in multiplex printing, and multiplex printing can be realized at high speed and with high quality.

[Application Example 2] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1,
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing apparatus that controls the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group that is positioned.

  In this printing apparatus, it is possible to secure a longer time for drying ink dots in multiplex printing, and it is possible to realize multiplex printing with higher quality and higher speed.

[Application Example 3] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2,
The plurality of nozzles of the head constitute a plurality of nozzle rows that eject inks of different colors,
The control unit obtains designation of a specific color that is an ink color to be formed a plurality of times at the same position on the print medium, and for the nozzle row for ejecting the specific color ink, the M The head and the first scanning mechanism are controlled so that the image is formed once and the image is formed only once for the nozzle row that ejects ink other than the specific color. , Printing device.

  In this printing apparatus, the ink color can be classified into a specific color for performing multiple printing and a non-specific color for not performing multiple printing, and more diverse multiple printing can be realized at high speed and with high quality.

Application Example 4 The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, further comprising:
A raster buffer for storing raster data representing the raster;
A head buffer for storing the raster data and supplying the raster data to the head,
The control unit sets N areas corresponding to the N nozzle groups in the head buffer, and forms an Lth image (L is an integer of 2 or more) for the same position on the print medium. In this case, the same raster data is stored in the region corresponding to the nozzle group on the upstream side of the head buffer as compared with the (L-1) th image formation. A printing apparatus that transfers the raster data stored in the raster buffer to each area of the head buffer.

  In this printing apparatus, multiple printing by N nozzle groups can be realized.

Application Example 5 The printing apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, further comprising:
A second scanning mechanism for performing a second scan for reciprocally moving the head relative to the print medium along the one direction;
The control unit controls the head and the second scanning mechanism to form the raster on the print medium in both forward movement and backward movement in the second scanning.

  In this printing apparatus, multiple printing can be realized at high speed and with high quality while suppressing the complexity of the apparatus configuration and processing.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, a printing method and apparatus, a printing control method and apparatus, a printing system, and a computer program for realizing the functions of these method, apparatus, and system It can be realized in the form of a recording medium recording the computer program, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a printing system in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of PC200 roughly. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printer. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a print head 144. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of a PC 200. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of a printer. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing process performed by the printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image data Idata showing the printing image PI. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the multiple printing whose value of the frequency | count of superposition m is 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the multiple printing whose value of the frequency | count of superposition m is 4. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by a CPU 210 that executes a printer driver 300. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an ink color separation process halftone process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command creation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command produced by command creation processing. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the printer. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of a raster buffer and a head buffer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting method of a nozzle group. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the formation process of the ink dot in multiple printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows notion of the multiple printing in case the value of the frequency | count of superimposition m and the value of the number n of nozzle groups are not equal. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the multiple printing in 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the command creation process in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a specific color multiplex print command. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by the printer 100 in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by the printer 100 in the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the raster buffer and head buffer in 2nd Example.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
A-1. Printing system configuration:
A-2. Printing process:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Printing system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a printer 100 and a personal computer (PC) 200. The printer 100 is an ink jet color printer that prints an image by ejecting ink to form ink dots on a printing medium (for example, printing paper or transparent film). The PC 200 functions as a print control apparatus that supplies printing data to the printer 100 and controls the printing operation by the printer 100. The printer 100 and the PC 200 are connected to be able to communicate information by wire or wireless. Specifically, in this embodiment, the printer 100 and the PC 200 are connected to each other by a USB cable.

  The printer 100 of this embodiment includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), and white (W). The printer performs printing using a total of seven colors of ink. As will be described later, the printing system 10 according to the present embodiment can realize printing (hereinafter referred to as “multiple printing”) in which the same image is formed on the same position of the print medium. Note that in this specification, the multiple printing is not limited to the printing in which the same image is overlapped and formed at the same position of the printing medium for all the inks used for printing, but at least one color ink among the inks used for printing. , It means that the same image is superimposed on the same position of the print medium. That is, in the case of multiple printing, a part of ink used for printing is formed by overlapping the same image at the same position on the printing medium, and a part of the remaining ink used for printing is printed only once on the printing medium. Including printing to form. By multiple printing, it is possible to create a printed matter with a relatively high density, such as an outdoor sign.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the PC 200. The PC 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, a USB interface (USB I / F) 240, a network interface (N / W I / F) 250, a display interface (display I / F) 260, and a serial interface ( Serial I / F) 270, hard disk drive (HDD) 280, and CD drive 290 are included. Each component of the PC 200 is connected to each other via a bus.

  A USB cable for connection with the printer 100 is connected to the USB interface 240 of the PC 200. A monitor MON as a display device is connected to the display interface 260. The serial interface 270 is connected to a keyboard KB and a mouse MOU as input devices. Note that the configuration of the PC 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and some of the components of the PC 200 may be omitted or further components may be added to the PC 200.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the printer 100. The printer 100 includes a CPU 110, a ROM 120, a RAM 130, a head controller 140, a print head 144, a carriage controller (CR controller) 150, a carriage motor (CR motor) 152, and a print medium feed controller (PF controller) 160. A print medium feed motor (PF motor) 162, a USB interface (USB I / F) 170, and a network interface (N / W I / F) 180. Each component of the printer 100 is connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 110 of the printer 100 functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the entire printer 100 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 120. The print head 144 of the printer 100 is mounted on a carriage (not shown). The carriage controller 150 controls the carriage motor 152 to reciprocate the carriage in a predetermined direction. Thereby, the main scanning in which the print head 144 reciprocates along a predetermined direction (main scanning direction) of the print medium is realized. The main scanning direction corresponds to the second scanning direction in the present invention. The carriage controller 150 and the carriage motor 152 correspond to the second scanning mechanism in the present invention. The print medium feed controller 160 controls the print medium feed motor 162 to perform sub-scanning (print medium feeding) for transporting the print medium in a direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction corresponds to the first scanning direction in the present invention. The print medium feed controller 160 and the print medium feed motor 162 correspond to the first scanning mechanism in the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the print head 144. As shown in FIG. 4A, the print head 144 has seven nozzle rows 146 corresponding to seven ink colors. Each nozzle row 146 includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction (print medium feeding direction). In this embodiment, it is assumed that each nozzle row 146 includes 32 nozzles from nozzle 1 to nozzle 32. The seven nozzle rows 146 are arranged so as to be aligned along the main scanning direction. The head controller 140 (FIG. 3) controls ink ejection from the nozzle array 146 by the print head 144 in conjunction with main scanning and sub-scanning. Thereby, formation of an image (printing of an image) on the print medium is realized.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of nozzle groups arranged in the sub-scanning direction are set in the print head 144 during multiple printing. That is, each nozzle constituting the nozzle row 146 is classified into a plurality of nozzle groups. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the nozzles constituting the nozzle row 146 are classified into two nozzle groups. FIG. 4C shows four nozzles constituting the nozzle row 146. The state classified into the nozzle group is shown. Each nozzle group can form an image on a print medium independently as will be described in detail later. The nozzle groups need not be set so that all the nozzles constituting the nozzle row 146 belong to any of the plurality of nozzle groups, and nozzles that do not belong to any nozzle group are generated. It may be broken. Nozzles that do not belong to any nozzle group are nozzles that are not used in the printing process.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the PC 200. The hard disk drive 280 (FIG. 2) of the PC 200 stores an application program AP and a printer driver 300 as computer programs executed by the CPU 210. The application program AP sets, generates, and edits an image to be printed on a print medium (hereinafter also referred to as “print image PI”), and also sets multiple printing (for example, setting the number m of overlaps described later). ). The CPU 210 executes setting of the print image PI, generation, editing, and setting of multiple printing by executing the application program AP.

  Further, the CPU 210 that executes the application program AP outputs image data Idata representing the print image PI and multiple designation information MI to the printer driver 300 in response to a print execution instruction from the user. The contents of each data will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing process”.

  The printer driver 300 (FIG. 5) is a program for controlling the printer 100 (FIG. 1) to print an image. The CPU 210 (FIG. 2) implements print control of the print image PI by the printer 100 by executing the printer driver 300.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printer driver 300 includes a color conversion module 302, an ink color separation processing module 310, a halftone processing module 320, and a command creation module 370. The hard disk drive 280 (FIG. 2) of the PC 200 stores an ICC profile IP, an ink separation look-up table (LUT) LUTi, and a halftone (HT) resource HT. The printer driver 300 Each module executes processing with reference to these pieces of information. The function of each module and the contents of each information will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing process”.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the printer 100. A command processing module 112 is stored in the ROM 120 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 as a computer program executed by the CPU 110. As will be described later, the CPU 110 executes a command processing module 112 to realize processing of a command received from the PC 200. In addition, the RAM 130 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 has a raster buffer 132. The head controller 140 (FIG. 3) of the printer 100 has a head buffer 142. The functions and detailed configurations of these programs and buffers will be described in detail in “A-2. Printing Process”.

A-2. Printing process:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of printing processing by the printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The printing process of this embodiment is a process for performing printing (multiple printing) in which the same image is formed in the same position on the print medium. In the multiple printing, a plurality of nozzle groups arranged in the sub-scanning direction are set in the print head 144 (see FIG. 4), and another nozzle group is formed on an image formed on a print medium by a certain nozzle group. Is a process of performing printing so that the same image is formed in an overlapping manner.

  In step S110 (FIG. 7) of the printing process, the CPU 210 (FIG. 2) that executes the application program AP (FIG. 5) receives a print execution instruction from the user. In response to receiving the print execution instruction, the CPU 210 outputs the image data Idata and the multiple designation information MI to the printer driver 300 (see FIG. 5).

  The image data Idata is data representing the print image PI. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image data Idata representing the print image PI. The print image PI includes a color image Ic (an image “AB” in the figure). Although the example of FIG. 8 shows an example of a character image as the color image Ic, the color image Ic may be an image such as a photograph or an illustration. The image data Idata is data that specifies the color (gradation value) of each pixel of the print image PI by an 8-bit R value, G value, and B value, respectively. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data Idata is data expressed in the RGB color space for the monitor MON (FIG. 2).

  The multiple designation information MI (FIG. 5) is data for specifying the number of overlaps m in multiple printing. Note that the number of overlaps m is the number of times that the same image is overlapped and formed at the same position on the print medium in multiple printing. In this embodiment, multiple printing is performed in which all the inks used for printing are formed by overlapping the same image at the same position on the print medium. For this reason, the common number m is used for all inks.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing multiple printing in which the value of the number of overlaps m is 2. FIG. 9 conceptually shows the relationship between the print image developed in the raster buffer 132, the print head 144, and the print result on the print medium. When attention is paid to the hatched portion in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 9A, a part of the image stored in the raster buffer 132 is formed on the print medium by one nozzle group (see FIG. 4) of the print head 144. After being formed in one area, the print medium is fed, and the same portion of the image is formed on the same area on the print medium by another nozzle group of the print head 144 as shown in FIG. 9B. . Similarly, for other parts of the image (parts other than the hatched part), after the image is formed by one nozzle group, the print medium is fed and the same image is formed by the other nozzle group. The As a result, multiple printing in which the number of overlaps m is 2 is realized.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing multiple printing in which the value of the number of overlapping m is 4. When attention is paid to the hatched portion in FIG. 10, a part of the image stored in the raster buffer 132 is formed in one area on the print medium by one nozzle group of the print head 144 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the print medium is fed, and the same portion of the image is formed on the same area on the print medium by another nozzle group of the print head 144 as shown in FIG. Further, after the printing medium feeding is performed, as shown in FIG. 10C, the same portion of the image is formed by overlapping another area on the printing medium by another nozzle group of the print head 144, and the printing medium feeding is further performed. After being performed, as shown in FIG. 10D, the same portion of the image is formed by overlapping another nozzle group of the print head 144 on the same area on the print medium. The same applies to other parts of the image (parts other than the hatched parts). As a result, multiplex printing in which the value of the number of overlaps m is 4 is realized.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of multiple printing in the case where printing of an image portion (for example, a hatched portion) is completed in one pass. However, as will be described later, as shown in FIG. Multiple printing when printing of a part is completed can be performed in the same manner.

  In step S120 of the printing process (FIG. 7), a process by the CPU 210 that executes the printer driver 300 (FIG. 5) is executed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the CPU 210 that executes the printer driver 300. In step S210, the CPU 210 receives the image data Idata and the multiple designation information MI output from the application program AP (see FIG. 5).

  In step S230 (FIG. 11), the color conversion module 302 (FIG. 5) of the printer driver 300 refers to the ICC profile IP and converts the image data Idata expressed in the RGB color space for the monitor MON to the printer 100. A color conversion process for converting the image data into a color space is performed.

  In step S240 (FIG. 11), the printer driver 300 (FIG. 5) executes ink color separation processing and halftone processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of ink color separation processing and halftone processing. In step S510, the ink color separation processing module 310 (FIG. 5) extracts one pixel data from the image data Idata. In step S520, the ink color separation processing module 310 performs ink color separation processing for converting the extracted data (RGB values) of one pixel into gradation values for each ink color. As described above, the printer 100 according to this embodiment includes cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm). Printing is performed using white (W) and a total of seven colors of ink. Therefore, in the ink color separation process, the RGB values are converted into the gradation values of the seven ink colors. The ink color separation process is executed with reference to the ink separation lookup table LUTi (FIG. 5). The ink separation lookup table LUTi is a table that defines a correspondence relationship between preset RGB values and respective gradation values of ink colors.

  The processes in steps S510 and S520 in FIG. 12 are repeatedly executed until the processes for all the pixels of the image data Idata are completed (see step S530). When the processing for all the pixels is completed (step S530: Yes), the halftone processing module 320 (FIG. 5) extracts the gradation value for each ink color (step S540) and refers to the dither pattern. Then, binarization processing (halftone processing) is performed (step S550). The binarization process is executed with reference to a preset halftone resource HT (FIG. 5). The binarization process is repeatedly executed until the process for all ink colors is completed (see step S560). Further, the processing from step S540 to S560 is repeatedly executed until the processing for all the pixels is completed (see step S570). Through the ink color separation process and the halftone process shown in FIG. 12, dot data for print image that defines ON / OFF of each ink color dot of each pixel when printing an image is generated.

  In step S250 in the processing by the printer driver (FIG. 11), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 5) of the printer driver 300 performs command creation processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of command creation processing.

  In step S610 of the command creation process (FIG. 13), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 5) creates a multiple print command based on the multiple designation information MI output from the application program AP. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a command created by command creation processing. FIG. 14A shows an example of a multiple print command. As shown in FIG. 14A, the multiple print command includes an identifier indicating the head of the command, an identifier indicating the multiple print command, a 2-byte parameter length (command length), and the value of the number of nozzle groups n. And the value of the number of overlaps m. The number n of nozzle groups is the number of nozzle groups (see FIG. 4) to be set in the print head 144. The command creation module 370 refers to the multiplex designation information MI, specifies the value of the number of overlaps m, sets the value of the number of nozzle groups n to be equal to or greater than the value of the number of overlaps m, and specifies the specified number of overlaps m And a multiple print command for designating the set value of the number of nozzle groups n.

  In step S620 of the command creation process (FIG. 13), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 5) creates a vertical position designation command based on the print image dot data received from the halftone processing module 320. The vertical position designation command is a command for designating the start position of the image along the vertical direction (Y direction). The vertical position designation command is created as a command common to all inks.

  Next, the command creation module 370 (FIG. 5) creates a raster command through the processing from step S630 (FIG. 13) to S670. In step S630, the command creation module 370 creates a horizontal position designation command for one selected ink color based on the print image dot data. The horizontal position designation command is a command for designating an image start position along the horizontal direction (X direction) for one ink color at the time of image formation. The command creation module 370 refers to the print image dot data for one ink color, sets an appropriate image start position, and creates a horizontal position designation command.

  In step S640 (FIG. 13), the command creation module 370 (FIG. 5) extracts dot data for one raster for one selected ink color from the print image dot data. In step S650, the command creation module 370 creates a raster command based on the extracted dot data for one raster. FIG. 14B shows an example of a raster command. As shown in FIG. 14B, the raster command includes an identifier indicating the head of the command, an identifier indicating that it is a raster command, an ink code, an identifier indicating whether data compression is performed, and the number of bits per pixel. X direction length (2 bytes), Y direction length (2 bytes), and raster data (dot data). The ink code is preset for each ink color.

  The processing from step S630 to S660 of the command creation processing (FIG. 13) is repeatedly executed until all the ink colors used for image formation are completed. That is, when there is an ink color that is not yet a target of processing (step S670: No), one ink color that is not a target of processing is selected, and steps S630 to S660 are selected for the selected ink color. Processing is executed. When the processing for all inks is completed (step S670: Yes), the creation of raster commands corresponding to each of the ink colors used for image formation is completed for one raster.

  The processing from step S620 to step S670 of the command creation processing (FIG. 13) is repeatedly executed until all rasters of the print image PI are completed. That is, when there is a raster that has not yet been processed (step S680: No), a raster that has not been processed (the raster that is one lower than the previous raster to be processed) is selected and selected. The processes from step S620 to S670 are executed for the raster. When the processing for all rasters is completed (step S680: Yes), the creation of commands corresponding to each of the ink colors used for image formation is completed for all rasters.

  In step S260 in the process by the printer driver 300 (FIG. 11), the printer driver 300 transmits the multiple print command, the vertical position designation command, the horizontal position designation command, and the raster command created in step S250 to the printer 100. Thus, the processing by the printer driver 300 is completed.

  In step S130 of the printing process (FIG. 7), the process by the printer 100 is executed. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing by the printer 100. In step S810, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) executing the command processing module 112 (FIG. 6) of the printer 100 receives a command transmitted from the printer driver 300 of the PC 200. CPU 110 determines the type of command received (step S820), and executes processing according to the type of command.

  When the received command is a multiple print command, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) that executes the command processing module 112 (FIG. 6) stores the values of the number of nozzle groups n and the number of overlaps m specified by the multiple print command in the RAM 130. (Step S830), and the area of the head buffer 142 (FIG. 6) is divided according to the value of the number of nozzle groups n (step S832).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed configuration of the raster buffer and the head buffer. FIG. 17A shows the raster buffer 132 and the head buffer 142 when the values of the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n are both, and FIG. 17B shows the number of overlaps m and The raster buffer 132 and the head buffer 142 are shown when both the values of the number n of nozzle groups are four. FIGS. 17A and 17B show only the head buffer 142 for one ink color (cyan), but the head buffer 142 is assigned a region for each of seven ink colors. That is, the head buffer 142 includes a cyan area, a magenta area, a yellow area, a black area, a light cyan area, a light magenta area, and a white area. It is configured as a set of The size in the X direction of each area of the head buffer 142 corresponds to the scanning distance of the carriage, and the size in the Y direction corresponds to the number of nozzles constituting the nozzle row 146 of the print head 144.

  In the process of step S832 of FIG. 15 described above, the area of the head buffer 142 is divided according to the value of the number of nozzle groups n. That is, an area corresponding to each nozzle group is set in the head buffer 142. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a nozzle group setting method. FIG. 18A shows an example in which two nozzle groups are set in the nozzle row 146. Specifically, 15 nozzles from nozzle 1 to nozzle 15 in each nozzle row 146 are set as nozzle group 1, and 15 nozzles from nozzle 16 to nozzle 30 are set as nozzle group 2, and nozzle 31 And the two nozzles 32 are not used for multiple printing. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17A, in the head buffer 142, a region corresponding to the nozzle 1 to the nozzle 15 (region 1) and a region corresponding to the nozzle 16 to the nozzle 30 (region 2) Is set, and the remaining area is set as an unused area.

  FIG. 18B shows an example in which four nozzle groups are set in the nozzle row 146. Specifically, seven nozzles from nozzle 1 to nozzle 7 in each nozzle row 146 are set as nozzle group 1, seven nozzles from nozzle 8 to nozzle 14 are set as nozzle group 2, and nozzle 15 7 nozzles from nozzle 21 to nozzle 21 are set as nozzle group 3, 7 nozzles from nozzle 22 to nozzle 28 are set as nozzle group 4, and 4 nozzles from nozzle 29 to nozzle 32 are set for multiple printing. Not used. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17B, in the head buffer 142, an area corresponding to the nozzle 1 to the nozzle 7 (area 1) and an area corresponding to the nozzle 7 to the nozzle 14 (area 2). Then, a region (region 3) corresponding to the nozzle 15 to the nozzle 21 and a region (region 4) corresponding to the nozzle 22 to the nozzle 28 are set, and the remaining region is an unused region.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the raster buffer 132 is assigned a region for each ink color (for each ink code). That is, the raster buffer 132 includes a cyan (C) area, a magenta (M) area, a yellow (Y) area, a black (K) area, and a light cyan (Lc) area. And an area for light magenta (Lm) and an area for white (for W). The size in the X direction of each area of the raster buffer 132 corresponds to the image size, and the size in the Y direction is one half or more of the height of the print head 144. The raster buffer 132 has a raster buffer pointer in the Y direction that indicates how far raster data has been received.

  In the process by the printer (FIG. 15), when the received command is a horizontal position designation command, the CPU 110 updates the horizontal print start position X (step S840). If the received command is a raster command, the CPU 110 stores raster data (dot data) included in the raster command in the raster buffer 132 (see FIG. 17) for each ink code (step S850).

  When the received command is a vertical position designation command, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) that executes the command processing module 112 (FIG. 6) updates the vertical print start position Y (step S860 in FIG. 15). Next, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the raster buffer 132 corresponding to the height of the print head 144 is full (that is, whether raster data is stored) (step S870). If it is determined that it is not yet full (step S870: No), the CPU 110 updates the raster buffer pointer of the raster buffer 132 (step S880).

  When the processing described above is repeated and raster data is stored in the raster buffer 132 corresponding to the height of the print head 144, it is determined that the raster buffer 132 corresponding to the height of the print head 144 is full ( Step S870 of FIG. 15: Yes). At this time, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) reads raster data for 1 / n of the head height (raster data for the number of nozzles constituting one nozzle group) from the raster buffer 132 corresponding to one selected ink color. ) Is transferred to the most downstream area along the print medium feed direction of the head buffer 142 corresponding to the ink color (see step S872 in FIG. 16, FIG. 17).

  Next, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the value of the number of overlaps m and the value of the number of nozzle groups n are equal (step S880 in FIG. 16). The raster data at a position shifted by 1 / n of the head height (the number of nozzles constituting one nozzle group) from the position of the raster data transferred to the head buffer 142 is stored immediately before the raster data. Transfer is performed from the performed area to the upstream area (area shifted by 1 / n) along the print medium feeding direction (step S884, see FIG. 17).

  If it is determined that the value of the number of overlaps m and the value of the number n of nozzle groups are not equal (step S880: No in FIG. 16), the CPU 110 determines that the previous value is based on the values of the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n. It is determined whether or not to transfer raster data at a position deviated by 1 / n of the head height (the number of nozzles constituting one nozzle group) from the position of the raster data transferred to (step S882). . If it is determined to transfer, the CPU 110 transfers raster data (step S884). If it is determined not to transfer, the CPU 110 skips the raster data transfer process (step S884). . The raster data transfer execution determination (step S882) will be described in detail later.

  The CPU 110 determines whether or not the transfer of raster data for all areas of the raster buffer 132 has been completed (step S890), and the processing from steps S880 to S884 until it is determined that the transfer of raster data for all areas has been completed. Repeatedly. If it is determined that the transfer of raster data for all areas has been completed (step S890: Yes), the CPU 110 determines whether the transfer of raster data for all ink colors has been completed (step S892). If it is determined that there is an ink color for which raster data has not yet been transferred, the process returns to step S872 to transfer raster data for one ink color selected from among the unselected ink colors. Processing (steps S872 to S890) is executed. When the transfer of raster data for all ink colors is completed (step S892: Yes), preparation for multiple printing is completed.

  Next, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) controls the print medium feed controller 160 and the print medium feed motor 162 to convey (sub-scan) the print medium to the head position Y (step S910), as well as the CR controller 150 and The CR motor 152 is controlled to move the print head 144 to the print start position X (step S920), and further, the main scan is performed to perform printing for the height of the print head 144 (step S930). As a result, a raster that is an ink dot row arranged along the main scanning direction is formed on the print medium.

  Next, the CPU 110 (FIG. 3) updates the raster buffer pointer of the raster buffer 132 by 1 / n of the head height (the number of nozzles constituting one nozzle group) (step S940 in FIG. 16), It is determined whether or not the printing process for the entire print image PI has been completed (step S950). If it is determined that the printing has not yet been completed, the process returns to the command receiving process (step S810 in FIG. 15) to Repeat the process. In the second and subsequent printing executions (step S930 in FIG. 16), in each nozzle group of the nozzle row 146, 1 / n of the head height (one nozzle group compared to the previous printing execution). The printing of the image shifted by the number of nozzles constituting the image is executed. In other words, each nozzle group forms the same image in an overlapping manner on the area on the print medium on which an image has been formed by the one downstream nozzle group at the time of the previous printing. In this way, multiple printing is realized. If it is determined that printing of the entire print image PI has been completed, the printing process ends. By the printing process, an image composed of a plurality of rasters is formed on the print medium.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the progress of ink dot formation in multiple printing. FIG. 19A shows each pass when the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n are both 2, the nozzle pitch is 2 rasters, and the printing medium feed amount is 15 rasters. The dot formation positions are shown in order from the left to the right. In the example of FIG. 19A, a first image is formed by the nozzle group 2 (see FIG. 18A) composed of the nozzles 16 to 30 in the region below the broken line, and the nozzle A second image is formed by nozzle group 1 including nozzles 1 to 15. Note that, in the area above the broken line, multiple printing with the overlap count m of 2 cannot be realized, and thus printing is not executed in this area.

  FIG. 19B shows each pass when the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n are both 4, the nozzle pitch is 2 rasters, and the printing medium feed amount is 7 rasters. The dot formation positions are shown in order from the left to the right. In the example of FIG. 19B, in the region below the broken line, a first image is formed by the nozzle group 4 (see FIG. 18B) composed of the nozzles 22 to 28, and the nozzles A second image is formed by nozzle group 3 including nozzles 15 to 21, and a third image is formed by nozzle group 2 including nozzles 8 to 14. A fourth image is formed by nozzle group 1 including nozzles 1 to 7. Note that, in the area above the broken line, multiple printing with the number of overlaps of 4 is not possible, so printing is not executed in this area.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating multiple printing when the value of the number of overlaps m is not equal to the value of the number of nozzle groups n. In the example of FIG. 20, the value of the number of overlaps m is 3, and the value of the number of nozzle groups n is 4. In this case, of the four nozzle groups set in the print head 144, at least one nozzle group other than the nozzle groups positioned at both ends along the print medium feeding direction of the print head 144 (example in FIG. 20). Then, the second nozzle group counted from the downstream side without hatching is not involved in printing. In such printing, in step S882 in FIG. 16, raster data is transferred to the head buffer 142 corresponding to the nozzle group involved in printing, and the head buffer 142 corresponding to the nozzle group not involved in printing. Is realized by not transferring raster data. In the example of FIG. 20, the third nozzle group may not be involved in printing instead of the second nozzle group counted from the downstream side.

  As described above, in the printing system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of nozzle groups arranged in the sub-scanning direction are set in the print head 144. Each nozzle group can form an image on a print medium independently. Then, the printing system 10 performs the printing medium feeding operation by forming the same image m (m is the number of overlapping times) using the different nozzle groups at the same position on the printing medium by the printing process described above. Multiple print processing that is repeatedly executed with (sub-scan) interposed therebetween can be realized. Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the printing medium feeding operation is performed between each printing operation in the multiplex printing, and the time for drying the ink dots is secured. Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the occurrence of ink overflow can be suppressed without performing a waiting process for drying ink dots in multiplex printing, so that multiplex printing is realized at high speed and with high quality. be able to.

  Further, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, when the value of the number of overlaps m is smaller than the value of the number of nozzle groups n, nozzles other than the nozzle groups positioned at the end of the print head 144 along the print medium feeding direction. At least one of the groups is not involved in printing (see FIG. 20). Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to secure a longer time for drying ink dots in multiple printing. That is, for example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 20, when performing multiple printing three times, printing in which an image is formed by the nozzle group on the most downstream side of the print head 144 in the first printing (main scanning). In the area on the medium, the image is not formed in the second printing after the printing medium is fed, and then the image is formed in the third and fourth printing. Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to secure a longer time for drying the ink dots in the multiplex printing, and it is possible to realize multiplex printing with higher quality and higher speed.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing multiple printing in the second embodiment. FIG. 21 conceptually shows the relationship between the print image developed in the raster buffer 132 and the print result on the print head 144 and the print medium in the multiplex printing in which the value of the number of overlap m is 2. In the multiple printing in the second embodiment, a specific color that is a target ink color to be formed on a print medium is specified, and the same image is formed by overlapping the same image at the same position on the print medium. For inks other than the specific color, an image is formed only once on the print medium.

  As shown on the left side of FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b), with respect to ink of a specific color, the image stored in the raster buffer 132 is similar to the multiple printing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. After a part is formed in one area on the print medium by one nozzle group of the print head 144 (see FIG. 4), the print medium is fed and the same part of the image is printed by the other nozzle group of the print head 144 Overlaid on the same area on the medium. As a result, with respect to the specific color, multiplex printing in which the value of the number of overlapping m is 2 is realized.

  On the other hand, as shown on the right side of FIGS. 21A and 21B, with respect to inks other than the specific color, an image is formed only once in a region on the print medium. That is, in the example of FIG. 21, the image is not formed on the print medium at the stage shown in FIG. 21A, but only at the stage shown in FIG. 21B after the print medium is fed. An image is formed on the top.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of command creation processing in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is that the command creation process in the second embodiment creates a specific color multiple print command instead of the multiple print command creation process (step S610 in FIG. 13) in the first embodiment. The process (step S612 in FIG. 22) is executed. The other contents of the command creation process are the same as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the specific color multiple print command. As shown in FIG. 23, the specific color multiple print command includes an identifier indicating the head of the command, an identifier indicating that the specific color multiple print command is used, a 2-byte parameter length (command length), and the number of nozzle groups n. A combination of a value, a code of a specific color for at least one specific color, and a value of the number of overlaps m. That is, in the second embodiment, it is possible to set the overlap number m independently for each specific color on condition that the overlap number m is equal to or less than the nozzle group number n. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the value of the number n of nozzle groups is set to 4, the value of the number of overlaps m for the white ink as the first specific color (specific color 1) is set to 4, The value of the number of overlaps m for cyan ink as the second specific color (specific color 2) is set to 3. That is, the specific color multiple printing command shown in FIG. 23 is formed by overlapping the same image four times at the same position on the print medium for white ink, and overlapping the same image three times at the same position on the print medium for cyan ink. With respect to the inks other than the specific colors that are formed, the multiple printing in which an image is formed only once on the print medium is specified.

  In the second embodiment, the designation of specific colors and the number m of overlapping of specific colors are defined in the multiple designation information MI (FIG. 5) output from the application program AP. A specific color multiple print command is generated with reference to the designation information MI.

  24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing by the printer 100 in the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is that in the processing by the printer 100 in the second embodiment, after step S872, it is determined whether or not the selected color is a specific color (step in FIG. 25). Step S874) is performed, and if it is determined that the selected color is a specific color, the processing from Steps S880 to S890 is executed. If it is determined that the selected color is not the specific color, Steps S880 to S890 are performed. This is a point that the process of is skipped. Other contents of the processing by the printer 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment. By executing the determination processing in step S874, the image formation on the print medium is executed a plurality of times for the specific color ink, and the image is formed only once on the print medium for the ink other than the specific color. The Rukoto.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing detailed configurations of the raster buffer and the head buffer in the second embodiment. FIG. 26A shows a raster buffer 132 when the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n are both 2, a head buffer 142 corresponding to one specific color ink, and a non-specific color ink. The head buffer 142 is shown. FIG. 26B shows a raster buffer 132 when the values of the number of overlaps m and the number of nozzle groups n are both 4, a head buffer 142 corresponding to one specific color ink, and one non-specific color ink. The head buffer 142 corresponding to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the head buffer 142 corresponding to the specific color ink and the head buffer 142 corresponding to the non-specific color ink are set with the number of regions equal to the number n of nozzle groups. However, for the head buffer 142 corresponding to the non-specific color ink, only one area is used and the remaining areas are not used.

  As described above, also in the printing system 10 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of nozzle groups arranged in the sub-scanning direction are set in the print head 144, and a single nozzle group is set. It is possible to realize a multiple printing process in which the same image is formed by being overlapped by the nozzles constituting another nozzle group on the image formed on the print medium by the constituting nozzles. Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, the occurrence of ink overflow can be suppressed without performing a waiting process for drying ink dots in multiplex printing, so that multiplex printing is realized at high speed and with high quality. be able to.

  In the printing process performed by the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, a specific color that is a target ink color to be formed on the print medium is specified, and the specific color ink is the same at the same position on the print medium. Images are formed in an overlapping manner, and an image is formed only once on a print medium for inks other than a specific color. Therefore, in the printing system 10 of the second embodiment, more various multiplex printing can be realized at high speed and with high quality. In particular, in the printing process performed by the printing system 10 according to the second embodiment, the number m of overlaps can be set independently for each specific color, so that more diverse multiplex printing can be realized at high speed and with high quality. .

C. Variations:
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.

C1. Modification 1:
In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 performs unidirectional printing in which ink dots are formed during the forward movement of the main scanning and ink dots are not formed during the backward movement. It is also possible to perform bidirectional printing in which ink dots are formed both at the time of return and during backward movement. In the multiple printing by the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to form an image with the number of overlaps m using different nozzle groups, and therefore the head buffer 142 is different for each reciprocating motion for multiple printing by bidirectional printing. There is no need to provide a circuit to read data serially from the direction, or to simultaneously develop data in both the forward and reverse directions, and to realize multiple printing at high speed and high quality while suppressing the complexity of the device configuration and processing. Can do.

C2. Modification 2:
The configuration of the printing system 10 in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and the configuration of the printing system 10 can be variously modified. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is a printer that performs printing using seven colors of ink of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, and white. Any printer that performs printing using this ink may be used. For example, the printer 100 may be a printer that performs printing using inks of five colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white. The printer 100 may be a printer that performs printing using inks of four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 100 is a printer that performs printing while reciprocating (main scanning) the carriage on which the print head 144 is mounted. However, the present invention does not involve a reciprocating movement of the carriage. It can also be applied to print processing by a printer.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the multiple designation information MI for specifying the number of overlaps m is output from the application program AP to the printer driver 300 (see FIG. 5), but the printer driver 300 responds to an instruction from the user, for example. Thus, the number of overlaps m may be set.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the command creation module 370 sets the value of the number of nozzle groups n based on the value of the number of overlaps m specified by the multiple designation information MI. It is also possible to set the value of the number n of nozzle groups together with the value of, and output the multiple designation information MI that specifies the values of the number m of overlapping and the number n of nozzle groups.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer driver 300 is included in the PC 200, and the printer 100 receives a command from the printer driver 300 of the PC 200 and executes printing (see FIG. 5). The printer 100 may include the same function as the driver 300, and the printer 100 may receive the image data Idata and the multiple designation information MI from the application program AP of the PC 200 and execute printing. Alternatively, the printer 100 may further include the same function as that of the application program AP, and the printer 100 may generate image data Idata and multiple designation information MI and perform print processing.

C3. Modification 3:
In each of the above embodiments, the image data Idata is data of 24 bits for each pixel expressed in the RGB color space, but the color space of the image data Idata and the number of bits per pixel can be variously changed. Also, the processing of the color conversion module 302 and the ink color separation processing module 310 can be variously changed according to the mode of the image data Idata and the ink color used in the printer 100. Further, the configurations of the multiple print command and the raster command in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made.

  In each of the above embodiments, the halftone processing module 320 performs halftone processing with reference to the dither pattern. However, halftone processing by another method such as an error diffusion method may be performed. If the printer 100 can form dots of a plurality of sizes for each ink color, the dot ON / OFF and the dot size are not binarized for determining dot ON / OFF by halftone processing. Multi-value conversion may be performed.

  In addition, the printer 100 in each of the above embodiments can execute normal printing processing in which the number of overlaps m is one, that is, normal printing processing that is not multiple printing. In this case, a nozzle group is set in the print head 144. Instead, printing is performed using the entire nozzle array 146 of the print head 144.

  In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. Also good.

  In addition, when part 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, etc. It also includes an external storage device fixed to the computer.

10 ... Printing system 100 ... Printer 110 ... CPU
112 ... Command processing module 120 ... ROM
130 ... RAM
132: Raster buffer 140 ... Head controller 142 ... Head buffer 144 ... Print head 146 ... Nozzle array 150 ... Carriage controller 152 ... Carriage motor 160 ... Print medium feed controller 162 ... Print medium feed motor 170 ... USB interface 180 ... Network interface 200 ... PC
210 ... CPU
220 ... ROM
230 ... RAM
240 ... USB interface 250 ... Network interface 260 ... Display interface 270 ... Serial interface 280 ... Hard disk drive 290 ... CD drive 300 ... Printer driver 302 ... Color conversion module 310 ... Ink color separation processing module 320 ... Halftone processing module 370 ... Command Creation module

Claims (12)

A printing device,
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium, and
The plurality of nozzles of the head constitute a plurality of nozzle rows that eject inks of different colors,
The control unit groups each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged in the same manner in the first scanning direction. For the same position on the print medium, the same image formation M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times using the different nozzle groups sandwiches the first scan. in as is repeatedly executed to control the head and the first scanning mechanism,
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing apparatus that controls the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group that is positioned . The printing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The plurality of nozzles of the head constitute a plurality of nozzle rows that eject inks of different colors,
The control unit obtains designation of a specific color that is an ink color to be formed a plurality of times at the same position on the print medium, and for the nozzle row for ejecting the specific color ink, the M The head and the first scanning mechanism are controlled so that the image is formed once and the image is formed only once for the nozzle row that ejects ink other than the specific color. , Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising:
A raster buffer for storing raster data representing the raster;
A head buffer for storing the raster data and supplying the raster data to the head,
The control unit sets N areas corresponding to the N nozzle groups in the head buffer, and forms an Lth image (L is an integer of 2 or more) for the same position on the print medium. In this case, the same raster data is stored in the region corresponding to the nozzle group on the upstream side of the head buffer as compared with the (L-1) th image formation. A printing apparatus that transfers the raster data stored in the raster buffer to each area of the head buffer. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising:
A second scanning mechanism for performing a second scan for reciprocally moving the head relative to the print medium along the one direction;
The control unit controls the head and the second scanning mechanism to form the raster on the print medium in both forward movement and backward movement in the second scanning. A printing system,
A printing device;
A printing control device for controlling printing by the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
The plurality of nozzles of the head constitute a plurality of nozzle rows that eject inks of different colors,
The print control device includes:
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium;
The control unit of the printing control apparatus groups each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged in the same manner along the first scanning direction. , For at least two colors of ink, forming the same image M (M is an integer of 2 or more and N or less) times using the different nozzle groups at the same position on the print medium. Controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism to be repeatedly executed across one scan ,
The control unit of the printing control apparatus acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit along the first scanning direction. A printing system for controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located at an end of the head . A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot array arranged in one direction on the print medium, wherein the plurality of nozzles of the head are inks of different colors And a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction. A printing method that performs printing using the scanning mechanism of
(A) controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of the rasters on the print medium,
In the step (a), each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the head is similarly grouped into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and at least 2 For the same color ink, M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups for the same position on the print medium is performed in the first scan. as repeatedly executed across, Ri step der for controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism,
In the step (a), the designation of the number M of forming the image is acquired, and when the number M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the end of the head along the first scanning direction is acquired. A printing method, which is a step of controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located in a section . A printing device,
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium, and
The control unit groups the plurality of nozzles of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and is arranged at the same position on the print medium. On the other hand, the head and the head are formed such that M (M is an integer of 2 or more and N or less) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups is repeatedly performed with the first scan interposed therebetween. Controlling the first scanning mechanism;
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing apparatus that controls the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group that is positioned. A printing system,
A printing device;
A printing control device for controlling printing by the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the print medium relative to the head along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
The print control device includes:
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium;
The control unit of the print control apparatus groups the plurality of nozzles of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups at the same position is repeatedly performed across the first scan. Controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism;
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing system for controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located. A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium; and a first scan direction that intersects the one direction. A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves a print medium relative to the head, and a printing method that performs printing using the first scanning mechanism,
(A) controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of the rasters on the print medium,
In the step (a), the plurality of nozzles of the head are grouped into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and the same nozzle on the print medium is arranged. The head is formed so that M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times of the same image is repeatedly formed with respect to the position, with the nozzle group being different from each other. And controlling the first scanning mechanism,
In the step (a), the designation of the number M of forming the image is acquired, and when the number M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the end of the head along the first scanning direction is acquired. A printing method, which is a step of controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located in a section. A printing device,
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the head relative to the print medium along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
A control unit that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium;
A second scanning mechanism that performs a second scan that reciprocally moves the head relative to the print medium along the one direction;
The control unit groups the plurality of nozzles of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and is arranged at the same position on the print medium. On the other hand, the head and the head are formed such that M (M is an integer of 2 or more and N or less) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups is repeatedly performed with the first scan interposed therebetween. Controlling the first scanning mechanism;
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing apparatus that controls the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group that is positioned. A printing system,
A printing device;
A printing control device for controlling printing by the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium;
A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the head relative to the print medium along a first scanning direction that intersects the one direction;
A second scanning mechanism that performs a second scan that reciprocally moves the head relative to the print medium along the one direction;
The print control device includes:
A controller that controls the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of rasters on the print medium;
The control unit of the print control apparatus groups the plurality of nozzles of the head into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times of the same image formation using the different nozzle groups at the same position is repeatedly performed across the first scan. Controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism;
The control unit acquires designation of the number of times M of forming the image, and when the number of times M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the control unit moves to the end of the head along the first scanning direction. A printing system for controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located. A head that ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles to form a raster that is an ink dot row arranged in one direction on the print medium; and a first scan direction that intersects the one direction. A first scanning mechanism that performs a first scan that moves the head relative to the print medium; and a second that moves the head back and forth relative to the print medium along the one direction. And a second scanning mechanism that performs the scanning of
(A) controlling the head and the first scanning mechanism to form an image composed of a plurality of the rasters on the print medium,
In the step (a), the plurality of nozzles of the head are grouped into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) nozzle groups arranged along the first scanning direction, and the same nozzle on the print medium is arranged. The head is formed so that M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N) times of the same image is repeatedly formed with respect to the position, with the nozzle group being different from each other. And controlling the first scanning mechanism,
In the step (a), the designation of the number M of forming the image is acquired, and when the number M is smaller than the number N of the nozzle groups, the end of the head along the first scanning direction is acquired. A printing method, which is a step of controlling the head so that an image is not formed by at least one of the nozzle groups other than the nozzle group located in a section.

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