JP5729103B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing technique for a printing apparatus that performs printing by receiving ink supplied from a plurality of containers that store ink of the same color.

  2. Description of the Related Art Inkjet printing apparatuses that perform printing by receiving ink supplied from a storage container and discharging ink from nozzles provided in a print head have become widespread. In such a printing apparatus, there is a type in which ink is supplied from a plurality of containers. In such a type of printing apparatus, when there is a possibility that the respective inks stored in the plurality of storage containers may be used at the same time, generally one of the plurality of storage containers will run out of ink. Then, control is performed so that printing cannot be executed until ink out is resolved. However, every time when ink runs out in any of the plurality of storage containers, it is a troublesome task for the user to eliminate the ink running out while maintaining good image quality.

JP 2007-90792 A

  Based on at least a part of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that a printing apparatus that performs printing by supplying ink from a plurality of storage containers that can be used at the same time while maintaining good image quality. It is to provide a new printing technique capable of reducing a burden related to a work for eliminating ink shortage.

  In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the present invention can take the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 A printing apparatus that performs printing by receiving the supply of ink from L storage containers (L is an integer of 2 or more) that store ink of the same color,
A print head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays in which a plurality of nozzles that eject the ink are arranged in a predetermined direction are provided apart from each other in a direction intersecting the direction;
The print head is controlled to move relative to the print medium in the nozzle row separation direction and the nozzle arrangement direction, and printing is performed by controlling the ejection of the ink from the plurality of nozzles. A control unit,
An ink detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of any of the inks in the L storage containers is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
The print head is
A plurality of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows (a is an integer of 1 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are the same as each other, and the storage containers differing from each other by a rows A first nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the ink supply from
The nozzle rows in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are arranged in L × b rows (b is an integer of 1 or more) at a position different from the first nozzle row group, and the b rows are mutually connected. A second nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the supply of ink from different storage containers,
The controller is
Each of the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction on the basis of the first print data when the remaining amount not more than the predetermined value is not detected. Discharging the ink from the nozzles to form at least a part of each of the raster lines that are an arrangement of ink dots along the separation direction in the print image to be printed, and performing the printing;
Based on the second print data, in the state where the remaining amount less than the predetermined value is detected, the remaining amount less than the predetermined value among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group is detected. Using at least a first specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from a non-container, and performing the printing,
The recording resolution of the second print data is the same as the recording resolution of the first print data,
The total discharge amount of ink of the second print data is lowered from the total discharge amount of ink of the first print data.

The printing apparatus having such a configuration belongs to the first nozzle row group as the printing mode 1 in a state where it is not detected that the remaining amount of any of the inks in the L storage containers has become a predetermined value or less. Printing is executed using the nozzles arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction of each nozzle row, and the remaining amount of ink in the L storage containers has become a predetermined value or less. In the detected state, as the printing mode 2, the first specific nozzle that receives the supply of ink from the storage container in which the remaining storage amount below the predetermined value is not detected among the nozzle arrays belonging to the first nozzle array group Perform printing using at least the columns. The first nozzle row group is composed of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows, and ink is supplied from different storage containers for each of the a rows, so that the remaining amount of ink in all the storage containers is a predetermined value. Printing can be suitably continued until the following is achieved. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden associated with the user's work to solve the ink shortage.
In addition, when printing is performed in the printing mode 2, the ink landing time difference until the adjacent raster line is formed becomes larger than that in the printing mode 1, so that there is a problem that the density of the printed material is higher than that in the printing mode 1. However, by creating and printing print data in which the total ink discharge amount in print mode 2 is lower than the total ink discharge amount used in print mode 1, the density is the same as or substantially the same as the printed matter in print mode 1. Image quality can be obtained.
Moreover, the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group are provided in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same, and the printing apparatus is in printing mode 1 and each of the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group. Ink is ejected from the nozzles arranged at the same position in a predetermined direction of the nozzle row to form at least a part of each of the raster lines, so that banding appearing in the printed image can be made inconspicuous.

[Application Example 2] The printing according to Application Example 1, wherein the control unit performs the printing using only the first specific nozzle row in a state where the remaining storage amount equal to or less than the predetermined value is detected. apparatus.
The printing apparatus having such a configuration is configured so that, in a state where the remaining amount of storage below the predetermined value is detected, the storage container in which the remaining amount of storage below the predetermined value is not detected among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group. Printing is performed using only the first specific nozzle row that receives ink supply. Since the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group are provided in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same, any one of the first nozzle row groups is the first specific nozzle row. However, the cueing position for printing is the same. Therefore, the control of the printing apparatus can be made efficient. Further, it is possible to effectively use the resources of the printing apparatus.

  [Application Example 3] The printing apparatus according to Application Example 1, wherein the control unit detects the first specific nozzle row and the second nozzle in a state where a remaining storage amount equal to or less than the predetermined value is detected. Of the nozzle rows belonging to the row group, the second specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from the container that supplies the ink to the first specific nozzle row is switched for each predetermined printing unit. A printing apparatus that uses and performs the printing.

  The printing apparatus having such a configuration performs printing by switching between the first specific nozzle row and the second specific nozzle row that can be supplied with ink for each predetermined print unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the usable nozzle row from being left for a long time without being used. As a result, severe clogging of the nozzle is suppressed, which contributes to a long life of the nozzle.

  Application Example 4 In the printing apparatus according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3, each nozzle row of the first nozzle row group is integrally formed on one substrate, and the second Each of the nozzle rows of the nozzle row group is a printing apparatus integrally formed on one substrate.

  In the printing apparatus having such a configuration, since the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group are integrally formed on one substrate, the ink ejection characteristics of the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group are close to each other. Will be. As a result, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle row can be made uniform. The same applies to the second nozzle row group. Moreover, each of the L storage containers supplies ink to the same number of nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group and the same number of nozzle rows belonging to the second nozzle row group. The ink consumption of the ink can be made uniform, and the amount of ink consumed can be suppressed. As a result, the print start timing using at least the first specific nozzle row can be delayed. In other words, ink is ejected from each nozzle arranged at the same position in the separation direction of each nozzle row belonging to the first nozzle row group, and at least a part of each raster line is formed and printed. The period of performing is increased. That is, the banding that appears in the printed image is less noticeable, and the printing period in which a good print image quality can be obtained becomes longer.

Application Example 5 A printing apparatus that performs printing by receiving the supply of ink from L (L is an integer of 2 or more) storage containers that store ink of the same color,
A print head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays in which a plurality of nozzles that eject the ink are arranged in a predetermined direction are provided apart from each other in a direction intersecting the direction;
The print head is controlled to move relative to the print medium in the nozzle row separation direction and the nozzle arrangement direction, and printing is performed by controlling the ejection of the ink from the plurality of nozzles. A control unit,
An ink detection unit for detecting that the remaining amount of the ink in the L storage containers is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
With
The print head is
A plurality of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows (a is an integer of 1 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are the same as each other, and the storage containers differing from each other by a rows A first nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the ink supply from
A plurality of nozzle rows in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are different from each other, and each nozzle is located between the nozzles of the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group in the predetermined direction. A second nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows arranged in rows (b is an integer of 1 or more), the nozzle rows receiving the supply of ink from mutually different storage containers by b rows;
With
The controller is
Based on the first print data when the remaining amount of storage below the predetermined value is not detected
Ink dots along the separation direction in the print image to be printed by ejecting the ink from the nozzles arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction of each nozzle row belonging to the first nozzle row group Forming at least a part of each of the raster lines that are arranged, and performing the printing,
Based on the second print data, in the state where the remaining amount less than the predetermined value is detected, the remaining amount less than the predetermined value among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group is detected. Using at least a first specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from a non-container, and performing the printing,
The recording resolution of the second print data is the same as the recording resolution of the first print data,
The total ink discharge amount of the second print data is lowered from the total ink discharge amount of the first print data.
Printing device.
In addition to the printing apparatus, the present invention can be realized in the form of a printing control apparatus, a printing method, a printing control method, a program, a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing explaining schematic structure of the printing system 10 as 1st Example. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of a print head 50 provided in the printer 20. FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the mechanism of the supply of ink. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print data transmission processing executed by the computer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print data generation processing as part of print data transmission processing. It is explanatory drawing explaining the discharge nozzle determination table M2. It is explanatory drawing explaining the discharge nozzle determination table M2 used for 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining matrix MT. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of print execution processing executed by the printer 20. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the print data generation process as 2nd Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the printing execution process as 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the structure of a print head, and the mechanism of supply of an ink. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the structure of a print head, and the mechanism of supply of an ink. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the structure of a print head, and the mechanism of supply of an ink. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of parameters P1 and P2 used for 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of parameters P1-P4 used for 2nd Example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
A-1. 10 schematic configurations of the printing system:
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a computer 100 as a printing control apparatus, a printer 20 that actually prints an image under the control of the computer 100, and the like. The printing system 10 functions as a printing device in a broad sense as a whole. The computer 100 is a general-purpose personal computer in which a predetermined program described later is installed. The printer 20 is an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the print medium P. In the present embodiment, the printer 20 is a printing apparatus that performs monochromatic printing using only black (Bk) ink.

  A schematic configuration of the computer 100 will be described. A predetermined operating system is installed in the computer 100, and an application program 110 operates under this operating system. A video driver 120 and a printer driver 130 are incorporated in the operating system. Inside the printer driver 130, a color conversion module 131 and a print data generation module 132 are provided. When the application program 110 receives an input of the image data ORG, the application program 110 displays an image represented by the image data ORG on the display 170 via the video driver 120. Further, the application program 110 outputs the image data ORG to the printer 20 via the printer driver 130. These programs are executed by a CPU (not shown), but in the present application, the expression “executed by a printer driver” is also used when the CPU executes a program to realize predetermined processing. And

  A schematic configuration of the printer 20 will be described. A schematic configuration of the printer 20 is shown in FIG. The printer 20 is a serial inkjet printer that performs bidirectional printing. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 20 is mounted on the carriage 40, a mechanism for transporting the print medium P by the paper feed motor 74, a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 40 in the axial direction of the platen 75 by the carriage motor 70, and the carriage 40. And a control unit 30 that controls the exchange of signals with the paper feed motor 74, the carriage motor 70, and the print head 50.

  A mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 40 in the axial direction of the platen 75 is installed in parallel with the axis of the platen 75, and is driven endlessly between a slide shaft 73 that holds the carriage 40 slidably and the carriage motor 70. A pulley 72 or the like that stretches the belt 71 is used. The direction in which the carriage 40 reciprocates is also referred to as the main scanning direction.

  Two ink cartridges 42 and 43 containing black ink (Bk) are mounted on the carriage 40. A nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles that eject ink are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (hereinafter also referred to as sub-scanning direction) on the surface of the print head 50 that is provided below the carriage 40 and faces the platen 75. Is formed. When ink cartridges 42 and 43 are mounted on the carriage 40 from above, ink can be supplied from each cartridge to the print head 50.

  The ink cartridges 42 and 43 have the same configuration and are filled with the same color (black) ink. The ink cartridges 42 and 43 are provided in a storage chamber that stores ink therein, an ink channel that guides ink from the storage chamber to the ink cartridges 42 and 43, an air communication chamber that communicates with the storage chamber, and an air communication chamber. And a fine air opening hole. When the ink in the storage chamber is supplied to the print head 50 via the ink flow path and the ink storage amount in the storage chamber decreases, the air is sucked in from the air opening hole, and the storage chamber has a pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. To be kept. The ink cartridges 42 and 43 are provided with sensors 45 and 46 for detecting that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink flow path has become a predetermined value or less. In the present application, the fact that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink flow path has become a predetermined value or less is also referred to as ink end. However, the ink end does not mean a state in which the remaining amount of ink is zero, but a state in which the remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount determined appropriately.

  Since the technique for detecting the ink end using the sensors 45 and 46 is a well-known technique, its mechanism will be briefly described. The sensors 45 and 46 are provided on the ink flow path. When the ink cartridges 42 and 43 are mounted on the carriage 40, the CPU 31 and the sensors 44 and 45 are electrically connected. The sensors 45 and 46 include piezoelectric elements. When the CPU 31 sends a predetermined control signal to a sensor driving circuit (not shown) as processing of the ink detection unit 33, the sensor driving circuit applies a predetermined signal to the piezoelectric element. The drive voltage is applied. As a result, the piezoelectric element vibrates. The residual vibration of the piezoelectric element that occurs when the application of the drive voltage is stopped has a different frequency between the state where the sensors 45 and 46 are filled with ink and the state where the ink is consumed and not filled. Using this principle, the CPU 31 detects the ink end of the ink cartridge 42 as a process of the ink detection unit 33. Hereinafter, the process for detecting the ink end in this way is also referred to as an ink end detection process.

  Each time the CPU 31 performs the ink end detection process for the ink cartridges 42 and 43, the detection result is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 38 as the ink end information flag F1. In this embodiment, when the value of the ink end information flag F1 is “0”, it indicates that no ink end has been detected in any of the ink cartridges 42 and 43. When the value is “1”, it indicates that the ink end is detected only in the ink cartridge 43. When the value is “2”, it indicates that the ink end is detected only in the ink cartridge 42. When the value is “3”, it indicates that the ink end has been detected in both the ink cartridges 42 and 43.

  The control unit 30 is configured by connecting a CPU 31, a ROM 37, a RAM 38, and an EEPROM 39 to each other via a bus. The control unit 30 develops a program stored in the ROM 37 or the EEPROM 39 in the RAM 38 and executes it to control the overall operation of the printer 20, and also functions as a control unit 32 and an ink detection unit 33. Details of these functional units will be described later.

  The printer 20 having the hardware configuration described above drives the carriage motor 70 to reciprocate the print head 50 in the main scanning direction with respect to the print medium P, and also drives the paper feed motor 74. Thus, control is performed to move the print medium P in the sub-scanning direction (paper feeding direction). Further, the control unit 30 drives the nozzles at an appropriate timing based on the print data in accordance with the movement of the carriage 40 reciprocally (main scanning) and the movement of the print medium (sub scanning). , Controlling the ejection of ink from the nozzles of the print head. By such control, it is possible to perform printing by forming ink dots at appropriate positions on the print medium P.

A-2. Nozzle configuration of the print head 50:
The configuration of the print head 50 in the printer 20 is schematically shown in FIG. The print head 50 includes a plurality of nozzle rows in which a plurality of nozzles NZ that eject ink (black in this embodiment) are arranged in the sub-scanning direction (paper feeding direction).

  In the present embodiment, the print head 50 includes four nozzle rows A, B, C, and D in which a plurality of nozzles NZ are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. These four nozzle rows are spaced apart in parallel in the main scanning direction as shown in FIG. The A row and the B row are arranged with an interval of 40/360 [inch] in the main scanning direction. Similarly, the C row and the D row are also arranged with an interval of 40/360 [inch] in the main scanning direction. The B row and the C row are arranged with an interval of 104/360 [inch]. The nozzle rows of the C row and the D row are collectively referred to as a first nozzle group, and the nozzle rows of the A row and the B row are collectively referred to as a first nozzle group.

  In each of the nozzle rows A, B, C, and D, 128 nozzles NZ are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. In each nozzle row, the interval in the sub-scanning direction between the nozzles NZ (hereinafter also referred to as “nozzle pitch”) is 1/120 [inch]. The C row and the D row are arranged in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles NZ in the main scanning direction are the same. In the A and B rows, the positions of the plurality of nozzles NZ in the main scanning direction are arranged at positions different from the C and D rows. More specifically, the position of the B row in the print head 50 is arranged at a position shifted by 1/360 [inch] in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the nozzle row of the A row. The position of the C row in the print head 50 is arranged at a position shifted by 1/360 [inch] in the sub scanning direction with reference to the nozzle row of the B row. The position of the D row in the print head 50 is arranged at the same position as the nozzle row of the C row in the sub-scanning direction. Accordingly, printing is performed by causing the print head 50 to scan in the main scanning direction, thereby substantially performing printing similar to that of a print head having a nozzle pitch of 1/360 [inch]. In the present embodiment, the print head 50 forms a print image by a so-called band feeding method that forms a raster line that is an arrangement of ink dots along the main scan direction in a print image to be printed in one main scan. Form. That is, the print head 50 forms 384 (= 128 × 3) raster lines by one main scan. The nozzle separation distance, the number of nozzles, and the nozzle pitch described above are merely examples, and can be set as appropriate.

  Each of the plurality of nozzles NZ includes a piezo element (piezoelectric element), and ejects ink from the nozzle NZ by vibration due to distortion of the piezo element accompanying application of a voltage to the piezo element. Accordingly, each nozzle NZ includes an electrode for applying a voltage and other elements necessary for ejecting ink in addition to the above-described piezoelectric element. The ink ejection mechanism is not limited to the piezo method, and may be a thermal method. In the present embodiment, when the print head 50 is manufactured, the nozzle unit 52 including the nozzle rows of the A row and the B row and the nozzle unit 53 including the nozzle rows of the C row and the D row are manufactured, respectively. The unit 52 and the nozzle unit 53 are incorporated in the main body of the print head 50.

  Specifically, the nozzle unit 52 (or nozzle unit 53) is manufactured using a substrate having a through hole at the position of each nozzle NZ in the A row and B row (or C row and D row). When manufacturing the nozzle unit, a substrate material capable of cutting out a plurality of substrates used for the nozzle unit is used. A through-hole serving as a nozzle is opened at each position of the substrate material serving as each nozzle unit, and a piezoelectric element is attached to each through-hole or electrode printing is performed. And a nozzle unit is manufactured by cutting out the board | substrate material after passing through these processes as each nozzle unit. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the nozzles NZ included in the A row and the B row are manufactured in the same series of manufacturing steps. Similarly, the nozzles NZ included in the C row and the D row are manufactured in the same series of manufacturing steps. In other words, the nozzle unit is common to the A row and the B row, and the nozzle unit is common to the C row and the D row.

  Next, a mechanism for supplying ink from the ink cartridges 42 and 43 to each nozzle NZ will be described with reference to FIG. The ink cartridge 42 supplies ink to the nozzles NZ in the A row and the nozzles NZ in the C row. The ink cartridge 43 supplies ink to the nozzles NZ in the B row and the nozzles NZ in the D row. That is, ink is supplied from one cartridge to each of the two nozzle units 52 and 53 provided in the print head 50. In other words, each nozzle unit receives ink supply to each one nozzle row for each ink cartridge. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle unit 52 receives ink supply from the ink cartridge 42 to one nozzle row of the A row, and receives from the ink cartridge 43 one nozzle row of the C row. Is receiving ink supply. Therefore, the ink supply is not limited to the ink supply mode according to the present embodiment. For example, the ink cartridge 42 supplies ink to the nozzle NZ of the B row and the nozzle NZ of the C row, and the ink cartridge 43 corresponds to the nozzles NZ and D of the A row. It is good also as an aspect which supplies ink to the nozzle NZ.

A-3. Printing process:
A printing process executed by the printing system 10 will be described. The printing process executed by the printing system 10 includes a print data transmission process executed by the computer 100 and a print execution process executed by the printer 20. Hereinafter, each processing will be described.

A-3-1. Print data transmission processing:
First, print data transmission processing executed in the computer 100 will be described. The print data transmission process is a process in which the computer 100 receives input of image data ORG to be printed, generates print data, and transmits the print data to the printer 20 that executes printing. The flow of the print data transmission process is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the print data transmission process is started, the printer driver 130 receives input of image data ORG from the application program 110 (step S210).

  Upon receiving the image data ORG, the printer driver 130 performs a color conversion process as the process of the color conversion module 131 (step S220). The color conversion process is a process of converting a color component (here, RGB format) of the image data ORG into a color component Bk that can be expressed by the printer 20. In this embodiment, the color conversion process is configured to be performed in units of one page together with processes in steps S230 and S240 described later. When the resolution of the image data ORG is different from the output resolution of the printer 20, the printer driver 130 converts the resolution of the image data ORG to the resolution of the printer 20 before executing the color conversion process. May be.

  When the color conversion process is performed, the printer driver 130 executes the print data generation process as the process of the print data generation module 132 (step S230). This process is a process for generating dot data by halftone processing based on the color-converted image data ORG and generating print data by adding the control command of the printer 20 to the dot data. In this embodiment, the dot dispersion type systematic dither method is used for the halftone process. The print data generation module 132 has a dot generation table T1. The dot generation table T1 is a table for converting the gradation data of the image data ORG into the binary dot generation number in the halftone process. Although details will be described later, in the print data generation process, used nozzle row designation information indicating which nozzle row of each print head 50 forms each dot is added to the print data as necessary. Details of the print data generation process will be described later.

  When the print data is generated, the printer driver 130 transmits the generated print data for one page to the printer 20 (step S240). When the print data is transmitted, the printer driver 130 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S220 to S240 for all the pages of the image data ORG, and ends the print data generation process (step S250). In the above-described print data generation process, the print data is generated from the ORG on a page-by-page basis. However, print data may be generated for all pages at once and sent to the printer 20 in a batch. .

  FIG. 6 shows the flow of the print data generation process (step S230 described above). As shown in the drawing, when the print data generation process is started, the printer driver 130 communicates with the printer 20 to acquire the ink end information flag F1 (step S310). In the present embodiment, the printer 20 executes the ink end detection process every time print data for one page is printed. Since the computer 100 transmits the print data to the printer 20 in units of one page, when the print data generated from the image data ORG covers a plurality of pages, the ink end information flag F1 repeatedly executes the print data a plurality of times. May be updated in between. According to the above configuration, the ink end status in the printer 20 can be quickly reflected.

  When the ink end information flag F1 is acquired, the printer driver 130 determines whether or not the ink end information flag F1 is 0 (step S320). As a result, if the ink end information flag F1 is 0 (step S320: YES), the printer driver 130 generates print data D1 (step S330). The print data D1 is print data for printing using all the nozzle rows of the A to D rows included in the print head 50. In the generation process of the print data D1, the dot generation table T1 is used. In the print data D1, use nozzle row designation information indicating which of the A to D nozzle rows each ink dot is formed in is added to the dot data. A method of setting the used nozzle row designation information added to the print data D1 will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the ink end information flag F1 is 1 or 2 (step S320: NO), it means that either the ink end of the ink cartridge 43 or the ink cartridge 42 has been detected. Therefore, the printer driver 130 newly generates a dot generation table T2 for reducing the total ink ejection amount from the print data D1 (steps S340 to S360), and generates the print data D2 (step S370). The print data D2 is print data for printing using only one nozzle row of the A to D rows included in the print head 50. In the generation process of the print data D2, the dot generation table T2 is used. In this embodiment, the printer 20 determines which nozzle row to use. Therefore, the used nozzle row designation information is not added to the print data D2.

Here, a method of generating the dot generation table T2 will be described.
The printer 20 has a parameter P1 for specifying the ink discharge amount when printing the darkest gradation only in the C column, and a parameter P2 for specifying the ink discharge amount when printing the darkest gradation only in the D column. Are stored in the EEPROM 39. The parameter P1 and the parameter P2 are set to be equal to or less than the ink discharge amount when printing the darkest gradation in all the nozzle rows A to D. When the ink end information flag F1 is 1, the printer driver 130 calculates the number of binary dots generated in each gradation of Bk based on the ink discharge amount set in the parameter P1 acquired from the printer 20. The dot generation table T2 is generated (step S350). When the ink end information flag F1 is 2, the parameter P2 is acquired from the printer 20, and the dot generation table T2 is generated similarly (step S360).

  Parameter P1 and parameter P2 are set by the patch selection method shown in FIG. First, the reference patch 800 set to the highest gradation is printed using all the rows A to D of the print head 50. Next, the patch groups 801 to 805 including several patches in which the ink discharge amount is gradually decreased from the darkest gradation using only the C column are printed, and the density is selected from the patch groups 801 to 805. The patch closest to the reference patch is selected, and the ink ejection amount set for the patch is set as the parameter P1. Similarly, the total ink discharge amount of the selected patch from the patch group 806 to 810 printed using only the D row is set as a parameter P2. The patch is selected by measurement data using a densitometer or by visual comparison. Note that the number and arrangement of patches, the step amount for reducing the ink discharge amount, and the like are not limited to the arrangement and description shown in FIG. For example, a plurality of reference patches 800 may be arranged for easy visual comparison, or the patches may be adjacent to each other.

  When the print data D1 or the print data D2 is generated in this way, the printer driver 130 returns the process to the print data transmission process. In FIG. 6, the processing when the ink end information flag F1 is the value 3, that is, when both the ink cartridges 42 and 43 are ink ends is omitted, but in this case, the printer driver 130 is illustrated. Performs a process of displaying a message on the display 170 prompting the user to refill ink instead of the process of generating print data (step S330 or S370).

  A method for setting the used nozzle row designation information added to the print data D1 will be described. The used nozzle row designation information is set by applying the ejection nozzle determination table M2 to the dot data. The discharge nozzle determination table M2 is stored in the ROM 37 when the printer 20 is manufactured. First, the concept of the discharge nozzle determination table M2 will be described. FIG. 7 shows the correspondence between the print head 50 and the ejection nozzle determination table M2. Each square of the matrix of the discharge nozzle determination table M2 shown corresponds to each pixel of the image data. Alphabets of A, B, C, and D described in each square indicate used nozzle row designation information. For example, the dot data corresponding to the squares in which “A” is written indicates that the A column is designated as the used nozzle column. What is described as “C, D” in one square indicates that either the C row or the D row is designated as the used nozzle row.

  In the printing process in this embodiment, each raster line in the print image is printed by one main scan of the print head 50. For this reason, in the ejection nozzle determination table M2, “A” is designated as used nozzle row designation information for each pixel forming the raster line R1 at a position corresponding to the nozzle NZ1 belonging to the A row of the print head 50. Further, “C” or “D” is used as the nozzle row designation information for each pixel forming the raster line R2 at a position corresponding to the nozzle NZ2 belonging to the C row of the print head 50 or the nozzle NZ3 belonging to the D row. Is specified.

  In this embodiment, the discharge nozzle determination table M2 shown in FIG. 8 is used. In FIG. 8, the cells corresponding to “C” are hatched in order to make it easy to visually recognize the arrangement of “C” and “D” in the discharge nozzle determination table M2. FIG. 9 shows a matrix MT in which only the pixels for which “C” or “D” is designated in the discharge nozzle determination table M2 are extracted and expressed as a matrix. As shown in the drawing, in the matrix MT of this embodiment, “C” and “D” are arranged in a checkered pattern. This matrix MT has the following four characteristics.

Characteristic (1): Both “C” and “D” exist in each raster line in the matrix MT.
Characteristic (2): In the entire matrix MT, the number of “C” and the number of “D” are the same or substantially the same.
Characteristic (3): “C” and “D” are each distributed substantially uniformly throughout the matrix MT.
Characteristic (4): In each raster line in the matrix MT, the number of “C” and the number of “D” are the same or substantially the same.

  The “substantially uniformly distributed” in the characteristic (3) refers to a dispersion in which the spatial frequency characteristic in the arrangement pattern of “C” (or “D”) in the matrix MT has a blue noise characteristic, for example. That is, “C” (or “D”) is arranged so that the largest frequency component is generated in the high frequency region in consideration of the human visual characteristic that the sensitivity is low in the high frequency region.

  In step S330, the ejection nozzle determination table M2 described above is applied to each pixel of the dot data, and it is determined which nozzle on each dot data is to be formed with ink ejected from which nozzle. As an actual process, data corresponding to the ejection nozzle determination table M2 is added to each pixel data in the dot data.

A-3-2. Print execution processing:
A print execution process executed in the printer 20 will be described. The print execution process is a process in which the printer 20 receives print data transmitted by the computer 100 and executes printing. FIG. 10 shows the flow of the print execution process. This process is started by receiving a print start command from the computer 100. As shown in the figure, when the print execution process is started, the CPU 31 first receives print data and determines whether or not the print data is the print data D1 (step S410). In this embodiment, this determination is made by interpreting whether or not used nozzle row designation information is added to the print data. However, the determination method is not particularly limited. For example, the computer 100 adds identification information indicating whether the print data D1 or the print data D2 is added to the print data, and the printer 20 refers to the identification information. It is good.

  As a result of the determination, if the received print data is the print data D1 (step S410: YES), the CPU 31 performs processing of the control unit 32 based on the used nozzle row designation information and the dot data included in the print data D1. The print head 50 is driven and printing of the print data D1 is executed using the A to D columns (step S420). On the other hand, if the received print data is not the print data D1 (step S410: NO), that is, if the print data D2, the ink end is detected in the ink cartridge 42 or the ink cartridge 43. Therefore, the CPU 31 refers to a predetermined area of the RAM 38 and determines whether or not the ink end information flag F1 is 1 (step S430).

  If the result of the determination is that the ink end information flag F1 is 1 (step S430: YES), this means that an ink end has been detected in the ink cartridge 43. Therefore, the CPU 31 uses only the C column of the first nozzle column group (C column and D column) that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge 42 in which the ink end is not detected, and uses the print data D2 of the print data D2. Printing is executed (step S440). Specifically, the CPU 31 moves the print head 50 so that the relative positional relationship between the print medium P and the print head 50 is a predetermined cueing position (print start position) when only the C row is used. After the movement, printing is performed in a scanning mode dedicated to using only one column. In this scan mode, compared to the printing of the print data D1, the paper feed amount performed for each main scan is reduced to 1/3, and one set of prints for three main scans is performed. Each time printing is performed, paper is fed by the bandwidth. The reason for using such a scanning mode is to output a print image having the same resolution as the printing of the print data D1.

  On the other hand, if the ink end information flag F1 is 2 (step S430: NO), it means that the ink end is detected in the ink cartridge 42. Therefore, the CPU 31 executes printing of the print data D2 using only the D row that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge 43 in which the ink end is not detected in the first nozzle row group (step S450). ). This process is the same process as step S440 except that the D column is used. Since the nozzles in the C row and the nozzles in the D row are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction, the cueing position is also the same as in step S440.

  When the print data D1 or the print data D2 is printed in this way, the printer 20 repeats the processes in steps S410 to S450 until all pages of the image data ORG are printed, and the print execution process is ended (step S460). In the above configuration, the printer 20 determines which nozzle row to use for printing the print data D2 by referring to the ink end information flag F1, but the computer 100 acquires it from the printer 20. The ink end information flag F1 may be used for determination. In this case, the computer 100 may add the used nozzle row designation information to the print data D2 transmitted to the printer 20.

A-4. effect:
The printing system 10 is an ink cartridge in which the ink end is not detected in the C row and the D row belonging to the first nozzle row group in a state where the ink ends of the two ink cartridges 42 and 43 are detected. Printing is performed using at least the nozzle rows that receive ink supply from 42 and 43. In the first nozzle row group, ink is supplied from different storage containers for each row, so that printing can be preferably continued until the ink ends of both the ink cartridges 42 and 43 are reached. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden associated with the user's work to solve the ink shortage.

  Moreover, the C row and D row belonging to the first nozzle row group are provided in a positional relationship in which the nozzle positions are the same in the sub-scanning direction, and the printer 20 is in the case where no ink end is detected. Since the ink is ejected from the C and D rows of the first nozzle row group arranged at the same position in the main scanning direction to form at least a part of each of the raster lines, the banding appearing in the print image Can be made inconspicuous. Furthermore, since the printer 20 supplies ink from the plurality of ink cartridges 42 and 43 to the print head 50 at the same time, the number of nozzles per ink cartridge can be reduced, and the amount of ink supplied is smaller than the amount of discharge. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a so-called refill delay that is instantaneously insufficient.

  Further, the printing system 10 supplies ink from the ink cartridges 42 and 43 in which the ink end is not detected in the C row and the D row belonging to the first nozzle row group in a state where the ink end is detected. Printing is executed using only the nozzle row to be received. Since the C row and the D row are provided in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles are the same in the main scanning direction, the print cueing position is used regardless of which of the C row and the D row is used. Are the same. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the control of the cue position regardless of whether the C row or the D row is used, and the control of the printer 20 can be made efficient. Further, the resources of the computer 100 and the printer 20 can be effectively used.

  Moreover, even if the computer 100 generates print data and transmits it to the printer 20, the printer 20 can determine the nozzle row to be used. When the computer 100 determines the nozzle row to be used, the computer 100 acquires the ink end information flag F1 from the printer 20, transmits the print data generated based on the result to the printer 20, and receives this The printer 20 executes printing, and the ink end information flag F1 in which a time lag has occurred during this time is used. If the printer 20 determines the used nozzle row, the used nozzle row is determined. Thereafter, since printing can be performed promptly, the state of the ink end of the ink cartridges 42 and 43 can be reflected more quickly, and the used nozzle row can be determined.

  Also, in printing using either the C column or the D column, the paper feed amount to be performed for each main scan is output in order to output a print image having the same resolution as the printing using all the columns A to D. Therefore, the difference in ink landing time until the adjacent raster line is formed becomes larger than that in printing using all the nozzle rows A to D. As a result, there is a problem that the ink does not sink into the paper and the density increases. However, a new dot generation table T2 is generated, and the total ink discharge amount of the print data D2 is greater than the total ink discharge amount of the print data D1. By lowering, it is possible to obtain a good image quality having the same or substantially the same density as the printed matter by the print data D1 regardless of whether the C row or the D row is used.

  In the printing system 10, the C and D rows of the first nozzle row group are integrally formed on a single substrate, so that the ink ejection characteristics of the C and D rows are similar to each other. It becomes. As a result, the amount of ink ejected from the C row and the D row can be made uniform. The same applies to the A and B rows of the second nozzle row group. In addition, since the two ink cartridges 42 and 43 supply ink to the same number of nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group and the same number of nozzle rows belonging to the second nozzle row group, the ink cartridges The ink consumption amounts 42 and 43 can be made uniform, and the ink can be prevented from being reduced. Therefore, a period during which printing that suppresses the occurrence of banding described above can be performed, that is, a printing period during which good print image quality can be obtained becomes longer.

  Further, in this embodiment, the matrix MT has the characteristic (2), and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 42 and the ink cartridge 43 are stored by performing the printing process using the discharge nozzle determination table M2. Ink can be consumed substantially evenly. In other words, it is possible to further suppress uneven reduction (half reduction) of ink between the ink cartridges.

  The effect of suppressing this reduction will be specifically described. For example, when the printing process is performed using the ejection nozzle determination table M2 described with reference to FIG. 8, there are approximately the same number of dots based on the A column and dots based on the B column. Furthermore, due to the characteristic (2), there are approximately the same number of dots based on the C row and dots based on the D row. Therefore, the sum of dots based on the A and C rows and the sum of dots based on the B and D rows are substantially the same in the ejection nozzle determination table M2. Therefore, the ink consumption of the ink cartridge 42 that supplies ink to the nozzles of the A row and the C row and the ink cartridge 43 that supplies ink to the nozzles of the B row and the D row through the printing process in the above embodiment. The amount is approximately equal. Note that this effect is particularly effective for image data based on a general natural image, that is, image data in which there is little extreme gradation deviation in the print image area.

B. Second embodiment:
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printing system 10 as the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the printing system 10 of the first embodiment. The difference of the printing system 10 as the second embodiment from the first embodiment is the flow of print data generation processing and print execution processing. Hereinafter, the flow of the print data generation process and the print execution process as the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

B-1. Print data generation processing:
FIG. 11 shows the flow of print data generation processing as the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, when the print data generation process is started, the printer driver 130 acquires the ink end information flag F1 (step S510), and determines whether or not the ink end information flag F1 is 0 (step S510). Step S520). As a result, if the ink end information flag F1 is 0 (step S520: YES), the printer driver 130 generates print data D1 (step S530). These processes are the same as in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, if the ink end information flag F1 is 1 or 2 (step S520: NO), the printer driver 130 further determines whether or not the ink end information flag F1 is 1 (step S540). . As a result, if the ink end information flag F1 is 1 (step S540: YES), it means that the ink cartridge 43 has detected the ink end. Accordingly, the printer driver 130 uses the nozzle array in which either the A column or the C column that receives ink supply from the ink cartridge 42 in which the ink end is not detected is designated as the used nozzle column by the process described below. Print data D2 to which designation information is added is generated.

  Specifically, the printer driver 130 first determines whether or not the previously used nozzle row NL1 is the C row (step S550). The previously used nozzle row NL1 is designated at the end of the A row and the C row that receive ink supply from the ink cartridge 42 by the print data generation processing executed before the print data generation processing being executed. It is a nozzle row. The printer driver 130 stores the designated nozzle row in the memory as the previously used nozzle row NL1 every time print data D2 is generated.

  As a result of the determination, if the previously used nozzle row NL1 is the C row (step S550: YES), the printer driver 130 newly creates a dot generation table T2 for lowering the total ink ejection amount in the A row from the print data D1. Generate (step S560), generate print data D2 designating the A row as the used nozzle row (step S570), and update the previously used nozzle row NL1 to the A row (step S580). On the other hand, if the previously used nozzle row NL1 is not the C row (step S550: NO), the printer driver 130 newly generates a dot generation table T2 for lowering the total ink ejection amount in the C row from the print data D1. (Step S590), print data D2 designating the C row as the use nozzle row is generated (Step S600), and the previous use nozzle row NL1 is updated to the C row (Step S610). In short, when the image data ORG covers a plurality of pages, the printer driver 130 switches the designation of the used nozzle row between the A row and the C row in units of one page, and designates the dot generation table T2 and the print data D2. Is generated.

  On the other hand, if the ink end information flag F1 is 2 (step S540: NO), the ink cartridge 42 has detected the ink end. Therefore, the printer driver 130 determines whether or not the previously used nozzle row NL2 is the D row (step S620). The previously used nozzle row NL2 is a nozzle row designated last among the B row and the D row that receive ink supply from the ink cartridge 43. Then, in the same manner as in Steps S560 to S610, the printer driver 130 switches the designation of the used nozzle row exclusively between the B row and the D row in units of one page and designates the dot generation table T2. Print data D2 is generated (steps S630 to S680). Note that the unit of switching is not limited to one page, and may be a unit of a plurality of pages, or a printing unit divided by an area where no ink dots are formed in the main scanning direction of the printing medium P. Also good. In this way, switching of the nozzle row does not affect the print image.

Here, a method of generating the dot generation table T2 when printing is performed using only the A column or the B column only will be described.
In addition to the parameters P1 and P2 described in the first embodiment, the printer 20 has a parameter P3 for specifying the ink discharge amount when printing the darkest gradation only in the A column, and the darkest gradation only in the B column. A parameter P4 for specifying the ink discharge amount when printing is stored in the EEPROM 39.
The printer driver 130 acquires the parameter P3 from the printer 20 when printing by designating the A column, and generates a dot generation table T2 as in the first embodiment. When printing by designating column B, the parameter P4 is acquired, and the dot generation table T2 is generated as in the first embodiment. The method for generating the dot generation table T2 when the C column or the D column is designated is the same as that in the first embodiment.
The method for setting parameters P3 and P4 is the same as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the patch groups of all rows A to D can be arranged on one print medium.

B-2. Print execution processing:
FIG. 12 shows the flow of print execution processing as the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, when the print execution process is started, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the received print data is the print data D1 (step S710). As a result, if the received print data is the print data D1 (step S710: YES), the CPU 31 prints the print data D1 using the A to D columns (step S720).

  On the other hand, if the received print data is not the print data D1 (step S710: NO), that is, if it is the print data D2, the nozzle array to be used is specified in any of the above steps S570, S600, S640, and S670. That's what it means. Therefore, the CPU 31 prints the print data D2 using the designated use nozzle row (step S730).

B-3. effect:
The printing system 10 having such a configuration performs predetermined printing on the A row or the C row and the B row or the D row that can receive ink supply in a state where the ink end is detected in one of the ink cartridges 42 and 43. Printing is performed by switching between units. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the usable nozzle row from being left for a long time without being used. As a result, severe clogging of the nozzle is suppressed, which contributes to a long life of the nozzle.

  Further, in printing using any one of the A to D nozzle rows, the ink landing time difference until the adjacent raster line is formed is larger than printing using all the A to D nozzle rows. However, it is difficult for ink to sink into the paper and the density increases. However, a new dot generation table T2 is generated, and the total ink discharge amount of the print data D2 is made lower than the total ink discharge amount of the print data D1. Thus, even if printing is performed by only one of the nozzle rows A to D, it is possible to obtain a good image quality having the same or substantially the same density as the printed matter by the print data D1.

C. Variation:
In addition, this invention is not restricted to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can be implemented in a various aspect, For example, the following deformation | transformation is also possible.

C-1. Modification 1:
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the printer 20 prints the print data D1 by the so-called band feeding method has been described. However, the print data D1 is overprinted by forming one raster line by a plurality of main scans. You may print by a wrap system and you may print by an interlace system. Also, the print data D2 may be printed by the overlap method, or may be printed by the interlace method if the nozzle arrangement allows. For example, when an ink end is generated in the ink cartridge 43 and printing is performed using the A row and the C row at the same time, it is possible to print by the interlace method.

C-2. Modification 2:
In the above-described embodiment, a cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the printer 20 is adopted as the ink container. However, a tank system that is detachably attached to the printer 20 can also be adopted as the container.

C-3. Modification 3:
In the above-described embodiment, the black ink is used as the monochromatic ink used for printing. However, the monochromatic ink is not limited to this, and may be appropriately selected from cyan, magenta, yellow, and the like. Of course, the printer 20 is not limited to printing with single-color ink, and may have a configuration for performing color printing when it has nozzle rows other than black in addition to the configuration of the nozzle rows of the print head 50 described above.

C-4. Modification 4:
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the print head 50 and the ink supply mechanism are the modes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other print head configurations and ink supply mechanisms are adopted. Can do. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS. In the aspect shown in FIG. 13, the nozzle unit 52a includes four nozzle rows. Of the four nozzle rows of the nozzle unit 52a, two rows are supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 42a, and the remaining two rows are supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 43a. That is, ink is supplied from each ink cartridge for two nozzle rows. On the other hand, the nozzle unit 53a includes two nozzle rows. Of the two nozzle rows of the nozzle unit 53a, one row is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 42a, and the remaining one row is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 43a.

  Another embodiment is shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the nozzle unit 52b receives ink for one nozzle row from each of the ink cartridges 42b, 43b, 44b. Similarly to the nozzle unit 52b, the nozzle unit 53b also receives ink for one nozzle row from each of the ink cartridges 42b, 43b, 44b.

  Another embodiment is shown in FIG. In this aspect, two nozzle units corresponding to the first nozzle row group are provided. As can be seen from FIG. 15, each of the nozzle units 52c, 53c, 54c is supplied with ink for one nozzle row from each of the ink cartridges 42c, 43c.

  As can be seen from the various aspects shown in this modification, the first nozzle row group is L (L is an integer of 2 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction are the same. (Representing the number of storage containers) × a row (a is an integer equal to or greater than 1) arranged in a row of nozzles, and it is only necessary to receive the ink supply from different storage containers by a row. The group is composed of nozzle rows in which the positions of a plurality of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction are different from the first nozzle row group in L × b rows (b is an integer of 1 or more), and each b row accommodates differently. Any structure may be used as long as ink is supplied from the container. Based on this configuration, when the ink end is not detected, ink is ejected from each nozzle arranged at the same position in the main scanning direction of each nozzle row belonging to the first nozzle row group, and the raster line In this case, at least a part of each line is formed, printing is executed, and the ink end is not detected among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group in a state where the ink end is detected. If printing is performed using at least a nozzle row that receives ink supplied from the container, the effects of the above-described embodiments can be similarly achieved.

C-5. Modification 5:
In the embodiment described above, the dot generation table T2 is generated after obtaining the ink end flag F1 (S310). However, a dot generation table corresponding to each nozzle row is generated in advance and stored in the EEPROM 39 or the like. Alternatively, after the ink end information flag F1 is acquired (S310) or the previous used nozzle rows NL1 and NL2 are acquired (S550 and S620), the dot generation table corresponding to the designated used nozzle row may be selected.

C-6. Modification 6:
In the embodiment described above, the printing system 10 as a printing device in a broad sense including the printer 20 and the computer 100 has been described. However, the printer 20 may include a part of the functions of the computer 100 described above. The printer 20 may have all the functions of the computer 100. That is, the entire printing apparatus may have the above-described configuration. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a part of functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or a part of functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, elements other than the element described in the independent claim among the components of this invention in embodiment mentioned above are additional elements, and are suitably abbreviate | omitted or combined. Is possible. In addition, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the present invention records a printing apparatus (including a printing system as a printing apparatus in a broad sense), a printing control apparatus, a printing method, a printing control method, a program for realizing these apparatuses or methods, and the program. It can be realized in the form of a recording medium or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing system 20 ... Printer 30 ... Control unit 31 ... CPU
32 ... Control unit 33 ... Ink detection unit 37 ... ROM
38 ... RAM
39… EEPROM
40 ... Carriage 42, 42a, 42b, 42c, 43, 43a, 44b ... Ink cartridge 45, 46 ... Sensor 50 ... Print head 52, 52a, 52b, 52c, 53, 53a, 53b ... Nozzle unit 70 ... Carriage motor 71 ... Drive belt 72 ... Pulley 73 ... Sliding shaft 74 ... Paper feed motor 75 ... Platen 100 ... Computer 110 ... Application program 120 ... Video driver 130 ... Printer driver 131 ... Color conversion module 132 ... Print data generation module 170 ... Display P, P2 , P3 ... Printing medium ORG ... Image data LUT ... Color conversion table T1, T2 ... Dot generation table NZ ... Nozzle NZ1 to NZ3 ... Nozzle R1, R2 ... Raster line M2 ... Discharge nozzle determination table Le MT ... Matrix

Claims (6)

A printing apparatus that performs printing by receiving the supply of ink from L containers (L is an integer of 2 or more) that contain ink of the same color,
A print head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays in which a plurality of nozzles that eject the ink are arranged in a predetermined direction are provided apart from each other in a direction intersecting the direction;
The print head is controlled to move relative to the print medium in the nozzle row separation direction and the nozzle arrangement direction, and printing is performed by controlling the ejection of the ink from the plurality of nozzles. A control unit,
An ink detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of any of the inks in the L storage containers is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
The print head is
A plurality of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows (a is an integer of 1 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are the same as each other, and the storage containers differing from each other by a rows A first nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the ink supply from
A plurality of nozzle rows in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are different from each other, and each nozzle is located between the nozzles of the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group in the predetermined direction. A nozzle row arranged in a row (b is an integer of 1 or more), and a second nozzle row group including nozzle rows that receive the supply of the ink from different storage containers, each b rows,
The controller is
Each of the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction on the basis of the first print data when the remaining amount not more than the predetermined value is not detected. Discharging the ink from the nozzles to form at least a part of each of the raster lines that are an arrangement of ink dots along the separation direction in the print image to be printed, and performing the printing;
Based on the second print data, in the state where the remaining amount less than the predetermined value is detected, the remaining amount less than the predetermined value among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group is detected. Using at least a first specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from a non-container, and performing the printing,
The recording resolution of the second print data is the same as the recording resolution of the first print data,
The total discharge amount of ink of the second print data is lowered from the total discharge amount of ink of the first print data.   2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the printing by using only the first specific nozzle row in a state in which a remaining storage amount equal to or less than the predetermined value is detected. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit is configured to detect the first specific nozzle among the first specific nozzle row and the nozzle row belonging to the second nozzle row group in a state in which a remaining amount of the predetermined value or less is detected. A printing apparatus that executes the printing by switching and using a second specific nozzle row that receives the ink supply from the storage container that supplies the ink to the row for each predetermined printing unit. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group is integrally formed on one substrate,
Each of the nozzle rows of the second nozzle row group is integrally formed on one substrate. A print head in which a plurality of nozzle arrays in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a predetermined direction is provided apart from each other in a direction intersecting the direction is arranged with respect to the print medium, and the nozzle array separation direction and the nozzles And the ink is supplied from L storage containers (L is an integer of 2 or more) that store ink of the same color, and the ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles for printing. A printing method using a printing apparatus for performing
The print head is
A plurality of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows (a is an integer of 1 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are the same as each other, and the storage containers differing from each other by a rows A first nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the ink supply from
A plurality of nozzle rows in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are different from each other, and each nozzle is located between the nozzles of the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group in the predetermined direction. A nozzle row arranged in a row (b is an integer of 1 or more), and a second nozzle row group including nozzle rows that receive the supply of the ink from different storage containers, each b rows,
Monitoring whether any of the remaining amount of the ink stored in the L storage containers is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
When none of the remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group are arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction based on the first print data. Discharging the ink from the nozzle, forming at least a part of a raster line that is an arrangement of ink dots along the separation direction in the print image to be printed, and performing the printing;
In a state where any of the remaining amount is less than or equal to a predetermined value, based on the second print data, if the remaining amount of the nozzle row belonging to the first nozzle row group is less than or equal to the predetermined value Using at least a first specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from a non-container, performing the printing,
The recording resolution of the second print data is the same as the recording resolution of the first print data,
The total discharge amount of ink of the second print data is lowered from the total discharge amount of ink of the first print data. A nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a predetermined direction is provided with a plurality of print heads spaced apart in a direction intersecting the direction, and contains L pieces (L is two or more). A program for printing by the printing apparatus that receives the supply of the ink from the storage container,
The print head is
A plurality of nozzle rows arranged in L × a rows (a is an integer of 1 or more) in a positional relationship in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are the same as each other, and the storage containers differing from each other by a rows A first nozzle row group comprising nozzle rows that receive the ink supply from
A plurality of nozzle rows in which the positions of the plurality of nozzles in the predetermined direction are different from each other, and each nozzle is located between the nozzles of the nozzle rows of the first nozzle row group in the predetermined direction. A nozzle row arranged in a row (b is an integer of 1 or more), and a second nozzle row group including nozzle rows that receive the supply of the ink from different storage containers, each b rows,
The print head is controlled to move relative to the print medium in the nozzle row separation direction and the nozzle arrangement direction, and printing is performed by controlling the ejection of the ink from the plurality of nozzles. Control function to
Causing the computer to realize an ink detection function of detecting that any of the remaining amount of the ink stored in the L storage containers is equal to or less than a predetermined value;
The control function is
Each of the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group arranged at the same position in the predetermined direction on the basis of the first print data when the remaining amount not more than the predetermined value is not detected. Discharging the ink from the nozzle, forming at least a part of a raster line that is an arrangement of ink dots along the separation direction in the print image to be printed, and performing the printing;
Based on the second print data, in the state where the remaining amount less than the predetermined value is detected, the remaining amount less than the predetermined value among the nozzle rows belonging to the first nozzle row group is detected. Using at least a first specific nozzle row that receives the supply of ink from a non-container, and performing the printing,
The recording resolution of the second print data is the same as the recording resolution of the first print data,
The total ink discharge amount of the second print data is lowered from the total ink discharge amount of the first print data.

Images