JPH04129758A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve throughput without increasing memory capacity by a method wherein areas which become unnecessary for storage in an image buffer after recording is executed are detected, and image data for printing on the next line are formed in the detected area. CONSTITUTION:With a carriage motor 3 driven and the carriage 1 made to travel, values of RA11a and RB11b are compared. In the case where the relation is RB>RA, converted image data for the next line are stored in an address of an image buffer indicated by RA, and processing is advanced to a recording position with the value of RA counted up by one. During the recording, data in an image buffer area positioned lower than the values of the address stored in the register RB11b become unnecessary as they are already recorded, the recording data for the next line are converted into image data and are stored in succession in the address of the image buffer indicated by the values of the address stored in the register RA11a. At this time, judgement is made, by knowing the relation of RB>RA, whether or not the image data for the next line can be stored in the address of the image buffer indicated by RA11a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, and particularly to a recording apparatus capable of outputting an image motor to a recording head at high speed.

1. Prior Art Conventionally, recording devices that record on a recording medium such as paper or an OHP sheet (hereinafter also referred to as recording paper or simply paper) have been equipped with a recording spatula using various recording methods. is proposed. These recording heads include those based on the wire head type, the impression type, the thermal transfer type, and the inkjet type. In particular, the inkjet method is attracting attention as a quiet recording method with low running costs because ink is directly jetted onto the recording paper.

Among the inkjet methods, there is the so-called Hufflen-Etsu method, which records characters, images, etc. by ejecting ink from an ejection port toward a recording medium using air bubbles (baffles) generated by a thermal ink jet. There is a device.

In this recording device, the size of the heating resistor (heater) installed in each ejection port is much smaller than the piezoelectric element used in conventional inkjet recording devices, making it possible to have multiple ejection ports with high density. Therefore, it is possible to obtain high-quality recorded images, and has features such as high speed and low noise.

The above-mentioned inkjet recording apparatus using the hubrunette method will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing the structure of the ink jet recording apparatus.

In the figure, numeral 9 is a head cartridge having an inkjet recording head, and numeral 11 is a carry run on which this is mounted for scanning in the S direction in the figure. 13 Mahetka =
A hook for attaching Toritsushi 9 to Caliran 11,
15 is a lever for operating the hook 13. 19
is a support plate that supports the electrical connection to the cartridge 9. 21 is a flexible full cable for connecting the electrical connection section and the main body control section.

23 is a kite shaft for guiding the carry run 11 in the S direction, and is inserted into the bearing 25 of the carry run 11. Reference numeral 27 is a timing heald to which the carry run 11 is fixed and which transmits power for moving the carry run in the S direction, and is stretched over preis 29A and 29B arranged on both sides of the device. Driving force is transmitted to one pulley 29B from the carry run motor 31 via a transmission mechanism such as a gear.

33 is a transport row for regulating the recording surface of a recording medium such as paper and transporting it during recording, etc.;
It is driven by a transport motor 35. 37 is a paper pan for guiding the recording medium from the paper feed tray 4 side to the recording position; 39 is disposed in the middle of the recording medium feeding path to press the recording medium toward the conveyance roller 33 and convey it. This is a foot roller. 34 is Hetkart Ritsuno 9
This is a platen that faces the ejection ports of the printer and regulates the recording surface of the recording medium. Reference numeral 41 denotes a paper discharge roller that is disposed downstream of the recording position in the recording medium conveyance direction and discharges the recording medium toward a paper discharge port (not shown). 42 is paper ejection roller 4
1, which presses the roller 41 through the recording medium to generate a force for conveying the recording medium by the discharge roller 41. Reference numeral 43 denotes a release key (-) for releasing the respective biases of the foot roller 39, presser plate 45, and spur 42 when setting a recording medium or the like.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a press plate for suppressing floating of the recording medium in the vicinity of the recording position and ensuring close contact with the conveying roller 33. Here, an ink-knit recording θ head that performs recording by ejecting ink is used as the recording head. Therefore, the distance between the ink ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head and the recording surface of the recording medium is relatively small, and the distance must be strictly controlled to avoid contact between the recording medium and the ejection orifice forming surface. Therefore, the arrangement of the presser plate 45 is effective. 47 is a scale provided on the holding plate 45, and 49 is a marker provided on the carry run 11 corresponding to this scale, and the print position and setting position of the recording head can also be read by these.

Reference numeral 51 denotes a cap made of an elastic material such as a comb, which faces the ink ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head at the home pump, and is supported so as to be able to come into contact with/remove from the recording head. This cap 51 is used to protect the print head during non-printing and during ejection recovery processing of the print head. In the ejection recovery process, ink is ejected from all ejection ports by placing the cap 51 facing the ejection port forming surface and driving an energy generating element provided inside the ink ejection port and used for ink ejection. This process removes the causes of ejection failure such as air bubbles, dust, and ink that has thickened and is no longer suitable for recording (preliminary ejection). This is a process (suction recovery) that removes the cause of the ejection failure by forcibly discharging ink.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a pump that applies a suction force to forcefully discharge the ink, and is used to suck the ink received in the cap 51 during ejection recovery processing by such forced ejection or ejection recovery processing by preliminary ejection. 55 is a waste ink tank for storing waste ink sucked by the pump 53, and 57 is a tube that communicates the pump 53 and the waste ink tank 55.

Reference numeral 59 denotes a plate for wiping the ejection orifice forming surface of the recording head, which has two positions: one in which it protrudes toward the recording head and performs wiping during the head movement process, and the other in a retracted position where it does not engage the ejection orifice formation surface. movably supported. 61 is a motor; 63 receives power from the motor 61 to drive the pump 53 and the cap 51 and plate 5;
This is a cam device for making each of the movements of 9.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control configuration for controlling each part of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1O.

In the figure, 1 is an MPU that controls the entire device while exchanging signals with each part of the device, 2 is a ROM that stores operating procedures, etc., and 3 is a RAM that is used as a buffer for recording data, etc. , 4 is an interface for exchanging information with a host such as a computer, and 5 is an input/output port.

The control signal from ~1PU1 is supplied to the drive circuits 9A, 31A, and 35A via the input/output port 5, and the recording head 9, carriage motor 31, and conveyance motor 35 are controlled. Further, information from the sensor 6 and the operation panel 7 is supplied to the MPUI via the input/output port 5.

The actual recording will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power is turned on in step S1, initial operations such as home pump detection of the carriage 11 are performed (step S2). Next, when ON and LINE are selected on the operation panel 7 in step S3, recording data supplied from the host via the interface 4 is input to the input buffer area of the RAM 3 in step S4. Further, the MPU 1 converts data such as character codes inputted into the input buffer area into dot matrix image data, and stores it into the image buffer area of the RAM 3.

Then, when one row of image data is complete, step S
5, the recording paper is transported by the transport motor 35.

Next, the image data to be recorded on the recording paper is transferred from the image buffer area of the RAM 3 to the input/output port 5 (step S6). Here, in step S7, data analysis of the next line, that is, input of recording data to the reception buffer area,
Conversion to image data and storage of the image data into the image buffer area are performed sequentially. Note that the image buffer area here is provided in a different area from the image buffer area used in step S6 to prevent image data from disappearing. Next, the carriage motor 31 is driven to move the carriage 11 (step S8), and when it reaches the recording position (step S9), a recording head drive start signal (Fig. (not shown).

Then, the drive circuit 9A drives the recording head 9 according to the image data from the input/output port 13a.

Steps 86 to SIO are repeated until recording of one line is completed, and when recording of one line is completed (step 5ll)
, return to step S4.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the above conventional example, as the resolution of the recording head increases, the amount of image data to be recorded increases, and M
It takes a lot of time for the PUI to store recording data in the input buffer and to transfer image data to the recording head. Due to the stiffness, image data transfer takes up a particularly large proportion of the printhead drive period, and other processing, such as inputting print data to the input buffer area of the next line, converting it to image data, and converting the image data to image data, increases.・The processing time for storing the buffer area is reduced.

In particular, the above problem becomes noticeable when the recording head is capable of high-speed recording, such as a double bubble/etch system. If the next line of data is not complete after one line of recording is completed, recording of the next line will not start until all of the data is complete, resulting in a decrease in the recording speed.

In other words, there was a problem in that throughput decreased.

In addition, as mentioned above, in order to prevent image data from being lost, at least two lines of image data are provided in the image data area. Since the memory capacity required for the image buffer area increases in proportion to the square of the head resolution, the -layer memory capacity also increases.

Furthermore, for a recording device capable of high-density recording, such as a bubble shed method, the amount of image data transmitted from the host increases. At this time, the recording device
If the data from ~ is not received at high speed, the host will not be able to transfer data during that time. In other words, the host is tied to the recording device for a long time, and
~ Its own throughput will also decrease.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a recording device that can speed up data processing and improve throughput, and does not cause an increase in memory capacity. The purpose is to

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the recording device of the present invention includes a CPU that performs data processing, a memory capable of storing one line of image data processed by the CPU via a bus, and an output from the memory via the bus. bus control for separating a bus between the CPU and the memory and coupling a bus between the recording head and the memory when the CPtJ accesses a memory other than the recording head to which image data is supplied; and a transfer control means for transferring image data from the memory to the recording head in synchronization with an access operation of the CPU to a part other than the memory, and the transfer control means transfers the image data to the memory. The present invention is characterized in that an area in which the CPtJ or the next row of image pigs can be stored in the memory is determined based on the area.

[Operation] According to the above configuration, the memory and CPU buses are separated and the memory and recording head buses are combined, so that image data can be transferred from the memory to the recording head in parallel with the operation of the CPU. I can do it. Furthermore, since the CPU determines the area in which the next row of image data can be stored in the memory, high-speed recording is possible using the memory for one row.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention, in which an address bus and a data bus connected to memory are connected to an MPU.
By providing a selector that separates the address bus and data bus connected to the L=TPU, the image data in the memory is transferred to the recording head during an operation in which the memory is not accessed, and data processing is performed. Increasing the speed of the process is also aimed at improving throughput. In this case, the MPU further determines whether the next row of image data can be stored in the memory based on the address for transferring the image data to the recording head, making it possible to perform high-speed recording even with one row of memory.

More specifically, the recording operation in this recording device is performed by an MPU 9 that controls the entire device while exchanging signals with each part of the device, and a ROM 101 that stores operation procedures, etc.
RAM used as a buffer for recording data, etc.
11, an interface 12 for exchanging information with a host such as a computer, an input/output port 13, and a read/write control circuit 14.

A control signal from the MPU 9 is supplied to drive circuits 15a, 15b, and 15c via an input/output port 13, and the recording head 2, carriage motor 3, and paper feed motor 6 are controlled. Further, information from the sensor 16 and the operation panel 17 is supplied to the l'vl PU 9 via the input/output port 13.

The data bus DB2 connected to the RAM II is connected to the data bus DB3 connected to the M PtJ 9 by the data bus selector 18, or the input/output port 1-13a.
to the data bus DBI.

Further, the address bus AB2 connected to the RAMII is connected to the address bus AB3 of the MPU 9 by the address bus selector 19, or from the address counter 20 which outputs the address of the area where the image data to be transferred to the input/output port 13a is stored. is connected to either one of the ABIs. And MPU9 is RAM
11, the chip select C33 is output, and the data bus selector 18 and address bus selector 19 both select the buses DB3 and AB3 of Nx P U 9 and connect them to DB2 and AB2, respectively.
When accessing PU9 or R (1110), by outputting chip select C32, the data bus DB2 of RA Ml 1 is connected to the data bus DBI to the input/output port 13a by the data bus selector 18, and the address bus selector 1 The end address bus B2 of RAMI is connected to the address bus ABI of the address bus counter 20.

The above data bus selector 18 and address bus selector 1
The bus select operation of 9 is controlled by the read/write control circuit 21 outputting chip select 1-C52 based on the address output from the MPU 9 to the address bus AB3. This lie try! - The control circuit 21 has a data transfer control circuit 21a that controls the transfer of image data from the RAM 11 to the recording head 2.

Note that data reception from the interface 12 is performed by outputting chip select C3I.

RAlla and RBllb are registers provided in RAM].1. RAlla indicates the address of the image buffer in which the next row of image data subjected to data analysis is to be sequentially stored.

Furthermore, RBllb is the highest address among the 8-byte addresses of the image buffer in which 8 bits of data to be recorded at the next recording position (in this embodiment, the recording head 2 has a 64-dot configuration) is stored. Indicates a lower address. That is, RB indicates the lowest address of the recordable data area in the image buffer area.

FIG. 2 shows a timing chart of the MPU 9 and RAMII during recording. Normally, the MPU 9 reads data from the ROM 10 and processes the operation accordingly, that is, inputs recording data to the reception buffer area, converts it to image data, stores the image data in the image buffer area, and drives the carriage motor 3. The paper feed motor 6 is sequentially driven.

Then, when the MPU 9 sets the transfer flag (not shown) in the data transfer control circuit 21a to "H" by outputting the signal T in the process of P3, the data transfer control circuit 21
While the transfer flag is "H", image data is transferred from RAMII to the input/output port 13a from the image buffer area in the ROM read cycle (Tl to T8).
). This data transfer may be performed, for example, based on the AND of the chip select signal C32 of the ROM10 and the transfer flag.

By the way, if the recording head 2 has, for example, 64 dots, the image data to be transferred in one drive of the recording head is 8 dots. Therefore, in this embodiment, an 8-hit RAM is used, and when the 8th byte of image data is transferred at T8, the transfer flag is set to "L". That is, the transfer flag is held in, for example, a flip-flop, and is configured to clear the flip-flop at the eighth time of counting by a counting means that performs a counting operation every time one hide is transferred.

When the ROM is read after that, the original data will not be transferred from RAM II. Further, the address counter 20 is T1
~T8, the counter value increases every time data transfer from RAM II is completed.

The actual transcript will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps 3101 to 5105 are similar to the conventional example shown in FIG. At step 8106, the start address value of the image data area of RAM l1 is set in registers RA1], a, and RB11b.

Next, in step S07, the paper feed motor 6 is driven to convey the recording paper. Then, in step 8108, the transfer flag in the I/write signal control circuit 21 is set to "H". Then, every time the MPU 9 accesses the ROM lO, the image data is transferred from the RAM ] to the input/output coupler 1 □. Step S]0
At step 9, the data of the next line is analyzed, that is, for example, the recording data for 1 hide of the next line input to the reception buffer is converted into image data.

Next, while driving the carriage motor 3 to move the carriage 1 (step S11.O), compare the values of RA]1a and RBIlb in step 5ill, and if R'B>RA, convert in step 5109. Store the image data of the next line in the address of the image huffer indicated by RA (Step S] 12), count up the value of RA by 1 (Step Sl 13), and step 5
Proceed to 114. On the other hand, if RB≦RA in step 5ill, there is still no free space for storing image data, so the process proceeds to step 5114 without storing image data. In step 311.4, it is determined whether the recording position is reached and steps 5110-- until the recording position is reached.
3] Repeat step 14. Then, when the recording position is reached,
In step S]15, a recording head drive start signal is sent to the drive circuit 15a via the input/output port 13. Then, the drive circuit 1.5a drives the recording head 2 according to the image data from the input/output port 13a.

Next, in step Sl 16, the RB is transferred to step S ],
The count is increased by 8 for the data that has been recorded by l5. In step 5117, it is determined whether recording for one line has been completed, and steps 8108 to 5116 are repeated until recording for one line has been completed. Further, when recording for one line is completed, the process returns to step 5103.

That is, during recording, the data in the image buffer area lower than the address value stored in register RB11b is completely recorded and is unnecessary, so the recorded data in the next row is converted to image data and sequentially stored in register RA. 1.
It is stored at the address of the image file indicated by the address value stored in la. At this time, by determining whether RB>RA (step 5ll), it is determined whether the next row of image data can be stored at the image data address indicated by RAlla.

In this way, by using the image buffer area for one line to create the next line of image data during recording, throughput can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment. In the same figure, MPU 9 is data selector 22
By selecting using chip selects C34 and C35, the value S M 22 indicated by the address counter 20
a.

S L 22 b can be leat. In other words,
By reading the value of the data selector 22 during recording, it can be determined to which address in the image buffer area data is unnecessary and can be used as an image buffer for the next line of image data.

Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Steps 8201 to 5205 are similar to steps 5101 to 5105 in the first embodiment. In step 5206, the start address value of the image huffer of RAM II is set in the register RA11a.

Next, in step 5207, the paper feed motor 6 is driven to convey the recording paper. Then, in step 5208, the transfer flag in the rewrite signal control circuit 21 is set to "H". Then, every time MPU9 accesses ROM10, image data is transferred from RAMII to input/output port 1.
Transferred to 3a. The address counter 2o counts up every time data is transferred.

In step 5209, the data of the next line is analyzed, that is, for example, 1 byte of recording data of the next line input to the reception buffer is converted into image data.

Next, while driving the carriage motor 3 to move the carriage 1 (step 5210), step 521
1, the value of register RA11a and data bus select 22
The value of the counter 20 is compared with the value of the counter 20.

Here, address counter value S M 22 a , S
If L 22 b>RA1]a, then Resisk RA 1
], the data at the address of the image buffer indicated by a has already been recorded and is unnecessary data, so step 5
209 and convert the next row of image data to Renstar R.
Step 5212), Renostar RA 1. ]
The value of a is counted up by 1 (step 521
3), proceed to step 5214.

Also, if the address counter value≦RA, step 52
14, it is determined whether or not the recording position is reached, and steps 5210-3214 are repeated until the recording position is reached.

When the recording position is reached, a recording head drive start signal is sent to the drive circuit 15a via the input/output port 3 in step 5215. Then, according to the image data from the drive circuit 5a and the input/output capo 13a, the recording head 2
to drive. In step 5216, it is determined whether recording for one line has been completed, and steps 5208 to 5203 are repeated until recording for one line has been completed.

Further, when the recording of one line is completed, the process returns to step 5203.

In other words, by retrieving the data selector 22 during recording, all the data will be recorded in the unnecessary image buffer area below the address value indicated by the address counter 20.
The next row of image data is formed.

In this embodiment, the address counter 20 has 16 hits and the data bus has 8 hits. It is composed of SM 22a corresponding to . And M
The PU 9 detects the value of the address counter 20 by retrieving S l'vi 22 a and 5L 22 b, respectively.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Generally, in order to italicize characters, when one line of image data has been recorded and the next line of image data is expanded and stored in the image buffer area of RAMII, the image buffer area must be It is necessary to erase the previous data.

Also, if the image data of the next line is less than one line, part of the image data of the previous line may be recorded, so it is necessary to erase the previous data in the image buffer area. be.

Further, depending on a recording control coat such as a hack space code or a recording area designation coat, it may be necessary to record twice at the same position in one line of recording. At this time, generally, the recording head only needs to scan once by overwriting (logical sum) processing in the image buffer. That is, when storing image data for the second time, a logical sum is performed on the previous image data.

Therefore, in this case, since the image data of the previous row is not erased by ORing, it is necessary to erase the image data of the previous row.

However, the processing required for this erasing places a heavy burden on the MPU 9. Therefore, the throughput decreases during the above processing.

On the other hand, in the case of double striking or emphasized printing, the recording head is
Printing may be performed by scanning twice, and in this case, the previous and subsequent image data must not be erased.

This third embodiment is designed in view of the above points, and M P
This makes it possible to transfer image data and erase its data in a cycle in which U9 accesses ROM10 or RAM1, thereby preventing a drop in throughput. Furthermore, it is possible to control whether or not data erasing is to be executed, thereby making it possible to correspond to various recording modes.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of this embodiment. A read/write control circuit incorporating a data transfer control circuit 21a and a data clear control circuit 21d transfers and clears the image data of RAM II as shown in the timing chart shown in FIG.

That is, when the MPU 9 sets the transfer flag in the data transfer control circuit 21a to "H" in P49 using the transfer signal T, the data transfer control circuit 21a sets the next RO:L, 1.
In the REIT cycle R50, the address counter 20 indicates RAN11. ] is transferred to the input/output capo-1-], 3a. Next ROM read cycle R, 51, this time data clear control time g321d
“OO” is stored in the RAM ], ] area where the data transferred to the input/output capo 1□13a is stored.
H is written. In other words, data is cleared (C1).

Note that the clear data “○O”H at this time is stored in the data register 23 and is applied to the RA I'v1 ] 1 via the data bus selector 18. Data selector 18 is switched by chip select C36.

Then, when the CI cycle ends, the address counter increases by "1". By repeating this process, in this example, 8
High l- data is transferred and cleared. Furthermore, when the clearing of the 8th hide data is completed at C8, the transfer flag becomes "7", and nothing is done in the next cycle from RO to 1 REET. In this way, M P U
In the process of 9, image data can be transferred and cleared only by P49.

In addition, in the clearing operation described above, before the transfer flag is set to "I(" by sending the transfer signal T, the mode 1' Therefore, when this mote signal M is "L", the same operation as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is performed.
No clearing operation is performed.

With the above mote settings, various data transfer motes can be realized.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

This embodiment shows another control example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and its operation will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

First, the storage of data in the RAM II will be described. If ON LINE is selected in step 5301, data analysis is performed in step 5302, and the settings of the Renstar RAM 11a and the storage completion flag are reset in step 5303. This storage end flag is 1
This indicates that storage of image data for a row has been completed.

When it is determined in step 5304 that the data for the first row is to be stored, the data for one row is stored in steps 5305 and 5306. This is because, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when storing the data in the first row, there is no need to consider the transfer of data to the print head. When the storage of one row of data is completed, the storage end flag is set in step 5307. This allows it to be known that the data to be transferred to the recording head is complete.

Here, the transfer of data from RAM 1.1 to the recording head will be explained.

When step 5320 detects that the storage completion flag is set, step 5321 detects that the storage completion flag is set.
lb is set, and the transfer end flag is reset in step 5322. This transfer end flag indicates that transfer of one line of image data has been completed.

Next, in step 5323, the transfer flag is set to "H" to instruct data transfer, and in step 5324, RB is counted up by 8. Then, steps 5323 and 5324 are repeated for one line (step 5325), step 532
6 sets the transfer end flag.

Here, storage of data from the second line onwards will be explained.

If it is determined in step 5304 that data from the second line onward is to be stored, it is determined in step 5308 whether or not the transfer end flag is set. When it is not set, if RB>RA in step 5309, data is stored in step S3. On the other hand, if RB≦RA, data has not yet been transferred at that storage address, so the process returns to step 5308. In addition, the above step 53
08, when the transfer end flag is set to Sera 1~,
As shown in FIG. 9(b), since the data in the image 7 huffer area has already been recorded and is unnecessary, the data is stored regardless of the values of RA and RB (step S3).
], O).

After that, in step 5311, RA is incremented by 1, and in step 530 until the storage of one row of data is completed.
8 to S3], 1 is repeated (step S31'2).

When one line is completed, a storage end flag is set in step 5307 to enable data transfer to the print head.

In this embodiment as well, the image data for the next line can be created during recording using the image buffer area for one line, so it is possible to improve throughput. It should be noted that the present invention brings about excellent effects particularly in ink jet recording apparatuses, especially in half-full jet recording apparatuses. This is because such a system can achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

As for typical configurations and principles thereof, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740,796. This method is applicable to both so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, the electrothermal transducer placed in correspondence with the sheet holding the liquid (ink) and the liquid path is required to respond to recorded information and rapidly exceed nucleate boiling. Application of at least one drive signal that provides a temperature increase causes the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, causing film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head. As a result, it is effective to form bubbles in the liquid (ink) in one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to use this drive signal in a pulse form, because the growth and contraction of the bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, so that liquid (ink) can be ejected with particularly excellent responsiveness. This pulse-shaped drive signal is:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,359, U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,26
Those described in Specification No. 2 are suitable.

Furthermore, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head includes, in addition to the combination configuration of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting section. U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 disclose a configuration in which the
The present invention also includes a configuration using the specification of the above specification.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-1191 discloses a configuration in which a slit common to a plurality of electrothermal transducers is used as a discharge part of the electrothermal transducers.
The effects of the present invention are also effective even when the recording head configuration is based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9-123670 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461/1987, which discloses a configuration in which apertures for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy correspond to ejection portions. be. In other words, regardless of the form of the printhead, printing can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by a recording apparatus.

Such a recording head may have either a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally. In addition, even if it is a serial type like the above example,
A replaceable chip-type recording head that is attached to the main body of the device and enables electrical connection to the main body of the device and supply of ink from the main body of the device, or a cartridge that is integrated into the print head itself. The present invention is also effective when using a type of recording head.

The present invention is also effective for full-line type recording heads in which the recording head does not move.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head provided as a component of the recording apparatus, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. to the present invention because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressure or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination thereof; It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

In addition, regarding the type and number of recording heads installed, for example, in addition to one type that corresponds to single-color ink, there is also a plurality of recording heads that correspond to multiple inks with different recording colors and densities. It may be something that can be done.

In addition, in addition to being used as an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, the inkjet recording device of the present invention may take the form of a copying device combined with a printer or the like, or even a facsimile device having transmitting and receiving functions. It may be something.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration when the recording apparatus of the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus having functions as a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile machine, and a copying apparatus.

In the figure, 201 is a control unit that controls the entire device, and is equipped with a CPU such as a microprocessor and various I10 ports, and outputs control signals and data signals to each part, and inputs control signals and data signals from each part. control. 2
is a display section, and various menus, document information, image data read by the image reader 207, etc. are displayed on this display screen. 203 is the display section 20
By pressing the surface of a transparent pressure-sensitive touch panel provided on the display unit 202 with a finger or the like, items or coordinate positions on the display unit 202 can be input.

204 is F M (F r eq u e n c
y M o d u i a t i o n ) Music information created by a music editor or the like is stored in the memory unit 210 or the external storage device 212 as a dental recorder in the sound source unit, and is read out from the memory or the like to be FM. It performs modulation. The electrical signal from the FM sound source section 204 is converted into audible sound by the speaker section 205. The printer unit 206 is a word processor, a personal computer,
The recording device of the present invention is applied as an output terminal of a facsimile machine or a copying machine.

207 is an image league unit that photoelectrically reads and inputs document data, and is provided in the middle of the document conveyance path;
It reads facsimile originals, copy originals, and various other originals. Reference numeral 208 denotes a facsimile (FAX) transmitting/receiving unit which transmits the document data read by the image league unit 207 by facsimile, receives and decodes the sent facsimile signal, and has an interface function with the outside. 2
09 is a telephone section having various telephone functions such as a normal telephone function and an answering machine function.

2) 0 is a ROM or external storage device 21 that stores system programs, manager programs, other application programs, character fonts, dictionaries, etc.
This is a memory section that includes application programs and document information loaded from 2, as well as a video RAM and the like.

211 is a keyboard section for inputting document information, various commands, etc.;

The external storage device 212 is an external storage device that uses a floppy disk, hard disk, or the like as a recording medium, and stores document information, music or audio information, user application programs, and the like.

FIG. 14 is an external view of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

In the figure, 301 is a flat panel display using liquid crystal or the like, which displays various menus, graphic information, document information, etc. On this display 301 is a touch panel 2.
03 is installed, and by pressing the surface of this touch panel 203 with a finger or the like, coordinate input or item designation input can be performed. 302 is a handset used when the device functions as a telephone. The key fob 303 is removably connected to the water pair via a cord, and is capable of inputting various document information and various data. This key chain 303 also includes various function keys 304.
etc. are provided. 305 is a floppy disk insertion slot into the external storage device 212.

Reference numeral 306 denotes a paper mounting section on which a document to be read by the image league section 207 is placed, and the read document is discharged from the rear of the apparatus. Further, when receiving a facsimile, etc., information is recorded from the ink sheller 1 to the printer 307.

Note that although the display unit 202 described above may be a CRT, a flat panel such as a liquid crystal display using ferroelectric liquid crystal is preferable. This is because it can be made smaller, thinner, and lighter.

When the information processing apparatus functions as a personal computer or a word processor, various information input from the keyboard section 211 is processed by the control section 201 according to a predetermined program and output as an image to the printer section 206.

When functioning as a receiver of a facsimile device, facsimile information input from the FAX transmitting/receiving unit 208 via a communication line is received and processed by the control unit 201 according to a predetermined program, and output as a received image to the printer unit 206.

Further, when functioning as a copying apparatus, the image reader unit 207 reads a document, and the read document data is output as a copy image to the printer unit 206 via the control unit 201. Note that when functioning as a transmitter of a facsimile device, the document data read by the image reader section 207 is transmitted to the communication line via the FAX transmitting/receiving section 208 after being transmitted according to a predetermined program by the control section 201. .

By applying the recording device of the present invention to the multifunctional information processing device described above, high-quality recorded images can be obtained at high speed and with low noise, thereby further improving the functions of the information processing device. becomes possible.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, by detecting an area that is no longer needed due to recording within the image data during recording, and forming the next line of image data in that area,
Throughput can be improved without increasing memory capacity.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing operations related to data transfer processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of data transfer processing in the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 explains the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart 1 for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment, and FIG.
11 is a block diagram showing a control configuration for controlling each part of the recording device shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 explains the operation of the control configuration shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration when the present invention is applied to an information processing device, and FIG. 14 is an external view of the information processing device shown in FIG. 13. ■... Carriage 2... Recording head 3... Carriage motor 4... MPU 10... ROM 11... Interface 13.13a... Input/output port 14.21... Read/write control Circuit 18...Data bus selector 19...Address bus selector 20...Address counter 21...Read/write control circuit 21a...Data transfer control circuit 21b...Data clear control circuit 22... Data selector 22d...Data selector 5M 22b...Data selector 5L 23...Data register

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A CPU that performs data processing, a memory capable of storing one line of image data processed by this CPU via a bus, and a recording head to which the image data output from this memory via the bus is supplied. , a bus control means for separating a bus between the CPU and the memory and coupling a bus between the recording head and the memory when the CPU accesses the memory other than the memory; transfer control means for transferring image data from the memory to the recording head in synchronization with the operation;
determines an area in which the next row of image data can be stored in the memory. (2) The CPU determines an address at which the next row of image data can be stored in the memory, based on an address to which the transfer control means transfers the image data. Recording device. (3) The CPU reads the address to which the transfer control means transfers the image data.
2) The recording device according to item 2). (4) The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording head is an inkjet recording head. (5) The inkjet recording head has a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, causes a state change in the ink provided in the corresponding ejection port due to heat, and ejects ink from the ejection port based on the state change. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising thermal energy generating means for generating flying droplets.