JPH07242025A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To optimize printing quality and eliminate the generation of the recording impossible region possessed by interlace recording by performing minute feed recording with respect to a line incapable of being recorded by the interlace recording present in the upper and lower end parts of a recording region. CONSTITUTION:A recording head 1 is relatively moved in a main scanning direction with respect to a recording medium 11. Herein, when (n) and (k) are a positive integer larger than 2 being mutually prime and satisfy n>k, the recording head 1 is equipped with (n+1) recording elements d1.... The interval between the recording elements d1... is set k-times the width of a recording line. This recording is performed according to a hybrid recording mode wherein fine feed recording and interlace recording are combined. In this hybrid recording mode, fine feed recording is performed with respect to a line incapable of being recorded by interlace recording at least present in the upper and lower parts of the recording region within the specific recording region of the recording medium 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording by moving a recording head and a recording medium relative to each other in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a recording apparatus that performs recording by moving a recording head and a recording medium relative to each other, factors such as the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction and the recording position accuracy of the recording head are factors that affect recording quality. Can be mentioned.

Since there is a limitation in increasing the density of recording elements having a movable mechanism in the recording head, a plurality of recording elements are arranged at intervals of an integral multiple of recording resolution in the sub-scanning direction.
Multiple scans of the print head in the main scan direction and minimum resolution feed of the print medium in the sub scan direction (hereinafter referred to as minute feed)
Supports high density recording.

However, each printing element has minute variations in the printing position in the sub-scanning direction. In the sub-scanning direction, at the junction of the continuous recording area of one recording element and the continuous recording area of another recording element, the print quality may be disturbed due to the variation of each recording element.

Further, when the distance between the recording elements is equivalent to k lines and the number of recording elements is n, in order to record a wide continuous area in the sub-scanning direction, fine feeding in the sub-scanning direction and {k × (n-
1) +1} line feed (hereinafter referred to as skip feed) must be recorded together. Since the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium varies depending on the feed amount in the sub-scanning direction, an increase in the recording speed can be expected when the number of recording elements increases, while the recording quality is disturbed due to the difference in precision between minute feed and skip feed. It can occur.

In US Pat. No. 4,1986,642,
By the interlaced recording method in which the relationship between the number k of recording elements and the number n is specified and the recording medium is sent in the sub-scanning direction at a fixed pitch, the recording elements that record adjacent lines are made different and recording quality due to variations in the recording elements. The irregularity of the sheet is reduced, and the variations in the conveyance accuracy of the entire recording area are made uniform.

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an upper end portion of a recording area of a recording medium 11 when interlaced recording is performed on the entire recording area.

It is assumed that, when the recording medium 11 is loaded, the recording element d1 on the recording head 1 reaches a position corresponding to the line l1.

When the distance between the recording elements is k lines and the number of recording elements used is n, the recording medium 11 is sent n lines in the sub-scanning direction for each main scanning of the recording head 1. When this operation is repeated for interlaced recording, the area in which continuous recording is possible is line l {(n-1) x (k-1) +1}.
From

If k = 4 and n = 5, the range in which continuous recording is possible is from line l13 onward.

As a result of the interlaced recording, the areas of the lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)} are unrecordable areas.

On the other hand, according to the conventional general recording method (hereinafter, referred to as standard recording) using both micro-feed and skip-feed, the recording element d1 reaches the position of the line l1, so that this area can be recorded. It becomes an area.

Therefore, in a recording apparatus having a standard recording mode that uses both fine feed and skip feed and an interlace recording mode, a difference occurs in the recording area at the upper end of the recording medium depending on the recording mode.
Similarly, at the lower end of the recording medium, a difference occurs in the recording area depending on the recording mode.

In order to eliminate the difference between the recording areas, there is a method of changing the loading position of the recording medium according to the recording mode. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 1, in the interlaced recording mode, the line l1 is located at the position of the recording element d4.
It is conceivable to load the recording medium so that

However, in the case of an ink jet recording apparatus which ejects ink from the recording element, the load position of the recording medium is set in order to avoid the unevenness of the recording medium surface and the rubbing of the recording head due to the adhesion of the ink to the recording medium. Since it is managed, if the method of changing the load position according to the recording mode is adopted, it becomes difficult to guarantee the operation. Further, when a tip pressing mechanism for preventing the recording medium from being lifted up is provided, a mechanical restriction occurs such that the tip pressing mechanism must be movable.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which can suppress the deterioration of recording quality due to the feeding accuracy of a recording element or a recording medium to a minimum and can guarantee a constant recording area regardless of the recording mode. Especially.

[0017]

The recording apparatus according to the present invention has
And k are positive integers greater than 2 that are relatively prime and n
When the condition of> k is satisfied, the recording head includes (n + 1) recording elements, and the distance between the recording elements is k times the recording line width. Recording is performed while moving such a recording head relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction. This recording can be performed in a hybrid recording mode that combines fine feed recording and interlaced recording. In this hybrid recording mode, the minute feed recording is performed on at least the lines which cannot be recorded by the interlace recording existing in the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the recording area in the predetermined recording area of the recording medium.

Here, the minute feed recording is a recording method in which main scanning and minute feeding (sub scanning for one line) are alternately repeated.

[0019]

According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, lines which cannot be recorded by the interlaced recording existing at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the recording medium are recorded by the minute feed recording. for that reason,
It is possible to eliminate the unrecordable area at the upper end and the lower end of the recording medium, which is a disadvantage of the interlaced recording. Moreover, since the interlaced recording is adopted, a better recording quality can be obtained than the conventional standard recording.

In the hybrid recording mode, it is preferable to use continuous n recording elements out of (n + 1) recording elements at the time of fine feed recording at the upper end of the recording area and at the time of interlace recording. . As a result, the sub-scan feed amount can be two types, one line for fine feed recording and n lines for interlaced recording. If (n-1) all the recording elements are used for the fine feed recording at the upper end portion, when the fine feed recording is changed to the interlace recording, a sub-scan of a third feed amount is further performed. The need arises.

More preferably, in the case of fine feed recording in the upper end portion and in interlace recording, n consecutive recording elements in the upper part are used, while in the fine feed recording in the lower end portion. Include n recording elements or (n
-1) Use all recording elements. This makes it possible to make the recording area of the hybrid recording mode completely coincide with that of the standard recording mode (a conventional general recording method that uses both fine feed and skip feed).
That is, the recording start position at the upper end portion and the recording end position at the lower end portion of the recording medium are set to the uppermost position and the lowermost position under the mechanical constraint that defines the positional relationship between the recording head and the recording medium. Each position can be set. Therefore, in the model that allows you to select the standard recording mode in addition to the hybrid recording mode, the recording areas of the hybrid recording mode and the standard recording mode can be set in exactly the same range,
The problem of different recording areas depending on the recording mode as described above does not occur.

Further, regarding information processing in the hybrid recording mode, it is desirable to check whether or not the recording data exists in the interlace unrecordable areas existing in the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the recording area, and checking the upper end portion of the recording area. When there is no record data in the non-interlace recordable area, the micro feed recording in the non-interlace record area of the upper end part is omitted, and when there is no record data in the non-interlace recordable area of the lower end part, the lower end is recorded. The minute feed recording in the non-interlaced area of a part is omitted. By doing so, when it is not necessary to perform fine feed recording, only interlaced recording can be performed, so the recording speed is improved.

Several specific modes can be adopted as a specific mode of the hybrid recording mode. One of them is a mode in which the minute feed recording is performed on all the lines in the interlace unrecordable area and the interlace recording is performed on all the lines in the recording area outside the uninterlaced area. The second mode performs interlaced recording on all interlaced lines that are lines that can be recorded by interlaced recording in the recording area, and minute feed recording on all lines other than interlaced lines in the recording area. Is a mode of performing.

Comparing the former aspect with the latter aspect,
The former has the advantage that the information processing procedure is slightly simpler than the latter, while the latter has the advantage that higher recording quality than the former can be obtained because interlaced recording is used to the maximum extent.

No matter which of the above two modes is adopted, when either one of the fine feed recording and the interlace recording is executed, the recording element located on the line which can be recorded by both the fine feed recording and the interlace recording is used. However, it is desirable to provide unrecorded data. This prevents duplicate recording.

In this case, more preferably, non-recording data is given during execution of the fine feed mode, and non-recording data is given as much as possible in interlaced recording. Thereby, the interlaced recording is preferentially used, and the recording quality is improved.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments shown in the drawings will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the arrangement of the recording apparatus according to this embodiment. The recording head 1 is mounted on the carriage 2 and slides on the carriage guides 3 and 4, and the recording medium 11
Is scanned in the main scanning direction for recording. The feed roller 7 is driven by a motor 8. The recording medium 11 is the feed roller 7.
It is wound around the platen 9 and is regulated by the guide plate 10.
After being conveyed upward, the motor 8 drives it to feed it in the sub-scanning direction. The tip pressing roller 5 freely rotates around the shaft 6 according to the feeding of the recording medium 11 while contacting the surface of the recording medium 11.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the upper end of the recording area on the recording medium 11 in this embodiment, and shows the positional relationship with each mechanism when the recording medium 11 is loaded at the start of the recording operation.

Recording medium 1 wound around feed roller 7
1 is sent onto the platen 9 and stopped at the position where the tip of the platen 9 contacts the tip pressing roller 5, and the loading operation ends.

The tip pressing roller 5 and the guide plate 10 prevent the recording medium 11 from floating and keep the recording area on the platen 9 flat. As a result, in the inkjet recording method in which ink is ejected from the recording elements d1 to d6, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the recording quality due to the rise of the recording medium 11 due to the adhesion of the ink and the occurrence of irregularities, and to ensure uniform recording quality.

The recording elements d1 to d6 are arranged on the recording head 1 in a line in the sub-scanning direction.

The position of the head recording element d1 on the recording head 1 is the upper end position of the recording area on the recording medium 11 (line l1).
To decide. The area from the upper edge EH of the recording medium to immediately before the line 11 is an unrecordable area that is generated due to mechanical restrictions such as the radius of the tip pressing roller 5 and the distance from the upper edge of the recording head 1 to the recording element d1.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the lower end portion of the recording area on the recording medium 11 in this embodiment, and shows the positional relationship between the recording medium 11 and each mechanism at the end of the final recording operation.

Recording medium 1 wound around feed roller 7
1 is sent onto the platen 9 and its rear end is a feed roller 7
The recording operation is completed by stopping at the position touching.

Here, the tip pressing roller 5 and the guide plate 1
A value of 0 prevents the recording medium 11 from hanging down due to the recording medium 11 hanging down.

At this time, the position of the last recording element d6 on the recording head 1 determines the lower end position (line lbb) of the recording area on the recording medium 11. The area from immediately after the line lbb to the lower edge EH of the recording medium is the radius of the feed roller 7, the width of the guide plate 10 and the lower edge of the recording head 1 to the recording element d6.
This is an unrecordable area that occurs due to mechanical restrictions such as the distance up to.

The recording medium 1 as shown in FIGS.
The range from the line l1 to the line lbb on 1 is the recording area.

5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the basic operation in the two recording modes (standard recording mode and hybrid recording mode) of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, (n + 1) recording elements are arranged on the recording head 1 at equal intervals of k lines. Here, for simplicity, the case where k = 4 and n = 5 is illustrated.

In the standard recording mode, (n
The k × (n + 1) lines are recorded by the k-th main scan using all the +1) recording elements and the minute feed (total (k−1) times) performed between the main scans. Then (k
The skip feed corresponding to (× n + 1) line widths is performed to reach the next recording position. By repeating this, the continuous area is recorded.

The standard recording mode is suitable for high-speed recording because k × (n + 1) lines can be recorded by scanning k times even if n increases.

In the hybrid recording mode, fine feed recording and interlaced recording are used together. Here, the operation of interlaced recording will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the continuous n recording elements among the recording elements (n + 1) are used. After printing n lines in one main scan, sub-scanning is performed by the width of n lines to reach the next print position. By repeating this, the continuous area is recorded.

Here, the recording element interval k (line) and the number n between recording elements (number) must have the following relationship.

(Condition 1) n and k are mutually prime integers larger than 2. (Condition 2) n> k In interlaced recording, since there is only a feed amount corresponding to the n line width in the sub-scan, the sub-scan in the recording area is performed. Since it is possible to make the accuracy of the recording uniform and to record adjacent lines by different recording elements to reduce recording unevenness due to minute variations in the sub-scanning direction of each recording element, it is suitable for high quality recording. There is.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the recording operation at the upper end of the recording area in the hybrid recording mode.

When the recording medium 11 is loaded, the recording element d1 coincides with the position of the line l1.

That is, in the standard recording mode in which the minute feed and the skip feed are used together, the line l1 and the subsequent lines are the recordable area.

In the hybrid recording mode, fine feed recording and interlaced recording are used together. As described above, the area of lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)} cannot be recorded during interlaced recording. The unrecordable area of this interlaced recording is supplemented by the minute feed recording.

Since the recording elements are arranged at intervals of k lines, at least k times of scanning are required in order to densely record the intervals by fine feed recording. At the end of the minute feeding scans k times, the recording element d1 comes to the position of the line l (k + l). Interlaced recording is started from this position. In that case, the areas where continuous recording is impossible in the interlaced recording with the line l (k + 1) as the base point are lines l (k + 1) to l
Since it is {nx (k-1) +1}, the area of the lines l1 to l {nx (k-1) +1} is recorded in the preceding minute feed recording.

FIG. 7 shows a recording procedure when k = 4 and n = 5.

Since the area to be recorded by the minute feed recording of k times must be the area of the lines l1 to l16, the recording elements used in the main scanning p = 1 to 4 are d1 to d4. Non-recording data is given to the recording element d5 located after the line l16, and the recording element d6 is not used.

After the areas l1 to l16 are densely recorded by the minute feed recording (p = 1 to 4) k times, the process shifts to the interlace recording of n line width feeding. Non-recording data is given to the recording elements located in the already recorded areas of lines l1 to l16. Therefore, in the subsequent scans p = 5 to 7, the recording elements involved in recording are d4 to d5 at p = 5,
When p = 6, d3 to d5, and when p = 7, d2 to d5. In the subsequent scans (p = 8 and later), all the printing elements are line l1.
Since it moves to the unrecorded area after 7, the upper 5 (= n)
Recording is performed using all the recording elements d1 to d5.

By the above operation, the lines l1 to l16 are densely recorded by the fine feed recording, and the lines l17 and subsequent lines are densely recorded by the interlaced recording.

Since there is only one line of sub-scanning (fine feed) in the regions of lines l1 to l16 and n lines of sub-scanning after line l17, the precision in the sub-scanning direction is uniform in each region. Are dispersed in. Lines l16 and l17
There is a difference in precision between the fine feed and the n-line sub-scan only during the interval between the fine feed and the skip feed ((k × n + 1) line sub-scan) that occurs during the conventional standard recording. Since it is smaller than the difference in accuracy, the influence on the recording quality is smaller than that in the conventional method.

By the way, the minute feed recording in the hybrid recording mode is necessary only when the recording data exists in the area of l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)}. If the recording data starts from the area after line l {(n-1) x (k-1) +1} and exists in the area of lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)} If not, continuous recording is possible only by interlaced recording with line 11 as the base point. Therefore, it is desirable to detect the start position of the recording data in advance and select whether to perform the fine feed recording before the interlaced recording or to start the interlaced recording from the first line.

Next, the recording operation at the lower end of the recording area will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the case where the interlace recording disabled area is the largest at the lower end of the recording area when interlaced recording is performed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the final arrival position of the recording head 1 is line lbb due to mechanical limitation. Due to this limitation, interlaced recording should be performed until the last main scanning p = e + 1 shown in FIG. 7, but the recording head 1 sets the final recording element d5 used in interlaced recording to the final line lbb with a difference of one line. It is assumed that they could not be matched. In this case, if the last line of the recordable area by interlaced recording is line lb, the area of n × k lines from l (b + 1) to 1bb is the interlace unrecordable area.

FIG. 9 shows the hybrid recording mode.
The operation for eliminating the unrecordable area of the interlaced recording at the lower end of the recording area by the minute feed recording is shown.

Interlace recording is performed up to scanning p = e. In this interlaced recording (scan before scanning pe), the line lb which is an interlaced recordable area.
Recording is performed only on the recording elements existing in the previous area, and the line 1 (b + 1) which is an interlace unrecordable area
Non-recording data is given to the recording elements existing thereafter. In addition, of all the recording elements (n + 1),
As shown in FIG. 6, the upper n pieces are used for interlaced recording.

When the scan p = e is completed, the process shifts to the minute feed recording in order to record the line l (b + 1) and subsequent lines which are the interlace unrecordable areas. After scanning p = e is completed, the recording element d1 is moved to the line l (b-k + 1) by minute feeding. However, when the recording element used in the minute feed recording and the recording element used in the interlaced recording are matched as in the recording operation at the upper end of the recording area shown in FIG.
The last k lines including the last line lbb in the recording area cannot be recorded.

Therefore, in the fine feed recording after scanning p = e + 1, the (n + 1) th recording element which has not been used until now in the hybrid recording mode is also used.
A non-recording signal is given to the recording element located in the area before the line lb that has already been recorded, and the recording is located in an area of n × k lines of lines 1 (b + 1) to 1bb which is an interlace unrecordable area. Recording is performed using only the element. As a result, the n × k lines are densely recorded by the micro-feed recording at least k times.

FIG. 9 shows a recording procedure when k = 4 and n = 5.

Interlaced recording is performed until scanning p = e. The interlace unrecordable area at this time is l (b +
Since there are 20 lines from 1) to lbb (= l (b + 20)),
In scanning p = e-2, e-1, e, printing elements d5, d4 ...
Non-recorded data is given to d5 and d3 to d5. The recording element d6 is not used. Due to the interlaced recording operation up to the scan p = e, all the lines before the line lb are densely recorded.

After the end of the scan p = e, the recording element d1 is moved to the position of the line l (b-3) and the recording element d2 is moved to the position of the line l (b + 1) by the minute feed. Go to record.

In the minute feed recording, all the lines before the line lb are recorded, so that non-recording data is given to the recording element d1 located in the area before the line lb. Since the line 1 (b + 1) and subsequent lines are unrecorded areas, the recording element d2
Minute feed recording is performed using .about.d6. Scan p = e + 1
Thereafter, by micro-feed recording k times, 20 lines of lines 1 (b + 1) to 1bb, which were the interlace unrecordable areas, are densely recorded by the recording operation of the recording elements d2 to d6.

As a result, 20 lines from the line 1 (b + 1) to the final recording line lbb are continuous areas by fine feed recording, and before line lb are continuous areas by interlace recording.

Since sub-scanning (fine feed) for one line exists only in the area of lines l (b + 1) to lbb and sub-scanning for n lines before line lb, sub-scanning in each area. The directional accuracy is evenly distributed. There is a precision difference between the fine feed and the sub-scan for n lines only between the lines lb and l (b + 1). This precision difference is caused by the fine feed and the skip feed 7 ( (K × n +
1) It is smaller than the difference in accuracy with respect to the line sub-scanning), and the influence on the recording quality is smaller than in the conventional case.

By the way, the operation by the minute feed recording is necessary only when the recording data exists in the area of the final n × k line width of l (b + 1) to lbb. If the recorded data ends before the line lb and the last n × of the lines l (b + 1) to lbb.
If it does not exist in the area of k line width, continuous recording is possible only by interlaced recording. Therefore, it is desirable to select whether to perform fine feed recording or interlace recording to the end after interlace recording, depending on the final position of the recording data.

10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the flow of information processing performed by the control computer in the recording apparatus for performing the above-described hybrid recording mode operation.

First, with reference to FIG. 10, the processing at the upper end portion of the recording medium shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

First, it is checked whether or not there is print data in the area of lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)} (set as the first area) (step S1). As a result, if there is, a small feed recording operation is started first.

That is, it is checked whether or not each of the upper n recording elements is located within the area (set as the second area) of the lines l1 to l {nx (k-1) +1}. (Step S2), print data is given to print elements located in the second area (step S3), and non-print data is given to print elements not located (step S4). Then, main scanning is performed for recording (step S5), and then minute feeding is performed (step S6). This minute feed recording operation is repeated k times.

After the k-th minute feed recording is completed, the setting contents of the second area (lines l1 to l {nx (k-1) +1}) are set as the third area in order to shift to the interlaced recording operation. Is also set (step S7).

On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S1, if there is no recording data in the first area, the setting contents of the first area (lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)}) is set as the third area (step S8).

After step S7 or S8, it is checked whether each of the upper n recording elements is located outside the third area (step S9), and recording is performed on the recording elements located outside the third area. Give data (step S10),
Non-recording data is applied to the recording element located in the third area (step S11). Then, main scanning is performed and printing is performed (step S12), and then sub scanning for n lines is performed (step S13). The above-described interlace recording operation is repeated until the recording position on the recording medium reaches the position requiring the lower end processing described below.

Processing for performing the operation at the lower end of the recording medium shown in FIG. 9 will be described below with reference to FIG.

When the recording position on the recording medium reaches a predetermined position near the lower end, the lower end processing is started. First, it is checked whether or not there is print data in the area (set as the fourth area) of the lines 1 (b + 1) to 1bb (= 1 (b + nxk)) (step S14). If there is data as a result, it is checked whether or not each of the upper n recording elements is positioned in the fourth area (step S15), and the recording data is given to the positioned recording element (step S1).
6) The non-recording data is given to the recording element which is not located (step S17). Next, it is checked whether or not sub-scanning for n lines is possible (step S18), and if possible, recording operation by main scanning and subsequent sub-scanning for n lines are performed (steps S19, 20). The above interlaced recording operation is repeated until the result of step S18 is impossible.

If the result of step S18 is not possible, recording by main scanning and subsequent minute feed for one line are performed (steps S21 and S22), and then the minute feed operation starts.

In the shift to the minute feed operation, first, the number of printing elements to be used is changed from the upper n pieces to the lower n pieces (step S23). Note that here, not the lower n pieces, but (n + 1)
It may be modified to use all individual recording elements.

Next, it is checked whether each of the recording elements to be used is located within the fourth area (step S2).
4) The print data is given to the print element located (step S25), and the non-print data is given to the print element not located (step S26). Then, main scanning is performed to record (step S27), and then minute feeding is performed (step S28). After repeating the above-described minute feed recording operation k times, recording on the recording medium is completed.

When it is determined in step S14 that the recording data does not exist in the fourth area, the interlace recording operation of FIG. 10 is performed up to the last data, and then the recording operation on the recording medium ends.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in the operation of the hybrid recording mode. Figure 12
The recording operation of the upper end portion of the recording medium in the hybrid recording mode of this embodiment is shown.

In the previous embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the interlace unrecordable area is recorded first by the minute feed recording. On the other hand, in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 12, all lines that can be recorded by interlaced recording are recorded using interlaced recording, and only the remaining lines are recorded by fine feed recording. In other words, this embodiment maximizes the range in which interlaced recording is used, so that the advantage of high recording quality (good dot alignment) of interlaced recording can be maximized.

First, the operation at the upper end portion will be described with reference to FIG.

First, minute feed recording is performed. When the minute feed recording is performed k times, the recording element d1 reaches the position of the line l (k + 1). Interlaced recording is started from this position. The positions of the recording elements d1 to d4 at this time are equal to the positions of the recording elements d2 to d5 in the scan p1 by the fine feed recording. Therefore, in the previous embodiment (FIG. 7), among the lines recorded by the minute feed recording (scanning p = 1 to 4), all the lines that can be recorded by the recording elements d1 to d5 in the interlaced recording (scanning p = 5 or later) are Record by interlaced recording. In the minute feed recording performed prior to the interlaced recording, non-recorded data is given to the recording elements corresponding to the lines that can be recorded in the interlaced recording.

As a result, the areas by minute feed recording only are lines l1 to l9, the area by mixing minute feed recording and interlace recording is lines l10 to l16, and the area only by interlace recording is line l17 and after.

In the area formed by the mixture of the minute feed recording and the interlaced recording and the area formed by only the interlaced recording, the print unevenness (that is, the dot alignment of the dot alignment due to the minute variation in the arrangement position of the print elements d1 to d5 in the sub-scanning direction) Deterioration) is reduced as an effect of using interlaced recording. Further, the area only by the minute feed recording is the area of the lines l1 to l9, which is as small as (2 × k + 1) lines, and therefore has little influence on the overall recording quality.

Next, the recording operation at the lower end will be described with reference to FIG. Here again, all lines that can be recorded by interlaced recording are recorded using interlaced recording, and only the remaining lines are recorded by fine feed recording.

Scan by interlaced recording p = e-2, e
-1 and e, recording elements d5, d4 to d5, d3 to
d5 is located in the interlace unrecordable area.
By positively using the recording elements located in the interlace unrecordable area as well, in the scanning p = e-2, e-1, e by interlace recording, the interlace unrecordable area is preceded by the minute feed recording which follows. Record some lines.

In the scans p = e + 1 to e + 4 of the minute feed recording following the interlaced recording, non-recorded data is given to the recording elements corresponding to the lines already recorded in the interlaced recording.

As a result, the area by the interlace recording only is before the line lb, the area by the mixture of the minute feed recording and the interlace recording is the lines l (b + 1) to l (b + 11),
The area for interlaced recording only is line l (b + 12) ~
It will be lbb.

By using interlaced recording, the deterioration of dot alignment can be reduced in the area in which minute feed recording and interlaced recording are mixed and in the area in which only interlaced recording is performed. Further, since the area formed by only the minute feed recording is as small as (2 × k + 1) lines of l (b + 12) to 1bb, the influence on the overall recording quality is small.

14 and 15 show an information processing flow of the control computer for performing the recording operation of FIGS. 12 and 13 described above.

First, with reference to FIG. 14, the processing for the recording operation of the upper end portion shown in FIG. 12 will be described.

First, it is checked whether or not there is print data in the area of lines l1 to l {(n-1) x (k-1)} (set as the first area) (step S31). as a result,
If there is, a small feed recording operation is started first.

That is, it is checked whether or not each of the upper n recording elements is located in the area of lines l1 to l {nx (k-1) +1} (set as the second area). (Step S32), with respect to the recording elements located in the second area, lines that can be recorded by predetermined interlaced recording (hereinafter referred to as interlaced lines).
It is checked whether or not it is located at (step S33).
As a result, print data is given to the print elements located in the second area and not located on the interlaced line (step S34), and non-print data is given to the other print elements (step S35). Then, main scanning is performed for recording (step S36), and then minute feeding is performed (step S37). This minute feed recording operation is repeated k times.

After that, the operation shifts to the interlace recording operation. In this interlaced recording, recording data is given to each of the upper n recording elements (step S38), main scanning is performed for recording (step S39), and then sub scanning for n lines is performed (step S40).

On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S31,
If there is no recording data in the first area, the interlaced recording operation starts immediately. First, it is checked whether each of the upper n recording elements is located outside the first area (step S41), and print data is given to the recording elements located outside the first area (step S42). Non-recording data is applied to the recording element located in the first area (step S43). Then, main scanning is performed for recording (step S44), and then sub scanning for n lines is performed (step S45). The above interlaced recording operation is repeated until the recording position on the recording medium reaches a position where a predetermined lower end process should be started.

Processing for performing the operation at the lower end of the recording medium shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the recording position reaches the above-mentioned predetermined position, the lower end processing is started, and lines l (b + 1) to lbb (= 1 (b +
(nxk)) area (set as the fourth area) is checked whether or not there is print data (step S4).
6). If there is data as a result, print data is given to each of the upper n print elements (step S47). Next, it is checked whether or not sub-scanning for n lines is possible (step S48), and if possible, recording operation by main scanning and subsequent sub-scanning for n lines are performed (steps S49, S50). The above interlaced recording operation is repeated until the result of step S48 is impossible.

If the result of step S48 is impossible, printing by main scanning and subsequent minute feed for one line are performed (steps S51 and 52), and then the minute feed operation is started.

In the shift to the micro-feed operation, first, the number of printing elements to be used is changed from n upwards to n downwards (step S53). Note that here, not the lower n pieces, but (n + 1)
It may be modified to use all individual recording elements.

Next, it is checked whether each of the recording elements to be used is located within the fourth area (step S5).
4) Regarding the recording element located, it is further checked whether or not it is located on the line (predetermined interlaced line) already recorded in the previous interlaced recording (step S55). As a result, print data is given to the print elements located in the fourth area and not located on the interlaced line (step S56), and non-print data is given to the other print elements (step S56). Step S57). Then, main scanning is performed to record (step S58), and then minute feeding is performed (step S59). After repeating the above-described minute feed recording operation k times, recording on the recording medium is completed.

When it is determined in step S46 that the recording data does not exist in the fourth area, the interlace recording operation of FIG. 14 is performed until the last data, and then the recording operation on the recording medium is completed.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the recording area in the standard recording mode by the conventional standard recording and the recording area in the hybrid recording mode in which the fine feed recording and the interlace recording are combined according to the present invention. Match each other, so that the problem described above that occurs when both areas do not match is eliminated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the hybrid recording mode, when there is no recording data in the interlace unrecordable area, the minute feed recording is omitted and only interlace recording is performed. Compared with the method that performs minute feed recording,
Recording speed increases.

Further, if the standard recording mode is set to the high-speed recording mode and the hybrid recording mode is set to the high-quality recording mode, the narrowing of the recording area, which has occurred in the conventional high-quality recording mode using only the interlaced recording, greatly deteriorates the recording quality. Can be eliminated without

Further, in the case of a recording apparatus in which a plurality of recording resolutions can be selected, an interval k (line) between recording elements is set according to the resolution.
Is changed. In this case, the selectable resolution is generally an integral multiple of the basic resolution k, so that k ′ (= s × k: s is an integer of 2 or more) corresponding to the new resolution is first By selecting the number of recording elements to be used n (pieces) that satisfies all of the conditions 1 and 2 described above, it is possible to select a plurality of resolutions with the same recording head 1.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be implemented in various modes other than those embodiments.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the hybrid recording mode, the unrecordable area, which is a disadvantage of the interlaced recording, is compensated by the minute feed recording, and the high recording quality which is the advantage of the interlaced recording is obtained. It becomes possible to enjoy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an operation diagram illustrating an unrecordable area at an upper end of a recording area in conventional interlaced recording.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment of a recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the recording head of the embodiment and the upper end of the recording medium.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the recording head of the embodiment and the lower end of the recording medium.

FIG. 5 is an operation diagram illustrating a basic operation of a standard recording mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an operation diagram illustrating a basic operation of interlaced recording in a hybrid recording mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation diagram showing the operation of the hybrid recording mode at the upper end of the recording area of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation diagram showing a non-recordable area at the lower end of the recording medium in conventional interlaced recording.

FIG. 9 is an operation diagram showing an operation in a hybrid recording mode at a lower end portion of the recording area in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure in a hybrid recording mode at the upper end of the recording area in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure in a hybrid recording mode at the lower end of the recording area of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an operation diagram showing an operation in a hybrid recording mode at an upper end portion of a recording area according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation diagram showing the operation of the hybrid recording mode at the lower end of the recording area in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure in a hybrid recording mode at the upper end of the recording area in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure in a hybrid recording mode at the lower end of the recording area of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Recording Head 2 Carriage 3, 4 Carriage Guide 5 Tip Pressing Roller 6 Axis 7 Feeding Roller 8 Motor 9 Platen 10 Guide Plate 11 Recording Medium d1 to d6 Recording Element

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location B41J 2/485 B41J 3/04 104 D 3/12 G

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for recording by using a recording head having a plurality of recording elements arranged in a sub-scanning direction and moving the recording head relative to a recording medium in the main scanning direction. And k are mutually prime positive integers greater than 2 and satisfy the condition of n> k, the recording head includes (n + 1) recording elements, and the distance between the recording elements is a recording line. The width is k times the width, and the recording apparatus includes hybrid recording control means for performing a hybrid recording mode in which fine feed recording and interlace recording are combined, and the hybrid recording control means is a predetermined recording medium of the recording medium. Of the recording area, at least for the line that cannot be recorded by the interlaced recording existing at the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the recording area, the minute feed is performed. Recording device and performing recording. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hybrid recording control means performs the (n + 1) recording at the time of the fine feed recording at the upper end portion of the recording area and the interlace recording. A recording apparatus characterized by using continuous n recording elements among the elements. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hybrid recording control means performs the (n + 1) recording at the time of the fine feed recording at the upper end portion of the recording area and the interlace recording. Of the elements, the upper n consecutive recording elements are used, and at the time of the fine feed recording at the lower end portion, at least the lower consecutive n recording elements of the (n + 1) recording elements are used. A recording device characterized by using. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising standard recording control means for performing a standard recording mode in which the fine feed recording and the step feed recording are combined, and the recording set in the hybrid control means. A recording apparatus, wherein the upper end of the area coincides with the upper end of the recording area set in the standard recording control means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hybrid recording control unit detects whether or not recording data exists in an interlace unrecordable area existing at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the recording area. Means for omitting the minute feed recording in the non-interlaced area of the upper end portion when the recording means detects that the recording data does not exist in the interlaced non-recordable area of the upper end portion, When it is detected by the detection means that the recording data does not exist in the interlace unrecordable area of the lower end portion, means for omitting the minute feed recording in the uninterlaced area of the lower end portion is provided. Recording device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hybrid recording control means performs the fine feed recording on all lines in the interlace unrecordable area, and the interlace incapable in the recording area. A recording device comprising: means for performing the interlaced recording on all lines outside the area. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hybrid recording control means performs the interlaced recording on all interlaced lines that are lines that can be recorded by the interlaced recording in the recording area. A recording device, comprising: means for performing the minute feed recording on all lines other than the interlaced lines in the recording area. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, when either one of the fine feed recording and the interlace recording is performed, the recording located on a line recordable by both the fine feed recording and the interlace recording. A recording apparatus further comprising a non-recording data generating means for giving non-recording data to the element. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the non-recording data generating means gives the non-recording data only when the fine feed mode is executed.