JPH0911588A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the output characteristics of a printer by performing test printing by performing test printing during the printing applied to long roll paper. CONSTITUTION: Paper 18 and control paper 19 are arranged on a carriage 21 loaded with a head cartridge 20 side by side in the scanning directions X1, X2 of the carriage 21 and an image is printed on the paper 18 by the head cartridge 20 and, if necessary, an image for inspecting a printing grade is printed on the control paper 19 by the head cartridge 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer and a printing method suitable for printing images continuously for a long time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a color printer has a function of performing a test print for confirming the output characteristics of the apparatus. Such a function is often adopted when image formation is handled on a page-by-page basis such as cut paper, and after first performing test printing, printing a desired image for a plurality of pages. In this case, a difference occurs between the output times of the test print and the desired print, and the output characteristics of the test print are not always the same as those of the printer for the desired image.
This becomes especially noticeable as the number of output pages increases.

As a method of avoiding such a problem as much as possible, there is a method of automatically performing a test print in a predetermined page unit during printing of a desired image.

However, according to such a method, when one page is printed on a long roll (several meters) or the like, a test print cannot be inserted during the printing. This is because if a test print is inserted, a test print that does not fit within the desired image is made, and continuous one page images cannot be obtained.

By the way, an image forming apparatus such as a color printer is required to have stable output characteristics in long-term print output, but in reality, a desired image is damaged in long-term output. May be When the image is damaged, it is necessary to analyze whether or not the image is caused by a change in the output characteristics of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the user quantitatively evaluates the degree to which the desired image is impaired during long-length printing, and determines the continuous operation / print cutoff / stop / recovery operation / restart depending on the degree. There is a need to do.

[0006]

As described above, conventionally, when printing is performed such that one page is long such as several meters and several tens of meters, a test print or the like is performed during the printing, and the image output device is used. However, there is a problem that the output characteristics cannot be evaluated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a printing method capable of evaluating the output characteristics of the printer by performing test printing during printing when printing on a long roll of paper or the like. is there.

[0008]

In a printer of the present invention for printing an image on a print medium using a print head, the print head and an inspection print medium for inspecting print quality are opposed to each other. And a control unit that causes the print head to print an image for print quality inspection on the print medium for inspection when the print head and the print medium for inspection face each other. Characterize.

The printing method of the present invention is a printing method for printing an image on a print medium using a print head, wherein the print head and the print medium for inspection are opposed to each other during a printing operation on the print medium. Then, the image for print quality inspection is printed on the print medium for inspection.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in addition to the printing of the image on the print medium by the print head, the print head prints the image for print quality inspection on the print medium for inspection. , Number 1
It is possible to inspect the print quality even during printing on a long print medium such as 0 m.

[0011]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a color printer as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an external device such as a host computer, which outputs image data, various data and commands to the printer 2 of this embodiment. As a main configuration of the printer 2, 3 is an interface for controlling communication of data and commands with the external device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “I / F unit”), 4 is analysis of received data and commands, etc. An internal analysis unit of the I / F unit 3 for performing
A control unit 11 controls the operation of the entire printer 2. Reference numeral 10 denotes a display / operation unit for interfacing with an operator, which includes a display unit such as an LCD and an operation unit such as a key switch. An image data storage unit 5 stores image data, and includes a semiconductor memory such as D-RAM and S-RAM and peripheral circuits such as an address control circuit. Reference numeral 8 is an image conversion unit that converts the input image data into image data that matches the characteristics of the printer 2, 9 is a management information generation unit that generates an image for print quality inspection and management information, and 6 and 7 are management information. A print data buffer for temporarily storing print data as print data from the generation unit 9.

Reference numeral 13 denotes various recording inks (here,
Cyan: C, Magenta: M, Yellow: Y, Black:
A recording head portion as a print head for ejecting K),
Reference numeral 12 is a head drive unit that drives the recording head unit 13 in accordance with an image signal, 16 is a carriage motor as a drive source for moving the carriage unit 21, and 14 is a
A carriage motor drive unit that controls the drive of the carriage motor. Further, 17 is a sheet 18 as a print medium and a 1 for management as a print medium for inspection.
A carry motor as a drive source for moving 9 and a carry motor drive unit 15 for controlling the drive of the carry motor 17.

By the way, as the recording head unit 13, it is possible to use an ink jet head having an electrothermal converter in the ink path corresponding to each of the ink ejection ports in order to eject each ink. In the case of this head, the thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter causes film boiling in the corresponding ink, and the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port as bubbles are generated by the film boiling.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the main mechanism of the printer of this embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the carriage unit 21
Is detachably mounted with a head cartridge 20 (here, the recording head unit 13 and each ink supply unit are combined), and reciprocates in the X1 direction (right direction) and the X2 direction (left direction). Be moved. Carriage unit 21
Is a columnar carriage shaft 26 and carriage support 25
Supported by, and the sliding direction is defined in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. The cable 28 is connected to the recording head unit 1 in the cartridge 20 via the carriage unit 21.
It is for sending a signal to 3. Carriage motor 1
6 rotates forward and backward in the directions of arrows R1 and R2. One of the two pulleys 23, 22 is attached to the shaft of the carriage motor 16. The timing belt 24 is frozen by the carriage unit 21 and is stretched between the pulley 22 and the pulley 23.

The encoder rod 29 is a member for detecting the position of the carriage unit 21, and a mark attached to the encoder rod 29 is read by an encoder sensor (not shown) in the carriage unit 21. A home position (hereinafter referred to as “HP”) as a standby position is provided in the vicinity of the movement limit position of the carriage unit 21 in the arrow X2 (left direction).
Is set, and an HP sensor (not shown) that detects that the carriage unit 21 is located at the HP is provided near the HP. This HP sensor
It is composed of a sensor such as a photo interrupter.

The transport roller 27 is attached to the shaft of the transport motor 17, and the paper 18, 1 as a print medium is printed.
9 is in contact. In addition, the printer 2 of the present embodiment is configured to include a supply device for the papers 18 and 19.

Next, the operation of the main components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

First, when the printer 2 is turned on,
The control unit 11 includes an internal RAM and an I / O unit, a display / operation unit 10, an I / F unit 3 (including a data analysis unit 4), an image data storage unit 5, print buffers 6 and 7, an image data conversion unit. 8. Initially check and initialize various kinds of hardware such as the management information generator 9 and perform mechanical initialization. Specifically, as the mechanical, the transport motor 1
7, the carriage motor 16, and a recovery system motor (not shown) move the carriage unit 21 to the HP, and a recovery system mechanism (a mechanism around the recording head such as preventing clogging of the recording head unit 13). Is moved to forcibly eject and suck ink from the ink ejection port of the head unit 13.

Next, the control unit 11 enables (enables) the interface with the host computer 1 for the I / F unit 3 and informs the display / operation unit 10 that "ready" or the like. Is displayed. In this state, the control unit 11 and the data analysis unit 4 are waiting for an input from the host computer 1, and the control unit 11 is waiting for an input from the display / operation unit 10. It is also being monitored whether it has occurred.

When there is an input from the display / operation unit 10, the control unit 11 instructs the display of the display / operation unit 10 and the setting of various parameters (stored in the work RAM 32 described later) according to various inputs. Perform operation input processing.

When there is an input from the host computer 1 to the I / F section 3, the data analysis section 4 analyzes whether the input is a general command, a print mode setting command, data associated with it, or image data. judge.
If the input is a general command, the data analysis unit 4 sends the command to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 performs processing such as setting and operation corresponding thereto. If the input is image data, the data analysis unit 4 sets the image data storage unit 5 in the input mode and stores the image data in the image data storage unit 5. If the input is a management information setting command, the data analysis unit 4 stores the contents (product management number, print length, etc., which will be described later) in the work RAM 32, which will be described later.

The image data storage unit 5 stores all image data to be printed, which is input from the host computer 1, in the I / F unit 3.
The printer 2 receives a print start command and receives a print start command.
When it is received, the control unit 11 confirms that the inside of the printer 2 is printable, and then instructs each unit to start printing. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the carry motor driving unit 15
By driving the conveyance motor 17 via the paper, the papers 18 and 19 are fed to a printable position, and the carriage motor 26 is rotated in the arrow R1 direction to move the carriage unit 21 in the arrow X1 direction. While recording.

(Outline of Flow of Image Data) First, the control unit 11 sets parameters (described later) of the image data conversion unit 8 and the management information generation unit 9 and controls the signal PAGE for notifying the start of one page of printing. The unit 11 is the image data storage unit 5.
To the management information generation unit 9. The image data storage unit 5 and the management information generation unit 9 clear the internal circuits (counters, etc.), and the control unit 11 sends the print start signal START to each band (the vertical direction of the recording head unit 13 (the arrow in FIG. 2). The width H in the paper feed direction (Y), that is, the recording width of one line printed in one scan) is sent to the image data storage unit 5 and the management information generation unit 9 before printing.

Then, the management information generator 9 constantly outputs the image system synchronizing signals VE and CLK output from the controller 11.
Band enable signals BVE1 to BVE4 for each part in synchronization with
And a signal PENB (management enable) from the control unit 11 for instructing output of management information and inspection image data (collectively referred to as “management image data”).
Accordingly, the necessary management image data for one band is output to the print data buffers 6 and 7. On the other hand, the image data storage unit 5 sequentially outputs the image data for one band to the image data conversion unit 8 in synchronization with the signals BVE2 and VE, CLK, while the print data buffer 6 outputs the signal BV.
The internal management image data is sequentially output to the image data conversion unit 8 in synchronization with E3, VE, and CLK, and the image data conversion unit 8 outputs the image data output from both the image data storage unit 5 and the print data buffer 6. Signal BVE2, BVE3
Also, various processing is performed in synchronization with VE and CLK, and the processed image data is output to the head drive unit 12. Meanwhile, the print buffer 7 outputs the internal management image data to the head drive unit 12 in synchronization with the signals BVE4 and VE, CLK, and the head drive unit 12 outputs the image data conversion unit 8.
A head drive signal is formed according to the image data output from both the print data buffer 7 and the print data buffer 7, and the head drive signal is output to each recording head unit 13. Each recording head unit 1
3 prints ink drops on the paper 1 based on the head drive signal.
Discharge to 8 and 19 and input image data and management image
Print a band.

The control unit 11 controls the movement of the carriage unit 21 and the drive of the recording head unit 13 according to the image data and the management image data in this manner in synchronization with the image clock, and one band is obtained by one scan. The minute image is printed on the sheets 18 and 19. After that, the carriage motor 16 is reversely rotated in the direction of arrow R2 to move the carriage unit 21 to the print start position (position closer to the left end of the paper 18 in FIG. 2 than the HP), and then the paper 18 is moved by one band width H. Transport motor 1 to feed paper only in the direction of arrow Y
7 is rotated by a set amount, and image formation for the next band is started.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 causes the image data storage unit 5 to
To the output address (the head address where the image data to be output is stored), and the print start signal ST
By sending the ART to the image data storage unit 5 and the management information generation unit 9, the image for the next one band is similarly formed.

As described above, images for one band are sequentially formed, and when the control unit 11 detects the end of printing for the designated number of bands (one page), the carriage unit 21 is set to HP. To wait for an input to receive the instruction of the next page from the host computer 1.

Here, for ease of explanation, the operation of receiving and printing an image in page units has been described. other,
With the image data storage unit 5 corresponding to a plurality of pages,
It is also possible to process the receiving and printing operations in parallel by switching the image receiving and printing operations on a page-by-page basis. Further, in order to reduce the capacity of each storage unit, each storage unit for two bands is provided, and the reception and printing operations can be switched in band units, so that the reception and printing operations can be processed in parallel.

Further, here, the image data input to the image data conversion unit 8 is multi-valued data (for example, R, G, B 8-bit data), and the image data converted by the image data conversion unit 8 is used. Binary data (for example, Y, M, C,
K each 1 bit data).

(Internal Configuration of Management Information Generation Unit 9 and Control Unit 11) FIG. 3 shows the management information generation unit 9 which is the main configuration of the present invention.
And the internal configuration of the control unit 11, FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the recording head unit 13 and the papers 18 and 19, and FIG. 5 shows a print example of the management image data printed on the paper 19. Hereinafter, description will be given based on these figures.

Inside the control unit 11 of FIG.
The ROMs 30 and 31 in which programs for controlling sequences are stored are CPUs that perform various kinds of arithmetic processing and various processing such as data read / write based on the programs, and 32 is a temporary storage of necessary data. A work RAM, a calendar / timer for managing the date and time, and a print length counter 34 for counting the signal BVE1 to obtain the length in the Y direction of the image printed up to the present time. Further, 35 is a start signal MOTER of the motor carriage motor drive unit 14 and an image output start signal STA.
The motor control unit 35 generates signals such as RT, and specifically, can be configured similarly to the I / O port control unit 36. An I / O port control unit 36 controls various I / O signals. Reference numeral 37 denotes an image synchronization signal generation unit that generates an image synchronization signal VE (image enable) and CLK (image clock), and is specifically composed of an oscillator and a counter. Reference numeral 38 is a bus (including an address bus, a data bus, a system bus, etc.) that connects the respective units.

Further, inside the management information generating section 9 of FIG. 3, reference numeral 40 denotes various band enable signals BVE1 to BVE1 to set the image forming range in the moving direction of the carriage unit 21 (direction of arrow X). X to occur
The direction timing generation unit 41 is a Y direction timing generation unit that generates a signal for controlling the Y direction (feed direction) position timing of image printing on the paper 19. Also, 42
Is a delay circuit unit that delays the image synchronization signals BVE3 and VE by a time corresponding to a time delay from the input to the output of the image data processed by the image data conversion unit 8.
Reference numeral 43 is a register group for temporarily storing information necessary for generating management information image data, and 44 is a character generation unit for converting a character code into printable image data (binary data in this case). Reference numeral 45 denotes an ejection check pattern generation unit for generating a check pattern for inspecting the ejection state of the ink such as whether or not the ink is properly ejected over the entire recording width H of the recording head unit 13, and 46 denotes , A registration check pattern generation unit for generating a check pattern for inspecting the degree of adjustment of the ejection position of each color ink (Y, M, C, K ink) (hereinafter referred to as “registration adjustment”), 47 is a color It is a color check pattern generation unit that generates a pattern for inspecting the appearance. Furthermore, 48,49
Is a gate circuit that controls the output of the input signal according to the gate signal.

(Operation of Generating Management Information Image Data) When the printer 2 is turned on, first, as the initial operation, the CPU
31 resets a part of the work RAM 32, the print length counter 34, the motor control unit 35, and the I / O port control unit 36 via the bus 38, and initializes the signal according to the program in the ROM 30 to generate the signal PAGE, PEN
All of B, START, and MOTER (see FIG. 6) are set to "0" inactive state. The image synchronization signal generator 37 generates the image synchronization signals VE and CLK (see FIG. 8), and the motor controller 35 and the X-direction timing generator 40.
Output to Here, the signal VE has a time width of “1” (active) of N × T (the number of pixels having the bandwidth H of the recording head unit 13 is N, and the cycle of CLK is T).
The cycle VESYC (= (N + α) × T) is repeated.
α is an interval time. Power off the printer 2
Even when part of work RAM 32 and calendar /
The operation of the timer 33 is secured by a backup power supply (not shown) or the like.

Next, when image data is input or instructed from the host computer 1, an output format setting operation is performed as described later. The CPU 31 sets information necessary for generating the management information image data in the register group 43.

Information stored in the register group 43 will be described below.

The register group 43 of this example handles print widths X1, X2, X3, character information, layout information, inspection pattern information, etc., which will be described later.

First, as the character information, as shown in FIG.
The product management number (000201 in the illustrated example) corresponding to the print image 50 printed on the paper 18 and the management paper 1
The sheet numbers (sheet number 0001 corresponding to the first management sheet 51 in the example of FIG. 5) indicating the order of the management sheets 51, 52, ... The indicated printer number (0 in the example of FIG. 5)
2), the date on which the management sheets 51, 52, 53, etc. were printed (93/08/19 in the example of FIG. 5) and the time (17:00 in the example of FIG. 5), Management sheet 51,
52, 53, etc. and the print image 50 showing the positional relationship between the print image 50 (in the example of FIG. 5, it is 000010 m, which means that the management sheet 51 prints when the print image 50 reaches the position 10 m from the start of the image. Indicates that it has been started) etc.
The feeding control of the sheets 18 and 19 in the direction of the arrow Y is performed by simultaneously feeding the sheets 18 and 19 as described later.
There is a form in which only 8 is sent.

The product management number is input from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10, and the printer number is the work R.
The values stored in the AM 32 are unique to the printer 2, the date and time are the data generated by the calendar / timer 33, and the print length is the data generated by the print length counter 34. The character code indicating the character information is sequentially read from the character generation unit 4 in accordance with the character print timing, converted into binary image data by the character generation unit 44, and stored in the print data buffer 7. .

Next, as the positional information, the length X1 of the print image 50 on the paper 18 in the X direction (that is, the width of the print image) and the management sheets 51, 52, 52 on the paper 19 for management.
The length X3 of 53 ... in the X direction (that is, the width of the management sheet)
And the right edge of the printed image 50 in FIG. 4 and the management sheets 51, 5
The distance X2 from the left end of 2, 53 ... Is handled. Printed image width X
1 is input from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10 via the control unit 11, and the lengths X2 and X3 are the printer 2
Is a unique value stored in the work RAM 32 in advance (can be changed within a certain range from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10).

The layout information is stored in the management sheet 5
1, 52, 53, etc. are information regarding the arrangement in the Y direction inside, such as S1, S3, S5, as shown in FIG.
S7 indicates the print length of each information (character information, color check pattern, ejection check pattern, registration check pattern) in the Y direction, and S0, S2, S4, S6, S8 are the widths of the empty spaces in the Y direction. The value of S0 to S8 is the work R in advance.
Although the value is stored in the AM 32, it can be changed within a certain range from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10.

Further, the inspection pattern information includes various information (character information, ejection check pattern, registration check pattern,
Output order and output permission information of (color check pattern),
It is a parameter of each check pattern. The color check pattern parameters include the number of colors, color coordinates (the same coordinates as the input image data, for example, each of R, G, and B 8-bit data), size, and the like, and as the parameters of the ejection check pattern and the registration check pattern. Has the pattern number, size, used color, etc. The inspection pattern information is also a value stored in the work RAM 32 in advance, but can be changed within a certain range from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10. The CPU 31 performs an inspection so that the inspection pattern information and the layout information do not conflict with each other, and issues an automatic correction or a correction instruction to the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10.
Send to

(Printing Operation) First, a print start request is sent from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10 to the CPU 3
When 1 is entered, the CPU 31 sets the page start signal PAGE output from the I / O port controller 36 to "1" (active) for a predetermined width or more as shown in FIG. 6, and sets it to the X-direction timing generator 40 and Y. It is sent to the direction timing generator 41 to notify the start of the page to be printed. The X-direction timing generator 40 and the Y-direction timing generator 41 take in position information and layout information in the register group 43, respectively.

Next, the band printing is started. CPU3
1 detects the trailing edge of the image synchronization signal VE (see FIG. 7) via the motor control unit 35, and starts the band start signal START.
And the motor start signal MOTER at the same time (or with a fixed time difference), set to "1" (active) for a predetermined width,
The signal START is sent to the X-direction timing generator 40 and the Y-direction timing generator 41, and the signal MOTER is sent to the carriage motor drive unit 14.

The X-direction timing generator 40 receives the image synchronization signal V for the first time from the rise of the band start signal START.
When the rising edge of E is detected, the band enable signal B
When VE1 and BVE2 are set to "1", the falling edge of the image synchronization signal VE is counted, and when the count value CNT becomes equal to the number of pixels N1 corresponding to the width X1 of the print image,
The band enable signal BVE2 is set to "0". At this time, if the management enable signal PENB is "0" (no management sheet output request), the band enable signal B
VE1 is set to "0" to stop counting the value CNT and clear the counter value CNT. On the other hand, at this time, if the management enable signal PENB is "1" (the output of the management sheet is requested), the count of the value CNT is continued and CN
When T = N1 + N2, the signal BVE3 is set to "1", and when CNT = N1 + N2 + N3, both the signals BVE2 and BVE3 are set to "0" to stop the counting of the value CNT, and the counter value CNT is set to clear. However, N2 + N3 is the number of pixels corresponding to the widths X2 and X3.

As described above, the X-direction timing generator 40 outputs the signals BVE1, BVE2, which are related to the X-direction timing.
BVE3 is generated and the signal BVE1 is output to the print length counter 34.
To the motor control unit 35, and the signal BVE2 is output to the signal V
Output to the image data storage unit 5 together with E and CLK, and output the signal B.
The VE3 is output to the gate circuit 48, the direction timing generator 41 and the delay circuit 42 together with the signals VE and CLK. The gate circuit 48 controls the output of the signal BVE3 according to the gate signal G1 output from the Y-direction timing generator 41 and supplies it to the print data buffer 6 (the signals VE and CLK are
Pass through the gate circuit 48). The delay circuit 42 delays the signals BVE3 and VE by a predetermined time Td (an integer multiple of the cycle T of CLK), and outputs the signals BVE4 and VVE.
E and outputs to the gate circuit 49 together with the signal CLK.
The gate circuit 49 controls the output of the signal BVE4 according to the gate signal G2 output from the Y-direction timing generator 41, and outputs it to the print data buffer 7 together with the signals VE and CLK (the signals VE and CLK are gate circuits. Pass through 49).

The motor control unit 35 detects the trailing edge of the signal BVE1 and, after a predetermined time, detects the carriage motor 16
The carriage motor drive unit 14 is controlled so as to move the carriage unit 21 to the print start position (position closer to the left end of the paper 18 than HP) by rotating the carriage unit 21 in the reverse direction in the direction of arrow R2 after stopping. Then, in order to print the next band, the conveyance motor 17 is rotated by a set amount, and the paper 18
Is moved in the direction of the arrow Y by the width H of one printed band. At this time, if the signal PENB is "1", the management paper 19 is also transported in the same manner as the paper 18.

Detailed description of the transport mechanism for the sheets 18 and 19 will be omitted. There are various methods for feeding only the paper 18 and stopping the feeding of the management paper 19 by the same transportation system such as the transportation motor 17 and the transportation roller 27. In this example, a mechanism for separating the management paper 19 from the feed roller 27 (specifically, it can be constituted by a separation roller, a pressing member, or the like) is provided. Further, when it is necessary to wind up the papers 18 and 19, it is possible to provide a take-up mechanism corresponding to each of them and to configure the take-up mechanism to be operated separately by the same drive source. Is.

The print length counter 34 counts up the number of printed bands by counting up at the falling edge of the signal BVE1, and the count value and the width H of one band.
The print length M is obtained from

The Y-direction timing generator 41 outputs the signal PE
While NB is "1", the number of bands printed in the management sheets 51, 52 ... Is counted by counting up at the falling edge of the signal BVE3 from the X-direction timing generator 40, and the management sheets 51, 52 ... The print position MR in the Y direction inside is calculated. Y while the signal PENB is "0"
The counter in the direction timing generator 41 is reset and its counting operation is stopped.

Then, the Y-direction timing generator 41 counting in this way first prints at the printing position MR = S0.
Then, the signal BVE2 and the active image generation permission signal are sent to the character generation unit 44. As a result, the character generator 44 sequentially reads the character code data in the register group 43, generates print data for one band and writes it in the print buffer 7 while the signal BVE2 is "1". Then, when the print position MR = S0 + S1 is reached, the Y-direction timing generator 41 deactivates the image generation permission signal and sends it to the character generation unit 44, and ends the formation of the character print data. The print buffer 7 has a storage capacity of print data for two bands, for example, so that writing and printing operations can be performed in parallel.

Similarly, the printing operation MR = S0 + S1 + S2
From S to MR = S0 + S1 + S2 + S3, the ejection check pattern generation unit 45 receives the signal BVE2 and the active image generation permission signal from the Y-direction timing generator 41, and from the inspection pattern information of the register group 43, the ejection check pattern Pattern number, size,
Read the colors used. Then, the ejection pattern generation unit 45
Generates a pattern corresponding to the pattern number, enlarges the generated pattern according to the size, further allocates the enlarged generation pattern according to the ink color to be used to each color, and writes it in the print data buffer 7. .

The print position MR = S0 + S1 + S2 +
MR = S0 + S1 + S2 + S3 + S4 + from S3 + S4
During S5 up to S5, the registration check pattern generation unit 46 receives the signal BVE2 and the active image generation permission signal from the Y-direction timing generator 41, and performs the processing regarding the registration check pattern as in the case of the ejection check pattern. To do. Further, the print position MR = S0 + S1 + S
From 2 + S3 + S4 + S5 + S6, MR = S0 + S1 + S
During S7 up to 2 + S3 + S4 + S5 + S6 + S7, the color check pattern generation unit 47 receives the signal BVE2 and the active image generation permission signal from the Y-direction timing generator 41, and sets the number of colors, color coordinates, and size of the color check pattern from the register group 43. Read. Then, the color check pattern generation unit 47 generates the image data represented by the color coordinates according to the size, sequentially performs this processing for the number of colors for the color coordinates, and outputs the generated pattern as the processing result to the print buffer. Write to 6.

The print buffers 6 and 7 are cleared when the power is turned on, and when the management enable signal PENB is "0", the Y direction timing generator 41 causes the gate signals G1 and G to be generated.
By setting 2 to “1”, the gate circuits 48 and 49
BVE3 and BVE4 are output as "0" and the print data in the print buffers 6 and 7 are not output. Further, here, S0 to S8 are one band width H of the recording head unit 13.
Since it is specified as an integral multiple of S, S on the management sheet 51
Even in an empty area where there is no management print data between 0, S2, S4, S6, and S8, the Y-direction timing generator 41 sets the gate signals G1 and G2 to "1", so that the print data buffer 6 , 7 print data output is prohibited. Further, when multivalued image data is not output during image formation of the management sheets 51, 52, ...
Even during image formation of binary data between 1, S3, and S5,
Similarly, the gate signal G1 is set to "1" to prohibit the output of the print data buffer 6. Further, when the binary image data is not output during image formation on the management sheet 51, that is, S
Similarly, at the time of image formation of multivalued data between 7 and 7, the output of the print data buffer 7 is prohibited by setting the gate signal G2 to "1".

As described above, the management sheet 51 for one page
Generate print data in and manage enable signal PENB
Becomes "1" again, print data is similarly generated for the management sheet of the next page.

Next, the timing of the image forming operation of the management sheets 51, 52, 53, ... And the image printing 50 in the Y direction will be described.

First, the print start position Y0 of the management sheet 51
(Printing start position in the Y direction with reference to the leading band of the print image 50), Y length Y1 of the management sheets 51, 52, 53 ..., Spacing Y2 between the management sheets 51, 52, ... The length YR on the print image 50 corresponding to the length of the image 50 and the interval Y2 (the management sheet 1 is used during this Y2).
9 is not printed) is a value preset in the work RAM 32 (display of the host computer 1 /
These values Y0, Y1, Y can be changed from the operation unit 10.
2, YR is set by the CPU 31 to the print length M of the print length counter 34.
Various actions occur by comparing with.

Here, the print image 50 is formed and conveyed to the recording medium 18 from the print length M = 0 (page start), and thereafter, the formation / conveyance is continued up to the desired print length L for management. Image formation and conveyance are not yet performed on the paper 19. When M = Y0 (in order to check the initial state of the printing characteristics of the printer 2, it is better that Y0 is smaller, and in many cases Y0 = 0), the CPU 30 causes the register group 4
The time and print length of 3 are updated to the current time and print length, the management enable signal PENB is set to "1", and the print image 50 and the management sheet 51 are formed on the paper 18 and the management paper 19, respectively. Carry. When M = Y0 + Y1, the signal PENB is set to “0”, the formation of the management sheet 51 on the management paper 19 is completed, and the transportation of the paper 19 is continued. Then, when M = Y0 + Y1 + Y2, the conveyance of the management sheet 19 is stopped. After that, M = Y0 +
When Y1 + YR, the CPU 30 updates the time and print length of the register group 43 to the current time and print length, and forms the management sheet 52 in the same manner as the management sheet 51. The subsequent formation of the management sheet 53 and the like is similarly performed.

Then, when M = L, the formation of the print image 50 is ended, and the ending process for one page is performed. Specifically, the end process is performed on the paper 1 for printing the next page.
8, the CPU 30, the work RAM 32, the print counter 34, and the like are reset. The image on the next page is
The image may be the image of the previous page or a newly input image, and its management is performed by the control unit 11 according to an instruction from the host computer 1 or the display / operation unit 10.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiments, the management information generating section 9 is mainly composed of hardware, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 31 inside the control unit 11,
The ROM 30 and the RAM 32 may be used for software configuration, and the CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like other than the control unit 11 may be used for software configuration.

In the above embodiment, the image data storage unit 5, the storage units such as the print buffers 6 and 7 are composed of separate hardware, but this is not a limitation. For example, it is possible to increase the capacity of the RAM in the control unit 11 and configure a part or all of the storage unit with this RAM.
This can be realized by dividing the AM area for exclusive use or by using together. It is also possible to configure a part or all of the RAM in the control unit 11 with a large-capacity magnetic storage device such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical storage device.

In the above embodiment, the print data generated by the management information generation unit 9 is input / output to / from the print buffers 6 and 7 in band units, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a management page buffer memory for storing print data of a management sheet for one page is provided in the management information generation unit 9, and the print data of the next management sheet is stored while the management enable signal PENB is “0”. Each of the generators 44 to 47 forms print data, stores the print data in the management page buffer memory, and when the PENB becomes "1", the band enable signals BVE4, VE, and CLK
The print data may be output to the head drive unit 12 in synchronization with the above. In this case, a means for converting multi-valued data into binary data like the image data conversion unit 8 is provided inside the color pattern generator 47, or color coordinates are converted into multi-valued data (R, G, B). Without binary data (Y, M, C, K)
This can be dealt with by providing means for designating with.

Information to be printed on the management sheets 51, 52, ... Is not limited to items such as print widths X1, X2, X3, management information (character information), inspection pattern information and the like. For example, the print data to be formed on the management sheets 51, 52, ... Is formed by the host computer 1, the printer 2 receives the same as the input image data, stores it in the buffer memory inside the printer 2, and Management sheet 5
The management sheets 51, 52, ... And the print image 50 can be associated with each other by sequentially updating the page numbers, print lengths, and date / time of the printers 1, 52 ... The contents of the management sheets 51, 52, ... May be separately defined / selected by the host computer 1.

As a method of associating the management sheets 51, 52, ... With the print image 50, a method other than printing the page number, print length, and date / time of the management sheets 51, 52 ... Can be adopted. For example, when printing on the management sheets 51, 52 ..., the print image on the paper 18 is displayed in a small area of the management sheets 51, 52 ... (For example, the width X3 of the management sheets 51, 52 ... By printing only the band, the images of the management sheets 51, 52, ... May be associated with the print image of the paper sheet 18 as an index, or, as a simple method, the paper sheet 18 and the management paper sheet 19 may be used. It is possible to associate the management sheets 51, 52, ... With the print image on the paper 18 at the same printing position in the Y direction by carrying out exactly the same conveyance. (Y1 + YR) × [page number of management sheet] by defining Y1 and YR in the print image in advance and forming a management sheet (page numbers are printed) and a print image.
The position of the printed image can be calculated with. Further, the management sheet number may be printed inside or outside the print image 50 on the paper 18 to make correspondence.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, in addition to printing an image on a print medium by the print head, the print head prints an image for print quality inspection on the detection print medium. For,
Even during printing on a long print medium such as a page having a length of several meters or several tens of meters, the print quality can be inspected using the inspection print medium to evaluate the output characteristics of the printer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a main part of a printer that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main mechanical portion of a printer that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a management information generation unit and a control unit shown in FIG.

4 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between a recording head unit and a sheet shown in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram of a print example of management image data printed on the management paper shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of each signal shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a part of the signals of FIG. 6 in an enlarged manner.

8 is a timing chart showing a part of the signals in FIG. 7 in a further enlarged manner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Host Computer 2 Printer 3 Interface Section 4 Data Analysis Section 5 Image Data Storage Section 6, 7 Print Buffer 8 Image Data Conversion Section 9 Management Information Generation Section 11 Control Section 10 Display / Operation Section 12 Head Drive Section 13 Recording Head Section 14 Carriage Motor drive unit 15 Transport motor 15 Transport motor drive unit 16 Carriage motor 18 Recording medium 19 Recording medium for management 20 Cartridge 21 Carriage unit 22,23 Pulley 24 Timing belt 25 Carriage support 26 Carriage shaft 27 Transport roller 28 Cable 29 Encoder 30 ROM 31 CPU 32 Work RAM 33 Calendar / Timer 34 Printing Length Counter 35 Motor Control Unit 36 I / O Port Control Unit 37 Image Sync Signal Generation Unit 40 X-Direction Timing Generator 1 Y-direction timing generator 42 delay circuit 43 registers 44 the character generator 45 discharge check pattern generating section 46 cashier check pattern generating section 47-color check pattern generator

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A printer for printing an image on a print medium using a print head, moving means for causing the print head and an inspection print medium for inspecting print quality to face each other, the print head and the print head. A printer, comprising: a control unit that causes the print head to print an image for print quality inspection on the print medium for inspection when the print medium for inspection faces the print medium. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit causes the print head and the inspection print medium to face each other during a printing operation on the print medium. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the inspection print medium to print relevant information associated with an image to be printed on the print medium. . 4. The control means, as the related information,
The printer according to claim 3, wherein a time corresponding to the latest print time of the print medium is printed on the inspection print medium. 5. The control means, as the related information,
4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein a numerical value corresponding to the printed length of the print medium is printed on the inspection print medium. 6. The control means, as the related information,
The printer according to claim 3, wherein a part of the image to be printed on the print medium is printed on the print medium for inspection. 7. The print head is arranged to be scannable, the print medium and the test print medium are arranged side by side in the scanning direction of the print head, and the print medium and the test print medium are arranged. 7. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising a conveying unit that conveys the medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to the scanning direction of the print head. 8. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the transport unit is capable of transporting the print medium and the inspection print medium separately. 9. The print head is an inkjet head that ejects ink, and has an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for ejecting ink. The printer described in. 10. A printing method for printing an image on a print medium using a print head, wherein the print head and the print medium for inspection are opposed to each other during the printing operation on the print medium, and the inspection is performed. A printing method comprising printing an image for print quality inspection on a print medium for printing. 11. The related information associated with the image to be printed on the print medium is printed when the image for print quality inspection is printed on the print medium for inspection. The printing method according to item 10.