JPH113190A - Printing device, print controller, printing method and medium recording print control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily enable high-definition printing without distinguishment. SOLUTION: When reproducing a print image in the shape of dot matrix while scanning a print head arranged with plural nozzles in a paper feeding direction in a digit feeding direction through a print head digit moving motor and feeding a paper sheet through a paper feeding motor, it is judged at a computer whether a printer driver PRTDRV to be executed as a software has a code pattern in the print image or not (steps S315 and S335) and when printing a code pattern requesting high-definition printing not to change the print image, image processing (step S320) and print processing (steps S340-S355) are performed so as not to change the print image with switching to a high- definition printing mode. Thus, concerning an ordinary image, while executing optimum processing corresponding to the character of dot printing mechanism, the image mixing these patterns can be printed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing control apparatus, a printing method, and a medium on which a printing control program is reproduced for reproducing normal printing and high-definition printing images by dot matrix printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer which reproduces an output image in a dot matrix form, it is general to reproduce a dot matrix print image by feeding a paper while scanning a print head in a digit feed direction. In this case, the print head has a plurality of dot printing mechanisms arranged in the paper feed direction, and when the print head itself is moved in the digit feed direction, dots are printed at desired positions while controlling the moving position. It is attached. As a result, a planar output image such as an image is reproduced as a dot matrix print image arranged in a grid in the digit feed direction and the paper feed direction.

On the other hand, if an original print image is to be represented by dots as it is, it is often unfavorable depending on the properties of the dot printing mechanism. For example, in the case of an ink jet printer in which granular color ink is ejected and adhered to paper, the paper absorbs a large amount of water when the amount of color ink to be adhered is large, resulting in swelling. For this reason, dots are thinned out in advance from the original print image for a portion where the amount of color ink to be attached is large.

In addition to such a process of intentionally changing the print image, it is inevitable that an error occurs due to a problem in the accuracy of the dot attachment position in the dot mechanism, and the dot is shifted to a position shifted from the original dot attachment position. Is attached. That is, in this case, the print image is unintentionally changed. If the print image is changed unconsciously in this way, high-definition printing cannot be realized.

Here, a description will be given of a code pattern that specifically requires high-definition printing. The barcode is obtained by encoding predetermined information by arranging lines having different thicknesses, and can be decoded by optical scanning in one direction. On the other hand, the code pattern is realized by a combination of adding or not adding a dot to a “+” position on a two-dimensional plane as shown in FIG. 24, and is a so-called two-dimensional coding. .

On the other hand, a printer used in a computer system or the like reproduces a dot matrix print image. Therefore, it is likely that a code pattern can be generated with such dots from a simple point of view. However, if the required accuracy increases, it becomes impossible due to the positional shift in the dot printing mechanism unit as described above. For example, FIG. 25 shows three dots printed by the dot printing mechanism of the first to third rows of the print head. In the state shown in the figure, each dot is slightly shifted from the original dot position, and it seems that there is no problem.

However, when reading the code pattern shown in FIG. 25 attached in this manner, if there is no reference position to be read, the reference position is naturally searched for from the dot-added position. in this case,
FIG. 26 shows a case where the dot positions of the code pattern are applied with reference to the dot positions in the first column, and the second column hits the outer edge of an adjacent dot, and the third column has no dot.

In this sense, a code pattern requiring high-definition printing cannot be printed.

[0009]

The conventional printing apparatus described above has the following problems.

In a conventional printing apparatus, high-definition printing cannot be performed due to an unconscious change in a print image, and even if an unconscious change in a print image is suppressed to a minimum, a conscious print image such as a thinning process is performed. If a change is made, high-definition printing cannot be realized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has recorded therein a printing apparatus, a printing control apparatus, a printing method, and a printing control program capable of easily realizing high-definition printing without discrimination. The purpose is to provide media.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: inputting print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image; To reproduce the print image by attaching a dot-shaped recording material, a normal print mode that prints while changing the print image according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and a high-definition print that prints without changing the print image A high-definition option discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a high-definition option is designated because the print data needs to be printed in the high-definition printing mode; and When the option discriminating means determines that the high-definition option is designated, the printing means is printed in the high-definition printing mode. It is constituted comprising a shaped mode switching means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the printing means inputs print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image, a plurality of dot printing mechanisms print dot-like data on a recording medium. The printing image is reproduced by attaching a recording material. Here, the printing means performs printing while changing the printing image according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and prints without changing the printing image. It has a high-definition printing mode. On the other hand, there are two types of print data, one that should be printed in the normal print mode and one that needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode. In the latter case, the high-definition option is specified. The means determines whether the high definition option is specified in the print data. The printing mode switching means causes the printing means to print in the high-definition printing mode when the high-definition option determining means determines that the high-definition option is designated.

That is, depending on the properties of the dot printing mechanism, it is preferable to print while changing the print image, but it is sometimes preferable not to change the print image daringly. I have.

[0015] Regardless of the nature of the dot printing mechanism, there are various specific examples of print data requesting printing without changing the print image. As an example, the invention according to claim 2 is based on claim 1. In the printing apparatus described above, the printing means has a printing mechanism that reproduces a print image by scanning a printing head having a plurality of the dot printing mechanisms arranged in a paper feeding direction in a digit feeding direction, and has a predetermined positional relationship. Has a high-definition print mode for improving the grid position accuracy when a print image representing the encoding is reproduced by printing dots at the grid point positions.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing mechanism which prints by feeding the paper while scanning the print head in the digit feed direction. Since a plurality of dot printing mechanisms arranged in a matrix are provided, a dot matrix print image is reproduced. In the case where the dot matrix print image reproduced in this way is a print image representing encoding by printing dots at grid point positions in a predetermined positional relationship, in the high-definition print mode, The grid position accuracy is improved.

As described above, depending on the print image, coding is represented by adding dots to predetermined grid point positions. Therefore, grid position accuracy including the presence or absence of dots is important, and the nature of the dot printing mechanism is important. Regardless, the grid position accuracy is prioritized.

The grid position accuracy is a broad concept including true position accuracy and accuracy including the presence or absence of an original dot. As an example of the former, the invention according to claim 3 is:
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit prints the print image by using only a dot printing mechanism having a printing position misalignment among the plurality of dot printing mechanisms in the high-definition printing mode. The configuration includes a dot specifying control unit.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a print image having a dot matrix is reproduced while a print head having a plurality of dot printing mechanisms arranged in the paper feed direction is scanned in the digit feed direction. In this case, the dot specifying control means causes the printing image to be printed using only the dot printing mechanism having the same printing position shift among the plurality of dot printing mechanisms.

It is inevitable that each of the dot printing mechanisms will have some positional deviation from the original printing position, but this positional deviation is often fixed and has reproducibility. Therefore, if not all dot printing mechanisms are used but only those dot printing mechanisms that have the same print position shift, the print image output position will be the same as the position shift of the used dot printing mechanism. However, the relative error of the printed dot position is reduced.

On the other hand, as another example, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the second and third aspects, when the printing means is in the high-definition printing mode, It is configured to have overprint control means for printing each dot at a dot position using the plurality of dot printing mechanisms.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the printing head having a plurality of dot printing mechanisms arranged in the paper feed direction is scanned in the digit feed direction while the grid point positions are in a predetermined positional relationship. In order to reproduce a print image representing encoding by printing dots on the dot, the overprinting control means prints each dot attached to the grid point position by using the plurality of dot printing mechanisms.

As described above, it is inevitable that each of the dot printing mechanisms has some positional deviation from the original printing position. On the other hand, when dots are attached to the same position by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms, two dots that are shifted from each other overlap. At this time, the print position shift as a whole is the average value of the print position shifts of the respective dots. However, since the print position shifts in a plurality of dot printing mechanisms do not naturally match, as a result, the shifts cancel each other. Together, it is closer to the original print position center,
The relative error of the printed dot position is reduced.

That is, in the third aspect of the invention, a dot having no absolute error is selected, and in the fourth aspect of the invention, the absolute error is reduced.

As for the high-definition printing mode, all of the conventional ones suppress so-called unconscious changes in the printed image, but may also suppress conscious changes in the printed image. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the printing unit performs a thinning process to reduce an ink duty in the normal printing mode, and the high-definition printing mode Is configured not to perform the thinning process.

Normally, various processes are performed to improve the printing quality according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism. As one of the processes, a thinning process for lowering the ink duty is often performed. Such a thinning-out process means that the print data of the print head is generated and then thinned out at random according to the duty, and is adopted as an independent process. However, in a case where high-definition printing is performed in dot units, the dots that should be originally provided disappear when thinning is performed in this manner.

Therefore, in the invention according to claim 5 configured as described above, the thinning-out process for reducing the ink duty is performed in the normal printing mode, but the thinning-out process is not performed in the high-definition printing mode. More specifically, taking software processing as an example,
A flag indicating the mode may be prepared, and in the thinning process, the thinning process may be executed only in the normal print mode with reference to the flag. As a result, dots are not thinned out at random when performing high-definition printing.

As such a printing means, it is possible to adopt various types of printing means. In the case of an ink jet method for discharging a color ink, a cause of a printing position shift is dirt near an opening end of a discharge nozzle. That is, the situation of dust adhering to the vicinity of the opening end may cause the printing position to shift. Therefore, when the print head is cleaned, the tendency of the printing position shift changes.

With this background, the invention according to claim 6 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing means discharges color ink to perform printing. In the normal printing mode, the dot printing mechanism is cleaned at predetermined intervals, and the cleaning is not performed in the high-definition printing mode.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the dot printing mechanism of the print head ejects color ink to perform printing, and performs cleaning at predetermined intervals in the normal printing mode. However, the cleaning is not performed in the high definition printing mode.

It is sufficient that the cleaning is not performed as a result. If the cleaning is performed by software,
In the cleaning process, a flag set by the print mode switching means may be referred to to perform a process that does not start during printing. This prevents the dot printing mechanism from being cleaned during printing in the high-definition printing mode, thereby changing the tendency of the printing position shift.

By the way, various high-definition option designating methods can be adopted, and there is no particular limitation as long as they can be identified. As an example, the invention according to claim 7 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein print data that needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode is specified as a separate file, The high-definition option determining means is configured to determine that the high-definition option is specified for print data specified by another file.

In the invention according to claim 7 configured as described above, the print data that needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode is specified as a separate file, so that a special flag or the like can be used. It is possible to specify the high-definition option without performing this operation, and the high-definition option determining unit determines whether or not the high-definition option is specified based on whether or not the print data is specified in another file.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein print data requiring printing in the high-definition print mode is flagged. The high-definition option determining means determines that a high-definition option is specified based on the flag information.

In the invention according to claim 8 configured as described above, the print data required to be printed in the high-definition print mode is designated by the flag information, so that the print data can be broadly based on the flag information. Thus, the designation of the high-definition option can be determined, and the high-definition option determining means also determines that the high-definition option has been specified based on the flag information.

On the other hand, it is also possible to assign data to a high-definition option while also using data for representing other information. For example, the invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claims 1 to Item 8. In the printing apparatus according to any one of Items 8, the print data that needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode is set to a specific color, and the high-definition option discriminating means sets the high-resolution option when the print data is the same specific color. It is configured to determine that the fine option is specified.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the print data that needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode is set to a specific color. It is possible to determine whether or not the option is specified, and the high-definition option determining unit determines that the high-definition option is specified when the print data is the same specific color.

As a result of assigning a specific color in this manner, such a specific color may be accidentally obtained. However, it is possible to avoid such accidents by selecting a specific color that is unlikely to cause such accidents, and to avoid such accidents by performing processing that normally does not use such specific colors. You may. Further, even if the specific color is accidentally obtained, the result may be substantially unchanged. For example, if a specific color is set to a certain color that is very close to black, and if processing is performed to improve the position accuracy while replacing it with black dots by specifying the high definition option, the position accuracy increases and the color changes slightly. However, there is little change in appearance.

The printing mode switching means only needs to be capable of causing the printing means to print in the high-definition printing mode at least in a predetermined case, and the switching modes include various modes. As an example, the invention according to claim 10 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the print mode switching means is configured to print a print image based on the print data in a predetermined block in a paper feed direction. The configuration is such that the printing mode is switched every time.

In the tenth aspect of the present invention, the corresponding print image is determined based on the print data. The print mode switching means divides the print image into predetermined blocks in the paper feed direction. The printing mode is switched for each block, and the printing means switches the printing mode for each predetermined block in the paper feed direction and performs printing.

Therefore, if a block having a print image is print data only in the normal print mode, printing is performed in the normal print mode, and if the next block contains print data in the high definition print mode, printing is performed in the high definition print mode. Thus, the printing mode is switched for each block while feeding the paper.

According to the present invention, there is an advantage that by switching the print mode dynamically with the paper feed, printing in both the normal print mode and the high-definition print mode can be performed in a single paper feed print. It is not necessarily limited to this in the sense that it is only necessary to be able to switch between them. As an example, the invention according to claim 11 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the print mode switching means cuts out print data in which a high-definition option is designated, and outputs the normal print data. The printing in the printing mode and the printing in the high-definition printing mode are set to separate pages, and printing in the normal printing mode and printing in the high-definition printing mode on one recording medium are performed separately.

In the invention according to the eleventh aspect, the print mode includes a print mode in which a portion to be printed in the normal print mode and a portion to be printed in the high definition print mode are mixed. The switching means cuts out the print data for which the high definition option is specified. Then, the printing in the normal printing mode and the printing in the high-definition printing mode are set to separate pages, and printing is performed twice on one recording medium. That is, printing is performed in the normal printing mode for the first time, and printing is performed in the high-definition printing mode for the second time. When the recording medium is ejected by performing printing in the normal printing mode except for the print image representing the encoding for the first time, printing in the second high-definition printing mode is performed so that the recording medium is set again and overprinted. I do. Of course, the order may be reversed.

On the other hand, the present invention can be realized by including a high-definition option discriminating means and a print mode switching means in such a printing apparatus, but these are independent of a printing apparatus having predetermined printing means. Even if it does, it can be established as an invention. In other words, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image is input, and a plurality of dot printing mechanisms attach dot-like recording materials on a recording medium to reproduce the print image. A print control device that outputs the same print data to a printing device, and a normal print mode in which printing is performed while changing the print image in accordance with the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and printing in which the print image is not changed It is possible to switch between the high-definition printing mode and determine whether the high-definition option is specified because the above print data needs to be printed in the high-definition printing mode. The print data is output so as to print in the high-definition print mode when it is determined that the print data has been printed. May be applied in the printing control apparatus alone assumption that controlling the to the printing apparatus.

As described above, the method of switching between printing in the normal printing mode and printing in the high-definition mode by specifying the high-definition option does not need to be limited to a physical device. It can be easily understood that it also functions as the method. For this reason, the invention according to claim 13 reproduces a print image by inputting print data corresponding to a print image of a dot matrix and attaching a dot-like recording material on a recording medium by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms. In doing so, it has a normal printing mode in which printing is performed while changing the printing image according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and a high-definition printing mode in which printing is performed without changing the printing image. Determines whether the high-definition option is specified because it is necessary to print in the mode, and prints the above print image in the high-definition printing mode if it is determined that the high-definition option is specified There is a configuration to do.

That is, there is no difference in that the present invention is not necessarily limited to a substantial device and is also effective as a method.

By the way, as described above, there is a case where a printing apparatus that realizes such control for switching the printing mode exists alone, and there is a case where the printing apparatus is used in a state of being incorporated in a certain device. The concept of the invention includes various aspects. Further, it can be appropriately changed, for example, by hardware or software.

When software for controlling a printing apparatus is used as an embodiment of the idea of the present invention, the software naturally exists on a recording medium on which such software is recorded, and it must be said that the software is used.

As one example, the invention according to claim 14 is a method of inputting print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image and attaching a dot-like recording material on a recording medium by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms. A normal printing mode in which a printing control program for outputting the same printing data to a printing device that reproduces the printing image is recorded, and printing is performed while changing the printing image in accordance with the properties of the dot printing mechanism; It is possible to switch between the high-definition print mode that prints without changing the image, and whether or not the high-definition option is specified because the print data needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode. Discriminates and outputs the above print data to print in the high-definition print mode when it is determined that the high-definition option is specified. There is a configuration in which.

Of course, the recording medium may be a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or any recording medium to be developed in the future. Also, the duplication stages of the primary duplicated product, the secondary duplicated product, and the like are equivalent without any question. In addition, the present invention is still used even when the supply method is performed using a communication line, and the same applies to a case where the information is written on a semiconductor chip.

Further, even when a part is implemented by software and a part is implemented by hardware, there is no difference in the concept of the present invention, and it is necessary to store a part on a recording medium. It may be in a form that is appropriately read in accordance with it.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention, regardless of the properties of the dot printing mechanism, printing is performed with priority given to the properties of the printed image, and high-definition printing can be easily realized without discrimination. A simple printing device can be provided.

Further, according to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize encoding with high accuracy of printing dots at grid point positions having a predetermined positional relationship.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3,
Even when a printing position shift occurs for each dot printing mechanism, printing can be easily performed without requiring any special procedure while eliminating the influence of the printing position shift.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4,
By mutually utilizing the print position shifts generated for each dot printing mechanism, the print position shifts can be reduced, and printing can be easily performed without requiring special procedures.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5,
Needless to solve the advanced problem of printing position shift of the dot printing mechanism, it is possible to print only by eliminating the thinning that is performed for optimization in normal printing based on the high definition option of print data. The image can be kept unchanged.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, it is not necessary to solve the advanced problem of the printing position shift of the dot printing mechanism, and it is possible to optimize the normal printing based on the high definition option of the printing data. The print image can be prevented from being changed only by not performing the cleaning that is being performed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7,
Since it only separates the file and separates it,
It can be realized without special changes.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8,
Since a flag is used, designation of a high-definition option can be determined widely based on the flag information, and convenience is improved.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention,
Usually, only the specific color used is used to specify the high-definition option, and new changes can be reduced.

Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the print mode is switched for each block in the paper feed direction, printing can be performed in an optimum print mode for each portion. In particular, when the high-definition printing mode lowers the printing speed, the entire printing speed can be improved by partially switching to the high-definition printing mode.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the printing in the high-definition printing mode is completely separated from the printing in the normal printing mode, so that the normal printing is set in view of the properties of the dot printing mechanism. The printing quality in the mode can be reliably maintained.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, regardless of the properties of the dot printing mechanism, printing is performed with priority given to the properties of the printed image, and high-definition printing can be easily realized without discrimination. According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a possible print control device.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing method having the same effect, and to provide a medium in which a print control program having the same effect is recorded.

[0064]

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

FIG. 1 shows a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention by a claim correspondence diagram, and FIG. 2 shows a specific hardware configuration example by a block diagram. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied as a printing system including a computer system 20 that interprets a printing device in a broad sense and generates print data, and a printer 30 that drives a print head and the like to perform actual printing. Here, the printer 30 is all controlled based on the print data, and performs printing in a normal print mode or a high-definition print mode based on the print data. Therefore, the computer system 20
And the printer 30 are integrated to constitute a printing means, and the high-definition option discriminating means and the printing mode switching means are constituted by the computer system 20.

The computer system 20 includes a computer 21, a hard disk 22, a keyboard 23,
It comprises a CD-ROM drive 24, a floppy disk drive 25, a modem 26, a display 27 and the like, and is supplied by a network or the like via the CD-ROM drive 24, the floppy disk drive 25 or the modem 26 or the like. The print control program stored in the hard disk 22 is read out from the hard disk 22 and executed.

The computer 21 executes the application program APL with the printer driver PRTDRV incorporated in the operating system OS. The computer 21 prints out a document created by word processing software or the like as the application program APL on the printer 30. Generate print data. At this time, print data for causing the printer 30 to print out the above-described code pattern is also generated. In the following, for convenience, the former printing process is referred to as a normal image partial printing process and during execution thereof is referred to as a normal printing mode, and the latter printing process is referred to as a code pattern printing process and during the execution is referred to as a high definition printing mode. Call. Of course, the latter process requires high-definition printing, and the former process is a general printing process and will not be described in detail.

The difference between the normal print mode and the high-definition print mode is that the normal print mode performs printing while changing the print image in accordance with the properties of the dot printing mechanism in the printer 30, whereas the high-definition print mode performs printing. The point is to print without changing the image. Also,
Whether the print image is changed or not here includes not only a conscious change accompanying the printing process but also an unconscious change due to the accuracy of the dot mechanism. Here, refer to the specific configuration of the printer 30. Explain unconscious changes.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer 31 as an example of the printer 30. A print head 31a comprising three print head units and a print head controller 3 for controlling the print head 31a are shown.
1b, a print head girder motor 31c for moving the print head 31a in the girder direction, a paper feed motor 31d for feeding print paper in the row direction, a print head controller 31b, a print head girder movement motor 31c, and a paper feeder. A printing mechanism including a printer controller 31e, which is an interface with an external device in the motor 31d, is provided, and an image can be printed according to print data.

FIG. 4 shows a more specific configuration of the print head 31a, and FIG. 5 shows an operation at the time of ink ejection. The print head 31a is formed with a fine conduit 31a3 extending from the color ink tank 31a1 to the nozzle 31a2, and an ink chamber 31a is provided at the end of the conduit 31a3.
4 are formed. The wall surface of the ink chamber 31a4 is formed of a flexible material, and a piezo element 31a5, which is an electrostrictive element, is provided on the wall surface. The piezo element 31a5 has a crystal structure that is distorted by applying a voltage, and performs high-speed electrical-mechanical energy conversion.
The wall of 1a4 is pushed to reduce the volume of the ink chamber 31a4. Then, a predetermined amount of color ink particles is vigorously ejected from the nozzle 31a2 communicating with the ink chamber 31a4.

In the print head 31a, the piezo element 31a
5 is applied with a voltage to eject color ink particles. In this case, the color ink particles are ejected toward the opening direction of the nozzle 31a2, but it is undeniable that the ink particles slightly deviate from the original dot positions. On the other hand, since the print image is formed on the premise that these color ink particles are ejected accurately to the original target position, if the print position shift occurs as shown in FIG. This means that printing is performed while changing the printing image.

Conventionally, the cause of the printing position shift is the nozzle 31
Although it was thought that the opening a2 was opened in an oblique direction, it was found that the opening was often caused by adhesion of dust around the opening end of the nozzle 31a2. That is, the print head 3
It was found that the printing position shift changed before and after the cleaning of the clogging of 1a. The printer 31 is provided with a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the print head 31a as well as the above-described printing mechanism. The cleaning mechanism will be described here.

The cleaning mechanism includes a cap 31f1 that covers the nozzle surface of the print head 31a and has a suction material 31f2 on the inner surface, and a cap solenoid 3 that moves the cap 31f1 toward and away from the print head 31a.
1f, a pump motor 31g for driving a suction pump 31g1 connected to the inner surface of the cap 31f1, and an atmospheric valve 31 similarly connected to the inner surface of the cap 31f1.
h, both of which are connected to the printer controller 31e. And, as shown in FIG.
While pressing the cap 31f1 against the print head 31a, the print head 31a is moved in the girder direction to perform wiping, or the suction pump 31g1 is driven in the pressed state to discharge the color ink, and the atmospheric valve 31h is opened and closed to adjust the suction force. By doing so, clogging cleaning can be performed according to a predetermined cleaning procedure.

The cleaning is performed by the computer system 20 sending a drive signal to each actuator in accordance with a predetermined sequence via the printer controller 31e. More specifically, the cleaning procedure shown in FIG. 7 is executed.
That is, it is determined in step S205 whether or not cleaning is possible based on a flag described later, and when it is determined that cleaning is possible, wiping is performed in step S210. The wiping is performed by driving the cap solenoid 31f to press the cap 31f1 against the print head 31a and reciprocating the print head girder moving motor 31c in a minute range, so that the nozzle surface of the print head 31a is sucked by the suction material 31f2 inside the cap 31f1. Perform by rubbing. In the next step S220, the atmospheric valve 31h is closed and the pump motor 31g is driven while the cap 31f1 is pressed against the print head 31a. When the pump motor 31g is driven, the suction pump 31g1 operates, so that a negative pressure is supplied into the cap 31f1, and the color ink is ejected from each print head 31a. Of course, the color ink is sucked by the suction material 31f2. At this time, a total of about 0.5 ml of color ink blows out for six rows of nozzles. Since the amount of the blowout is relatively large, and the color ink flows slightly backward in the color ink derivation path even after the stop, the small amount of suction is executed again as described later.

In the next step S230, the atmosphere valve 31h is opened to return the inside of the cap 31f1 to the atmospheric pressure, and in step S240, the cap solenoid 31 is released.
At f, the cap 31f1 is separated from the print head 31a to drive the pump motor 31g. This processing corresponds to idle suction, and the excess color ink in the cap 31f1 is sucked.

In the following step S250, the cap 31f1 is pressed against the print head 31a again by the cap solenoid 31f, and the pump motor 31g is slightly driven. Here, a small amount of suction of about 0.1 ml in total is applied to the six rows of nozzles. This is a process for guiding the color ink to the tip of the nozzle and blending it in for discharging the color ink later. is there. And step S
At 260, empty suction is performed again, and wiping is performed at step S270. Step S28 after step S270
At 0, flushing is performed as optional processing. The flushing is a blank ejection of the color ink for a predetermined number of dots, and the next step S290 waits for a predetermined time and adjusts the entire body whether or not the flushing is performed.

Since it has been confirmed that the printing position shift changes before and after such cleaning, step S
At 205, cleaning is executed after determining whether or not cleaning is possible based on the flag. Needless to say, whether or not to execute the cleaning influences the unconscious change of the print image, so that the cleaning process itself can be said to be a conscious change of the print image.

The unintentional change of the print image caused by the accuracy of the dot printing mechanism as described above can be prevented by using a print head having a dot printing mechanism.
This also occurs in printers of other mechanisms. For example, a bubble jet type pump mechanism has been put into practical use. However, in this case as well, dust is attached to a position shifted from the original dot position due to dust or the like adhering to the periphery of the opening end of the nozzle. can not deny. The same applies to a so-called thermal transfer printer as another mechanism.
It is unavoidable that the printing position shifts due to the positional accuracy of the heating element formed on the print head. Further, even in a dot impact type printer, a positional shift occurs due to the positional accuracy of the hammer pins formed in the print head.

In the case of the printer 31, the nozzle 31a
As shown in FIG. 4, the print heads 2 are formed in a zigzag pattern, and two independent rows of nozzles 31a2 are formed in one print head unit. Nozzle 31a2 of each row
Color ink is supplied independently,
Each of the three print head units is provided with two rows of nozzles, and it is possible to use six color inks to the fullest extent. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two rows in the left print head unit are used for black ink (K), only one row in the middle print head unit is used for cyan ink (C), and Two rows on the left and right in the print head unit of the row are used for magenta ink (M) and yellow ink (Y), respectively.

While the printer 31 reproduces a print image in two values, that is, whether dots are added or not with four color inks of CMYK, the computer system 20 handles three colors of red, green and blue (RGB). 256 with color
Multi-gradation display such as gradation is adopted. Therefore, image processing represented by color conversion and gradation conversion is executed by the printer driver PRTDRV. Both the color conversion and the gradation conversion are basically performed so as not to change the print image, but in reality, the change of the print image cannot be denied. On the other hand, in the above-described ink jet printer 31, since the color ink as a liquid is ejected onto the paper, if a large amount of the color ink is ejected, the paper absorbs too much water and becomes blunt. The amount of color ink used per unit paper surface is called an ink duty, and in order to prevent the ink duty from becoming too large, a thinning process of thinning dots is executed in image processing of the printer driver PRTDRV. Such a thinning process also changes the original print image, and corresponds to a conscious change of the print image.

That is, in the normal case, the printing process is executed while changing the printing image according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism, for better or worse.

On the other hand, in the high-definition printing mode, the above-mentioned code pattern is printed without changing the print image, and the conscious print image and the unconscious print image are prevented from changing. I have.
The intentional change of the print image is dealt with by not executing the cleaning or the thinning process. Also,
Unintentional changes in the printed image are dealt with in two ways.

The first solution is to fix the dot printing mechanism used in the high definition mode. FIG.
Indicates the original arrangement of the nozzles 31a2 in the print head 31a. The nozzles (n1 to nk) are arranged at a predetermined nozzle interval, and the paper feed is normally performed by a certain amount which does not coincide with the nozzle interval. Print head 3
By scanning the digit 1a a plurality of times, the nozzle interval is filled and a print image is reproduced at a predetermined dot pitch.

Here, a simplified model will be described for easy understanding. FIG. 9 shows eight nozzles (# 1 to # 8) 3
A print head 31a in which 1a2 is disposed in the paper feed direction is assumed. Normally, all eight nozzles 31a2 are enabled and a dot is formed at a predetermined position by moving a digit while moving a digit. Is reproduced, and after one scan, the paper is fed by eight dots.
However, as described above, when all the nozzles 31a2 are made effective as described above, dots cannot always be added to the original grid position due to the printing position shift of each nozzle 31a2.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10, if only the uppermost nozzle (# 1) 31a2 is enabled and a dot matrix print image is printed by eight scans, as shown in FIG. Although there is a deviation from the original lattice position, there is no deviation in the printing position between the dots. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, when the reference of the grid position is set to the dot, the print image is accurately followed.

Another method is to print one dot by overprinting it with a plurality of dot printing mechanisms. FIG. 13 shows a nozzle 31a of # 1 for a certain grid position.
Printing position shift when dots are added in 2 ((a) in the figure)
And the printing position shift when dots are added by the nozzle 31a2 of # 2 (FIG. 13B), and the printing position when dots are overprinted by the nozzle 31a2 of # 1 and the nozzle 31a2 of # 2. (FIG. 3C). It is assumed that a printing position shift has occurred in each dot printing mechanism, and it can be said that the matching of the printing position shifts is low in probability. Therefore,
When a dot pattern is printed by overprinting dots by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms, it can be said that the center position of the dots enlarged and overlapped as shown in FIG. 14 approaches the original lattice position. In particular, when the tendency of the printing position deviation is exactly opposite, the original lattice position is obtained. In addition, the shape distortion is reduced due to the bleeding of the color ink in the overlapping portion.

Of course, these printings are performed in the high-definition printing mode. The above-described normal printing mode and the high-definition printing mode include the presence or absence of a code pattern in the printer driver PRTDRV which is a control program executed by the computer 21. And is appropriately switched based on the execution.

FIG. 15 shows an example (c) in which a normal image portion (a) composed of characters and images and a code pattern (b) are printed on one sheet of paper, and FIG. 16 shows such a printed image. 1 shows an example of a printer driver PRTDRV corresponding to. The normal image part and the code pattern are assumed to be separate files, and the file of the code pattern is specified by the printer driver PRTDRV activated in the printing processing of the normal image part. Hereinafter, the printing process in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a normal image portion is created by the application program APL and printing is performed, the printer driver PRTDRV is activated via the operating system OS. In the process of the printer driver PRTDRV, first, in step S305, a setting user interface is activated to display an input screen shown in FIG. In the first display screen, an unchecked check box is displayed in front of the message “there is a code pattern” as shown in FIG. When the user checks this check box, a file name input box is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B, and an unchecked check box is displayed to specify an option. Further, when the option check box is checked, the outline of the code pattern is indicated by a dotted line together with the thumbnail screen of the normal image as shown in FIG. 9C, and the position can be designated by dragging with the mouse. I have. At this time, the position can be designated by the keyboard 23, and an input box indicating "X coordinate:" and "Y coordinate:" is displayed. Of course, these displays are only examples, for example, the input box of the file name etc. should be grayed out in the initial state and cannot be selected, and if the check box is checked, it will be displayed in a black color that can be selected. Is also good.

When the "OK" button is finally pressed or "C
When the "ANCEL" button is pressed, the input state is acquired in step S305, and image processing is performed on the normal image portion in step S310. This image processing is RG
In addition to performing color conversion processing from B to CMYK and halftone processing for converting multi-tone data to binary data after CMYK conversion, thinning is performed based on the presence or absence of CMYK dots so that the ink duty does not exceed a certain level. Processing is also performed. The result of the image processing is CMYK binary data according to the nozzle 31a2 array of the print head 31a.
When the print head 31a scans by moving the digit, the nozzles 31a2 are stored in the temporary file in consideration of the printable dot positions.

Next, based on the input data obtained in step S305, it is determined in step S315 whether or not a code pattern file is designated. If so, the code pattern image processing is performed in step S320. Execute. This code pattern image processing is to convert print data of a code pattern designated to add dots at a predetermined grid position into a simple binary image of a single color in CMYK. Here, a binary image of black ink is used. . In addition, compared to the image processing of a normal image, a conscious print image change process such as a thinning process is not performed. The result of this image processing is also stored in the temporary file. If it is determined in step S315 that the code pattern file has not been specified, the process of step S320 is not performed.

After the image processing is completed, paper handling is started in step S325, and in step S330, the data of the above-described temporary file is sent to the printer 31 to print the normal image portion. In the printing of the normal image portion, as shown in FIG. 9, basically, all the nozzles 31a2 of the print head 31a are made effective and printing is performed, and the computer 21 sends print data and control data to the printer 31. When the print head 31a is transmitted, the print head 31a is moved by the print head digit moving motor 31c based on the print data and control data inputted via the printer controller 31e, and the nozzles 31a2 are moved by the print head controller 31b. Then, after one scanning is completed, the paper feed motor 31d is rotated by a predetermined angle to feed the paper by a predetermined amount. As a result, a dot matrix print image is reproduced on the paper.

After the printing of the normal image portion is completed, it is determined in step S335 whether or not a code pattern is to be printed. If no code pattern is to be printed, step S360 is performed.
End paper handling and release the paper. However, when printing a code pattern, step S33
After the determination of 5, the prohibition of cleaning is set in step S340, and the paper is fed to the code pattern position in step S345. The paper feed is performed by the computer 21 executing control data for the printer 31.
This is executed by the printer controller 31e rotating the paper feed motor 31d by a predetermined angle. In this case, the sheet may be reversed, and when the sheet is reversed, the sheet may be returned to the initial position and then fed again by a predetermined amount.

After the paper is fed, a code pattern is printed in step S350. Specifically, the computer 21 sends the data of the temporary file to the printer 31, and the printer 31 inputs print data and control data and
As shown by 0, a dot matrix code pattern is reproduced using only one nozzle 31a2. Needless to say, the print pattern may be reproduced by a method of overprinting as shown in FIGS. Since cleaning is prohibited at the start of this code pattern, even if the cleaning process shown in FIG. 7 is started during printing, it is determined that cleaning is impossible by the determination in step S205, and substantial cleaning is not performed. . Thus, the printing position shift of the nozzle 31a2 of # 1 does not change. Then, when the printing of the code pattern is completed, the prohibition of the cleaning is canceled in step S355. As a result, the cleaning is executed when the cleaning process is started thereafter.

After the prohibition of the cleaning is released, the paper handling is terminated in step S360, and the paper is discharged. That is, if there is a code pattern, the normal image portion is printed first, the paper is aligned without opening the paper handling, and then the code pattern is printed.

In the process of the printer driver PRTDRV, by specifying a code pattern prepared as a separate file in step S305, it is possible to determine in step S315 and step S335 that a code pattern is present. In this sense, it can be said that the high-definition option discriminating means is constituted by these software judgments and hardware such as the computer system 20 that executes the judgment. In addition, as a result of these determinations, step S
At 320, the image processing of the code pattern according to the high-definition option is executed, and at steps S340 to S355, the printing processing according to the code pattern is executed, which corresponds to the high-definition print mode. Is a print mode switching means.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the code pattern is prepared in a separate file.
Printing may be performed simultaneously from one application program APL. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a printer driver PRTDRV corresponding to the printing process in such a case.

When a normal image portion and a code pattern portion are created and printed by the application program APL, data is output to the operating system OS in object units. Therefore, even in the printer driver PRTDRV activated by the operating system OS, the original data can be identified for each object.

On the other hand, in the printer driver PRTDRV, first, paper handling is started in step S405, and it is determined in step S410 whether or not the print data has a code pattern. As described above, the application program APL outputs each object such as a print object for a character, a print object for a bitmap image, or a print object for a code pattern. It does this by identifying objects.

In this example, it is determined whether or not the code pattern is a code pattern based on the object identification. However, various identification methods can be employed even when identification of each object is impossible.
FIG. 19 shows an example in which a specific color is assigned to code pattern identification when 256 gradations are prepared for each of RGB colors. The fact that the RGB data is (0, 0, 1) means a color that is almost black and is not generally used. If the user specifies (0,
This is because (0,0) black will be specified, and even in a natural image such as a photograph, the data usually enters a saturation region and becomes (0,0,0) data. Therefore, it can be said that there is no problem even if it is determined that the RGB data of (0, 0, 1) is a code pattern, and in step S410, (0, 0, 1)
It is only necessary to determine whether or not there is a pixel having the following relationship.

If it is determined that there is a code pattern based on the identification of the object or the specific color, the code pattern is cut out in step S415, and step S42 is performed.
At 0, the image processing of the code pattern is executed. This specific process is the same as step S320 described above. However, when the code pattern is indicated by a specific color such as (0, 0, 1), it is a simple binary. Even if the normal image accidentally includes the pixel (0, 0, 1), replacing the pixel (0, 0, 0) hardly changes the color, so that no problem occurs. In addition, even when printing is performed, since only the correct grid point position is added, there is no problem because the positional accuracy is increased.

After the image processing of the code pattern, in the same manner as described above, the cleaning inhibition setting is performed in step S425, and the code pattern printing is performed in step S430. The code pattern printing is performed as shown in FIG. 10 and the like. When the printing is completed, the paper is returned to the initial position in step S435, and the cleaning prohibition is canceled in step S440.

On the other hand, the next step S445 is a process in which printing of only the normal image portion having no code pattern is started. The paper is set at the initial position regardless of whether the code pattern is printed or not. The image processing of the normal image portion is performed.
The normal image portion is printed as shown in FIG.
At 455, the paper handling ends and the paper is released.

In this example, it is determined in step S410 whether or not there is a code pattern based on the identification of an object or the identification of a specific color. And step S415 to step S415
It can be said that the branch processing for executing the high-definition print mode in S440 constitutes a print mode switching unit.

Up to now, printing has been performed substantially twice by feeding the paper, including the process of returning the paper without releasing the paper handling. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this process. Now, as shown in FIG. 20, if the normal image portion and the code pattern portion are appropriately arranged on the paper, if one digit movement of the print head 31a is considered as a line, It can be said that the normal image portion and the code pattern portion are mixed. in this case,
As shown in FIG. 21, the attribute is represented by a flag for each line, and print data is managed together with the flag. Then, printing is performed using the normal print mode and the high-definition print mode for each line based on the flag.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are flowcharts showing a printer driver PRTDRV for performing such printing. The flag and print data shown in FIG. 21 are generated in the former part shown in FIG. 22, and the latter part shown in FIG. To execute printing based on the same flag and print data.

When a normal image portion and a code pattern portion are created and printed by the application program APL, the printer driver PRTDRV is activated by the operating system OS. This printer driver PRTD
In the RV, data is managed in a row corresponding to the scanning range of the print head 31a, and the print data is generated by gradually lowering the line of interest from the top of the paper to generate print data, and thereafter, actual printing is started. At times, the printing line is processed by gradually lowering the printing line from the upper end of the paper.

In step S505, initialization is performed to set "1" to the counter as the line of interest, and the following loop processing is prepared. In the loop processing, the first step S
At 510, it is determined whether or not the last line has been exceeded. In this determination, the target line is gradually lowered until the last line is exceeded, and a flag and print data are generated.

In the substantial loop processing, first, in step S515, it is determined whether or not there is normal image data in the line of interest. This is the print head 3 for the object-based data received via the operating system OS.
1a means that rasterization corresponding to 1a is performed. If there is a normal image portion as a result of rasterization, step S
In step S520, image processing of a normal image similar to that described above in step 520 is performed. Then, CMYK binary normal image data is output in a format shown in FIG. 21 together with a flag indicating that there is a normal image. This print data is stored in the hard disk 22 as a temporary file.
Is written to.

In step 530, it is determined whether or not a code pattern is present in the line of interest by performing similar rasterization. Then, if there is a code pattern, step S53
In step S540, binary code pattern data is output in the format shown in FIG. 21 together with a flag for indicating that there is a code pattern. If there is normal image data on the same line, a process of rewriting the attribute flag to “11” is performed.

Hereinafter, in step S545, print data is generated while sending the line of interest.

When print data has been generated for all lines, actual printing is performed at the subsequent stage of the printer driver PRTDRV shown in FIG. In the printing process, a counter indicating the printing line is prepared, and after setting “1” in step S550 and initializing, the digit of the print head 31a is moved until it is determined in step S590 that the last line is exceeded. And paper feed are repeated.

First, for each print line, step S555
Attribute flags of the format shown in FIG.
Read the print data of. Then, in step S560, it is determined whether or not there is normal image data in the print line based on the attribute flag. If there is, in step S565, the normal image data is sent to the printer 31 for printing. This printing is performed by enabling all the nozzles 31a2 corresponding to the printing lines as shown in FIG.

In the next step S570, it is determined whether or not there is code pattern data in this print line without paper feeding. If not, one line of paper is fed in step S580, and then in step S585. Advances the print line counter. However, if there is code pattern data, the process proceeds to step S575 without performing paper feed for one line.
9, the code pattern in the print line is printed while repeating the paper feed for one dot as shown in FIG. Then, when the printing of the code pattern for one line is completed, the result is the same as that of the paper feeding for one line. Therefore, the counter of the printed line is advanced in step S585.

As described above, printing is performed while the printing line is gradually lowered, and when it is determined in step S590 that the last line has been exceeded, a printing image as shown in FIG. Printing has been completed.

In this printer driver PRTDRV,
At step S530 at the time of generation of the print data, it is determined whether or not there is a code pattern in the line of interest, and the information is stored as a flag while generating the print data. And
In the printing process, the flag is read in step S555, and it is determined in step S570 whether a code pattern is present in the print line. Accordingly, the generation of these flags and the determination based on the flags constitute the high-definition option determining means. If the high-definition print mode is actually required, the branch is made according to the determination in step S570. It can be said that it constitutes a print mode switching means.

In this example, although the normal image data and the code pattern data are managed as the same line,
These may be managed individually. in this case,
The normal head position for printing normal image data and the code head position for printing code patterns are separated, and the paper feed position at each time point is compared with these normal head position and code head position. The printing may be performed by switching the printing mode in the line.

As described above, the plurality of nozzles 3
When the print head 31a provided with 1a2 is scanned in the digit feed direction by the print head digit moving motor 31c, the paper is fed by the paper feed motor 31d to reproduce the dot matrix print image. Printer driver PRTDRV executed as software in Windows
Determines whether there is a code pattern in the print image (steps S315 and S335), and switches to the high-definition print mode when printing a code pattern requiring high-definition printing without changing the print image. Image processing that does not change the image (step S320)
And the printing process (steps S340 to S355), it is possible to print an image in which these are mixed while executing the optimum process according to the properties of the dot printing mechanism for the normal image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to claims of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific hardware / software configuration example of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a printer.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic explanatory view of a print head unit in the printer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a situation where color ink is ejected by the print head unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating cleaning of a print head.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning procedure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing nozzle intervals of a print head.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the use state of nozzles in a normal print mode and paper feed in a simplified model.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the use of nozzles in a high-definition print mode and paper feed in a simplified model.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a printing result of a code pattern printed by specifying nozzles in a high-definition printing mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image showing a relative displacement of the same code pattern.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a change in dot displacement when dots are overprinted in the high-definition print mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image showing a relative displacement of the same code pattern.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a print image including a normal image portion and a code pattern portion.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a printer driver.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display screen of a setting user interface.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a printer driver according to a modification.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a situation where a specific color is assigned to a code pattern.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a print image in which a normal image portion and a code pattern portion overlap the same print line.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which attribute flags and print data are managed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a printer driver according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the printer driver.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a code pattern.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a conventional dot printing image.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a relative displacement between a conventional print image and a print image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Computer system 21 ... Computer 22 ... Hard disk 24 ... CD-ROM drive 25 ... Floppy disk drive 26 ... Modem 30 ... Printer 31 ... Inkjet printer 31a ... Print head

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A dot printing mechanism for inputting print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image and applying a dot recording material on a recording medium by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms to reproduce the print image. A printing means having a normal printing mode in which printing is performed while changing the printing image according to the nature of the printing, and a high-definition printing mode in which printing is performed without changing the printing image; The high-definition option discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the high-definition option has been designated because it is necessary. A printing mode switching means for causing the printing means to perform printing in a high-definition printing mode. 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said printing means reproduces a print image by scanning a print head having a plurality of said dot printing mechanisms arranged in a paper feed direction in a digit feed direction. In addition to having a printing mechanism, it has a high-definition printing mode for improving the grid position accuracy when reproducing a print image representing encoding by printing dots at grid point positions in a predetermined positional relationship A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing means uses only a dot printing mechanism having a printing position shift among the plurality of dot printing mechanisms in the high-definition printing mode. A printing apparatus comprising: a dot specifying control unit for printing the print image. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said printing means prints a plurality of said dots to be assigned to said grid point positions in said high-definition printing mode. A printing apparatus, comprising: an overstrike control unit for printing using a mechanism. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit performs a thinning process to reduce an ink duty in the normal printing mode, and performs a thinning process in the high definition printing mode. Is a printing apparatus which does not perform the thinning process. 6. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said printing means has a dot printing mechanism for discharging and printing a color ink, and a predetermined printing mode in said normal printing mode. A printing device that performs cleaning of the dot printing mechanism at intervals of not including the cleaning in the high-definition printing mode. 7. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print data required to be printed in a high-definition print mode is designated as a separate file, and said high-definition option discriminating means is provided. A printing apparatus for determining that a high definition option is specified for print data specified by another file. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print data required to be printed in a high-definition print mode is designated by flag information, and said high-definition option discriminating means is provided. A printing apparatus for determining that a high-definition option is designated based on the flag information. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data required to be printed in the high-definition print mode is a specific color, and the high-definition option discriminating means includes: A printing apparatus characterized in that it is determined that a high-definition option is specified when the print data has the same specific color. 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said print mode switching means comprises:
A printing apparatus characterized in that a print image based on the print data is divided into predetermined blocks in a paper feed direction and a print mode is switched. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said print mode switching means comprises:
The print data for which the high-definition option is specified is cut out, and the printing in the normal printing mode and the printing in the high-definition printing mode are separated into separate pages. The printing in the normal printing mode and the printing in the high-definition printing mode on one recording medium Wherein the printing is performed individually. 12. A printing apparatus in which print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image is inputted, and a plurality of dot printing mechanisms attach dot-like recording materials on a recording medium to reproduce the print image. A print control device that outputs the same print data, a normal print mode in which printing is performed while changing the print image in accordance with the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and a high-definition print mode in which printing is performed without changing the print image. Can be switched, and it is determined whether the high-definition option is specified because the print data is required to be printed in the high-definition printing mode, and it is determined that the high-definition option is specified. A print control device for outputting the print data so that the print data is printed in a high-definition print mode when the printing is performed. 13. A dot printing mechanism for inputting print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image and applying a dot recording material on a recording medium by a plurality of dot printing mechanisms to reproduce the print image. It has a normal print mode that prints while changing the print image according to the nature of the print, and a high-definition print mode that prints without changing the print image, and the print data needs to be printed in the high-definition print mode. Determining whether the high-definition option is specified because the high-definition option is specified, and printing the print image in the high-definition printing mode when it is determined that the high-definition option is specified. Printing method. 14. A printing apparatus in which print data corresponding to a dot matrix print image is input, and a plurality of dot printing mechanisms attach dot-like recording materials on a recording medium to reproduce the print image. A medium in which a print control program that outputs the same print data is recorded, and a normal print mode in which printing is performed while changing the print image in accordance with the properties of the dot printing mechanism, and a high-definition print in which the print image is not changed It is possible to switch between the print mode and the print data, and it is determined whether or not the high-definition option is specified because the print data is required to be printed in the high-definition print mode. A print control program for outputting the print data so as to print in a high-definition print mode when it is determined that Medium on which is recorded.