WO2000012311A1 - Imprimante et unite de tete d'impression - Google Patents
Imprimante et unite de tete d'impression Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000012311A1 WO2000012311A1 PCT/JP1999/004689 JP9904689W WO0012311A1 WO 2000012311 A1 WO2000012311 A1 WO 2000012311A1 JP 9904689 W JP9904689 W JP 9904689W WO 0012311 A1 WO0012311 A1 WO 0012311A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- printing
- recording
- print head
- dot
- mode
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
- B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/17—Readable information on the head
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing head unit therefor.
- Ordinary printers are equipped with a print header for executing printing.
- Various print processing parameters (for example, head drive voltage) are preferably adjusted according to the characteristics of the print head unit so that a clean print can be obtained.
- the present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and has as its object to provide a technology capable of performing fine printing according to the characteristics of each printing device. Disclosure of the invention
- a print head unit includes a head determined in advance according to characteristics of the print head unit that fluctuates according to a manufacturing history of the print head unit.
- the card identification information is provided in a readable manner.
- the printing device executes a printing process according to a printing process parameter determined according to the head identification information.
- the “print headunit” means a unit that is integrally attached to and detached from a printing apparatus.
- the print head unit is provided so as to be readable.
- Appropriate print processing parameters can be determined according to the head identification information, and the print processing is executed according to the print processing parameters determined in this manner. Therefore, it is possible to perform clean printing according to the characteristics of the printing headunit used in each printing apparatus.
- the head identification information may be stored in a nonvolatile memory provided in the print head unit. This makes it possible to easily set the print processing parameters by reading the head identification information from the nonvolatile memory.
- the usage history of the print head may be written in the nonvolatile memory. This makes it possible to determine the life of the print head unit from the usage history.
- the head identification information may be displayed on a surface of the print head unit.
- the printing apparatus stores a plurality of dot recording modes having substantially the same printing speed as a dot recording mode that defines a scanning method when printing is performed by recording dots at the same recording resolution.
- a mode memory may be provided, and the head identification information may include recording mode information for designating a preferred dot recording mode from among the plurality of dot recording modes.
- the head identification information may be provided so as to be readable for each print headunit. In this way, it is possible to set preferable print processing parameters according to the characteristics of the individual print head units.
- the plurality of dot recording modes are classified into a plurality of recording mode groups having different recording speeds with respect to at least one recording resolution.
- the plurality of recording mode groups for at least one recording resolution may include more dot recording modes as the recording speed is lower.
- a preferred dot recording mode capable of achieving high image quality is selected from a plurality of dot recording modes stored in the recording mode storage unit.
- Mode specification information indicating the recording mode can be set in the mode specification information setting section. Therefore, a preferable dot recording method suitable for each printing apparatus can be adopted.
- mode designation data for designating one dot recording mode may be set in the mode designation information setting section for each recording mode group having a different combination of recording resolution and recording speed.
- the preferred dot recording mode can be independently specified for each of the plurality of recording mode groups, so that high image quality can be easily achieved for each recording mode group.
- the present invention can be realized in various forms such as a printing device, a printing method, a print head unit, and the like.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer 20 of the embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit 40 in the printer 20.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the print head unit 60,
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration for ink ejection in each print head
- FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which ink particles I p are ejected by expansion of a piezo element PE
- FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between a plurality of rows of nozzles in the print head 28 and a plurality of factories and circuits.
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between a plurality of rows of nozzles in the print head 28 and a plurality of factories and circuits.
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the head identification information displayed on the head ID sticker 100.
- FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a drive signal waveform for fixed-quantity dot printing
- FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fixed amount dot.
- FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a drive signal waveform for printing a variable amount dot
- FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of a variable amount dot.
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters that specify the dot recording method
- FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing scanning parameters in four dot recording systems having substantially equal recording speeds.
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for assembling the print head unit 60 to the printer 20.
- FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a print head 28 a provided in the print head unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a print head unit and a control circuit in a printer including a plurality of print head units,
- FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a structure for performing drive control according to the dot recording mode in the third embodiment.
- FIG. 20 shows four dots having substantially the same recording speed used in the third embodiment.
- Explanatory diagram showing scanning parameters in the recording method
- FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the recording mode table and the mode ID memory in the third embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image processing system as an embodiment of the present invention.
- This color image processing system includes a scanner 320, a personal computer 300, and a color printer 20.
- the personal convenience store 300 has a color display 330.
- the scanner 320 reads color image data from a color original and supplies the original color image data 0 RG including three color components of R, G, and B to the computer 300.
- the computer 300 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like (not shown), and an application program 300 operates under a predetermined operating system.
- the operating system incorporates a video driver 301 and a printer driver 306, and the final color image data FNL is output from the application program 305 via these drivers.
- the application program 305 which retouches the image, reads the image from the scanner, performs predetermined processing on the image, and displays the image on the CRT display 330 via the video driver 301. I have.
- the printer driver 306 of the computer 300 receives the image information from the application program 305 and sends a signal that the printer 20 can print (here Converts it into a binary signal for each color of CMYK).
- the application program 305 is handled inside the printer driver 306.
- Rasterizer 307 which converts the color image data into dot-based image data, and performs color correction on the dot-based image data according to the ink colors CMY used by the printer 20 and the characteristics of the color development.
- the color correction module 308, the color correction table CT referred to by the color correction module 308, and the image information after color correction expresses the density in a certain area by the presence or absence of ink in units of dots.
- a half I-one module 309 for generating the so-called half I-one image information, and a mode specification information writing module 3 for writing the mode specification information described later to the memory in the color printer 20. 0 is provided.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer 20.
- the printer 20 includes a mechanism for transporting the paper P by a paper feed motor 22, a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 in the axial direction of the platen 26 by a carriage motor 24, and a mechanism for moving the carriage 30.
- a mechanism that drives the installed print head unit 60 also called “print head assembly” to control ink ejection and dot formation, and a paper feed motor 22 and a carriage motor 2 4 ′
- a print head unit 60 and a control circuit 40 for controlling the signal exchange with the operation panel 32 are provided.
- the control circuit 40 is connected to a computer 88 via a connector 56.
- the mechanism for transporting the paper P includes a gear train that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 22 to a platen 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown) (not shown).
- the mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 30 is an endless mechanism between a carriage shaft 24 and a slide shaft 34 erected in parallel with the axis of the platen 26 and slidably holding the carriage 30. And a position detection sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 30.
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the printer 20 with the control circuit 40 at the center.
- the control circuit 40 is configured as an arithmetic and logic circuit including a CPU 41, a programmable ROM (PROM) 43, a RAM 44, and a character generator (CG) 45 storing a dot matrix of characters. Have been.
- This control circuit 40 Further, an IZF dedicated circuit 50 dedicated to interfacing with an external motor, etc., and a head drive circuit 52 connected to the IZF dedicated circuit 50 and driving the printing head 60, also include a paper feed.
- a motor drive circuit 54 for driving the motor 22 and the carriage motor 24 is provided.
- the IZF dedicated circuit 50 has a built-in parallel interface circuit and can receive the print signal PS supplied from the computer 88 via the connector 56.
- the printing head unit 60 has a substantially abbreviated shape, and can be loaded with a black ink cartridge and a color ink cartridge (not shown). Board 31 is provided.
- a head ID sticker 100 indicating head identification information assigned in advance according to the characteristics of the print head unit 60 is attached to the upper end surface of the print head unit 60.
- the content of the head identification information displayed on the head ID sticker 100 will be described later.
- an introduction pipe 71 to 76 for guiding ink from an ink container to the printing head 28 (described later) is provided upright.
- the inlet pipes 71 to 76 are inserted into the connection holes provided in each cartridge. .
- a mechanism for discharging the ink will be briefly described.
- the ink in the ink cartridge is sucked out through the inlet pipes 71 to 76, as shown in FIG. Then, it is guided to a print head 28 provided at the lower part of the print head unit 60.
- the print head 28 has a plurality of nozzles n provided in a row for each color, a piezo element PE provided for each nozzle n, and a drive signal given from a head drive circuit 52 (FIG. 3).
- Circuit 90 for operating the piezo element PE ing.
- the head drive circuit 52 generates a common drive signal that is applied commonly to all nozzles, and supplies the same to the print head 28.
- the function circuit 90 latches data indicating ON (discharges ink) or OFF (does not discharge ink) for each nozzle.
- the common drive signal provided from the head drive circuit 52 is transmitted to the piezo element PE only for the nozzles.
- the piezo element PE is an element that transforms the electro-mechanical energy at an extremely high speed by distorting the crystal structure by applying a voltage.
- the whole including the piezo element PE and the actuator circuit 90 is referred to as “actuator element J”.
- FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the structures of the piezo element PE and the nozzle n in detail.
- the piezo element PE is installed at a position in contact with the ink passage 80 that guides ink to the nozzle n.
- the piezo element PE by applying a voltage having a predetermined time width between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element PE, the piezo element PE rapidly expands as shown in FIG. Deform one side wall of 80.
- the volume of the ink passage 80 contracts in accordance with the expansion of the piezo element PE, and the ink corresponding to the contraction is discharged as particles Ip at a high speed from the tip of the nozzle n.
- the ink particles Ip penetrate into the paper P mounted on the platen 26, printing is performed.
- FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the correspondence between a plurality of rows of nozzles in the print head 28 and a plurality of sets of factories.
- the printer 20 is a four-color printer that performs printing using four color inks of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow ( ⁇ ⁇ ). However, in order to speed up black and white printing, there are three nozzle rows for black ink. The nozzles of the other three color inks are in one row.
- the actuator circuit 90 includes a first actuator circuit 91 for ejecting ink from two nozzle arrays for black ink, one remaining nozzle array for black ink, and a nozzle array for cyan ink.
- a second factory circuit 92 and a third factory circuit 93 for ejecting ink from a magenta ink nozzle row and a yellow ink nozzle row are provided.
- black-and-white printing printing is performed using two black ink nozzle arrays using only the first factorial circuit 91.
- the second and third factorial circuits 92 and 93 are used to execute printing using four nozzle arrays for four color inks of KCMY.
- print head unit 60 the entire configuration of FIG. 4 including the print head 28 and the mounting portion of the ink cartridge is called “print head unit 60” because the print head unit 60 is This is because it is attached to and detached from the printer 20 as one component. That is, when the print head 28 is to be replaced, the print head 60 is replaced.
- the PROM 43 (FIG. 3) in the control circuit 40 of the printer 20 stores dot recording mode information including a plurality of dot recording mode parameters.
- dot recording mode means a dot recording method defined by the number N of nozzles actually used in each nozzle row, the sub-scan feed amount L, and the like.
- recording method “printing method”, and “recording mode” are used with almost the same meaning. Specific examples of the dot recording mode and their parameters will be described later.
- PROM 43 further stores mode designation information for designating a preferred mode from among a plurality of dot recording modes.
- the dot recording modes are classified into a plurality of recording mode groups according to the combination of the recording resolution and the recording speed, and each recording mode group includes at least one dot recording mode. . Then, for each recording mode group, a mode capable of recording the highest quality image is selected as a preferable dot recording mode.
- the image quality of the image recorded in each dot recording mode depends on the arrangement characteristics of the nozzle array in the print head 28 (the actual positions of the individual nozzles). For example, in the nozzle array, they are farther apart from each other than There may be two nozzles that are offset (or approaching). When these two nozzles record two adjacent rasters, a streak-like image degradation part called "banding" occurs between these two rasters. On the other hand, the array of nozzle numbers for recording adjacent rasters is in dot recording mode.
- the preferred dot recording mode depends on the characteristics (actual positions of the individual nozzles) of the print head 28 mounted on the printer. As described above, since the dot recording mode designated by the mode designation information is determined according to the characteristics of the print head 28, the mode designation information can be considered as an identifier indicating the type of the print head 28. Therefore, in this specification, the mode designation information
- head ID Also called “head ID” or “mode ID”.
- the dot recording mode information is stored in the printer driver 3 when the computer 300 starts up.
- ROM 43 Read from ROM 43.
- the processing in the rasterizer 307 and the half-in-one module 309, and the main scanning and sub-scanning operations are executed according to the dot recording mode information.
- the PROM 43 may be a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and various nonvolatile memories such as an EEPROM and a flash memory can be used.
- the mode designation information is preferably stored in a rewritable nonvolatile memory, but the dot recording mode information may be stored in a non-rewritable ROM.
- the plurality of dot recording mode information may be stored in other storage means instead of the PROM 43, or may be registered in the printer driver 310.
- a preferable dot recording method is set using a head ID sticker 100 (FIG. 4) previously attached to the print head unit 60.
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the head identification information displayed on the head ID seal 100.
- a bar code 102 and an ID symbol 104 are printed on the head ID seal 100.
- As the ID symbol 104 eight types of symbols “S 2 QY L J 1 N” are set. Barcode 102 represents the same as these eight ID symbols.
- the eight types of ID symbols are, in order from the upper left, the first drive voltage information VH1, the first rank information AR, the second drive voltage information VH2, the third drive voltage information VH3, and the first ink ejection amount information.
- I W1, second ink ejection amount information I W2, and checksum information CID are shown, respectively.
- Checksum information ID is information used to check whether the other seven information is correct.
- the three pieces of drive voltage information VH1, VH2, VH3, and the rank information A R are related to the waveform of the common drive signal generated by the head drive circuit 52.
- the printer 20 according to the present embodiment includes quantitative dot printing in which printing is performed using dots of a fixed size, and variable-quantity dot printing in which printing is performed using dots of three different sizes. Can be performed.
- the waveform of the common drive signal used in fixed-quantity dot printing is different from the waveform of the common drive signal used in variable-quantity dot printing. Therefore, in the following, first, before describing the contents of the drive voltage information V HI, VH 2, VH 3 and the actual rank information AR, the waveform of the common drive signal will be described.
- FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a waveform of a common drive signal for printing fixed quantity dots.
- FIG. 11 shows an example of a fixed quantity dot recorded using the common drive signal.
- the grid in FIG. 11 indicates the boundaries of the pixel areas, and one rectangular area divided by the grid corresponds to an area for one pixel. Note that in FIG. 11, the quantitative dots are in the main scanning direction. In this example, the image is recorded every other pixel.
- FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a common drive signal waveform for variable dot printing
- FIG. 13 shows an example of a variable dot printed using the common drive signal.
- the common drive signal for variable-amount dot printing has one pixel section divided into a small dot section and a medium dot section. In the small dot section, a small dot pulse W1 is generated, and in the middle dot section, a medium dot pulse W2 is generated.
- a small dot pulse W1 is generated
- a medium dot pulse W2 is generated.
- the drive voltage V1 of the common drive signal waveform for quantitative dot shown in FIG. 10 is determined by the first drive voltage information V HI shown in FIG. 9A. Further, the drive voltages V2 and V3 of the common drive signal waveform for the variable dot shown in FIG. 12 are determined by the second and third drive voltage information VH2 and VH3, respectively.
- FIG. 9B shows the relationship between the symbols of the drive voltage information VH1 to VH3 and the voltage values. In the example of FIG. 9A, the symbol “S” is assigned as the first drive voltage information VH1, so that the drive voltage V1 shown in FIG. 10 is set to 24 volts. Will be described later).
- the width 1 of the high voltage level of the waveforms shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 and the width L2 of the 0 level of the waveform shown in FIG. 12 are determined in accordance with the AR information.
- FIG. 9 (c) shows that the rank of the actuator (the actuator 90 and the piezo element) is determined by the actuator rank information AR.
- the rank of the actuator is preset by examining the actual characteristics of the actuator (circuit 90 and piezo element). A detailed description of the relationship between the actual rank and the waveform widths L1 and L2 is omitted.
- the ink ejection amount information IWl and IW2 shown in FIG. 9 (d) are two of the three actuator circuits 91 to 93 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for color printing.
- the weight ratio (the ratio of the average value to 100%) of the ink amount (for fixed-quantity dots) ejected by the evening circuits 92 and 93.
- the amount of ink ejected by each actuator slightly fluctuates due to the influence of the production of each actuator.
- the ejection amount of each ink can be accurately controlled. Therefore, in the present embodiment, information on the amount of ink ejected by each color printing factory is supplied to a printer driver (not shown) of the computer 88, and image processing in the printer driver is performed. However, the variation of the ink ejection amount due to each factor is reflected.
- the dot recording density (the number of dots recorded in a certain area) is increased, and conversely, for an ink with a relatively large amount of ejection from the nozzle.
- the dot recording density is reduced.
- the ink ejection amount information may be set for all the functions provided in the print head 60.
- the recording mode information RM shown in FIG. 9E is information for specifying a preferable recording mode suitable for the print head unit 60.
- dot recording mode information including a plurality of dot recording mode parameters is stored in advance.
- FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters that define the dot recording method. Fig. 14
- (A) shows an example of sub-scan feed when four nozzles are used.
- FIG. 14 (A) shows the parameters of the dot recording method.
- solid circles including numbers indicate the positions in the sub-scanning direction of the four nozzles after each sub-scan feed.
- the numbers 0 to 3 in the circles indicate the nozzle numbers.
- the positions of the four nozzles are sent in the sub-scanning direction each time one main scan is completed.
- paper is moved by the paper feed motor 22 (Fig. 2). Therefore, it is realized.
- the sub-scan feed amount L is a fixed value of 2 dots. Therefore, each time the sub-scan feed is performed, the positions of the four nozzles are shifted by 2 dots in the sub-scan direction.
- FIG. 14 (B) shows various parameters relating to this dot recording method.
- the parameters of the dot recording method include the nozzle pitch k [dot], the number of nozzles used N [number], the number of scan repetitions s, the effective number of nozzles N eff [number], and the sub-scan feed amount L [dot]. It is included.
- the nozzle pitch k is 3 dots
- the number N of used nozzles is 4.
- the number of used nozzles N is the number of nozzles actually used among a plurality of mounted nozzles.
- the number of scan repetitions s means that dots are formed intermittently every (s-1) dots in one main scan. Therefore, the number of scan repetitions, s, is also equal to the number of nozzles used to record all dots on each raster. In the case of FIG. 14, the number of scan repetitions s is 2. Note that a dot recording method in which the number of scan repetitions s is 2 or more is called an “overlap method”.
- the number of effective nozzles N e f f is a value obtained by dividing the number of used nozzles N by the number of scan repetitions s. This effective number of nozzles N eff can be considered to indicate the net number of rasters that can be recorded in one main scan.
- the table of FIG. 14 (B) shows, for each sub-scan feed, the sub-scan feed amount L, the total value thereof, and the nozzle offset F after each sub-scan feed.
- the offset F is defined as the sub-scan feed when the periodic position of the first nozzle where no sub-scan feed is performed (the position every 4 dots in Fig. 14) is assumed to be the offset 0 reference position.
- This value indicates how many dots the subsequent nozzle position is apart from the reference position in the sub-scanning direction.
- the nozzle position moves by the sub-scan feed amount L (2 dots) in the sub-scan direction by the first sub-scan feed.
- the nozzle pitch k is 3 dots.
- the nozzle capacity after the first sub-scan feed The offset F is 2 (see Fig. 14 (A)).
- FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing scanning parameters in four dot recording methods having substantially the same recording speed.
- the scanning parameters for the first dot recording method shown in Fig. 15 (A) are as follows: nozzle pitch k is 6 dots, number of used nozzles N is 48, number of scan repetitions s is 2, and effective nozzle number Neff is 24 Individual. Six different values (20, 27, 22, 28, 21 and 26) are used for the sub-scan feed amount L [dot].
- the scanning parameters of the second dot recording method shown in FIG. 15 (B) are the same as those of the first dot recording method except for the sub-scan feed amount.
- the scanning parameters for the third dot recording method shown in Fig. 15 (C) are as follows: nozzle pitch k is 6 dots, number of nozzles used N is 47, number of scan repetitions s is 2, effective nozzle number Neff is 23.5 It is. Also, two different values (2 1, 26) are used for the sub-scan feed amount L [dot].
- the scanning parameters of the fourth dot recording method shown in FIG. 15D are the same as those of the third dot recording method except for the sub-scan feed amount L.
- the first and second dot recording methods use 48 nozzles N, and the third and fourth dot recording methods use 47 nozzles N, so these two pairs of recording methods are used.
- Nozzle number N is different. However, since the difference in the number N of used nozzles is about 10% or less, the recording speeds are almost equal.
- the parameters of the plurality of dot recording methods having the same recording resolution and almost the same recording speed are used as the plurality of dot recording mode information to be selected, as the PROM 43 (FIG. 3) It is possible to register in advance
- the recording mode information RM specifies the dot recording mode used in the high-quality printing mode and the dot recording mode used in the high-speed printing mode.
- the “high-quality print mode” is a print mode in which relatively high speed and higher image quality can be obtained.
- the “high-speed print mode” is a mode that can print at a higher speed with low image quality.
- a plurality of dot recording modes with the same recording resolution and printing speeds substantially equal to each other are prepared in advance as high-quality printing modes, and even in the high-speed printing mode, printing speeds are almost the same at the same recording resolution.
- a plurality of equivalent dot recording modes are prepared in advance.
- "J that the printing speeds are substantially equal to each other” means that the difference in the printing speeds is about 10%.
- the image quality of the image recorded in each dot recording mode depends on the nozzle array arrangement in the print head unit 60. Depends on characteristics (actual position of individual nozzles). For example, even when the four dot recording modes shown in Fig. 15 can be used as high quality printing modes, one of the dot recording modes can achieve higher image quality than the other dot recording modes. May be possible. Therefore, if a preferable dot recording mode for obtaining higher image quality is determined in accordance with the arrangement characteristics of the nozzle array, and the recording mode information RM is displayed on the printing head unit 60, this printer 20 Using the preferred dot recording mode, it is possible to perform clean printing.
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for assembling the print head unit 60 to the printer 20.
- the head identification information is input in step S2.
- the head ID sticker 100 is attached to the print head 60, there are several methods for inputting the head identification information as follows.
- the first method is to use a keyboard (not shown) on the computer This is a method of inputting the head identification information by the operator.
- the mode designation information writing unit 310 (FIG. 1) stores the head identification information in the PROM 43.
- the second method is to read the barcode # 02 with a barcode reader.
- the printer 20 is provided with a barcode reader 110 for optically reading the head ID sticker 100.
- the bar code 102 on the head ID sticker 100 can be automatically read by the bar code reader ⁇ 10. is there. It is not necessary to provide the barcode reader 110 in the printer 20, and a barcode reader prepared separately from the printer 20 may be used. It should be noted that instead of barcodes, other types of physically readable (ie, optically, magnetically, or electrically) machine-readable codes can be used.
- the head identification information thus input is stored in the PROM 43 in the printer 20. Further, the ink ejection amount information I W1 to I W2 and the recording mode information RM are also registered in the printer driver 306 (FIG. 1) in the computer 300.
- the PROM 43 is provided in the printer 20 irrespective of whether the print head 60 is attached or detached. That is, the PROM 43 is provided on a circuit board in the printer 20 and remains in the printer 20 even when the printing head 60 is replaced. Therefore, when the print head unit 60 is replaced, the head identification information registered in the PROM 43 is rewritten to the new print head unit 60 after replacement.
- step S3 the ink cartridge is mounted on the print head 60, and the print head 28 is filled with ink.
- step S4 ink is ejected from each nozzle array to print a predetermined test pattern. I do.
- This printing reflects the head characteristics of the attached print head unit 60.
- the drive signal waveforms (FIGS. 10 and 12) generated by the head drive circuit 52 correspond to the drive voltage information.
- Information VH 1 to VH 3 Work overnight information Adjusted according to AR.
- the dot recording density of each ink is determined by the printer driver according to the ink ejection amount information IW to IW2 so that the gradation of the image data can be correctly reproduced.
- the dot recording mode actually used is determined by the recording mode information RM, and image processing in the printer driver and main processing in the printer 20 are performed so that printing is performed in accordance with the determined dot recording mode. Scanning and sub-scanning operations are controlled.
- the drive signal waveform parameters (V 1 to V 3, L 1 to 2), the ink ejection amount of each ink, and the preferred dot recording mode are parameters that affect the printing result and are called “print processing parameters”.
- the control circuit 40 and the printer driver 306 in the computer 300 function as a control unit that executes print processing according to print processing parameters corresponding to the head identification information. Yes.
- the function of such a control unit may be shared between the control circuit in the printer 20 and the computer 300 connected to the printer 20. Further, depending on the type of the print processing parameters to be set, it is possible to execute such a function of the control unit only in the printer 20 or only in the computer 300.
- step S5 the operator inspects the inspection pattern. If the inspection pattern does not satisfy the predetermined criterion, head cleaning is performed and steps S3 and S4 are performed again. If the inspection does not pass even after performing the predetermined number of cleanings, the print head unit 60 is replaced in step S7, and the processing in steps S2 to S5 is performed again. At this time, the head ID sticker 100 (Fig. 4) is also attached to the new print head unit 60 that has been replaced, so that print processing parameters suitable for the print head unit can be easily set. It is possible. If the inspection passes, the print head 28 is filled with the delivery liquid for the delivery of the printer 20, and the assembly of the printing unit 60 is completed.
- head identification information is assigned to the print head unit 60 in accordance with the characteristics of the print head unit 60 that fluctuates depending on the manufacturing history, and the head identification information is displayed in a readable manner. ing. Therefore, the print processing parameters (drive signal waveform, dot recording mode, etc.) of each printer can be easily set according to the head characteristics of the print head unit 60 attached to each printer.
- dot recording mode information including a plurality of dot recording mode parameters is stored in the PROM 43 on the circuit board of the printer 20, and the recording mode information RM is displayed on the print head 60. As a result, it is possible to easily set a preferable dot recording mode according to the characteristics of the printing head unit 60.
- FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the print head 28a provided in the print head unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the print head 28a has a programmable ROM (PROM) 200, in which the head identification information shown in FIG. 9 is stored. Since the PROM 200 is installed in the print head unit, if the print head unit is replaced, the PROM 200 will be replaced at the same time, and the head identification information stored in the PROM 200 will be replaced. It is read and used by the control circuit 40 (FIG. 4) in the printer 20 and the printer driver 309 of the computer 300.
- PROM programmable ROM
- Figure 18 shows the relationship between multiple printhead units and control circuits.
- 1 shows an example of a person in charge.
- the first print head unit 60a for black-and-white printing and the second print head unit 60b for color printing are independently detachably provided.
- the two print head units 600a and 600b are provided with PROMs 200a and 200b, respectively, for storing print head identification information.
- the control circuit 40a is provided with head drive circuits 52a and 52b for supplying drive signals to the two print head units 60a and 60b, respectively.
- a head ID sticker as shown in FIG. 9 may be attached to each print head unit.
- Clean printing can be performed according to the characteristics of the print head unit.
- a drive signal common to a plurality of printheads may be supplied from one drive circuit.
- the print processing parameters preferable dot recording mode and dot recording density according to the ink ejection amount
- the print processing parameters which do not affect the drive signal waveform are determined by the characteristics of each print head unit. Can be determined according to However, if a plurality of head drive circuits corresponding to a plurality of print head units are provided as shown in the example of FIG. 18, a drive signal having a preferable waveform corresponding to the characteristics of each print head unit is supplied. There is an advantage that can be.
- a PROM 200 is provided for each print head unit, use the control circuit 40 (Fig. 3) to write the usage history of each print head unit to the PROM 200. It is also possible. For example, the number of times of ink ejection from the print head unit may be counted by a counter (not shown) in the control circuit 40, and the count value may be stored in the PROM 200 in the print head unit. In this way, even if the print head unit is removed during use, It is possible to read out from the OM 200, and it is possible to determine the life of the printhead.
- Various usage histories such as the number of ink ejections for each factory and the number of ink ejections for each ink can be used.
- FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a configuration for performing drive control according to the dot recording mode in the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the functional block diagram includes a mode ID memory 202, a recording mode setting unit 204, a recording mode table 206, a driving unit control unit 208, and a main scanning driving unit 210.
- the figure also shows a sub-scanning drive unit 212, a print head drive unit 214, a raster data storage unit 216, a print head 28, and a print sheet P.
- the recording mode table 206 stores a plurality of dot recording mode information.
- the recording mode table 206 includes, among various parameters included in each dot recording mode information, a recording resolution, a mode group, a mode ID, the number of used nozzles N, and a sub-scan amount. It is shown.
- each dot recording mode information includes various parameters for defining main scanning and sub-scanning operations, but these are not shown in FIG.
- the plurality of dot recording modes stored in the recording mode table 206 are classified into four mode groups M1 to M4 according to the combination of the recording resolution and the recording speed.
- the first mode group, M1 is the fast J group at ⁇ 360 dpi.
- the second mode group M 2 is a group that cannot perform 360 dpi (and is slow)
- the third mode group M 3 is fast at 720 dpi
- a fourth mode group M 4 is the “720 dp ⁇ clean (and slow)” group.
- the mode ID memory 202 stores a mode ID (mode designation information) for designating a preferred dot recording mode for each mode group.
- the recording mode setting unit 204 controls the drive unit control unit 204 according to the print data supplied from the computer 300 and the mode ID (mode designation information) supplied from the mode ID memory 202. 8 and the raster data storage unit 2 16 are supplied with parameters that specify the main scanning and sub-scanning operations.
- the print data is the same as the final color image data FN in FIG.
- the header part (not shown) of the print data includes data designating one of the mode groups M1 to M4 used for printing.
- the recording mode setting unit 204 determines the dot recording mode to be used for printing from the designation of this mode group and the mode ID supplied from the mode ID memory 202.
- the printing mode setting unit 204 stores the scanning parameters including the number N of nozzles used in the dot printing mode thus determined and the sub-scan feed amount in the driving unit control unit 208 and the raster data storage unit 210. 6 and supply to. Since the number of nozzles used N and the sub-scan feed amount may be changed for each scan, scanning parameters including these are supplied to each part 208 and 216 before each scan. You.
- the raster data storage unit 216 stores print data in a buffer memory (not shown) according to scanning parameters including the number N of used nozzles and the sub-scanning amount L.
- the drive unit control unit 208 is configured to control the main scan drive unit 210, the sub scan drive unit 212, and the print head drive unit 211 according to parameters including the number N of nozzles used and the sub-scan amount L. 4 and control.
- the mode ID memory 202 and the recording mode table 206 are provided in one PROM 43 shown in FIG.
- the functions of the recording mode setting unit 204, the drive unit control unit 208, and the raster data storage unit 216 are transferred to the CPU 41 and RAM 44 in the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. This is realized by the pad drive circuit 52.
- the main scanning drive unit 210 is realized by a feed mechanism of a carriage 31 including a carriage motor 24 shown in FIG. 2, and the sub-scanning drive unit 2 12 is configured by a paper feed motor 22. This is realized by a paper feeding mechanism including the sheet.
- the print head drive section 214 is realized by a head drive circuit 52 (FIG. 3) and an actuator circuit 90 (FIG. 7).
- Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the scanning parameters in the three dot recording systems with almost the same recording speed, and is included in the fourth mode group M4 (720 dpi neat (and slow) mode group).
- the following shows examples of three dot recording methods.
- the scanning parameters of the first dot recording method shown in FIG. 20 (A) are as follows.
- the nozzle pitch k is 6 dots
- the number of used nozzles N is 48
- the number of scan repetitions s is 2
- the effective nozzle number Neff is 24.
- Six different values (20, 27, 22, 28, 21 and 26) are used for the sub-scan feed amount L [dot].
- nozzle pitch k is 6 dots
- number of used nozzles N is 47
- number of scan repetitions s is 2
- effective nozzle number Neff is 23.5. is there.
- Two different values are used for the sub-scan feed amount L [dot].
- the number N of nozzles used in the first and second dot recording methods is 48
- the number N of nozzles used in the third dot recording method is 47.
- the difference in the number N of used nozzles is about 10% or less.
- FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the recording mode table 206 and the mode ID memory 202.
- the plurality of dot recording modes stored in the recording mode table 206 are classified into four mode groups M1 to M4.
- the first and third mode groups M 1 and M 3 each include only one recording mode
- the mode group M 2 of the four includes two recording modes
- the fourth mode group M 4 includes the three recording modes.
- a plurality of print modes in the same mode group have substantially the same print speed (ie, the effective number of nozzles NZs).
- the effective nozzle numbers Nd1 / s, Nd2 / s, and Nd3Zs of the three printing modes of the fourth mode group M4 are substantially equal to each other.
- the "clean" mode groups M2 and M4 are configured with an overlap type dot recording mode in which the number of scan repetitions s is 2, for example.
- the “fast j mode groups M 1 and M 3 for example, are configured in a dot recording mode in which the number of scan repetitions s is 1.
- the number of scan repetitions s can be a decimal value.
- Dot recording modes where the number s is greater than 1 and less than 2 are called "partial overlap".
- the dot recording mode for the “fast” mode groups M 1 and M 3 it is also possible to adopt a partially overlapping dot recording mode.
- the partial overlap method of 1) is used.
- the sub-scan feed amount can be configured by a combination of a plurality of different values.
- One mode group is composed of dot recording modes having the same recording resolution and printing speeds substantially equal to each other, but the image quality recorded in each dot recording mode depends on the nozzle array in the print head 28. Depends on the array characteristics (actual position of individual nozzles). For example, one dot recording mode among the three dot recording modes of the fourth mode group M4 shown in FIG. 20 can achieve higher image quality than the other two dot recording modes. There are cases. Therefore, for each mode group, a preferable dot recording mode that can obtain higher image quality is determined in accordance with the arrangement characteristics of the nozzle array, and the mode ID is registered in the mode ID memory 202. If this is the case, it is possible to perform better printing by using the preferable dot recording mode for the printer 20.
- the “fast” mode groups M 1 and M 3 are each configured with one recording mode, but each may include a plurality of recording modes. .
- the mode ID memory 202 stores four mode IDs for designating preferred recording modes in the four mode groups M1 to M4. That is, a preferable dot recording mode can be independently set for each of the four mode groups M1 to M4. Therefore, it is possible to easily set a preferable dot recording mode for each mode group (that is, for each combination of recording resolution and recording speed) in each printer. This effect is particularly remarkable when all the mode groups each include a plurality of recording modes.
- more dot recording modes were prepared as the recording speed was lower. However, the slower the recording speed, the more dot recording modes should be prepared for at least one recording resolution, and the same number of dots for multiple mode groups with other recording resolutions. A recording mode may be prepared.
- the PROM 43 (FIG. 2) in the control circuit 40 of the printer 20 and the PROM 200 (FIG. 16) provided in the print head unit include various nonvolatile memories other than the so-called programmable ROM. It is possible to use
- the head identification information shown in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and various types of head identification information determined in advance according to the characteristics of the print head unit that fluctuates according to the manufacturing history of the print head unit are printed. It can be assigned to the head unit.
- the information included in the head identification information can be set in units of various objects as described below.
- the head identification information may include information for determining a plurality of sets of print processing parameters for the factories. it can. Further, the head identification information may include information for determining a plurality of sets of print processing parameters for the plurality of sets of nozzle arrays. Further, the head identification information can include information for determining a plurality of sets of print processing parameters for a plurality of sets of nozzle arrays. By including such information in units of various objects, appropriate print processing parameters can be set for each object, and high-quality printing can be realized. It is.
- the dot recording method for one color has been described. However, by applying the dot recording method for each color, color printing using a plurality of color inks can be realized.
- the present invention is applicable not only to color printing but also to monochrome printing.
- the present invention can be applied to printing in which a plurality of dots are expressed by expressing one pixel with a plurality of dots. It can also be applied to drum scan printers. In a drum scan printer, the drum rotation direction is the main scanning direction, and the carriage traveling direction is the sub-scanning direction.
- the present invention can be applied not only to an ink jet printer but also to a dot recording apparatus that generally performs recording on the surface of a print medium using a recording head having a plurality of dot forming element arrays.
- dot forming element J means a component for forming a dot, such as an ink nozzle in an ink jet printer.
- a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. It may be.
- the function of the control circuit 40 (FIG. 2) of the color printer 22 may be executed by the combination 300.
- the computer program such as the printer driver 306 realizes the same function as the control in the control circuit 40.
- a computer program that realizes such a function is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM.
- the computer system 300 reads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers it to an internal storage device or an external storage device. Alternatively, the computer program may be supplied to the computer system 300 from the program supply device via a communication path.
- the computer program stored in the internal storage device is executed by the microprocessor of the computer system 90. Further, the computer system 300 may directly execute the computer program recorded on the recording medium.
- the computer system 300 is a concept including a hardware device and an operation system, and means a hardware device that operates under the control of the operation system.
- the computer program causes such a computer system 300 to realize the functions of the respective units described above. Some of the functions described above may be realized by an operation system instead of an application program.
- the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but may be an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs. It also includes external storage devices such as hard disks that are fixed to the convenience store.
- the present invention is applicable to various printing apparatuses that perform printing using a print head, such as an inkjet printer, an inkjet facsimile apparatus, and an inkjet copier.
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99940566A EP1027986B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-08-30 | Printer and print head unit |
AT99940566T ATE475537T1 (de) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-08-30 | Druckvorrichtung und druckkopfeinheit |
DE69942631T DE69942631D1 (de) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-08-30 | Druckvorrichtung und druckkopfeinheit |
US09/539,325 US7123367B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-03-30 | Printing apparatus |
US09/562,471 US6478399B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-05-01 | Printer and print head unit for same |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP26083898 | 1998-08-31 | ||
JP26083798A JP3371330B2 (ja) | 1998-08-31 | 1998-08-31 | プリンタ及びそのための印刷ヘッドユニット |
JP10/260837 | 1998-08-31 | ||
JP10/260838 | 1998-08-31 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/539,325 Continuation-In-Part US7123367B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-03-30 | Printing apparatus |
US09/562,471 Continuation US6478399B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2000-05-01 | Printer and print head unit for same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000012311A1 true WO2000012311A1 (fr) | 2000-03-09 |
Family
ID=26544772
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP1999/004689 WO2000012311A1 (fr) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-08-30 | Imprimante et unite de tete d'impression |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US6478399B1 (ja) |
EP (2) | EP2230084A3 (ja) |
AT (1) | ATE475537T1 (ja) |
DE (1) | DE69942631D1 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2000012311A1 (ja) |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10036345B4 (de) * | 2000-07-26 | 2005-07-07 | Francotyp-Postalia Ag & Co. Kg | Anordnung und Verfahren zur Datennachführung für Aufwärmzyklen von Tintenstrahldruckköpfen |
US6616260B2 (en) | 2001-05-25 | 2003-09-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Robust bit scheme for a memory of a replaceable printer component |
US6612674B1 (en) * | 2002-06-24 | 2003-09-02 | Xerox Corporation | System for avoiding image edge deletion in a digital printing apparatus |
US7738137B2 (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2010-06-15 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Inkjet print head synchronous serial output for data integrity |
JP4235820B2 (ja) * | 2004-05-07 | 2009-03-11 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | インクジェット記録ヘッド、ヘッドユニット及びインクジェット記録ヘッドの製造方法 |
US9296214B2 (en) * | 2004-07-02 | 2016-03-29 | Zih Corp. | Thermal print head usage monitor and method for using the monitor |
US7344212B2 (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2008-03-18 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Imaging apparatus having a programmable throughput rate |
KR20060056794A (ko) * | 2004-11-22 | 2006-05-25 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Tph에 따른 인쇄조건 설정 장치 및 방법 |
US8721203B2 (en) | 2005-10-06 | 2014-05-13 | Zih Corp. | Memory system and method for consumables of a printer |
JP2012121282A (ja) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-06-28 | Seiko Epson Corp | 液体噴射装置 |
US9844934B2 (en) | 2015-06-29 | 2017-12-19 | Oce-Technologies B.V. | Liquid jetting device |
JP6743988B1 (ja) | 2019-09-27 | 2020-08-19 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | プリントヘッド駆動回路、及び液体吐出装置 |
JP6743989B1 (ja) | 2019-09-27 | 2020-08-19 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | プリントヘッド、及び液体吐出装置 |
Citations (2)
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JPH02167755A (ja) * | 1988-12-21 | 1990-06-28 | Canon Inc | 記録装置 |
US5049898A (en) * | 1989-03-20 | 1991-09-17 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printhead having memory element |
Family Cites Families (10)
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JPS56167484A (en) * | 1980-05-30 | 1981-12-23 | Canon Inc | Printer |
US5235351A (en) * | 1984-03-31 | 1993-08-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid ejection recording head including a symbol indicating information used for changing the operation of the head |
US4872027A (en) * | 1987-11-03 | 1989-10-03 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printer having identifiable interchangeable heads |
JPH05159112A (ja) * | 1991-12-04 | 1993-06-25 | Canon Inc | 記録装置 |
US5363134A (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 1994-11-08 | Hewlett-Packard Corporation | Integrated circuit printhead for an ink jet printer including an integrated identification circuit |
US5488223A (en) * | 1994-09-13 | 1996-01-30 | Intermec Corporation | System and method for automatic selection of printer control parameters |
US5699091A (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 1997-12-16 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Replaceable part with integral memory for usage, calibration and other data |
EP0812693B1 (en) * | 1995-12-25 | 2006-03-01 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Ink-jet recording apparatus for ink cartridge |
JPH09314828A (ja) * | 1996-05-30 | 1997-12-09 | Ricoh Co Ltd | インクジェット記録装置及び記録ヘッドユニット |
JP3498571B2 (ja) * | 1997-04-08 | 2004-02-16 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | ドット記録方法およびドット記録装置、並びに、そのためのプログラムを記録した記録媒体 |
-
1999
- 1999-08-30 DE DE69942631T patent/DE69942631D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-30 EP EP10167009A patent/EP2230084A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-08-30 EP EP99940566A patent/EP1027986B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-30 WO PCT/JP1999/004689 patent/WO2000012311A1/ja active Application Filing
- 1999-08-30 AT AT99940566T patent/ATE475537T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2000
- 2000-05-01 US US09/562,471 patent/US6478399B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPH02167755A (ja) * | 1988-12-21 | 1990-06-28 | Canon Inc | 記録装置 |
US5049898A (en) * | 1989-03-20 | 1991-09-17 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printhead having memory element |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69942631D1 (de) | 2010-09-09 |
ATE475537T1 (de) | 2010-08-15 |
EP1027986B1 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
EP2230084A3 (en) | 2010-10-06 |
US6478399B1 (en) | 2002-11-12 |
EP1027986A4 (en) | 2002-01-23 |
EP2230084A2 (en) | 2010-09-22 |
EP1027986A1 (en) | 2000-08-16 |
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