Recording device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To incorporate multiple detection functions into a recording device, a separate sensor is required for each detection function. As the number of detection functions increases, the cost and size of the recording device also increase. [Solution] A recording device comprising a light-receiving unit equipped with a plurality of light-receiving elements, an aperture for allowing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light from a light-emitting unit reflected by an object to pass to the light-receiving unit, and an amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit, wherein the device has a selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, and controls the selection of a light-receiving element by the selection means and the connection between the light-receiving element selected by the selection means and the amplification means to switch according to the detection mode for detecting an object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses have been equipped with sensors for detection and measurement according to various purposes in order to achieve high image quality, high precision, and improved user convenience. These sensors are used to realize various detection functions. For example, there are sensors for detecting the width of the recording paper set in the recording apparatus and the position of the edge of the recording paper, and for measuring the density of patches (patterns) and images recorded on the recording paper. Furthermore, there are sensors for detecting the thickness of the recording paper and the presence or absence of the recording paper, and sensors for discriminating the type of the recording paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to mount a plurality of detection functions as described above on a recording apparatus, it is necessary to mount a sensor for each detection function. As the number of detection functions increases, there is a problem that it leads to an increase in the cost and size of the recording apparatus. Further, when trying to realize a plurality of detection functions with one sensor, even if the sensor is optimal for a certain detection function, there is a problem that the detection accuracy decreases for other detection functions.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables multiple detection functions to be realized with fewer photodetectors by switching the photodetectors used for detection according to the detection mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a recording device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A light-receiving unit equipped with multiple light-receiving elements, An aperture for passing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light, which are reflected by an object from the light-emitting part, to the light-receiving part, A selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, Amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit, The system is characterized by having a selection means for selecting a light-receiving element and a control means for controlling the connection between the light-receiving element selected by the selection means and the amplification means, depending on the detection mode for detecting the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by switching the photodetector used for detection according to the detection mode, multiple detection functions can be realized with fewer photodetectors.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2]A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a carriage unit mounted on the carriage of an inkjet recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] A plan view (a) of the light-receiving element array according to Embodiment 1, and a side view (b) of the optical sensor (light-receiving element array), light-emitting element, and sensor unit. [Figure 4] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the sensor unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring detection results in an inkjet recording device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a table illustrating the selection of a photodetector using a selector and the connection between the IV converter and the photodetector, corresponding to the detection mode. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the connection of the light-receiving element array, selector, and differential amplifier of the sensor unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of settings in detection mode 1. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the change in the output waveform when the edge of the recording paper is detected by selecting the light-receiving elements PD40 and PD50 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the selection of a light-receiving element in the detection mode for detecting paper type. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the edge detection process of recording paper in an inkjet recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] First, the terms used in this embodiment are defined as follows in advance. · "Recording" In this specification, "recording" does not only refer to the case of forming significant information such as characters and graphics. Regardless of whether it is significant or not, and regardless of whether it is made manifest so that it can be perceived visually by humans. It also represents the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium widely, or performing processing on the medium. · "Recording medium" The recording medium not only refers to paper used in general recording devices, but also widely represents materials such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. that can receive ink. · "Ink" Ink should be interpreted widely in the same way as the above definition of "recording", and represents a medium including a recording material that can be used for forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc., processing the recording medium, or processing the ink by being applied on the recording medium. It is a liquid as a physical property. The above ink processing refers to, for example, the coagulation or insolubilization of a colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium. · "Nozzle" The nozzle represents the discharge port unless otherwise specified. Inside the nozzle, there are a liquid passage that communicates and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection. · "Scanning" In order to perform recording on a recording medium, the recording head scans on the recording medium to perform recording. Here, for the purpose of recording, or the movement of the head during acceleration and deceleration related to recording is described as scanning. · "Reciprocating recording" Reciprocating recording represents recording while reciprocating the above "recording" or "scanning" on the paper surface. Reciprocating scanning, reciprocating recording, bidirectional scanning, and bidirectional recording also represent the same thing.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 120 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] The sensor unit 117 includes a light-emitting section (light-emitting element) 105 and a light-receiving element array (sensor array) 102. The signal output from the light-receiving element array 102 is output to a differential amplifier (differential amplification section) 104 via a selector 103. The differential amplifier 104 can amplify or differentially amplify the signal from the selected light-receiving element (light-receiving sensor) in the light-receiving element array 102 according to the setting of the selector 103, and sends the amplified signal to the main controller 101. An example of the circuit of this sensor unit 117 will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0016] The main controller 101 switches the selection of photodetectors in the photodetector array 102 by the selector 103 and the connection between the selected photodetectors and the differential amplifier 104, based on the setting data 122. This configuration will be described later with reference to Figure 7. The main controller 101 also receives signals from the differential amplifier 104 through the analog input section 106 and the digital input section 107. The digital input section 107 is connected to the interrupt controller 108 inside the main controller 101 and issues interrupt signals to the CPU 112 according to predetermined interrupt conditions. The CPU 112 controls the operation of the inkjet recording device 120 according to the program stored in the memory 121. This memory 121 includes ROM and RAM. When the CPU 112 receives an interrupt signal, it processes the interrupt signal with priority over the currently running process, allowing it to respond to signals input to the digital input section 107 more immediately. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 105 is driven by a pulse-width modulated signal output from the PWM (pulse width modulation) unit 116 in the main controller 101 via the digital output unit 109, and its light emission amount is controlled by pulse width modulation.

[0017] The print head 110 is driven via the head driver 111 according to the image signal to be recorded. The print head 110 also scans the recording medium by driving the motor 115 via the motor driver 119. The scanning position of the print head 110 is detected based on the signal from the position encoder sensor 113 input to the digital input unit 114, and this scanning position is managed by the pulse counter 118 in the main controller 101.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a carriage unit 200 mounted on the carriage of an inkjet recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] The carriage unit 200, which houses the ink cartridges, includes a sensor unit 117 containing a light-receiving element array 102 having multiple light-receiving elements and a light-emitting element 105 such as an LED, as well as a print head 110, etc.

[0020] Light 202-1 emitted from the light-emitting element 105 illuminates the recording paper 201, which is the object to be inspected, through an aperture located in the sensor unit 117, and the reflected light 202-2 is received by the light-receiving element array 102 through another aperture.

[0021] The recording paper 201 is fed from the paper tray or paper cassette during printing and transported in the direction of the arrow. Then, the print head 110 is driven in synchronization with the scanning of the carriage unit 200, and an image is formed on the recording paper 201.

[0022] Figure 3(a) is a plan view of the light-receiving element array 102 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3(b) is a side view of the optical sensor (light-receiving element array) 102, the light-emitting element 105, and the sensor unit 117.

[0023] The light-receiving element array 102 contains a total of 64 light-receiving elements (photodiodes), consisting of four rows of photodiode arrays, each row containing 16 light-receiving elements 301. The photodiode array is further divided into two regions: a light-receiving region 302 and a light-receiving region 303.

[0024] The light-receiving area 302 receives only the diffusely reflected light 304-2 that is reflected from the surface of the recording paper 201 after the light emitted from the light-emitting element 105 is guided by an aperture provided in the sensor unit 117. The light-receiving area 303 receives only the specularly reflected light 304-1 that is reflected from the surface of the recording paper 201 after the light emitted from the light-emitting element 105 is guided by an aperture provided in the sensor unit 117.

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the sensor unit 117 according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] The light-receiving element 301 is connected to the selector 103, which can select the light-receiving element 301 connected to the IV conversion (photoelectric conversion) unit 401 and the IV conversion unit 402 according to the setting data 122. When the selected light-receiving element receives reflected light from the recording paper, photocurrents Id and Id' flow. The photocurrent Id is converted to a positive voltage value VA by the IV conversion unit 401, and the photocurrent Id' is converted to a negative voltage value V / A by the IV conversion unit 402. The voltage values ​​VA and V / A converted by the IV conversion units 401 and 402 are input to the differential amplifier 104, which outputs a recording paper position detection signal Vout.

[0027] With the above configuration, the main controller 101 can select the photodetector to be used for position detection from among the 64 photodetectors 301 by switching the setting of the selector 103 according to the setting data 122. At the same time, as explained with reference to Figure 3(a), since the region of the photodetector where specularly reflected light is incident and the region of the photodetector where diffusely reflected light is incident are separated by an aperture, it is also possible to select whether to use specularly reflected light or diffusely reflected light.

[0028] Furthermore, by selecting the photodetector connected to the IV conversion unit 401 and the IV conversion unit 402 using the selector 103, it is possible to choose whether to use the amplification by the differential amplifier 104 as single amplification of the VA signal or the V / A signal. In addition, the selector 103 allows selection whether to use the amplification by the differential amplifier 104 as differential amplification of the VA signal and the V / A signal. For example, when single amplification of only the VA signal is used, by not connecting a photodetector to the IV conversion unit 402 (the voltage value of the V / A signal is 0V), only the VA signal can be output as a signal amplified according to the amplification factor of the differential amplifier 104.

[0029] With the configuration described above, it becomes possible to select a light-receiving element within the light-receiving element array 102 to be optimal for the detection mode of the target to be detected and perform the detection.

[0030] Next, we will explain how to acquire various parameters using the photodetector array 102 depending on the detection mode.

[0031] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring detection results in the inkjet recording device 120 according to Embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 112 executing a program loaded into memory 121. Note that the explanation of the paper transport control is omitted in this flowchart.

[0032] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a table illustrating the selection of a photodetector by the selector 103 and the connection between the IV converter and the photodetector, corresponding to the detection mode.

[0033] The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 begins, for example, when the inkjet recording device 120 starts a detection operation. First, in S501, the CPU 112 sets a detection mode according to the object to be detected. This detection mode includes, for example, a detection mode for detecting the edge of the recording paper or a detection mode for detecting the type of recording paper. Once the detection mode is set, in S502 to S504, the CPU 112 refers to a table (Figure 6) stored in memory 121 to determine various settings for switching by the selector 103 corresponding to the detection mode. First, in S502, the CPU 112 decides whether the area of ​​the light-receiving element in the light-receiving element array 102 to be used is the light-receiving area 303 that receives specularly reflected light or the light-receiving area 302 that receives diffusely reflected light. Next, in S503, the CPU 112 refers to the table (Figure 6) to determine the light-receiving element in the light-receiving element array 102 to be used according to the detection mode. Next, in S504, the CPU 112 refers to a table (Figure 6) and determines the connection between the selected photodetector and the IV converter according to the detection mode. Next, in S505, the CPU 112 creates setting data based on the items determined in S502 to S504 and outputs it to the selector 103 to set the selector 103. Once the setting of the selector 103 is complete, a detection operation is performed using the selected photodetector 301 to acquire a voltage value. Then, in S506, the CPU 112 acquires detection results, such as the edge position of the recording paper and the type of paper, based on the acquired voltage value, and terminates this detection operation.

[0034] Figure 7 shows an example of the connection of the light-receiving element array, selector, and differential amplifier of the sensor unit 117 according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] A light-receiving element array 701, consisting of multiple sensors corresponding to the light-receiving element array 102, is arranged within the sensor unit 117. Figure 7 shows a sensor unit containing a total of 64 sensors, with 16 light-receiving elements 702, corresponding to the aforementioned light-receiving element 301, arranged in 4 rows. Each light-receiving element 702 is connected to a selector 703 within the sensor unit 117. This selector 703 corresponds to the selector 103 in Figure 1. Based on the settings derived from the setting data 122 input to this selector 703, the light-receiving element 702 to be used for detecting the edge position of the medium can be arbitrarily selected from the light-receiving element array 701. Furthermore, by setting the selector 703, it is possible to bundle the outputs of multiple light-receiving elements 702 and arbitrarily select the number of light-receiving elements 702 to bundle and their positions. For example, the outputs of 16 photodetectors from the 1st to the 16th in the 3rd row can be bundled together and connected to the selector 703 as a light-receiving unit, or the outputs of odd-numbered photodetectors such as the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th in the 1st row can be selected as a light-receiving unit. Furthermore, the position and number of photodetectors to be selected can be arbitrarily determined to select a light-receiving unit, such as selecting the output of the 1st photodetector 702 in each of the 1' to 4' rows as a light-receiving unit. By making it possible to select multiple bundled photodetectors 702 as a light-receiving unit in this way, the surface area of ​​the light-receiving unit can be increased, thereby improving the sensitivity of the light-receiving unit. As mentioned above, the settings of the selector 703 can be set by instructions from the CPU 112, and the selection of photodetectors and the connection between the photodetectors and the IV conversion unit, which will be described later, are performed in cooperation with the CPU 112 and the selector 103.

[0036] The output of the selector 703 is connected to IV converters A to D located in the IV conversion unit 704 within the sensor unit 117. The IV conversion unit 704 includes IV conversion units 401 and 402 as shown in Figure 4. This allows the selector 703 to arbitrarily select which IV conversion unit to connect the output of the photodetector 702 or multiple photodetectors 702 to. The output of the IV conversion unit 704 is connected to the amplifier unit 705, and the amplified output can be obtained from the amplifier unit 705. This amplifier unit 705 corresponds to the differential amplifier 104 in Figure 1. The amplifier unit 705 includes a coarse-tuning amplifier, a fine-tuning amplifier, a differential amplifier, etc., and it is possible to arbitrarily select which amplifier to use, as well as arbitrarily select the combination of each amplifier. However, the configuration of the amplifier unit 705 is not limited to the above; it can also include one type of amplifier or many different types of amplifiers.

[0037] Figure 8 shows an example of the settings in detection mode 1.

[0038] Figure 8(a) shows the number assignment of the light-receiving elements, and Figure 8(b) shows an example of the settings of the selector 103 in detection mode 1. Here, as an example of a detection mode, we will explain how to perform edge detection of recording paper using the light-receiving element array 102.

[0039] In edge detection mode, referring to the table in Figure 6, the setting of selector 103 is such that the light-receiving area is the light-receiving area 302 that receives diffusely reflected light (S502). The selected light-receiving elements are light-receiving elements PD40 and PD50, as shown in Figure 8(b) (S503). Here, in order to detect the leading and trailing edges of the recording paper, light-receiving elements PD40 and PD50, which are located in front of and behind the recording paper in the transport direction, are selected. Then, according to the table in Figure 6, it is decided to connect light-receiving element PD50 to the IV conversion unit 401 and light-receiving element PD40 to the IV conversion unit 402 (S504).

[0040] By outputting setting data 122 corresponding to the setting of the selector 103 determined in this way, the selected photodetector PD40, photodetector PD50, and IV conversion units 401 and 402 can be connected, for example, as shown in Figure 8(c).

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates the change in the output waveform when the edge of the recording paper is detected by selecting the light-receiving elements PD40 and PD50 in Embodiment 1.

[0042] As the recording paper is transported, and the reflected light from the recording paper enters the selected photodetector 50 of the photodetector array 102, a photocurrent Id begins to flow. As a result, the waveform 901 of the output voltage VA of the photoelectric conversion circuit 401 gradually rises, and when the leading edge of the recording paper passes the photodetector PD50, the waveform 901 of the voltage VA maintains the peak voltage of the positive electrode.

[0043] As the recording paper is further transported and reflected light from the recording paper enters the other photodetector PD40, a photocurrent Id' begins to flow, and the waveform 902 of the output voltage V / A of the photoelectric conversion circuit 402 gradually decreases. When the leading edge of the recording paper passes the photodetector PD40, the waveform 902 of the voltage V / A maintains the peak voltage of the negative electrode.

[0044] The VA voltage waveform 901 and the V / A voltage waveform 902 are input to the differential amplifier 104, which outputs the differentially amplified signal Vout waveform 903.

[0045] From the acquired waveform 903, the center coordinate 3 is calculated from the values ​​of coordinate 1 and coordinate 2, where the voltage value is the threshold. Since this center coordinate is the coordinate of the leading edge of the recording paper, the leading edge of the recording paper can be detected in this way.

[0046] As explained above, by detecting the edge of the recording paper based on the voltage value obtained by differential amplification of the outputs of multiple photodetectors, changes in the detection voltage due to environmental changes can be canceled out compared to detection using a single photodetector. This enables more accurate detection of the paper edge.

[0047] Next, as an example of detection mode 3, we will explain the detection of the type of recording paper using the aforementioned light-receiving element array 102.

[0048] Figure 10 shows an example of the selection of a light-receiving element in the detection mode for detecting paper type.

[0049] Figure 10(a) shows an example in paper type detection mode where all photodetectors in the diffusely reflected light incident region 1001 are selected and connected to the IV conversion unit 401 to achieve single amplification. Figure 10(b) shows an example setting where all photodetectors in the specularly reflected light incident region 1002 are selected and connected to the IV conversion unit 401 to achieve single amplification.

[0050] The reflective properties of recording paper generally differ depending on the type of paper. For example, recording paper with a high degree of surface smoothness, such as glossy paper, is characterized by a large amount of specular reflection and a small amount of diffuse reflection. Conversely, recording paper with a low degree of surface smoothness is characterized by a small amount of specular reflection and a large amount of diffuse reflection.

[0051] When the recording paper 201 is transported to below the light-receiving element array 102, as shown in Figure 10, the selector 103 switches the group of light-receiving elements selected, and the output voltage values ​​due to diffuse reflection and specular reflection are acquired. This allows the amount of diffuse and specular reflection to be obtained. By storing a table in memory that associates the type of recording paper with the amount of specular or diffuse reflection received by the light-receiving elements when light is shone on the recording paper, it becomes possible to detect the type of recording paper based on these light amounts.

[0052] In the above examples of detection modes, the detection of the edge of the recording paper and the detection of the type of recording paper were described. However, the present invention is not limited to the form in which these detection operations are performed, and any form in which at least two detection operations are performed is sufficient. For example, detection of the distance between the sensor and the recording paper, and detection of registration settings by detecting the density of a color patch are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0053] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, by switching the light-receiving element used and the connection between the light-receiving element and the amplifier depending on the detection mode, it is possible to reduce changes in the detection voltage due to environmental changes, etc., compared to performing detection using a fixed light-receiving element. This makes it possible to detect the edge of the paper with higher accuracy.

[0054] [Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Note that the hardware configuration of the inkjet recording device 120 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 described above, so their description will be omitted.

[0055] Embodiment 2 describes, as an example, the combination of the recording paper edge detection mode and the recording paper type detection mode described above.

[0056] In the aforementioned differential amplification-based edge detection mode for recording paper, it is desirable to use fewer photodetectors (lower current) to extend the lifespan of the photodetectors. However, when detecting the edges of recording paper with low reflectivity, using fewer photodetectors may result in a low detection voltage that does not exceed the detection threshold voltage. Therefore, it is desirable to select the minimum number of photodetectors required to exceed the detection threshold voltage.

[0057] First, the type of recording paper is determined in paper type detection mode. By storing a table in memory that associates the type of recording paper with the minimum number of light-receiving elements that exceed the detection threshold voltage, it becomes possible to optimally set the number of light-receiving elements to be selected in edge detection mode according to the determined type of recording paper. In this way, it becomes possible to select the optimal number of light-receiving elements according to the paper type of the recording paper detected in advance and to detect the edge of the recording paper.

[0058] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the edge detection process of the recording paper in the inkjet recording device 120 according to Embodiment 2. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 112 executing a program loaded into memory 121. This is a flowchart according to Embodiment 2. Note that the explanation of the recording paper transport control is omitted in this flowchart.

[0059] In S1101, the CPU 112 sets to detection mode 3 to determine the type of recording paper. Next, in S1102, the CPU 112 refers to the table in Figure 6 and selects the specular reflection receiving region and the diffuse reflection receiving region corresponding to detection mode 3. It sets the selector 103 to connect the specular reflection receiving region PD1~PD32 to the IV conversion unit 401 and the diffuse reflection receiving region PD33~68 to the IV conversion unit 402. Then, in S1103, the CPU 112 determines the type of recording paper based on the reflected light from the recording paper.

[0060] Next, in S1104, the CPU 112 sets to detection mode 1 to detect the edge of the recording paper. Next, in S1105, the CPU 112 determines the number of light-receiving elements to select, corresponding to the type of recording paper determined in S1103. This is determined by referring to a table that associates the type of recording paper with the required number of light-receiving elements, as mentioned above. Then, in S1106, the CPU 112 sets the selector 103 to select the number of light-receiving elements determined in S1105 within the diffuse reflection light-receiving area. Then, in S1107, the CPU 112 detects the edge of the recording paper as explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0061] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, by adopting the information obtained in one detection mode and setting the selector for the next detection mode, it is possible to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the detection operation.

[0062] In the embodiments described above, the method was described as a combination of recording medium edge detection and paper type detection. However, the present invention is not limited to only these two detection operations, and any configuration in which at least two detection operations are performed in combination is acceptable.

[0063] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0064] This specification and drawings disclose the following recording device, its control method, and program.

[0065] <Item 1> A light-receiving unit equipped with multiple light-receiving elements, An aperture for passing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light, which are reflected by an object from the light-emitting part, to the light-receiving part, A selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, Amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit, A control means controls the selection of a light-receiving element by the selection means and the switching of the connection between the light-receiving element selected by the selection means and the amplification means, depending on the detection mode for detecting the object. A recording device characterized by having the following features.

[0066] <Item 2> The recording device according to item 1, further comprising a detection means that performs detection processing of the object corresponding to the detection mode based on a signal amplified by the amplification means from a light-receiving element selected by the selection means.

[0067] <Item 3> The light-receiving unit has multiple rows of multiple light-receiving elements arranged in a sequence. The recording device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the rows include a row for receiving specularly reflected light and a row for receiving diffusely reflected light.

[0068] <Item 4> The recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the detection mode is a mode for detecting at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge in the transport direction of the recording medium, the control means controls the selection means to select at least one light-receiving element located in front of and behind the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0069] <Item 5> The recording apparatus according to item 3, characterized in that, when the detection mode is a mode for detecting the type of recording medium, the control means controls the selection means to select a column that receives specularly reflected light and a column that receives diffusely reflected light.

[0070] <Item 6> The recording device according to item 2, further characterized in that the control means controls the selection of a photodetector by the selection means and the connection between the photodetector selected by the selection means and the amplification means based on the detection result detected by the detection means when the detection mode is the first detection mode, and then changes the detection mode to the second detection mode and performs detection by the detection means.

[0071] <Item 7> The recording apparatus according to item 6, characterized in that, when the first detection mode is a mode for detecting the type of recording medium, and the second detection mode is a mode for detecting at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge in the transport direction of the recording medium, the control means changes the number of light-receiving elements selected by the selection means according to the type of recording medium detected in the first detection mode.

[0072] <Item 8> A sensor unit comprising the light-emitting unit, the light-receiving unit, and the aperture, A recording device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising scanning means for scanning the sensor unit with respect to the object.

[0073] <Item 9> The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising a photoelectric conversion unit that converts the current flowing through the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit into a voltage value.

[0074] <Item 10> A control method for a recording device having a light-receiving unit equipped with multiple light-receiving elements, an aperture for allowing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light from a light-emitting unit to pass through to the light-receiving unit, and an amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit, The recording device includes a selection means which includes a selection step of selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, Depending on the detection mode for detecting the object, the selection step involves selecting a light-receiving element, and the control step involves controlling the switching of the connection between the light-receiving element selected in the selection step and the amplification means. A detection step in which, based on a signal amplified by the amplification means from the light-receiving element selected in the selection step, a detection process for the object corresponding to the detection mode is performed, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0075] <Item 11> A program characterized by causing a computer to execute each step of the control method described in item 10.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 101…Main controller, 102,701…Photodetector array, 103,703…Selector, 104,705…Differential amplifier, 105…Light emitter, 110…Print head, 112…CPU, 121…Memory, 200…Carriage, 301,702…Photodetector, 401,402,704…IV converter

Claims

1. A light-receiving unit equipped with multiple light-receiving elements, An aperture for passing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light, which are reflected by an object from the light-emitting part, to the light-receiving part, A selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, Amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit, A control means controls the selection of a light-receiving element by the selection means and the switching of the connection between the light-receiving element selected by the selection means and the amplification means, depending on the detection mode for detecting the object. A recording device characterized by having the following features.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising detection means that performs detection processing of the object corresponding to the detection mode based on a signal amplified by the amplification means from a light receiving element selected by the selection means.

3. The light-receiving unit has multiple rows of multiple light-receiving elements arranged in a sequence. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rows include a row for receiving specularly reflected light and a row for receiving diffusely reflected light.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the detection mode is a mode for detecting at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge in the transport direction of the recording medium, the control means controls the selection means to select at least one light-receiving element located in front of and behind the transport direction of the recording medium.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the detection mode is a mode for detecting the type of recording medium, the control means controls the selection means to select a column that receives specularly reflected light and a column that receives diffusely reflected light.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the control means controls the selection of a photodetector by the selection means and the connection between the photodetector selected by the selection means and the amplification means based on the detection result detected by the detection means when the detection mode is the first detection mode, and then changes the detection mode to the second detection mode and performs detection by the detection means.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first detection mode is a mode for detecting the type of recording medium, and the second detection mode is a mode for detecting at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge in the transport direction of the recording medium, the control means changes the number of light-receiving elements selected by the selection means according to the type of recording medium detected in the first detection mode.

8. A sensor unit comprising the light-emitting unit, the light-receiving unit, and the aperture, The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising scanning means for scanning the sensor unit with respect to the object.

9. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a photoelectric conversion unit that converts the current flowing through the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit into a voltage value.

10. A control method for a recording device having a light-receiving unit equipped with multiple light-receiving elements, an aperture for allowing specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light from a light-emitting unit to pass through to the light-receiving unit, and an amplification means for amplifying the signal from the light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit, The recording device includes a selection means which includes a selection step of selecting at least one of the plurality of light-receiving elements, Depending on the detection mode for detecting the object, the selection step involves selecting a light-receiving element, and the control step involves controlling the switching of the connection between the light-receiving element selected in the selection step and the amplification means. A detection step in which, based on a signal amplified by the amplification means from the light-receiving element selected in the selection step, a detection process for the object corresponding to the detection mode is performed, A control method characterized by having the following features.

11. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute each step of the control method described in claim 10.

Images