Print data editing apparatus, print data editing method, and storage medium

Abstract

A print data editing apparatus, a print data editing method, and a storage medium are provided that can improve print quality compared to the past without compromising print speed. The control unit of the print data editing apparatus acquires image data (S1), and based on the image data, edits print data that satisfies the following conditions: when comparing multiple points constituting an input image represented by the image data with multiple points constituting a print image printed according to the print data in a column unit arranged in the sub-scanning direction, the consistency between the image contained in a column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are at the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of multiple predetermined amounts in multiple columns is 1 point or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 point or less (S12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a print data editing device, a print data editing method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional printing apparatuses are known to use linear thermal heads with multiple heating elements to print onto printing media (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the printing apparatus is operated by a power source such as a battery or AC adapter, the current that can be supplied to the linear thermal head simultaneously is limited by the power supply specifications. Therefore, conventional printing apparatuses locally modify the print data according to the number of dots to be printed, moving dots in a predetermined row forming a grid to other rows to create print data and then printing, thereby suppressing peak currents supplied to the linear thermal head.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-168794 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Traditional printing devices cause a single line of dots to be moved locally to other lines of dots, resulting in low reproducibility of the input image and making the edited area easily noticeable.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a print data editing apparatus, a print data editing method, and a print data editing program that can improve print quality compared to the past without compromising print speed.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention provides a print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing device, the printing device comprising: a print head having a plurality of elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction; and a transport unit for moving a printable object and the print head relative to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The printing device drives the plurality of elements relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction while moving the print head relative to the printable object according to the print data including data indicating the on / off states of each of the plurality of elements, and forms an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The print data editing device includes a control unit capable of performing: image data acquisition processing to acquire image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and editing... The printing data is edited based on the image data, wherein the printing data satisfies the following conditions: when comparing multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the printed image printed according to the printing data, arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side, i.e., column units, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the printed image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 point or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 point or less. The printing data editing device of the first scheme, by performing the editing process, is able to edit printing data that suppresses the peak current of the printhead required for printing one row. The print data editing device performs editing processing in a manner that maximizes the consistency between the image contained in the column of the printed image and the image represented by the column of the input image when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction, after comparing all multiple points (column units) arranged in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, compared to conventional techniques that locally edit points contained in the input image, it can create a printed image where the edited areas are not easily noticeable without compromising print speed. Furthermore, by suppressing the absolute value of the difference of the predetermined amount to less than 1 point, the print data editing device makes changes in the printed image from the input image less noticeable, suppressing changes to a level imperceptible to the naked eye. Thus, the print data editing device can edit print data that improves print quality compared to conventional methods without compromising print speed.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a print data editing apparatus for editing print data used in a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes: a print head having a plurality of elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction; and a transport unit for moving a printable object and the print head relative to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements while moving the print head relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction according to the print data, which includes data indicating the on / off states of each of the plurality of elements. An image is formed on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The print data editing apparatus includes a control unit capable of performing: image data acquisition processing to acquire image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and editing processing. The second approach involves editing the print data corresponding to the image data, wherein, based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when comparing multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data, arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side, i.e., column units, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 point or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 150 μm or less. The print data editing device of the second approach, by performing editing processing, is capable of editing print data that suppresses the peak current of the print head required for printing one row. The print data editing device performs editing processing in a manner that maximizes the consistency between the image contained in a column of the printed image and the image represented by a column of the input image when they are in the same position or have shifted by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction, after comparing all multiple points (column units) arranged in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, compared to conventional techniques that locally edit points contained in the input image, it can create a printed image where the edited areas are not easily noticeable without compromising print speed. Furthermore, in the print data editing device, since the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amount of two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 150 μm or less, changes in the printed image that differ from the input image are less noticeable compared to cases where the absolute value of the difference is greater than 150 μm, and changes can be suppressed to a level imperceptible to the naked eye. Thus, the print data editing device can edit print data that improves print quality compared to conventional methods without compromising print speed.

[0012] The third aspect of the present invention provides a print data editing method executed by a control unit of a print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes: a print head having a plurality of elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction; and a transport unit for moving a printable object and the print head relative to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction while moving the print head relative to the printable object according to print data including data indicating the on / off states of each of the plurality of elements, forming an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The print data editing method includes: image data acquisition processing for acquiring image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and editing processing. The print data corresponding to the image data is edited, wherein, based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when comparing multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data, arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side, i.e., column units, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 point or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 point or less or 150 μm or less. The print data editing method of the third scheme is executed by the control unit of the print data editing device and achieves the same effect as the print data editing device of the first or second scheme.

[0013] The fourth aspect of the present invention stores a storage medium containing a print data editing program executed by a control unit of a print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes: a print head having a plurality of elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction; and a transport unit for moving a printable object and the print head relative to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction while moving the print head relative to the printable object according to the print data containing data indicating the on / off states of each of the plurality of elements, forming an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The print data editing program includes instructions for the control unit to perform the following processing: image data acquisition processing, acquiring images corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The image data and editing processing are used to edit the print data corresponding to the image data, wherein, based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when comparing multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data, arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side, i.e., column units, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction, the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 point or more, and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 point or less or 150 μm or less. The print data editing program of the fourth scheme is executed by the control unit of the print data editing device and achieves the same effect as the print data editing device of the first or second scheme. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of printing device 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the printing device 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the printing process performed by printing device 1.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the input image G for a specific example.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an illustration of the process for generating high-resolution images.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an illustration of how to set the object image.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the comparison condition acquisition process performed during the printing process.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an illustration of the editing method.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the change processing performed during the printing process.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram of the change processing for specific examples that are not being executed during editing.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an illustration of the change method.

[0025] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the change processing of a specific instance being edited.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram comparing the images before and after performing editing and modification processing on grid lines extending in the main scanning direction, under the condition that the absolute value of the difference between any two adjacent portions of the image in the main scanning direction X is 150 μm.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an illustration of the process for generating a composite image.

[0028] Figure 15 This is an illustration of the process for generating a composite image.

[0029] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram of the segmentation process.

[0030] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram of the segmentation process.

[0031] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the first, second, and third conditions that the editing method must satisfy.

[0032] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram showing the images before and after editing and modifying a grid line extending in the main scanning direction, under the condition that the absolute value of the difference between any two adjacent portions of the image in the main scanning direction X is 300 μm. Detailed Implementation

[0033] A printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that can be employed by the present invention. That is, the structure and control of the apparatus shown in the drawings are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 1 is a thermal printer capable of printing characters (text, symbols, numbers, and graphics, etc.) onto a printing object F. The printing object F is not limited to a specific medium, but may be, for example, sheet or strip form; in this embodiment, it is a single sheet of thermal recording medium. The printing device 1 also functions as a print data editing device for editing print data.

[0035] The printing device 1 includes a housing 2, an input unit 3, a communication unit 4, a transport unit 5, and a print head 6. The housing 2 is rectangular in shape and is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back and vertical directions. The housing 2 houses the transport unit 5 and the print head 6. Figure 2 The power supply 10 shown is housed in a removable manner. The power supply 10 supplies power to the printing device 1. An insertion port 21 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 2, and an outlet port 22 is formed on the front surface of the housing 2. Both the insertion port 21 and the outlet port 22 are rectangular in shape, elongated in the left-right direction. The printing object F is inserted into the printing device 1 through the insertion port 21 and discharged from the printing device 1 through the outlet port 22. An input section 3 is located near the left end of the upper surface of the housing 2. The input section 3 includes multiple buttons. The communication section 4 is a USB port located on the right side of the housing 2. The communication section 4 is a connector for connecting a USB cable.

[0036] The transport unit 5 is equipped with an electric motor 51 and Figure 2 The roller 52 shown is a roller shaped around an axis extending in the left-right direction and is disposed obliquely upward within the housing 2. The motor 51 rotates the roller 52. The transport unit 5 transports the printable object F in the transport direction TR by the rotation of the roller 52, thereby moving the printable object F relative to the print head 6. The transport direction TR is a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction, and in this embodiment, it extends obliquely upward and obliquely downward. Hereinafter, the obliquely upward in the transport direction TR will be referred to as the upstream side, and the obliquely downward in the forward direction will be referred to as the downstream side.

[0037] The printhead 6 is located below the roller 52. The printhead 6 is a linear head, comprising multiple elements 61 and... Figure 2 The driver IC 62 is shown. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of elements 61 is a heating element that heats up when energized. The plurality of elements 61 are used to print onto the printing object F by contacting and heating the object F pressed downwards by the roller 52. The driver IC 62 is configured to selectively energize the plurality of elements 61 to heat them up.

[0038] Reference Figure 2This section describes the electrical structure of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 includes a CPU 7, RAM 8, a storage unit 9, a communication unit 4, an input unit 3, a transport unit 5, and a print head 6. The transport unit 5 includes a motor 51 and a roller 52. The print head 6 includes a driver IC 62 and multiple components 61. The CPU 7 controls the printing device 1. The CPU 7 is electrically connected to the RAM 8, storage unit 9, communication unit 4, input unit 3, motor 51, and driver IC 62. The RAM 8 stores various variables and other temporary data. The storage unit 9 stores the program executed by the CPU 7 to control the printing device 1, print data, and various setting information. The communication unit 4 is a controller for communicating with an external device W via a USB cable. The external device W is, for example, a known information processing device such as a PC, tablet PC, or smartphone.

[0039] The printing operation of printing device 1 is explained. Printing device 1 selectively energizes multiple elements 61 of printhead 6 according to printing data. Heat is applied to the portions of the printable object F that are in contact with the energized elements 61. As a result, printing device 1 forms a pixel column arranged in the main scanning direction X, corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple elements 61. Printing device 1 intermittently performs multiple energizations of the multiple elements 61 while rotating roller 52 using motor 51 to transport the printable object F downstream in transport direction TR. As a result, multiple rows are formed on the printable object F in a direction orthogonal to the pixel arrangement direction in a single-line image. The presence or absence of each pixel in the multiple rows creates varying shades of color on the printable object F, forming a printed image. This operation is referred to as the "printing operation".

[0040] In the following description, the direction in which the multiple elements 61 are arranged is called the "main scan direction X," and the printing unit corresponding to a column of pixels arranged in the main scan direction X is called a "row." The direction in which the multiple rows are arranged is called the "sub-scan direction Y." The sub-scan direction Y is defined by the transport direction TR. The printing unit corresponding to each of the multiple elements 61 is called a "pixel" or "dot." The printing unit obtained by dividing a "dot" into multiple sub-dots in the sub-scan direction Y is called a "sub-dot." The printing unit corresponding to a column of sub-dots arranged in the main scan direction X is called a "sub-row."

[0041] Reference Figures 3 to 18 Use printing Figure 4 The printing process of printing device 1 is illustrated using a specific example of the input image G shown. For example... Figure 4As shown, the input image G is an image of an English invoice printed on A4-sized thermal paper. The left-right direction of the input image G corresponds to the main scanning direction X, and the up-down direction corresponds to the sub-scanning direction Y. The left side of the input image G corresponds to one side X1 of the main scanning direction, and the right side corresponds to the other side X2 of the main scanning direction. The top of the input image G corresponds to the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction, and the bottom of the input image G corresponds to the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scanning direction. The input image G includes multiple grid lines G1 to G4 extending in the main scanning direction X, multiple grid lines G5 and G6 extending in the sub-scanning direction Y, a barcode G7, and text portions T1 to T7. Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, each of the text portions T1 to T7 is schematically represented by a rectangle with a background. Within the printing area defined by the print data, the portion consisting of sub-dots where the print data is on is called the "printed portion," and the portion consisting of sub-dots where the print data is off is called the "non-printed portion." In this embodiment, the portion outside the printing area is also included in the non-printed portion.

[0042] The user selects the input image G to be printed, and after specifying at least one of the characteristic portion, target portion, and non-target portion as needed, inputs a start instruction via the input unit 3. The characteristic portion is a portion of the input image G that is distinctive, such as a barcode, and is not preferably subject to the editing and transformation processing described later. For example, portion P4 containing barcode G7 is identified as a characteristic portion based on information or pattern matching during input. The target portion is a portion of the input image G that the user indicates will be subject to editing and transformation processing. For example, portion P1 containing grid line G1, portion P2 containing grid line G2, and portion P3 containing grid line G3 are specified. The non-target portion is a portion of the input image G that the user indicates will not be subject to editing and transformation processing. For example, portion P4 is specified as a non-target portion.

[0043] When the CPU7 detects a start instruction, it reads the print data editing program for performing print processing from the storage unit 9 into the RAM 8. The CPU7 then executes the print processing with the following steps according to the instructions contained in the read print data editing program. Various data obtained during the print processing are appropriately stored in the storage unit 9. Hereinafter, the steps will be abbreviated as S. Figure 5 , Figures 10-12 and Figures 16-18In the diagram, a portion of multiple sub-dots corresponding to the printed data are shown as a matrix. Sub-dots with the printed data set to "ON" are shown with a dotted background, while sub-dots with the printed data set to "OFF" are shown in white. The left-right and up-down directions correspond to the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y, respectively. The column names, represented by numbers, indicate the identification numbers assigned sequentially to each of the multiple elements 61 starting from one side X1 of the main scanning direction. The row names, also represented by numbers, indicate the identification numbers of the rows printed by the elements 61. The printing device 1 forms an image on the printing object F in ascending order of row numbers.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, CPU 7 acquires image data representing the input image G (S1). The image data corresponds to the multiple elements 61 arranged in the main scanning direction X. For example, CPU 7 acquires image data generated by external device W with a resolution higher than the resolution of the sub-scanning direction Y defined by the multiple elements 61 via communication unit 4. CPU 7 can also acquire image data generated by external device W with a resolution lower than the resolution of the sub-scanning direction Y defined by the multiple elements 61, image data stored in storage unit 9, and image data edited by operation input unit 3.

[0045] CPU7 determines whether to perform high-resolution processing (S2). High-resolution processing is the process of increasing the resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y by dividing each row in the sub-scanning direction Y relative to the image data representing the input image G obtained in S1. For example, if the image data obtained in S1 is image data generated by an external device W with a resolution higher than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y defined by the multiple elements 61, CPU7 does not perform high-resolution processing. For example, if the image data obtained in S1 is image data with a resolution lower than the resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y defined by the multiple elements 61, CPU7 performs high-resolution processing.

[0046] When performing high-resolution processing (S2: Yes), CPU7 performs high-resolution processing relative to the image data by segmenting each row in the sub-scanning direction Y, thereby increasing the resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y (S3). For example... Figure 5As shown, CPU7 divides each row into three equal parts along the sub-scanning direction Y. The number of divisions for each row can be changed appropriately. By equally dividing each row along the sub-scanning direction Y, the start timing of each sub-point is set to an equal period. Three consecutive sub-points along the sub-scanning direction Y correspond to one point. CPU7 sets all sub-points generated by dividing the points of the printed portion as the printed portion. CPU7 sets all sub-points generated by dividing the one point of the non-printed portion as the non-printed portion. If no high-resolution processing is performed (S2: No), CPU7 does not perform any processing on the input image G obtained in S1 (S4).

[0047] Following S3 or S4, CPU7 determines whether the input image G obtained in S1 has a feature portion (S5). If the input image G has a feature portion P4 (S5: Yes), then... Figure 6 As shown, CPU7 sets the non-feature portion H of the object image to be edited (S6). The non-feature portion H is the portion after removing the feature portion P4 from the high-resolution image of S3 or the input image G of S4. Through the processing of S6, if the input image G contains a specific pattern, the object image is set in a way that editing processing is not performed on that specific pattern.

[0048] If no feature portion is set (S5: No), CPU7 determines whether the input image G obtained in S1 has an object portion set (S7). If the input image G has object portions P1 to P3 set (S7: Yes), CPU7 sets the object portions P1 to P3 on the object image (S8). If the input image G has object portions P1 to P3 set through the processing in S8, the object image is set in a manner that editing processing is performed on the object portions P1 to P3, but editing processing is not performed on non-object portions other than the object portions P1 to P3.

[0049] If the input image G contains a non-object portion P4 (S7: Yes), the CPU7 sets the object image as the portion H obtained by removing the non-object portion P4 from the high-resolution image of S3 or the input image G of S4 (S8). If the input image G contains a non-object portion P4 due to the processing in S8, the object image is set in a manner that editing processing is not performed on the non-object portion P4, but on the object portion H other than the non-object portion P4. If the input image G does not have an object portion set (S7: No), the CPU7 sets the object image as the high-resolution image of S3 or the input image G of S4 (S9).

[0050] Following S6, S8, or S9, CPU7 performs a comparison condition acquisition process (S10). This comparison condition acquisition process acquires the conditions used in determining whether to perform editing processing. In this embodiment, CPU7 acquires the printing speed when editing processing is performed and the printing speed when editing processing is not performed as conditions used in determining whether to perform editing processing. Editing processing is a process performed to reduce the peak value of the number of energized elements 61 (hereinafter referred to as "effective number of dots") by dispersing multiple sub-dots on the same row to multiple rows according to a predetermined rule in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, in the comparison condition acquisition process, CPU7 acquires the printing speed without editing (S31). When there is a row with more valid dots than a threshold, CPU7 divides the multiple elements 61 into multiple blocks in that row. The printing device 1 prints one row of image by energizing the multiple elements 61 multiple times for each of the divided blocks. Printing in this manner is called "segmented printing." The printing speed is slower than without segmented printing, depending on the number of rows and blocks printed in segmented printing. CPU7 considers the number of rows and blocks printed in segmented printing to acquire the printing speed without editing.

[0052] CPU7 acquires the editing method to be used in the current editing process from among multiple editing methods (S32). The editing method can be specified by the user, or it can be selected by CPU7 according to the type, size, etc. of the input image G. The printing device 1 of this embodiment can select one of six editing methods. See reference. Figure 8 The six editing methods will be explained using the application of the object portion H as an example. The first to fourth editing methods each divide the object image into multiple partial images in column units. Each of the divided partial images slides a predetermined amount corresponding to a partial image in the sub-scanning direction Y, thereby editing the print data. More specifically, the CPU7 divides the object image into J (J is a natural number) rectangles in a rectangular shape along the sub-scanning direction Y. Relative to the initial position shown by the dashed line PM, each rectangle moves as a partial image within a range satisfying the following three conditions in the sub-scanning direction Y. J can be set appropriately; in this embodiment, it is 10. When grid lines G5 and G6 of the input image G are included in the object image along the sub-scanning direction Y, the CPU7 can also adjust the length of the rectangles in the main scanning direction X so that the grid lines along the sub-scanning direction Y are not placed at the boundaries of the rectangles. The lengths of the rectangles in the sub-scanning direction Y can be the same or different.

[0053] The first condition is as follows: When comparing the object image and the printed image using multiple points (column units) continuously arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y, from the upstream end DE of the upstream side Y2 to the downstream end UE of the downstream side Y1, the consistency is maximized when the image contained in the column of the printed image is at the same position as the image represented by the column of the object image or has slid by a specified amount in the sub-scanning direction Y, and the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the multiple specified amounts of the multiple columns is 1 or more. The second condition is as follows: The absolute value of the difference between the specified amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X is 1 or less. The multiple specified amounts of the multiple columns are the specified amounts of each column. The consistency is the number of sub-points whose on / off values ​​are consistent when comparing the object image and the printed image, divided by the number of sub-points contained in the column whose on / off values ​​are consistent. The consistency is a number between 0 and 1. In this embodiment, the specified quantity when sliding downstream Y1 in the sub-scanning direction is represented by a positive value, and the specified quantity when sliding upstream Y2 in the sub-scanning direction is represented by a negative value. The third condition is: the absolute value of one or more of the absolute values ​​of the differences between the specified quantities of any two columns is a value less than 1, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0054] For example, the on / off values ​​of sub-points contained in columns with the same position in the main scan direction X are related to... Figure 18When comparing each column of the input image J1 and the printed image J2, the consistency of columns 1 to 7 becomes a maximum of 1 when each column slides by -3 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -1 sub-points, -1 sub-points, 0 sub-points, and 0 sub-points in the sub-scanning direction Y. In a specific example, 3 sub-points are equivalent to 1 point, so the input image J1 and the printed image J2 satisfy the first condition. The absolute value of the difference between the specified amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X is 1 sub-point or 0 sub-point, and the input image J1 and the printed image J2 satisfy the second and third conditions. On the other hand, when comparing columns 1 to 7 sequentially from the main scanning direction X1 with the printed image J4, where the input image J1 and the printed data of a portion of the printed portion are changed from open to closed after the editing process is performed, the specified amounts are the same, but the consistency with the elements 61 corresponding to identification numbers 2 to 6 is 14 / 15, which is less than 1. The specified values ​​of each column when comparing input image J1 and printed image J4 are the same as those when comparing input image J1 and printed image J2. Therefore, input image J1 and printed image J4 satisfy the first, second, and third conditions respectively. The length of the sub-scanning direction Y of point 1 varies depending on the resolution of the printed image. The length of the sub-scanning direction Y of point 1 depends on the resolution of element 61, but is approximately in the range of 20μm to 170μm. Therefore, the second condition can also be the following condition: the absolute value of the difference between the specified values ​​of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X is 150μm or less. In this embodiment, CPU7 further edits the object image in a manner that minimizes the absolute value of the specified value at the center of the main scanning direction X. The portion in input image J1 corresponding to the continuous printed portion is also continuous in printed images J2 and J4.

[0055] The first editing method is as follows: When a predetermined amount is set to a negative value when sliding upstream in the sub-scanning direction (Y2) and a predetermined amount is set to a positive value when sliding downstream in the sub-scanning direction (Y1), the object image is edited in such a way that the predetermined amount in the main scanning direction (X) becomes larger the further it is from the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction (Y1) by 90 degrees clockwise (that is, the other side of the main scanning direction, X2). More specifically, as follows... Figure 8As shown, when the CPU7 applies the first editing method to the object image H, it sets the specified values ​​E1 to E10 of the first to ten rectangular partial images, starting from the main scanning direction X1, to -5 sub-points, -4 sub-points, -3 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -1 sub-points, 0 sub-points, 1 sub-point, 2 sub-points, 3 sub-points, and 4 sub-points respectively, generating the edited image H1. In the first editing method, the difference between the specified values ​​of any two adjacent columns is 0 sub-points or 1 sub-point, which is a value less than 1 point, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction Y. The maximum absolute value of the specified value is 5 sub-points, which is greater than 1 point.

[0056] Similarly, the second editing method is as follows: when the specified amount is set to a negative value when sliding upstream of the sub-scanning direction Y2 and the specified amount is set to a positive value when sliding downstream of the sub-scanning direction Y1, the object image is edited in such a way that the specified amount in the main scanning direction X becomes smaller the closer it is to the direction that is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction Y. More specifically, when the CPU7 applies the second editing method to the object image H, it sets the specified amounts E1 to E10 of the first to ten rectangular partial images, starting from the main scanning direction X1, to 5 sub-points, 4 sub-points, 3 sub-points, 2 sub-points, 1 sub-point, 0 sub-point, -1 sub-point, -2 sub-point, -3 sub-point, and -4 sub-points respectively, to generate the edited image H2.

[0057] The third editing method is a method of editing the object image in a way that makes the extreme value of a specified quantity in the main scanning direction X a single point. More specifically, when the CPU7 applies the third editing method to the object image H, it sets the specified quantities E1 to E10 of the first to ten rectangular partial images, starting from the main scanning direction X1, to -4 sub-points, -3 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -1 sub-points, 0 sub-points, -1 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -3 sub-points, -4 sub-points, and -5 sub-points respectively, generating the edited image H3. The extreme value in the third editing method is the 0 sub-point corresponding to the fifth partial image from the left.

[0058] The fourth editing method is a method for editing an object image in a way that makes the extreme values ​​of a specified quantity in the main scanning direction X more than two. More specifically, when the CPU7 applies the fourth editing method to the object image H, it sets the specified quantities of the first to ten rectangular partial images, starting from one side X1 of the main scanning direction, to -3 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -1 sub-points, 0 sub-points, 0 sub-points-1 sub-points, -2 sub-points, -3 sub-points, -2 sub-points, and -1 sub-points respectively, generating an edited image H4. The extreme values ​​in the fourth editing method are the 0 sub-points corresponding to the fourth and fifth partial images from the left and the -3 sub-points corresponding to the eighth partial image from the left.

[0059] The fifth editing method is an editing method that rotates the object image clockwise by a predetermined angle with a reference center. The sixth editing method is an editing method that rotates the object image counterclockwise by a predetermined angle with a reference center. In this embodiment, the reference center is set to minimize the absolute value of a predetermined amount at the center of the main scanning direction X, for example, the center of the object image. The predetermined angle can be appropriately set according to the size of the printed object F and the object image, etc. The predetermined angle is, for example, a value between 0 degrees and 10 degrees, preferably a value of less than 1 degree, and more preferably a value of less than 0.5 degrees. When the CPU7 applies the fifth editing method to the object image H with the predetermined angle set to 1 degree, it generates an edited image H5. When the CPU7 applies the sixth editing method to the object image H with the predetermined angle set to 1 degree, it generates an edited image H6. In the edited image H5 where the fifth editing method was applied and the edited image H6 where the sixth editing method was applied, when comparing the specified amounts E1 to E10 of each portion image in the case where the object image is divided into J rectangular portions of length in the sub-scanning direction Y, similar to the first to fourth editing methods, the first, second, and third conditions are satisfied respectively. When the fifth or sixth editing method is applied, the following condition is satisfied: when the object image is rotated by a specified angle around a reference point, the consistency with the printed image is maximized, and the amount of movement of the portion furthest from the reference point is greater than 1 point.

[0060] CPU7 generates an edited image obtained by editing the object image using the editing method obtained in S32 (S33). CPU7 obtains the printing speed when printing the edited image generated in S33 (S34). CPU7 considers the number of rows and blocks to be divided for printing to obtain the printing speed during editing processing. CPU7 then ends the comparison condition processing and returns to the previous state. Figure 3 Printing process.

[0061] Following S10, CPU7 determines whether to perform editing processing on the object image (S11). The criteria for determining whether to perform editing processing on the object image can be set appropriately. A criteria selected by the user from a variety of criteria can be used, or the CPU7 can select one based on the type and size of the input image G. For example, CPU7 can determine to perform editing processing if the object image contains a specified number or more grid lines extending a specified length or more in the main scanning direction X. The specified length and specified number can be set appropriately. For example, if the specified length is set to half the length of the main scanning direction X of the object image and the specified number is 3, since the object image H contains grid lines G1 to G3 that are longer than half the length of the main scanning direction X of the object image, it is determined to perform editing processing. In other examples, CPU7 can also perform editing processing (S12) if there is a row in the image data where the peak current required by the print head 6 is greater than the maximum current that the power supply 10 can output relative to the maximum value (S11: Yes). In other examples, CPU7 can also perform editing processing (S12) when printing based on print data edited by the editing process is faster than when editing is not performed. That is, CPU7 can also perform editing processing when the printing speed achieved in S34 is faster than the printing speed achieved in S31. Sometimes, the printing speed achieved in S34 is faster than the printing speed achieved in S31 when the peak value of the effective number of pixels in the edited image is smaller compared to the object image.

[0062] When performing editing processing (S11: Yes), CPU7 performs editing processing on the object image using the editing method obtained in S32 (S12). For example... Figure 8 As shown, for example, when the first editing method is applied to the object image H, the CPU7 edits the print data in a manner that represents the edited image H1. When editing processing is performed on the object image set in S9, the CPU7 performs editing processing on the entire input image G or the entire high-resolution image. When editing processing is performed on the object image set in S6 or S8, the CPU7 performs editing processing on a portion of the input image G or a portion of the high-resolution image. When object portions P1 to P3 are set as the object image in S8, the CPU7 performs editing processing only on a portion of the sub-scanning direction Y in the input image G or the high-resolution image. When no editing processing is performed (S11: No), the CPU7 does not perform editing processing on the object image and generates print data based on the image data (S13).

[0063] Following S12 or S13, CPU7 determines whether to perform change processing (S14). Change processing modifies the printed data by reducing the number of valid dots in a line. The criteria for determining whether to perform change processing can be preset by the user, or CPU7 can automatically determine it based on the type, size, printing speed, printing quality, number of valid dots, etc. If no change processing is performed (S14: No), CPU7 does not perform change processing on the object image in S12 or S13 (S16). If change processing is performed (S14: Yes), CPU7 performs change processing on the object image in S12 or S13 (S15). In the change processing, CPU7 defines a printing unit obtained by dividing the points specified by multiple elements 61 into M (M is an integer greater than 2) in the sub-scanning direction Y as a sub-point, defines multiple sub-points arranged in the main scanning direction X as a sub-row, defines a sub-point with print data as an open sub-point as a printing part, defines a sub-point with print data as a closed sub-point as a non-printing part, or defines a sub-point with print data as a closed sub-point and the part outside the printing area as a non-printing part, in all sub-rows in at least one row of the printing part, changes the image data or print data of the change sub-point, which is at least one or more sub-points, from open to closed.

[0064] Use change processing Figures 10-12 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a portion of a printed image, represented by print data. For example... Figure 9 As shown, during the change processing, CPU7 obtains the contour conditions (S40). The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can specify whether to change the print data of the contour portion of the print section composed of sub-dots where the print data is enabled. Specifically, CPU7 defines the range of the contour portion that is not subject to change processing using variables U, D, L, and R. Variable U is a variable that sets the range of the contour portion downstream of the sub-scanning direction Y1 of a continuous print section. Variable D is a variable that sets the range of the contour portion upstream of the sub-scanning direction Y2 of a continuous print section. Variable L is a variable that sets the range of the contour portion on one side X1 of the main scanning direction of a continuous print section. Variable R is a variable that sets the range of the contour portion on the other side X2 of the main scanning direction of a continuous print section. Variables U, D, L, and R can each be an integer of 0 or higher, and can be the same or different values. Variables U, D, L, and R can be set by the user or automatically set according to the type of object image, etc. In this implementation, the variables U, D, L, and R are 2, 1, 1, and 1, respectively.

[0065] CPU7 acquires one of the multiple sub-points contained in the print data as the sub-point of interest (S41). CPU7 acquires the sub-point of interest, for example, in an order from left to right and from top to bottom of the object image. CPU7 determines whether the sub-point of interest is part of the print data based on the print data of the sub-point of interest acquired in S41 (S42). If the print data corresponding to the sub-point of interest is closed (S42: No), CPU7 keeps the print data of the sub-point of interest closed (S47), and CPU7 determines whether all sub-points contained in the print data were acquired as sub-points of interest in the processing of S41 (S48). If there are sub-points that were not acquired in the processing of S41 (S48: No), CPU7 returns the processing to S41 and acquires the next sub-point of interest in the acquisition order (S41).

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, since the print data corresponding to the sub-point TS1 indicated by the diagonal background is enabled (S42: Yes), the CPU7 determines whether the downstream reference portion is a non-printable portion (S43). The downstream reference portion is one or more sub-points located downstream of the sub-point in the sub-scanning direction Y1. In this embodiment, the downstream reference portion is the U-th sub-point located downstream of the sub-point in the sub-scanning direction Y1. The downstream reference portion relative to the sub-point TS1 is the sub-point UR1 indicated by the diagonal grid background, and the print data of sub-point UR1 is disabled (S43: Yes). In this case, the CPU7 sets the sub-point TS1 as the contour sub-point constituting the contour portion, keeps the print data of the sub-point TS1 enabled (S46), and performs the processing in S48. Thus, when the sub-point of interest, which is one of multiple sub-points, is a printed portion (S42: Yes), the CPU7 sets the U-th sub-point (U is any integer greater than 0) located downstream of the sub-scanning direction Y relative to the sub-point of interest TS1 as a reference sub-point. When the reference sub-point is a non-printed portion (S43: Yes), the CPU7 sets the sub-point of interest as a contour sub-point, keeping the image data or print data of the contour sub-point enabled (S46).

[0067] If the sub-point of interest TS2, indicated by a diagonal background pattern, is obtained (S41, S42: Yes), then the sub-point UR2, indicated by a diagonal grid pattern, is a reference portion downstream of the sub-point of interest TS2, and the printing data for sub-point UR2 is enabled (S43: No). In this case, the CPU7 determines whether at least one of the surrounding reference portions is a non-printable portion (S44). The surrounding reference portion is one or more sub-points located around the sub-point of interest. The surrounding reference portion includes, for example, the sub-point located at the Lth position relative to the sub-point of interest on one side X1 of the main scanning direction, the sub-point located at the Rth position relative to the sub-point of interest on the other side X2 of the main scanning direction, and the sub-point located at the Dth position relative to the sub-point of interest on the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scanning direction. If at least one of the surrounding reference portions is a non-printable portion (S44: Yes), the CPU7 performs the processing in S46. Thus, when the sub-point of interest, which is one of multiple sub-points, is a printing portion (S42: Yes), the CPU7 sets the sub-point of interest to a non-printing portion if at least any one of the sub-points configured at the Uth sub-point on the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction Y, the sub-point configured at the Dth sub-point on the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scanning direction Y, the sub-point configured at the Lth sub-point on one side X1 of the main scanning direction X, and the sub-point configured at the Rth sub-point on the other side X2 of the main scanning direction X is a non-printing portion (S43: Yes, S44: Yes), and keeps the image data or printing data of the contour sub-point on (S46).

[0068] The reference portion surrounding the sub-point TS2 is a diagonal grid pattern indicating sub-points CR1 to CR3. The print data for sub-points CR1 to CR3 is enabled (S44: No). In this case, CPU7 stores the sub-point TS2 as a candidate sub-point for change (S45) and performs processing in S48. Through processing in S41 to S48, Figure 10 A portion of the printed portion R1 of the partial image B1 shown is designated as an outline sub-point, such that it becomes the portion R3 shown as a deep background in the partial image B2, and the remaining portion R4 is designated as a change candidate sub-point. Thus, when the sub-point of interest, which is one of multiple sub-points, is a printed portion (S42: Yes), and when each of the sub-points of interest is a printed portion (S43: No, S44: No), the sub-point of interest is designated as a change candidate sub-point (S45) if the sub-point is located at the Uth sub-point on the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction Y, the sub-point is located at the Dth sub-point on the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scanning direction Y, the sub-point is located at the Lth sub-point on one side X1 of the main scanning direction X, and the sub-point is located at the Rth sub-point on the other side X of the main scanning direction X. CPU7 performs the following processing steps S49 to S53, changing the print data of at least one or more change candidate sub-points from "on" to "off" in all sub-rows of at least one row of all change candidate sub-points in the image data (S51, S52).

[0069] If all sub-points are identified as points of interest during processing S41 (S48: Yes), the CPU7 retrieves a change method for one or more candidate sub-points stored in S45 (S49). The change method can be specified by the user or selected by the CPU7 based on the type, size, printing speed, printing quality, etc. of the input image G. The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can select one of four change methods.

[0070] Reference Figure 11 The four modification methods will be explained using the application of a partial image V as an example. The partial image V is an image with five points in the main scanning direction X and seven points in the sub-scanning direction Y. Among the sub-points constituting the partial image V, the sub-points indicated by the dark background are set as contour sub-points, and the sub-points indicated by the light background are set as modification candidate sub-points.

[0071] The first modification method involves changing the printed data of the candidate sub-points from on to off by a ratio of B / C (where B and C are natural numbers) in both the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y. B / C should be appropriately set to a value greater than 0 and less than 1, preferably below 0.5. For example, B / C could be 1 / 5. Figure 11 In cases like partial image V, where the first modification method is applied and there are instances of tails in the candidate sub-points for modification in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y, the first modification method can be applied only to the areas where it can be applied, as in partial image V1, while other methods are applied to other areas. Considering the situation where the first modification method is applied and there are instances of tails in the candidate sub-points for modification in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y, the CPU7 can also set B / C as the target value and set the number of candidate sub-points for modification from on to off in a manner closest to the target value.

[0072] The second modification method is as follows: when the print data of the sub-point of interest is enabled and the sub-point adjacent to the sub-point of interest on the upstream side Y2 or downstream side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y is a modified sub-point, the print data of that sub-point of interest is still enabled. In other words, the second modification method is as follows: Figure 11 The method is similar to that used in image V2, which makes the change sub-points from on to off discontinuous in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0073] The third modification method ensures that the print data of the sub-point of interest remains enabled when the print data of the sub-point of interest is enabled and at least one of the sub-points adjacent to the sub-point of interest in the main scanning direction X is a modified sub-point. In other words, the third modification method is as follows: Figure 11The method, similar to that in V3, makes the change sub-points from on to off discontinuous in the main scan direction X.

[0074] The fourth change method ensures that the print data of the sub-point of interest remains enabled when the print data of the sub-point of interest is enabled and at least one of the eight surrounding sub-points is a changed sub-point. In other words, the fourth change method is as follows: Figure 11 The method used in image V4 to make the change point from on to off discontinuous in the octagon. Figure 11 The focus is on the top, upper right, right, lower right, lower, lower left, left, and upper left sides of the sub-point. In the second to fourth modification methods, the ratio of the modified sub-points in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y to the modified candidate sub-points can be set appropriately.

[0075] CPU7 acquires a sub-line, i.e., a change candidate sub-line, formed by one or more change candidate sub-points stored in S45, in a predetermined order (S50). In this embodiment, CPU7 acquires change candidate sub-lines sequentially starting from the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction. For example, CPU7 acquires the change candidate sub-line CL closest to the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction in part R4. Among the change candidate sub-points of the change candidate sub-lines acquired in S50, CPU7 sets change sub-points according to the change method acquired in S49 (S51). For example, CPU7 changes sub-point CS1 contained in change candidate sub-line CL to a change sub-point. CPU7 changes the print data of the sub-points that were changed to change sub-points in S51 from on to off (S52). CPU7 determines whether all change candidate sub-lines have been acquired in the process of S50 (S53). If there are sub-lines that were not acquired in the process of S50 (S53: No), CPU7 returns the process to S50. If all candidate change sub-lines have been retrieved during the processing in S50 (S53: Yes), CPU7 ends the change processing and returns to the previous state. Figure 3 Printing processing. In the process of... Figure 10 In the case where the fourth modification method is applied to part of image B2, for example, as in part of image B3, the print data of sub-points CS1 to CS5 is changed from on to off. On the other hand, as... Figure 12 As shown, if the fourth modification method is applied to the portion of image C1 that was edited in S12 in S12, for example, as with the portion of image C2, the print data is modified. Figure 13As shown, when editing is performed using the second editing method under the conditions of a resolution of 165 dpi and an absolute value of the difference between any two adjacent portions of the image in the main scanning direction X being 150 μm, and when editing and modification processing are performed on grid lines extending in the main scanning direction X with thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 16 points, it is possible to reduce the effective number of pixels while tilting them to a degree that is not noticeable to the naked eye. More specifically, Figure 13 The printed image with the conditions shown Figure 19 Compared to the printed image processed using the second editing method under the conditions of a comparative example where the absolute value of the difference between any two adjacent portions of the image at a resolution of 165 dpi is 300 μm, the edited area is less noticeable to the naked eye. It should be noted that the length of a single point in the sub-scanning direction Y at a resolution of 165 dpi is approximately 154 μm. Figure 13 and Figure 19 This refers to the case where the change processing was performed using the third change method, which satisfies the conditions that U and D are 3 (equivalent to 1 point) and B / C is 1 / 2.

[0076] Following S15 or S16, CPU7 determines whether the object image is the input image G or a high-resolution image (S17). If the object image is the input image G or a high-resolution image (S17: Yes), CPU7 does not perform the process of compositing the partial image (S19). If the object image is a non-feature portion H and the object image has been edited using the sixth editing method (S17: No), such as Figure 14 As shown, CPU7 edits the print data to become the data for the composite image G9. The composite image G9 is an image obtained by combining the edited image H6, which is the object of processing in S11 to S16 and was edited in S12, with the feature portion P4, which is not the object of processing in S11 to S16 (S18). The feature portion P4 of the composite image G9 is not subject to editing or modification processing, and therefore is completely consistent with the feature portion P4 of the input image G or the high-resolution image. The parts of the composite image G9 other than the feature portion P4 are subject to editing and modification processing, and therefore have parts that are inconsistent with the parts of the input image G or the high-resolution image other than the feature portion P4. The same applies when the object image is the object portion H (S17: No) (S18).

[0077] If the object image is part P1 to P3 and has been edited using the first editing method (S17: No), such as Figure 15As shown, CPU7 edits the print data to become the data for the composite image G10. The composite image G10 is an image obtained by compositing the object portions P1 to P3, which are the objects of processing in S11 to S16 and were edited in S12, and the non-object portions J, which are not the objects of processing in S11 to S16 (S18). The portions of the composite image G10 other than the object portions P1 to P3 are not subject to editing or modification processing, and therefore are completely identical to the portions of the input image G or the high-resolution image other than the object portions P1 to P3. The portions of the composite image G10 other than the object portions P1 to P3 are subject to editing and modification processing, and therefore have portions that are inconsistent with the portions of the input image G or the high-resolution image other than the object portions P1 to P3. In the synthesized image G10, when multiple points constituting the input image G and multiple points constituting the printed image printed according to the printing data are compared, specifically multiple points (column units) of the object portion P1 arranged continuously in the sub-scanning direction Y, from the upstream end DE of the upstream side Y2 to the downstream end UE of the downstream side Y1, the first, second, and third conditions are satisfied. Similarly, the first, second, and third conditions are also satisfied for the object portions P2 and P3.

[0078] Following S18 or S19, CPU7 determines whether to perform split printing (S20). Split printing is performed by dividing multiple elements 61 into N blocks (N is an integer greater than 2) in such a way that the peak current of the print head 6 required for printing one line based on the print data is suppressed to below the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the print head 6. Each of the N blocks is driven sequentially at different timings to print one line of the print data extending in the main scanning direction X. The criterion for determining whether to perform split printing can be appropriately determined. For example, CPU7 can determine whether to perform split printing based on the number of valid dots in each line. If split printing is performed (S20: Yes), CPU7 edits the print data in such a way that at least a portion of the lines contained in the print data are divided into N parts in the sub-scanning direction Y (S21). The splitting method can be appropriately determined. In this embodiment, CPU7 divides the printing cycle of one line into multiple sub-printing cycles of equal length, and these multiple sub-printing cycles include sub-printing cycles with the same start time as the printing cycle. CPU7 can also set the segmentation method according to the editing method in S12.

[0079] CPU7 in S12 editing process, such as Figure 16In the case where the print data is edited in such a way as shown in image M1, such that the difference between any two adjacent columns in the main scan direction X increases from one side X1 of the main scan direction X towards the other side X2 and towards the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scan direction, as shown in image M1, the print data is edited in such a way as shown in image M1. Figure 16 As shown in image M2, in the segmented printing process, the printing data is edited by driving the multiple elements 61 of N blocks, each in a sequence from one side X1 to the other X2 in the main scanning direction X, at mutually different timings. The row of identification number 1 in image M1 is bisected in image M2 into a row of identification number 1 and a row of identification number 1'. Similarly, the row of identification number 2 in image M1 is bisected in image M2 into a row of identification number 2 and a row of identification number 2'. The CPU7 performs the editing process in S12 as follows... Figure 17 As shown in image M3, if the print data is edited in such a way that the difference between any two adjacent columns in the main scan direction X increases from the other side X2 of the main scan direction X towards one side X1 and towards the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scan direction, then... Figure 17 As shown in image M4, in the segmented printing process, the printing data is edited by driving the multiple elements 61 of N blocks, each in a sequence from one side X2 to the other X1 of the main scanning direction X, at mutually different timings. The row of identification number 1 in image M3 is bisected in image M4 into a row of identification number 1 and a row of identification number 1'. Similarly, the row of identification number 2 in image M3 is bisected in image M4 into a row of identification number 2 and a row of identification number 2'. The CPU 7 sets the start timing of each sub-point in a manner that is equal in period.

[0080] CPU7 performs segmented printing based on the print data edited in S21 (S23). CPU7 performs segmented printing by driving multiple elements 61 for each of multiple sub-print cycles. If no segmentation processing is performed (S20: No), CPU7 performs printing processing based on the print data in S18 or S19 (S22). According to the print data, CPU7 sets the heat output of the candidate sub-points to be larger than that of the contour sub-points, and in S22 or S23, CPU7 performs printing processing to form an image on the print object F by heating the multiple elements 61 (S22, S23). Following S23 or S22, CPU7 ends the printing process.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the printing device 1 is an example of the printing device and print data editing device of the present invention. The plurality of components 61, print head 6, transport unit 5, CPU 7, and communication unit 4 are each an example of the plurality of components, print head, transport unit, control unit, and communication unit of the present invention. The processing in S1 is an example of the image data acquisition processing of the present invention. The processing in S12 is an example of the editing processing of the present invention. The processing in S15 is an example of the modification processing of the present invention. The processing in S23 is an example of the segmented printing processing of the present invention. The processing in S22 and S23 is an example of the printing processing of the present invention.

[0082] The printing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment includes a print head 6, a transport unit 5, and a CPU 7. The printing apparatus 1 has a plurality of elements 61 arranged linearly in the main scanning direction X. The transport unit 5 moves the printable object F and the print head 6 relative to each other in the sub-scanning direction Y, which intersects the main scanning direction X. The printing apparatus 1 edits the print data used in the printing apparatus 1, and drives the plurality of elements 61 relative to the printable object F in the sub-scanning direction Y while moving the print head 6 relative to the printable object F according to the print data containing data indicating the on / off state of each of the plurality of elements 61, forming an image on the printable object F for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements 61 arranged in the main scanning direction X. The CPU 7 acquires image data corresponding to the plurality of elements 61 arranged in the main scanning direction X (S1). The CPU 7 performs editing processing to edit the print data corresponding to the image data (S12). Specifically, the CPU7, based on image data, edits print data that satisfies the following conditions: When comparing multiple points constituting the input image G represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data, using all points arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y (i.e., column units) from the upstream end DE of the upstream side Y2 to the downstream end UE of the downstream side Y1, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image G is maximized when they are at the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction Y; the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of multiple predetermined amounts in multiple columns is 1 point or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X is 1 point or less or 150 μm or less. For example, the CPU7 obtains the representation... Figure 8The data of image H shown is used as image data representing input image G. The print data corresponding to the image data is edited so that it corresponds to any one of images H1 to H6. By performing the editing process, the printing device 1 can edit the print data to suppress the peak current of the print head 6 required for printing one row. The printing device 1 performs the editing process in a manner that "when comparing all the points arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y, i.e., column units, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the printed image and the image represented by the column of the input image G is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction." Therefore, compared with the case where the points contained in the input image G are edited locally as in the conventional technology, the printed image can be made so that the edited parts are not easily noticed without affecting the printing speed. Moreover, by suppressing the absolute value of the difference between two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X to less than 1 point or less or less than 150 μm, the changes in the printed image from the input image G are not easily noticeable, and the changes can be suppressed to a degree that is not visible to the naked eye. By reducing the number of active elements 61 in a line, printing device 1 can increase the possibility of accelerating printing speed to at least the same level as before, compared to the past when no editing processing was performed. Therefore, printing device 1 can edit print data that improves print quality compared to the past without compromising printing speed.

[0083] The conditions of printing device 1 also include a condition that the absolute value of one or more differences is a value less than 1 point, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction Y. Printing device 1 can perform editing processing in finer sub-point units compared to the case where the specified quantity is in point units, and therefore can be configured to produce a printed image where the edited area is less noticeable compared to the case where the specified quantity is in point units.

[0084] In the editing process, the CPU7 of the printing device 1 divides the input image G into multiple partial images in column units, and slides each of the divided partial images in the sub-scanning direction Y by a predetermined amount corresponding to the partial image, thereby editing the print data. For example, the CPU7 will... Figure 8 The image H is divided into 10 partial images. Each of the divided partial images is slid along the sub-scanning direction Y by a predetermined amount corresponding to the partial image, thereby editing the print data corresponding to any one of the images H1 to H4. The printing device 1 can suppress the editing processing load applied to the CPU 7, and can realize editing processing even when the CPU 7 has a small memory.

[0085] The printing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 4 for acquiring image data from an external device W. During processing in S1, the CPU 7 acquires image data generated by the external device W with a resolution higher than the resolution of the sub-scanning direction Y defined by the plurality of elements 61 from the external device W via the communication unit 4 (S1). Since the printing apparatus 1 acquires the high-resolution image data generated by the external device W, there is no need to perform image data resolution processing within the printing apparatus 1.

[0086] CPU 7 performs a resolution enhancement process (S3) that increases the resolution in the sub-scanning direction Y by dividing each row in the sub-scanning direction Y relative to the image data acquired in S1. The printing device 1 is able to enhance the resolution of the image data even when the acquired image data has a relatively low resolution.

[0087] The printing apparatus 1 includes a printhead 6 and a transport unit 5. The CPU 7 divides multiple elements 61 into N blocks (N is an integer greater than 2) in a manner that suppresses the peak current of the printhead 6 required for printing one line based on print data to below the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the printhead 6. Each of the N blocks is driven sequentially at different timings, thereby printing one line of print data extending in the main scanning direction X (S23). Even when the peak current supplied to the printhead 6 exceeds the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply 10 when printing one line based on print data with editing processing, the printing apparatus 1 can maintain print quality while ensuring that the peak current does not exceed the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply 10.

[0088] In the editing process of S12, CPU7 edits the print data such that the difference between a predetermined amount of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction X increases from one side X1 of the main scanning direction X to the other side X2, and then towards the upstream side Y2 of the sub-scanning direction. In the segmented printing process of S23, CPU7 drives N blocks, each in a different timing sequence from one side X1 to the other side X2 of the main scanning direction X. The printing device 1 is able to perform high-speed printing aesthetically without interruption of printing across a line.

[0089] CPU7 performs the following modification processing: when defining a print unit obtained by dividing the points defined by multiple elements 61 into M (M is an integer greater than 2) in the sub-scanning direction Y as a sub-point, defining multiple sub-points arranged in the main scanning direction X as a sub-row, defining sub-points with print data on as print portions, and defining sub-points with print data off or portions outside the print area as non-print portions, in all sub-rows of at least one row in the print portions, the image data or print data of at least one sub-point is changed from on to off (S15). By performing modification processing in addition to editing processing, the printing device 1 can further reduce the possibility that the peak current supplied to the print head 6 exceeds the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply 10 while maintaining print quality.

[0090] CPU 7 performs editing processing when the input image G contains a predetermined number or more grid lines extending a predetermined length or more in the main scanning direction X. By performing editing processing when the input image G contains a predetermined number or more grid lines extending a predetermined length or more in the main scanning direction X, printing device 1 is able to suppress the peak current required for each line.

[0091] CPU7 performs editing processing (S12) when printing based on print data edited by the editing process results in faster printing speed compared to the case where editing is not performed. Printing device 1 can reliably avoid slowing down printing speed due to performing editing processing.

[0092] In the editing process, CPU7 edits the print data by applying rotation processing to the input image G (S12). The printing device 1 can smoothly edit the input image G by applying rotation processing to it. The printing device 1 can minimize the deformation of the geometric figures when comparing the input image G and the print image.

[0093] During the editing process, CPU7 edits the following print data: when a predetermined value is set to a negative value when sliding upstream of Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y and a predetermined value is set to a positive value when sliding downstream of Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y, the predetermined value in the main scanning direction X increases the further it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the downstream side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y (S12). Printing device 1 can edit print data containing strings in the printed image to make it look aesthetically pleasing, such as italics in English. For strings such as Japanese hiragana that slant upwards to the right, printing device 1 can suppress the generation of print data that increases the peak current supplied to the print head 6 through editing processing.

[0094] During the editing process, CPU7 edits the following print data: when the specified amount is set to a negative value when sliding upstream of Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y and a positive value when sliding downstream of Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y, the specified amount in the main scanning direction X is a value that decreases the further it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the downstream side Y1 of the sub-scanning direction Y (S12). Printing device 1 can edit aesthetically pleasing print data when the string contained in the print image is Japanese hiragana.

[0095] During the editing process, CPU7 edits the absolute value of a predetermined amount at the center of the main scanning direction X to become the minimum print data (S12). The printing device 1 can minimize the white space difference at both ends of the sub-scanning direction Y and both ends of the main scanning direction X of the printed image.

[0096] During editing, the CPU7 prints more than two extreme values ​​of a specified quantity in the main scanning direction X (S12). The printing device 1 can make the specified quantity of the image relatively small compared to the case where the extreme value is less than one.

[0097] During the editing process, CPU7 edits print data with an extreme value of one for a specified quantity in the main scanning direction X (S12). The printing device 1 can make the specified quantity of the image relatively small compared to the case where the extreme value is 0.

[0098] CPU7 performs the following segmented printing process: dividing a line printing cycle into multiple sub-printing cycles of equal length, wherein each sub-printing cycle includes a sub-printing cycle with the same start time as the printing cycle; driving multiple elements 61 for each of the multiple sub-printing cycles, thereby performing printing based on printing data (S23). By performing the segmented printing process, printing device 1 is able to print in the sub-scanning direction Y in units smaller than the points corresponding to the multiple elements 61.

[0099] The print data editing apparatus, print data editing method, and print data editing program of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can also be appropriately made. The present invention can be implemented in various ways, for example, it can be implemented in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a print data editing program. The structure of the printing apparatus 1 can be appropriately modified. The printing apparatus 1 can also be a printing apparatus having a linear thermal head that thermally transfers ink ribbon as a print head 6. The printing apparatus 1 can also be an inkjet printer having multiple piezoelectric elements as multiple elements 61 and a linear inkjet head as a print head 6. The printing apparatus 1 can also be an electrophotographic printer having multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as multiple elements 61 and a linear LED head as a print head 6. The print data editing apparatus can also be a dedicated or general-purpose device that is separately provided from the printing apparatus 1 and performs the processing of S1 to S19. The structure of the transport unit 5 of the printing apparatus 1 can be modified according to the type of print head 6. The transport unit 5 can also change the relative position of the print head 6 and the printing object F by moving the print head 6. The communication unit 4 can be any structure that can communicate with the external device W wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0100] Includes for making Figure 2 The program that executes the instructions can be stored in the storage device of the printing device 1 before the CPU 7 executes the corresponding program. Therefore, the method of obtaining the program, the acquisition path, and the device for storing the program can be appropriately changed. The program executed by each printing device 1 can also be received from other devices via cable or wireless communication and stored in storage devices such as the storage unit. Other devices include, for example, PCs and servers connected via a network.

[0101] The steps of the printing process are not limited to the example executed by CPU7; some or all may be executed by other electronic devices (e.g., ASICs). The steps of the printing process may also be processed distributed among multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple CPUs). The order of the steps in the printing process can be changed, steps can be omitted, or steps can be added as needed. The following modifications may also be appropriately applied to the printing process.

[0102] The types and number of editing methods that CPU7 can execute can be appropriately changed. For example, CPU7 may only be able to execute one of the first to sixth editing methods. CPU7 may also perform editing processing on the high-resolution image of S3 or the input image G of S4 without accepting the specification of at least one of the feature portion, object portion, and non-object portion. When multiple object portions P1 to P3 are set, CPU7 may apply the same editing method to each object portion or apply different editing methods to each object portion. CPU7 may also perform editing processing without determining whether to perform editing processing in S11. When a feature portion or non-object portion is specified, CPU7 may also perform editing processing by setting the specified amount of the range containing the specified portion in the main scanning direction X to 0. The third condition in the editing conditions may be appropriately omitted.

[0103] The processing in S15 can also be omitted appropriately. CPU7 can also perform change processing without determining whether to perform change processing in S14. The types and number of change methods that CPU7 can execute can also be appropriately changed. For example, CPU7 can also only execute one of the first to fourth change methods. CPU7 can also perform change processing using methods other than the first to fourth change methods. Change processing can also be performed by changing the printed data of the change candidate sub-points from on to off at different ratios in the main scan direction X and the sub-scan direction Y. For example... Figure 18 As shown, CPU7 can modify the printing data of printed image J2 based on the image data of input image J1 to become printed image J4, or it can modify the image data of input image J1 to become printed image J3 and then modify it to become printed image J4.

[0104] The processes S21 and S23 can also be omitted appropriately. CPU7 can also execute the processes S21 and S23 without determining whether to perform row segmentation in S20. When performing segmented printing, CPU7 can also determine the driving order of the elements 61 of multiple blocks independently of the editing method in S12. The processes S2 to S4 can also be modified appropriately. When the threshold of the second condition in the editing process is defined by the length, the threshold can be appropriately changed to a value of 150 μm or less, preferably 50 μm or less, and even more preferably 20 μm or less. As mentioned above, the length of the sub-scanning direction Y of point 1 is approximately in the range of 20 μm to 170 μm; therefore, by setting the threshold of the second condition to less than 20 μm, the threshold of the difference can be more reliably suppressed to below point 1. The above variations can also be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

[0105] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0106] 1: Printing unit, 4: Communication unit, 5: Transport unit, 6: Print head, 7: CPU, 8: RAM, 9: Storage unit.

Claims

1. A print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing device, the printing device comprising: A printhead having multiple elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction; and The transport unit moves the printing object and the print head relative to each other in a secondary scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements while moving the print head relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction according to the printing data containing data indicating the on / off state of each of the plurality of elements, forming an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The printed data editing device is characterized in that... Equipped with a control unit, The control unit is capable of performing: Image data acquisition processing acquires image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and Editing process, editing the print data corresponding to the image data, wherein, Based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data are compared in columns, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 or less. A column refers to all the points arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side. The conditions also include the following: the absolute value of the difference between one or more of the specified quantities is a value less than 1 point, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction. The printed data is as follows: by dividing the on / off cycles of the plurality of elements corresponding to point 1 into multiple segments, the start timing of the on / off cycle of the plurality of elements for each sub-point of the plurality of columns is set to be equal.

2. The print data editing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the print data by dividing the input image into multiple partial images in units of columns and sliding each of the multiple partial images in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined amount corresponding to the partial image.

3. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a communication unit for acquiring the image data from external devices. In the image data acquisition process, the control unit acquires image data generated by the external device via the communication unit, which has a resolution higher than that of the sub-scanning direction defined by the plurality of elements.

4. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit is capable of further performing the following resolution enhancement processing: for the image data, increasing the resolution in the sub-scanning direction by segmenting the rows in the sub-scanning direction.

5. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The print data editing device is a printing device equipped with the print head and the transport unit. The control unit further performs the following segmented printing process: dividing the plurality of elements into N blocks in such a way that the peak current of the print head required to print one line based on the print data is suppressed to below the maximum value of the current that can be supplied from the power supply to the print head, and sequentially driving each of the N blocks at different timings to print one line of the print data extending in the main scanning direction, wherein N is an integer greater than 2.

6. The print data editing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the print data in such a way that the difference between the predetermined amount of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction increases from one side of the main scanning direction to the other side, upstream in the sub-scanning direction. In the segmented printing process, the control unit drives each of the N blocks in a sequence from one side of the main scanning direction to the other side at different timings.

7. The print data editing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit further performs the following change processing: when defining a plurality of sub-points arranged in the main scanning direction as sub-rows, defining sub-points with the print data on as printed portions, defining sub-points with the print data off as non-printed portions, or defining sub-points with the print data off and portions outside the print area as non-printed portions, in all sub-rows of at least one of the rows in the printed portions, the image data or print data of at least one of the sub-points is changed from on to off.

8. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the editing process when the input image contains a predetermined number or more grid lines extending a predetermined length or more in the main scanning direction.

9. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit performs the editing process when printing based on the print data edited by the editing process is faster than when editing is not performed using the editing process.

10. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit edits the print data by applying rotation processing to the input image during the editing process.

11. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the following print data: when the specified amount is set to a negative value when sliding towards the upstream side of the sub-scanning direction and the specified amount is set to a positive value when sliding towards the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction, in the main scanning direction, the specified amount is a value that increases the further it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction.

12. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the following print data: when the specified amount is set to a negative value when sliding towards the upstream side of the sub-scanning direction and the specified amount is set to a positive value when sliding towards the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction, the specified amount in the main scanning direction is a value that becomes smaller the further it is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the downstream side of the sub-scanning direction.

13. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the absolute value of the specified amount at the center of the main scanning direction to the minimum of the printed data.

14. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the printed data where there are two or more extreme values ​​of the specified quantity in the main scanning direction.

15. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the editing process, the control unit edits the print data so that the extreme value of the specified quantity in the main scanning direction is one.

16. The print data editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The print data editing device is a printing device equipped with the print head and the transport unit. The control unit further performs the following printing process: dividing a printing cycle of a line into multiple sub-printing cycles of equal length, wherein the multiple sub-printing cycles include a sub-printing cycle with the same start time as the printing cycle, and driving the multiple elements for each of the multiple sub-printing cycles to perform printing based on the printing data.

17. A method for editing print data, executed by a control unit of a print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing apparatus. The printing device includes: A printhead having multiple elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction; and The transport unit moves the printing object and the print head relative to each other in a secondary scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements while moving the print head relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction according to the printing data containing data indicating the on / off state of each of the plurality of elements, forming an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. The printed data editing method is characterized by having: Image data acquisition processing acquires image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and Editing process, editing the print data corresponding to the image data, wherein, Based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data are compared in columns, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 or less. A column refers to all the points arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side. The conditions also include the following: the absolute value of the difference between one or more of the specified quantities is a value less than 1 point, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction. The printed data is as follows: by dividing the on / off cycles of the plurality of elements corresponding to point 1 into multiple segments, the start timing of the on / off cycle of the plurality of elements for each sub-point of the plurality of columns is set to be equal.

18. A storage medium storing a print data editing program executed by a control unit of a print data editing device for editing print data used in a printing apparatus. The printing device includes: A printhead having multiple elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction; and The transport unit moves the printing object and the print head relative to each other in a secondary scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus drives the plurality of elements while moving the print head relative to the printable object in the sub-scanning direction according to the printing data containing data indicating the on / off state of each of the plurality of elements, forming an image on the printable object for each row corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction. Its features are, Includes instructions for the control unit to perform the following processes: Image data acquisition processing acquires image data corresponding to the plurality of elements arranged in the main scanning direction; and The editing process edits the print data corresponding to the image data, wherein, based on the image data, the print data is edited to satisfy the following conditions: when multiple points constituting the input image represented by the image data and multiple points constituting the print image printed according to the print data are compared in columns, the consistency between the image contained in the column of the print image and the image represented by the column of the input image is maximized when they are in the same position or have slid by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction; the maximum value of the absolute values ​​of the multiple predetermined amounts of the multiple columns is 1 or more; and the absolute value of the difference between the predetermined amounts of any two adjacent columns in the main scanning direction is 1 or less. A column refers to all the points arranged in the sub-scanning direction from the upstream end on the upstream side to the downstream end on the downstream side. The conditions also include the following: the absolute value of the difference between one or more of the specified quantities is a value less than 1 point, represented by sub-points obtained by dividing the point into multiple sub-points in the sub-scanning direction. The printed data is as follows: by dividing the on / off cycles of the plurality of elements corresponding to point 1 into multiple segments, the start timing of the on / off cycle of the plurality of elements for each sub-point of the plurality of columns is set to be equal.

Images