Liquid ejection apparatus, liquid ejection head control device, liquid ejection head control method, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection head control device, a liquid ejection head control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The liquid ejection head includes an ejection driving element for driving the ejection energy generating element based on the ejection data and a cycle driving element for driving the cycle energy generating element based on the cycle data. The liquid ejection head control unit includes a unit configured to generate ejection data based on the image data and a generation unit configured to generate loop data based on the ejection data, the cycle data is such that the ejection energy generating element corresponding to the ejection driving element is not driven in an inspection region which is defined by the ejection driving element in the ejection data and which is displaced in the scanning direction. A cyclic driving element corresponding to the ejection driving element drives a cyclic energy generating element corresponding to the cyclic driving element in a driving region included in the inspection region.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection apparatus configured to eject a liquid to a print medium or the like, a liquid ejection head control device configured to control a liquid ejection head of the liquid ejection apparatus, and a liquid ejection head control method for controlling a liquid ejection head of the liquid ejection apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a liquid ejection head of a liquid ejection apparatus, ink in a pressure chamber is ejected from a nozzle (also referred to as a "nozzle") using energy generated by an ejection energy generating element. In such a liquid ejection head, a volatile component in the ink can evaporate through the inkjet nozzle, thereby thickening the ink in the nozzle. Such ink thickening can change the inkjet speed and the like, and cause ejection failure including inaccurate ink landing. Particularly in the case where the inkjet operation has a long idle time, the increase in the viscosity of the ink is significant, and solid in the ink adheres to the inside of the nozzle, thereby increasing the ink flow resistance and causing inkjet failure to occur more likely. One known measure against such liquid thickening phenomenon is a method involving passing fresh liquid through the nozzle in the pressure chamber. One method of passing liquid is to circulate the liquid inside the head by utilizing a pressure difference caused by a body-side pump provided separately from a fluid die for ejection. Another known method is to circulate the ink by utilizing a circulation energy element arranged at the fluid die itself (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-18584).

[0003] With the on-demand circulation disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-18584, a fluid circulation element corresponding to the ejection energy generating element is driven in the case where the liquid ejection element corresponding to the ejection energy generating element is not driven for a certain period of time. However, the fluid circulation element is driven for only a limited period of time immediately before the next driving of the fluid ejection element. Therefore, it is not necessarily possible to maintain the circulability of the liquid. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and aims to prevent a decrease in the circulability of liquid in the case where the ejection energy generating element is not driven.

[0005] A liquid ejection apparatus including a liquid ejection head configured to eject liquid to a print medium along a scan direction, and a liquid ejection head control unit configured to control the liquid ejection head, wherein the liquid ejection head includes a plurality of ejection ports through which liquid is ejected, a plurality of pressure chambers in communication with the respective plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of ejection energy generation elements each configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a respective one of the plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of circulation energy generation elements each configured to generate energy for circulating liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid ejection head, a plurality of ejection drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of ejection energy generation elements based on ejection data, and a plurality of circulation drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of circulation energy generation elements based on circulation data, and the liquid ejection head control unit includes a unit configured to generate the ejection data based on image data, and a generation unit configured to generate the circulation data based on the ejection data, the circulation data being such that, in a case where a certain ejection drive element does not drive an ejection energy generation element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element within a check area defined in the ejection data and shifted in the scan direction, a circulation drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element drives a circulation energy generation element corresponding to the circulation drive element in a drive area included in the check area.

[0006] A liquid ejection head control apparatus for controlling a liquid ejection head configured to eject liquid to a print medium, the liquid ejection head control apparatus comprising: the liquid ejection head configured to eject liquid to the print medium along a scanning direction; and a liquid ejection head control unit configured to control the liquid ejection head, wherein the liquid ejection head comprises: a plurality of ejection ports through which liquid is ejected, a plurality of pressure chambers in communication with the respective plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of ejection energy generation elements each configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a respective one of the plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of circulation energy generation elements each configured to generate energy for circulating liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid ejection head, a plurality of ejection drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of ejection energy generation elements based on ejection data, and a plurality of circulation drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of circulation energy generation elements based on circulation data, and the liquid ejection head control unit comprises: a unit configured to generate the ejection data based on image data, and a generation unit configured to generate the circulation data based on the ejection data, the circulation data being such that, in the event that a certain ejection drive element does not drive an ejection energy generation element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element within a test area defined in the ejection data and displaced in the scanning direction, a circulation drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element drives a circulation energy generation element corresponding to the circulation drive element in a drive area included in the test area.

[0007] A liquid ejection head control method for controlling a liquid ejection head configured to eject a liquid to a print medium, wherein the liquid ejection head includes a plurality of ejection ports through which the liquid is ejected, a plurality of pressure chambers which communicate with the respective plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of ejection energy generating elements each configured to generate energy for ejecting the liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a respective one of the plurality of ejection ports, a plurality of circulation energy generating elements each configured to generate energy for circulating the liquid in a respective one of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid ejection head, a plurality of ejection drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of ejection energy generating elements based on ejection data, and a plurality of circulation drive elements each configured to drive a respective one of the plurality of circulation energy generating elements based on circulation data, and the liquid ejection head control method includes generating the ejection data based on image data, and generating the circulation data based on the ejection data, the circulation data being such that, in a case where a certain ejection drive element does not drive an ejection energy generating element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element within a check area defined in the ejection data and shifted in a scanning direction, a circulation drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element drives a circulation energy generating element corresponding to the circulation drive element in a drive area included in the check area.

[0008] A computer program product including a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described liquid ejection head control method.

[0009] A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described liquid ejection head control method.

[0010] The features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is described by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematically showing a liquid ejection apparatus;

[0012] FIG. 1B is a perspective view schematically showing a liquid ejection apparatus;

[0013] FIG. 2A is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an area around an ejection port of a liquid ejection head;

[0014] FIG. 2B is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an area around an ejection port of a liquid ejection head;

[0015] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating details of a region around a nozzle of a liquid ejection head;

[0016] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a liquid ejection head;

[0017] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a liquid ejection chip;

[0018] FIG. 3C is a plan view of a liquid ejection chip;

[0019] FIG. 3D is a plan view of a liquid ejection chip;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of a liquid ejection head;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a liquid ejection apparatus;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of a timing generation unit;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a liquid ejection head control unit;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing signals generated by a liquid ejection head control unit;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a part of a liquid ejection apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a pump timing calculation unit of the first embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a pump flag signal generation unit according to the first and third embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory according to the first embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a pump timing calculation method;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a pump timing calculation method according to the first and third embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating grouping of nozzles;

[0032] FIG. 16Ais a flowchart showing the operation of the pump timing calculation unit;

[0033] FIG. 16B is a flowchart showing the operation of the pump timing calculation unit;

[0034] FIG. 17 is a timing chart of the pump flag timing calculation according to the first and third embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of a part of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the pump timing calculation unit according to the second embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 20 is a functional block of the pump flag signal generation unit according to the second embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory according to the second embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a pump timing calculation method according to the second embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 23A is a timing chart of the pump flag timing calculation according to the second embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 23B is a timing chart of the pump flag timing calculation according to the second embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 24 is a functional block diagram of a part of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the third embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing data stored in a memory according to the third embodiment; and

[0044] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not provided in order to limit the content of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are essential to the solution provided by the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components throughout the drawings. The basic configuration of the present disclosure is described first below, and features of the present disclosure are then described.

[0046] <First Embodiment>

[0047] <Configuration of the Loop Unit>

[0048] <liquid ejection apparatus>

[0049] First, the overall configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 50 of the present embodiment is described. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views schematically showing two types of liquid ejection apparatuses.

[0050] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The liquid ejection apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a liquid ejection apparatus (serial liquid ejection apparatus) designed to print an image by ejecting a liquid to a print medium P using a liquid ejection head configured to scan in a direction intersecting a direction in which the print medium P is conveyed. The present disclosure is not limited to the serial liquid ejection apparatus. The present disclosure can also be applied to a page-wide liquid ejection apparatus designed to print an image by ejecting a liquid to a print medium conveyed in a conveyance direction using a line head (page-wide head) elongated in a width direction of the print medium. Note that the liquid ejection head of the present embodiment can eject inks of four types (black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)), and can print a full-color image using these inks. The inks that the liquid ejection head can eject are not limited to the above four inks. The present disclosure can also be applied to a liquid ejection head for ejecting other types of inks. Thus, there is no limitation on the types of inks to be ejected from the liquid ejection head and the number of ink types.

[0051] In the serial liquid ejection apparatus 50, the liquid ejection head 1 is carried by a carriage 60. The carriage 60 reciprocates along a guide shaft 51 extending in a main scanning direction (X direction). The print medium is conveyed in a sub-scanning direction (Y direction) intersecting the main scanning direction (in the present example, perpendicular to the main scanning direction) by conveyance rollers (conveyance units) 55, 56, 57, and 58. Note that in the drawings referred to below, the Z direction is the vertical direction, and intersects (in the present example, is orthogonal to) the X-Y plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction.

[0052] FIG. 1A A configuration in which the main ink reservoirs 2 are provided as liquid storage units outside the liquid ejection head is shown. The liquid (ink) stored in each of the ink reservoirs 2 is supplied to the corresponding sub-ink reservoir 54 on the liquid ejection head 1 side via a supply tube (liquid communication passage) 59 or the like by driving force of an external pump 21. In contrast to this, FIG. 1B A configuration in which the ink reservoirs 54B are provided as liquid storage units directly above the liquid ejection head 1 instead of the main ink reservoirs 2 being provided outside the liquid ejection head is shown. In this configuration, the liquid ejection head 1 is provided with the sub-ink reservoirs 54B as liquid storage units. FIG. 1BIn a configuration of the liquid ejection head 1, the liquid ejection head 1 can be provided integrally with the ink reservoir 54B, and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the carriage 60. Further, the liquid ejection head 1 can be provided integrally with the carriage 60, and only the ink reservoir 54B can be configured to be attachable and detachable. The following uses a configuration in FIG. 1A as a representative example.

[0053] The liquid ejection head 1 is configured to include individual ejection units that will be described later. Although a specific configuration will be described later, as shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C the individual ejection units are provided with a pressure chamber 222 that communicates with the ejection port 211. The individual ejection units are provided with a first energy generating element (ejection energy generating element) 214 that is provided in the pressure chamber 222 and configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid from the ejection port 211. The individual ejection units are provided with an individual flow path 223 that communicates with the pressure chamber 222 and a second energy generating element (circulation energy generating element) 224 that is provided in the individual flow path 223. The liquid ejection head 1 has a plurality of individual ejection units, and has a supply flow path for supplying liquid to the individual flow paths in the individual ejection units.

[0054] For the use of the liquid ejection head, various measures are taken to prevent unstable liquid ejection that can occur due to, for example, evaporation of volatile components such as moisture and the like from the ejection port or concentration of solid matter in the vicinity of the ejection port due to evaporation. For example, the liquid ejection apparatus can be provided with a cover member (not shown) that is arranged at a position offset in the X direction from the conveyance path of the print medium to be able to cover an ejection port face of the liquid ejection head on which the ejection ports are formed. The cover member covers the ejection port face of the liquid ejection head during, for example, a non-printing operation to prevent the ejection ports from drying and to protect the ejection ports. Further, an ink suction mechanism (not shown) can be provided, in which case the cover member is used for, for example, an operation of sucking ink from the ejection ports. Performing this ink suction operation can refresh the ink in the vicinity of the ejection ports and maintain the quality of a printed image. Further, a method is known in which a so-called preliminary ejection (pre-ejection) is performed during a non-printing operation to discard concentrated ink. In another known method, a preliminary ejection (preliminary ejection on a page or preliminary ejection within a page) is performed during a printing operation to eject an insignificant amount of ink to an insignificant position on the print medium in terms of image quality. These methods greatly contribute to improving the image quality, but discard part of the ink to refresh the ejection ports. Therefore, it is desirable to refresh the ejection ports while wasting as little ink as possible.

[0055] To cope with such a challenge, a second energy generating element (circulation energy generating element) 224 is provided in the individual flow path to circulate the ink in the individual flow path, which can reduce the drying of the ejection port and the concentration of the ink near the ejection port while reducing the amount of wasted ink. More specifically, the number of times of performing the preparatory ejection or the suction recovery can be reduced as much as possible. The reduction in the number of preparatory ejections and the like as much as possible can result in improved throughput or yield.

[0056] The circulation energy generating element 224 need not be provided in all of the individual ejection units of the liquid ejection head. As compared with the case where the circulation energy generating element 224 is not provided, the above-described advantageous effects can be achieved as long as the circulation energy generating element 224 is provided in some of the individual ejection units.

[0057] Further, FIG. 1A The illustrated liquid ejection head can be configured to include the circulation energy generating element 224 at all sites corresponding to the four types of ink, or can be configured to include the circulation energy generating element 224 only at sites corresponding to one type of ink. In other words, the liquid ejection head can be configured to circulate not all of the four types of ink but only at least one type of ink.

[0058] <Basic configuration of liquid ejection head>

[0059] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the liquid ejection head of the present embodiment. As FIG. 3A illustrated, the liquid ejection head 1 is configured to include a sub-ink reservoir 54 configured to temporarily store ink in the head and a liquid ejection chip 301 for ejecting the ink supplied from the sub-ink reservoir 54 to a print medium P. The liquid ejection head 1 of the present embodiment is fixed and supported on a carriage 60 of a liquid ejection apparatus 50 by a positioning unit and electrical contacts (not shown) provided at the carriage 60. The liquid ejection head 1 moves together with the carriage 60 in a main scanning direction (X direction) illustrated in FIG. 1A to perform printing on the print medium P by ejecting ink during movement.

[0060] Note that, as FIG. 3A illustrated, the liquid ejection head 1 includes an ejection unit 300. Then, the ejection unit 300 is configured to include a first support member 303, a second support member 302, the liquid ejection chip 301, and an electrical wiring member (electrical wiring tape) 304.

[0061] An external pump 21 connected to the ink reservoir 2 as an ink supply source is provided with an ink supply tube 59 (see FIG. 1A). A liquid connector (not shown) is provided at the front end of each ink supply tube 59. When the liquid ejection head 1 is attached to the liquid ejection apparatus 50, the liquid connector provided at the front end of the ink supply tube 59 is connected in a liquid-tight manner to a liquid connector insertion port provided as a liquid inlet at the head case 53 of the liquid ejection head 1. As a result, an ink supply path extending from the ink reservoir 2 to the liquid ejection head 1 by the external pump 21 is formed. In the present embodiment in which four types of ink are used, four sets of the ink reservoir 2, the external pump 21, the ink supply tube 59, and the sub ink reservoir 54 are provided corresponding to each type of ink, and four ink supply paths corresponding to the ink are independently formed. In this way, the liquid ejection apparatus 50 of the present embodiment has an ink supply system for supplying ink from the ink reservoir 2 provided outside the liquid ejection head 1. Note that the liquid ejection apparatus 50 of the present embodiment does not have an ink collection system for collecting ink in the liquid ejection head 1 to the ink reservoir. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 1 is provided with a liquid connector insertion port to which the ink supply tube 59 of the liquid ejection head 1 is connected, but does not have a connector insertion port to which a tube for collecting ink in the liquid ejection head 1 to the ink reservoir 2 is connected. Note that the liquid connector insertion port is provided for each ink.

[0062] FIG. 3B , FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D is a plan view of the liquid ejection chip 301 forming the liquid ejection head as seen from the ejection face side. FIG. 3B shows a configuration in which one chip supports four colors, FIG. 3C shows a configuration in which one chip supports two colors, and FIG. 3D shows a configuration in which one chip supports one color. Each liquid ejection chip 301 is provided with pads 1321 electrically implemented for the ejection ports 211. FIG. 3A shows FIG. 3B a single-chip configuration.

[0063] FIG. 3B shows a configuration in which one chip supports four colors. The four colors are, for example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow assigned to each array extending in the Y direction. In FIG. 3B the example shown in FIG. 8, the ejection ports of each color are arranged in an interlaced manner into two rows extending in the Y direction. Note that the ejection ports are arranged at a constant pitch in the Y direction. The ejection ports of each color can also be arranged in one row in the Y direction. Furthermore, in a case where the ejection ports of each of the other colors are configured in one row, only the ejection ports of black can be arranged in two rows. In this case, there are a total of five rows.

[0064] FIG. 3CA configuration with two chips is shown, each chip being assigned two colors. In this case, two chips can be mounted on a single liquid ejection head, or one chip can be mounted on a single liquid ejection head to have two heads.

[0065] FIG. 3D A configuration with four chips is shown, each chip being assigned one color. In this case, four chips can be mounted on a single liquid ejection head, or one chip can be mounted on a single liquid ejection head to have four heads. Furthermore, two chips can be mounted on a single liquid ejection head to have two heads.

[0066] Furthermore, in a configuration with two or more separate chips as in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D not all chips must have the same length. Furthermore, any combination of colors can be assigned to the plurality of chips. The same applies to the case of a total of four or more colors (simple straight line type).

[0067] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a schematic view giving a detailed illustration of a region in the vicinity of a ejection port of a liquid ejection head configured to eject a liquid such as ink. FIG. 2A is a plan view seen from the direction in which liquid droplets are ejected from the ejection port. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A of the first configuration. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A of the second configuration.

[0068] In FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , a pressure chamber 222 and a separate flow path 223 are formed between a print element substrate 201 and an orifice plate 202. The pressure chamber 222 is each partitioned by a partition wall 221 and disposed in correspondence with each ejection port 211, and ink passes through each pressure chamber 222 through the corresponding separate flow path 223. A meniscus is formed at the ink in the ejection port 211, thereby forming an ejection port interface as an interface between the ink and the atmosphere.

[0069] The print element substrate 201 includes ejection energy generating elements 214 configured to generate energy for ejecting ink in the pressure chamber. In the present example, thermoelectric conversion elements are used as the ejection energy generating elements 214. Each ejection energy generating element 214 is located closer to the second opening (outflow opening) 232 than the first opening (supply opening) 212, and the same is true of the ejection port 211 and the pressure chamber 222. The ejection energy generating elements 214 are driven and heated to form a bubble in the ink in the pressure chamber 222, which enables the ink to be ejected from the ejection port 211 using the energy of the bubble thus formed. The ejection energy generating elements 214 are not limited to thermoelectric conversion elements as in the present example, and piezoelectric elements or the like can also be used. The print element substrate 201 also has circulation energy generating elements 224, each of which is configured to generate energy for generating the ink circulation flow 227 in the individual flow path as indicated by the arrow. In the present example, thermoelectric conversion elements are used as the circulation energy generating elements 224. Each circulation energy generating element 224 is located closer to the first opening 212 than the second opening 232.

[0070] The individual flow path 223 extends in a second direction intersecting (in the present example, orthogonal to) the ejection port array arranged in the first direction. The individual flow path 223 includes the pressure chamber 222, an inlet (upstream) side connecting flow path 213A communicating with one end of the pressure chamber 222, and an outlet (downstream) side flow path 213B communicating with the other end of the pressure chamber 222. The individual flow path 223 communicates with the first opening 212 and the second opening 232 of the print element substrate 201 on their respective sides. Thus, in the present example, the connecting flow path 213A is located on the left side of the ejection port array. The connecting flow path 213B is located on the right side of the ejection port array. The two ends of the individual flow path 223 are located in positions opposite each other, with the ejection port array interposed therebetween. FIG. 2B FIG. 2B The inlet (upstream) side connecting flow path 213A is located on the left side of the ejection port array. The outlet (downstream) side flow path 213B is located on the right side of the ejection port array. The two ends of the individual flow path 223 are located in positions opposite each other, with the ejection port array interposed therebetween. FIG. 2A FIG. 2B The inlet (upstream) side connecting flow path 213A is located on the left side of the ejection port array. The outlet (downstream) side flow path 213B is located on the right side of the ejection port array. The two ends of the individual flow path 223 are located in positions opposite each other, with the ejection port array interposed therebetween. FIG. 2C The ink flow through the individual flow path 223 is roughly divided into the following two:

[0071] (1) ink flow for post-ejection replenishment caused by driving of the first energy elements 214,

[0072] (2) ink flow for forming a circulation flow caused by driving of the second energy elements 224.

[0073] In the case where the first energy elements 214 are driven to eject liquid from the ejection port 211, ink flows in from the first opening 212 and the second opening 232 to supply ink for ejection.

[0074] In the case where the second energy elements 224 are driven to form a circulation flow, ink flows in from the first opening 212 and the second opening 232 to supply ink for circulation.

[0075] ​​In a case where the second energy element 224 is driven to form a circulating flow, ink flows into the individual flow path 223 through the first opening 212 located on the connecting flow path side, and then flows out through the second opening 232 not located on the connecting flow path side. In this example, the ink flowing out through the second opening 232 returns to the first opening 212 and circulates to form a circulating flow 227 as indicated by the arrow in the individual flow path 223.

[0076] Note that, FIG. 2B A configuration in which the first opening 212 and the second opening 232 are connected to the individual flow path 223 and unified outside the liquid ejecting head is shown, and FIG. 2C A configuration in which the first opening 212 and the second opening 232 are not unified inside the chip is shown. Either of these configurations can be employed.

[0077] A filter for removing foreign matter in ink can be provided in the ink circulating flow path inside and outside the liquid ejecting head 1. For example, the filter can be arranged on the outside of the individual flow path 223, i.e., the inflow side and the outflow side. Furthermore, the filter can be arranged at a portion between the ejecting energy generating element 214 and the circulating energy generating element 224 in the individual flow path 223. In this case, it is not necessary to arrange the filter on the upstream side (circulating energy generating element 224 side) of the outside of the individual flow path 223.

[0078] <Driving mechanism of the present embodiment: toggle drive>

[0079] In the present embodiment, a selection drive circuit 403 shown in FIG. 4 is formed on the print element substrate 201. The voltage source (+V) and the external circuit 402 provided outside the print element substrate 201 are connected to the selection drive circuit 403 on the print element substrate 201. The selection drive circuit 403 includes an on-on drive circuit 404 configured to turn on and drive the ejecting energy generating element 214 or the circulating energy generating element 224 in response to a control signal for each address (e.g., Nl to Nl6) received from the controller 401. The controller 401 controls a drive pulse for driving the ejecting energy generating element 214 or the circulating energy generating element 224 and a time interval at which the drive pulse is applied to each element. Furthermore, in a case where the on-on drive circuit 404 selects the circulating energy generating element 224, an on-off drive circuit 405 controls the drive of the circulating energy generating element 224 in accordance with a drive / non-drive signal 406. In this way, in the present embodiment, the drive of the circulating energy generating element 224 is controlled by the on-on drive circuit 404 and the on-off drive circuit 405.

[0080] Therefore, when the on-off drive circuit 404 selects the ejection energy generating element 214, the ejection energy generating element 214 is driven and the cycle energy generating element 224 is not driven, regardless of the drive / non-drive signal 406.

[0081] When the second energy generating element 224 is selected by the on-off drive circuit 404, the ejected energy generating element 214 is not driven regardless of the drive / non-drive signal 406.

[0082] When the on-off drive circuit 404 selects the second energy generating element 224 and the drive / non-drive signal 406 turns on the on-off drive circuit 405, the drive cycle energy generating element 224 is driven.

[0083] When the on-off drive circuit 404 selects the second energy generating element 224 and the drive / non-drive signal 406 turns off the on-off drive circuit 405, the circulating energy generating element 224 is not driven. Therefore, when the on-off drive circuit 404 selects the second energy generating element 224 and the drive / non-drive signal 406 turns off the on-off drive circuit 405, neither the ejected energy generating element 214 nor the circulating energy generating element 224 is driven.

[0084] Therefore, the drive of the circulating energy generating element 224 is controlled based on the drive data of the ejected energy generating element 214 (control signals for each address received from the controller 401) and the drive / non-drive signal 406. In this way, in FIG. 4 In the configuration shown, no dedicated drive data is required for the cyclic energy generation element 224. Therefore, this configuration advantageously reduces the amount of drive data by approximately half compared to a configuration that requires dedicated drive data for the cyclic energy generation element 224.

[0085] The driving of multiple cyclic energy generating elements 224 can also be jointly controlled based on the common drive / non-drive signal 406. For example, the driving of cyclic energy generating elements B1 to Bn can be controlled based on the common drive / non-drive signal 406. Note that in FIG. 4 In the example shown, n is 16. Therefore, a group consists of 32 elements (16 pairs) in total: ejector energy generating elements A1 to A16 and circulating energy generating elements B1 to B16. The switching on and off of the circulating energy generating elements B1 to B16 is then controlled by a shared drive / non-drive signal 406. However, n can be changed to different values. When n is 8, the group comprises 16 elements, and when n is 12, the group comprises 24 elements.

[0086] Further, while a thermoelectric conversion element or a piezoelectric element can be used as the cyclic energy generating element 224, a thermoelectric conversion element is used in the present embodiment. The direction of the cyclic flow is indicated by an arrow 227. In the case of using a piezoelectric element, the direction of the cyclic flow can be opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 227 depending on the driving mechanism.

[0087] The present embodiment shows a configuration in which the drive / non-drive signal 406 is introduced to the print element substrate 201 to control driving of the cyclic energy generating element 224. Then, the FIG. 4 The controller 401, the selection drive circuit 403, and the on-off drive circuit 405 are shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and as long as a part or all of the portions for controlling driving of the cyclic energy generating element 224 are included in a part other than the print element substrate 201 of the liquid ejecting head 1 or a part other than the liquid ejecting head 1 of the liquid ejecting apparatus 50. For example, at least one of the controller 401, the selection drive circuit 403, and the on-off drive circuit 405 can be included in a part other than the print element substrate 201 of the liquid ejecting head 1 or a part other than the liquid ejecting head 1 of the liquid ejecting apparatus 50.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the liquid ejecting apparatus 50. From a host apparatus 501, image data is input through a host interface 502. The image data is stored in a reception buffer 506A provided in a RAM 506. An image processing unit 504 converts the image data into multilevel data representing CMYK color components, and stores the multilevel data in a multilevel data buffer 506B provided in the RAM 506. A print data processing unit 505 converts the multilevel data into dot data (binary data), and stores the dot data in a dot data buffer 506C. A liquid ejecting head control unit 510 transfers the binary data stored in the dot data buffer 506C to the liquid ejecting head 1. The processing by the print data processing unit 505 is synchronized with a heat trigger signal 513 (see FIG. 6 ) output from a timing generation unit 509. Further, the processing by the liquid ejecting head control unit 510 is synchronized with a block trigger signal 514 output from the timing generation unit 509. As will be described later, both the heat trigger signal 513 and the block trigger signal 514 are synchronized with encoder signals 511, 512 having position information in a direction in which the liquid ejecting head 1 is scanned (a main scanning direction). Thus, the processing by the print data processing unit 505 and the processing by the liquid ejecting head control unit 510 are matched with the scanning timing of the liquid ejecting head 1.

[0089] Note that, FIG. 5Reference sign 503 in FIG. 5 represents an operation panel used by the user to issue an instruction to the liquid discharge apparatus 50. The processor 507 performs, for example, drive control of the printing element and transport control of the printing medium (e.g., paper) with respect to the printing element in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 508.

[0090] FIG. 6 Timing generation for data transfer is described. In the driving method described here, the printing data of one column is divided into 16 timings (time division driving). An encoder signal (A-phase) 511 and an encoder signal (B-phase) 512 that is shifted by a quarter of a period from the encoder signal (A-phase) 511 are input from an encoder for generating an encoder signal having position information in a direction in which the liquid discharge head 1 is scanned to a timing generation unit 509. The timing generation unit 509 generates a reference pulse 601 at a rising edge of the encoder signal 511 and multiplies it, thereby generating and outputting a thermal trigger signal 513 having an interval corresponding to the printing resolution. Further, the timing generation unit 509 generates a block trigger signal 514 by dividing the interval of the thermal trigger signal 513 by 16. At the timing of this block trigger signal 514, data is supplied to the liquid discharge head 1. In this way, by transferring data within a period corresponding to the period of the block trigger signal 514 generated based on the encoder signals 511, 512 having position information related to the liquid discharge head 1, an image or the like can be printed at a desired position in the main scanning direction.

[0091] <liquid discharge head control unit>

[0092] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 The liquid discharge head control unit 510 is described.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the liquid discharge head control unit 510. The liquid discharge head control unit 510 operates based on the timing of the block trigger signal 514 generated by the timing generation unit 509.

[0094] When the block trigger signal 514 is input from the timing generation unit 509, the clock signal generation unit 701 generates a clock signal of a predetermined number of cycles and transfers the clock signal to the liquid discharge head 1. In FIG. 8 In the example of FIG. 7, the clock signal generation unit 701 generates a clock signal of 23 cycles within each period of the latch signal. The number of cycles of the generated clock signal can be variably set, and the number of cycles required is determined in accordance with the bit size of the data transferred to the liquid discharge head 1. For example, the clock signal is used to transfer serial data from the liquid discharge head control unit 510 to the printing element substrate 201 using the data signal.

[0095] The latch signal generation unit 702 generates a latch signal LT upon receiving an input of the block trigger signal 514, and transmits the latch signal LT to the print element substrate 201 included in the liquid ejection head 1. For example, using the latch signal LT, serial data transmitted from the liquid ejection head control unit 510 to the print element substrate 201 is parallelized on the print element substrate 201 and latched.

[0096] The enable signal generation unit 704 generates an enable signal EN based on data read by the data signal generation unit 703 from the RAM 506, and transmits the enable signal EN to the liquid ejection head 1. The enable signal EN is used to specify a length of time in which a selected energy generation element is driven in one period of the latch signal LT.

[0097] The pump flag signal generation unit 902 generates a pump flag signal. Details of the pump flag signal will be described later.

[0098] The data signal generation unit 703 generates a data signal including a group selection signal for ejection and a time division selection signal for ejection. Upon receiving an input of the block trigger signal 514, the data signal generation unit 703 reads data such as image data from the RAM 506. Then, the data signal generation unit 703 temporarily stores the group selection signal for ejection and the time division selection signal for ejection based on one round of time division driving of the read data in an internal buffer. At the timing of the next input of the block trigger signal 514, the data signal generation unit 703 transmits the data signal to the print element substrate 201 included in the liquid ejection chip 301 of the liquid ejection head 1. Note that, for each block trigger signal 514, the data signal is used to transmit one round of time division driven data from the liquid ejection head control unit 510 to the print element substrate 201.

[0099] Note that the data signal generation unit 703 also receives an input of the pump flag signal. Then, at the timing of driving the cycle heater (thermoelectric conversion element) RhB, the group selection signal for ejection includes information for selecting the cycle heater (thermoelectric conversion element) RhB to be driven.

[0100] FIG. 8The data signal is shown to include 40 bits for the group selection signal for ejection (0 to 39) and 6 bits for the time division selection signal for ejection (G0 to G5). Among the plurality of ejection drive elements MD1 included in the liquid ejection head 1, the ejection drive element MD1 to be actuated is determined based on the group selection signal for ejection and the time division selection signal for ejection transmitted from the liquid ejection head control unit 510. The ejection drive element MD1 thus determined drives the corresponding ejection energy generation element 214 in the time period in which the enable signal shows the enable level, thereby ejecting ink. The group selection signal for ejection and the time division selection signal for ejection form the ejection data. In the present embodiment, the cycle data for driving the cycle drive element MD2 can be embedded in the ejection data, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0101] Actuating a particular ejection drive element MD1 is to cause the particular ejection control element MDl to drive the ejection energy generation element 214 corresponding thereto. Similarly, actuating a particular cycle drive element MD2 is to cause the particular cycle drive element MD2 to drive the cycle energy generation element 224 corresponding thereto.

[0102] FIG. 8 An example is shown in which the time division selection signal for ejection is formed by six bits (G0 to G5). This makes it possible to support a configuration in which a single block has up to 64 ejection energy generation elements 214. However, in the present embodiment in which a single block has only 16 ejection energy generation elements 214, the time division selection signal for ejection needs to be formed by only four bits (G0 to G3).

[0103] The time division selection signal for ejection is changed so that, for each latch signal, the ejection drive elements MD1 and the cycle drive elements MD2 to be actuated in the group can be selected in units of rotations. In the case where the group has N ejection drive elements MD1 and N cycle drive elements MD2, a single rotation is performed every N latch signals. In the case where, for example, adjustment is made so that the time division selection signal alternately repeats enabling and disabling the cycle drive elements MD2 every N latches, the period in which the time division selection signal causes the N cycle drive elements MD2 to perform a single rotation can be doubled.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a part of the liquid ejection apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0105] In the first embodiment, as FIG. 9As shown, the print data processing unit 505 has a pump timing calculation unit 901, and the liquid discharge head control unit 510 has a pump flag signal generation unit 902. In the first embodiment, in a scan interval period between a scan period for printing and a next scan period, the pump timing calculation unit 901 calculates a timing at which the cyclic energy generating element is driven in the next scan period. The pump flag signal generation unit 902 operates in real time in the scan period.

[0106] The multilevel discharge data DA1 generated by the image processing unit 504 is temporarily stored in the multilevel data buffer 506B, and then supplied to the print data processing unit 505.

[0107] The print data processing unit 505 generates binary discharge data DA2 based on the multilevel discharge data DA1. The binary discharge data DA2 is stored in the dot data buffer 506C.

[0108] Based on the binary discharge data DA2, the pump timing calculation unit 901 included in the print data processing unit 505 generates pump on-time setting data TM having information related to a timing at which the pump flag changes from low to high. The pump on-time setting data TM is also stored in the dot data buffer 506C.

[0109] In the scan interval period, the binary discharge data DA2 and the pump on-time setting data TM stored in the dot data buffer 506C are supplied to the liquid discharge head control unit 510 in the next scan period.

[0110] The pump flag signal generation unit 902 included in the liquid discharge head control unit 510 generates a pump flag signal based on the pump on-time setting data TM. The pump flag signal is supplied to the print element substrate 201 included in the liquid discharge chip 301. Note that the pump flag signal can be directly supplied to the print element substrate 201, or can be included in the data signal DATA by the data signal generation unit 703 as described above.

[0111] The pump timing calculation unit 901 can be within the liquid discharge head control unit 510. In this case, the pump timing calculation unit 901 generates the pump on-time setting data TM based on the binary discharge data DA2.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the pump timing calculation unit 901 according to the first embodiment.

[0113] Reference FIG. 10 The discharge data holding unit 1001 holds the multilevel discharge data DA1 received from the multilevel data buffer 506B.

[0114] The analysis setting holding circuit 1002 holds the following:

[0115] - the number of analysis columns n for a single determination

[0116] - analysis group setting

[0117] - the column number k for driving the cyclic energy generating element 224

[0118] - the number of columns per scan

[0119] Based on the binary ejection data DA2 received from the ejection data holding unit 1001 and the information held in the analysis setting holding circuit 1002, the pump timing determination unit 1003 calculates the timing for driving the cyclic energy generating element 224 by the cyclic drive element MD2. Then, the pump timing determination unit 1003 saves the pump-on time setting data TM having the timing information to the pump flag timing holding unit 1004. Then, the pump-on time setting data TM is read from the pump flag timing holding unit 1004 and transferred to the dot data buffer 506C. These operations are performed in the inter-scan period.

[0120] The pump-on time setting data TM includes the column number for driving the cyclic energy generating element 224. The pump flag signal generation unit 902 can hold information related to two column numbers. One of the column numbers is used for signal generation by the pump flag signal generation unit 902 and then updated to the next column number.

[0121] For example, clml, clm2, and clm3 (clml < clm2 < clm3) are the column numbers for driving the cyclic energy generating element 224. In this example, the dot data buffer 506C holds the column numbers clml and clm2 at first. Then, after the pump flag signal generation unit 902 generates the pump flag signal based on clml, the dot data buffer 506C updates the held column numbers to clm2 and clm3. Note that the number of column numbers held by the pump flag signal generation unit 902 is not limited to two but can be other numbers.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the pump flag signal generation unit 902 according to the first embodiment.

[0123] The pump flag signal generation unit 902 includes a pump-on time holding circuit 1101 configured to hold the pump-on time setting data TM received from the dot data buffer 506C, and a pump-on duration holding circuit 1102 configured to hold the duration TN for which the pump flag is to be maintained high. The pump flag is made high at the time specified by the pump-on time setting data TM, and is then maintained high for the period specified by the duration TN. Then, in the period in which the pump flag is high, the circulating energy generation element 224 is driven by the circulating drive element MD2. In other words, the circulating pump is driven in the period in which the pump flag is high.

[0124] The flag data generation circuit 1104 receives the pump-on time setting data TM, the pump-on duration held in the pump-on duration holding circuit 1102, the count value input from the latch count circuit 1103, and the input of the pump control enable. Then, the flag data generation circuit 1104 generates the pump flag signal PF based on the set of these input data. Specifically, once the count value coincides with the pump-on time setting data TM, the flag data generation circuit 1104 sets the pump flag signal to high. Then, the flag data generation circuit 1104 maintains the pump flag signal high for the amount indicated by the pump-on duration. The flag data generation circuit 1104 only does this in the case where the pump control enable indicates "enabled", and always maintains the pump flag signal low in the case where the pump control enable indicates "disabled".

[0125] <Method of pump flag timing calculation>

[0126] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing data stored in the memory according to the first embodiment.

[0127] In FIG. 12 , each horizontal array represents a nozzle, and each vertical array represents a column. The block with a black dot indicates that the corresponding nozzle is to be ejected in the corresponding column. By "to be ejected" is meant that the ejection energy generation element 214 is to be driven by the ejection drive element MD1.

[0128] For example, the block that is the fourth block from the left and the second block from the top has a black dot, and this means that the second nozzle from the top is to be ejected in the fourth column (i.e., there is ejection data).

[0129] The pump timing calculation unit 901 receives the binary ejection data DA2. The binary ejection data DA2 is held in the ejection data holding unit 1001. In a case where the binary ejection data DA2 being held lacks data required for analysis, the lack is supplemented. The case where the binary ejection data DA2 being held lacks data required for analysis is a case where, although the binary ejection data DA2 needs to have data of (n+1) columns from column m, which is the inspection start position, to column (m+n), which is the inspection end position, some of the data is lacking. The supplement is made in units of a macroblock formed of a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of columns as shown by the hatched frame 1201.

[0130] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are each a diagram illustrating a pump timing calculation method by the pump timing determination unit 1003 included in the pump timing calculation unit 901. In this calculation method, the nozzles 0 to N are checked, and columns m to (m+n) are checked. Thus, (N+1) x (n+1) blocks are the inspection range. Note that the columns m to (m+n) are the inspection area.

[0131] FIG. 13 the method shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the method shown in

[0132] FIG. 13 A method in which all the nozzles (nozzles 0 to N) are caused to eject at least once is shown. In this case, the circulation pumps are not driven.

[0133] FIG. 14 A case in which ejection data within the number of columns in which at least one nozzle is not provided is shown. In this example, the number of columns in which provided is (n+1). In this case, the circulation pumps are driven.

[0134] Here, (N+1) circulation pumps corresponding to the nozzles 0 to N are basically driven. However, adjustment can be made so that a circulation pump corresponding to an ejection energy generation element 214 that is driven among the (N+1) ejection energy generation elements 214 corresponding to the nozzles 0 to N is not driven.

[0135] The pump timing determination unit 1003 first determines whether ejection data of the first nozzle (nozzle 0) is present within the column range (columns m to (m+n)). The pump timing determination unit 1003 repeats this operation for the second nozzle (nozzle 1) to the last nozzle (nozzle N).

[0136] However, as will be described later, in a case where it is determined that an intermediate nozzle has no ejection data, the determination for a subsequent nozzle can be omitted.

[0137] In FIG. 13In the example, all nozzles (nozzle 0 to N) have ejection data, and the presence or absence of ejection data is determined for all nozzles.

[0138] exist FIG. 14 In the example, the middle nozzle did not emit any data; therefore, no determination is made as to whether the nozzles after the middle nozzle emit data.

[0139] In addition, FIG. 14 In the example, the circulation pumps at positions corresponding to ranges from m to (m+n) are activated. Here, the activated circulation pump only needs to be the one corresponding to the nozzle that has no ejection data. Therefore, a process or circuit can be added to prevent the circulation pumps corresponding to nozzles that have ejection data from activating. This process or circuit is processed to make a correction such that B' = not(A)·B, where A is the signal used to actuate the ejection drive element, and B is the signal used to actuate the circulation drive element.

[0140] like FIG. 13 As shown, when all nozzles have ejection data in at least one column, the inspection range is shifted by 1 (one) in the column direction (i.e., the scanning direction). Then, the same operation is performed on the newly set column range (from column (m+1) to column (m+n+1)).

[0141] like FIG. 14 As shown, if there is a nozzle with no ejection data in the range of column m to (m+n), the column number corresponding to the setting is recorded (e.g., (m+n / 2 (rounded up)). The column number is transmitted to the pump flag timing holding unit 1004. Therefore, the circulation pump is driven in one or more columns corresponding to column number (m+n) / 2.

[0142] As an example, the column number is set to (m+n) / 2 because if, for example, m+n is set as the column number, the efficiency of the circulation pump would decrease if ejection data were present immediately after the circulation pump is driven. However, the setting value is not limited to (m+n) / 2. Setting the column number to (m+n) / 2 allows for the setting of a non-driven area that neither drives the ejection energy generation element 214 nor the circulation energy generation element 224 after the column driving the circulation energy generation element 224. Similarly, setting the column number to (m+n) / 2 allows for the setting of a non-driven area that neither drives the ejection energy generation element 214 nor the circulation energy generation element 224 before the column driving the circulation energy generation element 224.

[0143] With the circulating pump in operation, advance the column number by (m+n) / 2 and repeat the above steps.

[0144] Note that the above column number is not limited to (m+n) / 2 (rounded up), but can be, for example, (m+n) / 2 (rounded down), m+a x n (0

[0145] Although FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 There are (N+1) nozzles in (N+1) nozzles, but instead of using all the nozzles of the head, the nozzles can be grouped and the range narrowed to check a limited number of nozzles as shown in FIG. 15 For example, in the case where the total number of nozzles is 160, the nozzles are divided into, for example, ten groups, each group including 16 nozzles. Then, the above method is applied to each group. Specifically, in the case where N=16, the method is repeated ten times.

[0146] <Flowchart of pump flag timing calculation>

[0147] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the pump timing calculation unit 901.

[0148] First, necessary values are set.

[0149] In S1601, the pump timing calculation unit 901 sets the target column count n of a single check. This is stored in the analysis setting holding circuit 1002. The pump timing determination unit 1003 receives the target column count n and uses it for processing.

[0150] In S1602, the pump timing calculation unit 901 configures settings for dividing all the nozzles into groups. The number of nozzles in each group is I_max(g) (where g is the group number).

[0151] In S1603, if it is determined that there is no discharge data as a result of checking whether there is discharge data of columns m to (m+n) in each group, the pump timing calculation unit 901 sets the column k that drives the circulating pump. For example, the column number k is k=n / 2 (rounded up).

[0152] In S1604, the pump timing calculation unit 901 sets the number of columns per scan.

[0153] In S1605, 0 is substituted for g.

[0154] Further, a flag called an initial flag is also defined. At the time of reset, the initial flag is 0 (active).

[0155] In S1606, the pump timing calculation unit 901 checks the initial flag (ini_flag). If the initial flag is active (Yes), in S1607, the pump timing calculation unit 901 initializes the nozzle number I checked for the ejection data and the column number m checked for the ejection data to 0, and sets the initial flag to 1 (inactive).

[0156] If the initial flag is inactive (No) in S1606, in S1608, the pump timing calculation unit 901 checks whether the nozzle number I checked for the ejection data exceeds the maximum nozzle count I_max(g).

[0157] If the nozzle number I exceeds the maximum nozzle count I_max(g) (Yes) in S1608, in S1609, the pump timing calculation unit 901 initializes the nozzle number I to 0 and checks the next column (m = m + 1). As a result of the calculation m = m + 1, the inspection area is shifted by one column. As a result, the start position of the next inspection is shifted by one column from the start position of the current inspection.

[0158] If the nozzle number I does not exceed the maximum nozzle count I_max(g) (No) in S1608, in S1610, the pump timing calculation unit 901 increments the nozzle number I by 1 (I = I + 1).

[0159] In S1611, the pump timing calculation unit 901 checks whether the range (m + n) for checking the ejection data is the number of columns s per scan or lower.

[0160] If m + n > s in S1611, in S1617, the pump timing calculation unit 901 checks the next nozzle group (g = g + 1). In this event, the initial flag is set to 0 (active).

[0161] If m + n < s in S1611, in S1612, the pump timing calculation unit 901 checks the ejection data (nozzle I in columns m to (m + n)) in the specified range. Then, in S1613, the pump timing calculation unit 901 determines whether there is ejection data in the range.

[0162] If it is determined that there is ejection data in the range in S1613, the pump timing calculation unit 901 repeats the operation from S1606.

[0163] If it is determined that there is no ejection data in the range in S1613, in S1614, the pump timing calculation unit 901 determines whether the calculation timing is between scans. If the calculation timing is between scans (Yes), the processing proceeds to S1615, and if the calculation timing is not between scans (No), the processing proceeds to S1616.

[0164] In S1615, the column number k is held in the pump flag timing holding unit 1004. Further, m is updated to k, and I_max(g) is inserted into I. Updating m to k (performing the calculation of m=k) shifts the check area by k columns. As a result, the start position of the next check is shifted by k columns from the start position of the current check.

[0165] In S1616, the pump flag nozzle data (described later) is turned on. Further, m is updated to k, and I_max(g) is substituted into I.

[0166] Note that in S1615 or S1616, if the number of columns w that drives the circulating pump is known, m can not be updated to k, but can be updated to any value in the range from k to (k+w).

[0167] After that, the operation is repeated again from S1606.

[0168] < Pump flag timing calculation timing chart >

[0169] Using FIG. 11 the pump flag signal generation unit 902 generates the pump flag signal PF.

[0170] As FIG. 11 shown, the pump flag signal generation unit 902 generates the pump flag signal PF.

[0171] Once the counter in the latch count circuit 1103 operating in cooperation with the latch signal generation trigger LG reaches the value indicated by the pump on time setting data TM, the pump flag signal PF rises. After that, after the counter has increased by the value held in the pump on duration holding circuit 1102, the pump flag signal PF falls.

[0172] The flag data generation circuit 1104 functions only in the case where the pump control enable is active.

[0173] FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the timing at which the pump flag is set in the first embodiment. As FIG. 17 shown, as an example, the pump on time setting data l is (m+n) / 2, and the pump on duration setting data is 2. Therefore, the pump flag signal PF goes high in the following two latch periods:

[0174] (a) the latch period in which the column count is (m+n) / 2 and the latch count in the column is zero, and

[0175] (b) the latch period in which the column count is (m+n) / 2+1 and the latch count in the column is zero.

[0176] In response to the pump flag signal becoming high in the above-mentioned period (a), the 16 circulating pumps in the group are turned on one by one in the 16 latch periods in which the latch count in the column increases from 0 to 15 in the column period in which the column count is (m+n) / 2. In addition, in response to the pump flag signal becoming high in the above-mentioned period (b), the 16 circulating pumps in the group are turned on one by one in the 16 latch periods in which the latch count in the column increases from 0 to 15 in the column period in which the column count is (m+n) / 2+1. This control of the circulating pumps can be performed simultaneously and independently for each group between groups.

[0177] Note that, in the case where the pump-on duration setting data is, for example, 2, the same circulating pump can be driven twice, which makes it possible to contribute to overcoming a situation in which one driving is not enough to achieve sufficient circulation of ink.

[0178] The configuration of the first embodiment makes it possible to freely set the timing of driving the circulating pump on the basis of the ejection data, and thus makes it possible to drive the circulating pump without reducing the circulation property.

[0179] In addition, since the pump-on duration is settable, the period of one driving of the circulating pump can also be freely set. This makes it possible to drive the circulating pump without reducing the circulation property.

[0180] <Second Embodiment>

[0181] <Control Configuration>

[0182] The control configuration is the same between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0183] <Data Transfer Timing Generation>

[0184] The data transfer timing generation is the same between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0185] <Fluid Ejection Head Control Unit>

[0186] The fluid ejection head control unit is the same between the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0187] <Block Configuration>

[0188] The second embodiment has FIG. 18 the configuration shown in FIG. 1, instead of FIG. 9 the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0189] Although the pump timing calculation unit 901 is included in the print data processing unit 505 in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the pump timing calculation unit 1801 is included in the liquid ejection head control unit 510. In the first embodiment, the pump flag signal generation unit 902 operates based on the pump on-time setting data TM generated by the pump timing calculation unit 901 in the inter-scan period in the scan period. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the pump timing calculation unit 1801 operates in real time in the scan period, like the pump flag signal generation unit 1802.

[0190] The multi-level ejection data DA1 output from the image processing unit 504 is stored in the multi-level data buffer 506B. The binary ejection data DA2 generated by the print data processing unit 505 based on the multi-level ejection data DA1 is stored in the dot data buffer 506C.

[0191] The binary ejection data DA2 is read from the dot data buffer 506C, and supplied to the liquid ejection head control unit 510. In the present embodiment, specifically, the binary ejection data DA2 is supplied to the pump timing calculation unit 1801.

[0192] The pump flag signal generation unit 1802 receives input of the pump flag nozzle data PN having the pump flag timing information from the pump timing calculation unit 1801, and generates the pump flag signal PF based on the pump flag nozzle data PN.

[0193] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the pump timing calculation unit 1801 of the second embodiment.

[0194] The ejection data holding unit 1901 holds the binary ejection data DA2 received from the dot data buffer 506C.

[0195] The analysis setting holding circuit 1902 holds the number of analysis columns for a single determination, the settings related to the analysis grouping, the settings related to the column number based on the analysis drive pump, and the settings related to the number of columns per scan.

[0196] The pump timing determination unit 1903 receives and obtains input of the binary ejection data DA2 from the ejection data holding unit 1901, and receives and obtains the analysis setting information from the analysis setting holding circuit 1902. Then, the pump timing determination unit 1903 calculates the timing of turning on the circulating pump based on these data and information input therein, and supplies the pump flag nozzle data PN having information related to the calculated timing to the pump flag signal generation unit 1802.

[0197] In the first embodiment, the data supplied from the pump timing calculation unit 901 to the pump flag signal generation unit 902 is the pump on-time setting data TM. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the data supplied from the pump timing calculation unit 1801 to the pump flag signal generation unit 1802 is the pump flag nozzle data PN. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the pump timing calculation unit 1801 and the pump flag signal generation unit 1802 can operate in real time in the scan period.

[0198] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of the pump flag signal generation unit 1802 according to the second embodiment.

[0199] The pump flag signal generation unit 1802 includes a pump on-duration holding circuit 2001 configured to hold a setting related to a duration from the start of the on-cycle pump to the end of the off-cycle pump.

[0200] The pump flag signal generation unit 1802 operates in cooperation with the latch signal generation trigger LG supplied from the timing generation unit 509.

[0201] The flag data generation unit 2002 is supplied with the pump control enable signal, the pump flag nozzle data PN, data indicating the pump on-duration, and the latch signal generation trigger LG. The flag data generation unit 2002 generates the pump flag signal PF based on these signals and data.

[0202] <Pump flag timing calculation method>

[0203] The pump flag timing calculation method according to the second embodiment is as shown in FIG. 16 and is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0204] Note that, in the first embodiment, the determination result of S1614 is Yes, and then S1615 is executed, but in the second embodiment, the determination result of S1614 is No, and then S1616 is executed.

[0205] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing data stored in the memory in the second embodiment.

[0206] In FIG. 21 , as in FIG. 12 , each horizontal array indicates a nozzle, and each vertical array indicates a column. A block with a black dot indicates that the corresponding nozzle is ejected in the corresponding column.

[0207] The pump timing calculation unit 1801 receives the binary ejection data DA2 from the dot data buffer 506C. In this case, in a case where the binary ejection data DA2 lacks data corresponding to the number of columns of the setting held in the analysis setting holding circuit 1902 and required for the analysis data range, the liquid ejection head control unit 510 additionally receives the binary ejection data DA2 from the dot data buffer 506C.

[0208] A case where the binary ejection data DA2 lacks data corresponding to the number of columns of the setting held in the analysis setting holding circuit 1902 is a case where, for example, in analysis of data from the mth column to the (m+n)th column, the binary ejection data DA2 covering the range is not received from the dot data buffer 506C.

[0209] The single reception unit in this case is indicated by the black block 2101.

[0210] As in the first embodiment, the pump timing determination unit 1903 adopts the calculation method shown in FIG. 13 .

[0211] FIG. 13 Both of FIG. 22 show the ejection data checking process. FIG. 13 FIG. 22 The difference between

[0212] FIG. 13 is whether there is ejection data.

[0213] The following is explained with reference to FIG. 22 .

[0214] As shown in FIG. 22 , the ejection of the specific nozzle is checked in the setting column range 2202 held in the analysis setting holding circuit 1902. Once a nozzle that has no ejection data in any of the mth column to the (m+n)th column (i.e., a nozzle that does not eject in any of these columns) is found, the pump flag nozzle data PN becomes active at the timing 2203 (e.g., (m+n) / 2 (rounded up)) in the (m+n)th column. FIG. 22

[0215] The pump flag nozzle data PN is transferred to the pump flag signal generation unit 1802.

[0216] The subsequent nozzle is not checked, and a similar process is performed from the column ((m+n) / 2 (rounded up)+1) after the above column number ((m+n) / 2 (rounded up)).

[0217] In the first embodiment, in FIG. 11 ​​In the illustrated pump flag signal generating unit 902, the pump flag signal PF is made high in the column in which the latch count is equal to the pump on-time setting data TM. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the pump flag nozzle data PN itself shows the timing at which the pump flag signal PF is made high. The pump flag signal PF that has been made high is maintained high for a period corresponding to the number of columns set in the pump on-duration holding circuit 2001.

[0218] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the nozzles can be grouped.

[0219] < Pump flag timing calculation timing chart >

[0220] FIG. 23A And FIG. 23B A timing chart of pump flag timing calculation according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0221] As FIG. 23A And FIG. 23B shown, the pump flag data generating unit 2002 included in the pump flag signal generating unit 1802 generates the pump flag signal PF.

[0222] As FIG. 23A And FIG. 23B shown, the pump flag signal PF is made high in the column in which the pump flag nozzle data PN becomes 1. Then, the pump flag signal PF is maintained high for the pump on-duration (2 in the example in FIG. 23B ) held in the pump on-duration holding circuit 2001.

[0223] Note that the flag data generating unit 2002 functions only when the pump control enable is active.

[0224] The second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can freely set the timing at which the circulating pump is driven based on the ejection data. Further, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can also set the period of time during which the circulating pump is driven. Thus, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, can drive the circulating pump so that the circulation of the liquid is not reduced.

[0225] Further, according to the second embodiment, the pump timing calculation unit 1801 is located in the liquid ejection head control unit 510. This makes it possible to calculate the timing of controlling the circulating pump based on the post-image processing data present in the liquid ejection head control unit 510. Thus, the ejection data used to derive the timing of controlling the circulating pump becomes closer to the ejection data used to drive the ejection energy generating element 214 in the print element substrate 201. Therefore, it is possible to improve the precision of the timing of driving the circulating pump.

[0226] < Third Embodiment >

[0227] < Control configuration >

[0228] Between the third embodiment and the first embodiment, the control configuration is the same.

[0229] <DATA TRANSMISSION TIMING GENERATION>

[0230] Between the third embodiment and the first embodiment, the data transmission timing generation is the same.

[0231] <LIQUID EJECTION HEAD CONTROL UNIT>

[0232] Between the third embodiment and the first embodiment, the liquid ejection head control unit is the same.

[0233] <BLOCK CONFIGURATION>

[0234] The third embodiment has FIG. 24 the configuration shown in FIG. 24, instead of FIG. 9 the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In the third embodiment, the print data processing unit 505 and the pump timing calculation unit 901 included in the print data processing unit 505 in the first embodiment are replaced by the processor 2401 configured to execute the program stored in the ROM 1103. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the pump flag signal generation unit 902 operates in the scan period based on the pump on-time setting data TM generated by the processor 2401 serving as the pump timing calculation unit 901 in the inter-scan period. The pump timing calculation unit 901 implemented by the processor 2401 operating according to the program is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus is not described here to avoid repetition.

[0235] The pump flag signal generation unit 2402 according to the third embodiment is the same as the pump flag signal generation unit 902 of the first embodiment, and thus is not described here to avoid repetition.

[0236] <PUMP FLAG TIMING CALCULATION METHOD>

[0237] In the first embodiment, the ejection data holding unit 1001 takes ejection data in units indicated by the thick frame. FIG. 12 In contrast, in the third embodiment, the processor 2401 takes ejection data in units indicated by the thick frame. FIG. 25 The other points are the same as in the first embodiment, and thus are not described here to avoid repetition.

[0238] <PUMP FLAG TIMING CALCULATION FLOWCHART>

[0239] The pump flag timing calculation flowchart is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0240] <PUMP FLAG TIMING CALCULATION TIMING CHART>

[0241] The pump flag timing calculation timing chart is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0242] The third embodiment can provide similar advantageous effects to those provided by the first embodiment. Furthermore, the third embodiment, which is processed by the processor 2401, can eliminate the pump timing calculation unit 901 formed by hardware.

[0243] <Example>

[0244] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example. In this example, a group includes two ejection ports (ejection port A and ejection port B).

[0245] From the ejection port A, ink is ejected at columns 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, 22, and 29. From the ejection port B, ink is ejected at columns 2, 11, 18, and 22. Furthermore, in this example, "n" and "k" described in the present embodiment are 4 and 2, respectively.

[0246] In this case, as shown in FIG. 26 , the circulation pump is turned on in columns 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 24, and 26. This point will be described below.

[0247] The ejection port A is closed for four columns consecutively in five regions represented by Al to A5. The ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively in eleven regions represented by Bl to Bll.

[0248] First, the same region Cl as the region Bl is detected as a region in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in the 4th column.

[0249] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns, the same region C2 as the region B3 is detected as a region in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 6.

[0250] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns, the same region C3 as the region B5 is detected as a region in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 8.

[0251] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns and then advances by one column (k = 2 columns) at a time, the same region C4 as the region Al is detected as a region in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 13.

[0252] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns, the same region C5 as the region B8 is detected as a region in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is closed for four columns consecutively. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 15.

[0253] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns and then advances by one column at a time (k = 2 columns), the same area C6 as area A2 is detected as an area in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is continuously closed for four columns. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 18.

[0254] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns and then advances by one column at a time (k = 2 columns), the same area C7 as area A3 is detected as an area in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is continuously closed for four columns. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 24.

[0255] Since the inspection area advances by k = 2 columns, the same area C8 as area A5 is detected as an area in which the ejection port A or the ejection port B is continuously closed for four columns. In response to this, the circulation pump is turned on in column 26.

[0256] Here, as described above, the circulation pump is turned on in columns 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 24, and 26. However, in column 4, the ejection from the ejection port A and the turning on of the circulation pump corresponding to the ejection port A occur simultaneously and overlap. Therefore, adjustment is made so that the circulation pump corresponding to the ejection port A is not turned on in column 4, to give priority to the ejection from the ejection port A. For example, the print element substrate 201 includes a circuit for making this adjustment.

[0257] In column 18, the ejection from the ejection port B and the turning on of the circulation pump corresponding to the ejection port B overlap. Therefore, adjustment is made so that the circulation pump corresponding to the ejection port B is not turned on in column 18, to give priority to the ejection from the ejection port B. For example, the print element substrate 201 includes a circuit for making this adjustment.

[0258] <Other Embodiments>

[0259] In the above-described embodiments, in the case where ejection is performed from at least one of the nozzles belonging to the group in any column in the inspection range, in principle, all the circulation pumps belonging to the group are turned on. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and in principle, all the circulation pumps belonging to the group can be turned on as long as there are N or more such ejection ports, where N is 2 or more and the total number of ejection ports or less.

[0260] Other Embodiments

[0261] Embodiments of the present application can also be realized by a method for providing software (including a computer program) that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, by a network or various storage media, which a computer (central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the computer program.

[0262] The present disclosure can prevent a decrease in liquid circulation during a period in which the ejection energy generating element is not driven.

[0263] While the disclosure has been described with reference to the examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed examples. The scope of the claims is to be given the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, comprising: A liquid ejector head configured to eject liquid onto the printing medium along the scanning direction; as well as A liquid ejector control unit, configured to control the liquid ejector. The liquid ejector head includes: Multiple nozzles through which liquid is ejected. Multiple pressure chambers, which are connected to the corresponding multiple nozzles, Multiple ejection energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid from a corresponding pressure chamber of the multiple pressure chambers through a corresponding ejection outlet. Multiple circulating energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for circulating liquid in a corresponding pressure chamber of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid nozzle. Multiple ejection drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding ejection energy generating element among the multiple ejection energy generating elements based on ejection data. Multiple cyclic drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding cyclic energy generating element among the multiple cyclic energy generating elements based on cyclic data, and The liquid ejection head control unit includes: A unit configured to generate the ejection data based on image data, and A generation unit is configured to generate the cyclic data based on the ejection data, the cyclic data such that, in the absence of an ejection energy generating element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element being driven in a drive area included in the inspection area by a cyclic drive element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element within an inspection area defined in the ejection data and shifted in the scanning direction, the cyclic drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element drives the cyclic energy generating element corresponding to that cyclic drive element within the drive area included in the inspection area.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, When a certain ejection drive element drives the ejection energy generating element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element in the inspection area, the generation unit generates the cycle data such that in the inspection area, the cycle drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element does not drive the cycle energy generating element corresponding to that cycle drive element.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of ejection drive elements are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of circulation drive elements are divided into the plurality of groups.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein, If at least one of the multiple ejection drive elements belonging to a certain group does not drive at least one ejection energy generating element corresponding to the at least one ejection drive element in the inspection area, the generation unit generates the cycle data such that the multiple cycle drive elements corresponding to the multiple ejection drive elements belonging to the certain group drive the multiple cycle energy generating elements corresponding to the multiple cycle drive elements in the drive area.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4, wherein, When all the multiple ejection drive elements belonging to a certain group drive multiple ejection energy generating elements corresponding to all the multiple ejection drive elements in the inspection area, the generation unit generates the cycle data such that the multiple cycle drive elements corresponding to the multiple ejection drive elements belonging to the certain group do not drive the multiple cycle energy generating elements corresponding to the multiple cycle drive elements in the drive area.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, wherein, After generating the cyclic data such that the multiple cyclic drive elements corresponding to the multiple ejection drive elements belonging to the group do not drive the multiple cyclic energy generating elements corresponding to the multiple cyclic drive elements in the drive area, the generating unit shifts the inspection area such that the next inspection area is shifted one column relative to the current inspection area.

7. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The at least one ejection driving element is any one of the plurality of ejection driving elements.

8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The at least one ejection drive element is all of the plurality of ejection drive elements.

9. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The at least one ejection drive element is two or more ejection drive elements among the plurality of ejection drive elements.

10. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, After generating the cyclic data such that multiple cyclic drive elements corresponding to multiple ejection drive elements belonging to a certain group drive multiple cyclic energy generating elements corresponding to the multiple cyclic drive elements in the drive zone, the generating unit shifts the inspection zone such that the starting position of the next inspection zone is anywhere between the starting and ending positions of the current drive zone.

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, After generating the cyclic data such that the cyclic drive element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element drives the cyclic energy generating element corresponding to that cyclic drive element in the drive area included in the inspection area, the generating unit shifts the inspection area so that the starting position of the next inspection area is at the ending position of the current drive area.

12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 11, wherein, After generating the cyclic data such that the cyclic drive element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element does not drive the cyclic energy generating element corresponding to that cyclic drive element in the drive area included in the inspection area, the generating unit shifts the inspection area so that the next inspection area is shifted one column relative to the current inspection area.

13. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first non-driving area is located between the start position of the inspection area and the start position of the driving area.

14. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second non-driving area is located between the end position of the inspection area and the end position of the driving area.

15. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The liquid ejector control unit further includes a unit configured to adjust, when the ejection data and the circulation data indicate that both a certain ejection energy generating element and a circulation drive element corresponding to the certain ejection energy generating element are driven simultaneously, wherein the adjustment is to drive the certain ejection energy generating element without driving the circulation drive element corresponding to the certain ejection energy generating element.

16. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The circulating drive element and the corresponding circulating energy generating element are configured for the respective pressure chamber.

17. A liquid ejector head control device for controlling a liquid ejector head configured to eject liquid onto a printing medium, the liquid ejector head control device comprising: The liquid ejector head is configured to eject liquid onto the printing medium along the scanning direction; as well as A liquid ejector control unit, configured to control the liquid ejector. The liquid ejector head includes: Multiple nozzles through which liquid is ejected. Multiple pressure chambers, which are connected to the corresponding multiple nozzles, Multiple ejection energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid from a corresponding pressure chamber of the multiple pressure chambers through a corresponding ejection outlet. Multiple circulating energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for circulating liquid in a corresponding pressure chamber of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid nozzle. Multiple ejection drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding ejection energy generating element among the multiple ejection energy generating elements based on ejection data. Multiple cyclic drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding cyclic energy generating element among the multiple cyclic energy generating elements based on cyclic data, and The liquid ejection head control unit includes: A unit configured to generate the ejection data based on image data, and A generation unit is configured to generate the cyclic data based on the ejection data, the cyclic data such that, in the absence of an ejection energy generating element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element being driven in a drive area included in the inspection area by a cyclic drive element corresponding to a certain ejection drive element within an inspection area defined in the ejection data and shifted in the scanning direction, the cyclic drive element corresponding to the certain ejection drive element drives the cyclic energy generating element corresponding to that cyclic drive element within the drive area included in the inspection area.

18. A liquid ejector head control method for controlling a liquid ejector head configured to eject liquid onto a printing medium. in, The liquid ejector head includes: Multiple nozzles through which liquid is ejected. Multiple pressure chambers, which are connected to the corresponding multiple nozzles, Multiple ejection energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for ejecting liquid from a corresponding pressure chamber of the multiple pressure chambers through a corresponding ejection outlet. Multiple circulating energy generating elements are each configured to generate energy for circulating liquid in a corresponding pressure chamber of the plurality of pressure chambers through a flow path within the liquid nozzle. Multiple ejection drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding ejection energy generating element among the multiple ejection energy generating elements based on ejection data. Multiple cyclic drive elements are each configured to drive a corresponding cyclic energy generating element among the multiple cyclic energy generating elements based on cyclic data, and The liquid ejection head control method includes: The ejection data is generated based on image data; and The cyclic data is generated based on the ejection data, such that when an ejection drive element does not drive the ejection energy generating element corresponding to the ejection drive element in a test area included in the test area, the cyclic drive element corresponding to the ejection drive element drives the cyclic energy generating element corresponding to the cyclic drive element in the test area, provided that the ejection drive element is not driven in a test area that is shifted in the scanning direction.

19. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to perform the liquid ejector head control method according to claim 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the liquid ejector head control method according to claim 18.

Images