Recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a recording device capable of improving efficiency of a recording operation.SOLUTION: The printing apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys label paper in a conveyance direction, a recording head including a recording element array including a plurality of recording elements arranged along the conveyance direction, a head control unit that controls an operation of the recording head based on recording data, a data storage unit that stores recording data for one pass of the recording head therein, a data writing unit that writes the recording data to the data storage unit, and a determination unit that determines a magnitude relationship between a data length, which is a length of the recording data in the conveyance direction, and a column length, which is a length of the recording element array in the conveyance direction. The data writing part is configured to offset the data writing position of the recording data of the data storage part based on the length of the margin part in the conveyance direction, and newly writes the recording data from the offset position when the determination part determines that the data length of the recording data of the offset data storage part is less than the column length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a recording device that records an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head is an inkjet recording device. In such a recording device, an image is recorded on the recording medium by repeating a recording scan in which the recording head that ejects ink droplets moves in a scanning direction and a conveyance of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the scanning direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that, in order to increase the efficiency of the recording operation, includes a detection means for detecting the positions of the leading and trailing ends of a recording medium, and performs a recording operation simultaneously on the trailing end of the recording medium and the leading end of a recording medium that is transported following that recording medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-175642 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-described configuration cannot be applied when it is difficult to detect the leading or trailing edge positions, such as when the recording medium is roll paper formed from a continuous sheet or when the recording medium has an irregular shape.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of the recording operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention comprises: A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head having a recording element array including a plurality of recording elements arranged along the transport direction, the recording head moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction and discharging droplets from the recording elements to record an image on the label paper; a head control unit that controls the operation of the recording head based on recording data corresponding to the image to be recorded on the label piece; a data storage unit that stores the recording data for one pass of the recording head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the print data stored in the data storage unit in the transport direction, and an array length, which is the length of the print element array in the transport direction; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin portion in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the column length, it writes new recording data from the offset position. In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention comprises: A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head that ejects droplets while moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction to record an image on the label paper; a control unit that controls the conveyance unit and the recording head so as to alternately repeat conveyance of the label paper in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit and movement of the recording head in the movement direction to record an image on the label paper; a data storage unit that stores therein print data for one pass of the print head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the recording data in the transport direction, stored in the data storage unit and the transport amount of the label paper by the transport unit; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the transport amount, it writes new recording data from the offset position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that can improve the efficiency of the recording operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a recording unit of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a recording head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the control configuration of the recording apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart of a recording operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of data length and string length. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of passes of a print head and the printed matter; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a recording operation according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a method for acquiring a blank data correction amount. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a recording operation according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] In the following description, a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method will be used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this specification, "recording" (sometimes referred to as "printing" or "printing") refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also to the formation of meaningful or insignificant information. Furthermore, it broadly refers to the formation of images, patterns, etc. on a recording medium, or the processing of a medium, regardless of whether the information is visible to humans. Furthermore, "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general printing devices, but also to a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, and leather.

[0012] <First Example> A description will be given of a recording apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The recording apparatus 100 is an inkjet recording apparatus that uses an inkjet recording method.

[0013] (Recording device) First, we will explain the general configuration of the recording device 100. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the recording unit of the recording device 100.

[0014] The recording device 100 includes an ink cartridge 101 that contains ink, and a recording head 102 that records an image by ejecting the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 101 as ink droplets (liquid droplets) onto a recording medium. In FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 101 stores ink such as black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) individually, with each storage chamber integrally formed. The recording head 102 is used in the form of a unit having an array of recording elements corresponding to each ink stored in the ink cartridge 101. FIG. 1 also shows how recording paper 108, serving as a recording medium, is transported by a transport unit.

[0015] The recording device 100 further includes a carriage 103 that holds the ink cartridge 101 and the recording head 102, a guide shaft 104 that guides the carriage 103, and an encoder scale 105. The carriage 103 is a holding member to which the ink cartridge 101 and the recording head 102 are detachably attached. The carriage 103 is slidably engaged with the guide shaft 104, thereby being able to move along the guide shaft 104. The recording head 102 is configured to be able to scan integrally with the carriage 103 while held by the carriage 103. The movement direction of the carriage 103, i.e., the scanning direction (movement direction) of the recording head 102, is the X direction in the figure, which intersects with the recording medium transport direction (orthogonal in the first embodiment) and is approximately parallel to the surface of the recording medium being transported.

[0016] In the recording operation by the recording device 100, conveyance of the recording paper 108 in the conveyance direction and movement of the recording head 102 in the scanning direction are alternately repeated. Then, an image is recorded on the recording paper 108 by ejecting liquid while the recording head 102 moves in the scanning direction.

[0017] The encoder scale 105 is provided on a surface facing the carriage 103, and has slits at intervals of, for example, 150 lpi. When light emitted by an encoder sensor (not shown) is irradiated onto the encoder scale 105, A-phase and B-phase signals based on the transmitted light are output according to the scanning position of the carriage 103. The B-phase signal is 90 degrees behind the A-phase signal.

[0018] The recording device 100 includes a transport roller 106, an auxiliary roller 107, a paper feed roller 109, and a paper feed roller 110 as transport members that make up a transport section that transports the recording paper 108. The transport roller 106 rotates in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1 while sandwiching the recording paper 108 together with the auxiliary roller 107, thereby transporting the recording paper 108 in the Y direction in the figure. In the first embodiment, the transport direction (Y direction) of the recording paper 108 is a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (X direction) of the recording head 102.

[0019] Furthermore, paper feed roller 109 and paper feed roller 110 form a pair of paper feed rollers that sandwich and feed recording paper 108. Recording paper 108 is stored in a recording paper tray (not shown) provided in the main body of recording device 100, allowing continuous recording operations.

[0020] 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams of the recording head 102 according to the first embodiment. ) is a perspective view of the print head 102, ink cartridge 101, and carriage 103. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the print element array 201 of the print head 102. The X direction in the figure is the "main scanning direction," and the Y direction is the "sub-scanning direction." In other words, the "main scanning direction" is parallel to the movement direction (scanning direction) of the print head 102, and the "sub-scanning direction" is parallel to the transport direction of the print medium in the printing unit. Furthermore, the ink ejection direction of the print head 102 is approximately perpendicular to the transport direction and scanning direction in the printing unit.

[0021] The print head 102 performs printing by engaging with a carriage 103. The print head 102 is used in the form of a unit having a print element array corresponding to each ink stored in the ink cartridge 101. The ink cartridge 101 stores ink such as black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) individually, and each ink storage chamber is integrally formed.

[0022] The print head 102 has one print element array 201 (array A). The print element array 201 is configured with multiple print elements 202 arranged along the Y direction. The print elements 202 are electrothermal transducers that generate energy to eject ink from the nozzles corresponding to the print elements 202. Here, a configuration using heaters is shown as an example of an inkjet printing method, but the configuration is not limited to this. The print element array 201 provided in the print head 102 is used to print one color component. The print head 102 prints on the print medium by ejecting ink in synchronization with its movement while moving in the X direction.

[0023] The overall flow of the printing apparatus 100 will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus 100, and shows the configuration of the ASIC 301, which is an application specific integrated circuit, and the relationship with related units. Note that an actual inkjet printing apparatus uses multiple ICs and has a structure that is too complex to describe in this diagram, but here we will focus on the ICs and internal components of the ICs related to this embodiment and explain their internal configuration.

[0024] 3 shows a configuration in which the print head 102, PC 302, ROM 303, RAM 304, motor driver 305, DC motor 306a, DC motor 306b, encoder 307a, and encoder 307b are connected to ASIC 301. PC 302 is an external device located outside of the printing device 100, and transfers image information to the printing device 100, or more precisely, to a data receiving unit in ASIC 301. The print head 102 is a print head for creating a printed image output, which is the output of the printing device 100. Print image data and drive pulse signals that control the operation of the print head 102 are generated inside ASIC 301.

[0025] The recording device 100 includes a ROM 303, which is a nonvolatile memory, and a RAM 304, which is a volatile memory. The ROM 303 is a serial ROM (SROM) that includes a program area 309 that stores a control program for controlling the recording device 100, and a data area 310 that stores data as needed. The ROM 303 communicates via a ROM controller 311. The ROM 303 does not necessarily have to be a serial ROM, and can be a nonvolatile memory such as a parallel ROM or an EEPROM, or the program and data can be managed as separate ROMs.

[0026] The following describes the internal configuration of the ASIC 301, which is the control unit of the recording device 100. The ASIC 301 includes a CPU 308, a ROM controller 311, a receiving I / F 312, a RAM controller 313, a received data decoding unit 315, a head driving block 318, a motor control unit 320, a timing signal generation unit 319, and a carrier signal receiving unit 322.

[0027] The CPU 308 controls and manages the overall operation of the ASIC 301. The program is read from the program area 309 of M303, and drive control of the recording element 202 and relative transport control between the recording element 202 and the recording medium are performed according to the control program stored in the program area 309. In addition, necessary data can be stored in non-volatile memory by performing a write operation to the data area 310 as needed.

[0028] Next, we will explain the random logic section. The receiving I / F 312 is an interface that receives data transferred from the PC 302. The receiving I / F 312 takes in signals according to the interface protocol, such as USB or IEEE1394, and generates data in a format that is easy for the ASIC 301 to handle (usually, data is formatted in 1-byte units).

[0029] The RAM controller 313 is a data writing unit that writes data to the RAM 304. The data generated by the reception I / F 312 is saved in the RAM 304 via the RAM controller 313. Typically, the area in the RAM 304 that stores the data received from the reception I / F 312 is called a reception buffer.

[0030] RAM 304 is an SD-RAM that includes data storage areas such as a receive buffer 314, an image buffer (input image buffer) 316, and a nozzle buffer 317. After command analysis by CPU 308, the data stored in receive buffer 314 is expanded by color into image buffer 316 using a received data expansion unit 315. The print data expanded in image buffer 316 is then expanded to nozzle buffer 317 for scanning printhead 102. Nozzle buffer 317 includes a first nozzle buffer 317a and a second nozzle buffer 317b as data storage units that store print data for driving printhead 102. First nozzle buffer 317a and second nozzle buffer 317b are each configured to be able to store print data for one pass of printhead 102, and print data is written to them by RAM controller 313. Note that RAM 304 does not necessarily have to be SD-RAM; it can be D-RAM, S-RAM, or any other memory that falls within the category of RAM.

[0031] When a block within the ASIC 301 accesses each piece of data in the RAM 304, communication is performed via the RAM controller 313 unless otherwise specified. Data stored in the first nozzle buffer 317a and the second nozzle buffer 317b is read by the head drive block 318. The head drive block 318 is a head control unit that controls the operation of the printhead 102. The head drive block 318 performs device control specific to the printhead, such as transferring print data to the printhead 102 and sending drive pulse signals.

[0032] DC motors 306a and 306b, which scan the carriage 103 that engages with the print head 102 and transport the print medium, are driven by a motor driver 305. The printing device 100 has two motors: DC motor 306a for driving the print head 102 and DC motor 306b for transporting the print medium. Control signals for driving these DC motors are transferred as data from a motor control unit 320 inside the ASIC to the motor driver 305.

[0033] When the various motors are driven, the encoders provided for each motor read the encoder scales 105 provided inside the recording device 100. Using the input signal from encoder 307a corresponding to DC motor 306a, timing signal generator 319 generates various recording timing signals at appropriate intervals based on the encoder signals. This supplies timing signals to head drive block 318 for generating data in real time at appropriate timing. In addition, recording medium transport is controlled using the input signal from encoder 307b corresponding to DC motor 306b.

[0034] The recording device 100 includes an edge sensor 323 as an edge detection unit that can detect the rear edge of the recording medium being conveyed. The data from the encoder 307b and the detection data from the edge sensor 323 are sent to a carrier signal receiving unit 322. The carrier signal receiving unit 322 can integrate these data and send the count value of the encoder 307b, which corresponds to the position of the edge of the recording medium, to the CPU 308.

[0035] With this configuration, the printing device 100 can control each unit using the ASIC 301, which is the control unit, to alternately transport the printing medium in the transport direction and move the print head 102 in the scanning direction to print an image on the printing medium.

[0036] (Label paper) The following describes label paper 401 that can be used as the recording medium (recording paper 108) of the recording device 100. Figures 4(a) to 4(d) are explanatory diagrams of label paper 401 that can be used in the recording device 100. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of an example of label paper 401. Figures 4(b), (c), and (d) are diagrams each showing an example of label paper 401.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4(a), label paper 401 is a roll-shaped recording medium. Label paper 401 is configured by temporarily attaching multiple label pieces 403 to a label mount 402. On label paper 401, multiple label pieces 403 are arranged at equal intervals along the direction in which label paper 401 is transported.

[0038] Between adjacent label pieces 403 in the conveyance direction, a margin of margin amount 404 is provided. The margin has perforations 405, and the label paper 401 can be cut along the perforations 405. In the following description of the recording operation, one label piece 403 is treated as one page.

[0039] The recording job data received by the recording device 100 includes image original data as image information to be recorded on the label strip 403. The image original data is data for generating recording data for driving the recording head 102. The recording device 100 can receive one page of image original data as one recording job, or can receive multiple pages of image original data as one recording job. In the first embodiment, the receiving I / F 312 functions as an image original data acquisition unit that acquires image original data from an external device such as the PC 302. Once the recording of the received recording job is complete, the user can use the label paper 401, on which the image has been recorded and output, by cutting it along the perforations 405.

[0040] The recording device 100 may also be configured to include a cutting unit for cutting the label paper 401. With this configuration, after the required number of sheets (number of label pieces 403) have been recorded, the label paper 401 can be automatically cut off at predetermined intervals. This allows the user to obtain the desired recording results.

[0041] Note that the label piece 403 does not have to be rectangular as shown in Fig. 4(b). For example, the shape of the label piece 403 may be other shapes, such as a circle as shown in Fig. 4(c) or a star shape as shown in Fig. 4(d). When such an irregularly shaped label piece 403 is used, the margin amount 404 can be set, for example, to match the leading and trailing ends of the label piece 403 in the conveying direction (the upper and lower ends in Figs. 4(c) and 4(d)).

[0042] In the above embodiment, the label paper 401 has a label piece 403 temporarily attached to a label mount 402, and the label piece 403 protrudes from the label mount 402. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the label paper 401 may be a sticker type on the entire surface, and the label piece 4 It is also possible to configure the structure so that there is no difference in level between the area where 03 is temporarily attached and other areas.

[0043] (Recording operation) Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the recording operation of the recording device 100. The recording operation according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The recording operation here refers to the operation from when the recording device 100 accepts a recording job, generates recording data for driving the recording head 102, and when the recording head 102 is driven based on the recording data to perform recording on a recording medium.

[0044] During printing, data stored in the image buffer 316 is read by the head drive block 318 via the nozzle buffer 317, and device control is performed, such as transferring print image data and sending drive pulse signals to the print head 102. Such device control will be described in particular detail below.

[0045] [S501] The recording operation starts, for example, when the PC 302 of the recording device 100 accepts a recording job. First, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 501, image data is stored in the receiving buffer 314. The image data is information about an image to be recorded on a recording medium.

[0046] [S502] Next, in S502, margin data is acquired, including information on the label size of the label paper 401 and the margin amount 404, which is the distance between label pieces 403 arranged consecutively in the conveyance direction on the label mount 402. The margin data can be acquired, for example, from sheet information input from an external device, or can be set directly by the user.

[0047] [S503] The margin data acquired in S502 is stored (saved) in the data area 310 of the ROM 303 via the ROM controller 311 in S503.

[0048] [S504] Next, in S504, based on the image data stored in the receive buffer 314, print data is expanded and stored in the image buffer 316 via the received data expansion unit 315. The print data is expanded for each page in raster units. The data that has been transferred from the image buffer 316 to the nozzle buffer 317 and the amount of data remaining in the image buffer 316 are managed by the CPU 308.

[0049] [S505] In S505, in response to the reception of the print data, the paper feed roller 110 is driven to transport the print medium to the print start position.

[0050] [S506] In S506, the print data stored in the image buffer 316 is transferred (expanded) to the nozzle buffer 317. When transferred to the nozzle buffer 317, the print data is converted into column-unit data corresponding to each nozzle color of the print head 102. The print data is expanded to either the first nozzle buffer 317a or the second nozzle buffer 317b of the nozzle buffer 317. The print data is transferred to the head drive block 318 as job data for one scan in the main scanning direction. In other words, not all of the print data in the image buffer 316 is transferred to the nozzle buffer 317 at once, but rather the print data for one scan (pass) is transferred to the nozzle buffer 317 each time.

[0051] As described above, the nozzle buffer 317 has multiple data storage units for storing print data, and the first nozzle buffer 317a and the second nozzle buffer 317b can each store print data for one scan of the print head 102. By providing storage areas for multiple scans, the nozzle buffer 317 can, for example, prepare print data for the next printing operation in the second nozzle buffer 317b while the print head 102 is being driven based on the print data stored in the first nozzle buffer 317a. This means that printing operations can be performed continuously without having to be stopped to prepare print data.

[0052] [S507] In S507, the CPU 308 determines whether the print data transferred in S506 includes the final data of the page (label piece 403) on which the printing operation is to be performed. Here, the final data of the page is the data of the upstream end of the page in the conveying direction.

[0053] [S520] If the print data does not include final data, i.e., if the answer is NO in S507, the process proceeds to S520. In S520, an image is printed on the print medium by the print head 102. Specifically, the print head 102 scans in the main scanning direction together with the carriage 103, and an image is printed on the print paper 108 by ejection control of the timing signal generation unit 319 based on the print data transferred to the head drive block 318.

[0054] [S508] If the print data includes the final data, i.e., if the result of S508 is YES, the process proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 308 determines whether the data length LD, which is the length in the transport direction of the print data expanded in the nozzle buffer 317 in S506, is the same as the array length (nozzle length) LN, which is the length in the transport direction of the print element array 201. The fact that the data length LD of the print data is the same as the nozzle length LN is synonymous with the fact that the data volume of the print data is the same as the number of elements in the print element array 201. Therefore, the fact that the data length LD of the print data is the same as the array length LN means that the print data has been assigned to all of the print elements 202 in the print element array 201. The determination does not necessarily require a direct comparison of the data length LD and the array length LN; a comparison of values ​​correlated with each value may also be used. For example, the data volume of the print data, which is proportional to the data length LD, may be compared with the number of elements in the print element array 201, which is proportional to the array length LN, to determine whether the data length LD is the same as the array length LN.

[0055] Figures 6(a) to 6(e) are explanatory diagrams of data length LD and column length LN. The relationship between data length LD and column length LN will be described using Figures 6(a) to 6(e). For the purpose of explanation, of the label pieces 403 on the label paper 401, two label pieces 403 that are aligned in the conveying direction will be referred to as the first label piece and the second label piece. Furthermore, the recording data to be recorded on the first label piece will be referred to as first recording data RD1, and the recording data to be recorded on the second label piece will be referred to as second recording data RD2. The second label piece is adjacent to the first label piece on the upstream side of the conveying direction, and a margin of margin amount 404 is provided between the first and second label pieces.

[0056] 6(a) to 6(e) are diagrams showing the transport direction position of the print data stored in the nozzle buffer 317, with the first print data RD1 and the second print data RD2 indicated by hatching. Also, in Figures 6(a) to 6(e), the downstream end of the print element array 201 in the transport direction is indicated as D1, the upstream end in the transport direction is indicated as D2, and the upstream end in the transport direction of the first print data RD1 is indicated as D3. The length from the downstream end D1 to the upstream end D2 is the array length LN.

[0057] If the data length LD of the print data is the same as the row length LN (LD=LN), that is, if the answer is YES in S508, the process proceeds to S520. LD=LN means that print data has been assigned to all print elements 202, so the print data for one pass (scan) is considered complete and is transferred to the head drive block 318, and image printing is performed in S520.

[0058] 6(a) shows an example in which the data length LD of the print data stored in the nozzle buffer 317 is the same as the array length LN. In this example, all of the print data is first print data RD1. At this time, the upstream end D2 of the printing element array 201 and the upstream end D3 of the first print data RD1 are positioned at the same time. In other words, print data for printing an image on the first label piece is assigned to all of the printing elements 202 in the printing element array 201. In this case, the determination in S508 is YES.

[0059] If the data length LD of the print data is not equal to the row length LN (LD ≠ LN), that is, if S508 returns NO, the process proceeds to S509. LD ≠ LN means that the data length LD is shorter than the row length LN, and there are print elements 202 to which print data is not assigned. In other words, the print elements 202 located upstream in the transport direction from the final data of the page are not used at all when the print head 102 scans. In the first embodiment, in such a case, the process proceeds to S509 to perform additional processing in order to reduce the number of print elements 202 that are not driven and improve the efficiency of the printing operation, even if only slightly.

[0060] FIG. 6B shows an example in which the data length LD of the print data RD stored in the nozzle buffer 317 is less than the array length LN and is not identical. In this example, all of the print data is the first print data RD1. At this time, no print data is assigned to the print elements 202 corresponding to the area between the upstream end D2 of the print element array 201 and the upstream end D3 of the first print data RD1. Therefore, when the print head 102 is driven based on this print data, there will always be unused print elements 202. In this case, the determination in S508 is NO.

[0061] [S509] In S509, the data write address (data write position) in the nozzle buffer 317 is offset by an amount corresponding to the length of the margin amount 404 for the print data in the nozzle buffer 317. The data length LD of the print data in the nozzle buffer 317 is increased by an offset length (offset amount) LO due to the offset. In the first embodiment, the RAM controller 313, which is the data write unit, is configured to be able to offset the data write address. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and an offset unit that offsets the data write address may be provided separately from the RAM controller 313, and the RAM controller 313 and this offset unit may form the data write unit.

[0062] The offset length LO can be obtained by using data converted based on the margin data into element units of the recording element array 201. The offset length LO based on the margin data can be obtained, for example, by the received data decoder 315 or the like.

[0063] [S510] In S510, the CPU 308 determines whether the data length LD of the print data in the nozzle buffer 317 after the offset is equal to or greater than the column length LN. Due to the offset of the data write address in S509, the data length LD of the print data in the nozzle buffer 317 in the transport direction is increased by the offset length LO, which corresponds to the margin amount 404. Then, in S510, the data length LD of the print data is compared again with the column length LN.

[0064] If the data length LD of the print data is equal to or greater than the column length LN (LD≧LN) due to the offset of the data write address in S509, that is, if the answer is YES in S510, the process proceeds to S520. Since LD≧LN means that the print element 202 can be used to the full extent except for the portions corresponding to the margins, the print data for one scan is considered to be complete and is transferred to the head drive block 318, where image printing is performed.

[0065] 6(c) to 6(e), the position where the offset is performed by the offset length LO from the upstream end D3 of the first print data RD1, i.e., the data write position after the offset, is shown as D4. FIG. 6(c) shows an example where the data length LD of the print data after the offset is longer than the column length LN. The data length LD after the offset is the sum of the transport direction length of the first print data RD1 in the nozzle buffer 317 and the offset length LO. In this case, the print elements 202 to which print data is not assigned all correspond to the margin. In this case, the determination in S510 is YES.

[0066] Even after adding blank data (offset) in S509, if the data length LD of the recording data is shorter than the column length LN (LD < LN), that is, if the answer in S510 is NO, the process proceeds to S511.

[0067] FIG. 6(d) shows an example where the data length LD of the recording data after offset is shorter than the column length LN. At this time, for the recording elements 202 corresponding to the space between the upstream end D2 of the recording element column 201 and the data writing position D4, no recording data is assigned. The data writing position D4 is the upstream end in the conveyance direction of the recording data in the nozzle buffer 317, and its position changes due to the offset. Therefore, when the recording head 102 is driven based on such recording data, there will always be unused recording elements 202. In this case, the determination in S510 is NO.

[0068] [S511] In S511, the recording data of the next page in the image buffer 316 is continuously developed into the nozzle buffer 317 from the data writing address (data writing position D4) offset in S509. That is, by S511, the recording data for one scan includes the recording data of the previous page and the recording data of the subsequent page. And since there is a gap between the recording data of the previous page and the recording data of the subsequent page by the amount corresponding to the blank amount 404, images are appropriately recorded on each page. After S511, the process proceeds to S520. Through such processing, recording data with a length equal to the column length LN of the recording element column 201 is stored in the nozzle buffer 317, and the head drive block 318 drives the recording head 102 based on the transferred recording data.

[0069] 6(e) shows an example in which second print data RD2 of the second label piece following the first label piece is newly written to the nozzle buffer 317 from the offset data writing position D4. At this time, there is a distance of offset length LO corresponding to the margin portion of margin amount 404 between the first print data RD1 of the first label piece and the second print data RD2 of the second label piece. When the print head 102 is driven based on this print data, it is possible to perform printing operations on the upstream portion of the first label piece in the transport direction and the downstream portion of the second label piece in the transport direction in the same pass.

[0070] [S521] After the print head 102 is driven to print an image in S520, the process proceeds to S521, where the conveying roller 106 is driven to convey the print medium to the next print start position.

[0071] [S522] Next, in S522, the print data in the nozzle buffer 317 is cleared (erased). The nozzle buffer 317 is cleared with NULL data each time print data is sent to the head drive block 318. This process allows print data spanning multiple pages to be aligned in the nozzle buffer 317 simply by controlling the memory addresses, making it possible to perform printing operations on multiple pages simultaneously.

[0072] [S523] Next, in S523, it is determined whether image recording for all data in the recording job has been executed. If image recording for all data has been executed, that is, if the answer is YES in S523, the recording operation ends. If image recording for all data has not been executed and there is data to be image recorded, that is, if the answer is NO in S523, the process proceeds to S506, where the next recording data is developed.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the scanning of the print head 102 is triggered by the completion of the print job (S520) and is performed when all job data is ready. Therefore, the carriage 103 and the transport roller 106 do not stop midway while waiting for data. By repeating this operation until image recording of all data is completed, stable driving can be achieved.

[0074] In the above-described operational example, whether or not the print data stored in the nozzle buffer 317 is sufficient to accommodate all of the print elements 202 of the print head 102 is determined by comparing the data length LD with the array length LN. However, other methods can also be used for this determination. For example, in S521, the transport amount (feed amount) by which the print medium is transported by a transport unit such as the transport roller 106 corresponds to the array length LN of the print head 102. Therefore, steps similar to S508 and S510 may be performed by determining whether the data length LD of the print data is equal to or less than the transport amount of the print medium. In other words, the data length LD and the array length LN may be replaced with values ​​equivalent to or proportional to these values ​​for the determination. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the CPU 308 functions as a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between the data length LD and the array length LN. However, a configuration in which a determination unit separate from the CPU 308 is provided may also be used.

[0075] It should be noted that the above steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described above. For example, S501 (receive print data), S502 (receive margin data), and S503 (save margin data) may be performed in parallel. Also, S505 (drive paper feed rollers) may be performed immediately after accepting a print job. Also, for example, if the print data includes the final data, the determination in S508 may not be performed, and the address may always be offset as in S509.

[0076] 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the recorded matter produced by the recording operation and the number of passes of the recording head 102. As an example, Figures 7(a) and (b) show how multiple alphabet Zs (pop characters) and identification information such as a barcode or serial number are recorded on each label piece 403. Also, in Figures 7(a) and (b), blank areas onto which ink is not ejected are indicated by hatching.

[0077] 7(a) and (b) show, as an example, a state in which a recording operation is performed on three label pieces 403. The three label pieces 403 will be described as the first label piece (first page), the second label piece (second page), and the third label piece (third page) in order from downstream to upstream in the conveying direction (from bottom to top in the figure).

[0078] FIG. 7(a) shows, as a comparative example, an example in which control of the printing operation is interrupted on a page-by-page basis. In the example shown in FIG. 7(a), image printing for one page is completed in three passes. Then, in the third pass scan of the first label piece and the second label piece, print data is not assigned to a portion of the printing element array 201, and the portion is not used in the printing operation. In FIG. 7(a), the portion of the printing element array 201 that is used in the printing operation is colored, and the portion that is not used in the printing operation is shown in white.

[0079] From the perspective of improving the efficiency of the printing operation, it is undesirable for the printing element array 201 to have unused portions (white portions in the figure). Furthermore, when printing operations are performed repeatedly on label pieces 403 of the same size, the unused printing elements 202 are always the same. Therefore, repeated printing operations may result in large differences in the frequency of use among the multiple printing elements 202, which may have a negative impact on the life of the print head 102.

[0080] FIG. 7B shows an example of a recording operation according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, an image corresponding to the recording data is recorded on the first label piece by three passes of the recording head 102. Then, in the third pass, recording is performed simultaneously on the upstream end of the first label piece in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second label piece in the conveying direction. In other words, the third pass of the first label piece is the same as the first pass of the second label piece. Similarly, in this example, the third pass of the second label piece is the same as the first pass of the third label piece. Therefore, the only unused recording elements 202 are those in the margins.

[0081] In this way, by offsetting the position where the print data read by the head drive block 318 is written to drive the print head 102, it is possible to print on two print media (for example, two label pieces 403) lined up in the transport direction with the same scan. In other words, the efficiency (throughput) of the print operation can be improved compared to a configuration in which the print operation process is completed once for each print media.

[0082] As described above, with the configuration of the first embodiment, if the final data of the previous page is small relative to the printing element array 201, the printing data of the next page can be allocated from a write start address that takes into account an offset according to the margin amount 404. Therefore, printing can be performed without interruption of control on a page-by-page basis. For example, when completing processing for each printing page, it is necessary to adjust the conveyance amount of the conveyance roller 106 to match the start position of the page. However, with the configuration of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform printing across pages with a constant conveyance amount, thereby improving throughput. Furthermore, since a detection device for detecting the position of the printing medium is not required, increases in cost and an increase in the size of the device can be suppressed.

[0083] Furthermore, with the configuration of the first embodiment, the printing operation does not stop for each label piece 403, so in most cases the relative position of the print head 102 with respect to the label piece 403 in the conveyance direction shifts for each label piece 403. Therefore, large differences in usage frequency among the multiple printing elements 202 are suppressed.

[0084] <Second Example> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Only the differences between the configuration of the second embodiment and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components in the second embodiment as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] During printing, slight deviations may occur in the position of the print medium in the transport direction due to environmental influences. If a misalignment occurs, it may not be possible to record at the correct position on the page to be recorded (label piece 403), which could result in a decrease in recording quality. In order to prevent such a decrease in recording quality due to conveyance misalignment, in the second embodiment, when recording an image that spans pages, an offset amount based on the amount of conveyance misalignment of the recording medium is applied in addition to an offset amount equivalent to the margin amount 404 of the margin portion.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the recording operation of the recording device 100 in the second embodiment. The recording operation in the second embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. Note that in the following explanation, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. [S531] After the data write address (data write position) is offset in S509, the data write address is offset by a correction offset amount to correct the conveyance deviation in S531 before proceeding to the judgment in S510. Then, after an additional address offset is performed in S531, the process proceeds to S510 and it is judged whether the data length LD of the print data is equal to or greater than the column length LN.

[0087] [S530] The calculation of the correction offset amount for the address offset in S530 is performed after the recording medium is conveyed in S521 and before the next recording operation is started. The correction offset amount is calculated (acquired) based on the data acquired by the encoder 307b provided in the recording device 100 and the detection result of the edge sensor 323. The correction offset amount for correcting the conveyance deviation may be configured to be acquired by, for example, the CPU 308, or may be configured to be acquired by an offset amount acquisition unit other than the CPU 308.

[0088] In the second embodiment, step S531 (offsetting the write address) is additionally performed after step S509, but this is not limited to this. For example, the offset amount in step S509 may be corrected based on the correction amount calculated in step S531. Also, in the second embodiment, the offset amount is calculated after the image of the first page is recorded, but this is not limited to this. For example, the blank data correction value may be calculated once when the paper feed roller 110 conveys the recording medium in step S505, and the blank data correction value may be taken into account when generating the print data for the first page. By using such a configuration, it is possible to suppress degradation of print quality due to conveyance deviation from the first page onwards.

[0089] The encoder 307b, which controls the position of the conveyance roller 106, is an incremental encoder and is capable of measuring relative position. The edge sensor 323, which is an edge detection unit that detects the paper edge of the recording medium, is capable of detecting, for example, the paper edge in the conveyance direction of the label piece 403. The data acquired by the encoder 307b and the data acquired by the edge sensor 323 are integrated by the conveyance signal receiving unit 322, and a count value 701 of the encoder 307b corresponding to the position of the paper edge is sent to the CPU 308. Then, based on the count value 701, a correction offset amount is calculated as an offset amount for correcting conveyance deviation.

[0090] 9 is an explanatory diagram of a method for acquiring the blank data correction amount, which shows the relationship between the encoding position where the leading edge of the print medium is detected and the nozzle array corresponding to the print data.

[0091] 9 shows how an edge 603 of an actual recording medium is shifted by a shift amount 604 from an ideal edge position 602. When it is determined that the position of the edge 603 of the conveyed recording medium is shifted from the ideal edge position 602 in response to a count signal 601 from the encoder 307b, the shift amount 604 is converted into units of nozzles 605. The start position of the data for the next page to be written to the nozzle buffer 317 is corrected based on the deviation amount 604. With this configuration, it is possible to correct the position of the data to be written to the nozzles and perform printing at a more accurate position.

[0092] <Third Example> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Only the differences between the configuration of the third embodiment and the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0093] In the first embodiment, one-pass printing is described as an example in which image printing is completed in one pass (scan) on the printing target portion of the printing medium. In the third embodiment, an example in which multi-pass printing is performed in which an image is formed by scanning the printing medium multiple times is described.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the recording operation of the recording device 100 according to the third embodiment. The recording operation according to the third embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. Note that in the following explanation, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0095] When multi-pass printing is performed, the conveying roller 106 feeds the recording medium to the printing element array 201 of the print head 102 by a conveying amount divided by the number of passes, and performs image printing. In multi-pass printing, an image is formed at the same image position by multiple print head scans, so printing at the page edge is also performed multiple times. In other words, during multi-pass printing, the data write start address for the next page also changes with each pass, so the data length LD in the conveying direction of the print data is repeatedly compared with the array length LN for each pass.

[0096] [S540] In the third embodiment, after the conveyance roller 106 is driven in S521, the CPU 308 determines in S540 whether all image recording has been performed for the print data in the nozzle buffer 317. If there is still data in the print data for which image recording has not been performed, that is, if the answer is NO in S540, the process returns to S507, where it is determined whether the next print data includes the final data. On the other hand, if all image recording for the print data expanded in the nozzle buffer 317 has been completed, that is, if the answer is YES in S540, the process proceeds to S522, where the print data is cleared.

[0097] With this configuration, even in the printing apparatus 100 capable of multi-pass printing, printing can be performed without interruption of control on a page-by-page basis, thereby improving throughput. Note that position correction by the encoder 307b can also be applied to the third embodiment.

[0098] In applying the present invention, the processes described in the above embodiments as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0099] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head having a recording element array including a plurality of recording elements arranged along the transport direction, the recording head moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction and discharging droplets from the recording elements to record an image on the label paper; The operation of the recording head is controlled based on recording data corresponding to the image to be recorded on the label piece. a head control unit that controls the a data storage unit that stores the recording data for one pass of the recording head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the print data stored in the data storage unit in the transport direction, and an array length, which is the length of the print element array in the transport direction; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin portion in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the column length, the data writing unit writes new recording data from the offset position. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the data writing unit offsets the data writing position based on the length of the margin portion in the transport direction when the determination unit determines that the data length and the column length are not the same. (Configuration 3) The recording device described in configuration 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether the data length and the column length are the same when the recording data stored in the data storage unit includes data corresponding to an image to be recorded at the upstream end of the label piece in the conveying direction. (Configuration 4) When the label piece including the upstream end is defined as a first label piece, and the label piece adjacent to the first label piece on the upstream side of the conveying direction is defined as a second label piece, The recording device according to configuration 3, wherein the data writing unit writes new recording data corresponding to the second label piece from the offset position. (Configuration 5) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit compares the number of the recording elements constituting the recording element array with the amount of data of the recording data stored in the data storage unit to determine whether the data length is larger or smaller than the array length. (Configuration 6) an edge detection unit that detects an edge of the label piece in the conveying direction; The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the data writing unit offsets the data writing position in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin in the transport direction and the detection result of the edge detection unit. (Configuration 7) 7. The recording apparatus according to configuration 6, further comprising an offset amount acquisition unit that acquires an offset amount based on the result of the edge detection unit. (Configuration 8) the edge detection unit detects the edge after the conveyance unit conveys the label paper and before the next conveyance is started, 8. The recording apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the offset amount acquisition unit acquires the offset amount based on the result of the edge detection unit. (Configuration 9) 9. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, comprising a plurality of the data storage sections. (Configuration 10) The recording device according to configuration 9, wherein the data storage unit erases the recording data stored therein each time one pass of the recording head is completed for the same position of the label piece in the conveying direction. (Configuration 11) The head control unit controls the recording head to be positioned at the same position in the conveying direction of the label piece. 11. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the recording head is controlled so that image recording is completed in one pass. (Configuration 12) the head control unit controls the recording head so that image recording is completed in a plurality of passes of the recording head; The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the recording operation for the recording data stored in the data storage unit has been executed after the label paper has been conveyed by the conveyance unit. (Configuration 13) A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head that ejects droplets while moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction to record an image on the label paper; a control unit that controls the conveyance unit and the recording head so as to alternately repeat conveyance of the label paper in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit and movement of the recording head in the movement direction to record an image on the label paper; a data storage unit that stores therein print data for one pass of the print head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the recording data in the transport direction, stored in the data storage unit and the transport amount of the label paper by the transport unit; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the transport amount, the data writing unit writes new recording data from the offset position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100...jet recording device, 102...recording head, 201...recording element array, 202...recording element, 308...CPU (determination unit), 313...RAM controller (data writing unit), 317a...first nozzle buffer (data storage unit), 318...head driving block (head control unit)

Claims

1. A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head having a recording element array including a plurality of recording elements arranged along the transport direction, the recording head moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction and discharging droplets from the recording elements to record an image on the label paper; a head control unit that controls the operation of the recording head based on recording data corresponding to the image to be recorded on the label piece; a data storage unit that stores the recording data for one pass of the recording head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the print data stored in the data storage unit in the transport direction, and an array length, which is the length of the print element array in the transport direction; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin portion in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the column length, the data writing unit writes new recording data from the offset position.

2. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the data writing unit offsets the data writing position based on the length of the margin in the transport direction when the determination unit determines that the data length and the column length are not the same.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination unit determines whether the data length and the column length are the same when the recording data stored in the data storage unit includes data corresponding to an image to be recorded at the upstream end of the label piece in the conveying direction.

4. When the label piece including the upstream end is defined as a first label piece, and the label piece adjacent to the first label piece on the upstream side in the conveying direction is defined as a second label piece, 4. The recording device according to claim 3, wherein the data writing unit writes new recording data corresponding to the second label piece from the offset position.

5. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares the number of the recording elements constituting the recording element array with the amount of data of the recording data stored in the data storage unit to determine whether the data length is larger or smaller than the array length.

6. an edge detection unit that detects an edge of the label piece in the conveying direction, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data writing unit offsets the data writing position in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin in the transport direction and the detection result of the edge detection unit.

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an offset amount acquisition unit that acquires an offset amount based on the result of the edge detection unit.

8. the edge detection unit detects the edge after the conveyance unit conveys the label paper and before the next conveyance is started, 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the offset amount acquisition unit acquires the offset amount based on a result of the edge detection unit.

9. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus comprises a plurality of the data storage units.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the data storage unit erases the recording data stored therein every time one pass of the recording head is completed.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head control unit controls the recording head so that image recording is completed in one pass of the recording head at the same position on the label piece in the transport direction.

12. the head control unit controls the recording head so that image recording is completed in multiple passes of the recording head at the same position on the label piece in the conveying direction, 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether or not a recording operation for the recording data stored in the data storage unit has been executed after the label paper has been conveyed by the conveying unit.

13. A recording device that records an image on label paper in which label pieces and margins are arranged alternately in a conveying direction, a conveying unit that conveys the label paper in the conveying direction; a recording head that ejects droplets while moving in a movement direction intersecting the transport direction to record an image on the label paper; a control unit that controls the conveyance unit and the recording head so as to alternately repeat conveyance of the label paper in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit and movement of the recording head in the movement direction to record an image on the label paper; a data storage unit for storing therein print data for one pass of the print head; a data writing unit that writes the recording data into the data storage unit; a determination unit that determines the magnitude relationship between a data length, which is the length of the recording data in the transport direction, stored in the data storage unit and the transport amount of the label paper by the transport unit; Equipped with The data writing unit is configured to be able to offset the data writing position of the recording data in the data storage unit based on the length of the margin in the transport direction, and when the determination unit determines that the data length of the recording data in the offset data storage unit is less than the transport amount, the data writing unit writes new recording data from the offset position.

Images