Method and printing device for transmitting print data - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a technique advantageous for transferring data in a device having various functions.SOLUTION: A method for transmitting printing data by a serial transmission method in a printer includes: a step of generating a first data part having a fixed data length; a step of generating a second data part having a variable data length; and a step of transmitting the printing data in combination of the first data part and the second data part in a predetermined order. The first data part includes a plurality of information parts, the second data part can include a plurality of accompanying information parts, and one of the plurality of information parts included in the first data part indicates presence / absence of each of the plurality of accompanying information parts in the second data part and presence / absence of driving a circuit element included in the printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates primarily to a method for transmitting print data. [Background technology]

[0002] A printing device typically includes a print head in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged for ejecting liquid such as ink droplets. For example, when a print job is input to the printing device from an external device (such as a personal computer), print data corresponding to the print job is transferred to the print head, and the print head ejects liquid based on the transferred print data. The print data is transferred in a predetermined unit, and may also be referred to as a packet or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-347649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that when transferring data in a serial manner, the size of data for each transfer unit can be made variable by including information for specifying the data length in the data to be transferred. However, there is still room for further improvement in transferring data in devices with various functions, such as the above-mentioned printing device.

[0005] An exemplary object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous technique for appropriately transferring data in a device having a variety of functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transmitting print data, the method comprising: Equipped with a print headA method for transmitting print data in a printing device using a serial transmission method, comprising: The print head includes an element substrate on which a plurality of print elements are arranged, generating a first data portion having a fixed data length; generating a second data portion having a variable data length; The first data section and the second data section are combined in a predetermined order to generate the print data. The print head and transmitting the The element substrate is A heating element for heating the element substrate; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the element substrate; a temperature sensor logic unit for controlling the driving of the temperature sensor; Contains The first data portion at least a first information section indicating image data for driving the plurality of print elements; and a second information section indicating a data length of the second data section. Including, The second data portion At least a first auxiliary information section for driving the heating element, and a second auxiliary information section for driving the temperature sensor. It is possible to include The second information section indicates whether the temperature sensor logic section is operating or not, and indicates whether the second data section includes the first auxiliary information section and the second auxiliary information section, thereby indicating a data length of the second data section. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, data can be appropriately transferred in devices with a variety of functions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a printing apparatus. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an element substrate. [Figure 4] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of data or signals input to an element substrate. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of one transfer data (packet). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of an additional information identification unit. [Figure 7A]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in the first mode. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in a second mode. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in a third mode. [Figure 7D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in a fourth mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data transfer mode when printing three sheets. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the data transfer mode when printing three sheets. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of one transfer data. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the auxiliary information identification part. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in the fifth mode. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transfer data in a sixth mode. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing a data transfer method. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of one transfer of data. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of the auxiliary information identification part. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of an element substrate. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of one transfer of data. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of print elements. [Figure 19] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a data transfer mode when printing elements are driven in a time division manner. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of an arrangement of print elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1A is a perspective view of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. The printing device 1 includes a connector 11 and a discharge tray 12. The printing device 1 can be connected to an external device (not shown), such as a personal computer, via wired communication (or wireless communication) through the connector 11. The external device may be expressed as a host device or the like. One or more sheets are loaded into the printing device 1, and the printing device 1 prints on the sheets based on a print job received from the external device, and discharges and places the printed sheets on the discharge tray 12.

[0011] In this embodiment, the printing device 1 is configured to be capable of printing on sheets by an inkjet method, and further includes a transport mechanism (not shown) that transports the sheets, and a print head 19 (see Figs. 1B and 8) (described later) that prints on the transported sheets. The print head 19 may be a well-known type such as a line head or a serial head, but in this embodiment, a line head is used.

[0012] 1B is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 further includes a control board 13, a head board 14, and a plurality of element boards 15. The control board 13 is provided in the main body of the printing device 1, and the head board 14 and the element board 15 are provided in the print head 19. The control board 13 generates print data Dt (see FIG. 2) described below based on a print job input via the connector 11, and outputs the print data Dt to the head board 14. The plurality of element boards 15 are electrically connected to the head board 14 by the plurality of flexible boards 16 so as to be able to communicate with each other. This allows the head board 14 to transmit or transfer the corresponding print data Dt to each of the plurality of element boards 15 via the corresponding flexible boards 16.

[0013] Here, the multiple element substrates 15 are arranged in one direction, and each element substrate 15 can have multiple print elements 201 (see FIG. 3) described below arranged along the same direction. The element substrate 15 may be expressed as a print element substrate. A plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets (liquid) are arranged in the print head 19. The print elements 201 are provided corresponding to the nozzles, and are driven to eject ink droplets from the nozzles. Any known element may be used for the print elements 201, and in this embodiment, electrothermal conversion elements (which may also be referred to as heater elements, resistor elements, etc.) are used, but in other embodiments, piezoelectric elements may be used.

[0014] The control board 13 includes a processor 131 that performs arithmetic processing to realize each function of the printing device 1. As an example, the processor 131 functions as a transmission unit that generates print data Dt and transmits it to the element board 15, and realizes this by including a first generation unit 1311, a second generation unit 1312, and a third generation unit 1313, the details of which will be described later.

[0015] Typically, a semiconductor device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) is used for the processor 131, but in other embodiments, the processor 131 may be configured with a CPU and a memory. That is, each function of the processor 131 may be realized by either hardware or software.

[0016] The print data Dt is transmitted or transferred in a predetermined unit by a serial transmission method, and data for one transfer may also be referred to as a packet, etc. In this embodiment, the print data Dt is generated in packets by the control board 13, and then transmitted from the control board 13 to the element board 15 via the head board 14, but in other embodiments, the print data Dt may be generated and transmitted by other elements. For example, the print data Dt may be generated in packets by the head board 14, and then transmitted from the head board 14 to the element board 15.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram of the head substrate 14 and the multiple element substrates 15. In addition to the print data Dt, a clock signal Ck and a latch signal Lt from the control substrate 13 are input to each element substrate 15. The clock signal Ck enables synchronization between two or more elements by the rising edge (transition from low level to high level) and / or falling edge (transition from high level to low level) of the signal waveform. The latch signal Lt enables each signal constituting the print data Dt to be latched by a latch circuit (not shown) by the rising edge or falling edge of the signal waveform.

[0018] 4 shows print data Dt for one transfer, as well as a clock signal Ck and a latch signal Lt input to the element substrate 15 together with the print data Dt. The print data Dt, which will be described in detail later, includes a plurality of information sections inf11, inf12, etc. (when no particular distinction is made, these will simply be referred to as "information section inf"), and each information section inf includes a plurality of signals. For example, where m and n are integers of 1 or more, the information section inf11 is m-bit data including signals a(0), a(1), a(2),..., a(m), and the information section inf12 is n-bit data including signals b(0), b(1), b(2),..., b(n). Note that bit data is composed of a plurality of signals, and the value of each signal can also be expressed as a bit value.

[0019] 4, the signals a(0) etc. are input in sequence by the rising / falling edges of the clock signal Ck at times t0, t1, t2 etc., and then the transferred signals a(0) etc. can be latched at time tp when the latch signal Lt forms a rising edge. Thus, one transfer of print data Dt is defined from the falling edge of one latch signal Lt to the rising edge of the next latch signal Lt.

[0020] 3 shows an example of the configuration of the element substrate 15. The element substrate 15 includes a plurality of print elements 201, as well as a plurality of drive elements 202, a plurality of ejection sensors 203, a plurality of residue removers 204, a temperature sensor 205, a plurality of heating elements 206, logic units 2071-2074, signal output units 2081-2082, and a processor 209.

[0021] The multiple drive elements 202 are connected in series to the multiple print elements 201. A known switch element such as a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor is used for each drive element 202, and the drive element 202 energizes the print element 201 to drive it when in a conductive state, and suppresses the drive when in a non-conductive state. In the case of a MOS transistor, the drive element 202 is arranged so that the gate terminal is connected to the processor 209 and the source terminal and drain terminal form a current path between the drive element 202 and the print element 201.

[0022] The multiple ejection sensors 203 are provided corresponding to the multiple print elements 201. Each ejection sensor 203 is capable of detecting whether or not ink droplets have been properly ejected by driving the corresponding print element 201. The logic unit 2071 controls the driving of each ejection sensor 203 and can acquire the detection results. This allows the processor 209 to receive the detection results of each ejection sensor 203 from the logic unit 2071.

[0023] The multiple residue removal units 204 are provided corresponding to the multiple print elements 201. Each residue removal unit 204 is formed of, for example, an electrode. The logic unit 2072 drives the residue removal unit 204 by applying a predetermined voltage to the residue removal unit 204 based on a signal from the processor 209, thereby removing ink residue in the ink flow path that may occur near the corresponding print element 201.

[0024] One or more temperature sensors 205 are arranged at predetermined positions (for example, the periphery, etc.) of the element substrate 15 and are capable of detecting the temperature of the element substrate 15. The logic unit 2073 controls the driving of each temperature sensor 205 and is capable of acquiring the detection results. This allows the processor 209 to receive the detection results of the temperature sensors 205 from the logic unit 2073.

[0025] The heating elements 206 are arranged at predetermined positions (for example, the periphery, etc.) of the element substrate 15, and each heating element 206 may use an electrothermal conversion element, like the printing element 201. The logic unit 2074 drives the heating elements 206 based on a signal from the processor 209, thereby adjusting the temperature of the element substrate 15. Note that in this embodiment, although an electrothermal conversion element is used for both the printing element 201 and the heating element 206, the heating element 206 is also referred to as a sub-heater or a sub-heater element, and thus can be distinguished from the printing element 201.

[0026] The signal output unit 2081 outputs analog signals indicating the detection results of the discharge sensor 203 and the temperature sensor 205 and the driving result of the residue removal unit 204 to the control board 13 via the output terminal 2081T based on a signal from the processor 209. The signal output unit 2082 outputs digital signals indicating the detection results of the discharge sensor 203 and the temperature sensor 205 and the driving result of the residue removal unit 204 to the control board 13 via the output terminal 2082T based on a signal from the processor 209. A known multiplexer may be used for the signal output units 2081 and 2082. Although details will be described later, the signal output units 2081 and 2082 can output one or both of these analog signals and digital signals to the control board 13.

[0027] The processor 209 performs predetermined arithmetic processing to control the driving of each of the above-mentioned elements. The details will be described later, but the processor 209 further includes a first processing unit 2091, a second processing unit 2092, and a third processing unit 2093. Note that, like the processor 131, each function of the processor 209 may be realized by either hardware or software.

[0028] 5 shows an example of the configuration of print data Dt for one transfer. The print data Dt includes a first data section D1, and may additionally include a second data section D2. The data section D1 includes multiple information sections inf11-inf15, and its data length (data size) is assumed to be fixed. The data section D2 is configured to be able to include multiple additional information sections inf21-inf26, and its data length is variable.

[0029] First, regarding the data section D1: The information section inf11 forms one aspect (start condition) of the header of the print data Dt, and constitutes notification data indicating the start of communication; The information section inf12 indicates the presence or absence of each of the multiple additional information sections inf21 etc. that can be included in the data section D2, making the data length of the data section D2 variable. In addition, the information section inf12 includes setting information on the presence or absence of operation of the ejection sensor 203 and the temperature sensor 205 that configure the element substrate 15. This sets the presence or absence of operation of the logic section 2071 and the logic section 2073 that correspond to the ejection sensor 203 and the temperature sensor 205, respectively. From this perspective, the information section inf12 can also be expressed as an additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12; The information sections inf131 to inf135 (simply referred to as "information section inf13" when no particular distinction is made) constitute image data of different types (e.g., colors); The information section inf14 constitutes definition data for defining the pulse waveform of the signal for driving the print element 201 and the drive timing; and the information section inf15 constitutes diagnostic data for diagnosing whether the transfer of the print data Dt has been properly realized.

[0030] Next, for data section D2: The additional information section inf21 constitutes first adjustment data indicating whether or not to heat the element substrate 15 by the heating element 206; The additional information section inf22 constitutes first selection data indicating that the signal output section 2081 is to select output of an analog signal to the control board 13; The additional information section inf23 constitutes second selection data indicating that the signal output section 2082 is to select output of a digital signal to the control board 13; The additional information section inf24 constitutes first detection execution data indicating whether or not to execute acquisition of the detection result of the ejection sensor 203; The additional information section inf25 constitutes second detection execution data indicating whether or not to execute acquisition of the detection result of the temperature sensor 205; The additional information section inf26 constitutes second adjustment data indicating whether or not the residue removing unit 204 should remove ink residue.

[0031] In this way, data section D1 contains information required to actually perform printing or information directly related to the printing operation itself, while data section D2 may contain information required for preparation before printing is performed or information indirectly related to the printing operation.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows the contents of the additional information / circuit operation specification part inf12. In this embodiment, the additional information / circuit operation specification part inf12 is 8-bit data, and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth bits indicate the presence / absence of the additional information parts inf21, inf22, inf23, inf24, inf25, and inf26, respectively. The seventh and eighth bits set whether the logic part 2071 and the logic part 2073 operate or not, respectively. In this embodiment, each bit takes two values, "0" or "1", where "0" indicates the presence or absence, and "1" indicates the absence or operation. For example, when the first bit is "0", the data part D2 includes the additional information part inf21, and when the first bit is "1", the data part D2 does not include the additional information part inf21. If the seventh bit is "0", the logic unit 2071 operates, and if the seventh bit is "1", the logic unit 2071 does not operate.

[0033] 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D respectively show a first, a second, a third, and a fourth mode for sending or transferring print data Dt (for one transfer): According to the example of FIG. 7A (first mode), the additional information identification unit / circuit operation inf12 is "00000011" (the first, second, etc., eighth bits from the beginning). In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11-inf15 as the data section D1, and further includes all of the additional information sections inf21-inf26 as the data section D2, and the data length of the print data Dt is maximized. Both the logic unit 2071 and the logic unit 2073 are in an operating state; According to the example of FIG. 7B (second mode), the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "01100101". In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11 to inf15 as the data section D1, and further includes additional information sections inf21, inf24, and inf25 as the data section D2 (additional information sections inf22, inf23, and inf26 are omitted). The logic section 2071 is in a stopped state, and the logic section 2073 is in an operating state. By putting the logic section 2071 in a stopped state, the power consumption of the print element 201 is reduced. According to the example of FIG. 7C (third mode), the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "011101". In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11 to inf15 as the data section D1, and further includes additional information sections inf21 and inf25 as the data section D2 (additional information sections inf22, inf23, inf24, and inf26 are omitted). Both the logic section 2071 and the logic section 2073 are in an operating state; According to the example of Fig. 7D (fourth mode), the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "111111". In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11-inf15 as the data section D1, but does not include the data section D2 (the additional information sections inf21-inf26 are all omitted), and the data length of the print data Dt is minimized. Both the logic section 2071 and the logic section 2073 are stopped, and the power consumption of the print element 201 is reduced.

[0034] 8 shows an example of the transfer mode of print data Dt transferred in packet units when printing on three sheets Sh. As described above, in this embodiment, a line head is used for the print head 19. Therefore, the print head 19 can print on the entire area of ​​the sheet Sh in the sheet width direction at once while moving relatively to the sheet Sh in the sheet length direction. In the printing device 1, printing on the sheet Sh can actually be performed by moving the sheet Sh relative to the print head 19, but in the figure, for ease of understanding, the print head 19 is shown moving relative to the three sheets Sh.

[0035] 8 corresponds to the time axis, and for example, at time t0, the printing device 1 is started or initialized, and then, in response to an input of a print job, printing of the first sheet Sh begins at time t1, and is completed at time t2. At time t3, printing of the second sheet Sh begins, and at time t4, printing of the second sheet Sh is completed. Similarly, printing of the third sheet Sh begins at time t5, and is completed at time t6. It is assumed that one print job is completed at time t6.

[0036] In the period from time t0 to t1, the print data Dt may be transmitted or transferred in a packet unit in a first mode (see FIG. 7A) or a second mode (see FIG. 7B). In the period from time t1 to t2, the print data Dt may be transmitted in a packet unit in a third mode (see FIG. 7C) or a fourth mode (see FIG. 7D). In the period from time t2 to t3, which is the period from the completion of printing on a sheet Sh to the start of printing on the next sheet Sh, the print data Dt may be transmitted in a packet unit in the second mode (see FIG. 7B).

[0037] In the periods from time t3 to t4 and from time t5 to t6, as in the period from time t1 to t2, the print data Dt may be transmitted in the third mode (see FIG. 7C) or the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D). In the period from time t4 to t5, as in the period from time t2 to t3, the print data Dt may be transmitted in the second mode (see FIG. 7B). In addition, from time t6 onwards until the start of printing based on the next print job, the print data Dt may be transmitted in the first mode (see FIG. 7A) or the second mode (see FIG. 7B).

[0038] In this way, the period when the printing device 1 is in an activated state is divided into a period when the print head 19 is actually executing printing (print execution period (first period)) and a period when the printing is suppressed or interrupted (print interruption period (second period)). In this embodiment where the print head 19 is a line head, the print execution period corresponds to the period when the sheet Sh passes under the print head 19. The print interruption period corresponds to a period other than the print execution period when the printing device 1 is in an activated state, for example, the period from the completion of printing of a sheet Sh to the start of printing of the next sheet Sh when the printing device 1 prints multiple sheets Sh. During the print execution period, the print data Dt is formed in a relatively small size, whereas during the print interruption period, the print data Dt is formed in a larger size compared to the print execution period. As a result, during the print execution period, In this case, the amount of print data Dt transferred per packet can be reduced, and unnecessary or low priority communications between the control board 13 and each element board 15 can be omitted, or the communication speed or transfer speed between them can be reduced.

[0039] Furthermore, the print data Dt may be assigned any of the first to fourth modes (see Figures 7A to 7D) during the print execution period and the print interruption period as long as there is a relative relationship in data size between the print execution period and the print interruption period.

[0040] The relationship between the printing operation and the operation of the logic unit 2071 and the logic unit 2073 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When the first mode (see FIG. 7A) is used, the ejection sensor 203 and the temperature sensor 205 driven by the logic unit 2071 and the logic unit 2073 can be used. For example, when the first mode is used during the period from time t0 to t1, it is possible to adjust the temperature and inspect the ejection state in preparation for the printing execution period from time t1. When the second mode (see FIG. 7B) is used, the temperature sensor 205 can be used. When the second mode is used during the period from time t0 to t1, it is possible to adjust only the temperature without inspecting the ejection. The second mode can also be used during the printing interruption period, that is, during the period from time t2 to t3 when the ejection operation is not performed. The second mode includes the additional information section inf24, which is data for performing detection by the ejection sensor 203. In this way, the additional information section corresponding to the logic unit whose operation has been stopped by the additional information / circuit operation specifying section may be added. When the third mode (see FIG. 7C) is used, the discharge sensor 203 can be used. By using the third mode during the printing execution period, the discharge inspection can be used simultaneously with the printing operation. The third mode does not include the additional information section inf24, which is data for performing detection by the discharge sensor 203. Even in this case, the information of the additional information section is stored in a memory or the like, and the discharge sensor 203 is operated based on the information, so that the discharge inspection can be performed. When the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D) is used, the logic unit 2071 and the logic unit 2073 are both stopped, so neither the temperature inspection nor the discharge inspection can be used. Usually, the temperature inspection and the discharge inspection are often performed intermittently, and in such a case, the fourth mode can be used to reduce the power consumption of the element substrate 15. Referring again to FIG. 1B and FIG. 3, in this embodiment, in the transmission and reception of the print data Dt, the processor 131 functioning as a transmission unit includes the generation units 1311 to 1313, and the processor 209 functioning as a reception unit includes the processing units 2091 to 2093.

[0041] First, in the processor 131 functioning as a transmission unit, the generation unit 1311 generates a data section D1 constituting a part of the print data Dt, the data section D1 including a plurality of information sections inf11-inf15, and the data length (data size) is fixed. The generation unit 1312 generates a data section D2 constituting another part of the print data Dt, the data section D2 being configured to be able to include a plurality of additional information sections inf21-inf26, and the data length is variable.

[0042] The generation unit 1313 generates the print data Dt by combining the data section D1 and the data section D2 in a predetermined order. In this embodiment, the print data Dt is generated in such a manner that the additional information sections inf21-inf26 are arranged between the information sections inf11-inf14 and the information section inf15, as shown in Fig. 5. The generated print data Dt is transmitted to the processor 209.

[0043] Next, for the processor 209 functioning as a receiving unit, the processing unit 2091 identifies the additional information / circuit operation identification part inf12 of the data part D1 from the print data Dt received from the processor 131. The processing unit 2092 identifies the data part D2 from the received print data Dt based on the additional information / circuit operation identification part inf12, and accordingly identifies the data part D1.

[0044] Here, the incidental information / circuit operation information specifying part inf12 is arranged before the incidental information parts inf21 to inf26 as shown in FIG. 5, and indicates the presence or absence of each of the incidental information parts inf21, inf22, inf23, inf24, inf25, and inf26 of the data part D2. Therefore, the processing unit 2091 can appropriately specify the incidental information / circuit operation specifying part inf12, and the processing unit 2092 can appropriately specify the data part D2 and specify the data part D1 based on the incidental information / circuit operation specifying part inf12. Also, the processing unit 2092 sets the presence or absence of operation of the logic part 2071 and the logic part 2073 based on the information of the 7th bit and the 8th bit of the incidental information / circuit operation specifying part inf12 shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] The processing unit 2093 performs drive control for the printing operation itself among the drive controls of the element substrate 15 based on the identified data section D1, and also performs drive control related to the printing operation among the drive controls of the element substrate 15 based on the identified data section D2.

[0046] As the related drive control, for example, in the case of print data Dt transferred in the first mode (see FIG. 7A): The heating element 206 heats the element substrate 15 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 205 (attachment information sections inf21 and inf25: present); The residue removal unit 204 removes the ink residue based on the detection result of the ejection sensor 203 (attached information units inf24 and inf26: present); Analog signals and digital signals are output to the control board 13 (attachment information sections inf22 and inf23: present).

[0047] According to this embodiment, print data Dt is generated based on a print job input from an external device to the printer 1, and this print data Dt is transmitted to the element substrate 15 in the print head 19 by a serial transmission method. The print data Dt is generated by combining, in a predetermined order, a data section D1 having a fixed data length and a data section D2 having a variable data length.

[0048] One of the multiple information sections inf11 etc. included in the data section D1 is an additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12, which indicates the presence or absence of each of the multiple additional information sections inf21 etc. that may be included in the data section D2, making the data length of the data section D2 variable. The maximum number of the multiple additional information sections inf21 etc. that may be included in the data section D2 is K (K is an integer equal to or greater than 1).

[0049] At this time, as an example, the bits representing the additional information in the additional information / circuit operation specifying part inf12 may be K-bit data (K=6 in this embodiment).

[0050] The number of bits L representing the circuit operation in the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 may be set according to the number of circuits or circuit elements (e.g., logic circuit 2071) for which the presence or absence of operation is set among the circuits included in the print element 201. (In this embodiment, L=2.) In this case, the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 becomes K+L bit data as a whole.

[0051] The presence or absence of each of the multiple additional information sections inf21, etc. (or the additional information specification section inf12 indicating the presence or absence) may be changed according to a change in the printing environment. For example, from after the printer 1 starts printing while conveying a sheet until the completion of the conveyance and the printing, there is a print execution period in which the print head 19 is currently executing printing, and a print interruption period in which the printing is suppressed or interrupted. In the print execution period, the transfer amount per packet of the print data Dt is suppressed compared to the print interruption period. Therefore, between the print execution period and the print interruption period, when the data section D1 is generated, the additional information specification section inf12 is changed, and when the data section D2 is generated, whether or not each of the multiple additional information sections inf21, etc. is generated can be changed. As described above, according to this embodiment, the transfer amount per packet of the print data Dt during the print execution period can be reduced. This makes it possible to omit unnecessary or low-priority communication between the control board 13 and each element board 15, or to reduce the communication speed or transfer speed therebetween. During the printing period, the processor 209 performs drive control directly related to the printing operation itself, while being able to omit drive control indirectly related to the printing operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the processor 209 during the printing period while maintaining or increasing the functionality of the printing device 1. The same applies to the processor 131.

[0052] The settings for whether or not each of the multiple logic circuits 2071 is operational may be changed in response to changes in the printing environment. For example, during the aforementioned print interruption period, the logic unit 2071 is in an operational state and the ejection sensor is enabled, while during the print execution period, the logic unit 2071 is in a stopped state. In this way, by stopping the circuit operation when it is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the print element 201.

[0053] Second embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example was given of printing on a sheet by the print head 19, which is a line head, but the same can be achieved in the case of a serial head. In the second embodiment, the print head (referred to as print head 19b for distinction) is a serial head. In this case, a plurality of printing elements 201 are arranged in the sheet length direction, and the print head 19b moves sequentially in the sheet length direction while repeating reciprocating movements (scanning) in the sheet width direction. The printing device 1 is provided with a transport unit, and in reality, the sheet is transported by the transport unit so as to move relative to the print head 19b.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows an example of a transfer mode of print data Dt according to this embodiment, similar to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed line, the print head 19b performs printing by moving in the sheet length direction while repeatedly moving back and forth in the sheet width direction relative to the sheet Sh. More specifically, the print head 19b can eject ink droplets while moving back and forth in the sheet width direction, and suppresses the ejection while moving in the sheet length direction. In the figure, each of the above-mentioned modes (see FIGS. 7A to 7D) of sending or transferring the print data Dt is shown for the period from time t1, which is the timing when printing on the first sheet Sh starts, to time t2, which is the timing when printing on the sheet Sh is completed.

[0055] The time t1 to t2 is divided into a period during which the print head 19b moves back and forth in the sheet width direction (times t10 to t11, t12 to t13, etc.) and a period during which the print head 19b moves in the sheet length direction (times t11 to t12, t13 to t14, etc.). At times t10 to t11, t12 to t13, etc., the print head 19b is capable of printing (i.e., capable of ejecting ink droplets), and during those periods, the transmission of the print data Dt can be performed in the third mode (see FIG. 7C) or the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D). On the other hand, at times t11 to t12, t13 to t14, etc., the printing of the print head 19b is suppressed (i.e., the ejection of ink droplets is suppressed), and during those periods, the transmission of the print data Dt can be performed in the second mode (see FIG. 7B) or the third mode (see FIG. 7C). The same applies to the periods from time t3 to t4 and from time t5 to t6.

[0056] According to this embodiment, printing is performed on a sheet by the print head 19b, which is a serial head. That is, during the period when the print head 19b moves back and forth in the sheet width direction, the print head 19b actually performs printing, and during the period when the print head 19b moves in the sheet length direction, the printing is suppressed or interrupted. Therefore, in relation to the above-mentioned first embodiment (see FIG. 8), it can be said that the period when the print head 19b moves back and forth in the sheet width direction corresponds to the printing execution period, and the period when the print head 19b moves in the sheet length direction corresponds to the printing interruption period. Therefore, even during the period when the print head 19b moves back and forth in the sheet width direction, the transfer amount of the print data Dt per packet can be suppressed compared to the period when the print head 19b moves in the sheet length direction.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the first embodiment, it is also possible to reduce the transfer amount of print data Dt per packet even during the reciprocating movement of the print head 19b, which is a serial head, in the sheet width direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the print head 19b prints on both the outward and return paths of the reciprocating movement, but in other embodiments, it may print on only one of the outward and return paths. In this case, the period of one of the outward and return paths may be a printing execution period, and the other period may be a printing interruption period.

[0059] Third embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the information section inf13 constituting the image data is included in the data section D1 (see Figures 5 to 6), but in other embodiments, only a portion of the information section inf13 may be included in the data section D1, and the other portion may be included in the data section D2.

[0060] Fig. 10 shows an example of the configuration of print data Dt according to the third embodiment, similar to Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, of the information section inf13, information section inf131 is included in data section D1, and the rest (referred to as information sections inf272-inf275 for the sake of distinction) are included in data section D2. That is, in this embodiment, data section D2 can include additional information sections inf272-inf275 (simply referred to as "additional information section inf27" when no particular distinction is made) corresponding to information sections inf132-inf135.

[0061] This embodiment is useful in a configuration in which the printing device 1 can selectively perform monochrome printing and color printing. For example, the information section inf131 constitutes image data for black (BK), and the additional information sections inf272 to inf275 constitute image data for other colors (for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), gray (GY), etc.). The data section D2 may be generated so as to include the additional information section inf27 when printing on a sheet is color printing, and so as not to include the additional information section inf27 when printing on a sheet is monochrome printing.

[0062] 11 shows the contents of the incidental information / circuit operation specification section inf12 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the incidental information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is 9-bit data, with the first to sixth bits and the eighth and ninth bits being the same as in the first embodiment (indicating the presence / absence of the incidental information sections inf21 to inf26 and the presence / absence of operation of the logic section 2071 and the logic section 2073), and the seventh bit indicating the presence / absence of the incidental information section inf27. When the seventh bit is "0", the data section D2 includes the incidental information section inf27, and when the first bit is "1", the data section D2 does not include the incidental information section inf27.

[0063] 12A and 12B respectively show the fifth and sixth modes for sending or transferring print data Dt (for one transfer): According to the example of FIG. 12A (fifth mode), the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "111111011" (the first, second, etc., ninth bits from the beginning). In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11 to inf15 as the data section D1, and further includes an additional information section inf27 as the data section D2 (the additional information sections inf21 to inf26 are omitted); According to the example of FIG. 12B (sixth mode), the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "111111111". In this case, the print data Dt includes information sections inf11-inf15 as the data section D1, but does not include the data section D2 (all of the additional information sections inf21-inf27 are omitted). The eighth and ninth bits have the same functions as the seventh and eighth bits in FIG. 6. Furthermore, since the setting values ​​of the eighth and ninth bits are arbitrary with respect to the effect of this embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] 13 is a flowchart showing a method for transferring print data Dt according to this embodiment. In step S1310 (hereinafter simply referred to as S1310, the same applies to other steps described below), it is determined whether printing to be executed based on one print job is realized using only black (BK) (i.e., monochrome printing) or not (i.e., color printing). If it is monochrome printing, proceed to S1320, and if it is color printing, proceed to S1330.

[0065] In S1320, in response to the determination in S1310 that monochrome printing is to be performed, when the generating unit 1311 generates the data section D1, the seventh bit of the additional information / circuit operation specifying section inf12 is set to “1.” In addition, the generating unit 1312 generates the data section D2 in a form that does not include the additional information section inf27.

[0066] In S1330, in response to the determination in S1310 that color printing is to be performed, the generation unit 1311 sets the seventh bit of the additional information / circuit operation specification portion inf12 to “0” when generating the data portion D1. In addition, the generation unit 1312 generates the data portion D2 in a form including the additional information portion inf27.

[0067] For ease of explanation, it is assumed here that one print job instructs either monochrome printing or color printing, but in many cases, the image printed based on one print job is a mixture of monochrome and color images. Therefore, the setting of the additional information / circuit operation specifying unit inf12 in S1320 and S1330 may be changed during one print job. For example, when there are multiple images to be printed based on a print job, the setting may be changed after the printing of one image is completed and before the printing of the next image is started.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the auxiliary information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is changed and whether the auxiliary information section inf27 is generated is changed based on whether the printing to be performed is monochrome printing or color printing. In the case of monochrome printing, the printing information is included in the information section inf131. On the other hand, in the case of color printing, part of the printing information for black (BK) printing is included in the information section inf131, and the other part is included in the auxiliary information sections inf272 to inf275.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the transfer amount per packet of print data Dt in the case of monochrome printing.

[0070] FIG. 17 shows a seventh mode for sending or transferring print data Dt (one transfer) as a modification of the third embodiment. In this modification, all of the information sections inf131 to inf135 are included in the data section D2 as information sections inf271 to inf275, respectively. This modification is even more useful during print interruption periods. That is, during periods when the print head 19 is not actually printing, it is possible to reduce the transfer amount of print data Dt per packet. Therefore, according to this modification, when the seventh bit of the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 is "1", as shown in FIG. 17, the print data Dt does not substantially include all of the image data.

[0071] In the seventh mode (see FIG. 17), the first, third, and fifth bits of the additional information / circuit operation specification section inf12 are set to "0." That is, the driving control of the temperature sensor 205 is performed, a digital signal indicating the detection result of the temperature sensor 205 is output to the control board 13, and based on that, the heating element 206 heats the element board 15 (additional information sections inf21, inf23, and inf25: present). This allows the print head 19 to print under the desired temperature conditions when the print execution period is resumed after the print interruption period.

[0072] Alternatively, the second bit may be set to "0" and the third bit may be set to "1", that is, an analog signal may be output to the control board 13 instead of a digital signal (attachment information section inf22: present).

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the incidental information in the incidental information / circuit operation specifying section inf12 is 6-bit data, with the first to sixth bits indicating the presence / absence of the incidental information sections inf21 to inf26, respectively, but in the fourth embodiment, the incidental information / circuit operation specifying section inf12 may be defined in another manner. This embodiment can also provide the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 14 shows an example of the configuration of print data Dt for one transfer according to this embodiment, and Fig. 15 shows the contents of the additional information / circuit operation specification part inf12 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the additional information / circuit operation specification part inf12 is composed of 2-bit data, and defines the four types of the aforementioned first to fourth modes (see Figs. 7A to 7D) when transferring print data.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 15, the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 indicates the first mode (see FIG. 7A) when the first and second bits are "00" from the beginning. Similarly, the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 indicates the second mode (see FIG. 7B) when the bits are "01", indicates the third mode (see FIG. 7C) when the bits are "10", and indicates the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D) when the bits are "11". From this perspective, it can also be said that the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 is encrypted so as to be decryptable. The encryption can be performed by the generation unit 1312, and the decryption can be performed by the processing unit 2091.

[0076] Fig. 16 shows an example of the configuration of the element substrate 15 according to this embodiment, similar to Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the processor 209 may be provided with a decoder 2094 so that the processing unit 2091 can decode the auxiliary information / circuit operation specifying unit inf12 based on a predetermined reference table. Although not shown here, the processor 131 may also be provided with an encoder.

[0077] Fifth embodiment The multiple print elements 201 can be driven in sequence at different timings in part by a time division method, which can reduce the amount of power consumption that can occur at one time in the printing device 1. For example, the multiple print elements 201 are divided into i groups, where i and j are integers of 2 or more, and each group includes j print elements 201, and the first to j print elements 201 are driven in sequence in the first to i groups. For example, in the first to i groups, the first print elements 201 are driven simultaneously in multiples (i elements), and then the second, third, ..., jth print elements 201 are driven simultaneously in the same manner. Such a driving mode is also called time division driving, and the i elements of the multiple print elements 201 that are driven simultaneously can be called a time division block or simply a block. The above-mentioned individual embodiments can also be applied to such time division driving.

[0078] 18 shows an example of an arrangement of a plurality of print elements 201 on an element substrate 15 according to the fifth embodiment. For ease of explanation, j=4, and the print elements 201 are illustrated as print elements 20111, 20112, 20113, and 20114 for the first group, as print elements 20121, 20122, 20123, and 20124 for the second group, and similarly for the third and subsequent groups.

[0079] For example, the print elements 20111, 20121..., 201i1 are driven simultaneously, then the print elements 20112, 20122..., 201i2 are driven simultaneously. After that, in a similar procedure, the print elements 20113, 20123..., 201i3 are driven simultaneously, and then the print elements 20114, 20124..., 201i4 are driven simultaneously.

[0080] Fig. 19 shows an example of a transfer mode of the print data Dt according to this embodiment, similar to Fig. 8 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned mode of sending or transferring the print data Dt (see Figs. 7A to 7D) can be changed for each time division block.

[0081] For example, when the first block (print elements 20111, 20121..., 201i1) is driven, the print data Dt is transmitted in the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D). Similarly, when the second block (print elements 20112, 20122..., 201i2) and the third block (print elements 20113, 20123..., 201i3) are driven, the print data Dt is transmitted in the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D). On the other hand, when the fourth block (print elements 20114, 20124..., 201i4) is driven, the print data Dt is transmitted in the third mode (see FIG. 7C).

[0082] Furthermore, all of the printing data Dt for driving the above-mentioned first to fourth blocks in sequence, i.e., the printing data Dt for driving all of the multiple printing elements 201, is also referred to as column data, etc. if it is data for a serial head, and is also referred to as raster data, etc. if it is data for a line head.

[0083] According to this aspect, the period required to drive all of the print elements 201 is defined as one cycle, and the temperature sensor 205 is driven and controlled, and the heating element 206 heats the element substrate 15 based on the control, for each cycle (i.e., for each column data). This makes it possible to maintain print quality relatively easily even during printing. Note that, although the third mode (see FIG. 7C) and the fourth mode (see FIG. 7D) are adopted as transmission modes of the print data Dt in the above example, other modes (for example, the second mode (see FIG. 7B)) may be adopted in other embodiments.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the print data Dt is transmitted in time division block units, that is, the incidental information / circuit operation specification part inf12 is changed in time division block units, and whether or not to generate each of the multiple incidental information parts inf21 etc. can be changed in time division block units. This may reduce the transfer amount of the print data Dt in packets during the printing execution period, and may also make it possible to utilize various functions of the printer 1.

[0085] 20 shows an example of an arrangement of a plurality of print elements 201 on an element substrate 15 as a modification of the fifth embodiment. According to this modification, for example, in the first group, print elements 20111 and 20113 and print elements 20112 and 20114 are shifted from each other in a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) their arrangement direction. The same applies to the second and subsequent groups. According to such an embodiment, it is possible to reduce the arrangement interval of the plurality of print elements 201, and it is also possible to improve the print quality.

[0086] (program) The present invention may be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. For example, the present invention may be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0087] (others) In the above description, the printing device 1 is an inkjet type printer, but other printing methods may be used. The printing device 1 may be a single-function printer having only a printing function, or a multifunction printer having multiple functions such as a printing function, a FAX function, and a scanner function. The printing device 1 may also be a manufacturing device for manufacturing, for example, a color filter, an electronic device, an optical device, a microstructure, or the like, by a predetermined method.

[0088] In addition, the term "printing" in this specification should be interpreted broadly, and may be expressed as "recording." The form of "printing" does not matter whether the object formed on the sheet is meaningful information such as characters or figures, and also whether it is visible to humans or not.

[0089] In addition, although in this specification a sheet has been shown as a typical example of a printing target, other examples include a variety of materials capable of accepting ink, such as paper, cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, leather, etc., which may also be referred to as "printing media".

[0090] In addition, "ink" should be interpreted broadly, just like "printing" above. Therefore, the concept of "ink" includes not only liquid that is applied onto a printing medium to form an image, design, pattern, etc., but also additional liquid that can be used for processing the printing medium, treating the ink (for example, solidifying or insolubilizing the coloring material in the ink applied to the printing medium), etc.

[0091] In addition, the circuits that are set to operate or not operate by the auxiliary information / circuit operation specification unit may be symmetrical to all circuits mounted on the print element. In this specification, the ejection sensor and the temperature sensor are shown as typical examples, but other examples may include the buffer circuit of the output terminal and the read / write circuit of a memory element if the print element includes such an element.

[0092] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: printing device, D1: first data section, inf11 to inf15: information section, D2: second data section, inf21 to inf26: additional information section.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting print data in a serial transmission manner in a printing device having a print head, the print head having an element substrate on which a plurality of print elements are arranged, generating a first data portion having a fixed data length; generating a second data portion having a variable data length; combining the first data portion and the second data portion in a predetermined order and transmitting the print data to the print head; The element substrate is A heating element for heating the element substrate; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the element substrate; a temperature sensor logic unit for controlling the driving of the temperature sensor; Contains the first data section includes at least a first information section indicating image data for driving the plurality of print elements and a second information section indicating a data length of the second data section; The second data section may include at least a first additional information section for driving the heating element and a second additional information section for driving the temperature sensor, The second information section indicates whether the temperature sensor logic section is operating or not, and indicates whether the second data section includes the first auxiliary information section and the second auxiliary information section, thereby indicating a data length of the second data section. A method comprising:

2. Each printing element is configured to be capable of printing by an inkjet method, The element substrate is An ejection sensor provided corresponding to each printing element; A residue removal unit provided corresponding to each printing element; an ejection sensor logic unit for controlling the drive of the ejection sensor; Further comprising: The second data section may further include a third auxiliary information section for driving the ejection sensor and a fourth auxiliary information section for driving the residue removal section, The second information section indicates whether the ejection sensor logic section is operating or not, and further indicates whether the second data section includes the third auxiliary information section and the fourth auxiliary information section.

2. The method of claim 1 .

3. A method for transmitting print data by a serial transmission method in a printing device having a print head, the print head having an element substrate on which a plurality of print elements are arranged, generating a first data portion having a fixed data length; generating a second data portion having a variable data length; combining the first data portion and the second data portion in a predetermined order and transmitting the print data to the print head; Each printing element is configured to be capable of printing in an inkjet manner; The element substrate is An ejection sensor provided corresponding to each printing element; A residue removal unit provided corresponding to each printing element; an ejection sensor logic unit for controlling the drive of the ejection sensor; Contains the first data section includes at least a first information section indicating image data for driving the plurality of print elements and a second information section indicating a data length of the second data section; The second data section may include at least a third additional information section for driving the ejection sensor and a fourth additional information section for driving the residue removal section, The second information section indicates whether the ejection sensor logic section is operating or not, and indicates whether the second data section includes the third auxiliary information section and the fourth auxiliary information section, thereby indicating a data length of the second data section. A method comprising:

4. The element substrate, A heating element for heating the element substrate; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the element substrate; a temperature sensor logic unit for controlling the driving of the temperature sensor; Further comprising: The second data section may further include a first additional information section for driving the heating element and a second additional information section for driving the temperature sensor, The second information portion indicates whether the temperature sensor logic portion is operating or not and further indicates whether the second data portion includes the first auxiliary information portion and the second auxiliary information portion.

4. The method of claim 3.

5. In the step of generating the first data portion, the second information portion is encrypted so as to be decodable based on a predetermined look-up table.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. A period during which the printing device is executing printing is defined as a first period, When the period during which printing is suppressed is a second period, In the step of generating the first data section, the second information section is changed between the first period and the second period; In the step of generating the second data portion, whether or not to generate each of the auxiliary information portions that can be included in the second data portion is changed between the first period and the second period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The printing device prints a plurality of sheets, and the second period includes a period from the completion of printing of a certain sheet to the start of printing of the next sheet.

7. The method of claim 6.

8. Printing on a sheet is performed by ejecting liquid using the print head as a serial head, and the second period includes a period during which the serial head suppresses the ejection.

8. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. The printing device is configured to be capable of performing monochrome printing and color printing, the first information section of the first data section indicates black image data, The second data section may further include other auxiliary information sections indicating image data of colors other than black, In the step of generating the first data portion, the second information portion is changed based on whether the printing on the sheet is monochrome printing or color printing, In the step of generating the second data portion, whether or not to generate each of the auxiliary information portions that can be included in the second data portion is changed based on whether the printing is the monochrome printing or the color printing.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. printing on a sheet is performed by driving the plurality of print elements in a time division manner, and when the plurality of print elements that are driven simultaneously are defined as a block, the print data is transmitted in block units; In the step of generating the first data section, the second information section is changed in units of blocks, In the step of generating the second data section, whether or not to generate each of the auxiliary information sections that can be included in the second data section is changed in units of blocks.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A print head including an element substrate on which a plurality of print elements are arranged; A transmission unit that transmits print data to the print head by a serial transmission method; A printing device comprising: The transmission unit is a first generating unit that generates a first data portion having a fixed data length; a second generating unit for generating a second data portion having a variable data length; a third generating unit that generates the print data by combining the first data portion and the second data portion in a predetermined order; Including, The element substrate is A heating element for heating the element substrate; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the element substrate; a temperature sensor logic unit for controlling the driving of the temperature sensor; Contains the first data section includes at least a first information section indicating image data for driving the plurality of print elements and a second information section indicating a data length of the second data section; The second data section may include at least a first additional information section for driving the heating element and a second additional information section for driving the temperature sensor, The second information section indicates whether the temperature sensor logic section is operating or not, and indicates whether the second data section includes the first auxiliary information section and the second auxiliary information section, thereby indicating a data length of the second data section. A printing device comprising:

12. A print head including an element substrate on which a plurality of print elements are arranged; A transmission unit that transmits print data to the print head by a serial transmission method; A printing device comprising: The transmission unit is a first generating unit that generates a first data portion having a fixed data length; a second generating unit for generating a second data portion having a variable data length; a third generating unit that generates the print data by combining the first data portion and the second data portion in a predetermined order; Including, Each printing element is configured to be capable of printing in an inkjet manner; The element substrate is An ejection sensor provided corresponding to each printing element; A residue removal unit provided corresponding to each printing element; an ejection sensor logic unit for controlling the drive of the ejection sensor; Contains the first data section includes at least a first information section indicating image data for driving the plurality of print elements and a second information section indicating a data length of the second data section; The second data section may include at least a third additional information section for driving the ejection sensor and a fourth additional information section for driving the residue removal section, The second information section indicates whether the ejection sensor logic section is operating or not, and indicates whether the second data section includes the third auxiliary information section and the fourth auxiliary information section, thereby indicating a data length of the second data section. A printing device comprising:

Images