Recording device, recording device control method, and program

Abstract

To improve operability of a recording device for recording an image while performing scanning and line feeding on a recording medium.SOLUTION: A recording system includes movement detection means 111 for detecting scanning that is movement of a recording device body 100A having recording means 120 for performing recording on a recording medium in a first direction, and line feeding operation that is movement in a second direction crossing the first direction. The recording system includes notification means 101 for selectively performing first notification of urging scanning accompanying recording by the recording means, second notification of urging scanning not accompanying the recording by the recording means, and third notification of urging the line feeding operation according to the detection result of the recording means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is Device ,record Device In particular, the present invention relates to a control method and program for recording by manually scanning a recording medium by a user. Device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are known recording devices that record on a recording medium by a user manually scanning the main body of the recording device. These manually scanned recording devices are often referred to as handheld recording devices. In the case of handheld recording devices, the user is free to decide from which position on the recording medium to start recording. While handheld recording devices offer the flexibility of being able to record an image at any position on the recording medium, it is difficult to accurately record at a predetermined recording position on the recording medium. Handheld recording devices have a head unit that records on the recording medium, located on the bottom opposite the recording medium. This makes it difficult for the user to accurately align the position of the head unit with the recording start position on the recording medium, which reduces the accuracy of image recording.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for aligning a recording medium and a recording device by providing an alignment marker on the edge of the housing of the handheld recording device and guiding the user to the optimal recording start position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-99825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The handheld recording device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is designed to allow a user to form an image on a recording medium with a single scan. However, there is a demand for improved operability for recording devices that record images by repeatedly scanning the recording device and entering line feeds.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a recording device main body that records an image while scanning and performing line feeds on a recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a recording device having a recording means for recording on a recording medium, the recording device comprising: a movement detection means for detecting a scanning movement of the recording device in a first direction and a line feed movement of the recording device in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a notification means for selectively issuing a first notification prompting the recording device to perform a scanning movement accompanied by recording, a second notification prompting the recording device to perform a scanning movement not accompanied by recording, and a third notification prompting the line feed movement in accordance with a detection result of the movement detection means, the first direction including a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction, and the notification means for selectively issuing a first notification prompting the recording device to perform a scanning movement not accompanied by recording, a line feed movement in accordance with a detection result of the movement detection means. When the recording device is located inside an end of the recording data recorded on the recording medium in the first direction, The location of the recording device and the recording medium Recorded data recorded in The recording device is characterized in that the second notification prompting scanning in the first scanning direction or the second notification prompting scanning in the second scanning direction is given based on the position of the end of the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the main body of the recording device that records an image while scanning and performing line feeds on a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a print head provided in a printing apparatus and a print medium. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a print head provided in a printing apparatus and a print medium. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating scanning when recording an image with a conventional handheld recording device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a handheld recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a control unit for controlling the recording apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a display unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the state of a recording device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the state of the recording device when a line feed operation is performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a scanning range in the printing apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing scanning and line feed operations in a first scanning range by the recording device. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing scanning and line feed operations in the second and third scanning ranges by the recording device. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing scanning and line feed operations in a fourth scanning range by the recording device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where there is no image to be recorded within the scanning range. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing scanning performed by a conventional recording device when an obstacle is present on the recording medium. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of scanning performed in this embodiment when an obstacle is present on the recording medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] In this embodiment, the handheld recording device records on a recording medium by manually repeating scanning and line feed of the handheld recording device by the user. In this case, the positional relationship between the recording head provided in the recording device and the recording medium is as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction indicates the scanning direction (first direction) of the recording head 120, the X1 direction indicates the rightward direction (first scanning direction), the X2 direction indicates the leftward direction (second scanning direction) opposite to X1, and the Y direction indicates the line feed direction (second direction). The scanning direction (X direction) intersects (typically perpendicular to) the line feed direction (Y direction).

[0012] FIG. 1 shows how an image is printed by repeating scanning and line feeds of the print head 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1(a), scanning and line feeds of the print head 120 are repeated so as to encompass a rectangular area 201 (FIG. 1(b)) that circumscribes an image 202 to be printed. Ink is ejected from the print head 120 during each scan, and ultimately an entire image (one page's worth of image) as shown in FIG. 1(c) is printed. In the example shown in FIG. 1(a), printing is performed by scanning the print head 120 over a range that extends beyond both ends of the print medium. This scanning method is the simplest.

[0013] 2 is a diagram showing an example of printing an image by reducing the scanning amount of the print head 120. In this example, the scanning ranges 210, 211, 212, and 213 of the print head 120 when printing an image 202 are minimized, and a line feed is performed at the end position of each scan. This allows the image to be printed with a smaller scanning amount of the print head 120.

[0014] In a stationary recording device that records by transporting a recording medium without moving the recording device itself, it is relatively easy to perform scanning and line feed of the recording head 120 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, in a conventional handheld recording device, it was difficult to manually perform scanning and line feed as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The reason for this is explained below.

[0015] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of recording the same image as FIG. 2(c) using a conventional handheld recording device 10 by repeating the same scanning and line feed as in FIG. 2(a). Here, the scanning range 210 recorded in the first scanning pass of the handheld recording device 10 is referred to as the first scanning range. As shown in FIG. 3(a), when scanning over the first scanning range 210, the user cannot accurately determine whether image formation in the first scanning range 210 is complete. This is because, as shown in FIG. 3, the recording head 12 is located at the bottom of the main body of the handheld recording device 10, and the user cannot visually confirm the position of the recording head 12, making it impossible to accurately determine how far the image has been recorded. Therefore, once the recording operation has progressed to a certain extent, the user cannot accurately determine whether to start a line feed or continue scanning.

[0016] FIG. 3B shows the state of an image being recorded in the third scanning range 212, which is recorded during the third scan. As shown in FIG. 2B, the fourth scanning range 213 is wider than the third scanning range 212. Therefore, the user must scan the print head 12 to a position sufficient to start scanning the fourth scanning range 213 before starting a line feed. However, as described above, because the user cannot visually confirm the position of the print head 12, it is difficult to accurately determine the image formation status, and there is a possibility that a line feed will be started before reaching the required position. In this case, the image that should have been recorded in the third scanning range 212 will be recorded in the fourth scanning range 213, and the position of the image that should have been recorded in the fourth scanning range 213 will be shifted, resulting in the failure to form the desired image.

[0017] As described above, in a handheld recording device, the recording head is located on the bottom of the recording device facing the recording medium, so the user cannot visually determine the line break position. Therefore, with the conventional handheld recording device 10, the user has the problem of being unable to properly recognize the line break position.

[0018] In contrast, the handheld recording device of this embodiment can solve the above problems by adopting the configuration described below. Figure 4 shows a handheld recording device (hereinafter simply referred to as the recording device) of this embodiment, where (a) is an external perspective view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a schematic enlarged view of the recording head.

[0019] The recording device 100 of this embodiment includes a recording device main body 100A, which forms the outer shell (casing) of the recording device 100, and a display unit (display means) 101 provided on the top surface of the recording device main body 100A. The recording device main body 100A is shaped so that a user can hold it in one hand. The bottom surface of the recording device main body 100A, which faces the recording medium, is provided with a recording head 120 as a recording unit and a head position sensor 111 for acquiring position information of the recording device main body 100A (corresponding to position information of the recording head 120). The recording device main body 100A also houses various driving units including the recording head 120 and the display unit 101, as well as control means for controlling the driving units. As described below, the head position sensor 111 acquires position information of the recording head 120 in the scanning direction (X direction) and in the line feed direction (Y direction), and is used as movement detection means.

[0020] The recording apparatus in this embodiment is an inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink from a recording head 120. The recording head 120 is provided with an ejection port array 121, which is an array of multiple ejection ports that eject ink. For simplicity of explanation, FIG. 4 shows only one ejection port array 121 that ejects ink of a predetermined color in the recording head 120, but in reality, the recording head generally has as many ejection port arrays 121 as the number of colors used for recording. Note that, although the recording apparatus 100 in this embodiment illustrates an example of a recording head that employs an inkjet recording method as the recording means, it may also be provided with a recording head that employs another recording method as the recording means. For example, it is also possible to employ a thermal transfer type recording means or an ink ribbon type recording means.

[0021] The display unit 101 also functions as a notification means for visually notifying the user of the status of the recording device 100. The user can grasp the current status of the recording device by visually checking the display status of this display unit 101. The display content of the display unit 101 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6 etc.

[0022] 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit 400 for controlling the recording device 100. The control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 405, a RAM 404, an image processing accelerator 402, a data transfer I / F 403, an image acquisition controller 407, and the like. The CPU 401 is also connected to the display unit 101 and the head position sensor 111, among others. The CPU 401 functions as a control unit that controls each unit in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 405, and executes the processes described below and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The RAM 404 also functions as a work area that temporarily stores data during processing executed by the CPU 401, and stores image data for one scan, etc.

[0023] The image processing accelerator 402, together with the CPU 401, performs predetermined image processing on print data transferred from a host device (not shown) via a data transfer I / F 403 by an image acquisition controller 407, and divides the data into image data for one scan. The divided image data is stored in a RAM 404. The data stored in the RAM 404 includes information on the left and right ends of each scan range. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which image processing is performed by the printing device 100, but the results of processing by a host device such as a PC (personal computer) or smartphone may also be received as input data together with predetermined print settings.

[0024] The head position sensor 111 detects the position of the print head 120 in the X and Y directions. When the print device 100 is moving during scanning and line feed, the head position sensor 111 detects the direction and distance of movement of the print head 120, sequentially acquiring position information of the print head 120 in the scanning direction (X direction) and the line feed direction (Y direction). Based on the position information of the print head 120 acquired by the head position sensor 111, the head controller 406 controls the ink ejection operation of the print head 120 based on the print data for one scan stored in RAM 404. The head position sensor 111 used in this embodiment is a typical optical tracking sensor used in devices such as mice. Specifically, it irradiates the surface of the target medium with light emitted from a light source such as an LED or laser, and captures and observes the surface condition of the irradiated area every short period of time using an image sensor to acquire position information of the print head 120. However, an inertial sensor such as an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor may also be used as long as it can measure the amount of movement of the print head. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a separate device for measuring the amount of movement outside the recording device 100 and record the amount of movement of the recording device 100 by transmitting it to the recording device 100 in real time. In this case, there is no need to provide a head position sensor in the recording device 100.

[0025] The display controller 408 determines the state of the recording device 100 regarding scanning and line feed execution, as described below, based on the position information obtained from the head position sensor 111, and drives the display unit 101 provided in the recording device main body 100A based on the determined result.

[0026] 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of display unit 101. Display unit 101 is made up of four elements: first display unit (first display means) 101a, second display unit (second display means) 101b, third display unit (third display means) 101c, and fourth display unit (fourth display means) 101d. First display unit 101a to fourth display unit 101d selectively notify a first state (first notification), a second state (second notification), or a third state (third notification), as described below, by combining their on and off states.

[0027] The first display section 101a being lit indicates that recording will be performed when the recording device 100 is scanned, and the first display section 101a being unlit indicates that recording will not be performed when the recording device 100 is scanned.

[0028] The second display unit 101b is an arrow-shaped display unit pointing to the right (X1 direction), and lights up when it is recommended to scan the recording device 100 to the right, and turns off when scanning to the right is not recommended.

[0029] The third display unit 101c is an arrow-shaped display unit pointing to the left (X2 direction), and lights up when it is recommended to scan the recording device main body 100A in the left direction X2, and turns off when scanning in the left direction X2 is not recommended.

[0030] The fourth display section 101d is an arrow-shaped display section pointing in the line feed direction Y, and lights up when all the data to be recorded in the current scanning range has been recorded and the recording device 100 is waiting for a line feed.

[0031] Here, the first to third states will be explained. In the first state, when the recording device 100 is scanned in the right direction X1 or the left direction X2, recording is performed by the recording head 120. In this first state, the first display unit 101a is lit, and either the second display unit 101b or the third display unit 101c is lit. The lit second display unit 101b or the third display unit 101c indicates that recording data exists in the current scanning range. In other words, the second display unit 101b or the third display unit 101c indicates that scanning in the direction indicated by the lit display unit is recommended. In the first state, the fourth display unit 101d is unlit.

[0032] The second state is a state in which the print head is positioned mainly inside the left and right edges of the print data. In this state, the print head 120 will not perform a print operation unless it is moved outside the left and right edges of the current scanning range. For example, the second state occurs when the printing device 100 is positioned in the next scanning range as a result of a line feed. In this second state, the first display unit 101a is turned off, and either the second display unit 101b or the third display unit 101c is turned on. That is, the second display unit 101b or the third display unit 101c, which indicates the image edge that is closer to the current position of the printing device 100, is turned on. For example, if the right edge of the image represented by the print data is closer to the current printing device 100 than the left edge, the second display unit 101b is turned on, and if the left edge of the image is closer than the right edge, the third display unit 101c is turned on. Note that the fourth display unit 101d is turned off in the second state.

[0033] The third state is a state in which recording of the current scanning range has been completed and the device is waiting for a line feed. In this third state, it is possible to scan the recording device 100 to the right (X1 direction) and left (X2 direction) before the line feed. However, no recording operation is performed until the line feed occurs, and the third state continues. In the third state, the first display unit 101a is turned off, and the other display units (the second display unit 101b, the third display unit 101c, and the fourth display unit 101d) are turned on.

[0034] In this embodiment, the display unit 101 is composed of four elements: a first display unit 101a to a fourth display unit 101d. However, other notification formats may be used as long as it is possible to distinguish between the first state and the third state. For example, it is possible to display the state by changing the color of an LED, by using an LCD screen, by audio notification from an audio output unit, or by vibration. Alternatively, the recording device main body 100A may not be equipped with a display unit, and the first state to the third state may be transmitted to an external device such as a smartphone or personal computer, and the external device may notify the state. In other words, this embodiment may be implemented by a system including the recording device main body 100A and an external device equipped with a display unit for notifying the first state to the third state. In this disclosure, either a configuration in which the recording device 100 includes a notification display unit or a configuration in which an external device other than the recording device 100 includes a notification display unit may be used; therefore, both configurations are referred to as a recording system. Below, a configuration in which the recording device 100 includes a notification display unit is described as an example of a recording system.

[0035] 7 is a flowchart showing the process in which the recording device 100 sets the state (first state, second state, third state) of the recording device 100 based on position information in the X direction from the head position sensor 111. The process shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the CPU 401. In the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, which are referred to in the following description, the letter S attached to each process number indicates a step.

[0036] The CPU 401 acquires current position information of the print head 120 in the scanning direction (X direction) based on position information received from the head position sensor 111. Then, in S600, based on the current position information, it determines whether the current state of the printing device 100 is a first state, a second state, or a third state. If it is determined that the current state of the printing device 100 is the first state (printable state), in S601, the CPU 401 acquires the current position (X position) of the print head 120 in the scanning direction (X direction) based on the position information from the head position sensor 111. Thereafter, in S602, the CPU 401 determines whether the print head 120 is positioned outside the left or right edge of the image to be formed in the current scanning range. If it is determined that the print head 120 is positioned outside the edge of the image, all print data in the current scanning range has been printed, so the CPU 401 switches the current state of the printing device 100 from the first state to the third state (line feed waiting state) (S603).

[0037] If it is determined in S602 that the recording device 100 is not positioned outside the edge of the image, the CPU 401 continues the first state (recordable state) in S604 and repeats the processes of S600 to S602. Then, when the print head 120 is positioned outside the image to be formed in the current scanning range, the CPU 401 switches the current state of the recording device 100 from the first state (recordable state) to the third state (line feed waiting state) (S603).

[0038] Furthermore, if it is determined in S600 that the current state of the recording device 100 is the second state (recording preparation state), the CPU 401 acquires the current X position of the recording head 120 in S605. The CPU 401 then determines whether the recording head 120 is located outside the image to be formed in the current scanning range. If it is determined that the recording head 120 is located outside the image, the CPU 401 switches the current state of the recording device 100 from the second state to the third state (line feed waiting state) (S603).

[0039] Furthermore, if the CPU 401 determines in S600 that the current state of the recording device 100 is the third state (line feed waiting state), the position of the recording device 100 will not change until a line feed is performed. Therefore, no matter how the X position of the recording device 100 is updated, the third state (line feed waiting state) will continue (S609).

[0040] 8 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the state (first state, second state, third state) of the recording device 100 when the recording device 100 moves from the scanning range in the line feed direction (second direction (Y direction)). The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 401.

[0041] When the user moves the recording device 100 in the line feed direction (Y direction) and receives position information indicating a change in position in the Y direction from the head position sensor 111, the CPU 401 acquires the current position of the recording head 120 in the X direction in S700. Thereafter, in S701, the CPU 401 determines whether recording data of the image to be recorded exists within the scanning range after the line feed. If it determines that recording data of the image to be formed does not exist within the scanning range after the line feed, the CPU 401 continues in the third state (line feed waiting state) in S705 to wait for another line feed to be performed.

[0042] On the other hand, if it is determined in S701 that print data to be printed exists within the scanning range after the line feed, the CPU 401 determines whether the X position of the print head 120 is outside the left or right edge of the print data (S702). If the X position of the print head 120 is outside the left or right edge of the print data, printing in the scanning range after the line feed can be started. Therefore, in S703, the CPU 401 switches the state of the printing device 100 from the third state to the first state. Furthermore, if the X position of the print head 120 is inside the left or right edge of the image to be printed, the print head 120 must first be moved to the outside of the left or right edge of the image. Therefore, if the determination in S702 is NO, the CPU 401 switches the printing device 100 to the second state in S704.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing multiple scanning ranges when an image is printed by scanning the printing apparatus 100 of this embodiment multiple times. An image 202 to be printed on a printing medium 200 is divided into multiple scanning ranges according to the length L of the ejection port array 121 of the print head 120 of the printing apparatus 100. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image to be printed is divided into first to fourth scanning ranges 210 to 213. Each scanning range has a rectangular shape as indicated by the dashed lines in the figure, and the length in the line feed direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the scanning direction (X direction) of the printing apparatus 100 is the same as the length of the ejection port array 121 of the print head 120. However, if ejection ports near the ends of the ejection port array 121 are not used, the length of each scanning range in the Y direction is determined to match the length excluding those ejection ports.

[0044] When the recording device 100 starts a recording operation, the recording data of the image to be recorded in each of the first to fourth scanning ranges 210 to 213 and the positional information of the left and right ends of each recording data are stored in RAM 404. Then, based on the stored recording data and the positional information of the left and right ends, the recording head 120 sequentially records an image within each scanning range. Below, with reference to Figures 10 to 12, the process of recording the image shown in Figure 9 using the recording device 100 will be described.

[0045] Figures 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing the process from recording an image in the first scanning range 210 by the first scanning of the recording device 100 until a line break is started. Figures 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams showing the process from recording an image in the second scanning range 211 by the second scanning of the recording device 100 until a line break is started, and then forming the third scanning range 212. Furthermore, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the process from the state shown in Figure 11(d) until a line break is started and recording is started in the fourth scanning range 213.

[0046] 10(a) shows the state before recording begins. At this time, the recording device 100 is positioned outside the edge of the first scanning range 210, and image data of the image to be recorded exists within the first scanning range 210. Therefore, the recording device 100 is in a first state in which recording can be performed by scanning. In the illustrated example, the recording device 100 is positioned outside the left edge of the first scanning range 210, so the first display section 101a and the second display section 101b, which prompts scanning to the right, are lit on the display unit 101. The user starts scanning to the right (X1 direction) in accordance with the lit first display section 101a and second display section 101b.

[0047] When the printing device 100 in the first state is scanned rightward (first direction), ink is ejected from the ejection port array 121 of the print head 120 in accordance with the print data, and an image is printed in the first scanning range 210, as shown in FIG. 10(b). As the printing device 100 scans rightward, the X position of the print head 120 is successively updated based on position information from the head position sensor 111. Then, until the print head 120 passes the right end of the first scanning range 210, the first state is maintained as shown in S604 of FIG. 7, and the first display unit 101a and the second display unit 101b remain lit.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c), when recording of the image in the first scanning range 210 is completed, the state of the recording device 100 switches to the third state as shown in S603 of FIG. 7. In the third state, moving the recording device 100 left or right does not perform recording, and the recording device 100 waits for a line feed operation. Simultaneously with the switch to the third state, the first display section 101a of the display unit 101 turns off, and the second display section 101b, the third display section 101c, and the fourth display section 101d turn on. When the second to fourth display sections 101b to 101d of the display unit 101 turn on, the user recognizes that the recording device 100 has completed recording of the image to be recorded in the first scanning range 210 and is now in a line feed waiting state (the third state).

[0049] Next, the user moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction (third direction) to start a new line. As the recording device 100 moves in the Y direction during this new line, the Y position of the recording head 120 is updated sequentially based on position information from the head position sensor 111. When the recording head 120 of the recording device 100 moves to the new line position outside the right edge of the second scanning range 211, the recording device 100 switches to a recording-enabled state (first state) according to the flowchart in FIG. 8. Simultaneously with the recording device 100 switching to the first state, the second display unit 101b and the fourth display unit 101d, which had been lit up until then, turn off, while the first display unit 101a turns on and the third display unit 101c remains lit. From this change in the lighting state of the display unit 101, the user recognizes that the recording device 100 has reached the new line position and is now in a state (first state) where recording in the second scanning range 211 is enabled.

[0050] 11(a), the user moves the recording device 100 leftward (X2 direction) in accordance with the display on the display unit 101, and records an image in the second scanning range 211. As the recording head 120 moves leftward, the X position of the recording head 120 is successively updated based on position information from the head position sensor 111. When the recording head 120 completes recording the image in the second scanning range 211, the recording device 100 switches to a line feed waiting state (third state), and the first display portion 101a of the display unit 101 is turned off and the second to fourth display portions 101b to 101d are turned on. Note that FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which image recording has been completed at the intermediate position of the second scanning range 211.

[0051] Next, the user moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction as shown in FIG. 11(b) in accordance with the display 101 to perform a line feed into the third scanning range. When the recording device 100 moves to the line feed position, the recording device 100 switches to a recording preparation state (second state) based on position information from the head position sensor 111. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 11(b), the position of the recording head 120 when the line feed occurs is located inside the left and right ends of the third scanning range 212. Therefore, according to the flowchart in FIG. 8, the recording device 100 switches to a recording preparation state (second state). The recording preparation state is a state in which no recording is performed even when the recording device 100 is scanned.

[0052] At the same time that the recording device 100 switches to the recording preparation state, the display unit 101 switches from the display indicating waiting for a line feed shown in Fig. 11(a) to the display shown in Fig. 11(b). Specifically, of the second to fourth display units 101b to 101d that were lit in the line feed waiting state shown in Fig. 11(a), the third display unit 101c and the fourth display unit 101d turn off, and only the second display unit 101b remains lit. Therefore, the user can easily and properly complete the line feed by moving the recording device 100 in the Y direction until the display on the display unit 101 switches.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 11(b), the distance in the X direction from the left end of the second scanning range 211 to the print head 120 is shorter than the distance in the X direction from the right end of the second scanning range 211 to the print head 120. Therefore, the first display unit 101a is turned on to guide the user to scan toward the right end of the second scanning range. However, in this recording preparation state, the user does not necessarily have to follow the display on the display unit 101. The printing device 100 may be moved toward the left end of the third scanning range 212. Whether the printing device 100 moves toward the left end or the right end, the position of the print head 120 is updated based on position information from the head position sensor 111, and the state of the printing device 100 is switched based on the updated position according to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] Next, the user moves the recording device 100 toward the right or left edge of the third scanning range 212. FIG. 11C shows a state in which the recording device 100 is scanned toward the right edge of the third scanning range 212 in accordance with guidance from the display unit 101. When this scanning causes the recording head 120 of the recording device 100 to pass the right edge of the third scanning range 212, the display unit 101 switches the recording device 100 to a recording-enabled state (first state) in accordance with the flowchart in FIG. 8. At the same time that the recording device 100 is switched to the first state, the display unit 101 turns off the second display unit 101b and turns on the first display unit 101a and the third display unit 101c, guiding the user to scan leftward.

[0055] Here, following the display on the display unit 101, the user scans the recording device 100 leftward (in the X2 direction) as shown in FIG. 11(d). That is, the recording device 100 scans from the right end of the third scanning range 212 to the left end. At this time, since the recording device 100 is in the first state, the recording device 100 records an image in the third scanning range 212. Then, when the recording device 100 passes the left end of the third scanning range 212, the recording device 100 switches to a line feed waiting state (third state) according to the flowchart in FIG. 8. At this time, the first display unit 101a, which was lit in the first state, turns off, and the second to fourth display units 101b to 101d of the display unit 101 turn on. From this display, the user recognizes that the recording head 120 has passed the end of the third scanning range 212, image recording has been completed, and the recording device 100 has switched to a line feed waiting state.

[0056] After this, the user moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction to perform a line feed. For this line feed operation, the user simply moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction until the display on the display unit 101 changes from the state shown in FIG. 11(d) to the position shown in FIG. 12(a). That is, the user simply moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction until the third and fourth display units 101c and 101d, which were lit in the line feed waiting state shown in FIG. 11(d), turn off and the first and second display units 101a and 101b turn on. During this line feed operation, the recording head 120 is positioned outside the edge of the fourth scanning range 213. Furthermore, the fourth scanning range 213 contains recording data for the image to be recorded. Therefore, the state of the recording device 100 switches to the first state (recordable state) according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

[0057] Here, the user follows the guidance of the second display unit 101b and scans the recording device 100 to the right. This scan records an image in the fourth scanning range 213 as shown in FIG. 12(b). This completes all recording on the recording medium 200. When recording is complete, the first to fourth display units 101a to 101d on the display unit 101 all turn off as shown in FIG. 12(b), allowing the user to visually recognize that recording is complete. That is, in addition to the first to third notifications described above, the display unit 101 also provides a fourth notification indicating that all recording has been completed.

[0058] In the above description, an example was shown in which recording data of an image to be recorded exists in each of the scanning ranges 210 to 213. However, as shown in Fig. 13, there may be a case in which the multiple scanning ranges include a scanning range in which no image to be recorded exists. When forming such an image, in a conventional recording device that does not have the control function or display unit of this embodiment, after recording in the first scanning range 210 and starting a new line, the user is forced to make the difficult decision of whether to scan the second scanning range 211 or start a new line.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, even for an image such as that shown in FIG. 13, the user can easily proceed with the recording operation by following the display on the display unit 101. First, the user scans and records the first scanning range as in FIG. 10(a), and then performs a line feed according to the display on the display unit 101. Here, the CPU 401 of the recording device 100 determines whether or not there is data to be recorded in the next scanning range (here, the second scanning range 211) in S701 of the flowchart in FIG. 8. If there is no data to be recorded in the second scanning range 211, the recording device 100 enters a line feed waiting state (third state) again in S705, and the second to fourth display areas 101b to 101d of the display unit 101 light up. This display on the display unit 101 lets the user know that another line feed is required. Subsequently, when the user performs another line feed, data exists in the third scanning range 212, and the state of the recording device 100 switches to the first state (recordable state) by processing in S703 of the flowchart in FIG. 8. The user can recognize this change in state from the display on the display unit 101. Thereafter, in accordance with the display on the display unit 101, the user scans the recording device 100 to the left and records an image in the third scanning range 212, as shown in FIG. 13(d). Recording in the fourth scanning range 213 is performed in the same manner as in FIG. 12(b). In this way, in this embodiment, even if there is a blank space within an image, the user can properly perform scanning and line feeds with the recording device 100 without hesitation.

[0060] By its very nature, handheld recording devices are capable of ejecting ink and recording images on any type of medium by scanning the surface. Therefore, handheld recording devices can be used to record images on the surface of boxes or other workpieces, for example. In this case, the recording medium may not be perfectly rectangular. For example, when forming an image such as that shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), if the recording device 100 is simply scanned to encompass the rectangular area circumscribing the image, as shown in Figure 14(c), scanning may be hindered by an obstacle OB. Conversely, scanning may be impossible due to a missing portion of the recording medium. This makes it difficult for the user to perform proper scanning and line feeds.

[0061] However, according to this embodiment, the display unit 101 gives instructions for performing line feeds and scanning appropriately while avoiding obstacles, as shown in Fig. 15. By following the instructions displayed on the display unit 101, the user can perform appropriate recording even on a non-rectangular recording medium. The scanning and line feed procedures when recording the image shown in Fig. 15 using the recording device 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0062] When recording the image shown in FIG. 15, the user scans the recording device 100 in the X1 direction according to the lighting of the first display unit 101a and the second display unit 101b of the recording device 100, recording an image within the first scanning range 210. When the end of the first scanning range 210 is reached, the display on the display unit 101 switches to lighting the second to fourth display units 101b to 101d, prompting the user to start a new line. The user then moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction according to the display on the display unit 101, and stops the recording device 100 when the display switches to showing only the second display unit 101b. This causes the recording device 100 to start a new line in the second scanning range 211. This new line positions the recording head 120 of the recording device 100 within the second scanning range. Therefore, the display unit 101 of the recording device 100 switches to a display indicating a recording preparation state (second state). Here, only the second display unit 101b is lit.

[0063] After this, the user moves the recording device 100 in the X1 direction according to the display on the display unit 101 (the second display unit 101b is lit). This scanning is performed in the recording preparation state, so no recording operation is performed. When the recording head 120 of the recording device 100 passes the left end of the second scanning range 211, the display on the display unit 101 changes to a display indicating a recording-enabled state (the first display unit 101a and the third display unit 101c are lit). Next, the user scans the recording device 100 in the X2 direction according to the display on the display unit 101, and records an image in the second scanning range 211. When the recording head 120 of the recording device 100 moves outside the left end of the second scanning range 211, the display unit 101 changes to a display indicating a line feed waiting state. That is, the first display unit 101a turns off, and the second to fourth display units 101b to 101d turn on.

[0064] The user then moves the recording device 100 in the Y direction according to the display on the display unit 101 to start a new line. When the recording device 100 reaches the line feed position, the display on the display unit 101 switches to a display indicating that recording is possible. Here, the first display unit 101a and the second display unit 101b are lit. The user then moves the recording device 100 in the X1 direction according to the display on the display unit 101, and records an image in the third scanning range 212. When the image recording is complete, all of the first to fourth display units 101a to 101d are turned off, letting the user know that the recording operation is complete.

[0065] Thus, according to this embodiment, by moving the recording device 100 according to the display on the display unit 101, it is possible to perform scanning and line feeds appropriately, thereby improving the operability of the handheld recording device 100.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the scanning ranges 210 to 213 were printed without any overlap, but this is not limiting. If the data to be printed in one scan and the positional information of the left, right, top and bottom edges are clear, it is also possible to print with the scanning ranges partially overlapping each other.

[0067] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the line feed operation between scans is performed by the user moving the display unit 101 while checking the display. However, the line feed operation can also be performed by a line feed mechanism provided within the recording device. For example, a line feed mechanism may be configured such that, in response to a user's instruction to perform a line feed, the recording device body having the print head rises away from the recording medium, moves a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the nozzle array of the print head (typically, a direction perpendicular to the nozzle array (Y direction)), and then descends to the recording medium. The movement of the recording device body may be driven by the user's operating force, or a power source such as a motor may be used. Dedicated detection means may be provided to detect whether a line feed has been performed by the line feed mechanism, or position information from the head position sensor described above may be used. In either case, the CPU 401 executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 based on information indicating that the line feed operation has been performed by the line feed mechanism. This enables processing similar to that of the above embodiment.

[0068] Furthermore, by using the line feed mechanism described above, it is possible to avoid contact between the recording device and the recording medium during line feed operations within the image scanning range, thereby minimizing damage to the recorded image. Furthermore, by using the line feed mechanism, it is possible to accurately perform a certain amount of line feed, thereby improving the operability of the handheld recording device. When using a power source such as a motor as the line feed mechanism, it is also effective to provide a locking means that prevents the line feed operation from being performed when the user issues a line feed instruction in a state other than the line feed waiting state (third state). This also makes it possible to prevent line feeds due to user error, further improving operability.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the position of the recording device 100 is determined within the recording device 100 and display control is performed, but this is not limiting. For example, the position of the recording device 100 may be transmitted to an external device in real time. Then, the external device may perform the control shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Then, each state may be transmitted from the external device to the recording device 100 as a control result, and the recording device 100 may perform display control in accordance with the transmitted state. Alternatively, the display control of the recording device 100 itself may be performed directly from the external device.

[0070] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a recording device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100 Recording device 101 Display section (notification means) 111 Head position sensor (movement detection means) 120 Recording head (recording means) 401 CPU

Claims

1. A recording device having a recording means for recording on a recording medium, a movement detection means for detecting scanning, which is movement of the recording device in a first direction, and a line feed operation, which is movement in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a notification means for selectively issuing a first notification prompting scanning accompanied by recording by the recording means, a second notification prompting scanning not accompanied by recording by the recording means, and a third notification prompting the line feed operation in accordance with the detection result of the movement detection means; Equipped with the first direction includes a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction; The notification means is characterized in that, when the recording device is moved in the second direction and the recording device is located inside the end in the first direction of the recording data to be recorded on the recording medium, it issues the second notification to prompt scanning in the first scanning direction or the second notification to prompt scanning in the second scanning direction based on the position of the recording device and the position of the end of the recording data to be recorded on the recording medium.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means issues the second notification to encourage scanning of the end of the two ends in the first direction of the recording data to be recorded on the recording medium that is closer to the position of the recording device.

3. A recording device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the movement detection means detects the scanning of the recording device and when the line feed operation is detected, the notification means selectively issues the first to third notifications depending on the position of the recording device in the first direction.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is provided in the recording apparatus.

5. the recording means is provided at a position facing the recording medium of the recording device, 5. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the movement detection means detects the movement of the recording means in the first direction and the movement of the recording means in the second direction by detecting the scanning and the line feed operation of the recording device.

6. the notification means includes a display means visibly provided on the recording device, the display means comprises first display means for indicating that the recording means is in a state where recording is possible, second display means for prompting the recording device to scan in the first scanning direction, third display means for prompting the recording device to scan in the second scanning direction, and fourth display means for prompting the recording device to move in the second direction; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first to third notifications are given by combining the display states of the first to fourth display means.

7. The display means the first notification is made by turning on the first display means, turning on the second or third display means, and turning off the fourth display means; the second notification is given by turning off the first or fourth display means and turning on the second or third display means; 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the third notification is made by turning off the first display means and turning on the second to fourth display means.

8. A recording device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movement detection means detects the amount of movement of the recording device in the first direction and the amount of movement of the recording device in the second direction, and detects the execution of the line feed operation when the amount of movement of the recording device in the second direction reaches a predetermined amount.

9. The recording device according to claim 8, characterized in that the notification means switches from the third notification to the first notification or the second notification when the movement amount of the recording device in the second direction reaches a predetermined amount, thereby notifying the execution of the line feed operation.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a line feed mechanism that moves the recording apparatus by a predetermined amount along the second direction.

11. The recording device according to claim 10, wherein the line feed mechanism lifts the recording device from a recordable position where recording on the recording medium is possible, then moves the recording device a predetermined amount in the second direction, and then moves the recording device back to a recordable position.

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the line feed mechanism further comprises a locking means for preventing a line feed operation from being performed while the first or second notification is being made.

13. 13. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means includes audio output means for notifying the state of the recording apparatus by audio.

14. 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means issues a fourth notification, in addition to the first to third notifications, for notifying that all recording has been completed.

15. A method for controlling a recording device that performs recording by moving the recording device having a recording means that performs recording on a recording medium, comprising: a movement detection step of detecting scanning, which is movement of the recording device in a first direction, and a line feed operation, which is movement of the recording device in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a notification step of selectively issuing a first notification prompting scanning accompanied by recording by the recording means, a second notification prompting scanning not accompanied by recording by the recording means, and a third notification prompting the line feed operation in accordance with the detection result of the movement detection step; Equipped with the first direction includes a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction opposite to the first scanning direction; The method for controlling a recording device is characterized in that the notification step, when the recording device is moved in the second direction and is located inside an end in the first direction of recording data to be recorded on the recording medium, issues the second notification to prompt scanning in the first scanning direction or the second notification to prompt scanning in the second scanning direction based on the position of the recording device and the position of the end of the recording data to be recorded on the recording medium.

16. 16. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for a recording apparatus according to claim 15.

Images