Recording device and method for controlling a recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device which can perform control of a recording head flexibly according to a scan speed of the recording head.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: a recording head; scan means; signal acquisition means which acquires reference signals sequentially output according to a scan position of the recording head; acquisition means which acquires information about a set recording mode from the plurality of recording modes in which the scan speeds or the scan directions of the recording head are different from each other; and control means which controls time division driving of performing recording for one column with a plurality of discharge elements between a first reference signal and a second reference signal being the next reference signal of the first reference signal. The control means is configured to arbitrarily output a signal for performing control different from the time division driving between the first reference signal and the second reference signal according to the recording mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device and a method for controlling a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] Known inkjet printing devices (hereinafter simply referred to as "printing devices") are those that acquire a reference signal for ejecting liquid and acquire the temperature of the print head for each column that prints one line.

[0003] In linear encoder type printing devices, position information of the print head is obtained using an encoder sensor disposed on a carriage carrying the print head. Then, a reference signal for ejecting liquid is output based on an encoder signal generated according to the position of the print head. Therefore, if the scanning speed of the print head increases above the reference scanning speed for some reason, the time interval at which the encoder signal is output becomes shorter. Meanwhile, by managing the temperature of the print head, printing operations can be stopped or the amount of liquid ejected can be reduced if the temperature of the print head becomes too high.

[0004] A temperature acquisition signal for acquiring the print head temperature is output at regular time intervals from the time when the print head starts scanning. Typically, the temperature acquisition signal is output between the time when an encoder signal is output and the time when the next encoder signal is output. Therefore, if the print head scanning speed increases above the reference scanning speed, the temperature acquisition signal may be output after the time when the next encoder signal is output. If the timing of print head temperature acquisition deviates from the expected timing, a temperature different from the expected temperature will be acquired, and print head temperature management cannot be performed correctly. If print head temperature management cannot be performed correctly, control in response to the print head temperature increase cannot be performed, which may result in a deterioration in image quality.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which, in time-division driving of a print head of a printing device, if the interval between a reference signal that defines the time interval for time-division driving becomes shorter due to fluctuations in the conveying speed of the print medium, the temperature of the print head is not acquired, even though it should be acquired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if the print head scans faster than the reference scanning speed, the column time interval may be constantly shortened. If the column time interval is constantly shorter than expected, the technology of Patent Document 1 may not be able to consistently manage the print head temperature. Furthermore, in time-division drive control, there are time segments used for controls other than the output of ejection signals. If the column time interval is constantly shortened, this may affect various controls in addition to the temperature management described above.

[0008] In order to solve this problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can flexibly control the print head in accordance with the scanning speed of the print head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the recording device according to the present disclosure comprises a recording head having an ejection element array composed of a plurality of ejection elements arranged in a predetermined direction; a scanning means for scanning the recording head back and forth in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction; a signal acquiring means for acquiring reference signals output sequentially in accordance with the scanning position of the recording head; an acquiring means for acquiring information on a set recording mode from a plurality of recording modes in which the scanning speed or scanning direction of the recording head differs; and a control means for controlling time-division driving to record one column of recording using the plurality of ejection elements between a first reference signal, which is the reference signal acquired by the signal acquiring means, and a second reference signal, which is the reference signal next to the first reference signal, by dividing the ejection elements of the ejection element array into a plurality of blocks and sequentially driving the ejection elements belonging to each block at predetermined intervals, wherein the control means is configured to be able to arbitrarily output a signal for performing control different from the time-division driving between the first reference signal and the second reference signal, in accordance with the recording mode acquired by the acquiring means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the recording device of the present disclosure, the recording head can be flexibly controlled in accordance with the scanning speed of the recording head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ejection port surface of a recording head. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-pass printing. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing details of each mask pattern. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of time-division driving. [Figure 8] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal output by a CPU 101. [Figure 9] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal output by a CPU 101. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a recording device. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first table. [Figure 12] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of timing at which various signals are output. [Figure 13] A typical example of when various signals are output. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a recording device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second table. [Figure 16] An example of the timing at which various signals are output in "fast mode." [Figure 17] A typical example of when various signals are output. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a recording device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third table. [Figure 20] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of ejection timing on the forward pass. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a recording device. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth table. [Figure 23] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of ejection timing on the return pass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First Embodiment The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The recording apparatus according to the present embodiment can be used to eject ink onto a recording medium. Specific examples of applicable equipment include office equipment such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles, as well as industrial production equipment. By using such a recording apparatus, recording can be performed on various recording media, such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, and ceramics. Furthermore, as used herein, "recording" refers not only to the application of meaningful images, such as characters and figures, to a recording medium, but also to the application of meaningless images, such as patterns. Furthermore, the term "ink" should be broadly interpreted and refers to a liquid that is applied to a recording medium to form an image, design, pattern, etc., process the recording medium, or treat the ink or recording medium.

[0013] <Recording Device 1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording device according to this embodiment. The recording device 1 is composed of a feeding unit that feeds a roll-shaped recording medium P (e.g., a roll sheet), a transport unit that transports the recording medium P, a recording unit that records an image on the recording medium P, a discharge unit that discharges the recording medium P with the image recorded on it, and a recovery unit that restores the recording performance of the recording unit. The feeding unit has a roll sheet holder 6 that rotatably holds the recording medium P. The roll sheet holder 6 is driven by a feeding motor (not shown) to rotate and feed the recording medium P into the device. The transport unit has a transport roller that transports the recording medium P fed from the feeding unit, and a pinch roller that is positioned opposite the transport roller and that, together with the transport roller, holds the recording medium P. The recording medium P fed from the feeding unit is transported to the recording unit while being held between the transport roller and the pinch roller. The recording unit includes a recording head 9 having a discharge port surface 10 with discharge ports for discharging ink, and a carriage 2 on which the recording head 9 is detachably mounted. The recording head 9 has a plurality of discharge elements 32 (described later) arranged in a predetermined direction. The carriage 2 is configured to be movable back and forth in the X direction (the direction of movement of the carriage 2) along a guide shaft 8 by driving a carriage motor 113 (described later). This allows the recording head 9 to perform reciprocating scanning. A carriage belt, for example, is used to transmit driving force from the carriage motor 113 to the carriage 2. In other words, the carriage belt functions as a scanning device that causes the recording head 9 to perform reciprocating scanning in a direction (e.g., the X direction) that intersects with a predetermined direction (e.g., the Y direction). The recording medium P is transported in the Y direction (the transport direction of the recording medium P) that intersects with the X direction. The transported recording medium P is supported below by a platen 4.

[0014] While the carriage 2 moves in the X direction, the print head 9 ejects ink onto the print medium P, which is stopped at a position opposite the print head 9. The timing of the ejection is determined based on a position signal of the carriage 2 obtained by the encoder 7. In other words, the encoder 7 can acquire the scanning position of the print head 9. In this case, the encoder 7 functions as a signal acquisition unit that acquires reference signals that are sequentially output according to the scanning position of the print head 9. This ejection operation records an image for one band (one line feed) on the print medium. In this embodiment, the carriage 2 moves at a speed of 40 inches per second (inch / sec), and performs the ejection operation at a resolution of 600 dpi (600 dots / inch). After this ejection operation, the print medium P is transported a predetermined distance in the Y direction by a transport motor 112 (described later) driving a transport roller a predetermined distance. This ejection operation by the print head 9 and transport by the transport roller at predetermined distances (intermittent transport) are alternately repeated, thereby recording an image for one page on the print medium P.

[0015] In addition, a flexible wiring board 19 is attached to the recording head 9 for supplying drive pulses for ejection drive, head temperature control signals, etc. The other end of the flexible wiring board 19 is connected to a control unit equipped with a control circuit such as a CPU that controls the recording apparatus. For example, the recording head 9 is connected to a third drive circuit 107, which will be described later, via the flexible wiring board 19. The discharge unit has a discharge port for discharging the recording medium P on which an image has been recorded. The recording medium P on which one page of image has been recorded has the trailing edge of the image cut by a cutter (not shown), and the resulting sheet (printed material) is discharged from the device through the discharge port.

[0016] <Recording head 9> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a print head 9 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the print head 9 as viewed from the ink ejection direction (bottom). The print head 9 has a nozzle surface 10. The nozzle surface 10 has a first nozzle array 11, a second nozzle array 12, a third nozzle array 13, a fourth nozzle array 14, a fifth nozzle array 15, and a sixth nozzle array 16. Each nozzle array has a plurality of nozzles that eject ink. Each nozzle array is arranged in a line along the movement direction of the carriage 2 so as to be capable of ejecting ink of different tones (including colors and densities). For example, the first nozzle array 11 is capable of ejecting black (Bk) ink. The second nozzle array 12 is capable of ejecting light cyan (Lc) ink. The third nozzle array 13 is capable of ejecting cyan (C) ink. The fourth nozzle array 14 is capable of ejecting light magenta (Lm) ink. The fifth ejection port array 15 is capable of ejecting magenta (M) ink. The sixth ejection port array 16 is capable of ejecting yellow (Y) ink. Ink is supplied to each ejection port from an ink introduction section 23 connected to an ink tank (not shown) via a tube, via an ink flow path inside the recording head 9.

[0017] 3 is a schematic diagram of the ejection port surface 10 of the recording head 9 according to this embodiment. The recording head 9 according to this embodiment is of the so-called bubble jet (registered trademark) type, which uses, as the energy for ejecting ink, thermal energy that causes film boiling in the ink in response to the passage of electricity.

[0018] The recording head 9 has a substrate 31 with two parallel rows of ejection elements, each with an ejection element 32 formed at a predetermined pitch. An ink supply port 36 communicating with the ink flow path is provided between the ejection element rows of the substrate 31. An orifice plate 34 is bonded to the substrate 31. The orifices 35 correspond to the ejection elements 32, and ink paths 39 for supplying ink from the ink supply port 36 corresponding to each of the ejection elements 35 are formed. The ejection elements 32 and the ejection ports 35 are offset by half a pitch in each row, thereby achieving a desired recording resolution. In this embodiment, the first to sixth ejection port rows 11 to 16 each have 1,280 ejection ports 35 arranged at a density of approximately 490 per cm for each color. During recording, ink droplets 50 are ejected from the ejection ports 35 in each ejection port row.

[0019] <Control configuration of recording device 1> 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration according to this embodiment. The main control unit 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 that executes processing operations such as calculation, control, determination, and setting. The main control unit 100 also has a ROM 102 that stores control programs to be executed by the CPU 101. The main control unit 100 is also equipped with a RAM 103 that is used as a buffer that stores binary print data indicating whether or not ink is being ejected, and as a work area for processing by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 can also be used as storage means for storing information such as the amount of ink in an ink tank before and after a printing operation.

[0020] The main control unit 100 also has an input / output port 104. A first drive circuit 105 is connected to the input / output port 104 for driving a transport motor 112 that drives the transport roller. A second drive circuit 106 is connected to the input / output port 104 for driving a carriage motor 113 that drives the carriage 2 (see FIG. 1). A third drive circuit 107 is connected to the input / output port 104 for driving the print head 9. The third drive circuit 107, which functions as a signal transmitter for the print head 9, transmits drive pulses and print data for printing. These are transferred via a flexible wiring board 19 (see FIG. 1). A fourth drive circuit 108 is connected to the input / output port 104 for driving a recovery processing device 114. Each drive circuit is controlled by the main control unit 100. Various sensors are connected to the input / output port 104, such as a diode sensor 123 that detects the temperature of the print head 9 and an encoder sensor 122 fixed to the carriage 2. The main control unit 100 is also connected to a host computer 111 via an interface circuit 110 .

[0021] <Multi-pass recording> 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-pass printing in this embodiment. For example, in the four-pass printing mode in this embodiment, printing is performed by ejecting ink in four scans. For simplicity of explanation, only the third ejection opening array 13 that ejects cyan ink is shown. For ejection opening arrays that eject color inks other than cyan ink, the same control as for the third ejection opening array 13 that ejects cyan ink is performed. For further simplicity of explanation, FIG. 5 illustrates a case where each ejection opening array is composed of 16 ejection openings 35.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the nozzle groups in the third nozzle array 13 used in the four-pass printing mode and the mask patterns applied to those nozzle groups. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the third nozzle array 13, which ejects cyan ink in the four-pass printing mode, is divided into a first nozzle group 201, a second nozzle group 202, a third nozzle group 203, and a fourth nozzle group 204. Each nozzle group has four nozzles 35. In the four-pass printing mode, the four nozzle groups are used to print on a unit area. Specifically, during the first of four scans of the unit area for ejecting cyan ink, ink is ejected from the first nozzle group 201 onto the unit area on the printing medium in accordance with print data generated using a first mask pattern 401. The printing medium P is then transported a distance d1 corresponding to the length of one nozzle group in the Y direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the unit area printed by the first ejection opening group 201 during the first scan is positioned opposite the second ejection opening group 202. In this state, a second scan of the unit area is performed, and ink is ejected from the second ejection opening group 202 onto the unit area in accordance with print data generated using the second mask pattern 402. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5(c), during a third scan of the unit area with a transport of distance d1 in between, ink is ejected from the third ejection opening group 203 in accordance with print data generated using the third mask pattern 403. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5(d), during a fourth scan of the unit area with a transport of distance d1 in between, ink is ejected from the fourth ejection opening group 204 in accordance with print data generated using the fourth mask pattern 404.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows the details of each mask pattern. In each of FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), the solid black areas indicate print-permitted pixels, and the white areas indicate non-print-permitted pixels. While the mask patterns shown here have a size equivalent to 64 pixels, 16 pixels in the X direction and 4 pixels in the Y direction, this size can be set as appropriate. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the print-permitted pixels in each mask pattern are arranged in an exclusive and complementary relationship. That is, taking the logical OR of the print-permitted pixels in each mask pattern results in a pattern in which print-permitted pixels are arranged in all pixels. Each mask pattern is also determined to have approximately the same print-permitted ratio. For example, in the first mask pattern 401 corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 6(a), 16 of the 64 pixels correspond to print-permitted pixels. Therefore, the print-permitted ratio of the first mask pattern 401 is 25 (= 16 / 64 × 100)%. Similarly, the print permission ratios of the second mask pattern 402, the third mask pattern 403, and the fourth mask pattern 404 are also 25%.

[0024] Furthermore, each mask pattern is determined so that the print permission ratio is approximately equal regardless of the position in the Y direction within each mask pattern. For example, in the first mask pattern 401 corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 6( a), the print permission ratio for pixel row L1, which is located most upstream in the Y direction, is 25 (= 4 / 16 × 100)%. The print permission ratio for pixel row L2, which is located second from the upstream end in the Y direction, is also 25 (= 4 / 16 × 100)%. The print permission ratio for pixel row L3, which is located second from the downstream end in the Y direction, is also 25 (= 4 / 16 × 100)%. The print permission ratio for pixel row L4, which is located most downstream in the Y direction, is also 25 (= 4 / 16 × 100)%. In this way, the print permission ratio is determined to be equal regardless of the position in the Y direction within the first mask pattern 401. The same applies to the second mask pattern 402, third mask pattern 403, and fourth mask pattern 404.

[0025] <Time-sharing drive> FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-division driving. In this embodiment, 16 consecutively positioned ejection ports in an array of ejection ports are divided into 16 blocks 1 to 16 with different ejection (drive) timings. As a result, time-division driving groups Gr1, Gr2, ... are formed for each of the 16 consecutively positioned ejection ports, and these groups are driven in the same order. Note that the two ejection port arrays shown in FIG. 2, which are offset by a half pitch from each other for each ink color, are shown as a single array in FIG. 7. While the ejection (drive) timings of the two ejection port arrays are offset by the distance between them, the following description will be given assuming time-division driving of a single ejection port array. In each of columns 1, 2, ... defined by two consecutive reference signals, the ejection ports in each group, from block 1 to block 2 to block 16, are driven sequentially at predetermined intervals to eject ink. After ejection from the ejection ports of these 16 blocks, the landing positions of the ink droplets 50 are corrected (described later) and the temperature of the print head 9 is obtained at predetermined time intervals.

[0026] Furthermore, after the time required to correct the landing position and acquire the temperature, a margin of time is provided to deal with the case where the scanning speed of the recording head 9 fluctuates due to mechanical errors or the like.

[0027] <Recording Mode> The recording device 1 is provided with multiple recording modes to accommodate the user's intended image quality and recording speed. The user can set the recording quality using a driver in the host computer 111 or the recording device 1 itself. Generally, the recording quality levels are "fast," "standard," and "fine." For example, in "fast mode," ink is ejected in a single pass. As a result, "fast mode" offers lower image quality than other recording modes, but allows for a shorter recording time. As another example, "fine mode" ejects ink in four passes. "Fine mode" requires a longer recording time than "fast mode," but allows for improved image quality. As another example, "standard mode" ejects ink in two passes. As a result, recording can be performed at a quality intermediate between "fast mode" and "fine mode." In other words, "standard mode" requires a longer recording time than "fast mode," but a shorter recording time than "fine mode." Furthermore, "standard mode" does not offer better image quality than "fine mode," but does offer better image quality than "fast mode." In this way, the user can set the recording mode as appropriate according to the quality of the recording that he or she desires.

[0028] <General discharge control> Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal output by the CPU 101. In Fig. 8, it is assumed that a general "clean mode" is set. A heat trigger is generated to drive the ejection elements 32 and perform the above-mentioned time-division driving based on an encoder signal from the encoder sensor 122 for detecting the position of the recording head 9.

[0029] Also, "1 column" in Figure 8 indicates the time interval from when a heat trigger is output until the next heat trigger is output. Hereinafter, this time interval will be referred to as "1 column's time interval." In the example of Figure 8, it is set so that heat triggers for two columns are output between the time when an encoder signal is output and the time when the next encoder signal is output. Note that the heat triggers for the third and fourth columns are output when the second encoder signal is output.

[0030] The ejection timing (solid line) for ejecting ink droplets 50 by time-division driving 16 blocks for two columns and the timing (dotted line) for correcting the landing position of ink droplets 50 are set so as to fall within the time until the next encoder signal is output. Hereinafter, correcting the landing position of ink droplets 50 will be referred to as "landing correction" as appropriate.

[0031] Landing correction is a control that delays the ejection timing of ink droplets 50 by referencing a correction table for correcting the landing position of ink droplets 50 when the scanning speed of the print head 9 increases above the reference scanning speed. When the scanning speed of the print head 9 increases above the reference scanning speed, the print head 9 at a certain point in time will be positioned ahead of its intended position by the amount of the increase in scanning speed. Despite this, if the ejection timing of the ink droplets 50 remains unchanged, the ink droplets 50 will land at a position ahead of their intended position. This results in a shift in the landing position of the ink droplets 50. To prevent a decrease in image quality due to a shift in the landing position of the ink droplets 50, timing is provided for performing landing correction of the ink droplets 50. This allows up to two of the 16 ejection timings (shown by solid lines) to be delayed to the dotted line portions of the ejection timings. 8, up to two of the 16 blocks of ejection elements 32 in each group are not driven at the timing indicated by the solid lines, but are driven at the point indicated by the dotted lines, thereby delaying the ejection timing to the point indicated by the dotted lines. As a result, even if the print head 9 is ahead due to mechanical error or the like, this correction time can be used to delay the ejection timing of the ink droplets 50, allowing the ink droplets 50 to land where they should.

[0032] In addition, a temperature acquisition signal is output using the diode sensor 123 to acquire the temperature of the print head 9. In the example of FIG. 8, the temperature acquisition signal is output once per column. For example, if the temperature of the print head 9 is higher than a reference temperature, the operation of the printing device 1 is stopped to prevent the temperature of the print head 9 from rising any further. This prevents malfunctions in the printing device 1 caused by an increase in the temperature of the print head 9. Furthermore, the higher the temperature of the ink droplets 50, the lower their viscosity tends to be. Therefore, if the temperature of the print head 9 exceeds a predetermined range, there is a risk that more ink droplets 50 than expected will be ejected. Therefore, if the temperature of the print head 9 is higher than the reference temperature, control may be performed to reduce the amount of ink droplets 50 ejected. In the example of FIG. 8, the time interval required for temperature acquisition is determined based on the time point at which the temperature acquisition signal is output. The time interval for temperature acquisition is also controlled so that it falls within the time point at which the next encoder signal is output.

[0033] Furthermore, the CPU 101 does not output a heat trigger (output of a discharge signal) and a temperature acquisition signal simultaneously from the time when an encoder signal is output until the time when the next encoder signal is output, because if different types of signals are output simultaneously, there is a risk that noise will be carried over each signal.

[0034] However, as the scanning speed of the print head 9 increases, the interval at which the encoder signal is output decreases accordingly. As a result, the encoder signal may be output before the temperature acquisition signal is output. In this case, the CPU 101 acquires the temperature of the print head 9 at a timing different from the intended timing. That is, if the encoder signal is output before the temperature acquisition signal is output, a temperature of the print head 9 different from the intended temperature may be acquired. For example, if a temperature higher than the intended temperature is acquired, the ejection amount of the ink droplets 50 may be unnecessarily reduced. This results in a deterioration in image quality. In other words, if the temperature of the print head 9 cannot be properly managed, the image quality will also deteriorate. Furthermore, if the time frame used for impact correction remains unchanged despite the shortened interval at which the encoder signal is output, the timing of the impact correction may also be off. That is, if the encoder signal is output before the ejection signal for impact correction is output, the ink droplets 50 may not be ejected correctly, resulting in a deterioration in image quality.

[0035] <<Delay in timing of temperature acquisition of recording head 9>> FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal output by the CPU 101. In FIG. 9, the explanation will be given assuming that a general "fast mode" is set. The example in FIG. 9 assumes that the scanning speed of the print head 9 is faster than in the example in FIG. 8. As described above, the encoder signal is output according to the scanning position of the print head 9. For this reason, the time interval at which the encoder signal is output is shorter than in the example in FIG. 8. This is because, if the scanning speed of the print head 9 increases, the encoder signal is generated at an earlier point accordingly.

[0036] In contrast, the temperature acquisition signal is output at the same regular intervals as in the example shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the second encoder signal is generated before the second temperature acquisition signal is output. In other words, the second temperature acquisition signal is output later than the second encoder signal is generated. The "exceeding" shown in FIG. 9 indicates that the output time of the temperature acquisition signal exceeds the output time of the encoder signal, and the diode sensor 123 cannot obtain the correct temperature of the print head 9. In other words, if this continues, the temperature of the print head 9 will be obtained at the wrong time.

[0037] Here, assuming that such a "fast mode" can be set, it is conceivable to perform control such that the temperature acquisition signal for the second column is ignored (i.e., the temperature is not acquired even if the temperature acquisition signal is output). However, as explained in FIG. 8, when performing print scanning in the "clean mode," the temperature acquisition signal for the second column can be acquired normally. Therefore, by flexibly setting the acquisition of a control signal separate from the ejection signal according to the print mode, it becomes possible to perform more accurate control. This will be explained in detail below.

[0038] <<Control of recording head 9 according to recording mode>> Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the recording device 1 of this embodiment. The processing illustrated in the flowchart in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the above-mentioned CPU 101 reading a program stored in a memory such as ROM 102 into RAM 103 and executing it. "S" used in the following description means step.

[0039] In S101, the CPU 101 acquires information relating to the setting of the recording mode (hereinafter simply referred to as "recording mode information" or the like).

[0040] In S102, the CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode is the "fast mode" based on the recording mode information acquired in S101. If the "fast mode" is set, the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the "fast mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S103.

[0041] In S103, the CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode acquired in S101 is the "standard mode." If the "standard mode" is set, the process proceeds to S105. On the other hand, if the "standard mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S106.

[0042] In S104, the CPU 101 refers to a first table (described later with reference to FIG. 11) and sets the number of times the correction signal and the temperature acquisition signal are to be output corresponding to the "fast mode." Since the "fast mode" is set in this step, it is assumed that the time interval at which the encoder signal is output is shorter than in other recording modes. Therefore, the CPU 101 refers to the first table and sets the number of times the correction signal and the temperature acquisition signal are to be output so as to be reduced.

[0043] FIG. 11 shows an example of the first table. The first table contains the number of times the correction signal is output and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output for each column of time intervals corresponding to each printing mode. The following explains how to read the first table. The vertical axis of the first table contains the items "Column," "Landing Correction," and "Temperature Acquisition." The horizontal axis of the first table contains the items "Printing Mode," such as "Fast Mode," "Standard Mode," and "Fine Mode." The scanning speed of the print head 9 is set in the order of "Fast Mode," "Standard Mode," and "Fine Mode." Furthermore, the first table is set so that the number of times landing correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output are fewer for printing modes with a relatively faster scanning speed of the print head 9. Conversely, the first table is set so that the number of times landing correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output are greater for printing modes with a relatively slower scanning speed of the print head 9.

[0044] In the first table, the same value (2 times) as the value set in the first recording mode item (for example, the impact correction value in "standard mode") may be set in the second recording mode item (for example, the impact correction value in "clean mode").

[0045] 11, the first column (the time interval of the first column) in "fast mode" indicates that the timing for impact correction is set to one time and the temperature acquisition signal is output once. The second column (the time interval of the second column) in "fast mode" indicates that the timing for impact correction is set to one time and the temperature acquisition signal is not output.

[0046] Similarly, the first column (the time interval in the first column) in "standard mode" indicates that the timing for performing impact correction is set to two times and that the temperature acquisition signal is output once. The second column (the time interval in the second column) in "standard mode" indicates that the timing for performing impact correction is set to two times and that the temperature acquisition signal is not output.

[0047] Similarly, the first column (first column time interval) in "Clean Mode" indicates that the timing of impact correction is set to two times and the temperature acquisition signal is output once. The second column (second column time interval) in "Clean Mode" indicates that the timing of impact correction is set to two times and the temperature acquisition signal is output once.

[0048] The more timings available for impact correction, the greater the scope for correcting the ejection timing within the column, which can lead to higher quality image recording.Furthermore, the more timings available for acquiring the temperature acquisition signal, the more accurate the temperature control can be.

[0049] When the user selects "fast mode," the scanning speed of the print head 9 becomes the fastest of these modes (however, the image quality is inferior to the other two print modes). When the user selects "standard mode," the scanning speed of the print head 9 becomes the second fastest of these modes (however, the image quality is inferior to "fine mode"). When the user selects "fine mode," the scanning speed of the print head 9 becomes the slowest of these modes. However, in "fine mode," the timing of impact correction is set twice for each column of time, and a temperature acquisition signal is output, resulting in better image quality than the other two print modes. In this way, in this embodiment, a table is provided that appropriately specifies the timing of items used for control other than ejection during time-division driving, based on the scanning speed expected for each print mode.

[0050] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 10, as described above, in S104, the number of times the signal corresponding to the "fast mode" is output is set. That is, in this step, CPU 101 refers to the first table in FIG. 11, sets the timing of impact correction for the first column to once, and sets the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output to once. Then, CPU 101 sets the timing of impact correction for the second column to once, and sets the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output to zero. That is, CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature acquisition for the second column. After completing the setting for the second column, CPU 101 refers to the first column again. Then, CPU 101 repeats setting the timing of impact correction and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output for each time interval of one column.

[0051] In S105, CPU 101 refers to the first table and sets the number of times to perform impact correction corresponding to the "standard mode" and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal. In S106, CPU 101 refers to the first table and sets the number of times to perform impact correction corresponding to the "fine mode" and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal. In S107, CPU 101 applies the number of times to perform impact correction corresponding to each recording mode and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal, and performs recording on recording medium P. When recording on recording medium P is completed, this flow ends. The above is a rough outline of the control flow performed by CPU 101.

[0052] FIG. 12 shows a timing chart illustrating an example of the timing at which various signals according to this embodiment are output. FIG. 12(a) shows a timing chart when the "fast mode" is set. In FIG. 12(a), the "fast mode" is set, so the scanning speed of the printhead 9 is the fastest of the three print modes. Therefore, the interval at which the encoder signal is output is the shortest of the three print modes.

[0053] For this reason, CPU 101 sets the timing for performing impact correction (dotted line portion of "ejection timing") to one time so that time-division driving can be completed for all 16 blocks within the time interval for column 1. Similarly, CPU 101 sets the timing for performing impact correction to one time in the time interval for column 2 as well.

[0054] Of course, the longer the time required for impact correction (i.e., the more times impact correction is performed), the better the image quality. This is because the time available for delaying the ejection timing of the ink droplets 50 becomes longer. However, on the other hand, there may be user needs that prioritize printing speed over image quality. Even in such cases, in this embodiment, impact correction is performed at least once. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to minimize deviations in the impact position of the ink droplets 50. This allows for a minimum impact position correction while shortening the time required for one block compared to when two blocks for impact correction are set. Therefore, even if the scanning speed of the print head 9 is faster than the reference scanning speed and the time interval until the next encoder signal is output is short, it is possible to set the ejection timing (block) including the timing for impact correction within the time interval for one column.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 101 outputs a temperature acquisition signal once during the time interval of the first column. However, the CPU 101 does not output a temperature acquisition signal during the time interval of the second column. In other words, the CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature reading during the time interval of the second column. As described above, this is because the diode sensor 123 cannot correctly acquire the temperature of the print head 9 at this point. As a result, the diode sensor 123 can continue to acquire the temperature of the print head 9 at the correct timing every time. This allows the temperature of the print head 9 to be correctly managed, enabling ink to be ejected correctly. In other words, in the "fast mode" according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the printing speed while suppressing degradation in image quality.

[0056] FIG. 12B shows a timing chart when the "standard mode" is selected. In FIG. 12B, the "standard mode" is selected, and the scanning speed of the printhead 9 is the second fastest among the three print modes. Therefore, the interval at which the encoder signal is output is shorter than that in the "clean mode" but longer than that in the "fast mode." The interval at which the heat trigger is output is also shorter than that in the "clean mode" but longer than that in the "fast mode." Therefore, even if two timings for impact correction are set, time-division driving of all 16 blocks can be completed within one column's time interval. Therefore, the CPU 101 sets two timings for impact correction within the time intervals of the first and second columns. The CPU 101 also outputs a temperature acquisition signal during the time interval of the first column. However, the CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature reading during the time interval of the second column. As described above, in the "standard mode," two timings for impact correction are set during the time intervals of the first and second columns. This allows the ejection of ink droplets 50 to be delayed for a longer period of time than in "fast mode." Therefore, in "standard mode," the time for impact correction can be made longer than in "fast mode," resulting in better image quality than in "fast mode." On the other hand, since the temperature acquisition timing is once every two columns, the time required for one temperature acquisition can be reduced. In "standard mode," by reducing only the temperature acquisition timing, it is possible to achieve both a shorter printing time and improved image quality.

[0057] FIG. 12(c) shows a timing chart when the "clean mode" is selected. In FIG. 12(c), the scanning speed of the printhead 9 is the slowest of the three print modes. Therefore, the interval at which the encoder signal is output is the longest of the three print modes. Therefore, even if two landing correction blocks (dotted line areas) are provided, time-division driving of all blocks can be completed within the time interval of one column. Therefore, the CPU 101 provides two landing correction timings within the time interval between the first and second columns. The CPU 101 also outputs a temperature acquisition signal during the time interval between the first and second columns. As described above, the scanning speed of the printhead 9 is the slowest, so the temperature acquisition signal can be output before the next encoder signal is generated. In other words, in the "clean mode," the diode sensor 123 can acquire the temperature of the printhead 9 at the correct timing. In the "clean mode," the temperature reading timings are set within the time intervals of all columns. That is, in the "clean mode," the temperature of the print head 9 can be acquired more frequently than in other print modes. This allows the CPU 101 to execute control that responds more quickly to temperature changes in the print head 9. For example, if the temperature of the print head 9 exceeds an allowable temperature, the operation of the printing device 1 can be stopped immediately. This prevents the printing device 1 from breaking down due to an excessive rise in temperature of the print head 9. Furthermore, if the temperature of the print head 9 rises too high, the viscosity of the ink droplets 50 may decrease, causing the amount of ink droplets 50 to be ejected to increase. However, even in such a case, by frequently acquiring temperature changes in the print head 9, control can be executed to immediately reduce the amount of ink droplets 50 ejected when the temperature of the print head 9 is about to rise too high. Therefore, in the "clean mode," excessive ejection of ink droplets 50 can be prevented, improving image quality.

[0058] As described above, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent degradation of image quality even when the recording speed is increased. Furthermore, this configuration can prevent degradation of image quality even when the scanning speed of the recording head 9 is increased due to mechanical errors or the like. In other words, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment allows items other than the time-division drive for ejecting ink droplets 50 to be arbitrarily set for each time interval of one column. By presetting the number of timings for performing impact correction and the number of times for outputting a temperature acquisition signal in each time interval of one column according to the recording mode, it is possible to achieve both improved recording speed and improved image quality. In other words, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment can flexibly control the recording head 9 according to the scanning speed of the recording head 9.

[0059] Second Embodiment FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating a general example of the timing at which various signals are output. The difference from the first embodiment is the number of blocks that are driven in a time interval of one column in a time division manner. In the first embodiment, 16 blocks are driven in a time interval of one column. In contrast, the difference in this embodiment is that 8 blocks are driven in a time interval of one column. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals are used for configurations that are similar to or correspond to those in the first embodiment, and explanations thereof will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0060] In the example of FIG. 13, the time for time-division driving, the impact correction time, the temperature acquisition time, and the margin time (see FIG. 7) are all halved compared to the first embodiment. This provides a longer time window for allocating non-driven blocks to other printing passes for printing compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the time window for allocating non-driven blocks to other ejection port arrays that eject ink droplets 50 of the same color for printing is also longer compared to the first embodiment. In other words, the time window for impact correction is longer compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, the image quality of this embodiment is improved compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, by offsetting the block start position (i.e., the output time of the ejection signal) for each ink color, it is possible to disperse the bias in power due to simultaneous ejection of the same block. In the example of FIG. 13, the ejection signal is output eight times within the time interval of one column. The number of impact correction timings is set to one. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition signal is output once.

[0061] Now, let's assume that the general "clean mode" is set (i.e., the scanning speed of the print head 9 is the same as in the example of FIG. 8). In this case, ejection signals are output 32 times between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. Furthermore, there are four timings during the time between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. In other words, the same number of ejection signals are output in the example of FIG. 8 and the example of FIG. 13. Therefore, the number of timings for performing landing correction is the same. In the example of FIG. 8, the temperature acquisition signal is output two times. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 13, the temperature acquisition signal is output four times. As a result, the output time of the fourth temperature acquisition signal exceeds the output time of the next encoder signal. As described above, if this continues, it will be impossible to acquire the temperature of the print head 9 at the correct timing.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the recording device 1 of this embodiment. In S201, the CPU 101 acquires recording mode information. In S202, the CPU 101 determines whether the current setting is "fast mode" based on the information acquired in S201. In S202, the CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode is "fast mode" based on the recording mode information acquired in S201. If "fast mode" is set, the process proceeds to S204. On the other hand, if "fast mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S203. In S203, the CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode is "standard mode" based on the recording mode information acquired in S201. If "standard mode" is set, the process proceeds to S205. On the other hand, if "standard mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S206.

[0063] In S204, CPU 101 refers to a second table (described later with reference to FIG. 15) and sets the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal corresponding to the "fast mode."

[0064] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the second table. The second table specifies the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output for each time interval of one column according to each printing mode. Unlike the first table, the second table specifies the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output for the time interval of the third column. Furthermore, the second table specifies the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output for the time interval of the fourth column.

[0065] 16 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing at which various signals are output in "fast mode." CPU 101 sets the number of times (dotted line) to perform impact correction within the time interval from the first column to the fourth column to once so that all eight ejection signals can be output within the time interval for one column in "fast mode."

[0066] Furthermore, the CPU 101 outputs a temperature acquisition signal during the time intervals of the first and third columns. However, the CPU 101 does not output a temperature acquisition signal during the time intervals of the second and fourth columns. In other words, the CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature acquisition of the printhead 9 during the time interval of the 2nth column (n is an integer). This is because, as described above, the diode sensor 123 may not be able to correctly acquire the temperature of the printhead 9 at this time point. Note that the timing for skipping temperature acquisition of the printhead 9 only needs to occur once during a time interval of two columns. In other words, temperature acquisition of the printhead 9 may be skipped during time intervals of odd-numbered columns. By skipping temperature acquisition of the printhead 9 during the time interval of the 2nth column, all ejection signals can be output within a time interval of one column, even if the scanning speed of the printhead 9 becomes faster than the reference scanning speed. In other words, even if the next encoder signal is output earlier than the reference timing, all ejection signals can be output within a time interval of one column. As a result, the CPU 101 can correctly acquire the temperature of the print head 9. This allows the print head 9 to eject ink droplets 50 correctly. In other words, the printing apparatus according to this embodiment allows the print head to be flexibly controlled according to the print head scanning speed. When the CPU 101 finishes setting the fourth column, it returns to the first column. Thereafter, control is repeatedly performed based on the setting for each column. Returning to the explanation of FIG. 14.

[0067] In S205, CPU 101 refers to the second table and sets the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal corresponding to the "standard mode." In S206, CPU 101 refers to the second table and sets the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal corresponding to the "fine mode." In S207, CPU 101 applies the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal according to each recording mode, and performs recording on recording medium P. When recording on recording medium P is completed, this flow ends. The above is a rough outline of the control flow performed by CPU 101.

[0068] As described above, according to the recording device 1 of this embodiment, even if the number of blocks driven in a time division manner within the time interval of the first column is set to eight, the recording head 9 can be flexibly controlled according to the scanning speed of the recording head 9.

[0069] Furthermore, even when the number of blocks driven in a time division manner within the time interval of the first column is set to eight, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in image quality and an improvement in recording speed.

[0070] Third Embodiment FIG. 17 is a timing chart illustrating a typical example of the timing at which various signals are output. The difference from the first embodiment is the number of blocks that are driven in a time division manner in a time interval of one column. In the first embodiment, 16 blocks are driven in a time interval of one column. In contrast, the example in FIG. 17 differs in that four blocks are driven in a time interval of one column.

[0071] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, with the focus instead on the differences. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the number of blocks driven in one column is reduced to half of the number of blocks (16 blocks) in the first embodiment. In contrast, in the example of Fig. 17, the number of blocks driven in a time division manner in one column is reduced to one-fourth of the number of blocks in the first embodiment.

[0072] Now, let us assume that the "clean mode" is set. That is, the scanning speed of the print head 9 is the same as that in the example of FIG. 8. In this case, the ejection signal is output 32 times between the time when the encoder signal is output and the time when the next encoder signal is output. In other words, the number of times the ejection signal is output in this embodiment is the same as that in the example of FIG. 8.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 8, impact correction was performed four times within a time interval of one column. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 17, impact correction was performed eight times. In other words, the example of FIG. 17 performs impact correction four times more than the example of FIG. 8. Also, in the example of FIG. 8, the temperature acquisition signal was output two times within a time interval of one column. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 17, the temperature acquisition signal was output eight times. In other words, the temperature acquisition signal in FIG. 17 is output six times more than the temperature acquisition signal in FIG. 8. As a result, it can be seen that not all temperature acquisition signals were output between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. Specifically, the output times of the seventh and eighth temperature acquisition signals exceeded the output times of the next encoder signal.

[0074] 13 and 17, they have in common that, in addition to outputting the ejection signal, they also set the timing for performing impact correction and output the temperature acquisition signal at one column time interval. However, it can be seen that the timing (number of times) for acquiring the temperature of the print head 9 is delayed (exceeded) in the example of Fig. 17 compared to the example of Fig. 13.

[0075] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the recording device 1 of this embodiment. In S301, CPU 101 acquires recording mode information. In S302, CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode is "fast mode" or not based on the recording mode information acquired in S301. If "fast mode" is set, the process proceeds to S304. On the other hand, if "fast mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S303. In S303, CPU 101 determines whether the recording mode is "standard mode" or not based on the recording mode information acquired in S301. If "standard mode" is set, the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if "standard mode" is not set, the process proceeds to S306.

[0076] In S304, CPU 101 refers to a third table (described later with reference to FIG. 19) and sets the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal corresponding to the "fast mode."

[0077] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the third table. In the first table, items in the third and fourth columns were not set, but in the third table, items in the third and fourth columns are set. In S304, CPU 101 sets a timing for performing impact correction only once within a time interval of 2n (n is an integer) columns. This reduces the time required for recording. Of course, temperature acquisition of print head 9 may be skipped during time intervals for odd-numbered columns. Also, in this step, if the next encoder signal arrives earlier than the predetermined time and the output of the temperature acquisition signal is delayed from the original timing, CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature acquisition for columns other than the third column.

[0078] As described above, in this step, the "fast mode" is set. Therefore, the CPU 101 sets the timing for performing impact correction only once in a time interval of two columns so that time-division driving of all four blocks can be completed between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. In other words, no timing for performing impact correction is set in the time intervals of the first and third columns. On the other hand, the number of impact corrections is set to one in the time intervals of the second and fourth columns. In the example of FIG. 17, the timing for performing impact correction was set once in a time interval of one column, but in this step, the setting is changed so that it is set to once in a time interval of two columns. This reduces the time required for performing impact correction by two.

[0079] The CPU 101 also sets the temperature acquisition signal not to be output during the time intervals of the first, second, and fourth columns. On the other hand, the CPU 101 sets the temperature acquisition signal to be output during the time interval of the third column. In other words, the CPU 101 skips (disables) temperature acquisition during the time intervals of the first, second, and fourth columns. Also, in FIG. 17, the temperature acquisition signal, which was output every one column's worth of time interval, is now set to be output once every four columns' worth of time interval. This reduces the temperature acquisition time by three. This makes it possible to set all ejection timings within one column's worth of time interval, even when the scanning speed of the printhead 9 is fast and the next encoder signal arrives early. As a result, the CPU 101 can correctly acquire the temperature of the printhead 9. This allows the printhead 9 to eject ink correctly. That is, when time-division driving of four blocks is performed within a time interval of one column, even if the scanning speed of the printhead 9 becomes faster than the reference scanning speed, the printhead 9 can be flexibly controlled according to the scanning speed of the printhead 9. After completing the setting of the fourth column, the CPU 101 returns to the first column. Then, it repeatedly performs control based on the setting for each column. Returning to the explanation of FIG. 18.

[0080] In S305, the CPU 101 refers to the third table and sets the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal corresponding to the "standard mode." In this step, the number of times to perform impact correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal are the same in a time interval of four columns. This further reduces the time difference between each column. This allows the print head 9 to be flexibly controlled according to the scan speed of the print head 9, even if the scan speed in the "standard mode" is set between the speeds in the "fast mode" and the "fine mode."

[0081] In S306, CPU 101 refers to the third table and sets the number of timings for performing impact correction corresponding to the "clean mode" and the number of times for outputting the temperature acquisition signal. By outputting the temperature acquisition signal at all time intervals from the first column to the fourth column, control can be performed that responds more quickly to temperature changes in print head 9. This further improves image quality.

[0082] In S307, the CPU 101 performs recording on the recording medium P by applying the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs according to each recording mode. When recording on the recording medium P is completed, this flow ends. The above is a rough outline of the control flow performed by the CPU 101. As described above, with the recording device 1 according to this embodiment, even when the number of blocks that are time-division driven within the time interval of the first column is set to four, items other than time-division driving can be set arbitrarily for each interval between reference signals.

[0083] As a result, even when the number of blocks driven in a time division manner within the time interval of the first column is set to four, it is possible to flexibly control the print head 9 according to the scanning speed of the print head 9. Furthermore, even when the number of blocks driven in a time division manner within the time interval of the first column is set to four, it is possible to achieve both improved image quality and improved print speed.

[0084] <Fourth embodiment> This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The object of this embodiment is to provide a technology that allows different controls to be performed on the forward and return paths when the print head 9 scans back and forth. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, with the focus being on the differences. The ejection timing of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 20.

[0085] 20 is a timing chart illustrating an example of the ejection timing of the print head 9 on the forward pass in this embodiment. In this embodiment, four columns of heat triggers are considered as one group. In this embodiment, it takes 2 μsec each to output an ejection signal (including the output of an ejection signal for correcting the landing position of the ink droplets 50) and to output a temperature acquisition signal.

[0086] Furthermore, when the print head 9 scans in the forward direction, the ejection timing is processed from left to right in the drawing. Therefore, as shown in the drawing, the processing time for the first to third columns on the forward pass is 10 μsec. And the processing time for the final fourth column is 8 μsec each.

[0087] Conversely, if the timing chart of FIG. 20 is used on the return pass, the ejection timing will be processed from right to left on the return pass. Therefore, the processing time for the first column is 8 μsec (i.e., the time interval for the first column on the return pass corresponds to the time interval for the fourth column on the forward pass). The processing times for the second to fourth columns on the return pass are each 10 μsec (i.e., the time interval for the second to fourth columns on the return pass corresponds to the time interval for the third to first columns on the forward pass). In other words, the processing time for the last column on the return pass is 10 μsec. Here, if we focus on the time interval for the last column processed on the forward pass and the return pass, the processing time for the last column on the forward pass was 8 μsec. On the other hand, the processing time for the last column on the return pass is 10 μsec. In other words, the processing time for the last column differs between the forward pass and the return pass. As a result, there is a risk that the landing position of the ink droplets 50 will deviate from the ideal position. In other words, if this continues, there is a risk that image quality will deteriorate. Therefore, in this embodiment, different ejection controls are performed on the forward and backward passes. The control of the forward and backward passes in this embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIG. 21.

[0088] 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment. In S401, the CPU 101 acquires information about the current scanning direction of the recording head 9 using a known method (for example, by receiving a signal from the encoder sensor 122). In S402, the CPU 101 determines whether the current scanning direction of the recording head 9 is the forward direction based on the information about the scanning direction acquired in S401. If the recording head 9 is scanning in the forward direction, the process proceeds to S403. On the other hand, if the recording head 9 is not scanning in the forward direction (i.e., scanning in the backward direction), the process proceeds to S404.

[0089] In S403, the CPU 101 refers to a fourth table (described later with reference to FIG. 22) and sets the number of times the correction signal and the temperature acquisition signal are output corresponding to the "forward pass." That is, in this step, the discharge control shown in FIG. 20 is performed. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth table. In the fourth table, the number of times to perform landing correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal are specified for each scanning direction of the print head 9. Furthermore, the number of times to perform landing correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal according to the fourth table are specified for each time interval of one column. In the example shown, the number of times to perform landing correction and the number of times to output the temperature acquisition signal are specified for four columns in both the forward and backward directions.

[0090] Furthermore, the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs in the forward pass mode are specified to correlate with the number of correction signal outputs and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs in the backward pass mode. For example, the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the first column of the forward pass correspond to the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the fourth column of the backward pass. Similarly, the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the second column of the forward pass correspond to the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the third column of the backward pass. Similarly, the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the third column of the forward pass correspond to the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the second column of the backward pass. Similarly, the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the fourth column of the forward pass correspond to the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs for the first column of the backward pass.

[0091] This makes it possible to eliminate the time difference between the time interval for one column on the forward pass and the time interval for one column on the return pass, eliminating the time difference between the time required for impact correction and the time difference for obtaining the temperature of the print head 9. In other words, the processing time required for control other than time-division driving during the time interval for one column on the forward pass and the return pass corresponds, improving image quality. Returning to the explanation of Figure 21.

[0092] In S404, the CPU 101 refers to the fourth table and sets the landing correction block and temperature reading timing corresponding to the "return pass." That is, in this step, the ejection control shown in FIG.

[0093] FIG. 23 is a timing chart illustrating an example of ejection timing during a return pass according to this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 23 (return pass), similar to the example of FIG. 20 (forward pass), output of the ejection signal (including output of the ejection signal when performing impact correction) and output of the temperature acquisition signal each require 2 μsec. Therefore, initially, during the time interval for the first column of the return pass according to this embodiment, the number of times impact correction is performed is set to one, and the temperature acquisition signal is not output. In other words, the time interval for the first column of the return pass according to this embodiment is the same as the time interval for the fourth column of the forward pass, and the control contents also correspond. Next, during the time interval for the second column of the return pass according to this embodiment, the timing for performing impact correction is not set, and the temperature acquisition signal is output. In other words, the time interval for the second column of the return pass according to this embodiment is the same as the time interval for the third column of the forward pass, and the control contents also correspond. Next, during the time interval for the third column of the return pass according to this embodiment, the number of times impact correction is performed is set to one, and the temperature acquisition signal is not output. In other words, the time interval for the third column on the return pass according to this embodiment is the same as the time interval for the second column on the forward pass, and the control details also correspond. Finally, in the time interval for the fourth column on the return pass according to this embodiment, the timing for performing impact correction is not set, and a temperature acquisition signal is not output. In other words, the time interval for the fourth column on the return pass according to this embodiment is the same as the time interval for the first column on the forward pass, and the control details also correspond. This results in the control time and control details for one corresponding column being consistent between the forward pass and the return pass. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviations in the impact position of the ink droplets 50. In other words, it is possible to suppress degradation of image quality. Returning to the explanation of Figure 21.

[0094] In S405, the CPU 101 performs recording on the recording medium P by applying the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs according to the scanning direction of the recording head 9. When recording on the recording medium P is completed, this flow ends. The above is a rough outline of the control flow performed by the CPU 101.

[0095] As described above, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment references a table that correlates the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output during the forward and backward passes of the scan of the print head 9. This allows the print head 9 to be flexibly controlled according to the scanning speed of the print head 9. Furthermore, regardless of the scanning direction of the print head 9, it is possible to achieve both improved image quality and improved printing speed.

[0096] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, an example of a recording head 9 having a length shorter than the width direction of the recording medium P was shown, but the example of the recording head 9 is not limited to this example. As another example, a long recording head 9 having a length longer than the width direction of the recording medium P may be used. This makes it possible to apply the control in each embodiment to a configuration of the recording device 1 in which ink droplets 50 are ejected from the recording head 9 while the recording medium P is transported only once in a direction intersecting the width direction to record an image.

[0097] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the first table contains the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output. However, the items contained in the first table are not limited to the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output. For example, only one of the number of times impact correction is performed or the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output may be contained in the first table. Alternatively, the first table may contain items other than the number of times impact correction is performed and the number of times the temperature acquisition signal is output.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment, the values ​​of the fourth table were defined so that the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the forward pass correlated with the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the backward pass. As another example, the values ​​of the fourth table may be defined so that the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the forward pass are uncorrelated with the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the backward pass. This causes the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the forward pass to be randomly switched with each scan, and the number of impact corrections and the number of temperature acquisition signal outputs on the backward pass to be randomly switched with each scan. In other words, by setting different numbers of impact corrections and temperature acquisition signal outputs for the forward pass and the backward pass, the regularity is eliminated, and unevenness in the ejection of ink droplets 50 can be suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, the settings of the fourth table may be changed for each of the first ejection opening array 11 to the sixth ejection opening array 16. This configuration also eliminates the regularity, making it possible to suppress uneven ejection of the ink droplets 50.

[0100] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which a landing correction time and a temperature acquisition time are provided after the time-division driving of the 16th block. As another example, a landing correction time and a temperature acquisition time may be provided before the time-division driving of the 1st block.

[0101] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the temperature of the print head 9 is not acquired in the second column. As another example, the temperature of the print head 9 is acquired in the second column but is ignored (not taken into consideration).

[0102] In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which heat triggers for two columns are output between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. As another example, heat triggers for one column may be output between the output of an encoder signal and the output of the next encoder signal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 9. Recording head 101 CPU 107 Third drive circuit 122 Encoder Sensor 123 Diode Sensor

Claims

1. a print head having an ejection element array composed of a plurality of ejection elements arranged in a predetermined direction; a scanning means for causing the recording head to scan back and forth in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction; a signal acquiring means for acquiring reference signals sequentially output in accordance with the scanning position of the recording head; an acquisition means for acquiring information about a set print mode from among a plurality of print modes each having a different scanning speed or scanning direction of the print head; a control means for dividing the ejection elements of the ejection element array into a plurality of blocks and sequentially driving the ejection elements belonging to each block at predetermined intervals between a first reference signal, which is the reference signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and a second reference signal, which is the reference signal subsequent to the first reference signal, to control time-division driving for recording one column by the plurality of ejection elements; Equipped with The control means a signal for performing control different from the time-division driving can be arbitrarily output between the first reference signal and the second reference signal according to the recording mode acquired by the acquisition means, by referring to a table in which the number of times related to the control different from the time-division driving is defined, the number of times of outputting a signal for performing the control different from the time-division driving is set; A recording device characterized by:

2. The table specifies that the number of times a signal for performing control different from the time-division driving is output is smaller in a recording mode in which the scanning speed of the recording head is relatively faster.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The table specifies that the number of times a signal for performing control different from the time-division driving is output is greater for a recording mode in which the scanning speed of the recording head is relatively slower.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a recording medium.

4. The table defines the number of times related to control different from the time-division driving for each scanning direction of the print head.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The table defines a correlation between the number of times of control different from the time-division driving when the print head scans in the forward direction and the number of times of control different from the time-division driving when the print head scans in the backward direction.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The table specifies the number of times of control different from the time-division driving when the print head scans in the forward direction and the number of times of control different from the time-division driving when the print head scans in the backward direction so that they do not correlate with each other.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

7. the table specifies the same number of times of output of a signal for performing a control different from the time-division driving in a first recording mode and a second recording mode different from the first recording mode; 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the control means does not perform a control different from the time-division driving simultaneously with the time-division driving; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The table defines the number of times a signal is output for performing a first control different from the time-division driving, and the number of times a signal is output for performing a second control different from the first control.

9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

10. the first control is a control for correcting a position where the liquid ejected from the recording head lands on a recording medium, the second control is output of a temperature acquisition signal for acquiring information including the temperature of the print head; 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9.

11. a print head having an ejection element array composed of a plurality of ejection elements arranged in a predetermined direction; a scanning means for causing the recording head to scan back and forth in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction; a signal acquiring means for acquiring reference signals sequentially output in accordance with the scanning position of the recording head; a control means for controlling the driving of the recording head; 1. A method for controlling a recording device comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about a print mode that is set from among a plurality of print modes each having a different scanning speed or scanning direction of the print head; a time division driving step of dividing the ejection elements of the ejection element array into a plurality of blocks and sequentially driving the ejection elements belonging to each block at predetermined intervals between a first reference signal, which is the reference signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and a second reference signal, which is the reference signal subsequent to the first reference signal, to perform time division driving for recording one column by the plurality of ejection elements; an output step of arbitrarily outputting a signal for performing control different from the time-division driving between the first reference signal and the second reference signal according to the acquired recording mode; a setting step of setting the number of times a signal for performing a control different from the time-division driving is output by referring to a table in which the number of times related to the control different from the time-division driving is defined; 10. A method for controlling a recording device, comprising:

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