Printing control apparatus and printing control method for distributing quantized image data
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A printing control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus which can print the same pixel by using a plurality of print elements arrayed in a predetermined direction on a print head, the plurality of print elements being arranged in different print element arrays extending in a direction crossing the predetermined direction, relative movement between the print head and a print medium being effected along the predetermined direction, a unit area on the print medium being printed by one relative movement between the print head and printing medium, the printing control apparatus comprising:
- a quantizing unit configured to quantize input image data by dithering;
a distributing unit configured to create image data to be distributed to each of the plurality of print elements from the quantized image data by using a plurality of distribution patterns which have a complementary relation to each other, the plurality of distribution patterns corresponding to the plurality of print elements and determining a portion to be printed by each of the plurality of print elements, the distributing unit being able to switch, in a moving period corresponding to the one relative movement, a correspondence relation between the plurality of print elements and the plurality of distribution patterns, the number of which is the same as that of the plurality of print elements, while keeping the complementary relation between the plurality of distribution patterns; and
a control unit configured to control the print elements based on the image data to be distributed to the print elements.
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Abstract
In a printing apparatus capable of printing the same pixel by a plurality of print elements, a print speed is increased, and further, a partial frequency of use of each of the print elements is reduced, so as to prolong the lifetime of the print head. In view of this, dithering is used as a pseudo-halftone representing method, and further, a distribution pattern for use in creating image data to be distributed to each of the plurality of print elements is switched.
20 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A printing control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus which can print the same pixel by using a plurality of print elements arrayed in a predetermined direction on a print head, the plurality of print elements being arranged in different print element arrays extending in a direction crossing the predetermined direction, relative movement between the print head and a print medium being effected along the predetermined direction, a unit area on the print medium being printed by one relative movement between the print head and printing medium, the printing control apparatus comprising:
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a quantizing unit configured to quantize input image data by dithering; a distributing unit configured to create image data to be distributed to each of the plurality of print elements from the quantized image data by using a plurality of distribution patterns which have a complementary relation to each other, the plurality of distribution patterns corresponding to the plurality of print elements and determining a portion to be printed by each of the plurality of print elements, the distributing unit being able to switch, in a moving period corresponding to the one relative movement, a correspondence relation between the plurality of print elements and the plurality of distribution patterns, the number of which is the same as that of the plurality of print elements, while keeping the complementary relation between the plurality of distribution patterns; and a control unit configured to control the print elements based on the image data to be distributed to the print elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A printing control method of controlling a printing apparatus which can print the same pixel by using a plurality of print elements arrayed in a predetermined direction on a print head, the plurality of print elements being arranged in different print element arrays extending in a direction crossing the predetermined direction, relative movement between the print head and a print medium being effected along the predetermined direction, a unit area on the print medium being printed by one relative movement between the print head and printing medium, the printing control method comprising:
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a quantizing step of quantizing input image data by dithering; a distributing step of creating image data to be distributed to each of the plurality of print elements from the quantized image data by using a plurality of distribution patterns which have a complementary relation to each other, the plurality of distribution patterns corresponding to the plurality of print elements and determining a portion to be printed by each of the plurality of print elements, the distributing step being able to switch, in a moving period corresponding to the one relative movement, a correspondence relation between the plurality of print elements and the plurality of distribution patterns, the number of which is the same as that of the plurality of print elements, while keeping the complementary relation between the plurality of distribution patterns; and a control step of controlling the print elements based on the image data to be distributed to the print elements.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeCanon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
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Original AssigneeCanon Ayutthaya Limited (Canon Inc.)
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InventorsKawatoko, Norihiro, Kano, Yutaka
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Primary Examiner(s)FIDLER, SHELBY LEE
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Application NumberUS14/178,504Publication NumberTime in Patent Office587 DaysField of Search347/13US Class Current1/1CPC Class CodesB41J 2/04513 for increasing lifetimeB41J 2/2132 Print quality control chara...
