Patent ID: 6648439
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An image printing apparatus for printing an image on the basis of input printing data by scanning a carriage for holding a printhead having a plurality of printing elements, relatively to a printing medium in a direction crossing an alignment direction of the plurality of printing elements, the plurality of printing elements being grouped into a total number of blocks, each having a predetermined number of printing elements, comprising:first driving means for driving the plurality of blocks by time division using a first block enable signal having a first period in which each block can be driven; second driving means for selecting a selected number of blocks, the selected number being less than the total number of blocks, and driving each of the selected blocks by time division using a second block enable signal having a second period relatively longer than the first period; and image printing means for selecting either one of said first and second driving means, and printing the image using the selected driving means.