Patent ID: 6431774
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A control method for a printer that includes a print head that moves relative to a print medium, an ink ribbon disposed in front of said print head and along a direction of movement of said print head, said ink ribbon being wound in a winding direction in conjunction with print head movement and having a plurality of ink colors arranged substantially orthogonally to said winding direction, and a switching mechanism that changes a relative position between said print head and said ink ribbon in a direction orthogonal to the ink ribbon winding direction; said method comprising:changing a relative position between said print head and said ink ribbon in a direction orthogonal to the ink ribbon winding direction; comparing a distance l to a specific distance L, said distance l being a distance of print head movement to a next print start position in conjunction with ink ribbon winding, and said specific distance L being a distance for correcting ink ribbon offset to said print head; and moving said print head at least a distance Lâˆ’l in a non-printing winding mode if said distance l is less than specific distance L, said non-printing winding mode including moving the print head while winding the ink ribbon without driving the print head to print.