Patent ID: 6661532
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A printing apparatus for printing an image on a printing medium by using a printhead including a plurality of print elements, comprising:input means for inputting print data; selection means for time-divisionally selecting drivable print elements from said plurality of print elements; first memory means for storing plural sets of print operation control patterns used for specifying a timing for selecting drivable print elements by said selection means; second memory means for storing one set of the plural sets of print operation control patterns; rewriting means for rewriting the one set of print operation control patterns stored in said second memory means with a new one set of print operation control patterns selected from the plural sets of print operation control patterns stored in said first memory means; timing signal output control means for outputting a timing signal for time-divisionally driving print elements in accordance with the set of print operation control patterns stored in said second memory means; and print means for performing printing by time-divisionally driving the drivable print elements selected by said selection means based on the print data inputted by said input means and the timing signal outputted by said timing signal output control means, wherein a time-divisional drive sequence of print elements is changed by rewriting the one set of print operation control patterns.