Patent ID: 6871927
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An image printing apparatus for driving a plurality of blocks by using a plurality of divided periods by time division to print an image, each block having a predetermined number of printing elements grouped from a plurality printing elements, comprising: first driving means for driving the plurality of blocks by time division by supplying a main pulse for discharging ink from printing elements of a block every divided period; second driving means for selecting blocks to drive, a number of which is less than a total number of blocks, and driving each of the selected blocks to drive by time division by supplying a main pulse for discharging ink from printing elements of a block during one of the divided periods, and supplying at least one preheating pulse for preheating the printing elements of the block but not to discharge ink during at least one other of the divided periods; and image printing means for selecting either one of said first and second driving means, and printing the image using the selected driving means.