Patent ID: 7165827
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A dot-recording method using a dot-recording device for recording ink dots on a surface of a print medium, the dot-recording device including a dot-recording head having a plurality of dot-forming elements for ejecting ink droplets and a platen configured to extend in a main scanning direction and to be disposed opposite the dot-forming elements at least along part of a main scan path, the platen having a slot configured to extend in the main scanning direction, a width of the slot in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to a specific sub-scanning range on a surface of the dot recording head including at least part of the plurality of dot-forming elements, the dot-recording method comprises the steps of: (A) setting an expanded area in accordance with a print mode in the dot recording, the expanded area extending lengthwise beyond front and rear edges of the print medium including an external edge portion disposed in an area beyond the front or rear edge of the print medium, and representing a recording area in which images are to be recorded on the print medium; (B) preparing print data for recording images in the expanded area; (C) performing edge printing by ejecting ink droplets from at least some of the dot-forming elements disposed opposite the slot when images are printed at least in front- or rear-edge portions of the print medium on the basis of the print data; and (D) selecting a specific print mode from among a plurality of available print modes, wherein the step (B) comprises the step of;