Method of printing test pattern and inkjet recording apparatus

An inkjet recording apparatus, comprising:

• a recording head which includes a plurality of nozzles through which droplets of liquid are ejected and a plurality of pressure generating elements corresponding to the nozzles;
• a conveyance device which causes relative movement of the recording head and a recording medium by conveying at least one of the recording head and the recording medium;
• a recording ejection control device which forms and records a desired image on the recording medium by controlling ejection of droplets from the recording head while controlling the relative movement, and by depositing the droplets onto the recording medium;
• and
• a test pattern formation control device which controls ejection of droplets from the recording head in such a manner that, when a test pattern for ascertaining ejection characteristics of the nozzles is printed on the recording medium, the recording head is applied with a drive signal having a test waveform in which at least one of a voltage, a frequency and a waveform shape is altered with respect to a drive signal having a recording waveform which is applied to the recording head when the desired image is formed and recorded on the recording medium, to thereby perform the ejection with an increased ejection force compared with a case where the drive signal having the recording waveform is applied to the recording head, and in such a manner that the test pattern is formed by depositing the ejected droplets onto the recording medium.