Printer timing controller and method

An apparatus for generating a print timing signal for a printer, comprising:

• a detector which outputs a detect signal, each time a printhead carriage including a printhead and head pins moves a predetermined distance toward printing paper;
• basic timing signal generation means, responsive to the detect signal, for generating successive basic timing signals each having a signal cycle corresponding to a current print mode, said basic timing signal generating means generating said basic timing signals at intervals corresponding to a greatest common measure of a plurality of print dot pitches which correspond to a plurality of print modes;
• correction time operation means for generating a correction time value for a print timing signal corresponding to a moving speed of the carriage based on said signal cycle of the detect signal and from a preceding signal cycle which equals a predetermined time of said head pin arriving at the printing paper;
• and
• print timing signal generation means for correcting the signal cycle of said basic timing signal in accordance with said correction time value to provide the print timing signal, said print timing signal generating means comprising a predetermined number of correction means, said correction means being responsive to said correction time value for correcting the signal cycle of said basic timing signal.