JP2004015410A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, recording medium, and ink-jet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create an FM (frequency modulation) mask with which an ink-jet recording apparatus forms a multi-value image by dot size modulation, as an FM mask related to a multi-value FM mask method. <P>SOLUTION: In information processing apparatus for creating the FM mask, with which the ink-jet recording apparatus forms a multi-value image by means of dot size modulation, is provided with a binary FM pattern forming means, which forms a binary FM pattern for representing the difference in the dot size and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement, from a binary pattern for representing the difference in the dot size and dot distribution by a binary arrangement; and an FM mask creating means which creates the FM mask for the binary FM pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, a recording medium, and an inkjet recording device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a method for forming a halftone image on a sheet or a display, a “dither method” is known. A halftone image that forms a "binary image" in which each pixel is represented by a binary value such as "white" or "black" is referred to as a "binary dither method". As a halftone image, an image that forms a “multi-valued image” in which each pixel is expressed by three or more values, such as “white”, “black” and an intermediate color “gray”, is called a “multi-valued dither method”.
[0003]
The dither method is roughly classified into two types, an "organized dither method" and an "error diffusion method". In general, the "organized dither method" has a small load on arithmetic processing, is suitable for high-speed processing and low image quality, and has a problem to prevent moire. In general, the “error diffusion method” has a large burden of arithmetic processing, is suitable for low-speed processing and high image quality, and has a problem of increasing speed and reducing cost. Since both methods have advantages and disadvantages, they are currently used depending on the type of image and the type of image forming apparatus.
[0004]
In recent years, a dither method that has the advantages of these methods has been proposed. This is a dither method generally called an “FM mask method”, an “FM screen method”, a “blue noise mask method”, or the like.
[0005]
The FM mask method is a type of “mask comparison method” in which comparison processing is performed using a mask having a threshold matrix (threshold mask), similarly to the systematic dither method. Further, the threshold matrix used in the FM mask method is a frequency modulation type threshold matrix like the Bayer type threshold matrix used in the systematic dither method. However, the threshold matrix used in the FM mask method has a “blue noise characteristic” (hereinafter, referred to as a “BN characteristic”) in which low frequency components are removed and almost only high frequency components are included. Thus, the halftone image formed by the FM mask method is a halftone image formed by the systematic dither method using a Bayer type or dot concentration type threshold matrix, while being a halftone image formed by the mask comparison method. Compared with the toned image, the periodicity of the low frequency is less conspicuous, the resistance to moire is high, and the resolution characteristic is close to that of the error diffusion method. Therefore, the FM mask method has attracted attention from various fields including the printing industry, and various attempts have been made on the FM mask method in various fields.
[0006]
For example, Japanese Patent No. 2622429 discloses an ideal FM mask (FM mask) by performing a Fourier transform on a completely random dot pattern (white noise pattern), filtering with a filter having BN characteristics, and performing an inverse Fourier transform. A method for creating a threshold mask for performing the method is described.
[0007]
For example, in “SPIE Vol. 1913“ The void-and-cluster method for diary array generation (Robert Urichney) ””, a portion where dots are sparse (void) and a portion where dots are dense (cluster) are compared. A method of optimizing a mask by exchanging dots is described.
[0008]
In addition to the above-mentioned Patent No. 2622429, a number of patent applications have been filed with respect to a method of creating an FM mask. However, these patent documents describe the creation of an FM mask according to a “binary FM mask method” for forming a binary image as a halftone image. The present invention relates to a method, and a method of creating an FM mask according to the “multi-value FM mask method” for forming a multi-value image as a halftone image merely describes the possibility of development. This is because in the printing industry, which is the main application of the FM mask method, high-definition printing of several thousands dpi has already been possible, and sufficient dispersion characteristics can be obtained in binary images. .
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the ink jet industry, for example, recent technical innovations have made it possible to realize a high resolution of 2400 dpi class using an ink jet recording apparatus. However, unlike general printing such as offset printing in which all image data is recorded on a sheet by one transfer, an ink jet recording apparatus generally forms an image by reciprocating a head for ejecting ink droplets many times on a sheet. For this reason, printing at a high resolution of 2400 dpi class requires a long time, and there are not a few ink jet printing apparatuses provided with a “low-resolution high-speed mode” for forming a binary image at a high speed by lowering the resolution.
[0010]
Recently, in order to achieve high image quality while maintaining high speed, an ink jet recording apparatus that forms a multi-valued image of about three to four values by dot size modulation or the like has appeared. Nevertheless, the FM mask method used for the ink jet recording apparatus is still limited to the binary FM mask method, and is only used as a substitute for the error diffusion method in the "low resolution high speed mode".
[0011]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to create an FM mask for an ink jet recording apparatus to form a multi-value image by dot size modulation as an FM mask according to the multi-value FM mask method.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention (information processing apparatus) according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus in which an ink jet recording apparatus creates an FM mask for forming a multi-valued image by dot size modulation. A binary FM pattern creating means for creating a binary FM pattern expressing the difference in dot size and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement from the binary pattern expressed by the arrangement of the binary FM pattern; Means for creating an FM mask.
[0013]
The invention (information processing method) according to claim 2 is an information processing method in which an ink jet recording apparatus creates an FM mask for forming a multi-valued image by dot size modulation. A binary FM pattern creating step of creating a binary FM pattern that expresses a difference in dot size and dot distribution by a binary arrangement from a binary pattern expressed by the arrangement of the binary pattern; and converting the FM mask from the binary FM pattern. Creating an FM mask.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method for creating an FM mask for an ink jet recording apparatus to form a multi-value image by dot size modulation. A binary FM pattern for expressing a difference in dot size and a dot distribution by a binary arrangement from a binary pattern expressing the difference between the dot distribution and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement; And an FM mask creating step of creating the FM mask from the value FM pattern.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, an information processing method according to the second aspect, or an FM mask created by the information processing program according to the third aspect. Prepare.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, an information processing method according to the second aspect, or an FM mask created by the information processing program according to the third aspect. And forming the multi-valued image based on the FM mask.
[0017]
According to the invention as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, a dot size is set as the FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method by the same method as the method of creating the FM mask according to the binary FM mask method. The modulation can create an FM mask for the inkjet recording apparatus to form a multi-valued image.
[0018]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by supplying the FM mask stored in the recording medium to the inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording apparatus can perform multi-level image processing based on the FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method. Can be formed.
[0019]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by mounting the FM mask on the inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording apparatus can form a multi-level image based on the FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method. .
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1) Formation of halftone image
FIG. 1 shows an example of a dither pattern for forming a halftone image by an ink jet recording apparatus.
[0021]
FIG. 1A shows an example of a 4 × 4 dither pattern 11 for forming a binary image as a halftone image. Each of the pixels 12 is classified into two types: “pixels without dots 13” and “pixels with dots 13”. That is, a binary image of 16 gradations is formed depending on the presence or absence of a dot.
[0022]
FIG. 1B shows an example of a 4 × 4 dither pattern 11 for forming a multivalued image (ternary image) as a halftone image. Each of the pixels 12 is classified into three types: “pixels having neither light dots 14 nor dark dots 15”, “pixels having light dots 14”, and “pixels having dark dots 15”. That is, a 32-level multi-valued image (a ternary image) is formed by the density modulation of the ink.
[0023]
FIG. 1C shows an example of a 4 × 4 dither pattern 11 for forming a multi-valued image (ternary image) as a halftone image. Each of the pixels 12 is classified into three types: “pixels having neither small dots 16 nor large dots 17”, “pixels having small dots 16”, and “pixels having large dots 17”. That is, a 32-level multi-valued image (a ternary image) is formed by dot size modulation.
[0024]
Note that a multi-valued image may be formed by a combination of ink density modulation as shown in FIG. 1B and dot size modulation as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0025]
In general, an ink jet recording apparatus is required to be reduced in size and cost, so that it is possible to mount inks of various densities for density modulation and to control a dot size in multiple steps for dot size modulation. It is difficult to mount a high-performance head. At present, in density modulation, mounting of inks of about two types of densities and in dot size modulation, control of about three levels of dot size is the best, so multi-levels of about three to four values are the best. .
[0026]
At a multi-valued level of about three to four values, if the pixel value is frequently switched in pixel units, the degree of change in the pixel value becomes excessive, which rather causes a deterioration in image quality as a singular point. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, generally, in dot size modulation, when a dot of a certain size has a gradation that fills the dither pattern, a halftone image is formed by sequentially switching to a dot of the next size. . The same applies to density modulation.
[0027]
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus or the like that creates an FM mask for an ink jet recording apparatus to form a multi-valued image by dot size modulation. This is because light dots do not effectively appear (are not visible), in other words, it is considered that there is no merit of using an FM mask in density modulation.
[0028]
(2) Creation of binary FM pattern
An example of a method for creating a binary FM pattern will be described. An FM mask according to the “binary FM mask method” for forming a binary image as a halftone image is created from a binary FM pattern of each gradation.
[0029]
FIG. 3 shows a method of creating a “start pattern” that is a starting point of a binary FM pattern of each gradation. For example, in the case of a binary image having 256 gradations, the binary FM pattern of the 128th gradation, which is the center of the 256 gradations, is usually the “start pattern”. The “start pattern” is a “16 × 16 binary pattern” that expresses a dot distribution by an array of 128 “1” representing “dot” and 128 “0” representing “blank”. White noise pattern ".
[0030]
The sequence of FIG. 3 will be described. The white noise pattern is subjected to a Fourier transform in S31, a BN (blue noise) filter is applied in S32, and an inverse Fourier transform is performed in S33. In S34, the errors of the white noise patterns before and after the application of the BN filter are calculated. In S35, the dot arrangement is ordered according to the errors. In S36, "0" and "0" In step S37, it is determined whether or not there is a dot position exceeding the allowable error. When there is a dot position exceeding the allowable error, the processing of S31 to S36 is repeated again. When there is no dot position exceeding the allowable error, the pattern is set as a start pattern.
[0031]
FIG. 4 shows a method of creating a binary FM pattern of a gray scale next to a start pattern. For example, if the binary FM pattern of the 128th gradation is a “start pattern”, the binary FM pattern of the 127th or 129th gradation is created here.
[0032]
The sequence of FIG. 4 will be described. As for the start pattern, an arbitrary portion “0” is converted into “1” or “1” into “0” in S41, Fourier-transformed in S42, a BN (blue noise) filter is applied in S43, In S44, inverse Fourier transform is performed. In S45, the total error of the start patterns before and after the application of the BN filter is calculated, and in S46, it is determined whether or not the total error is minimum. When the total error is the minimum, the conversion location of “0” and “1” is stored in S47, and then “0” and “1” converted in S48 are restored. When the total error is not the minimum, Without passing through S47, “0” and “1” converted in S48 are restored. In S49, it is confirmed whether or not the processes in S42 to S48 have been executed for all combinations of the “0” and “1” conversions. If all the combinations have not been executed, the processes in S41 to S48 are repeated. If all the combinations have been executed, in S50, the "0" and "1" exchange parts with the minimum error have been exchanged "0" and "1". And the pattern is a binary FM pattern.
[0033]
As in FIG. 4, the binary FM pattern of the 126th or 130th gradation is created from the binary FM pattern of the 127th or 129th gradation, respectively. By repeating this sequentially, binary FM patterns of all other gradations are created. Then, an FM mask according to the binary FM mask method is created from these binary FM patterns.
[0034]
(3) Creation of FM mask according to multi-value FM mask method
In the previous section, “(2) Creation of binary FM pattern”, an example of a technique for creating a binary FM pattern has been described. From this binary FM pattern, an FM mask according to the binary FM mask method is created.
[0035]
In this section “(3) Creation of FM mask according to multi-value FM mask method”, a method of creating an FM mask according to the multi-value FM mask method using a method of creating a binary FM pattern will be considered.
[0036]
For example, a method of creating a four-level pattern by replacing “dots” of a two-level FM pattern with “small dots”, “medium dots”, and “large dots” in accordance with the gradation in order to obtain a four-level FM pattern Can be considered. This is valid for “small dots”. However, as for "medium dot" and "large dot", the "middle dot" and "large dot" are placed where the "small dot" is already laid as a base, so there is a possibility that a complicated dot pattern may be created. . In particular, with respect to the “large dot”, an overlapping portion with an adjacent dot may occur, and an appropriate dispersion pattern cannot always be formed. FIG. 5 shows an example of a quaternary pattern in which “dots” of a binary pattern are replaced with “small dots”, “medium dots”, and “large dots” in accordance with gradations. FIG. 5 shows a quaternary pattern in a Bayer type arrangement so that the distance between dots is regular and uniform, but when this becomes an irregular quaternary FM pattern, the application of the "large dot" In a section or the like, dots that would otherwise be uniformly dispersed may become a massive cluster due to overlap, which may significantly deteriorate graininess.
[0037]
Therefore, in the present invention, the above-described problem is avoided by handling a binary pattern that expresses a difference in dot size and a dot distribution by a binary arrangement.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the concept of expressing the difference in dot size by arrangement of “1” and “0”. The “small dot”, “medium dot”, and “large dot” shown in FIG. 6A are expressed by the arrangement of “1” and “0” shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, respectively. In FIGS. 6B and 6C, “1” represents ink, and “0” represents blank. That is, a set of “1” means a dot, and a difference in the number of “1” included in the set means a difference in dot size. It is assumed that the number of “1” included in the set monotonically increases according to the dot size.
[0039]
In order to make the optimization more effective, it is desirable that the number of “1” included in the set is substantially proportional to the dot size. When the dot size of the medium dot and the large dot is an integral multiple of the dot size of the small dot, the proportionality can be achieved without dividing the small dot as shown in FIG. 6B. On the other hand, when the dot size of the medium dot or the large dot is not an integral multiple of the dot size of the small dot, the proportionality can be achieved by dividing the small dot as shown in FIG. 6C.
[0040]
In order to make the optimization more effective, it is desirable that the arrangement of “1” and “0” be substantially equal to the dot shape. That is, it is desirable that the arrangement of “1” and “0” be substantially circular.
[0041]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the concept of expressing the difference in dot size and the dot distribution by arrangement of “1” and “0”. FIG. 7A shows the difference in dot size with respect to a quaternary image by values of “3”, “2”, “1”, and “0”, and the dot distribution is arranged in an arrangement of “3”, “2”, “1”, and “0”. This is a quaternary pattern to be expressed. “3”, “2”, and “1” represent “large dot”, “medium dot”, and “small dot” in FIG. 6A, respectively, and “0” represents “blank”. The quaternary pattern in FIG. 7A can be replaced with the binary pattern in FIG. 7B based on the concept described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7B is a binary pattern that expresses a difference in dot size and a dot distribution in an arrangement of “1” and “0” for the same quaternary image as in FIG. 7A. Each 4 × 4 area surrounded by a dotted line means a pixel. As in FIGS. 6B and 6C, “1” represents ink, and “0” represents blank. That is, a set of “1” in the area means a dot, and a difference in the number of “1” s included in the set means a difference in dot size.
[0042]
According to the concept described with reference to FIG. 7, the multivalued image can be replaced with a binary pattern (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific binary pattern”) that expresses the difference in dot size and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement. Here, if the binary FM pattern can be a specific binary pattern, this binary FM pattern (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific binary FM pattern”) can be used in addition to the dot distribution of the multi-valued image due to the binary arrangement. Since the difference in dot size is also expressed, an appropriate dispersion pattern can be formed by replacing this binary FM pattern with a multi-valued image.
[0043]
An example of a method of creating such a specific binary FM pattern using the method described in “(2) Creation of binary FM pattern” will be described.
[0044]
The method of creating the specific binary FM pattern that is the start pattern is the same as in FIG. However, the white noise pattern is a binary pattern such as a specific binary pattern. The same applies to the white pattern after the application of the BN filter (see S34). The exchange of “0” and “1” in S36 is an exchange such that “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” in FIG. 7A are exchanged (that is, “dot”).
[0045]
The method of creating the specific binary FM pattern of the gradation next to the start pattern is the same as that in FIG. However, the conversion of “0” and “1” in S41 is a conversion corresponding to the conversion of “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” in FIG. 7A (that is, conversion of “dot”). The same applies to “conversion” in S47 to S50. The start pattern after the application of the BN filter is also a binary pattern that is a specific binary pattern (see S45). Other specific binary FM patterns of all gradations are created in the same manner.
[0046]
As described above, the specific binary FM pattern of all gradations can be created using the method described in “(2) Creation of binary FM pattern”. Then, an FM mask according to the multi-value FM mask method is created from these specific binary FM patterns.
[0047]
The specific binary FM pattern may be created by using another technique for creating a binary FM pattern, instead of the technique described in “(2) Creating a binary FM pattern”. Since the specific binary FM pattern is a kind of the binary FM pattern, the specific binary FM pattern can be created by appropriately using an ordinary method of creating a binary pattern.
[0048]
Finally, the number of dot divisions will be considered. Referring to FIG. 6, the small dots in FIG. 6A are represented without being divided in FIG. 6B, and are represented as being divided in FIG. 6C. The former is expressed as “the division number of small dots is 1”, and the latter is expressed as “the division number of small dots is 4”.
[0049]
Consider the relationship between the number of dot divisions and the resolution of the ink jet recording apparatus. As a method of optimizing the FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method, if the number of divisions of each dot is set assuming a resolution several times higher than that of the ink jet recording apparatus in order to incorporate a visual characteristic (VTF) or the like, the optimization can be performed. It can be more effective.
[0050]
Consider the relationship between the number of dot divisions and the number of pixel divisions. FIG. 8 shows a multi-valued image in which the number of pixel divisions is 4, FIG. 8A shows only “small dots”, FIG. 8B shows “small dots” and “medium dots”, and FIG. Become. Unless the number of pixel divisions is taken into account in setting the number of dot divisions, there is a possibility that a region may be filled with “medium dots” that are not originally sized to fill solids, as shown in FIG. 8C. is there. In FIG. 8C, it is the same as the gradation reproduction by the “large dot” no longer exists. However, this does not apply to the case where the dot size is not the maximum dot size but has a dot size sufficient to fill the solid, that is, a size equal to or more than ド ッ ト 2 times the dot pitch. This is because there is no change in the occurrence of crushing in the actual image. By setting the number of dot divisions and the number of pixel divisions in consideration of the dot size sufficient to fill the solid, it is possible to avoid a situation in which gradation reproduction cannot be performed due to an insufficient number of divisions.
[0051]
The relationship between the number of divided dots and the arrangement of dots will be considered. Theoretically, the number of combinations of dot arrangements will increase according to the number of divisions.However, in an actual ink jet printing apparatus, it is necessary to increase the printing speed. There is no control over the dot position beyond the resolution that can fill the solids. Although this is a problem due to limitations in cost and printing speed, since it is not necessary to consider a combination in which the dot arrangement is slightly shifted according to the number of divisions, the FM related to the multi-level FM mask method is not necessary. There is no concern that the time required for the mask optimization process will increase rapidly (thinking the optimization methods of FIGS. 3 and 4 as an example, the time required for “Fourier transform” and “Inverse Fourier transform” will certainly increase, This is insignificant compared to the increase in position combinations).
[0052]
(4) Example of the embodiment of the present invention
An example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the description up to the previous section “(3) Creation of FM mask according to multi-value FM mask method”.
[0053]
FIG. 9 illustrates an information processing device 91 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 91 includes a binary FM pattern creation unit 92 and an FM mask creation unit 93.
[0054]
The binary FM pattern creation unit 92 uses the technique described in “(2) Creation of binary FM pattern” as described in “(3) Creation of FM mask according to multi-value FM mask method”. Thus, a specific binary FM pattern of each gradation is created from the specific binary pattern. As described in “(3) Creation of FM mask according to multi-value FM mask method”, the specific binary FM pattern may be created using another method of creating a binary FM pattern. .
[0055]
The FM mask creating unit 93 converts the specific binary FM pattern of each gradation created by the binary FM pattern creating unit 92 into an FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method, and performs multi-level image printing by dot size modulation. Of an FM mask for forming. For example, after converting the specific binary FM pattern of each gradation into the specific multi-value FM pattern of each gradation, the FM mask can be created by combining the specific multi-value FM patterns of each gradation.
[0056]
Note that the information processing method realized by the information processing apparatus 91 in FIG. 9 is an example of an embodiment of the information processing method according to the present invention. Further, the information processing method according to the present invention can be realized, for example, by installing a program for executing the information processing method in a computer and causing the computer to execute the program. The program is an example of an embodiment of an information processing program according to the present invention.
[0057]
FIG. 10 shows an ink jet recording apparatus 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ink jet recording apparatus 101 takes in the sheet 102 from the paper supply unit 104, forms an image on the sheet 102 by the ink jet head 103, and discharges the sheet 102 to the paper discharge unit 105. The inkjet recording apparatus 101 includes an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, or an FM mask created by an information processing program according to the present invention, and based on the FM mask, converts a multi-valued image by dot size modulation as a halftone image. Form. Thus, the inkjet recording apparatus 101 can form a high-quality image.
[0058]
These FM masks are simply threshold tables after completion. Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus 101 can handle this FM mask as a reference table on software, or can record it on a ROM or the like and use it on hardware. In addition, since the FM mask itself cannot have a large capacity, the FM mask can be used by using a recording medium such as a "floppy (registered trademark) disk", "CD" or "DVD" or a communication infrastructure such as the "Internet". It is also possible to supply to an ink jet recording apparatus.
[0059]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method of applying an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention to an ink jet printer which is an example of an embodiment. In the case of hardware, it is rather an application method for a high-end machine in order to make a configuration such that Zooming and the like can be performed by hardware at the same time. In the case of processing by software, the processing can be left to the host computer side, so it is an application method for a low-cost machine.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, as the FM mask according to the multi-level FM mask method, an FM mask for forming a multi-level image by the inkjet recording apparatus by dot size modulation can be created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining formation of a halftone image.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining formation of a halftone image.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing creation of a binary FM pattern.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining creation of a binary FM pattern;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining creation of an FM mask according to a multi-level FM mask method.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining creation of an FM mask according to a multi-level FM mask method.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing creation of an FM mask according to a multi-level FM mask method.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining creation of an FM mask according to a multi-level FM mask method.
FIG. 9 illustrates an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method of applying the present invention to an ink jet printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Dither pattern
12 pixels
13 dots
14 pale dots
15 dark dots
16 small dots
17 Large dots
91 Information processing device
92 Binary FM pattern creation unit
93 FM mask creation unit
101 inkjet recording device
102 sheets
103 inkjet head
104 Paper feed unit
105 paper output unit

Claims (5)

In an information processing apparatus for creating an FM mask for an ink jet recording apparatus to form a multi-value image by dot size modulation,
A binary FM pattern creating means for creating a binary FM pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement from a binary pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by a binary arrangement;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an FM mask creating unit that creates the FM mask from the binary FM pattern. An information processing method for creating an FM mask for an ink jet recording apparatus to form a multilevel image by dot size modulation,
A binary FM pattern creating step of creating a binary FM pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by the binary arrangement from a binary pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by the binary arrangement;
An FM mask creating step of creating the FM mask from the binary FM pattern. In an information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method for creating an FM mask for an inkjet recording apparatus to form a multi-value image by dot size modulation,
A binary FM pattern creating step of creating a binary FM pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by the binary arrangement from a binary pattern expressing the dot size difference and the dot distribution by the binary arrangement;
An information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing method including: an FM mask creating step of creating the FM mask from the binary FM pattern. A recording medium comprising an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, an information processing method according to claim 2, or an FM mask created by the information processing program according to claim 3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, an information processing method according to claim 2, or an FM mask created by the information processing program according to claim 3, wherein the multi-level image is generated based on the FM mask. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being formed.

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