CN1796119A

CN1796119A - Printing device, printing device control, and printing data generation device and method

Info

Publication number: CN1796119A
Application number: CN 200510137009
Authority: CN
Inventors: 荒崎真一
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 2004-12-13
Filing date: 2005-12-13
Publication date: 2006-07-05

Abstract

The invention provides a novel printer capable of eliminating or concealing the banding phenomenon caused by the flight deflection phenomenon and a control program, a method therefor, and an apparatus for generating data for printing, a program and a method therefor. The printer 100 comprises an image data acquiring part 10 which acquires image data, a printing nozzle setting portion 12 which sets use contents of printing nozzles to each pixel data of the image data on the basis of characteristics of specific printing nozzles at a printing head 200 of the apparatus, a nozzle information storing part 14 which stores characteristics information of the printing nozzles, a generating portion 18 of data for printing which generates data for printing for the purpose of printing an image of the image data on a printing medium at a printing portion 20 on the basis of the image data and the set contents of the printing nozzle setting portion 12, and the printing portion 20 which prints the image on a printing paper by an inkjet system on the basis of the data for printing.

Description

Printing equipment and control method thereof, printing are with data generating device and method

Technical field

The present invention, relate to a kind of picture unit, duplicator, printing equipment and printing equipment control program and the printing equipment control method used in the printer of OA machine etc., and print and use data generating device, printing is with data generator and print and to use data creation method, be particularly related to and a kind ofly be applicable to that the particulate with the liquid ink of polychrome is injected in the writings and image of drawing regulation on the print paper (print media), the printing equipment of promptly so-called ink jet type mode, printing equipment control program and printing equipment control method, and print and use data generating device, print with data generator and printing data creation method.

Background technology

Below, to printing equipment, particularly adopt the printer (below, be called " ink-jet printer ") of ink-jetting style to describe.

Ink-jet printer because can easily obtain low price and high-quality colour print product usually, so follow popularizing of personal computer and digital camera etc., is not limited only to office, also extensively spreads among the general user.

This ink-jet printer, generally by integrated possess, the moving body that is called as balladeur train (carriage) of ink cartridge and printhead, on print media (using paper), on the direction that relatively its paper feeding direction is vertical, come and go on one side from the nozzle of its printhead the particle of liquid ink is sprayed (injection) with the ink droplet shape, on print media, draw the writings and image of regulation, make the printed product of hope.And, by in this balladeur train, equipping the ink cartridge of 4 looks (black, yellow, dark red, viridescent) that comprise black (black) and printhead of all kinds, not only black and white is printed, the panchromatic printing that also can easily carry out combination of all kinds (in addition, add 6 looks or 7 looks of shallow green grass or young crops (light cyan) and pale red (lightmagenta) etc. in this each color, perhaps the balladeur train of 8 looks also obtains practicability).

Also have, so make the printhead on the balladeur train on the direction that print paper is vertical relatively, come and go in the ink-jet printer of the type that prints on one side on one side, in order clearly to print a whole page or leaf, be necessary to make tens of times of printhead and even hundreds of above coming and going to move, so with the printing equipment of other modes, for example use the laser printer etc. of the electronic photo technology of duplicator etc. and so on to compare, have the shortcoming that needs a large amount of time-write intervals of cost.Also have, the ink-jet printer of this mode is commonly referred to as " multi-path type printer " or " serial printer ".

Relative therewith, do not use with the printhead of the lengthwise of the width identical (or longer) of print paper in the ink-jet printer of type of balladeur train being provided with size, printhead is moved at the width of print paper, both can carry out the printing of so-called 1 scanning (1pass), so can carry out flying print equally with above-mentioned laser printer.Also have,,, have the advantage that significantly improves quietness in addition so can realize the miniaturization and of printer body because do not need to carry the balladeur train of printhead and the drive system that is used to move it.Also have, the ink-jet printer of this mode is commonly referred to as " wardrobe type (line head) type printer ".

Yet, integral printhead in this ink-jet printer, because with diameter is that fine nozzle about 10～70 μ m separates certain intervals and sets and be 1 row or multiple row is set on Print direction constitutes, so because of manufacture deviation, the ink emission direction of the nozzle of a part can tilt, nozzle location is configured on the position of departing from ideal position, and so-called " flight buckling phenomenon " promptly takes place in spraying the position and can departing from ideal position of the ink droplet that is formed by this nozzle.Also have, bigger as its deviation because the bias property of nozzle, exist quantity of ink to compare more or less with desired quantity.

Its result on the part that bad shower nozzle is printed with this, can be called as the printing problem of " band (banding) (slice) phenomenon ", and print quality is significantly descended.Promptly, if " flight buckling phenomenon " takes place, then the ink droplet spacing by the adjacent nozzles ejection becomes inhomogeneous, distance between adjacent drops with just often compare elongated part on " informal voucher (print paper for white time) " takes place, the distance between adjacent drops with just often compare the part that shortens on " dense " takes place.Also have, when the value of quantity of ink deviates from ideal value, for ink nozzle segment how, also can take place dense, in the few part of ink, informal voucher can take place.

Particularly, this zoning, with the situation of above-mentioned " multi-path type printer " (serial printer) comparatively speaking, fix in " the wardrobe type printer " of (1 scanning and printing) and significantly take place (in multi-path type printer, having to utilize printhead repeatedly to be come and gone make the informal voucher unconspicuous technology that becomes) at printhead or print media.

Therefore, for a kind of bad printing that prevents to cause by this " bar zoning ", make great efforts to improve the research and development on the so-called hardware components such as the manufacturing technology of printhead and design improved, but from manufacturing cost and print quality, technological side etc., providing 100%, that the printhead of " bar zoning " does not take place is very difficult.

Therefore, at present, except the improvement on the above-mentioned this hardware components, also and used that control is printed in as follows being called, just the method on the software reduces the technology of this " bar zoning ".

For example, in patent documentation as follows 1 and patent documentation 2, for not spraying of the deviation of tackling nozzle and ink, be set at: use shade (shading) revisal technology to deal with the deviation of printhead the thin part of concentration, using other color to substitute (for example, substitute be dark green or dark red) when printing with black to the dense part of concentration makes band and deviation not obvious.

Also have, in patent documentation shown below 3, the method that full coat image (promptly spraying the image that becomes cannot see background color) is taked is to increase near the not spray volume of the adjacent nozzle of the pixel of jetting nozzle, and all generate the full coat image with nozzle.

Also have, in patent documentation shown below 4, the departure of each nozzle is fed back to error diffusion handles, the deviation of the ink spray volume of absorption nozzle is avoided the bar zoning.

[patent documentation 1] spy opens the 2002-19101 communique

[patent documentation 2] spy opens the 2003-136702 communique

[patent documentation 3] spy opens the 2003-63043 communique

[patent documentation 4] spy opens flat 5-30361 communique

But, as the prior art of above-mentioned patent documentation 1 and above-mentioned patent documentation 2 etc., use other colors to reduce in the method for bar zoning and deviation, can change because implemented the tone of the part of processing, print this high-quality printing of high image quality that requires so be unsuitable for the photochrome image.

Also have, by to the dense part of concentration, wait the method for avoiding " informal voucher phenomenon " with about the information distribution of jetting nozzle is not given, though can reduce informal voucher when being applied to above-mentioned " flight buckling phenomenon ", but the problem that exists is, still residual on the dense part of concentration have a tape.

Also have, in this methods such as prior art of above-mentioned patent documentation 3,, under the situation of the printed product of middle gray, just can not utilize the method though image is no problem if printed product is full coat.Also have, though for thinner line etc., the words that the method for using other colors to fill up is used once in a while are no problem, and in this image that other colors recur, the problem of existence is identical with the former, and the tone of the part of image can change.

Also have, the problem that exists in this methods such as prior art of above-mentioned patent documentation 4 is, for this problem of the formation content dislocation of ink droplet, the processing of carrying out suitable feedback is very complicated, is difficult to solve.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, the present invention is conceived to this unsolved problem proposition of the prior art just, its purpose is: provide that can to solve or eliminate substantially with the flight buckling phenomenon be the deterioration of the bad image quality that is caused of ejection of the deterioration of the image quality brought of the bar zoning of essential factor and ink, novel printing equipment, printing equipment control program and printing equipment control method and print with data generating device, printing with data generator and printing data creation method.

[mode 1] in order to achieve the above object, the printing equipment of mode 1,

By having a plurality of printheads that can on the medium that is used to print, form the nozzle of ink droplet, on above-mentioned medium, print the image of regulation, it is characterized in that having: image data acquisition mechanism, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; Printing generates mechanism with data, and it generates the printing data that comprise ink droplet formation content-related information each above-mentioned pixel and said nozzle based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining; The nozzle information storing mechanism, it stores the information of the formation content of the above-mentioned ink droplet nozzle different with the formation content of regulation; And, printing mechanism, it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, memory contents based on the said nozzle information storage mechanism, generate to print and use data, described printing data, make the print resolution of the image of printing by the above-mentioned at least one side who forms different nozzle of content and near nozzle thereof, be in a ratio of low resolution with the pairing print resolution that obtains the view data that mechanism obtains by above-mentioned view data of the nozzle that uses in the above-mentioned printing.

If have this structure, by image data acquisition mechanism, can obtain the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels, generate mechanism by printing with data, can be based on view data, generation comprises the printing data that form the information of content about the ink droplet of the said nozzle of each pixel value of each pixel of above-mentioned view data, by the nozzle information storing mechanism, can store the information of the different nozzle of the formation content of the formation content of ink droplet and regulation, pass through printing mechanism, can use data based on printing, on above-mentioned medium, print the image of above-mentioned view data by above-mentioned printhead.

In addition, printing generates mechanism with data, based on the memory contents of said nozzle information storage mechanism, can generate make by above-mentioned form the different nozzle of content with and near the print resolution of the image that at least one side was printed of nozzle, with above-mentioned printing in the former print resolution of the pairing above-mentioned image of nozzle that uses be in a ratio of the printing data of low resolution.

Therefore, by make form the different nozzle of content with and near the print resolution of the image that at least one side was printed of nozzle reduce, can access following effect, for example, can make by forming IOU note or " dense " that " bar zoning " that " the flight buckling phenomenon " that hold different nozzles cause brought and become not obvious.

At this, so-called " forming content-related information " with the ink droplet of said nozzle, be the information that the information of the necessity when forming ink droplet by nozzle constitutes, the size each pixel value correspondence, that have or not the information of (forming or do not form ink droplet by nozzle) and the ink droplet when forming about ink droplet that comprises view data (for example, large, medium and small three kinds any) information etc., for example, have only under a kind of situation, also can only constitute by the information that has or not about ink droplet in the formation size.

Also have, so-called above-mentioned " bar zoning ", be because of forming " the flight buckling phenomenon " of the different nozzle of content, IOU note and " dense 's " printing problem takes place in print result simultaneously, printing problem (following " printing equipment control program " the related mode that takes place with deviation by the spray volume of ink, " printing equipment control method " related mode, " print and use data generating device " related mode, " print and use data generator " related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode, and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

Also have, so-called above-mentioned " flight buckling phenomenon ", with the nozzle of an above-mentioned like that only part not spray phenomenon different, though be the ink ejection, but the emission direction inclination of the nozzle that it is a part of etc., thereby ink droplet departs from phenomenon (following " printing equipment control program " related mode that ideal position forms, " printing equipment control method " related mode, " print and use data generating device " related mode, " print and use data generator " related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode, and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

Also have, so-called this IOU note, be to recur by the distance phenomenon wideer between the adjacent drops of " flight buckling phenomenon " generation than predetermined distance, thereby the eye-catching part of color strip of the substrate of print media, so-called in addition " dense ", be to recur by the distance phenomenon shorter between the adjacent drops of " flight buckling phenomenon " generation than predetermined distance, thereby can not see the color of the substrate of print media, or, the distance between ink droplet seems denseer relatively owing to shortening, the part and the normal ink droplet that depart from the ink droplet of formation in addition overlap, and its intersection is dense strip and eye-catching part (zone).Also have, informal voucher is that the few nozzle of quantity of ink causes sometimes, on the other hand, dense is (related related related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode of mode, " print and use data generator " of mode, " print and use data generating device " of mode, " printing equipment control method " that following " printing equipment control program " is related, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical) that the many nozzles of quantity of ink cause sometimes.

Also have, " memory contents " of so-called said nozzle information storage mechanism is the information etc. of the formation content of for example ink droplet nozzle different with the formation content of regulation.But, as the holder of information, there are various situations, for example, also consider the information itself (flight amount of bow, ink spray volume) that keeps nozzle, in the flow process of processing, the situation that this information and preset threshold are compared and handled.In addition, with the number of stages displacement number step of revising, this step value is stored sometimes.In addition, sometimes can also be only to being that the operable nozzle or this open/close information of the nozzle that cannot use are handled (related related related mode, " printing data creation method " related mode and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode of mode, " print and use data generator " of mode, " print and use data generating device " of mode, " printing equipment control method " that following " printing equipment control program " is related, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

Also have, so-called " forming different nozzle of content and near nozzle thereof ", during for example above-mentioned IOU note, contain the nozzle that causes the nozzle that the formation content of ink droplet departs from and form the normal ink droplet wideer of this ink droplet that departs from distance relatively because of " flight buckling phenomenon " than common situation, also have when above-mentioned " dense ", contain and cause the nozzle that the formation content of ink droplet departs from and form that this ink droplet that departs from distance is shorter than common situation relatively equally because of " flight buckling phenomenon ", the perhaps nozzle of the normal ink droplet of part or all coincidence (following " printing equipment control program " related mode, " printing equipment control method " related mode, " print and use data generating device " related mode, " print and use data generator " related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode, and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

Also have, so-called " different " with the formation content of regulation, it is the formed ink droplet of expression nozzle, state from desirable formation position deviation formation, or the state that forms from the position more than the distance of desirable formation position deviation regulation, or the formed ink droplet of nozzle, than the little or big state of desirable formation size, or compare state more than the little or big given size with the size that ideal forms, particularly, the formation position of ink droplet, during very big departing from, above-mentioned " flight buckling phenomenon " takes place from desirable formation position generation.

At this, in the manner so-called " ink droplet ", be that the literal of thing or the base unit of figure are printed in expression, be ink from one or more nozzles ejections is being sprayed 1 zone on medium.Also have, this " ink droplet " certainly, area is not " zero ", has certain size (area), has a plurality of kinds because of varying in size.Also have, shape as ink droplet, being not limited to must be positive circle, also can contain the shape beyond the positive circle of ellipse etc., because this moment, diameter was also inconsistent, so according to the ink droplet area occupied, or based on its average diameter, determine size (following " printing equipment control program " related mode of this ink droplet, " printing equipment control method " related mode, " print and use data generating device " related mode, " print and use data generator " related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode, and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

Also have, if this " ink droplet diameter " carried out tighter definition, imagination has and sprays the just ink droplet of equal value of circle of the area that the area of the ink droplet that a certain amount of ink forms equates, is the diameter of ink droplet with the diameter of this equivalence ink droplet.Also have, in general, because of the absorptivity of the different inks of print media etc. also changes, so even identical quantity of ink, various variations also can take place in the ink droplet diameter that forms if print media changes.Also have, this " ink droplet ", being not limited to must be that a ink droplet by from a nozzle ejection forms, the situation etc. that also comprises very big ink droplet like this, ink droplet that the ink droplet more than 2 is combined to form.

Also have, so-called " near the nozzle of the nozzle that above-mentioned formation content is different " do not limit especially, is the nozzle of about 10 pixel coverages on every side at center with the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content but refer to for example responsible.That is, this is because if the zone that near the excessive then graininess of the scope this worsens also has with regard to becoming big, if because of resolution ratio causes choice refreshments excessive, then can only have this part to become special state, and it is better to reduce the plug hole state gradually.

Also have, determining method as above-mentioned " by printing the nozzle that generates a side of mechanism's decision with data ", do not limit especially, but have several different methods to be suitable for using, for example, with not being the nozzle decision of the nozzle that is offset takes place to print for using nozzle, in addition, each row or multirow are replaced setting, in addition, by given pattern decision, or decision at random.

[mode 2] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 2,

Printing equipment according to mode 1, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that cause by the bar zoning become not obvious, and can access following effect, for example by every line translation being made as the position of obsolete nozzle, it is empty continuously to prevent that image from determining to be listed as pairing ink droplet, so it is low to suppress the image quality of image of print result.

[mode 3] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 3,

Printing equipment according to

mode

1 or 2, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that produce by the bar zoning become not obvious, and can access following effect, for example by each odd-numbered line or each even number line to image, enforcement is made as the selection of obsolete nozzle, with all row selected to be made as obsolete nozzle compare, the image quality of image that more can suppress print result is low.

[mode 4] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 4,

Printing equipment according to mode 2, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, when selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selects from position at random at every row of above-mentioned image.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that produce by the bar zoning become not obvious, and can access following effect, by each row to image, the nozzle of at random position is made as do not use, be made as not use with nozzle with same position and compare, the image quality of image that more can suppress print result is low.

[mode 5] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 5,

According to printing equipment arbitrary in the mode 2 to 4, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that produce by the bar zoning become not obvious, and can access following effect, for example, can not carry out special image processing resolution ratio is descended by not handling (not using the processing of this pixel fully) as not existing corresponding to the pixel of obsolete nozzle.

[mode 6] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 6,

According to printing equipment arbitrary in the mode 2～5, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

[mode 7] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 7,

According to printing equipment arbitrary in the mode 1～6, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generates the area gray scale area gray scale equal printing data preceding with becoming above-mentioned low resolution of implementing the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution in the above-mentioned image.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that produce by the bar zoning become not obvious, and because the area gray scale that becomes the image before the low resolution can be maintained to become low resolution after, become the low effect of image quality of the image after the low resolution so can be inhibited.

[mode 8] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 8,

Printing equipment according to mode 7, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generation makes the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, than the big above-mentioned printing data of ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution of the pixel value correspondence of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle.

If have this structure, not only can make the IOU note or " dense " that produce by the bar zoning become not obvious, and can access following effect, become big by the size that makes the formed ink droplet of nozzle that uses in the printing, can suppress the low of the area gray scale that causes because of pixel that ink droplet does not form, so can suppress to become image quality low of the image after the low resolution.

[mode 9] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 9 is characterized in that:

Printing equipment according to

mode

7 or 8, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure because can suppress the area gray scale that causes because of the disappearance of not using the pairing pixel of nozzle lowly, so can access the low effect of image quality that can suppress to become the image after the low resolution.

[mode 10] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 10,

Printing equipment according to arbitrary in the mode 1～9 is characterized in that, above-mentioned printhead is to stride across the scope wider than the installation region of above-mentioned medium, is arranged with the printhead of said nozzle continuously.

If have this structure, as mentioned above, can access following effect, promptly can make and use when finishing the printhead of wardrobe type of printing an incidental especially IOU note that zoning caused or " dense " to become not obvious by so-called 1 scanning.

[mode 11] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 11,

Printing equipment according to arbitrary in the mode 1～9 is characterized in that, above-mentioned printhead, for the perpendicular direction of the paper feeding direction of above-mentioned medium on arrange nozzle, come to implement the structure printed with the printing of 1 scanning.

Thus, as mentioned above, can eliminate or cover up and use the caused IOU note of an incidental especially zoning or " dense " when scanning (being 1pass) and finish the printhead of wardrobe type of printing by so-called 1.

At this, so-called " printing of 1 scanning ", be meant that each nozzle is in the delegation of printing to the paper feeding direction (printhead moving direction) of picture, only print by the nozzle of being responsible for this journey, and by being responsible for the moment of nozzle after once, (following " printing equipment control program " related mode is finished in the printing of this journey, " printing equipment control method " related mode, " print and use data generating device " related mode, " print and use data generator " related mode, " print and use data creation method " related mode, and " having stored the medium of said procedure " related mode, the record in the preferred forms hurdle is identical).

[mode 12] in addition, the printing equipment of mode 12,

Printing equipment according to arbitrary in the mode 1～9 is characterized in that, above-mentioned printhead is to come and go on one side to move on the direction vertical with the paper feeding direction of above-mentioned medium, implement the printhead printed on one side.

Above-mentioned zoning relatively significantly, but also can take place under the situation of the printhead of multi-path type under the situation of the printhead of the head dummy of being expert at.Therefore, if each printing equipment of aforesaid way 1 to 8 is applied to the printhead of multi-path type, then can access IOU note that the bar zoning that takes place in the printhead that makes multi-path type caused or " dense " the unconspicuous effect that also becomes.

Also have, under the situation of the printhead of multi-path type, can be by implementing repeatedly the first-class work of scanning and printing, avoid above-mentioned bar zoning, if but use each printing equipment of above-mentioned mode 1 to 9, because need not to make printhead repeatedly to scan, so can realize the more printing of high speed in same position.

[mode 13] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the printing equipment control program of mode 13, be used to control printing equipment, described printing equipment is by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead that forms the nozzle of ink droplet on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that

Comprise the program of using when making computer-implemented following the processing, these processing comprise: the image data acquisition step, and it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; Printing generates step with data, and it generates the printing data of the information relevant with having or not of ink droplet that comprises each above-mentioned pixel based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining; And, printing step, it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

Above-mentioned printing generates in the step with data, memory contents based on the nozzle information storing mechanism of the information of the formation content nozzle different of the above-mentioned ink droplet of storage with the formation content of regulation, generate to print and use data, described printing data, make the print resolution of the image of printing by the above-mentioned at least one side who forms different nozzle of content and near nozzle thereof, be in a ratio of low resolution with the pairing print resolution that obtains the view data that step obtains by above-mentioned view data of the nozzle that uses in the above-mentioned printing.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 1.

Also have, nearly all printing equipment of the ink-jet printer that occurs on the present market etc., all has the computer system that constitutes by central processing unit (CPU) and storage device (RAM, ROM), input/output unit etc., because can use this computer system to realize above-mentioned each mechanism by software, so realize that with making special-purpose hardware the situation of above-mentioned each mechanism compares, can more economical and easily realize.

In addition, by rewriting the part of program, can easily carry out the upgrading of function change or improvement etc.

[mode 14] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 14,

Printing equipment control program according to mode 13, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 2.

[mode 15] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 15,

Printing equipment control program according to

mode

13 or 14, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 3.

[mode 16] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 16,

Printing equipment control program according to mode 14, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step in above-mentioned printing, when near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from position at random, select at every row of above-mentioned image.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 4.

[mode 17] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 17,

According to printing equipment control program arbitrary in the mode 14 to 16, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 5.

[mode 18] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 18,

According to printing equipment control program arbitrary in the mode 14 to 17, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 6.

[mode 19] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 19,

According to printing equipment control program arbitrary in the mode 13 to 18, it is characterized in that, generate in the step the equal printing data of area gray scale before generating the area gray scale of the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution enforcement in the above-mentioned image and becoming above-mentioned low resolution with data in above-mentioned printing.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 7.

[mode 20] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 20,

Printing equipment control program according to mode 19, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 8.

[mode 21] in addition, the printing equipment control program of mode 21,

Printing equipment control program according to mode 19 or 20, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain effect and the effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 9.

[mode 22] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the computer-readable recording medium of mode 22 stores the printing equipment control program, it is characterized in that,

Record the arbitrary printing equipment control program of mode 13 to mode 21.

Thus, can access with mode 13 to arbitrary printing equipment control program of mode 21 identical effect and effect, and the recording medium by CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, MO etc., the above-mentioned print routine of can easily giving and accepting.

[mode 23] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the printing equipment control method of mode 23, be used to control printing equipment, described printing equipment is by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that

Comprise: the image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; Printing generates step with data, and it is based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining, generate comprise each above-mentioned pixel value form the printing data of content-related information with ink droplet; And, printing step, it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

Above-mentioned printing generates in the step with data, memory contents based on the nozzle information storing mechanism of the information of the formation content nozzle different of the above-mentioned ink droplet of storage with desirable formation content, generate to print and use data, described printing data, make the print resolution of the image of printing by the above-mentioned at least one side who forms different nozzle of content and near nozzle thereof, be in a ratio of low resolution with the pairing print resolution that obtains the view data that step obtains by above-mentioned view data of the nozzle that uses in the above-mentioned printing.

Specifically, be to be used to control by having a plurality of printing equipment control methods that can come on above-mentioned medium, to print the printing equipment of the image of stipulating at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print, it is characterized in that,

Comprise: image data acquisition step (input unit), it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; Printing generates step (CPU (central processing unit) generates according to the program of depositing among the ROM) with data, it is based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining, what generation comprised each above-mentioned pixel value forms the printing data of content-related information (leave in the external memory, be stored in during execution among the RAM (main storage means)) with ink droplet; Printing step (CPU carries out while controlling output device), it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

Generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, memory contents based on the nozzle information storing mechanism of the information of the formation content nozzle different with desirable formation content of the above-mentioned ink droplet of storage (leaves in the external memory, be stored among the RAM during execution), generate and print with data (CPU generates according to the program of depositing among the ROM), described printing data, make the print resolution of the image of printing by the above-mentioned at least one side who forms different nozzle of content and near nozzle thereof, be in a ratio of low resolution with the pairing print resolution that obtains the view data that step obtains by above-mentioned view data of the nozzle that uses in the above-mentioned printing.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 1.

[mode 24] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 24,

Printing equipment control method according to mode 23, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

Specifically, printing equipment control method according to mode 23, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 2.

[mode 25] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 25,

Printing equipment control method according to mode 23 or 24, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

Specifically, printing equipment control method according to mode 23 or 24, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 3.

[mode 26] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 26,

Printing equipment control method according to mode 24, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step in above-mentioned printing, when near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from position at random, select at every row of above-mentioned image.

Specifically, printing equipment control method according to mode 24, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, when near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from position at random, select at every row of above-mentioned image.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 4.

[mode 27] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 27,

According to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 24 to 26, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

Specifically, according to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 24 to 26, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 5.

[mode 28] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 28,

According to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 24 to 27, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

Specifically, according to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 24 to 27, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 6.

[mode 29] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 29,

According to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 23 to 28, it is characterized in that, generate in the step the equal printing data of area gray scale before generating the area gray scale of the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution enforcement in the above-mentioned image and becoming above-mentioned low resolution with data in above-mentioned printing.

Specifically, according to printing equipment control method arbitrary in the mode 23 to 28, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, generate the area gray scale area gray scale equal printing data preceding of implementing the image section printed with the above-mentioned low resolution in the above-mentioned image with becoming above-mentioned low resolution.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 7.

[mode 30] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 30,

Printing equipment control method according to mode 29, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

Specifically, printing equipment control method according to mode 29, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 8.

[mode 31] in addition, the printing equipment control method of mode 31,

Printing equipment control method according to mode 29 or 30, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

Specifically, printing equipment control method according to mode 29 or 30, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step (program that CPU deposits in according to ROM generates) in above-mentioned printing, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, and the pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

Thus, can access the action effect identical with the printing equipment of mode 9.

[mode 32] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the printing data generating device of mode 32, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead that forms the nozzle of ink droplet on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that having: image data acquisition mechanism, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; Printing generates mechanism with data, and it is based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining, generate comprise each above-mentioned pixel value form the printing data of content-related information with ink droplet; And, the nozzle information storing mechanism, it stores the information of the formation content of the above-mentioned ink droplet nozzle different with desirable formation content,

That is, the manner does not comprise the sort of printing mechanism that is used for actual execution printing of above-mentioned printing equipment, just based on original many-valued view data, only generates the pairing printing data of printhead characteristic.

Therefore, only need just can directly utilize the printing equipment of existing ink-jetting style by carrying the printing data that generate by the manner to printing equipment, and same with the printing equipment of mode 1, can easily obtain informal voucher or dense not obvious, high-quality printing thing.

Also have, because can utilize general information processor such as computer, so can directly apply flexibly the existing print system that print instruction apparatus and ink-jet printer by computer etc. constitute.

[mode 33] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 33,

Printing data generating device according to mode 32, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 2, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 34] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 34,

Printing data generating device according to mode 32 or 33, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 3, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 35] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 35,

Printing data generating device according to mode 33, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, when selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selects from position at random at every row of above-mentioned image.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 4, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 36] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 36,

According to printing data generating device arbitrary in the mode 33 to 35, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 5, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 37] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 37,

According to printing data generating device arbitrary in the mode 33 to 36, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 6, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 38] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 38,

According to printing data generating device arbitrary in the mode 33 to 37, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generates the area gray scale area gray scale equal printing data preceding with becoming above-mentioned low resolution of implementing the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution in the above-mentioned image.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 7, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 39] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 39,

Printing data generating device according to mode 38, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 8, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 40] in addition, the printing data generating device of mode 40,

Printing data generating device according to mode 38 or 39, it is characterized in that, above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

So can be same with the printing equipment of mode 9, it is not obvious easily to obtain informal voucher, high-quality printing thing.

[mode 41] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the printing data generator of mode 41, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that

Comprise the program of using when making computer-implemented following the processing, these processing comprise: the image data acquisition step, and it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; And, print and to generate step with data, it is based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining, generate comprise each above-mentioned pixel form the printing data of content-related information with ink droplet,

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 32.

[mode 42] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 42,

Printing data generator according to mode 41, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 33.

[mode 43] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 43,

Printing data generator according to mode 41 or 42, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 34.

[mode 44] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 44,

Printing data generator according to mode 42, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step in above-mentioned printing, when near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from position at random, select at every row of above-mentioned image.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 35.

[mode 45] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 45,

The printing data generator arbitrary according to mode 42 to 44, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 36.

[mode 46] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 46,

The printing data generator arbitrary according to mode 42 to 45, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 37.

[mode 47] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 47,

The printing data generator arbitrary according to mode 41 to 46, it is characterized in that, generate in the step the equal printing data of area gray scale before generating the area gray scale of the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution enforcement in the above-mentioned image and becoming above-mentioned low resolution with data in above-mentioned printing.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 38.

[mode 48] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 48,

Printing data generator according to mode 47, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 39.

[mode 49] in addition, the printing data generator of mode 49,

Printing data generator according to mode 47 or 48, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

If have this structure, by the computer fetch program, carry out processing according to the process computer that is read, then can obtain printing identical effect and the effect of data generating device with mode 40.

[mode 50] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the computer-readable recording medium of mode 50 stores to print and uses data generator, it is characterized in that,

Record the arbitrary printing data generator of mode 41 to mode 49.

Thus, can access and mode 41 to the arbitrary printing of mode 49 with identical effect and the effect of data generator, and the recording medium by CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, FD (floppy disk) etc., the above-mentioned print routine of can easily giving and accepting.

[mode 51] on the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the printing data creation method of mode 51, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that

Comprise: the image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; And, print and to generate step with data, it is based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining, generate comprise each above-mentioned pixel form the printing data of content-related information with ink droplet,

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 32 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 52] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 52,

Printing data creation method according to mode 51, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 33 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 53] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 53,

Printing data creation method according to mode 51 or 52, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 34 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 54] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 54,

Printing data creation method according to mode 52, it is characterized in that, generate with data in the step in above-mentioned printing, when near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from position at random, select at every row of above-mentioned image.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 35 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 55] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 55,

The printing data creation method arbitrary according to mode 52 to 54, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 36 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 56] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 56,

The printing data creation method arbitrary according to mode 52 to 55, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 37 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 57] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 57,

The printing data creation method arbitrary according to mode 51 to 56, it is characterized in that, generate in the step the equal printing data of area gray scale before generating the area gray scale of the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution enforcement in the above-mentioned image and becoming above-mentioned low resolution with data in above-mentioned printing.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 38 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 58] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 58,

Printing data creation method according to mode 57, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 39 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

[mode 59] in addition, the printing data creation method of mode 59,

Printing data creation method according to mode 57 or 58, it is characterized in that, generate in the step with data in above-mentioned printing, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

So, can obtain with the printing of mode 40 with identical effect and the effect of data generating device.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the structure of the printing equipment 100 among expression the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the figure that the hardware of expression computer system constitutes.

Fig. 3 is that the part of the structure of expression printhead 200 of the present invention is amplified ground plan.

Fig. 4 is the part amplification profile of the printhead 200 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of the print processing in the expression printing equipment 100.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that printing in the expression printing equipment 100, that consider the flight bending is handled with the generation of data.

Fig. 7 is the figure that only represents by an example of the drop pattern that does not exist black nozzles module 50 that the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight takes place to form.

Fig. 8 is illustrated in the black nozzles module 50, the figure of an example of formed drop pattern when the flight buckling phenomenon has taken place nozzle N6.

Fig. 9 (a) is one one figure of formed drop pattern when representing generation flight bending shown in Figure 8; (b) be that expression is from the drop pattern of (a), with the figure of the situation of nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing separately row pixel data of nozzle N8 plug hole; (c) be the figure that expression is dispersed to concentration value the example in the neighboring pixels data of pixel data of plug hole object.

Figure 10 is the figure of an example of each nozzle N of expression ink drop size that can form.

Figure 11 is the figure of an example of the dispersal direction handled of the error diffusion of the view data correspondence after the expression plug hole is handled.

Figure 12 (a) is expression by the figure of an example of the drop pattern that the full coat image that the crooked printhead of flight forms does not take place; (b) being expression by nozzle N6 the figure of one example of the drop pattern of the full coat image that the crooked printhead of flight forms takes place; The figure of drop pattern one example that (c) to be expression form with data based on the printing of the flight bending of considering nozzle N6.

To be expression set the figure of an example of the situation that the plug hole of the pixel data when not using nozzle handles every the delegation of view data to Figure 13.

To be expression set the figure of an example of the drop pattern that is only formed by the black nozzles module 50 that comprises abnormal nozzle when not using nozzle every the delegation of view data to Figure 14.

Figure 15 is the figure of an example of the situation of the expression plug hole processing of every row of view data being set the pixel data when not using nozzle on column position at random.

To be expression set the figure of an example of the drop pattern that is only formed by the black nozzles module 50 that comprises abnormal nozzle when not using nozzle to every row of view data to Figure 16 on column position at random.

Figure 17 is row of the situation that the plug hole of the pixel data when not using nozzle handles are set in expression every the delegation of view data, on column position at random figure.

Figure 18 (A)～(C) is the different key diagram of the printing type under the ink-jet printer of expression ink-jet printer of multi-path type and wardrobe type.

Figure 19 is another routine concept map of the structure of expression printhead.

Among the figure: the 100-printing equipment, the 200-printhead, 10-view data acquisition portion, 12-printing nozzle configuration part, 14-nozzle information storage part, 16-nozzle characteristic test section, 18-prints and uses the data generating unit, 20-printing portion, 60-CPU, 62-RAM, 64-ROM, the 66-interface, the 70-storage device, the 72-output device, the 74-input unit, 50-black nozzles module, 52-yellow nozzle module, the red nozzle module of 54-, the blue nozzle module of 56-, P, S-print media (using paper), the L-netting twine, the N-nozzle.

The specific embodiment

[first embodiment]

Below, based on accompanying drawing of the present invention first embodiment is described.

Fig. 1～Figure 12 be expression among the present invention printing equipment, printing equipment control program and printing equipment control method and print with data generating device, print with data generator and print figure with first embodiment of data creation method.

At first, based on Fig. 1 the structure of the printing equipment among the present invention 100 is described.Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the structure of expression printing equipment 100 of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, printing equipment 100 comprises as the lower part and constitutes: view data acquisition portion 10, and it obtains to constitute the view data of specified image from external device (ED) and storage device etc.; Printing nozzle configuration part 12, it is based on the characteristic of the specific printing nozzle in the aftermentioned printhead 200 that this device had, and sets the use content of printing nozzle of each pixel data correspondence of view data; Nozzle information storage part 14, its storage be by the characteristic information of nozzle characteristic test section 16 detected printing nozzles described later, or be stored in before dispatching from the factory etc. and store in advance by detected nozzle characteristic information such as determination tests; Nozzle characteristic test section 16, it can carry out test printing and detect the characteristic of each printing nozzle in the printhead 200 (whether being the nozzle etc. that flight crooked (ink deflection) takes place); Print with data generating unit 18, it is based on the setting content of the printing nozzle configuration part 12 of view data and this view data correspondence, in printing described later portion 20, generate the printing data that are used for going up the image of print image data at print media S (being print paper here); Printing portion 20, it uses data based on printing, by the image of ink-jetting style print image data on print paper.

View data acquisition portion 10 for example has the function that obtains many-valued view data, each pixel of the view data that this is many-valued, and the gray scale (brightness value) of each of shades of colour (R, G, B) is showed by 8 (0～255).Can be according to printing indication from the input unit of external device (ED) and this device etc., network by LAN or WAN etc. obtains this view data from external device (ED), also can be by the drive unit of not shown CD driver that this device had, DVD driver etc., obtain from the recording medium of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM etc., can also obtain from the storage device described later 70 that this device had.

Printing nozzle configuration part 12, the function that has is: according to the printing indication of the view data correspondence that obtains in the view data acquisition portion 10, from nozzle information storage part 14, read the nozzle characteristic information of the characteristic of each the nozzle N that represents printhead 200, based on this nozzle characteristic information that reads, with view data corresponding to the printing indication, when the ink droplet that has nozzle (dot) forms nozzle that content departs from from the ideal position of correct print image on print paper (particularly, the crooked nozzle of flight takes place) time, to each of each pixel data of view data, at least one side who whether uses this nozzle and near the nozzle it is printed this view data to be set, simultaneously, based on the content of this setting, view data is implemented corresponding to the not plug hole of the pixel data of use location (decimation) processing of nozzle, with the low concentration value dispersion treatment of area gray scale that is used to suppress to handle caused respective image part by this plug hole.

Nozzle information storage part 14 has the function of characteristic of the nozzle in the printing portion 20 employed printheads 200 of storage ink-jetting style described later.At this, the characteristic of so-called nozzle, specifically, as Fig. 3 and shown in Figure 4 be for each the nozzle N in the printing portion 20 employed printheads 200, the information of the buckling phenomenon that whether flies and concrete cause which information the abnormal nozzle N of this flight buckling phenomenon be when determining to take place the flight buckling phenomenon.

Fig. 3 is that the part of the structure of expression printhead 200 of the present invention is amplified ground plan, and Fig. 4 is its part amplification profile.

As shown in Figure 3, this printhead 200 comprises that 4 nozzle modules 50,52,54 and 56 constitute, and wherein: black nozzles module 50 is formed by the nozzle N of a plurality of special ejection black (K) ink (among the figure 18) shape that is arranged in a straight line; Yellow nozzle module 52 is formed by the nozzle N of yellow (Y) inks of a plurality of special ejections shape that is arranged in a straight line equally; Red nozzle module 54 is formed by the nozzle N of red (M) inks of a plurality of special ejections shape that is arranged in a straight line equally; Blue nozzle module 56 is formed by the nozzle N of blue (C) inks of a plurality of special ejections shape that is arranged in a straight line equally.And, the nozzle N of each the identical numbering in this nozzle module of 4, as shown in Figure 3, be straight line on paper feeding direction (vertical direction of the nozzle arrangement direction of printhead 200 relatively), so nozzle module 50,52,54 and 56 is constituted by integrated arrangement.Thereby, constitute a plurality of nozzle N of each nozzle module, on the linearly respectively nozzle arrangement direction that is arranged in printhead 200, the nozzle N of each the identical numbering in 4 nozzle modules, shape is arranged in a straight line on paper feeding direction respectively.

In addition, what Fig. 4 represented is, in the black nozzles module 50 in these 4

nozzle modules

50,52,54 and 56, a left side is played the 6th nozzle N6 the flight buckling phenomenon is taken place, from then on ink is ejected on the print media S nozzle N6 tilted direction, formed ink droplet on print media S thus is formed on from adjacent normal nozzle N7 ejection of this nozzle N6 and near the state ink droplet that print media S forms.

Return Fig. 1, nozzle characteristic test section 16, after using at printing equipment 100, the situation of the characteristic changing of corresponding its printhead 200, termly or utilize the optics print result reading mechanism etc. of sweep mechanism etc. in the period of regulation, check the characteristic of this printhead 200 according to the print result of this printhead 200, this check result is preserved with the data of said nozzle information storage part 14, or cover these data and preserve.Also have, the characteristic of this printhead 200 was just fixed in a way in the fabrication stage, it is generally acknowledged except ink obstruction etc. cause spraying bad, it is relatively more rare to make the situation that the back changes.Therefore, if be stored in advance in the nozzle information storage part 14 after when dispatching from the factory, checking, there is no need basically each printing equipment is set the nozzle characteristic test section.

Print with data generating unit 18, be elaborated in the back, its function is: based on the view data that obtains from above-mentioned printing nozzle configuration part 12, with this view data, be transformed into the data of the printing usefulness of being utilized in the printing portion 20 of ink-jetting style described later, promptly each pixel data in the view data got the ink droplet of the color of regulation and given size and whether do not get the relevant data of ink droplet (below, suitably be called " 2 value " or " halftone ") with whether.When this conversion, consideration by above-mentioned abnormal nozzle with and near the ink droplet of each pixel data of producing of normal nozzles form have or not etc., will be because of the crooked image section that contains band that takes place of the flight of abnormal nozzle, by not using corresponding to the part of the nozzle of this image section or controlling near this obsolete nozzle other the formation ink drop size of nozzle, be transformed into the printing data of low resolutionization.

Printing portion 20, be a side or the both sides of print media (using paper) S or printhead 200 to be moved on one side, on one side from being formed at the said nozzle module 50 of above-mentioned

printhead

200,52,54 and 56 spray ink respectively with the ink droplet shape, come on above-mentioned print media S, to form the printer of the ink jet type of the specified image that constitutes by a plurality of ink droplets, except that above-mentioned printhead 200, also constitute by following mechanism: not shown printhead conveying mechanism (situation of multichannel (multipass) type), it makes this printhead 200 come and go at its width of print media (using paper) S upper edge and moves; Not shown paper advance mechanism, it is used to make above-mentioned print media (using paper) S to move; And not shown printing controlling organization, it controls the ejection of the ink of printhead 200 based on above-mentioned 2 value data, or the like.

Also have, this printing equipment 100 has computer system, it is used for realizing above-mentioned view data acquisition portion 10, printing nozzle configuration part 12, nozzle characteristic test section 16, printing above-mentioned each function with data generating unit 18, printing portion 20 etc. by software, and carries out the software to realizing that the necessary hardware of above-mentioned each function is controlled.The hardware configuration of this computer system, as shown in Figure 2, the central arithmetic processing apparatus CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) 60 of various controls and calculation process will be responsible for, constitute the RAM (Random Access Memory) 62 of main storage means (Main Storage), and between the read-only storage device ROM (Read Only Memory) 64, the various interior external bus 68 that constitutes by PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or ISA (Industrial StandardArchitecture) bus etc. connects, and on this bus 68, by input/output interface (I/F) 66, the external memory (Secondary Storage) 70 of connection HDD etc., printing portion 20 and CRT, the output device 72 of LCD display etc., operation panel and mouse, keyboard, the input unit 74 of scanner etc., and be used for network cable L that communicates with not shown print instruction apparatus etc. etc.

Then, after connecting power supply, the system program of middle BIOS stored such as ROM64 etc., with the computer program of various special uses of storage in advance among the ROM64, perhaps pass through the medium of CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, floppy disk (FD) etc., or be installed to the computer program of the various special uses in the storage device 70 by the communication network of internet etc., call among the RAM62 equally, the order that CPU60 records and narrates according to the program of calling among this RAM62, order about control and calculation process that various resources are stipulated, thus, realize each above-mentioned function from software.

In addition, in the printing equipment 100, make the established procedure starting of depositing in the regulation zone of ROM64 by CPU60, according to this program, the print processing shown in the flow chart of execution graph 5.Also have, though be used for the printhead 200 of formation ink droplet as above-mentioned, generally the ink droplet of the multiple color of 4 looks and 6 looks etc. can be formed substantially simultaneously, but in order to make explanation be convenient to understand, all use the printhead 200 of (monochrome) of the same colour arbitrarily to form example with all ink droplets and describe (black white image) in the following example.

Print processing after the CPU60 execution, as shown in Figure 5, at first, is transferred to step S100.

In step S100, in view data acquisition portion 10, the printing indication information of the external device (ED) that connects by the netting twine L that hangs oneself is transmitted, or by printing indication information through input unit 74 inputs, judge whether the indication of printing is arranged, judge that (being) transferred to step S102 when the indication of printing was arranged, otherwise (denying) till being arranged, the indication of printing carries out determination processing repeatedly.

When transferring to step S102, in view data acquisition portion 10, as mentioned above, carry out from external device (ED), CD-ROM, the recording medium of DVD-ROM etc., places such as the storage device 70 of HDD etc. obtain the processing corresponding to the view data of printing indication, judge thus and whether obtain view data, be judged to be when obtaining (being), transfer to step S104 after sending the view data of this acquisition to printing nozzle configuration part 12, otherwise (No), after printing replying that indication unit carries out printing etc., abandon transferring to step S100 after the print processing that should print indication.At this, view data is the data that a plurality of many-valued pixel datas constitute with rectangular arrangement, and its line direction is consistent with the nozzle arrangement direction of printhead 200, and its column direction is consistent with the moving direction (paper feeding direction) of printhead 200.

When transferring to step S104, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, after reading nozzle characteristic information, nozzle information storage part 14 transfers to step S106.

In step S106, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, select the regional pixel data of regulation according to the view data that obtains at step S102, transfer to step S108 then.At this, so-called regulation zone is the data area that comprises the pairing pixel data row of abnormal nozzle in the view data and be positioned near the pixel data row (for example, the pairing row of abnormal nozzle about pixels of 8 row of each 4 row) of the stated number it.

In step S108, based in printing nozzle configuration part 12, the nozzle characteristic information that reads at step S104 and at the pixel data in the regulation zone that step S106 selects, in the printhead 200, judgement for the pixel data in this regulation zone whether corresponding to the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight takes place, be judged to be seasonable (being) transferred to step S110, otherwise (denying) transfers to step S118.

When transferring to step S110, because comprise corresponding to the pixel data that the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight takes place, so in printing nozzle configuration part 12 and in printing with data generating unit 18, pixel data to this regulation zone, the printing data that flight is crooked are considered in generation, transfer to step S112 then.

In step S112, use in the data generating unit 18 in printing, judge whether the generation processing that the region-wide pixel data of view data is printed with data finishes, and (being) transfers to step S114 when being judged to be end, otherwise (denying) transfers to step S106.

When transferring to step S114, in printing, export the printing that generates among the step S108 to printing portion 20 with data, transfer to step S116 then with data generating unit 18.

In step S116, in printing portion 20,, carry out print processing based on from the printing data of printing with data generating unit 18, transfer to step S100 then.

On the other hand, in step S108, the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight takes place in printhead 200 and when transferring to step S118, regulation zone to respective image data, generate by and with the printing data that the common data conversion (2 values processing) of error diffusion processing described later etc. obtains, transfer to step S112 then.

Then, based on Fig. 6, the generation processing of the crooked printing of the consideration of step S110 flight with data is described in detail.

This prints with the generation of data and handles, consider that flight is crooked, to the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight and near at least one side of the nozzle it are taken place, the pixel data of whether setting the correspondence in the regulation zone of view data uses this nozzle, set the result based on this, pixel data to the afore mentioned rules zone carries out plug hole processing and concentration value dispersion treatment, and based on the view data generation printing data after this processing, after it is performed in step S110, as shown in Figure 6, at first transfer to step S200.

In step S200, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, the pixel data in regulation zone is resolved, obtain the corresponding relation of each nozzle N of each pixel data in this regulation zone and printhead 200 after, be transferred to step S202.This dissection process, size of images and printing indication information (specifying paper size, printing model etc.) etc. is resolved, obtain the corresponding relation of each pixel data and each nozzle N, but be not limited thereto, also can be by each size and printing model to view data, with the storage in ROM64 etc. of the information of corresponding relation, save dissection process in advance.

In step S202, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on the analysis result of step S200 and the nozzle characteristic information that reads from nozzle information storage part 14, whether setting uses the nozzle N corresponding to each of each pixel data in regulation zone, transfers to step S204 then.

At this, in the present embodiment, for the crooked pairing full pel data of abnormal nozzle of flight take place for, do not use the setting of this abnormal nozzle, and, also be set at and do not use for the pairing pixel data of this nozzle to two nozzles with this abnormal nozzle adjacent nozzles of being separated by respectively.That is, for example, in Fig. 3, nozzle N6 is that the nozzle N5 that is adjacent for being separated by and the nozzle N4 of nozzle N7 and nozzle N8 for the pixel data of correspondence, did not use the setting of these nozzles yet when the abnormal nozzle of flight bending took place.

In step S204, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, judge nozzle N use could setting whether finish, is judged to be when finishing (being) and transfers to step S206, otherwise (deny) transfers to step S202, continues to set processing.

When transferring to step S206, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, select the pixel data of regulation from the regulation zone of view data, transfer to step S208 then.

In step S208, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on pixel data of selecting at step S206 and the set information of step S202, judge that whether the pixel data of selecting is corresponding to not using nozzle (the plug hole object) data, be judged to be when being the data of plug hole object (being) and transfer to step S210, otherwise (denying) transfers to step S212.

When transferring to step S210, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, the processing of the pixel data plug hole that step S206 is selected in enforcement (make and do not form ink droplet), and neighboring pixels data to the pixel data of this plug hole object, carry out the processing that the concentration value that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented disperses, transfer to step S212 then.In the present embodiment, for example, behind the concentration value separated into two parts that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented, with this two-part value and the represented concentration value addition of neighboring pixels data.

In step S212, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, judge whether whole selected mistake of pixel data and processing finishes, be judged to be when finishing (being), view data after plug hole processing and the concentration value dispersion treatment is sent to printing data generating unit 18, transfer to step S214 then, otherwise (denying) transfers to step S206.

When transferring to step S214, in printing, from the view data after plug hole processing and the concentration value dispersion treatment, select the pixel data of regulation, transfer to step S216 then with data generating unit 18.

In step S216, in printing with data generating unit 18, the pixel data that step S214 is selected carries out 2 values processing, and transfers to step S218.At this, so-called 2 values are handled, in general, be to the multi-value data that comprised in certain number range etc., with the threshold value of regulation (for example, medians in certain number range etc.) compare, coming with this threshold value is the processing of any one party of boundary's numerical value of many-valued data being transformed into two kinds.For example, when in 0～255 number range, having multi-value data, set the threshold to median " 127 ", greatly then be " 255 " if compare the numerical value of multi-value data with " 127 ", if threshold value with next be " 0 ", so multi-value data is transformed into the either party of the numerical value of 2 kinds.In the present embodiment, use data, so be whether on print media, to form ink droplet, for example, be transformed into the processing of the either party in this 2 value as forming " 1 ", not forming " 0 " owing to generate to print.Have again, in the present embodiment, 2 values that formation is not only arranged, do not form, be provided with the formed ink drop size of multiple nozzle according to the represented concentration value of pixel data, each the pairing number range setting threshold of concentration value according to these a plurality of ink drop size, pixel data (many-valued data) and these threshold values are compared, and, pixel data is transformed into the numerical value that expression forms any one party that does not still form for each ink drop size.For example, when ink drop size is N kind (N 〉=2), by to each of each ink drop size, set expression above-mentioned " formations " and because of each different numerical value (at this moment, " not forming " unifies to be made as " 0 ") of this size, with view data N value.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the information of ink drop size is handled in 2 values of each ink drop size each " 1 " of implement forming, " 0 " that do not form, among being judged as " formation ", select maximum ink drop size, and to " 1 " that forms additional its dimension information.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the method that the method for use error diffusion is handled as 2 values, thus the gray scale that can implement under the area gray scale shows.

This error diffusion is handled and is referred to, be that the boundary is when implementing 2 values and handling with many-valued data with certain threshold value, not give up threshold value therewith poor, apply flexibly that this is existing technique known but make in its a plurality of pixel of handling after being diffused into as error.For example, becoming the pixel of gazing at of handling object, in the time of can being " 101 " by 8 (256 gray scale) performance and its gray scale, during 2 common values are handled, because its gray scale is discontented with threshold value (median) " 127 ", so can be used as the pixel processing that " 0 " does not promptly form, " 101 " are directly given up.Relative therewith, when error diffusion is handled, because these " 101 " are spread the untreated pixel around it by error diffusion matrix according to the rules, so for example when only the pixel of selecting the right neighbour of pixel being carried out common 2 values processing, can because being used as " not forming ink droplet ", discontented threshold value handle equally with selecting pixel, yet by accepting to select the error of pixel, its concentration value surpasses threshold value, be subjected to the processing of " formation ink droplet ", thereby can access more 2 value data near original digital image data.

In step S218, in printing,, judge whether the processing of 2 value processing and error diffusion finishes, and is judged to be when finishing (being), finishes a series of processing and returns former processing to stipulating the whole pixel data in the zone with data generating unit 18.

At this, whether the printing data in the present embodiment relate to each of each pixel is formed the data of the size of the ink droplet of specified color and ink droplet thereof, not necessarily whole pixels are formed ink droplets.Particularly, in the present embodiment, to take place the crooked pairing pixel data of abnormal nozzle of flight with and near nozzle (for example, across 2 nozzles with the abnormal nozzle adjacent nozzles) pairing pixel data carries out plug hole, and be dispersed in its neighboring pixels data by the concentration value that the pixel data of this plug hole is represented, reduce by the pixel that the crooked row of flight take place with and near the resolution ratio of the image section that constitutes of pixel, and suppress because of the descend decline of the area gray scale that caused of this resolution ratio.

Then, based on Fig. 7～Figure 12, the action of present embodiment is described.

At this, what Fig. 7 represented is, only by an example of the drop pattern that does not exist black nozzles module 50 that the crooked abnormal nozzle of so-called flight takes place to form; What Fig. 8 represented is, in the black nozzles module 50, and an example of formed drop pattern when the flight buckling phenomenon has taken place nozzle N6.Also have, Fig. 9 (a) is the figure of the part of formed drop pattern when representing generation flight bending shown in Figure 8; (b) be the figure that the situation of corresponding row pixel data plug hole is distinguished nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 from the drop pattern of (a) in expression; (c) be the figure that expression is dispersed to concentration value the example in the neighboring pixels data of pixel data of plug hole object.In addition, Figure 10 is the figure of an example of each nozzle N of expression ink drop size that can form; Figure 11 is the figure of an example of the dispersal direction handled of the error diffusion of the view data correspondence after the expression plug hole is handled.In addition, Figure 12 (a) is expression by the figure of an example of the drop pattern that the full coat image that the crooked printhead of flight forms does not take place; (b) be expression by the figure of an example of the drop pattern that the full coat image that the crooked printhead of flight forms has taken place on nozzle N6; The figure of drop pattern one example that (c) to be expression form with data based on the printing of the flight bending of considering nozzle N6.

As shown in Figure 7, by the drop pattern that does not exist black nozzles module 50 that the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight takes place to form, above-mentioned the sort of, IOU note or " dense 's " and so on the bar zoning that is taken place by the dislocation at nozzle interval does not take place.

On the other hand, in the print result that obtains by the black nozzles module 50 that comprises the nozzle that the flight bending takes place, as shown in Figure 8, the ink droplet that forms by this nozzle N6, ink droplet one side to being formed by its right adjacent normal nozzles N7 has departed from apart from a this result, between ink droplet that forms by nozzle N6 and the ink droplet that forms by the adjacent nozzle N5 in its left side, IOU note has taken place.

Above-mentioned IOU note, at the printing thing that is so-called " full coat (; be) " here with the image of uniform concentration printing and the part zone of printing with uniform concentration, and print paper is that black etc. is like this under the situation of concentration combination far from it for white, ink, obvious more significantly, the quality of printing thing is worsened terrifically.

On the other hand, do not using black nozzles module 50, and use under other the situation of nozzle module, as mentioned above owing to misplace apart from a because of the bending of flying makes nozzle N6, cause the distance of nozzle N6 and its right neighbour's nozzle N7 to become near apart from a, therefore the density of the ink droplet of these nozzles formation uprises, and this part becomes " dense " and becomes eye-catching, and the quality of printing thing is worsened terrifically.

Therefore, in the printing equipment 100 in the present invention, not only will become the nozzle of the crooked reason of flight, be unusual nozzle N6, also with near the pairing pixel data of the nozzle it, view data plug hole from print object, the resolution ratio of the image section that the flight bent position takes place is descended, thereby make IOU note or " dense " become not obvious, and be dispersed in the neighboring pixels data by the concentration value that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented, can prevent the decline of the area gray scale of this image section, resolution ratio is descended.

At first, printing equipment 100, in view data acquisition portion 10, accept to print (step S100) behind the indication information from external device (ED) etc., from obtaining the pairing view data of this printing indication information there as the external device (ED) in the transmission source of printing indication information etc., and the view data that will obtain sends printing nozzle configuration part 12 (step S102) to.On the other hand, printing nozzle configuration part 12, from nozzle information storage part 14, read nozzle characteristic information (step S104), from the view data of above-mentioned acquisition, select the pixel data (step S106) in regulation zone, pixel data and the above-mentioned nozzle characteristic information that reads according to the regulation zone of this selection, in the black nozzles module 50 of printhead 200, the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight whether corresponding (step S108) takes place in judgement for the pixel data in regulation zone, the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight taking place at once, is transferred to the printing of having considered the flight bending and handles (step S110) with the generation of data.

Considered the generation processing of the crooked printing of flight with data, at first, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, pixel data and nozzle characteristic information based on the regulation zone, from the pixel data in this regulation zone, the processing of the nozzle and near the pairing pixel data plug hole of nozzle thereof of flight bending will take place in enforcement.At this, same as described above, it is crooked that flight takes place for nozzle N6 in the black nozzles module 50, and the print result that is obtained by this black nozzles module 50 is shown in Fig. 9 (a), the ink droplet that forms by nozzle N6, apart from a, therefore, the distance between nozzle N5 and nozzle N6 broadens with just often comparing to the dislocation of ink droplet one side that formed by nozzle N7, on the other hand, the distance between nozzle N6 and nozzle N7 narrows down with just often comparing.Thereby, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on nozzle characteristic information the pixel data in regulation zone is resolved (step S200), shown in Fig. 9 (b), the crooked nozzle N6 of flight takes place and respectively across the adjacent nozzles N5 of this nozzle N6 and nozzle N4 and the pairing pixel data of nozzle N8 of nozzle N7, these nozzles N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 be set at do not use (step S202), and, implement these are not used the processing of the pairing pixel data of nozzle from the view data plug hole of above-mentioned acquisition based on this setting content.At this moment, implement the concentration value that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented, be dispersed to the processing (step S208, S210) in the neighboring pixels data of this pixel data.

This dispersion treatment, for example be, to divide the value that obtains behind the represented concentration value of the pairing pixel data of nozzle of (being not limited to divide equally) plug hole object equally, the processing of the concentration value addition that the pairing pixel data of the nozzle that is adjacent is represented, for example, shown in Fig. 9 (c), when being " 26 " as the represented concentration value of pairing certain pixel data of the nozzle N6 of plug hole object, to divide equally the value that obtains after this value (below, be called dispersion value) " 13 ", the concentration value addition that nozzle N5 that is adjacent respectively and the pairing pixel data of nozzle N7 are represented.Equally, will divide " 8 " that obtain behind the represented concentration value " 16 " of the pairing pixel data of nozzle N4 equally, the concentration value addition that nozzle N3 that is adjacent and the pairing pixel data of nozzle N5 are represented; To divide " 18 " that obtain behind the represented concentration value " 36 " of the pairing pixel data of nozzle N8 equally, the concentration value addition that nozzle N7 that is adjacent and the pairing pixel data of nozzle N9 are represented.After concentration value was so disperseed, shown in Fig. 9 (c), the pairing concentration value of nozzle N3 became " 16 " behind the dispersion value " 8 " that adds on its initial value " 8 " from nozzle N4; The pairing concentration value of nozzle N5 becomes " 43 " after adding from the dispersion value " 8 " of nozzle N4 and nozzle N6 and " 13 " on its initial value " 22 "; The pairing concentration value of nozzle N7 becomes " 61 " after adding from the dispersion value " 13 " of nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 and " 18 " on its initial value " 30 "; The pairing concentration value of nozzle N9 becomes " 58 " behind the dispersion value " 18 " that adds on its initial value " 40 " from nozzle N8.Promptly, handle and above-mentioned concentration value dispersion treatment by above-mentioned plug hole, the view data of above-mentioned acquisition is transformed into: nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing pixel data of nozzle N8 are by plug hole, and as mentioned above, the represented concentration value of they pairing pixel datas is dispersed in the neighboring pixels data.

Then, be implemented the view data of plug hole processing and concentration value dispersion treatment, be transmitted to and print with in the data generating unit 18, there, this view data is implemented 2 values and handles (step S216).

2 values are handled, as mentioned above, it is the concentration value that each pixel data is represented, with in the multiple ink drop size that nozzle can form respectively preset threshold compare, and based on this comparative result, to forming the processing that ink droplet that (" 1 ") still do not form (" 0 ") each ink drop size is set.

In the present embodiment, as the kind of ink drop size, as shown in figure 10, used " greatly ", " greatly ", " in ", " little " these 4 kinds, the represented concentration value of pixel data is " not having ink droplet " printed dot not when the scope of " 0 "～" being lower than 24 "; The represented concentration value of pixel data forms the ink droplet of the size " little " that is equivalent to concentration value " 84 " when the scope of " more than 24 "～" 126 "; The represented concentration value of pixel data when the scope of " more than 126 "～" 212 ", form the size that is equivalent to concentration value " 168 " " in " ink droplet; The represented concentration value of pixel data forms the ink droplet of the size " greatly " that is equivalent to concentration value " 255 " when the scope of " more than 212 "～" 298 "; When concentration value is bigger than " 298 ", form the ink droplet of the size " greatly " that is equivalent to concentration value " 340 ".

2 values are handled, and for example, methods such as use error diffusion are implemented.In error-diffusion method, being configured to the represented concentration value of each pixel data of handling object is α, for little ink droplet, if " α≤84 " then form are " 1 "; If " 85＜α " then do not form is " 0 ".Equally, for middle ink droplet, if " 86≤α≤168 " then be " 1 ", if " α＜85 " and " 168＜α " then be " 0 "; Further, for big ink droplet, if " 169≤α≤255 " then be " 1 ", if " α≤168 " then be " 0 "; Further again, for very big ink droplet, if " 255＜α " then be " 1 ", if " α≤255 " then be " 0 ".That is,,,, then ink drop size maximum among these is chosen as " 1 " if there is an expression to form the numerical value " 1 " of ink droplet for above-mentioned 4 kinds ink drop size based on these comparative results; On the other hand, for whole ink drop size, during the numerical value " 0 " that do not form for expression, select " 0 ".

In addition, in error diffusion, can use the error diffusion matrix shown in Figure 11 (b).In addition, in the processing of input text etc., be not limited to error diffusion, can be simply threshold ratio by each pixel decide, in addition,, also can use the method for shake (dither) etc. as other area gray scale technique of expression.

So, to being implemented that plug hole is handled and each of each pixel data of the given area of concentration value dispersion treatment, this pixel data is transformed into one of the value of ink droplet of any size of expression in forming above-mentioned 4 kinds or value " 0 " that expression does not form.For example, be used as representing the value that forms for the information of " 1 " additional representation size, when establish very big ink droplet for " LL1 ", big ink droplet for " L1 ", middle ink droplet for " M1 ", little ink droplet during for " S1 ", be transformed into a value arbitrarily wherein or any one party of " 0 " representing not form.

Also have, as the technical method of control ink drop size like this, for example, in printhead, use under the situation of mode of piezoelectric element (piezo actuator), the voltage that imposes on this piezoelectric element by change comes the spray volume of ink is controlled, and can easily realize.

Above-mentioned 2 values are handled, to be implemented that above-mentioned plug hole is handled and the regulation zone of the view data of above-mentioned concentration value dispersion treatment in full pel ED (step S218), and after the pixel data of the Zone Full correspondence of view data finished (step S112), be implemented the view data that this 2 value is handled, be used as printing and export to printing portion 20 (step S114) with data.

Then, in printing portion 20,, use black nozzles module 50 on print media, to implement ink droplet and form (printing) (step S116) based on from printing printing data with 18 outputs of data generating unit.This forms the result, shown in Figure 12 (c), nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N8 do not form, ink drop size with these nozzle adjacent nozzles N3, nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and the pairing position of nozzle N9, with shown in Figure 12 (b) like that, do not consider that nozzle N6 the ink droplet of the crooked state of flight (not implementing above-mentioned plug hole handles and the concentration dispersion treatment) when generating common printing with data takes place forms the result comparatively speaking, can find out that size becomes bigger.This result, be that dispersion because of above-mentioned concentration value takes place, by the value of being disperseed by pixel data from the plug hole object, nozzle N3, nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and the represented concentration value of the pairing pixel data of nozzle N9, from ink drop size " little " or " " number range, be changed to ink drop size " in " or the number range of " greatly ".Also have, what Figure 12 (a) represented is, based on according to not implementing the common printing data that plug hole is handled and the view data of concentration value dispersion treatment generates, by do not exist take place the crooked nozzle of flight, black nozzles module 50 forms the ideal results of ink droplet on print media normally.Though visual angle from microcosmic, the print result of Figure 12 (c), compare with the desirable print result of Figure 12 (a), undeniable more or less harsh feeling, but visually can identify informal voucher and dense 's phenomenon, compare with the crooked print result that flies of not considering shown in Figure 12 (b), it is more not obvious to become.

In the above-described first embodiment, view data acquisition portion 10 is corresponding to the view data acquisition mechanism of mode 1 or 32; Nozzle information storage part 14 is corresponding to the nozzle information storing mechanism of arbitrary mode of

mode

1,13,23,32,41 and 51; Printing nozzle selection portion 12 and printing with data generating unit 18 generates mechanism corresponding to the printing of arbitrary mode of

mode

1,7,8,9,32,38,39 and 40 with data; Printing portion 20 is corresponding to the printing mechanism of mode 1.

In the above-described first embodiment, step S102 obtains step corresponding to the view data of arbitrary mode of mode 13,23,41 and 51; Step S106 and step S110 generate step corresponding to the printing of arbitrary mode of

mode

13,19,20,21,23,29,30,31,41,47,48,49,56,57,58 and 59 with data; Step S112 is corresponding to the printing step of mode 13 or 23.

[second embodiment]

Then, based on accompanying drawing second embodiment of the present invention is described.Figure 13 and Figure 14 are to represent printing equipment, printing equipment control program and the printing equipment control method among the present invention and print the figure that uses second embodiment of data creation method with data generating device, printing with data generator and printing.

Different with above-mentioned first embodiment is will be made as obsolete nozzle, every 1 capable setting of view data.Below, only the part different with above-mentioned first embodiment described, to omitting explanation with the part of above-mentioned first embodiment repetition.

In step S202, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on the analysis result of step S200 and the nozzle characteristic information that reads from nozzle information storage part 14, after stipulating each of each pixel data in zone, set whether use the nozzle N corresponding, transfer to step S204 with it.At this, in the present embodiment, to the crooked pairing pixel data of abnormal nozzle of flight takes place, delegation every view data carries out this abnormal nozzle as obsolete setting, and,, also the pairing pixel data of this nozzle is set at and does not use across two nozzles of 1 relative this abnormal nozzle adjacent nozzles respectively.Promptly, the 1st row, the 3rd row, the 5th row, the 7th row with the pairing view data of abnormal nozzle ... the pixel data of (odd-numbered line) is set at when not using, the 2nd row, the 4th row, the 6th row to the pairing pixel data of abnormal nozzle ... (even number line), do not carry out the obsolete setting of this abnormal nozzle, be set at use.

Then, based on Figure 13 and Figure 14, the action of present embodiment is described.

At this, to be expression set the figure of an example of the situation that the plug hole of the pixel data when not using nozzle handles every the delegation of view data to Figure 13, and Figure 14 is the figure that only represents to be set by the delegation every view data an example of the drop pattern that the black nozzles module 50 that comprises abnormal nozzle when not using nozzle forms.

At first, printing equipment 100, in view data acquisition portion 10, accept to print (step S100) behind the indication information from external device (ED) etc., from obtaining the pairing view data of this printing indication information as the external device (ED) in the transmission source of printing indication information etc., and the view data that will obtain sends printing nozzle configuration part 12 (step S102) to.On the other hand, printing nozzle configuration part 12, read nozzle characteristic information (step S104) from nozzle information storage part 14, from the view data of above-mentioned acquisition, select the pixel data (step S106) in regulation zone, pixel data and the above-mentioned nozzle characteristic information that reads according to this selected regulation zone, in the black nozzles module 50 of printhead 200, the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight whether corresponding (step S108) takes place in judgement for the pixel data in regulation zone, the crooked abnormal nozzle of flight taking place at once, transfers to the printing of having considered the flight bending and handle (step S110) with the generation of data.

Considered the generation processing of the crooked printing of flight with data, at first, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, pixel data and nozzle characteristic information based on the regulation zone, enforcement is stipulated the pixel data in zone from this, the processing of nozzle that generation flight is crooked and near the pairing pixel data plug hole of nozzle thereof.At this, identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, it is crooked that flight takes place nozzle N6 in the black nozzles module 50, by the print result that this black nozzles module 50 obtains, shown in Fig. 9 (a), be partial to the ink droplet one lateral extent a that forms by nozzle N7 by the ink droplet that nozzle N6 forms, therefore, distance between nozzle N5 and nozzle N6 broadens with just often comparing, and on the other hand, the distance between nozzle N6 and nozzle N7 narrows down with just often comparing.

Therefore, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on nozzle characteristic information the pixel data in regulation zone is resolved (step S200), as shown in figure 13, to stipulating the 1st row of regional pixel data, the 3rd row, the 5th row ... pixel data, will the crooked nozzle N6 of flight takes place, be set at the nozzle N4 of this nozzle N6 adjacent nozzles N5 and nozzle N7 and nozzle N8 across one respectively and do not use (step S202), based on this setting content, enforcement is not used the processing of the pairing pixel data plug hole of nozzle with these from the given area of above-mentioned selected view data.Promptly, in the existing regulation of the pairing pixel data of the bad nozzle zone in the view data that constitutes with rectangular arrangement pixel data, the pixel data of odd-numbered line is not used the setting of nozzle, and the pixel data of dual numbers row does not use the setting of nozzle.During plug hole, identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, implement the concentration value that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented, be distributed to the processing (step S208, S210) in the neighboring pixels data of this pixel data.For this dispersion treatment, so because identically with above-mentioned first embodiment dispense detailed description.

Then, implemented the pixel data in the regulation zone of plug hole processing and concentration processing, and be transmitted to and print with data generating unit 18, there, (step S216) handled in 2 values that are implemented the pixel data in this regulation zone.At this, for 2 values are handled, so because identically with above-mentioned first embodiment dispense detailed description.

Above-mentioned 2 values are handled, above-mentioned plug hole was handled and the full pel data in the regulation zone of above-mentioned concentration value dispersion treatment are finished (step S218) to implementing, and after the pixel data of the region-wide correspondence of view data finished (step S112), implemented view data that this 2 value handles and be used as printing and output to printing portion 20 (step S114) with data.

Then, in printing portion 20,, use black nozzles module 50, on print media, implement ink droplet and form (printing) (step S116) based on from printing printing data with 18 outputs of data generating unit.This forms the result, as shown in figure 14 as can be known, in the odd-numbered line of view data, nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N8 do not form, the ink drop size of these nozzle adjacent nozzles N3, nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and the pairing position of nozzle N9, form the result with ink droplet shown in Figure 12 (b), when not considering that nozzle N6 takes place generation common printing in the crooked state ground of flight (not implementing above-mentioned plug hole handles and the concentration value dispersion treatment) with data and compare, it is bigger that size becomes.On the other hand, as shown in figure 14 as can be known, in the even number line of view data, nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N8 form with the size identical with the drop pattern shown in Figure 12 (b).The former result, because of the dispersion of above-mentioned concentration value takes place, reason is identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, so omit explanation.

Though visual angle from microcosmic, the print result of Figure 14, compare with the desirable print result of Figure 12 (a), undeniable more or less harsh feeling, but the informal voucher that can discern and dense 's phenomenon visually, compare with the crooked print result that flies of not considering shown in Figure 12 (b), it is more not obvious to become.Have, for informal voucher, because the ink droplet of even number line is not implemented plug hole and residual, so compare with the print result shown in Figure 12 (c), it is more not obvious to become again.

In the above-described 2nd embodiment, view data acquisition portion 10 is corresponding to the view data acquisition mechanism of mode 1 or 32; Nozzle information storage part 14 is corresponding to each nozzle information storing mechanism of

mode

1,13,23,32,41 and 51; Printing nozzle selection portion 12 and printing with data generating unit 18 generates mechanism corresponding to each printing of

mode

1,2,6,7,8,9,32,33,37,38,39 and 40 with data; Printing portion 20 is corresponding to the printing mechanism of mode 1.

In the above-described 2nd embodiment, step S102 obtains step corresponding to each view data of mode 13,23,41 and 51; Step S106 and step S108 generate step corresponding to each printing of

mode

13,14,18,19,20,21,23,24,28,29,30,31,41,42,46,47,48,49,51,52,56,57,58 and 59 with data; Step S112 is corresponding to the printing step of mode 13 or 23.

[the 3rd embodiment]

Then, based on accompanying drawing the 3rd embodiment of the present invention is described.Figure 15～Figure 17 is printing equipment, printing equipment control program and the printing equipment control method of representing among the present invention, and prints the figure that uses the 3rd embodiment of data creation method with data generating device, printing with data generator and printing.

Different with above-mentioned first and second embodiment is, will be as obsolete nozzle, to each row of each row of view data, from abnormal nozzle and near nozzle thereof, select at random to set.Below, only the part different with above-mentioned first and second embodiment described, omit the explanation of the part that repeats with above-mentioned first and second embodiment.

In step S202, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on the analysis result of step S200 and the nozzle characteristic information that reads from nozzle information storage part 14, after setting each pairing nozzle N of each pixel data in the regulation zone of whether using view data, transfer to step S204.At this, in the present embodiment, for the crooked pairing pixel data of unusual nozzle of flight and near the pairing pixel data of nozzle of this abnormal nozzle take place, to stipulating each row of the pixel data in the zone, the nozzle that column position is at random incited somebody to action in enforcement is made as obsolete setting.That is, different with above-mentioned first embodiment, nozzle is made as obsolete pixel data needn't be same row, be set at and be present on the different column position of every row.

Then, based on Figure 15～Figure 17, the action of present embodiment is described.

At this, Figure 15 is the figure of an example of the situation of the expression plug hole processing of every row of view data being set the pixel data when not using nozzle on column position at random; To be expression set the figure of an example of the drop pattern that is only formed by the black nozzles module 50 that comprises abnormal nozzle when not using nozzle to every row of view data to Figure 16 on column position at random.In addition, Figure 17 represents to view data in every line, the figure of row of the situation that the plug hole of the pixel data when setting is not used nozzle on column position is at random handled.

Considered the generation processing of the crooked printing of flight with data, at first, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, pixel data and nozzle characteristic information based on the regulation zone in the view data, enforcement is stipulated the pixel data in zone from this, the processing of nozzle that generation flight is crooked and near the pairing pixel data plug hole of nozzle thereof.At this, identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, it is crooked that flight takes place nozzle N6 in the black nozzles module 50, by the print result that this black nozzles module 50 obtains, shown in Fig. 9 (a), be partial to the ink droplet one lateral extent a that forms by nozzle N7 by the ink droplet that nozzle N6 forms, therefore, distance between nozzle N5 and nozzle N6 broadens with just often comparing, and on the other hand, the distance between nozzle N6 and nozzle N7 narrows down with just often comparing.

Therefore, in printing nozzle configuration part 12, based on nozzle characteristic information the pixel data in the regulation zone in the view data is resolved (step S200), as shown in figure 15, in first row of view data, set nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 for not using nozzle; In second row, set nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and nozzle N9 for not using nozzle; In the third line, set nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 for not using nozzle; In fourth line, set nozzle N3, nozzle N5 and nozzle N7 for not using nozzle; In fifth line, set nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 for not using nozzle, so, the nozzle N that incites somebody to action column position at random in every row is set at and does not use (step S202).Wherein, in the present embodiment, the number that is made as obsolete nozzle in every row is 3.

Then, based on above-mentioned setting content, implement these are not used the processing of the pairing pixel data of nozzle plug hole from the pixel data in above-mentioned selected regulation zone.During plug hole, identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, implement the concentration value that the pixel data of plug hole object is represented, be distributed to the processing (step S208, S210) in the neighboring pixels data of this pixel data.For this dispersion treatment, so because identically with above-mentioned first embodiment dispense detailed description.

Then, in printing portion 20,, use black nozzles module 50 on print media, to implement ink droplet and form (printing) (step S116) based on from printing printing data with generating unit 18 outputs.This forms the result, as shown in figure 16 as can be known, in first row, the third line, fifth line, the 7th row and the 9th row of view data, nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N8 do not form, the ink drop size of these nozzle adjacent nozzles N3, nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and the pairing position of nozzle N9, form the result with ink droplet shown in Figure 12 (b), when not considering that nozzle N6 takes place generation common printing in the crooked state ground of flight (not implementing above-mentioned plug hole handles and the concentration value dispersion treatment) with data and compare, it is bigger that size becomes.Have again, as shown in figure 16 as can be known, in second row and the 6th row of view data, nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N9 do not form, the ink drop size of these nozzle adjacent nozzles N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing position of nozzle N8, form the result with the ink droplet shown in Figure 12 (b) and compare, form greatly.Also have in addition, as shown in figure 16 as can be known, in the fourth line and the 8th row of view data, nozzle N3, nozzle N5 and the pairing ink droplet of nozzle N7 do not form, the ink drop size of these nozzle adjacent nozzles N2, nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and the pairing position of nozzle N8, form the result with the ink droplet shown in Figure 12 (b) and compare, form greatly.

These results, because of the dispersion of above-mentioned concentration value takes place, reason is identical with above-mentioned first embodiment, so omit explanation.

Have again, though visual angle from microcosmic, the print result of Figure 16, compare with the desirable print result of Figure 12 (a), undeniable more or less harsh feeling, but the informal voucher that can discern and dense 's phenomenon is visually compared with the crooked print result that flies of not considering shown in Figure 12 (b), and it is more not obvious to become.Have again, for informal voucher, because randomly with the ink droplet plug hole, so compare with the print result shown in Figure 12 (c), it is more not obvious to become.

In addition, as shown in figure 17, can will not use nozzle,, on column position at random, set each row of the pixel data in the regulation zone of view data every delegation.In the example of Figure 17, in first row of pixel data, set nozzle N4, nozzle N6 and nozzle N8 for not using nozzle; In the third line, set nozzle N6, nozzle N8 and nozzle N10 for not using nozzle; In fifth line, set nozzle N5, nozzle N7 and nozzle N9 for not using nozzle; In the 7th row, set nozzle N7, nozzle N9 and nozzle N11 for not using nozzle, on the other hand, the even number line of pixel data is not used the setting of nozzle, thereby the nozzle N that incites somebody to action column position at random in each odd-numbered line of pixel data is set at and does not use.Handle by enforcement plug hole like this, and handle with the above-mentioned concentration value dispersion treatment, 2 values of similarly carrying out, can generate a kind of print data, this print data can make the informal voucher that visually recognizes and dense phenomenon, compares and becomes not obvious with the crooked print result that flies of not considering shown in Figure 12 (b).

In the above-described 3rd embodiment, view data acquisition portion 10 is corresponding to the view data acquisition mechanism of mode 1 or 32; Nozzle information storage part 14 is corresponding to each nozzle information storing mechanism of

mode

1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,32,34,35,36,37,38,39 and 40 with data; Printing portion 20 is corresponding to the printing mechanism of mode 1.

In the above-mentioned the 3rd embodiment, step S102 obtains step corresponding to each view data of mode 13,23,41 and 51; Step S106 and step S108 generate step corresponding to each printing of

mode

13,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,23,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,41,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,51,53,54,55,56,57,58 and 59 with data; Step S112 is corresponding to the printing step of mode 13 or 23.

Also have, the invention is characterized in, because do not need substantially prior printing is not changed, in conjunction with its printhead characteristic the view data conversion process is become the printing data, so do not need to prepare especially special equipment as printing portion 20, can directly utilize the printer of existing in the past ink jet type printing type.In addition, if isolate printing portion 20 from printing equipment 100 of the present invention, its function can only realize by general printing indication terminals (print and use data generating device) such as PC.

In addition, the present invention is not limited only to the buckling phenomenon that flies, and also is applicable to fully certainly: regular position is this though the formation content of vertical (normally) nozzle of the emission direction of ink departs from, the result with the ink droplet of formation the identical situation of flight buckling phenomenon takes place.In addition, equally also be applicable to because of the obstruction of ink etc., can not be from this problem of specific nozzle ejection ink.Also have,, also can as above-mentioned embodiment 1, establish this nozzle for not using, thereby can avoid the concentration spot that taken place for nozzle with the characteristic that significantly departs from from normal quantity of ink.

Also have, printing equipment 100 of the present invention, be not limited only to the ink-jet printer of wardrobe type, also go for the ink-jet printer (serial printer) of multi-path type, if the ink-jet printer of wardrobe type, even flight buckling phenomenon etc. takes place, also can obtain informal voucher and dense unconspicuous substantially high-quality printing thing, also have, if the ink-jet printer of multi-path type by 1 scanning, because can reduce the number of times that comes and goes action, so can obtain and the existing printing of comparing more at a high speed.

Figure 18 (A)～(C), expression be the printing type separately of the ink-jet printer of the ink-jet printer of wardrobe type and multi-path type.

Shown in this figure (A), if the width of rectangular-shaped print paper P is the main scanning direction of view data, when longitudinally is the sub scanning direction of view data, be expert in the ink-jet printer of head dummy, shown in this figure (B), printhead 200 has the length of the width that is equivalent to its print paper P, fixes this printhead 200, by above-mentioned print paper P is moved on sub scanning direction relative to this printhead 200, finish printing with so-called 1 scanning (1pass action).Also have, can be as the scanner of cab over type, P fixes with print paper, and printhead 200 1 sides are moved in vertical direction relative to its nozzle arrangement direction, or the past separately rightabout of both sides is moved simultaneously print.Relative therewith, the ink-jet printer of multi-path type, shown in this figure (C), by the length wide with being equivalent to paper is compared very short printhead 200, place on the direction vertical with the main scanning direction of image, and make it on the main scanning direction of image, repeatedly come and go action on one side, Yi Bian print paper P is moved on the sub scanning direction of image on prescribed distance ground one by one, thus print.Therefore, the situation of the ink-jet printer of the latter's multi-path type, compare with the former ink-jet printer of wardrobe type, there is long shortcoming of time-write interval, on the contrary, because can make printhead 200 repeat to be positioned at the optional position, so in above-mentioned bar zoning, particularly in the alleviating of informal voucher phenomenon, can realize reply to a certain degree.

Also have, though in the above-described embodiment, the ink-jet printer that prints with ink droplet shape ejection ink is that example is illustrated, but the present invention, also go for printing mechanism and use other printing equipment of the printhead of the form that wire arranges, for example be called as heat head (thermal head) printer of hot copying and printing machine or heat-sensitive printer etc.

Also have, though in Fig. 3, each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56 of printhead 200 to each color setting, on the longitudinally of this printhead 200, form nozzle N linearity continuum of states, but also can be as shown in figure 19, with this each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56, use respectively a plurality of weak points nozzle unit 50a, 50b ... 50n constitutes, and it is arranged in the front and back of the moving direction of printhead 200.Particularly, if like this, to each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56, with nozzle unit 50a, the 50b of a plurality of weak points ... 50n constitutes, then because can make each nozzle unit 50a, 50b ... each unit of 50n shortens, so can improve the productivity of unit, can suppress overall cost.Also have, under situation, can easily tackle by the unit is arranged also more corresponding to bigger paper.

In addition, though in the above-described embodiment, printing equipment 100 with structure with the with the passing of time aging nozzle characteristic test section 16 that waits of reply be that example is illustrated, but is not limited to this structure, also can be the structure of removal nozzle characteristic test section 16 from printing equipment 100.At this moment, nozzle characteristic information can detect when dispatching from the factory and obtains, or after dispatching from the factory, and is detected by checkout gear of the special use that separates with printing equipment 100 etc. and obtains (detected nozzle characteristic information is stored in the nozzle information storage part 14).Thus, though can not be when with the passing of time aging or detect nozzle characteristic during corrupted data etc. once more, because of the high price device that can save the scanner that is used to detect nozzle characteristic etc., so the effect that can significantly be reduced cost.

Claims

1. a printing equipment by having a plurality of printheads that can form the nozzle of ink droplet on the medium that is used to print, is printed the image of regulation on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that,

Have: image data acquisition mechanism, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image;

Printing generates mechanism with data, and it generates the printing data that comprise ink droplet formation content-related information each above-mentioned pixel and said nozzle based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining;

The nozzle information storing mechanism, it stores the information of the formation content of the above-mentioned ink droplet nozzle different with the formation content of regulation; And,

Printing mechanism, it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

2. printing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, form the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof at this, every row by above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle, pixel value based on the pixel of obsolete nozzle of being made as of this selection and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof generates above-mentioned printing data.

3. printing equipment according to claim 1 and 2 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, from different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof, this is formed the pixel value of the pixel of different nozzle of content and near the pairing above-mentioned view data of nozzle thereof, from the line position of the regulation of above-mentioned image, select comprising the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and in the printing of the image of above-mentioned view data, being made as obsolete nozzle.

4. printing equipment according to claim 2 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, when selecting to be made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle near other the nozzle the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content, selects from position at random at every row of above-mentioned image.

5. according to each described printing equipment of claim 2～4, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, with in the formation of above-mentioned ink droplet, whether use the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near two states of at least one side of nozzle, the mode of alternately switching in each regulation row of above-mentioned image is made as obsolete nozzle and selects above-mentioned.

6. according to each described printing equipment of claim 2～5, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, as being made as above-mentioned obsolete nozzle, from the different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and above-mentioned near nozzle select, the ink droplet nozzle formed ink droplet different with this formation content that near above-mentioned nozzle forms is same delegation, and the pass, position is adjacent with the interval of more than one ink droplet.

7. according to each described printing equipment of claim 1～6, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generates the area gray scale area gray scale equal printing data preceding with becoming above-mentioned low resolution of implementing the image section of printing with the above-mentioned low resolution in the above-mentioned image.

8. printing equipment according to claim 7 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, generate the formed ink drop size of using in the printing among at least one side of different nozzle of above-mentioned formation content and near nozzle thereof of nozzle, the ink drop size before the above-mentioned low resolution corresponding with the pixel value of the pixel that becomes the pairing above-mentioned view data of this nozzle is compared bigger above-mentioned printing data.

9. according to claim 7 or 8 described printing equipments, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printing generates mechanism with data, pixel value based on the pixel that is made as the pairing above-mentioned view data of above-mentioned untapped nozzle, this pixel value that is made as the pixel of the pairing above-mentioned view data of untapped nozzle adjacent nozzles is carried out revisal, pixel value based on the pixel of the view data after this revisal generates above-mentioned printing data.

10. according to each described printing equipment of claim 1～9, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printhead,

Be to stride across the scope wider, be arranged with the printhead of said nozzle continuously than the installation region of above-mentioned medium.

11. each the described printing equipment according to claim 1～9 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printhead,

For with the perpendicular direction of the paper feeding direction of above-mentioned medium on arrange nozzle, come to implement the structure printed with the printing of 1 scanning.

12. each the described printing equipment according to claim 1～9 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned printhead,

Be on the direction vertical, to come and go on one side to move with the paper feeding direction of above-mentioned medium, implement the printhead printed on one side.

13. a printing equipment control program is used to control printing equipment, described printing equipment a plurality ofly can be printed the images of stipulating at the printhead of the nozzle that forms ink droplet on the medium that is used to print by having on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that,

Comprise the program of using when making computer-implemented following the processing, these processing comprise:

The image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image;

Printing generates step with data, and it generates the printing data of the information relevant with having or not of ink droplet that comprises each above-mentioned pixel based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining; And,

Printing step, it prints above-mentioned image based on above-mentioned printing data by above-mentioned printhead on above-mentioned medium,

14. a printing equipment control method is used to control printing equipment, described printing equipment a plurality ofly can be printed the images of stipulating at the printhead of the nozzle that forms ink droplet on the medium that is used to print by having on above-mentioned medium, it is characterized in that,

Comprise: the image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image;

15. printing data generating device, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is characterized in that by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium

Printing generates mechanism with data, and it generates the printing data of the information relevant with having or not of ink droplet that comprises each above-mentioned pixel based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining; And,

The nozzle information storing mechanism, it stores the information of the formation content of the above-mentioned ink droplet nozzle different with the formation content of regulation,

16. printing data generator, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is characterized in that by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium

The image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; And,

Printing generates step with data, and it generates the printing data of the information relevant with having or not of ink droplet that comprises each above-mentioned pixel based on the above-mentioned view data of obtaining,

17. printing data creation method, generate the employed printing data of printing equipment, described printing equipment is characterized in that by having a plurality of images that can print regulation at the printhead of the nozzle of the ink droplet of formation given size on the medium that is used to print on above-mentioned medium

Comprise: the image data acquisition step, it obtains the pairing view data of a plurality of pixels that constitutes above-mentioned image; And,