CN1840338A

CN1840338A - Printing device, printing method, image processing device, image processing method

Info

Publication number: CN1840338A
Application number: CN 200610067993
Authority: CN
Inventors: 荒崎真一; 萱原直树; 高桥透; 酒井裕彰
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 2005-03-29
Filing date: 2006-03-29
Publication date: 2006-10-04

Abstract

The invention relates to a printer with ink ejection method, wherein based on the flying deflection character of printing head (200), via comparing flying deflection value and preset threshold value, fixing the pixel relative to the flying deflection, and process N-order transformation, to prepare print data; then based on said print data, print; therefore, it can automatically adjust the size of pixel with band phenomenon, delete white pattern or dense pattern, to eliminate band phenomenon caused by flying deflection. And it also provides relative program, printing method, image processor, and relative method.

Description

Printing equipment, printing process and image processing apparatus, image processing method

Technical field

The present invention relates to the printing equipments such as printer of a kind of facsimile machine device or duplicator, OA equipment etc., especially relate to printing equipment, print routine, printing process and image processing apparatus, image processing program, the image processing method of after printing paper (recording materials) is gone up the particulate of liquid ink of the multiple color of ejection, describing printing treatment regulation character or image, that be suitable for carrying out so-called ink-jetting style and the recording medium that writes down described program.

Background technology

Below, printing equipment is described, especially adopts the printer (below be called ' ink-jet printer ') of ink-jetting style.

Ink-jet printer is owing to general cheapness and obtain high-quality colored printing thing easily, so be accompanied by popularizing of computer or digital camera etc., not only extensively popularizes in office, is also extensively popularized in the general user.

It is reciprocal perpendicular to the direction of paper feeding direction in printed medium (paper) upper edge that this ink-jet printer possesses the moving body limit that is called carriage etc. of ink cartridge and printhead by one usually, the particle of limit point-like ejection (injection) liquid ink from the nozzle of printhead, on printed medium, describe regulation character or image, make the printed article of expectation.In addition, by in this carriage, being equipped with the ink cartridge of the 4 kinds of colors (yellow, fuchsin, cyan) that comprise black and the printhead of each color, not only can carry out single color printing, also can easily carry out the full color printing that makes each color combination (and also practicability is to 6 looks of these additional light cyans of all kinds or shallow fuchsin etc. or printing of 7 looks or 8 looks).

In addition, in the edge like this direction vertical the reciprocal limit of printhead on the carriage is carried out in the ink-jet printer of such type of printing with paper feeding direction, in order to print whole 1 page gallantly, must make printhead move back and forth tens of times to more than 100 times, so compare with the laser printer of use Electronic Photographing Technologies such as the printing equipment of alternate manner, for example duplicator etc., have the scarce picture point of a large amount of printing times of cost.

In contrast, at the rectangular printhead of configuration sized and the width identical (or longer) of printing paper, do not use in the ink-jet printer of type of carriage, printhead is moved along the width of printing paper, can carry out the printing of so-called 1 scanning (1 time by), so can carry out the flying print the same with described laser printer.In addition, needn't carry the carriage of printhead or move it drive system of usefulness etc., can small-sized, lightweight so also have the printer housing, and the excellent picture point that also increases substantially of quietness.In addition, the ink-jet printer with the former mode is called ' repeatedly by the type printer ' usually, the ink-jet printer of latter's mode is called ' line head dummy printer '.

But, indispensable printhead is a trickle nozzle about the 10-70 micron with predetermined distance configuration 1 row or along Print direction configuration multiple row diameter at interval in this ink-jet printer, so for example because foozle, the ink emission direction of portion nozzle tilts, the position of nozzle is configured on the position of departing from ideal position, as a result, can produce by this nozzle and be formed at fall under the picture point in the printed medium position deviation ideal position, so-called ' flight deflection phenomenon '.In addition, because the difference characteristic of nozzle,, there is the nozzle of quantity of ink or much less more much more than desired quantity as the big nozzle of this difference.

As a result, in the part of using this defective nozzle printing, produce the printing defects that is called ' ribbon (striped) phenomenon ', press quality is obviously descended.Promptly, if produce ' flight deflection phenomenon ', then become inhomogeneous by distance between the picture point of adjacent nozzle ejection, in the part of distance between the adjacency picture point than normal length, produce ' informal voucher line (printing paper is under the situation of white) ', distance between the adjacency picture point produces ' dense striped ' than in the just often short part.In addition, depart under the situation of ideal value in the value of quantity of ink, the nozzle segment that quantity of ink is many also produces dense striped, and the part that quantity of ink is few produces the informal voucher line.

Especially compare with the situation of described ' repeatedly by the type printer ' (serial printer), ' the line head dummy printer ' that printhead or printed medium are fixed (once by printing) obviously is easy to generate this zone phenomenon (repeatedly by in the type printer, exist to utilize to make printhead back and forth several times, make the inconspicuous technology of ribbon).

Therefore, a kind of printing defects that this in order to prevent ' zone phenomenon ' causes, the research and development of so-called hardware components such as the raising of manufacturing technology of printhead or design improved have painstakingly been carried out, but, be difficult to provide 100% printhead that does not produce ' zone phenomenon ' from manufacturing cost, technological layer etc.

Therefore, except the improvement of above-mentioned hardware components, also share the technology of using following so-called software approach such as printing control to reduce this ' zone phenomenon ' under the present situation.

For example, in following patent documentation 1 or patent documentation 2, for not spraying of the difference of tackling nozzle or ink, in the low part of concentration, use light and shade (shading) correction technique, the correct difference of carrying out is handled, for the dense part of concentration, use other color to replace, make ribbon or difference unshowy.

In addition, in following patent documentation 3, adopt near the β image increase spray volume of the adjoining nozzles of the pixel of jetting nozzle not, and by the nozzle-integrated method that generates the β image.

And, in following patent documentation 4, feeding back in the error diffusion by measures of dispersion and to handle each nozzle, the spray volume difference of absorption nozzle is avoided zone phenomenon.

Patent documentation 1: the spy opens the 2002-19101 communique;

Patent documentation 2: the spy opens the 2003-136702 communique;

Patent documentation 3: the spy opens the 2003-63043 communique;

Patent documentation 4: the spy opens flat 5-30361 communique.

But, reduce in the method for zone phenomenon or difference in other colors of described use such as described

patent documentation

1 or 2, because the tone of the part of implement handling is changed, require high image quality, high-quality printing so be not suitable for color picture image printing etc.

In addition, with regard to the dense part of concentration, the method of avoiding ' informal voucher line phenomenon ' by about the information of jetting nozzle is not divided into can reduce the informal voucher line under the situation that is applicable to described ' flight deflection phenomenon ', but has the dense part of the concentration problem of residual ribbon still.

On the other hand, then out of question if printed article is the β image in methods such as described patent documentation 3, but be under the situation of printed article of middle gray, can not utilize this method.In addition, the method that other color of uses such as fine rule covers is if use slightly, and is then out of question, but with regard to the image that other color produces continuously, the same with the former, the problem that exists the part tone of image to change.

And, in the method for described patent documentation 4 grades, the zone phenomenon that can avoid the ink spray volume of nozzle to cause, but, then be difficult to suitable feedback for the problems such as zone phenomenon that the formation position skew of picture point causes.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, the present invention makes in order effectively to address the above problem, and its purpose is to provide a kind of zone phenomenon that the flight deflection phenomenon is caused to eliminate or inconspicuous basically new printing equipment, print routine, printing process and image processing apparatus, image processing program, image processing method and write down the recording medium of described program.

In order to address the above problem, the printing equipment of mode 1 is characterised in that to possess [mode 1]: printhead, and it is equipped with the nozzle of the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, and it obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in this printhead; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains mechanism; The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, it is according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that mechanism obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value guiding mechanism, it adjusts the pixel value of being determined the pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon that mechanism determines by this flight deflection pixel; N system data generate mechanism, and it generates N system data (M＞N 〉=2) to by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value; Printed data generates mechanism, and it generates the N system data that mechanism generates according to these N system data, generates the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized; And printing mechanism, use described printhead, generate the printed data that mechanism generates according to this printed data, carry out printing.

Thus, as described later, the pixel value that relates to the pixel of zone phenomenon changes, also be different from image spot size when not producing zone phenomenon corresponding to the size of the picture point of these pixels, so ' informal voucher line ' or ' dense striped ' that the zone phenomenon that produces because of so-called flight deflection phenomenon is caused effectively eliminated or be unshowy basically.

Here, so-called ' flight deflection phenomenon ' and above-mentioned portion nozzle not spray phenomenon different, although be meant the ejection ink, the phenomenon that forms but the emission direction inclination of a part of nozzle etc., picture point depart from objectives the position is (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).Therefore, print the picture point that only size is different and have no relations, determine the flight deflection characteristic information.

In addition, what is called ' zone phenomenon ' as mentioned above, be meant because ' flight deflection phenomenon ', become inhomogeneous in abutting connection with the distance between picture point, produce the phenomenon of ' informal voucher line (printing paper be under the white situation) ' or ' dense striped ' (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ' along paper feeding direction (printing process), mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

In addition, so-called ' informal voucher line ' is meant that the phenomenon wideer than predetermined distance in abutting connection with the distance between picture point produces continuously, the part that the background color of printed medium becomes showy with striated (zone) owing to described ' flight deflection phenomenon '.In addition, so-called ' dense striped ' is meant same because ' flight deflection phenomenon ', the phenomenon shorter than predetermined distance in abutting connection with the distance between picture point produces continuously, cannot see the background color of printed medium, or owing to the distance between picture point shortens, thicken relatively, and the part of established picture point overlaps with normal picture point, and the part that this intersection becomes showy with dense striated (zone) is (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

In addition, when describing ' informal voucher line '/' dense striped ' in detail, compare with the position of being printed by distance between normal picture point, under the situation that produces this flight deflection, the image in the place that nozzle is printed is continuous, between picture point near or separate.Therefore, under situation close between picture point, density height between picture point promptly with the synonym that thickens as the area gray scale, is printed dense image.On the other hand, under the situation of separating between picture point, density is low between picture point, promptly with as the thin out synonym of area gray scale, print light image.In addition, this dense/light image produces continuously along Print direction in taking on the printing portion of nozzle, so look like striped.

In addition, so-called ' M value (M 〉=3) ' be for example be expressed as 8 256 gray scales etc., about the many-valued pixel value of so-called brightness or concentration, in addition, so-called ' N value (M＞N 〉=2) ' are interpreted as data to this M value (many-valued), its pixel value are categorized into the processing of N kind according to certain threshold value, when generating these N system data, preferably carry out processing such as N system, generate N system data, but be not this processing yet, so long as the result generates the method for the N system data of N system, then applicable arbitrary method.In addition, so-called ' image spot size ' is the size (area) itself except that picture point, also comprises the notion of not beating picture point (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', about the mode of ' print routine ', about the mode of ' printing ' method, about the mode of ' image processing apparatus ', about the mode of ' image processing program ', about identical in the mode of ' image processing method ' and the record about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

In addition, so-called ' pixel value ' generally comprise ' brightness value ' and ' concentration value ' both, in the manner and following mode, mainly be meant ' concentration value ' (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', about the mode of ' print routine ', about the mode of ' printing ' method, about the mode of ' image processing apparatus ', about the mode of ' image processing program ', about identical in the mode of ' image processing method ' and the record) about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.

In addition, so-called ' determining to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon ' is meant for example according to the flight deflection characteristic information, compare flight deflection amount and defined threshold, (for example flight deflection is big to carry out its big or small rank, in, little, according to this rank, the change processing parameter is (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

In addition, so-called ' adjustment pixel value ' for example is meant place wide between picture point, carries out image spot size and becomes big or become many processing, and the operation that image spot size diminishes or diminishes is carried out in narrow place between picture point, thus, deliberately produces big picture point.Perhaps, be meant corresponding to the flight deflection characteristic information, carry out the concentration correction (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', about the mode of ' print routine ', about the mode of ' printing ' method, about the mode of ' image processing apparatus ', about the mode of ' image processing program ', about identical in the mode of ' image processing method ' and the record) of the data before the N system about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.

In addition, so-called ' picture point ' is meant from the ink of one or more nozzle ejections and falls on the printed medium, and have area, each size all exists multiple certainly.But the picture point that forms behind the ejection ink may not be positive circle.For example, forming under the situation of picture point with positive circular shapes in addition such as ellipses, also can be with its average diameter as the picture point diameter, or hypothesis has the orbicular equivalent picture point of the elementary area equal areas that forms behind the ink with certain amount of ejection, is called the zone that this equivalence forms.In addition, the area of ' picture point ' is not ' zero ', has prescribed level (with the diameter of picture point as the picture point diameter).In addition, as the differentiating method of the different picture point of concentration, for example consider to tell the big or small identical of picture point but the method for the picture point that concentration is different; Tell the identical but method of the picture point that varies in size of concentration; Be that concentration is identical but picture point that the ink spray volume is different, utilize and beat again seal and make concentration diverse ways etc.In addition, also be made as a picture point from situation about falling after an ink droplet of nozzle ejection separates, but under two nozzles or the situation of clinging, form two picture points (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ' from the plural picture point that forms before and after a nozzle is on the time, mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

In addition, so-called ' printing mechanism ' is meant that the CPU in the computer that is assembled in ' printing equipment ' generates the printed data that mechanism generates according to printed data, carries out the instruction of printing to ' printhead '.

The printing equipment of [mode 2] mode 2 is characterized in that with regard to mode 1 described printing equipment:

Described flight deflection pixel determine mechanism determine in each nozzle with described printhead, cause pixel that the nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is corresponding and respectively with the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon near the corresponding pixel of nozzle, simultaneously,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, and makes by this flight deflection pixel to determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is big becomes big.

Thus, the image spot size that is adjacent to the big pixel of the pixel interbody spacer of the pixel corresponding with the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes big, in addition, can compensate the reduction that produces as the informal voucher line, so the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically as the area gray scale.

In addition, so-called ' interval between pixel is big ' is meant if produce flight deflection, then with respect to desirable (interval when normally printing) at interval of (between picture point) between pixel, the pixel that the pixel interbody spacer is big and little produces in pairs, but is meant the wherein big situation of pixel interbody spacer.In addition, except that the scope of 0-255 pixel value, also comprise greatly 255 the situation of crossing.

The printing equipment of [mode 3] mode 3 is characterized in that with regard to mode 1 described printing equipment:

Described flight deflection pixel determine that mechanism determines and each nozzle of described printhead in, cause the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon and respectively with the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon near the corresponding pixel of nozzle, simultaneously,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, and makes by this flight deflection pixel to determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the image spot size that is adjacent to corresponding to the little pixel of the pixel interbody spacer of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon diminishes, in addition, can compensate the recruitment that produces as black streaking, so the what is called ' black streaking ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically as the area gray scale.

In addition, so-called ' interval between pixel is little ' is meant if produce flight deflection, then with respect to desirable (interval when normally printing) at interval of (between picture point) between pixel, the pixel that the pixel interbody spacer is big and little produces in pairs, but is meant the wherein little situation of pixel interbody spacer.In addition, little situation about also comprising below 0.

The printing equipment of [mode 4] mode 4 is characterized in that with regard to mode 1 described printing equipment:

Described flight deflection pixel determine that mechanism determines and each nozzle of described printhead in, cause the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon and respectively with the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon near the corresponding pixel of nozzle,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, make by this flight deflection pixel determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, the pixel value that is adjacent to the big pixel in interval between the pixel with the corresponding pixel of nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes greatly, simultaneously, make and be adjacent to and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the image spot size that is adjacent to corresponding to the big pixel of the pixel interbody spacer of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes big, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically, simultaneously, the image spot size that is adjacent to corresponding to the little pixel of the pixel interbody spacer of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon diminishes, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' black streaking ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The printing equipment of [mode 5] mode 5 is characterized in that with regard to mode 4 described printing equipments:

The adjustment of described pixel value guiding mechanism becomes the pixel value that described pixel value is adjusted object pixels, so that the difference elimination of the apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the big picture point of pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes, the apparent concentration that causes with visual characteristic between the little picture point of adjacent pixels interbody spacer.

Thus, because the pixel value adjustment that execution and observer's visual characteristic is complementary, so can further effectively reduce zone phenomenon.

The printing equipment of [mode 6] mode 6 is characterized in that with regard to mode 5 described printing equipments:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted the pixel value of pixel, adjusting to such an extent that make the pixel value of the big pixel of pixel adjacent interbody spacer become big, under the situation that the pixel value that the pixel adjacent interbody spacer is little diminishes, set high more near this picture point, concentration more, more away from the low more space of this picture point, concentration, in this space, make the difference minimum of the Cmin value of the Cmax value of this concentration maximum and this concentration minimum.

Thus, utilize visual characteristic in the high fdrequency component by sensitivity low (seeing faintly), the change in concentration in the fuzzy actual image point has been considered in setting, produce the zone at informal voucher line, black streaking, its concentration difference is suppressed to minimum, thus, can carry out visually informal voucher line, black streaking being suppressed to minimum picture point configuration.

The printing equipment of [mode 7] mode 7 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing equipment of one of mode 1-6:

Possess print position displacement amount detection machine structure, detect the print position displacement amount of actual printing corresponding to the picture point of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism, departure with the picture point print position that detects pixel calculates picture point mode at interval, pixel value is adjusted the pixel value adjustment amount of object pixels and is adjusted, above-mentioned pixel for to detected by described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon.

Thus, owing to the correct side-play amount that can obtain corresponding to the picture point of flight deflection pixel, so can carry out correct pixel value adjustment.

In addition, print position displacement amount detection machine structure only (also comprises when dispatching from the factory) action when initial initial setting basically, and the pixel value guiding mechanism is printed action to each image.

In addition, so-called side-play amount is meant the position of actual printing and the position offset of desirable print position.

The printing equipment of [mode 8] mode 8 is characterized in that with regard to mode 7 described printing equipments:

Described print position displacement amount detection machine structure is according to the CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION of the zag image point patterns of using described printhead prints, and detection is calculated picture point at interval corresponding to the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon.

Thus, even if use the CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION that reads of the zag image point patterns of described printhead prints to blur, also can correctly obtain this side-play amount.In addition and since can reduce the reading devices such as scanner that read this zag image point patterns significantly read precision (resolution ratio), so can use the reading device of low price, can cut down significantly and calculate the required cost of side-play amount.

In addition, use resolution ratio, according to the CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION variation of this reading device than the reading device of printing head height, infer the Feng Hegu of concentration, the peak value of this peak or paddy is made as the center of picture point,, then can detects skew with ideal position if detect the center of this picture point.

The printing equipment of [mode 9] mode 9 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing equipment of one of mode 1-8:

Described N system data will generate mechanism will adjust the view data N system of pixel value by described pixel value guiding mechanism the time, use error diffusion method or shake (dither) method.

When N system data like this are handled, by using error-diffusion method as one of known employed intermediate color (half-tone) processing method, can will handle the error continuous dispensing of generation in the processing of surrounding pixel because of the N system at error diffusion matrix according to the rules, consider its influence, error as a whole is made as minimum, so can positively obtain the printed article of the high image quality of loyal performance middle gray.

In addition,, carry out N system accurately, so can positively obtain the printed article of the high image quality of loyal performance middle gray by using the dithering of one of known employed intermediate color processing method of conduct identical with this error-diffusion method.

Here, what is called ' error diffusion processing ' is meant following processing among the present invention, with common utilize identical in the image processing field, error diffusion matrix according to the rules, peripherad pixel distributes certain pixel to handle the error that produces because of binary system, in post processing, by considering its influence, as a whole error is become minimum.Promptly, it is following method, under the situation of the binarization of carrying out N=2, if half median of the number of greyscale levels that the concentration value of pixel has than this image is big, then be categorized as black (picture point is arranged), if it is little, then be categorized as white (not having picture point), afterwards, make in the proper ratio before the classification concentration value with handle after the error of the concentration value pixel around being distributed in, adjust (below about the mode of ' printing equipment ', mode about ' print routine ', mode about ' printing ' method, mode about ' image processing apparatus ', mode about ' image processing program ', mode about ' image processing method ', and about the mode of ' writing down the recording medium of described program ', identical in the record on the best mode hurdle that carries out an invention etc.).

On the other hand, so-called ' dithering ' is following processing method, usually utilization identical in promptly same and the image processing field, relatively the concentration value of each pixel of shading image, compare with the numerical value of each pixel that is equivalent to the cut-and-dried table that is called dither matrix, under same binary situation of carrying out N=2, big as if the value of shading image, then be defined as deceiving (picture point is arranged), if little, then be defined as white (not having picture point), each pixel is distributed into ' picture point is arranged ' and ' not having picture point '.

The printing equipment of [mode 10] mode 10 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing equipment of one of mode 1-9:

Described printhead is following printhead, has the length of described medium width size, and the width along described medium does not move, and just can print with 1 scanning.

Thus, ' the informal voucher line ' or ' black streaking ' that the zone phenomenon that is easy to generate especially when using following printhead is caused eliminated or is unshowy basically, this printhead has the length of described medium width size, and the width along described medium does not move, and can carry out the printing of 1 scanning.The printhead that in this printhead, comprises the line head dummy.

The printing equipment of [mode 11] mode 11 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing equipment of one of mode 1-9:

Described printhead is following printhead, has the length shorter than the width of described medium, moves back and forth along the width of described medium.

Described zone phenomenon is not in the length with described medium width size, the width along described medium moves, can carry out under the situation of printhead of printing of 1 scanning significantly, even if but produce under the situation of the printhead that has the length shorter than described medium width and move back and forth along the width of described medium yet.In this printhead, comprise repeatedly printhead by type.

Therefore, if one of described mode 1-9 is applicable to repeatedly situation by the printhead of type, ' the informal voucher line ' that repeatedly cause by the zone phenomenon that produces in the type printhead eliminated really or unshowy basically.

In addition, repeatedly passing through under the situation of type printhead, by implementing the operations such as scanning of duplicate printing head, can avoid described zone phenomenon, but, then needn't make printhead several times, so can realize printing more at a high speed in same area scanning if be suitable for the technology of described mode 1-9.

The print routine of [mode 12] mode 12 is characterised in that: the function that makes the following mechanism of computer realization: the flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains mechanism; The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that mechanism obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted and is determined the determined pixel value that relates to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon of mechanism by this flight deflection pixel; N system data generate mechanism, to by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Printed data generates mechanism, generates the N system data that mechanism generates according to these N system data, generates the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized; And printing mechanism, use described printhead, generate the printed data that mechanism generates according to this printed data, carry out printing.

Thus, the same with described mode 1, the pixel value that relates to the pixel of zone phenomenon changes, also be different from image spot size when not producing zone phenomenon corresponding to the size of the picture point of these pixels, so ' informal voucher line ' or ' dense striped ' that the zone phenomenon that produces because of so-called flight deflection phenomenon is caused effectively eliminated or be unshowy basically.

In addition, most of printing equipment of selling on the current market such as ink-jet printer possesses the computer system that is made of central processing unit (CPU) or storage device (RAM, ROM), input/output unit etc., use this computer system, utilize software to realize described each mechanism, compare so implement the situation of described each mechanism with the hardware of making special use, can economical and easily realize.And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The print routine of [mode 13] mode 13 is characterized in that with regard to mode 12 described print routines:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, make by this flight deflection pixel determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, the pixel value that is adjacent to the big pixel in interval between the pixel with the corresponding pixel of nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes greatly.

Thus, the same with described mode 2, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

In addition, the same with described mode 12, because can directly use the computer system that standard is equipped with in most of printing equipment of selling on the current market, utilize software to realize described each mechanism, compare so implement the situation of described each mechanism with the hardware of making special use, can economical and easily realize.And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The print routine of [mode 14] mode 14 is characterized in that with regard to mode 12 described print routines:

Described flight deflection pixel determines that mechanism determines in each nozzle of described printhead, the pixel corresponding with the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon and respectively with the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon near the corresponding pixel of nozzle, simultaneously,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, and makes by this flight deflection pixel to determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the same with described mode 3, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so the what is called ' black streaking ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The print routine of [mode 15] mode 15 is characterized in that with regard to mode 12 described print routines:

Described flight deflection pixel determine mechanism determine in each nozzle corresponding to described printhead, cause the flight deflection phenomenon nozzle pixel and correspond respectively near the pixel of the nozzle the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, so that determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is big becomes big by this flight deflection pixel, simultaneously, make and be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the same with described mode 4, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically, simultaneously, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' black streaking ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The print routine of [mode 16] mode 16 is characterized in that with regard to mode 15 described print routines:

The adjustment of described pixel value guiding mechanism constitutes the pixel value that described pixel value is adjusted object pixels, make apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the big picture point of pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes, and the little picture point of adjacent pixels interbody spacer between the difference of the apparent concentration that causes of visual characteristic diminish.

Thus, the same with described mode 5, owing to carry out the pixel value adjustment that the visual characteristic with the observer is complementary, so can further effectively reduce zone phenomenon.

The print routine of [mode 17] mode 17 is characterized in that with regard to mode 16 described print routines:

Thus, the same with mode 6, produce the zone at informal voucher line, black streaking, its concentration difference is suppressed to minimum, thus, can carry out visually informal voucher line, black streaking being suppressed to minimum picture point configuration.

The print routine of [mode 18] mode 18 is characterized in that with regard to the described print routine of one of mode 12-17:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism calculates picture point mode at interval with the picture point print position displacement amount that detects pixel, adjust the adjustment amount of the pixel value of object pixels and adjust becoming pixel, described pixel for detected by described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon.

Thus, the same with described mode 7, owing to can obtain correct side-play amount corresponding to the picture point of flight deflection pixel, so can carry out correct pixel value adjustment.

The print routine of [mode 19] mode 19 is characterized in that with regard to mode 18 described print routines:

Thus, the same with described mode 8, even if use described printhead prints zag image point patterns to read CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION fuzzy, also can correctly obtain this side-play amount.In addition and since can reduce the reading devices such as scanner that read this zag image point patterns significantly read precision (resolution ratio), so can use the reading device of low price, can cut down significantly and calculate the required cost of side-play amount.

The print routine of [mode 20] mode 20 is characterized in that with regard to the described print routine of one of mode 12-19:

Described N system data generate mechanism when the N system has been adjusted the view data of pixel value by described pixel value guiding mechanism, use error diffusion method or dithering.

Thus, the same with described mode 9, can positively obtain the printed article of high image quality of the middle gray of loyal performance original digital image data.

The storage medium of the embodied on computer readable of [mode 21] mode 21 is storage mediums of the embodied on computer readable of one of recording mode 12-20 described print routine.

Thus, can provide one of described mode 12-20 described print routine easily and positively to demanders such as users through the storage medium of embodied on computer readable such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, FD, semiconductor chip.

The printing process of [mode 22] mode 22 is characterised in that: comprise the flight deflection characteristic information and obtain step, obtain the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains step; Flight deflection pixel determining step according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that step obtains by described flight deflection characteristic, obtains each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that step obtains from this view data, determines to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted the pixel value by the definite pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon of this flight deflection pixel determining step; N system data generate step, to by the view data behind this pixel value set-up procedure adjustment pixel value, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Printed data generates step, generates the N system data that step generates according to these N system data, generates the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized; And print steps, generate the printed data that step generates according to this printed data, carry out printing.

In addition, most of printing equipment of selling on the current market such as ink-jet printer possesses the computer system that is made of central processing unit (CPU) or storage device (RAM, ROM), input/output unit etc., use this computer system, utilize software to realize described each step, compare so implement the situation of described each step with the hardware of making special use, can economical and easily realize.And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The printing process of [mode 23] mode 23 is characterized in that with regard to mode 22 described printing processes:

Described flight deflection pixel determining step determines in each nozzle corresponding to described printhead, cause the flight deflection phenomenon nozzle pixel and correspond respectively near the pixel of the nozzle the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon, simultaneously,

Described pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted, and makes in the pixel of being determined by this flight deflection pixel determining step, is adjacent to correspondence and causes that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is big becomes big.

In addition, the same with described mode 22, because can directly use the computer system that standard is equipped with in most of printing equipment of selling on the current market, utilize software to realize described each step, compare so implement the situation of described each step with the hardware of making special use, can economical and easily realize.And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The printing process of [mode 24] mode 24 is characterized in that with regard to mode 22 described printing processes:

Described pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted, and makes in the pixel of being determined by this flight deflection pixel determining step, is adjacent to correspondence and causes that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the same with described mode 3, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The printing process of [mode 25] mode 25 is characterized in that with regard to mode 22 described printing processes:

Described flight deflection pixel determining step determines in each nozzle corresponding to described printhead, cause the flight deflection phenomenon nozzle pixel and correspond respectively near the pixel of the nozzle the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon,

Described pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted, make in the pixel of determining by this flight deflection pixel determining step, be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is big becomes big, simultaneously, make and be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, the same with described mode 4, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically, simultaneously, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The printing process of [mode 26] mode 26 is characterized in that with regard to mode 25 described printing processes:

The adjustment of described pixel value set-up procedure constitutes the pixel value that described pixel value is adjusted object pixels, and the difference of the apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the little picture point of apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the big picture point of pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes and adjacent pixels interbody spacer causes is diminished.

The printing process of [mode 27] mode 27 is characterized in that with regard to mode 26 described printing processes:

Described pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted the pixel value of pixel, adjusting to such an extent that make the pixel value of the big pixel of pixel adjacent interbody spacer become big, under the situation that the pixel value that the pixel adjacent interbody spacer is little diminishes, set high more near this picture point, concentration more, more away from the low more space of this picture point, concentration, in this space, make the difference minimum of the Cmin value of the Cmax value of this concentration maximum and this concentration minimum.

The printing process of [mode 28] mode 28 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing process of mode 22-27:

Comprise the print position displacement amount and detect step, detect the print position displacement amount of actual printing corresponding to the picture point of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon,

Described pixel detection step detect constitute pixel value adjust in the pixel value adjustment amount of object pixels, by described print position displacement amount detect step detected, corresponding to the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon, calculate picture point at interval.

The printing process of [mode 29] mode 29 is characterized in that with regard to mode 28 described printing processes:

Described print position displacement amount detects the CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION of step according to the zag image point patterns of using described printhead prints, and detection is calculated picture point at interval corresponding to the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon.

The printing process of [mode 30] mode 30 is characterized in that with regard to the described printing process of one of mode 22-29:

Described N system data generate step when the N system has been adjusted the view data of pixel value by described pixel value set-up procedure, use error diffusion method or dithering.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 31] mode 31 is characterised in that: possess the flight deflection characteristic information and obtain mechanism, obtain the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains mechanism; The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that mechanism obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted the pixel value of being determined the pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon that mechanism determines by this flight deflection pixel; N system data generate mechanism, to by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Generate mechanism with printed data, generate the N system data that mechanism generates, generate the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized according to these N system data.

Thus, the pixel value that relates to the pixel of zone phenomenon changes, also be different from image spot size when not producing zone phenomenon corresponding to the size of the picture point of these pixels, so ' informal voucher line ' or ' dense striped ' that the zone phenomenon that produces because of so-called flight deflection phenomenon is caused effectively eliminated or be unshowy basically.

In addition, owing to can realize each mechanism, realize so wait by general information processors such as computer by software.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 32] mode 32 is characterized in that with regard to mode 31 described image processing apparatus:

Described flight deflection pixel determine mechanism determine in each nozzle corresponding to described printhead, cause the flight deflection phenomenon nozzle pixel and correspond respectively near the pixel of the nozzle the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon, simultaneously,

Thus, so can obtain following printed data, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 33] mode 33 is characterized in that with regard to mode 31 described image processing apparatus:

Thus, can obtain following printed data, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so that the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between this picture point and picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel effectively eliminate or be unshowy basically.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 34] mode 34 is characterized in that with regard to mode 31 described image processing apparatus:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, make by this flight deflection pixel and determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is big becomes big, simultaneously, make and be adjacent to correspondence and cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

Thus, can obtain following printed data, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, institute is so that this picture point, and the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically, simultaneously, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 35] mode 35 is characterized in that with regard to mode 34 described image processing apparatus:

In addition, the same with described mode 31, owing to can on software, realize each mechanism, realize so can wait by the information processor of general computer etc.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 36] mode 36 is characterized in that with regard to mode 35 described image processing apparatus:

Thus, produce the zone, its concentration difference is suppressed to minimum, thus, can carry out visually informal voucher line, black streaking being suppressed to minimum picture point configuration at informal voucher line, black streaking.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 37] mode 37 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing apparatus of one of mode 31-36:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism, calculating picture point mode adjustment at interval with the side-play amount of the picture point print position that detects pixel becomes the pixel value that pixel value is adjusted object pixels, described pixel for detected by described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon.

The image processing apparatus of [mode 38] mode 38 is characterized in that with regard to mode 37 described image processing apparatus:

The image processing apparatus of [mode 39] mode 39 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing apparatus of one of mode 31-38:

Thus, can positively obtain the printed article of high image quality of the middle gray of loyal performance original digital image data.

The image processing program of [mode 40] mode 40 is characterised in that: the function that makes the following mechanism of computer realization: the flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains mechanism; The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that mechanism obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted the pixel value of being determined the pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon that mechanism determines by this flight deflection pixel; N system data generate mechanism, to by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Generate mechanism with printed data, generate the N system data that mechanism generates, generate the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized according to these N system data.

Thus, the same with described mode 31, the pixel value that relates to the pixel of zone phenomenon changes, also be different from image spot size when not producing zone phenomenon corresponding to the size of the picture point of these pixels, so ' informal voucher line ' or ' dense striped ' that the zone phenomenon that produces because of so-called flight deflection phenomenon is caused effectively eliminated or be unshowy basically.

In addition,, utilize software to realize described each mechanism,, can economical and easily realize so implement the situation of described each mechanism and compare with making special-purpose hardware because can use computer general calculation machine systems such as (PC).And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The image processing program of [mode 41] mode 41 is characterized in that with regard to mode 40 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with described mode 32, can obtain following printed data, promptly be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

In addition, the same with described mode 40, because can use computer general calculation machine systems such as (PC), utilize software to realize described each mechanism, so implement the situation of described each mechanism and compare, can economical and easily realize with making special-purpose hardware.And,, also can easily carry out based on edition upgradings such as function change or improvement by rewriting the part of program.

The image processing program of [mode 42] mode 42 is characterized in that with regard to mode 40 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with described mode 33, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing program of [mode 43] mode 43 is characterized in that with regard to mode 40 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with described mode 34, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically, simultaneously, be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of little pixel diminish, so can make this picture point, and the what is called ' dense striped ' that produces between the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing program of [mode 44] mode 44 is characterized in that with regard to mode 43 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with described mode 35, owing to carry out the pixel value adjustment that the visual characteristic with the observer is complementary, so can further effectively reduce zone phenomenon.

The image processing program of [mode 45] mode 45 is characterized in that with regard to mode 44 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with mode 36, produce the zone at informal voucher line, black streaking, its concentration difference is suppressed to minimum, thus, can carry out visually informal voucher line, black streaking being suppressed to minimum picture point configuration.

The image processing program of [mode 46] mode 46 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing program of one of mode 40-45:

Described pixel detection mechanism detect constitute pixel value adjust in the pixel value adjustment amount of object pixels, detected by described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, corresponding to the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon, calculate picture point at interval.

Thus, the same with described mode 37, owing to can obtain correct side-play amount corresponding to the picture point of flight deflection pixel, so can carry out correct pixel value adjustment.

The image processing program of [mode 47] mode 47 is characterized in that with regard to mode 46 described image processing programs:

Thus, the same with described mode 38, even if use described printhead prints zag image point patterns to read CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION fuzzy, also can correctly obtain this side-play amount.In addition and since can reduce the reading devices such as scanner that read this zag image point patterns significantly read precision (resolution ratio), so can use the reading device of low price, can cut down significantly and calculate the required cost of side-play amount.

The image processing program of [mode 48] mode 48 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing program of one of mode 40-47:

Thus, the same with described mode 39, can positively obtain the printed article of high image quality of the middle gray of loyal performance original digital image data.

The storage medium of the embodied on computer readable of [mode 49] mode 49 is storage mediums of the embodied on computer readable of one of recording mode 40-48 described image processing program.

Thus, can provide one of described mode 40-48 described image processing program easily and positively to demanders such as users through the storage medium of embodied on computer readable such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, FD, semiconductor chip.

The image processing method of [mode 50] mode 50 is characterised in that: comprise the flight deflection characteristic information and obtain step, obtain the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes; The view data that obtains the view data of M value (M 〉=3) obtains step; Flight deflection pixel determining step according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that step obtains by described flight deflection characteristic, obtains each pixel of view data of the M value (M 〉=3) that step obtains from this view data, determines to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; The pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted the pixel value by the definite pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon of this flight deflection pixel determining step; N system data generate step, to by the view data behind this pixel value set-up procedure adjustment pixel value, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Generate step with printed data, generate the N system data that step generates, generate the printed data that each pixel is distributed the picture point of correspondingly-sized according to these N system data.

The image processing method of [mode 51] mode 51 is characterized in that with regard to mode 50 described image processing methods:

Thus, the same with described mode 32, can obtain following printed data, because be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing method of [mode 52] mode 52 is characterized in that with regard to mode 50 described image processing methods:

Thus, the same with described mode 33, because be adjacent to corresponding to picture point between the pixel of the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon at interval the image spot size of big pixel become big, so the what is called ' informal voucher line ' that produces between this picture point and the picture point corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection pixel is effectively eliminated or unshowy basically.

The image processing method of [mode 53] mode 53 is characterized in that with regard to mode 50 described image processing methods:

The image processing method of [mode 54] mode 54 is characterized in that with regard to mode 53 described image processing methods:

The adjustment of described pixel value set-up procedure constitutes the pixel value that described pixel value is adjusted object pixels, make apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the big picture point of pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes, and the little picture point of adjacent pixels interbody spacer between the difference of the apparent concentration that causes of visual characteristic diminish.

The image processing method of [mode 55] mode 55 is characterized in that with regard to mode 54 described image processing methods:

The image processing method of [mode 56] mode 56 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing method of one of mode 50-55:

Described pixel value set-up procedure, calculate picture point mode at interval with the side-play amount of the picture point print position that detects pixel, the pixel value adjustment amount of adjusting object pixels as pixel value is adjusted, this pixel for detect by described print position displacement amount step detected, corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon.

The image processing method of [mode 57] mode 57 is characterized in that with regard to mode 56 described image processing methods:

The image processing method of [mode 58] mode 58 is characterized in that with regard to the described image processing method of one of mode 50-57:

Thus, the same with mode 39, can be compensated printed data because of wide concentration reduction of seeing that produces between picture point etc.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the functional block diagram of the embodiment of expression printing equipment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the local amplification inclinating view of the structure of expression printhead of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the local enlarged side view of the structure of expression printhead of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of representing not produce ideal image point pattern one example of flight deflection phenomenon.

The schematic diagram of Fig. 5 zag image point patterns one example that to be expression formed by the flight deflection phenomenon of a nozzle.

Fig. 6 is the picture point that the relation of pixel value and gray value and image spot size is shown, the figure of gray scale chart one example.

Fig. 7 is the figure of expression flight deflection characteristic information one example.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram that the hardware of the computer system of expression realization printing equipment of the present invention constitutes.

Fig. 9 be the image of expression when reading the zag image point patterns of printing print by high-resolution, with the schematic diagram of its change in concentration.

Figure 10 be the image of expression when reading the zag image point patterns of printing print by low resolution, with the schematic diagram of its change in concentration.

Figure 11 is the flow chart of print processing flow process one example of expression present embodiment.

Figure 12 is normal zag image point patterns of expression and the local figure that produces the zag image point patterns of flight deflection.

Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of expression about the adjustment example of the pixel value of flight deflection phenomenon.

Figure 14 is the schematic diagram that shows the concentration range relation that each pixel should show with area.

Figure 15 is the schematic diagram of the vision change in concentration pattern of the people in the normal zag image point patterns of expression.

Figure 16 is that expression causes the vision change in concentration pattern of the people in the zag image point patterns of print position displacement and the schematic diagram of its pixel value variation.

Figure 17 be expression cause adding in the zag image point patterns of print position displacement the pixel value of human vision property adjust the schematic diagram of example and its change in concentration pattern.

Figure 18 is a key diagram of representing repeatedly to pass through the mode of printing difference of type ink-jet printer and line head dummy ink-jet printer.

Figure 19 is the figure of configuration example (a)-(d) of the printhead of expression line head dummy printer.

Figure 20 is the figure that represents repeatedly the configuration example (a)-(d) of the printhead by the type printer.

Figure 21 is the schematic diagram of other example of the structure of expression printhead.

Figure 22 is the schematic diagram of computer-readable recording medium one example of expression record program of the present invention.

The explanation of symbol among the figure:

100... printing equipment, 200... printhead, 300A... picture point, the greyscale transformation table, 300B... flight deflection information table, 10... the flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, 10a... printhead characteristic storage part, 10b... printhead Characteristics Detection portion, 12... view data obtains mechanism, 14... the flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, 16... print position displacement amount detection machine structure, 18... pixel value guiding mechanism, 20...N the system data generate mechanism, 22... printed data generates mechanism, 24... printing mechanism, 60...CPU, 62...RAM, 64...ROM, 66... interface, 70... storage device, 72... output device, 74... input unit, 50... black nozzles module, 52... yellow nozzle module, 54... magenta nozzle module, 56... cyan nozzle module, S... printed medium (paper), N... nozzle, R... recording medium.

The specific embodiment

Below, with reference to accompanying drawing embodiments of the present invention are described.Fig. 1-Figure 21 represents the embodiment about printing equipment 100 of the present invention and print routine, printing process, image processing apparatus, image processing program, image processing method and computer-readable recording medium.

Fig. 1 is the functional block diagram of the embodiment of expression printing equipment 100 of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, this printing equipment 100 mainly is made of following mechanism: the printhead 200 of the picture point that printable size is different; Obtain the flight deflection characteristic information of the flight deflection characteristic information of this printhead 200 and obtain mechanism 10; The view data that obtains many-valued view data obtains mechanism 12; The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism 14, obtains each pixel of the multivalue image data that mechanism 12 obtains from this view data, by the threshold value of flight deflection amount and regulation relatively, determines to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; Position offset testing agency 16, the position offset that detects that this flight deflection pixel determines that mechanism 14 determines about the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; Pixel value guiding mechanism 18, according to these position offset testing agency 16 detected position offsets, the pixel value of adjusting that described flight deflection pixel determines that mechanism 14 determines about the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon; N system data generate mechanism 20, to adjusted the view data of pixel value by this pixel value guiding mechanism 18, generate N system data (M＞N 〉=2); Printed data generates mechanism 22 and generates the printing number, and this printed data is according to generating the N system data that mechanism 20 generates according to these N system data, distributing the picture point with each pixel correspondingly-sized; With printing mechanism 24, generate the printed data that mechanism 20 generates according to this printed data, carry out printing.

At first, illustrate and be applicable to printhead 200 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the local amplification inclinating view of the structure of this printhead 200 of expression, and Fig. 3 is its local enlarged side view.

As shown in Figure 2, this printhead 200 overlaps ground 4

nozzle modules

50,52,54,56 of one arrangement and constitutes with print direction (sub scanning direction), wherein, black nozzle module 50 constitutes the rectangular structure of the paper cross direction extension of continuing to use the printing paper in so-called line head dummy printer, arranges the nozzle N that a plurality of (among the figure being 18) spray black (K) ink specially along the main scanning direction linearity; Yellow nozzle module 52 is arranged the nozzle N of yellow (Y) ink of a plurality of special ejections equally along the main scanning direction linearity; Magenta nozzle module 54 is arranged the nozzle N of a plurality of special ejection fuchsins (M) ink equally along the main scanning direction linearity; Cyan nozzle module 56 is arranged the nozzle N of a plurality of special ejection cyans (M) ink equally along the main scanning direction linearity.In addition, under the situation of printhead that with the black and white is purpose, only use black (K), in addition, under with the situation of images with high image quality, use the ink of 6 looks such as adding shallow fuchsin or light cyan or 7 looks sometimes as the printhead of target.

In addition, the printhead 200 that constitutes this structure utilizes the not shown piezoelectric element piezoelectric elements such as (piezo actuator) in the not shown ink tank that is separately positioned among each nozzle N1, N2, the N3... to offer the ink these each ink tanks from each nozzle N1, N2, N3... ejection, on the printing paper of white, print in the circular picture point thus, by control the voltage that puts on this piezoelectric element multistagely, control is from the spray volume of the ink of ink tank, each nozzle N1, N2, the picture point that the printable size of N3... is different.In addition, divided for 2 stages applied voltage continuously at short notice sometimes, after making two ejection combinations on the printing paper, constitute a picture point to nozzle.At this moment, utilize spouting velocity different, follow little picture point, spray big picture point, can make thus to fall within the ink on the paper on the roughly the same position, constitute a bigger picture point because of the size of picture point.

The black nozzles module 50 that Fig. 3 one of illustrates in these 4 nozzle sets 50,52,54,56 for example from the side, be illustrated in several the 6th nozzle N6 generation flight deflection phenomenons from a left side, ink is along inclined direction sprayed from this nozzle N6, near its adjacent normal nozzles N7, print the state of (ink land) picture point.

Therefore, carry out printing if use this black nozzles module 50, then as shown in Figure 4, under the state that does not produce flight deflection, arbitrary picture point all is printed on the regulation print position (desirable zag image point patterns), as shown in Figure 5, if several the 6th nozzle N6 produce the flight deflection phenomenons from a left side, then the result prints moving apart from a to its adjacent normal nozzles N7 lateral deviation from the print position that this picture point print position is made as purpose.

Afterwards, the flight deflection characteristic information obtain mechanism 10 provide in the characteristic that obtains this printhead 200, especially about the function of the information of flight deflection phenomenon, particularly, bring into play following function, specifically obtain and determine whether shown in Figure 5 as described in printhead 200, produce the flight deflection phenomenon and under the situation that produces the flight deflection phenomenon, the abnormal nozzle N that causes this flight deflection phenomenon be which or based on the side-play amount of the picture point print position of this flight deflection phenomenon for which kind of degree etc.

Promptly, as shown in Figure 1, obtain at this flight deflection characteristic information and also to possess printhead characteristic storage part 10a or the printhead Characteristics Detection 10b of portion in the mechanism 10, by reading the characteristic that is stored in the described printhead 200 among this printhead characteristic storage part 10a in advance, or read characteristic by the detected described printhead 200 of the printhead Characteristics Detection 10b of portion, can be in the characteristic that easily obtains described printhead 200 period of necessity.

Here, printhead characteristic storage part 10a for example, by can freely writing when reading described printhead 200 and making, or be assembled into storing mechanisms such as printing equipment 100 (printing mechanism 22) performed printhead attribute testing result's when medium ROM or RAM and constitute, in addition, the printhead Characteristics Detection 10b of portion is for the situation corresponding to the characteristic variations of this printhead 200 after the use, utilize projection printing such as sweep mechanism reading mechanism etc. as a result regularly or in prescribed period of time, print result according to this printhead 200, check the characteristic of this printhead 200, this check result is preserved with the data of described printhead characteristic storage part 10a, or be rewritten as its data and wait and preserve.In addition, think that the characteristic of this printhead 200 was fixed in the fabrication stage, if the ejection fault that ink obstruction etc. cause, the situation of then making the back variation is less.

Then, view data obtains mechanism 12 following function is provided, promptly obtain the many-valued color image data that is used to print that sends from printing instruction devices (not shown) such as the computer (PC) that is connected with this printing equipment 100 or printer servers through network etc., or image (data) reader units etc. such as never illustrated scanner or CD-ROM drive directly read in and obtain above-mentioned view data, and bring into play following function simultaneously, the many-valued color image data of even obtaining is many-valued RGB data, for example for each pixel, (R of all kinds, G, B) gray scale (brightness value) is by the view data of 8 (0-255) expression, then after this view data is carried out the look conversion process, be transformed to more than each ink of described printhead 200 and be worth CMYK (situations of 4 looks) data.

Afterwards, the flight deflection pixel determines that mechanism 14 provides following function, promptly obtain each pixel of the multivalue image data that mechanism 12 obtains from this view data, according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism 10 obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, by comparing flight deflection amount and defined threshold, determine pixel about the flight deflection phenomenon.

For example, expression shown in Fig. 7 by described flight deflection characteristic information obtain in the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism 10 obtains, the example of the flight deflection information table 300B of the flight deflection amount of each nozzle of printhead 200, this flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism 14 according to obtained flight deflection information table 300B that mechanism 10 obtains etc. by this flight deflection characteristic information, determine corresponding to the nozzle that produces flight deflection pixel (below be called ' flight deflection pixel '.) and corresponding to the pixel of the nozzle that is positioned at the nozzle both sides that produce this flight deflection, as the pixel relevant with the flight deflection phenomenon.

Afterwards, print position displacement amount detection machine structure 16 provide detection by described flight deflection pixel determine that mechanism 14 determines, about the function of the locations of pixels side-play amount of flight deflection phenomenon.

In addition, here so-called ' print position displacement amount ' is meant the side-play amount (distance) of picture point print position and the print position of the actual picture point of printing of the ideal (target) of each nozzle, roughly the same with described ' flight deflection amount ' implication, but be somebody's turn to do ' flight deflection amount ' even if owing to also different variations such as size, so both separately use with different implications strictly speaking along with identical nozzle, formed picture point.

In addition, this flight deflection pixel is determined determining of flight deflection pixel that mechanism 14 carries out and print position displacement amount detection machine structure 16 is carried out also can obtain according to the printing print that in fact described printhead 200 print the print pattern of stipulating about the detection of the position offset of the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon.

Fig. 9 (A) utilizes optical pickup devices such as scanner to read the partial enlarged drawing of the zag image point patterns of this printing print, and Fig. 9 (B) represents its CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION.

Like this, under the sufficient situation of the read-out resolution of optical pickup devices such as scanner, according to the data that read of the printing print that reads, can easily carry out the flight deflection pixel determine and about the detection of the position offset of the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon.That is, in the example of Fig. 9, for example be considered as the center of each picture point, can determine the central part of actual picture point, simultaneously, the central authorities of the paddy of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION can be defined as the boundary portion (pars intermedia) of each picture point by central authorities with the peak of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION.

In addition, Figure 10 (A) is the same with Fig. 9 (A), it is the partial enlarged drawing that reads the zag image point patterns of printing print by optical pickup devices such as scanners, but the zag image point patterns that reads under the inadequate state of the resolution ratio that is illustrated in the optical pickup device that reads this printing print, Figure 10 (B) represents its CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION.

Like this, under the situation of the zag image point patterns that reads under the inadequate state of read-out resolution, the profile of picture point fogs, and is difficult to correctly determine its center, but by with above-mentioned the same its CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION of obtaining, can obtain the center of each picture point and the boundary portion between picture point according to the variation of its CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION.That is, in the example of Figure 10, for example be considered as the center of each picture point, can determine the central part of actual picture point, simultaneously, the central authorities of the paddy of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION can be defined as the boundary portion (pars intermedia) of each picture point by top picture point with the peak of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION.In addition, like this under the inadequate situation of read-out resolution, although one of central authorities of the paddy of the top picture point at the peak of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION or CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION can not determine, if can determine the either party, then can determine the opposing party according to this information.Promptly, if determine the top picture point at the peak of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION, then can determine the center of its picture point, so centre among the distance between centers of this picture point can be defined as the boundary portion between picture point, in addition, if determine the central authorities of the paddy of CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION, then can determine the boundary portion between picture point, so the central authorities between the boundary portion between this picture point can be defined as the center of picture point.

Afterwards, pixel value guiding mechanism 18 provides as above function, promptly according to by these position offset testing agency 16 detected position offsets, adjust the pixel value of determining by described flight deflection pixel that mechanism 14 determines about the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon, instantiation is as described later.

Afterwards, N system data generate mechanism 20 function that the view data of having been adjusted pixel value by this pixel value guiding mechanism 18 is generated N system data (M＞N 〉=2) are provided.

Particularly, determine to have adjusted pixel value (concentration value) with 8,256 gray scales about each pixel of the view data behind the pixel value of the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon by described pixel value guiding mechanism 18, to be worth under the situation that 4 systems are gray scale: N=4, shown in the picture point of Fig. 6, greyscale transformation table 300A, use 3 threshold values, the pixel value of each pixel is categorized into 4.

The right hurdle of the picture point of Fig. 6, greyscale transformation table 300 is illustrated in these N system data is generated the relation of the many-valued pixel value of 4 systems of mechanism's 20 execution as the threshold value under the situation of gray scale: N=4 and each pixel value.

Promptly, according to this picture point, greyscale transformation table 300, under the situation of the pixel value (brightness value) of each pixel of determining multivalue image data by 8 (0-255), use ' 210 (the 1st threshold values) ', ' 126 (the 2nd threshold values) ', ' 42 (the 3rd threshold values) ' etc. 3 threshold values, at pixel value is under the situation of ' 211-255 ', 4 systems are gray value=1 (concentration ' 0 ', brightness ' 255 '), at pixel value is under the situation of ' 127-210 ', 4 systems are gray value=2 (concentration ' 83 ', brightness ' 170 '), be under the situation of ' 43-126 ' at pixel value, 4 systems are gray value=3 (concentration ' 170 ', brightness ' 85 '), at pixel value is under the situation of ' 0-42 ', and 4 systems are gray value=4 (concentration ' 255 ', brightness ' 0 ').In addition, in the N system, by the usable floor area gray scale, but the above gray scale of analog representation 4 values.For example, error-diffusion method is a method of performance area gray scale.Error-diffusion method to not carrying out the pixel that 4 systems are handled, is realized the area gray scale by the error diffusion of concerned pixel being carried out 4 systems and producing.

Afterwards, printed data generates mechanism 22 also to each pixel to the N system data behind each pixel N system like this, sets corresponding picture point, the printing data of utilization in the printing mechanism 24 of the ink-jetting style below generating.

The left hurdle of the picture point of Fig. 6, greyscale transformation table 300 be this printed data of expression each pixel of generating the N system data that mechanism 22 carries out pixel value and image spot size relation with reference to scheming.

In illustrated example, establishing ' 4 systems of gray scale: N=4 ', under ' concentration value ' the situation of selection as pixel value, respectively will ' image spot size during gray value=1 ' be transformed to ' not having picture point ', will ' image spot size during gray value=2 ' be transformed to ' the little picture point ' of elementary area minimum, will ' image spot size during gray value=3 ' is transformed to ' middle picture point ' bigger slightly than little picture point, will ' gray value=image spot size 4 ' time is transformed to ' the big picture point ' of the area maximum of picture point.In addition, under ' brightness value ' the situation of employing, be transformed to and be somebody's turn to do the opposite picture point of ' concentration value ' relation respectively as this pixel value.

Then, printing mechanism 24 is printers of ink-jetting style, the limit is moved one of printing paper or printhead 200 or both sides, spray to point-like ink in the described

nozzle module

50,52,54,56 of limit from be formed at described printhead 200 respectively, on described printing paper, form the specified image that constitutes by a plurality of picture points, except that described printhead 200, also constitute by following known inscape, be not shown printhead connecting gear (repeatedly by under the situation of type), this printhead 200 is moved back and forth at its width of printed medium S upper edge; Be used to not shown paper advance mechanism that described printed medium S is moved; Control the not shown print control unit mechanism etc. of the ink ejection of printhead 200 with data according to described printing.

Here, this printing equipment 100 possesses computer system, this computer system on software, realize the printing usefulness various controls or described flight deflection characteristic information obtain mechanism 10, view data obtains mechanism 12, the flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism 14, position offset testing agency 16, pixel value guiding mechanism 18, N system data generate mechanism 20, printed data generates mechanism 22, printing mechanism 24 etc., its hardware constitutes as shown in Figure 8, connecting the CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 60 that bears the central arithmetic processing apparatus that various control exclusive disjunctions handle by external bus 68 in formations such as PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture) bus various, constitute the RAM (Random AccessMemory) 62 of main storage means (Main Storage), as between the ROM that reads dedicated storage means (Read Only Memory) 64 time, through I (I/F) 66, on this bus 68, connect HDD external memories (Secondary Storage) 70 such as (Hard Disk Drive), or printing mechanism or CRT, output devices 72 such as LCD monitor, guidance panel or mouse, keyboard, input units such as scanner 74, with with network L of not shown usefulness of communicating by letter such as printing instruction device etc.

Afterwards, if connect power supply, then being stored in system programs such as BIOS among ROM64 etc. will be stored in the various computer dependent programs among the ROM in advance or be loaded among the RAM62 equally through CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, floppy disk storage mediums such as (FC) or the various computer dependent programs that are installed in the storage device 70 through communication networks such as internets, according to the instruction of recording and narrating in the program that is loaded among this RAM62, CPU60 orders about various resources, control that puts rules into practice and calculation process can realize each function of above-mentioned each mechanism thus on software.

Below, mainly the flow chart with reference to Figure 11 illustrates printing treatment flow process one example of using the printing equipment 100 that so constitutes.

In addition, as mentioned above, the printhead 200 that is used to print picture point generally can be printed the picture point of multiple colors such as 4 looks and 6 looks basically simultaneously, but in the following example, for easy explanation, be illustrated as by the printhead 200 of arbitrary look (monochrome) and print arbitrary picture point (monochrome image).

Shown in the flow chart of Figure 11, at first this printing equipment 100 is behind power connection, if the regulation initial actuating that printing treatment is used finishes, then enter into initial step S100, connecting under the situation of not shown printing indicating terminal such as computer etc., described view data obtains the clear and definite printing indication whether mechanism 12 monitors has from this printing indicating terminal, when being judged as the printing indication (being), then move to next step S102, judge whether with printing the many-valued view data of indication from transmission formation printing object such as this printing indicating terminals.

The result, even if for example be judged as (denying) when also not sending view data through the stipulated time, the former state end process, but when being judged as (being) when sending view data at the appointed time, then move to next step S104, obtain the flight deflection information that mechanism 10 obtains described printhead 200 by the flight deflection characteristic information.

In addition, when this moment, to obtain view data that mechanism 12 obtains be many-valued RGB data by described view data, as mentioned above, mapping algorithm according to the rules was transformed to it corresponding to the many-valued cmyk data that uses ink.

Then, obtain the flight deflection information of described printhead 200 if so, then move to next step S106, after from described view data, determining to constitute the initial concerned pixel of handling object, move to next step S108.

In this step S108, print position displacement amount detection machine structure 16 is according to described flight deflection characteristic information, from the nozzle of described printhead 200, print in the flight deflection amount corresponding to the nozzle of the picture point of this concerned pixel, detect the print position displacement that whether has corresponding to the picture point of this concerned pixel.

In addition, this position offset detects the result who handles, among the determining step S110 below, when not having the print position displacement amount in the picture point that is judged as corresponding to this concerned pixel (denying), transfer to step S126 side, after pixel counter is increased ' 1 ', return step S106, next pixel of initial pixel is defined as concerned pixel, repeats same processing.

In addition, because the nozzle major part of actual printhead 200 more or less produces the flight deflection phenomenon usually, so the common too more or less position of most of picture point of being printed by these nozzles is offset desirable print position.Therefore, when the judgment processing of this determining step S110, the defined threshold (for example about several microns) that is arranged in this position offset is set, judges according to this threshold value to have or not print position displacement.

On the other hand, in this determining step S110, when in the picture point that is judged as corresponding to concerned pixel print position displacement being arranged (being), directly transfer to next step S112, equally by print position displacement amount detection machine structure 16 when detecting this offset direction, position, detection afterwards, moves to next step S114 corresponding to the print position displacement amount of the picture point of this concerned pixel.

In step S114, determine near the pixel of this concerned pixel and this concerned pixel, i.e. each pixel of the nozzle arrangement direction both sides of this concerned pixel, as the pixel relevant with the flight deflection phenomenon, simultaneously, after the pixel value that detects these pixels, carry out the transition to next step S116, adjust their pixel value.

Figure 12-Figure 14 illustrates processing one example of step S112-step S116.

Figure 12 (A), (B) illustrate the example corresponding to each zag image point patterns of each pixel that is obtained the multivalue image data that mechanism 12 obtains by view data, illustrate respectively along the orientation of nozzle and print the state that picture point sequence number ' 1 ' to ' 9 ' waits 9 picture points side by side.

In addition, arbitrary picture point all prints on the desirable print position in the zag image point patterns of Figure 12 (A), on the contrary, following state shown in the zag image point patterns of Figure 12 (B), promptly only the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' produces print position displacement, its print position moves distance ' c ', picture point fall into disarray from desirable print position to the picture point lateral deviation of picture point sequence number ' 7 '.

In addition, the vertical line that forms between each picture point among Figure 12 is represented the centre position between the picture point of adjacency respectively, the interval of this medium line ' a ' is assumed to be each picture point the concentration range that should show (taking on), under the situation of Figure 12 (A), these each medium lines at interval uniformly-spaced, on the contrary, under the state of Figure 12 (B), the interval of this medium line is owing to print confusion about the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 '.

Promptly, under the situation of Figure 12 (B), move distance ' C ' from desirable print position to the picture point lateral deviation of picture point sequence number ' 7 ' and print the result of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ', the medium line of its both sides is also respectively to each skew of picture point side of picture point sequence number ' 7 ' distance ' b ' of 1/2 as this distance ' c '.

As a result, the concentration range that picture point sequence number ' 5 ' and ' 6 ' picture point should show is bigger than initial zone, and simultaneously, the concentration range that the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 7 ' should show is than lower primary school.

Therefore, in the pixel value adjustment of step S116 was handled, the variation size of the concentration range that should so show according to each picture point as shown in figure 13, was adjusted the pixel value of these 3 pixels.

Here, so-called ' between adjacent picture point (between pixel) at interval ' is meant the physical distance itself between picture point basically, but just as dot spacing from assay method, as follows, the consideration the whole bag of tricks.

1) between the center between the instrumentation picture point.

2) the profile center instrumentation with picture point is the picture point center.

3) between the profile of instrumentation picture point.

And, except that above-mentioned 3 methods, also consider 1) with 2) the central value instrumentation be picture point center etc.But so long as can measure the method for the physical distance between picture point, applicable arbitrary method.

Figure 13 (A) and Figure 13 (B) correspond respectively to described Figure 12 (A) and Figure 12 (B), and the numeral on each picture point is corresponding to the pixel value (8,256 gray scales) of each pixel in the view data each picture point, described.

As Figure 13 (A) with (B), pixel value corresponding to the pixel of picture point sequence number ' 1 ', ' 2 ', ' 3 ', ' 4 ' and ' 8 ', ' 9 ' each picture point does not become initial pixel value, but the size (distance of the orientation of nozzle) of the concentration range that should show corresponding to this picture point corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of picture point sequence number ' 5 ', ' 6 ', ' 7 ' each picture point and suitably increase and decrease.

Promptly, pixel value corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' becomes ' 176 ' from ' 142 ', increased ' 37 ' than initial pixel value, in addition, become ' 147 ' corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' from ' 146 ', increased ' 1 ' than initial pixel value.On the contrary, become ' 113 ' from ' 150 ', reduced ' 33 ' than initial pixel value corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 7 '.

In addition, the pixel value shown in this Figure 13 (B) is calculated according to the size of the concentration range that should show corresponding to the pixel of picture point sequence number ' 5 ', ' 6 ', ' 7 ' each picture point.

Promptly, distance ' a ' between the position offset ' c ' of the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 6 ' shown in Figure 12 (B) and original picture point is if be assumed to be the relation of ' c '=' a/2 ', then at first, in will initial pixel value ' 146 ', as its ' 36.5 ' pixel of distributing to corresponding to the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 5 ' of its adjacent (zone is wide) of 1/4 corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of this picture point sequence number ' 6 '.Promptly, by with the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' to picture point sequence number ' 7 ' side print position displacement distance ' c ', picture point sequence number ' 5 ', among between ' 6 ' picture point top-stitching also to picture point sequence number ' 6 ' side shifting as the distance of a half-distance of position offset ' c ' ' b (=c/2=a/4) ', the concentration range that should show corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' has increased 1/4 of concentration range that the pixel corresponding to the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' should show, so accompany with it, will be corresponding to 1/4 pixel of distributing to corresponding to the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' in the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 '.

As a result, as shown in figure 13, become ' 179 ' from ' 142 ' corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 '.In addition, the pixel value corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 6 ' in this stage becomes ' 109.5 (146-36.5) ' tentatively.

In addition, like this if will distribute to pixel, then will distribute to pixel value corresponding to the part that the then pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 7 ' reduces with regard to this concentration range corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' corresponding to the pixel value part of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' corresponding to the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 '.

Promptly, by with the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' picture point side position offset distance ' c ' to picture point sequence number ' 7 ', the concentration range that should show corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of this picture point sequence number ' 7 ' also reduces distance ' b ', so in the pixel value ' 150 ' corresponding to the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 7 ', as its ' 37.5 ' pixel that is assigned to corresponding to the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' of 1/4.

The result, as shown in figure 13, be changed to ' 147 (109.5+37.5) ' corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' from ' 109.5 ', simultaneously, be changed to ' 113 (150 * 3/4) from ' 150 ' ' corresponding to the pixel value of the pixel of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 7 '.

The relation of result about the pixel value of the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon, concentration range that each pixel should show is so adjusted in performance on Figure 14 area, but as can be known in the pixel pixel ' 5 ', ' 6 ', ' 7 ' area separately increase and decrease ormal weight respectively corresponding to this pixel value adjustment.

In addition, adjust end process about the pixel value of the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon if so, then return the flow process of Figure 11, move to next determining step S116, repeat same processing, processing up to whole pixels finishes, the result, finish (being) if be judged as the processing of whole pixels, then move to next step S120,, utilize N system data to generate mechanism 20 for the view data of adjustment like this after about the pixel value of whole pixels of flight deflection phenomenon, shown in the picture point of Fig. 6, greyscale transformation table 300A, each pixel is implemented N system handle.In addition, when the N system is handled,, can generate loyal N system data by initial view data by known middle gray technology such as use error diffusion method or ditherings.

Afterwards, move to next step S122, utilize described printed data to generate mechanism 22 for these N system data, shown in same picture point, the greyscale transformation table 300A,, make printed data to the picture point of each pixel assignment sizes corresponding to this N value as Fig. 6, afterwards, in last step S124,, carry out printing treatment according to this printed data.

Thus, the all or part of image spot size of the picture point row (paper feeding direction) that for example be set at as the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 5 ' of Figure 12 (B), concentration range enlarged is bigger than initial size, simultaneously, all or part of image spot size of the picture point row (paper feeding direction) that be set at as the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 7 ' of Figure 12 (B), concentration range dwindled is than initial size little or ' not having picture point '.

The result, because print position displacement results from ' informal voucher line ' elimination or unshowy basically between the big picture point of distance between picture point, simultaneously, result from ' dense striped ' elimination or unshowy basically between the little picture point of distance between picture point, so can reduce zone phenomenon really, obtain high-quality printed article.

But, adjust pixel value under the uniform prerequisite of concentration of above-mentioned pixel value adjustment processing in the concentration range of each pixel, but in fact, the concentration of printing the part of picture point thickens concentration step-down between picture point about the pixel of zone phenomenon.

In addition, owing to add the blunt people's of grade of high-frequency sensitivity vision frequency characteristic, so as shown in figure 15, the concentration of the middle body of each picture point is the highest, thus, along with towards the picture point periphery, the slow step-down of concentration, the concentration of the mid portion between picture point is minimum.In addition, along with from the mid portion between this picture point towards adjacent picture point side, concentration uprises once more, at the middle body of this adjacent picture point, concentration is the highest, so the word shape that presents of concentration changes.This change in concentration waits different because of distance (resolution) between the color of picture point or image spot size, picture point, but in the example of Figure 15, if the pixel value (concentration value) corresponding to the pixel of each picture point is ' 130 ', then the concentration value of the middle body of each picture point is ' 130 ', but the concentration value of the concentration of the pars intermedia branch between the minimum picture point of the concentration of seeing descends about ' 25 ', for about ' 105 '.

But, compare with the situation of so printing each picture point with predetermined distance, if the print position of this a part of picture point is because of the flight deflection displacement, the influence of the both sides picture point concentration of the pars intermedia branch between the wide picture point in then adjacent interval is little, so compare with other mid portion, visual concentration descends greatly.

In Figure 16 (A) expression zag image point patterns shown in Figure 15, the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' is because flight deflection phenomenon and visual change in concentration when the picture point side print position displacement of picture point sequence number ' 7 '.

As shown in the figure, produce print position displacement picture point sequence number ' 6 ' picture point with its on the left of the picture point of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' between visually concentration reduce greatly, compare with the visual least concentration value between other picture point, about also low ' D0 '.

Figure 16 (B) illustrates also with the zone that uniformly-spaced is distinguished into ' 10 ' between these picture points, visual concentration value to each zone, usually the concentration minimum between picture point is ' 105 ', but because print position displacement, between picture point between wide picture point sequence number ' 5 ' of distance and ' 6 ' picture point the concentration minimum be ' 95 ', also lower by about ' 10 ' than ruling concentration value between common picture point, visual concentration reduces.Because it is poor that the concentration of this vision reduces, the result produces in the zone phenomenon, informal voucher line especially.

Therefore, except that above-mentioned pixel value adjustment is handled,, then can more effectively eliminate zone phenomenon if implement to add the pixel value adjustment processing of this human vision property.

Figure 17 illustrates an example of the pixel value adjustment processing of adding human vision property like this.

At first, as described shown in Figure 16 (B), in human vision property, the concentration decline degree of the part that distance is big between picture point is than big between other picture point, so that corresponding to the pixel value of two picture points of this part correlation (picture point sequence number ' 5 ' with ' 6 ' picture point) shown in Figure 17 (B), increase respectively.

In Figure 16 (B), all be ' 130 ' corresponding to the concentration value of the pixel of each picture point, so in Figure 17 (B), each increases ' 6 ' respectively to make concentration value corresponding to the pixel of picture point sequence number ' 5 ', ' 6 ' picture point.

Thus, the vision concentration that suppresses between picture point sequence number ' 5 ', ' 6 ' picture point descends, and its least concentration value becomes ' 101 ', compares with Figure 16 (B), and the least concentration value rises about ' 6 '.

As a result, shown in Figure 17 (A), and the difference of least concentration value is ' D1 (＜D0) ' between common picture point, and the informal voucher line that produces is eliminated or be unshowy basically therebetween.

In addition, the pixel value of partial pixel is risen, the concentration localized variation (thickening) of this part then, the area grey scale change of this part although the informal voucher line is eliminated, because the area gray scale is not neat, but makes image quality reduction sometimes.

Therefore,, then the area grey scale change of this part can be suppressed to Min., avoid the decline of image quality if when adjusting to such an extent that concentration value corresponding to the big picture point of distance between picture point is risen, make the concentration value of the picture point of its reduction this degree that descends.

In Figure 17 (B), owing to make the picture point concentration value of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' and ' 7 ' respectively rise ' 6 ', altogether ' 12 ' than initial concentration value respectively, so in abutting connection with the concentration value of the picture point of the picture point sequence number ' 7 ' of this picture point this rising part that descends, promptly become ' 118 ' from ' 130 '.

Thus, add up to ' 390 (136+136+118) ' corresponding to picture point sequence number ' 5 ', ' 6 ' with the concentration value of 3 pixels of ' 7 ' picture point, its mean intensity value is ' 130 ', so can make area gray scale and other normal area gray scale partly of carrying out the part after this pixel value adjustment is handled roughly the same.

As a result, also can avoid the decline of the image quality that causes because of the area gray difference simultaneously.

In addition, in the example of Figure 17 (B), make the picture point concentration value of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' and ' 6 ' respectively rise ' 6 ', altogether ' 12 ' respectively, calculate but this numerical value is following.

Promptly, if the print position displacement amount ' c ' of picture point sequence number ' 6 ' example as described be half of distance ' a ' between normal picture point like that, then the least concentration value in the middle of it is in also adding ' 12.5 (25/2) on the concentration slippage ' 25 ' between common picture point ' after concentration value.

Therefore, shown in Figure 17 (A), handle by the pixel value adjustment, share the back by concentration value ascending amount ' D2 ' * 2 and concentration value slippage ' D1 ' equalization and implement the concentration adjustment, then, then think if share concentration value slippage ' 12.5 ' by ' D1 ' and ' D2 ', thus the concentration value ascending amount of picture point sequence number ' 5 ' and ' 6 ' picture point be ' 12.5 ' half, promptly ' 6.25 ', to round up below the decimal picture point, only rise ' 6 '.

That is, if the concentration change amount of establishing between picture point is ' a ' for spacing between ' D ', normal picture point, the print position displacement amount be ' c ', and then the concentration value variation ' diff ' corresponding to the pixel of two picture points that the distance change is big between picture point may be defined as

diff＝(c/a)×(D/2)。

And, be defined as 2diff=-2 * diff corresponding to the variation near the pixel of picture point of adjacency.

Like this, by add the human vision property of concentration value decline urgency apart from wide part between picture point, the adjustment of enforcement pixel value can be shared the absorption printing by concentration rising and concentration decline and is offset the influence that produces.

In addition, described embodiment only be to be described under the prerequisite of nozzle scan direction (main scanning direction) with direction that produce to print skew, even if but the nozzle of stipulating is caused the also applicable same processing of phenomenon of flight deflection with ormal weight along paper feeding direction (sub scanning direction).At this moment, as long as amplify resolution along paper feeding direction.

In addition, as mentioned above, be existing technique known with regard to the technology of printed article marking image spot size itself, the technology of many employings when especially obtaining realizing the printed article of print speed printing speed and print quality with high balance.That is,, obtain high image quality, on the other hand,,, in addition,, must beat a plurality of picture points in order in little picture point, to form the β image then to the demanding performance of mechanical precision if reduce image spot size by reducing image spot size.Therefore, high detailed image partly reduces image spot size, and the β image section increases image spot size, by utilizing this image spot size marking technology, can be realized print speed printing speed and image quality by high balance.

In addition, technical method as realization image spot size like this marking for example uses in printhead under the situation of piezoelectric element (piezo actuator) mode, puts on voltage on this piezoelectric element by change, the spray volume of control ink can easily be realized.

In addition, as image spot size by the present invention and common printhead 200 marking, as shown in Figure 6, be generally 4 patterns such as ' big picture point ', ' middle picture point ', ' little picture point ', ' not having picture point ', but the kind of image spot size is not limited thereto, as long as have two patterns at least outside ' not having picture point ', this pattern is The more the better.

In addition, because feature of the present invention is that motionless basically existing printhead 200 and printing mechanism 24 are own, and adjust the pixel value of the one part of pixel of view data according to its flight deflection characteristic information, so as printhead 200 or printing mechanism 24, needn't specially prepare special mechanism, but former state is suitable for the printhead 200 or the printing mechanism 24 (printer) of existing ink-jetting style in the past.

Therefore, if separate printhead 200 and printing mechanism 24 from printing equipment 100 of the present invention, then its function also can only be realized by general information processors (image processing apparatus) such as computers.

In addition, much less, the present invention is not only applicable to the flight deflection phenomenon, in ink emission direction size vertical (normally) but the result of the regular position of formation position deviation of nozzle, under the picture point that forms and the situation of flight deflection phenomenon identical result, also can equally all be suitable for.In addition, the ribbon that also can produce corresponding to relative velocity difference because of printing paper on the paper feeding direction and printhead 200.At this moment,, reflect its information in real time, implement the image processing and get final product as long as the sensor of the paper feeding speed that detects printing paper is set.And, for can be not suitable equally from the defectives of determining such as nozzle ejection because of ink obstruction etc., ink yet.In addition, also can be corresponding to printing difference regularly, this moment as long as with print position difference feed back in real time image handle in and handle.

In addition, printing equipment 100 of the present invention is not only applicable to the ink-jet printer of line head type, also applicable to the ink-jet printer by type repeatedly, if the ink-jet printer of line head dummy even if then produce the flight deflection phenomenon, also can obtain informal voucher line or the inconspicuous basically high-quality printed article of dense striped in 1 path, in addition, if the ink-jet printer repeatedly by type is then owing to can reduce the reciprocating action number of times, so high speed printing before comparable.For example,, compare, printing time can be shortened to 1/K with the situation of back and forth printing by K time realizing under the situation of expectation image quality by 1 printing.

Figure 18 illustrates the ink-jet printer of line head dummy and the ink-jet printer mode of printing separately that repeatedly passes through type.

Shown in Figure 18 (A), be made as the main scanning direction of view data at width, length direction be made as under the situation of sub scanning direction of view data rectangle printing paper S, in the ink-jet printer of line head dummy, shown in Figure 18 (B), printhead 200 has the roomy little length of paper of printing paper S, fix this printhead 200, described printing paper S is moved along sub scanning direction relative to this printhead 200, so finish printing by so-called 1 path (action).In addition, shown in flat (flat) hair style scanner of what is called, fixing printing paper S makes printhead 200 sides move along its sub scanning direction, or both sides are moved respectively round about, also can carry out printing.On the contrary, repeatedly pass through the ink-jet printer of type shown in Figure 18 (C), the printhead 200 of the length much shorter wideer than paper is positioned on the direction vertical with main scanning direction, the limit makes it move back and forth several times along main scanning direction, the limit makes printing paper S move along sub scanning direction with the spacing of regulation, carries out printing thus.Therefore, under the situation of the latter's the repeatedly ink-jet printer by type, compare with the former ink-jet printer of line head dummy, the scarce picture point that has the cost printing time, but, owing to can make printhead 200 repeat to be positioned at any part, thus can be to a certain degree corresponding in the above-mentioned zone phenomenon, especially informal voucher line phenomenon alleviates.

Below, according to Figure 19 and Figure 20, the printhead of several line head dummys and the configuration example of the printhead by type repeatedly are described.Here, Figure 19 (a)-(d) is the figure of configuration example of the printhead of expression line head dummy printer.In addition, Figure 20 (a)-(d) is the figure that represents repeatedly the configuration example of the printhead by the type printer.

The configuration example of line head dummy printhead at first, is described.

The configuration example of Figure 19 (a) be will use in the above-mentioned embodiment a plurality of nozzles along the direction identical shape that is arranged in a straight line with the width of rectangle printing paper S, this width is made as ' nozzle arrangement direction ', the length direction of printing paper S is made as rectangular (with width equal lengths or the longer) printhead of ' direction vertical ' with the nozzle arrangement direction than width.Under the situation of this configuration example, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction (paper transmission direction) ' is equidirectional.That is ' nozzle arrangement direction ' vertical with ' Print direction ' (or vertical substantially).On the other hand, the configuration example of Figure 19 (b) is that the width of ' nozzle arrangement direction ' and printing paper S is not same direction, arranges the rectangular printhead that a plurality of nozzles constitute along the direction that the relative width direction tilts.Under the situation of this configuration example, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction ' are not equidirectionals, and ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ' is ' Print direction '.That is, ' nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction (paper transmission direction) ' out of plumb (or vertical substantially).Therefore, the length direction of printing paper S is ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ', and the width of printing paper S is not ' a nozzle arrangement direction ', is ' with the vertical direction of direction of the continuous printing of each nozzle '.The width angled nozzle orientation of relatively vertical with Print direction direction if so then can obtain the image of high resolution.

In addition, the configuration example of Figure 19 (c) be straight line ground but broad ways each other with staggering a plurality of edges of the configuration direction linearity identical with the width of rectangle printing paper S arrange the printhead that the billet nozzle module of a plurality of nozzles is constituted.This configuration example is the formation that the single-nozzle module is divided into a plurality of nozzle modules, owing to be the identical formation of configuration example with Figure 19 (a), so ' nozzle arrangement direction ' is the width of printing paper S, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' is the length direction of printing paper S and is ' Print direction '.On the other hand, the configuration example of Figure 19 (d) is the same with the configuration example of Figure 19 (b), is to arrange the printhead of the formation of a plurality of nozzles along the direction of the width inclination of printing paper S relatively.But, in the configuration example of Figure 19 (d), along the width of printing paper S, a plurality of billet nozzle modules of along inclined direction arranging a plurality of nozzles of state configuration that tilt of this width constitute relatively.This configuration example is the formation that the single-nozzle module is divided into a plurality of nozzle modules, for with the same formation of configuration example of Figure 19 (b), so the length direction of printing paper S is ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ', the width of printing paper S is ' with the vertical direction of direction of the continuous printing of each nozzle '.

Below, the configuration example of repeatedly passing through the type printhead is described.

The configuration example of Figure 20 (a) is to arrange a plurality of nozzles along the direction identical with the length direction of rectangle printing paper S, this length direction is made as ' nozzle arrangement direction ', the width of printing paper S is made as the billet printhead of ' direction vertical ' with the nozzle arrangement direction.Under the situation of this configuration example, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction (paper transmission direction) ' is equidirectional.That is ' nozzle arrangement direction ' vertical with ' Print direction ' (or vertical substantially).In addition, the printhead direction of advance is shown in Figure 19 (a), and the width of the relative printing paper S of printhead moves back and forth.On the other hand, the configuration example of Figure 20 (b) is ' a nozzle arrangement direction ' and the width of printing paper S is not same direction, and the direction that tilts along the relative length direction is arranged the printhead of the billet that a plurality of nozzles constitute.Under the situation of this configuration example, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction ' are not equidirectionals, and ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ' is ' Print direction '.That is, ' nozzle arrangement direction ' and ' Print direction (paper transmission direction) ' out of plumb (or vertical substantially).Therefore, the width of printing paper S is not ' a nozzle arrangement direction ', but ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ', the length direction of printing paper S is ' with the vertical direction of direction of the continuous printing of each nozzle '.The length direction angled nozzle orientation of relatively vertical with Print direction direction if so then can obtain the image of high resolution.

In addition, the configuration example of Figure 20 (c) be straight line ground but broad ways each other with staggering a plurality of edges of the configuration direction linearity identical with the length direction of rectangle printing paper S arrange the billet printhead that the billet nozzle module of a plurality of nozzles is constituted.This configuration example is the formation that the single-nozzle module is divided into a plurality of nozzle modules, owing to be the identical formation of configuration example with Figure 20 (a), so ' nozzle arrangement direction ' is the width of printing paper S, ' direction vertical with the nozzle arrangement direction ' is the length direction of printing paper S and is ' Print direction '.On the other hand, the configuration example of Figure 20 (d) is the same with the configuration example of Figure 20 (b), is to arrange the billet printhead of the formation of a plurality of nozzles along the direction of the length direction inclination of printing paper S relatively.But, in the configuration example of Figure 20 (d), along the length direction of printing paper S, a plurality of nozzle modules of along inclined direction arranging the more billet of a plurality of nozzles of state configuration that tilt of this length direction constitute relatively.This configuration example is the formation that the single-nozzle module is divided into a plurality of nozzle modules, for with the same formation of configuration example of Figure 20 (b), so the width of printing paper S is ' each nozzle is the direction of printing continuously ', the length direction of printing paper S is ' with the vertical direction of direction of the continuous printing of each nozzle '.

Figure 19 as described above (a) and (c) shown in line head dummy printhead and Figure 20 (a) of above-mentioned explanation and (c) shown in repeatedly by type print first-class shown in, ' nozzle arrangement direction ' printhead vertical not only with ' Print direction ', Figure 19 as described above (b) and (d) shown in line head dummy printhead and Figure 20 (b) of above-mentioned explanation and (d) shown in repeatedly by type print first-class shown in, ' nozzle arrangement direction ' and the also applicable the present invention of ' Print direction ' off plumb printhead.

In addition, carry out the ink-jet printer of printing behind the present embodiment illustrated point-like ejection ink, but the present invention is also applicable to other printing equipment of the printhead that uses printing mechanism linearity arrangement mode, for example be called the heat printer that heat is transcribed printer or thermal printer etc.

In addition, among Fig. 3, each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56 that each color of printhead 200 is provided with is the length direction linearity ways of connecting of nozzle N along this printhead 200, but also can be as shown in figure 21, respectively by nozzle unit 50a, the 50b of a plurality of billets ... 50n constitutes each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56, and it is arranged in before and after the moving direction of printhead 200.Especially if each

nozzle module

50,52,54,56 all by nozzle unit 50a, the 50b of a plurality of billets ... 50n constitutes, and then compares with the situation that rectangular nozzle unit constitutes, and can increase substantially productivity ratio.

In addition, the present invention is the mode of coming the ribbon that the nozzle that causes flight deflection produces because of reason is compensated its flight deflection amount by the operation concentration information.The reason that causes ribbon except that the flight deflection amount, the reason that also exists the quantity of ink difference because of each nozzle to produce.The representative method of quantity of ink difference by way of compensation is that the difference with quantity of ink is considered as concentration difference, the mode that the operation concentration information compensates.Therefore, because the present invention is identical with operation information as target, so the compatibility height that compensates with the difference of quantity of ink merges two processing easily.

In addition, each mechanism of realization the invention described above printing equipment 100 can be assembled on the software that has the computer system in most of printing equipment now by use and realize, this computer program is contained in the goods with the state group that is stored in advance among the semiconductor ROM, except that through the dispensing of networks such as internet, also can be as shown in figure 22, provide easily to the user of expectation etc. through the storage medium R of embodied on computer readable such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, FD.

In addition, printhead 200 in the present embodiment and flight deflection characteristic information are obtained printhead and the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism 10 corresponds respectively in the printing equipments such as mode 1 that are recorded in the summary of the invention hurdle and are obtained mechanism, and view data obtains the view data that mechanism 12 corresponds respectively in mode 1 printing equipment such as grade that is recorded in the summary of the invention hurdle equally and obtains mechanism.In addition, the flight deflection pixel determines that mechanism 14, pixel value guiding mechanism 18, N system data generate mechanism 20, printed data and generate the flight deflection pixel that mechanism 22, printing mechanism 24 correspond respectively in the printing equipments such as mode 1 that are recorded in the summary of the invention hurdle equally and determine that mechanism, pixel value guiding mechanism, N system data generate mechanism, printed data generates mechanism etc.

In addition, the print position displacement amount detection machine structure 16 in the present embodiment is corresponding to the print position displacement amount detection machine structure in mode 5 printing equipments such as grade that are recorded in the summary of the invention hurdle.

Claims

1, a kind of printing equipment possesses:

Printhead, it is equipped with the nozzle of the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes;

The flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, and it obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in this printhead;

View data obtains mechanism, and it obtains the view data of M value, wherein M 〉=3;

The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, it is according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, from each pixel of the view data that obtains the M value that mechanism obtains by this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon, wherein M 〉=3;

The pixel value guiding mechanism, it adjusts the pixel value of being determined the pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon that mechanism determines by this flight deflection pixel;

N system data generate mechanism, and it generates N system data, wherein M＞N 〉=2 to by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value;

Printed data generates mechanism, and it has distributed the printed data of the picture point of correspondingly-sized according to the N system data generation that these N system data generate mechanism's generation to each pixel; With

Printing mechanism, it uses described printhead, generates the printed data that mechanism generates according to this printed data, carries out printing.

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

Described flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, determine in each nozzle of described printhead with the corresponding pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon and with near the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon the corresponding respectively pixel of nozzle, and

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted so that by this flight deflection pixel determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, the pixel value that is adjacent to the big pixel in interval between the pixel with the corresponding pixel of nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes greatly.

3, printing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, and diminishes so that determined in the pixel that mechanism determines, be adjacent to and caused the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little by this flight deflection pixel.

4, printing equipment according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Described flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, determine in each nozzle of described printhead with the pairing pixel of the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon and with near the nozzle that causes this flight deflection phenomenon the corresponding respectively pixel of nozzle,

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted, so that by this flight deflection pixel determine in the pixel that mechanism determines, the pixel value that is adjacent to the big pixel in interval between the pixel of the pixel corresponding with the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon becomes greatly, and, make to be adjacent to and to cause that the pixel value of the pixel that interval between the pixel of the corresponding pixel of nozzle of flight deflection phenomenon is little diminishes.

5, printing equipment according to claim 4 is characterized in that:

The adjustment of described pixel value guiding mechanism becomes the pixel value that described pixel value is adjusted object pixels, so that the difference of the apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the little picture point of apparent concentration that the visual characteristic between the big picture point of pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes and pixel adjacent interbody spacer causes diminishes.

6, printing equipment according to claim 5 is characterized in that:

Described pixel value guiding mechanism is adjusted the pixel value of pixel, become big at pixel value with the big pixel of pixel adjacent interbody spacer, under the situation that the mode that the pixel value that the pixel adjacent interbody spacer is little diminishes is adjusted, set more concentration near this picture point high more, more away from the low more space of the concentration of this picture point, in this space, so that the difference minimum of the Cmin value of the Cmax value of this concentration maximum and this concentration minimum.

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

Possess print position displacement amount detection machine structure, this print position displacement amount detection machine structure detects the actual print position displacement amount of having printed corresponding to the picture point of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon,

Described pixel detection mechanism, detection become pixel value adjust the pixel value adjustment amount of object pixels, by the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the detected pixel corresponding to the nozzle that causes the flight deflection phenomenon of described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, calculate picture point at interval.

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

Described print position displacement amount detection machine structure, according to the CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION of the zag image point patterns of using described printhead prints, detection is calculated picture point at interval corresponding to the side-play amount of the picture point print position of the pixel of the nozzle that causes described flight deflection phenomenon.

9, according to each the described printing equipment in the claim 1～8, it is characterized in that:

Described N system data generate mechanism, when the view data of having been adjusted pixel value by described pixel value guiding mechanism is carried out the conversion of N system, and use error diffusion method or dithering.

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

Described printhead is the length with medium width size, and the width along described medium does not move, and just can scan the printhead that prints with 1 time.

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

Described printhead is to have the length shorter than the width of described medium, the printhead that moves back and forth along the width of described medium.

12, a kind of print routine makes computer have the function of following mechanism:

The flight deflection characteristic information is obtained mechanism, and it obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes;

The flight deflection pixel is determined mechanism, it is according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that mechanism obtains by described flight deflection characteristic information, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value that mechanism obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon, wherein M 〉=3;

N system data generate mechanism, and it is to generating N system data, wherein M＞N 〉=2 by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value;

Printed data generates mechanism, and it generates the N system data generation printed data that mechanism generates according to these N system data, and this printed data has been assigned with the picture point with each pixel correspondingly-sized; With

13, a kind of recording medium of embodied on computer readable, recording rights require 12 described print routines.

14, a kind of printing process comprises:

The flight deflection characteristic information is obtained step, obtains the flight deflection characteristic information of the described nozzle in the printhead of the nozzle that is equipped with the different picture point of a plurality of printable sizes;

The view data that obtains the view data of M value obtains step, wherein M 〉=3;

Flight deflection pixel determining step, according to obtaining the flight deflection characteristic information that step obtains by described flight deflection characteristic, obtain each pixel of view data of the M value that step obtains from this view data, determine to relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon, wherein M 〉=3;

The pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted by this flight deflection pixel determining step pixel value that determine, that relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon;

N system data generate step, to generating N system data, wherein M＞N 〉=2 by the view data behind this pixel value set-up procedure adjustment pixel value;

Printed data generates step, generates the N system data that step generates according to these N system data, generates each pixel has been distributed the printed data of the picture point of correspondingly-sized; With

Print steps generates the printed data that step generates according to this printed data, carries out printing.

15, a kind of image processing apparatus possesses:

The pixel value guiding mechanism, it is adjusted by this flight deflection pixel and determines mechanism's pixel value that determine, that relate to the pixel of flight deflection phenomenon;

N system data generate mechanism, and it is to generating N system data, wherein M＞N 〉=2 by the view data behind this pixel value guiding mechanism adjustment pixel value; With

Printed data generates mechanism, and it has distributed the printed data of the picture point of correspondingly-sized according to the N system data generation that these N system data generate mechanism's generation to each pixel.

16, a kind of image processing program makes computer have the function of following mechanism:

17, a kind of recording medium of embodied on computer readable, recording rights require 16 described image processing programs.

18, a kind of image processing method comprises:

The pixel value set-up procedure is adjusted the pixel value by the definite pixel that relates to the flight deflection phenomenon of this flight deflection pixel determining step;

N system data generate step, to generating N system data, wherein M＞N 〉=2 by the view data behind this pixel value set-up procedure adjustment pixel value; With

Printed data generates step, generates the N system data that step generates according to these N system data, generates each pixel has been distributed the printed data of the picture point of correspondingly-sized.