JP2004276486A - Inkjet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record a high quality image without lowering a printing efficiency even when a viscosity of ink is varied by virtue of variation of ambient temperature in an inkjet recorder for recording an image by ejecting the ink to a recording medium from an inkjet head. <P>SOLUTION: This inkjet recorder comprises a memory means 113 for storing print image data of one sheet of image and an ink amount setting means 143 for setting an amount of ink to be ejected from an inkjet head unit 104 by an operator. When a high quality image is not recorded because the viscosity of the ink is changed by virtue of the variation of the ambient temperature, the operator can set the adequate amount of ink by using the ink amount setting means, and then the image is recorded by ejecting the ink in the set amount to the recording medium on the basis of the print image data stored in the memory means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium with an inkjet head.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, image data obtained by reading a document with a scanner or the like is subjected to various image processing and then binarized, and ink is ejected from an inkjet head to a recording medium based on the binarized image data. Various ink jet recording apparatuses that record an image by using the above-described method have been proposed.
[0003]
In the ink jet recording apparatus as described above, the amount of ink discharged from the ink jet head is generally fixed to a predetermined amount. However, as the recording medium used in the ink jet recording apparatus as described above, for example, so-called coated paper having an ink receiving layer provided on the recording surface to prevent image deterioration due to ink permeation, There is so-called plain paper that has not been subjected to surface treatment, and when the same amount of ink is uniformly ejected onto these different types of recording media, for example, to record an image on coated paper When ink is ejected to plain paper with an appropriate amount of ink, the ink does not have the ink receiving layer as described above, so the ink permeates and diffuses along the paper fibers and prints on the surface. This causes a problem that a back-through phenomenon occurs in which the displayed content is projected on the back side, and in particular causes a deterioration in image quality of an image recorded on the back side during double-sided printing. Therefore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-228707, density selection means is provided, and when double-sided printing is performed, the density selection means selects density to reduce the amount of ink ejected from the ink jet head as described above. A method to prevent this has been proposed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a table in which an ink amount corresponding to the type of printing paper is set is provided, and the reverse phenomenon is detected by reading out the ink amount from the table and ejecting ink according to the type of printing paper to be used. Methods for preventing it have been proposed.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-314734
[0005]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-137382 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the ink used in the ink jet recording apparatus as described above has a different viscosity depending on the use environment temperature. In general, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, the performance in a predetermined range of use environment temperature is only guaranteed, and the use environment temperature is outside the above range. In some cases, an image with good image quality cannot be obtained because the ink ejection amount changes. For example, even if the ink amount corresponding to the density set by the density selection unit is ejected during double-sided printing as in the method described in Patent Document 1, the ink amount corresponding to the preset density is as described above. For example, when the operating environment temperature is low, the ink viscosity increases and the ink discharge amount decreases, resulting in blurring of characters and ruled lines, resulting in poor print quality. It may cause a decrease. Further, when the use environment temperature is high, the viscosity of the ink is lowered and the discharge amount of the ink is increased, so that a reverse phenomenon may occur. Further, even if the ink amount corresponding to the type of printing paper is ejected as in the method described in Patent Document 2, the ink amount corresponding to the preset type of printing paper is not limited to the use environment temperature as described above. Since the change is not taken into consideration, there may be a case where the print quality is deteriorated or a reverse phenomenon occurs as described above.
[0007]
In addition, some ink jet recording apparatuses as described above are provided with a temperature adjustment function for the head and ink. However, if the temperature of the head or ink is outside the above-mentioned fixed range, the temperature adjustment is performed. Depending on the function, it is necessary to wait until the temperature falls within the above-mentioned fixed range, or to change the conditions such as the reading density of the document in the scanner section and perform reading again, which reduces the printing efficiency and the entire system. There is a problem that the circuit configuration becomes complicated and the cost increases.
[0008]
In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium using an ink jet head. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording an image with a good image quality without preparing a function and without causing a decrease in printing efficiency.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged in a line, an ink jet head that ejects ink from the ink ejection openings to a recording medium based on input image data, and ink ejection from the recording medium. And a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the outlets. The recording unit conveys the recording medium in the substantially orthogonal direction, and ejects ink by an inkjet head to record an image on the recording medium. The inkjet recording apparatus includes a storage unit that stores print image data for at least one image, and an ink amount setting unit that can set the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head. The inkjet head stores the storage unit in the storage unit. Ink is recorded with the ink amount set by the ink amount setting means based on the printed image data. Characterized in that it is intended to discharge the medium.
[0010]
Here, “the ink discharge ports are arranged in a line” may be, for example, one in which the discharge ports are arranged in a straight line, or a plurality of ones in which the discharge ports are arranged in a straight line. It may be arranged in a row, or may be one in which discharge ports are arranged in a straight line and arranged in a plurality of rows in a staggered manner. Moreover, what is called a full line type may be used.
[0011]
The “ink amount” means an ink amount used for recording one pixel (one dot) constituting an image.
[0012]
The “print image data” includes, for example, data indicating RGB components read from a scanner or the like, and data indicating YMCK components after image processing is performed on a PDL language output from a computer or the like.
[0013]
Each pixel data constituting the print image data is represented by a plurality of bits, the ink amount setting means sets the ink amount by setting the data value of the pixel data, and the ink jet head The ink amount corresponding to the data value set by the amount setting means can be ejected.
[0014]
Further, the transporting unit may change the transporting speed of the recording medium according to the time during which the ink amount set by the ink amount setting unit is ejected from the inkjet head.
[0015]
Here, the phrase “the recording medium conveyance speed is changed in accordance with the time during which the ink amount set by the ink amount setting means is ejected from the inkjet head” means that, for example, the ink amount setting means is the inkjet head In the case where the ink amount is set by setting the number of drops of ink ejected from the ink, the conveyance speed is changed according to the number of drops. The larger the number of drops, the lower the conveyance speed. To do so.
[0016]
【The invention's effect】
According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, there are provided storage means for storing print image data for at least one image, and ink amount setting means capable of externally setting the ink amount ejected from the ink jet head by an operator or the like. As a result, even if the viscosity of the ink changes due to a change in the use environment temperature and an image of good image quality is not recorded, the operator sets an appropriate ink amount by the ink amount setting means and stores it. By recording the image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium with the above ink amount based on the print image data stored in the means, it is possible to record an image with good image quality without causing a decrease in printing efficiency.
[0017]
Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus, when the data indicating the YMCK component is stored as the print image data in the storage unit, the print process can be performed more quickly without performing the image process again.
[0018]
Each pixel data constituting the print image data is represented by a plurality of bits, the ink amount is set by setting the data value of the pixel data by the ink amount setting means, and is set by the ink amount setting means. When the ink amount corresponding to the data value is ejected from the ink jet head, the cost can be reduced without requiring a complicated circuit configuration.
[0019]
Further, in the case where the conveyance speed of the recording medium is changed according to the time during which the ink amount of ink set by the ink quantity setting means is ejected from the inkjet head, for example, the conveyance speed is set to a predetermined constant speed. In this case, the ink must be transported at a speed equal to or lower than the transport speed corresponding to the time when the maximum settable ink amount is ejected, but the ink ejection time is always changed by changing the transport speed as described above. Therefore, it is possible to record an image at an appropriate conveyance speed according to the printing speed, and to improve printing efficiency.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the ink jet recording apparatus.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus reads a document image and outputs an image signal, and records an image on a predetermined recording medium based on the image signal output from the scanner unit 101. And the printer unit 102.
[0022]
The scanner unit 101 photoelectrically reads an image of a document and outputs 8-bit digital signals of R component, G component, and B component of each pixel constituting the image.
[0023]
The printer unit 102 stores a digital image signal for one image output from the scanner unit 101, performs predetermined image processing on the digital image signal, and outputs the processed digital image signal. Based on the processed digital image signal output from the substrate 103, ink is ejected onto the printing paper to record the image, the inkjet head unit 104, the paper feeding unit 105 on which the printing paper is placed, and the paper feeding unit 105. Belt transport unit 106 for transporting the printed paper to the inkjet head unit 104, double-sided belt transport unit 107 for transporting the print paper during double-sided printing, and single-sided printed paper during double-sided printing is temporarily discharged It is transported by the double-sided stack tray 108 and the belt transporting unit 106 and is also used in the inkjet head. Indication of the predetermined processing, such as sheet discharge unit 109, and a print instruction print sheet on which an image is recorded by the unit 104 is discharged is provided with an input capable of touch panel 110.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 103 stores the R, G, and B component digital image signals for one image output from the scanner unit 101 and the digital image signal subjected to predetermined signal processing. Storage means 113, a color image processing unit 133 for converting R, G, and B component digital image signals stored in the storage means 113 into Y, M, C, and K component digital image signals, A signal conversion unit 123 that converts each pixel data in the digital image signal of the Y (yellow) component, the M (magenta) component, the C (cyan) component, and the K (black) component into 3-bit data by the image processing unit 133; Ink amount setting for setting the ink amount when ink is ejected based on the 3-bit pixel data converted by the signal conversion unit 123 And it includes a stage 143.
[0025]
Here, the digital image signal of each of the Y component, M component, C component, and K component in the present embodiment is composed of pixel data represented by 3 bits. That is, when the pixel data is “000”, it indicates that the ink corresponding to the pixel data is not ejected, and the pixel data is at least one bit out of 3 bits such as “001”, for example. When 1 is 1, it indicates that ink is ejected from the pixel corresponding to the pixel data. The 3-bit data not only indicates whether or not ink is ejected as described above, but also indicates the amount of ink. In this embodiment, for example, when the pixel data is “001”, , 6 pl of ink is ejected, and in the case of “010”, it is set to increase by 6 pl every time it is counted in binary number, such as ejecting 12 pl of 2 times. Therefore, a total of seven levels of ink can be set by the pixel data.
[0026]
The ink amount setting means 143 sets the ink amount by setting the data value of the pixel data represented by 3 bits as described above. In the present embodiment, the operator can specify the density using the touch panel 110. The density that can be instructed by the operator is preset, and the set density is a set density 2 that is a default value density, a set density 1 that is lower than the default value, and higher than the default value. There are three types of set density 3, which is the density. The ink amount setting means 143 sets the pixel data corresponding to the pixel for ejecting ink to “011” when the set density 1 is instructed, and the pixel data when the set density 2 is instructed. Is set to “101”, and when the set density 3 is instructed, the pixel data is set to “111”. That is, when the set density is 1, the amount of ink ejected from one ink ejection port of the inkjet head is 18 pl of 6 pl × 3 drop, and when the set density is 2, the ink amount is 30 pl of 6 pl × 5 drop. In the case of the set density 3, the ink amount is 42 pl of 6 pl × 7 drops.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet head unit 104 includes recording heads 40 to 43 corresponding to components of digital image signals of Y component, M component, C component, and K component, and a head that drives the recording heads 40 to 43. And a driver 44. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the recording heads 40 to 43 is formed by overlapping two head units 401 and 402. In each of the head units 401 and 402, three lines L1 to L3 in which the ink discharge ports 403 are arranged at a pitch of 50 dpi in the X direction (a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the printing paper is conveyed) are shifted by 150 dpi in the X direction. Is arranged. The recording heads 40 to 43 are configured such that the ink discharge ports are arranged at a 300 dpi pitch in the X direction by overlapping the two head units 401 and 402 configured as described above. That is, one pixel line of ink is ejected by a total of six lines L1 to L3 of the head units 401 and 402. The lines L1 to L3 in the head units 401 and 402 are arranged at a pitch of 900 dpi in the direction orthogonal to the X direction, and the length in the X direction is the length of the width of the printing paper. The head driver 44 causes the head units 401 and 402 to eject ink having an ink amount corresponding to the pixel data represented by 3 bits as described above.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 113 includes a frame memory 30 that stores R, G, and B component digital image signals for one image output from the scanner unit 101 for each component, and a color image. Working memory 31 for storing digital image signals of Y component, M component, C component, and K component converted by the processing unit 133, and Y component, M component, and C in which the ink amount is set by the ink amount setting means 143 And a drive memory 32 for storing the digital image signal of the component and the K component.
[0029]
The belt conveyance unit 106 is formed of an endless belt having a plurality of holes formed in the belt, and adsorbs the printing paper to the belt with negative pressure generated by sucking air from the holes by a suction fan (not shown). It is conveyed in the direction of arrow A.
[0030]
The double-sided belt conveyance unit 107 is formed of an endless belt having a plurality of holes formed in the belt, similarly to the belt conveyance unit 106, and conveys printing paper subjected to single-sided printing to the double-sided stack tray 108, The paper is discharged to the double-sided stack tray 108.
[0031]
In the double-sided stack tray 108, the single-sided printed printing paper transported by the double-sided belt 1 transporting unit 07 is temporarily placed, and the placed single-sided printed printing paper is placed in the order in which it is placed. Is fed out to the belt conveying unit 106 so that printing is performed on the back side of the printing paper.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus will be described.
[0033]
First, a print instruction is input by pressing a predetermined button on the touch panel 110, and an image is read photoelectrically by the scanner unit 101. The read signal is converted into digital image signals of R, G, and B components. The converted digital image signal for one image is stored in the frame memory 30 in the control board 103 shown in FIG. 1 for each component.
[0034]
Then, in accordance with this print instruction, the pixel data of the R component, G component, and B component for one pixel is sequentially displayed from the top pixel data in the digital image signal for one image stored in the frame memory 30 in the color image. The data is output to the processing unit 133. The color image processing unit 133 performs processing for converting R component, G component, and B component pixel data into Y component, M component, and C component, performs logarithmic correction processing, and performs masking processing. As a result, the transmission characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the scanner unit 101 and the reflection characteristics of the Y, M, and C inks are corrected, and so-called color blur is removed. Then, a K component that is a black component is generated from the pixel data of the Y component, the M component, and the C component that have been subjected to the above processing. Next, the Y component, M component, C component, and K component pixel data are subjected to predetermined image processing for maintaining copy density and color balance, and then binarized. At this time, for example, when the image read by the scanner unit 101 is a character image and the character image print mode is selected on the touch panel 110, a simple binarization process is performed using a predetermined threshold set in advance. When the image read by the scanner unit 101 is a photographic image and the photographic image mode is selected on the touch panel 110, the image is simulated by performing a dither method, an error diffusion method, or halftone processing. Halftoning, binarization, and storage in the working memory 31 are performed. Then, the pixel data of the Y component, M component, C component, and K component binarized as described above is converted into 3-bit data by the signal conversion unit 123 for each component, and each component is again stored in the working memory 31. It is memorized every time. At this time, the pixel data stored in the working memory 31 represents the ink amount of the set density 2 which is the default set density. Therefore, “101” is stored when the pixel data corresponds to a pixel that ejects ink, and “000” is stored when the pixel data corresponds to a pixel that does not eject ink. Remembered.
[0035]
The same processing as described above is performed on all the pixel data of the digital image signal for one image, and processed digital image data composed of 3-bit pixel data is stored in the working memory 31 for each component. The processed digital image signal for each component stored in the working memory 31 is stored in the drive memory 32. The processed digital image signal stored in the drive memory 32 is output to the inkjet head unit 104 at a predetermined timing. Then, the processed digital image signal for each component is input to the head driver 44, and the head driver 44 outputs the processed digital image signal to the recording heads 40 to 43 corresponding to the respective components. 44, the ink is ejected at a predetermined timing synchronized with the conveyance speed of the printing paper based on the processed digital image data. At this time, the amount of ink ejected from the recording heads 40 to 43 is 30 pl of 6 pl × 5 drops per pixel. In each of the recording heads 40 to 44, first, ink is ejected from the ejection port of the L1 line of the head unit 401, and then ink is ejected from the ejection port of the L2 line of the head unit 401. When L1 to L3 in 401 and then L1 to L3 in the head unit 402 are sequentially synchronized with the conveyance speed of the printing paper for each line, ink discharge is completed up to the L3 line in the head unit 402. Dots are printed at a pitch of 300 dpi in the X direction.
[0036]
On the other hand, along with the above processing, the printing paper placed on the paper feeding unit 105 is sent to the belt conveyance unit 106, and the belt conveyance unit 106 moves the printing paper in the direction of arrow A at a predetermined constant conveyance speed. Transport to the vicinity of the inkjet head unit 104. Then, ink is ejected from the recording heads 40 to 43 onto the printing paper conveyed by the belt conveyance unit 106 as described above, and an image is recorded. When performing single-sided printing, the printing paper on which an image is recorded as described above is discharged to the paper discharge unit 109. When performing double-sided printing, the single-sided printed paper on which an image is recorded as described above is held between the roller pair 111 and sent out to the conveyance path 112. The single-sided printed printing sheet sent to the conveyance path 112 is further held between the roller pair 114 and conveyed to the double-sided belt conveyance unit 107. The double-sided belt conveying unit 107 conveys the single-sided printed paper in the direction of arrow B. At this time, the single-sided printed paper is conveyed with the surface on which the image is recorded facing downward. Then, the single-sided printed paper is discharged to the double-sided stack tray 108 with the surface on which the image is recorded facing downward. Then, the single-sided printed printing paper discharged to the double-sided stack tray 108 is again fed out from the bottom surface side of the double-sided stack tray 108 to the belt conveyance unit 106 by a pickup roller (not shown), and again the same as in the single-sided printing. An image is recorded on the back side of the printing paper by the processing. However, when printing on the back side, the image recorded on the front side needs to have the same orientation as that of the image, so that the image is recorded based on the processed digital image signal that has been rotated 180 °. Is called.
[0037]
Here, when an image is recorded on a printing paper as described above, for example, when the use environment temperature of the inkjet recording apparatus is low, the viscosity of the ink increases and the ink discharge amount decreases. As a result, the density of the image recorded as described above becomes lighter than the desired density. In such a case, the operator can increase the image density by changing the set density from 2 to 3 on the touch panel 110. Specifically, when the set density is set to 2 to 3 on the touch panel 110, the top pixel data of the processed digital image signal of the Y component, M component, C component, and K component stored in the working memory 31 is stored. When the pixel data read by the ink amount setting unit 143 is data “101” indicating that ink is ejected, the data is converted from “101” to “111” and stored in the drive memory 32. . That is, by performing the data conversion process as described above, the ink amount increases from 30 pl of 6 pl × 5 drops to 42 pl of 6 pl × 7 drops. If the pixel data is data “000” indicating that ink is not ejected, it is stored in the drive memory 32 as “000”. The above processing is applied to each pixel data of the processed digital image signal for each component stored in the working memory 31 and stored in the drive memory 32. Then, based on the processed digital image data stored in the drive memory 32 as described above, ink is ejected from the ink jet head unit 104 to record an image on the printing paper. As a result, an image having a higher density than that of the first recorded image can be recorded on the printing paper.
[0038]
Contrary to the above, when the use environment temperature of the ink jet recording apparatus is high, the viscosity of the ink is lowered, the ink discharge amount is increased, and the density of the recorded image is higher than the desired density. turn into. In such a case, the operator can reduce the image density by changing the set density from 2 to 1 on the touch panel 110. Specifically, when the set density is set from 2 to 1 on the touch panel 110, the first pixel data of the processed digital image signal of Y component, M component, C component, and K component stored in the working memory 31 is stored. When the pixel data read by the ink amount setting unit 143 is data “101” indicating that ink is ejected, the data is converted from “101” to “011” and stored in the drive memory 32. . That is, by performing the data conversion process as described above, the ink amount is reduced from 30 pl of 6 pl × 5 drops to 18 pl of 6 pl × 3 drops. If the pixel data is data “000” indicating that ink is not ejected, it is stored in the drive memory 32 as “000”. The above processing is performed on each pixel data of the processed digital image signal for each component stored in the working memory and stored in the drive memory 32. In the same manner as described above, an image is recorded on the printing paper by ejecting ink from the ink jet head unit 104 based on the processed digital image signal stored in the drive memory 32. As a result, it is possible to record an image having a density lower than that of the first recorded image on the printing paper.
[0039]
According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the above embodiment, the storage unit 113 that stores image data for one image and the ink amount setting unit 143 that can set the amount of ink ejected from the ink jet head unit 104 are provided. Therefore, even if the viscosity of the ink changes due to a change in the use environment temperature and an image of good image quality is not recorded, the operator sets an appropriate ink amount with the ink amount setting means 143 and stores the storage means. By recording the image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium with the ink amount based on the image data stored in 113, it is possible to record an image with good image quality without causing a decrease in printing efficiency.
[0040]
In the above embodiment, the conveyance speed of the printing paper is set to a constant speed, but the conveyance speed may be changed according to the number of ink drops. When the conveyance speed is changed as described above, the conveyance speed can be controlled with high accuracy by configuring the drive system of the belt conveyance unit 106 with, for example, a PLL-controlled DC servo motor. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive system divides the frequency generated in the reference oscillation circuit 601 composed of a crystal oscillator and the reference oscillation circuit 601 into a predetermined frequency and outputs a reference divided signal. A phase for comparing the phase of the reference frequency-divided signal output from the frequency divider 602 and the frequency divider 602 with the phase of a pulse signal output from the FG pulse generator 606, which will be described later, and outputting a signal in which these phases are equal. What is necessary is just to comprise using the motor driver 604 which drives the DC servomotor 605 based on the signal output from the comparator 603 and the phase comparator 603. The FG pulse generator 606 is incorporated in the DC servo motor 605 and outputs a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to the number of rotations of the DC servo motor. The pulse signal generated from the FG pulse generator 606 is shaped by the buffer amplifier 607 and then input to the phase comparator 603. In the drive system configured as described above, the number of rotations of the DC servo motor 605 can be controlled by changing the frequency division ratio in the frequency divider 602, thereby the belt moving speed of the belt conveyance unit 106. That is, the printing paper conveyance speed can be controlled. The moving speed of the belt of the belt conveying unit 106 may be set to a speed at which the conveying time of one pixel line becomes the time T calculated by the following expression (1). That is, when an image is recorded at a resolution of 300 dpi as in the above embodiment, the DC servo motor is set so that the moving speed of the belt of the belt conveying unit 106 becomes the moving speed V expressed by the following equation (2). The number of rotations 605 may be controlled.
[0041]
T = {Discharge time t1 × Drop number d + Dwell time t2} × 3 lines (1)
However, ejection time t1: Time during which one of the lines L1 to L3 in the head units 401 and 402 ejects one drop of ink.
Rest time t2: Time from the end of ink ejection for one line to the start of ejection of the next line
Number of drops d: Number of drops according to the ink amount set by the ink amount setting means 143
V = Pitch interval of resolution 300 dpi / T (2)
If the conveyance speed of the recording medium is changed in accordance with the time during which the ink amount set by the ink amount setting means 143 is ejected from the inkjet head as described above, for example, the conveyance speed is set to a predetermined constant speed. In this case, the ink must be transported at a speed equal to or less than the transport speed corresponding to the time during which the maximum ink amount that can be set is ejected. An image can be recorded at an appropriate conveyance speed according to time, and printing efficiency can be improved.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, the image is recorded based on the digital image signal read by the scanner unit 101. However, the digital image signal transmitted from the external device is received, and the received digital image signal is received. Based on the image signal, an image may be recorded in the same manner as in the above embodiment.
[0043]
Further, in the above embodiment, the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head unit 104 is set by the operator setting the set density on the touch panel 110, but the inkjet head unit 104 is set according to the type of printing paper. The amount of ink ejected from the ink may be set. For example, when the printing paper is coated paper, the pixel data is set to “101” and 30 pl of 6 pl × 5 drop ink is ejected. When the printing paper is plain paper, the pixel data Is set to “011”, and 18 pl of 6 pl × 3 drops may be ejected. The type of printing paper may be automatically detected, or the operator may input from a predetermined input unit such as the touch panel 110. In addition, according to the ink amount set according to the type of printing paper as described above, the conveyance speed of the printing paper may be set as described above. It should be noted that either the control of the ink amount based on the setting density set by the operator or the control of the ink amount according to the type of printing paper is preferentially performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing unit of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram of an inkjet head unit of the inkjet recording apparatus shown in FIG.
4 is a detailed view of a recording head of the inkjet head unit shown in FIG.
5 is a block diagram of a drive system of a belt conveyance unit in the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
30 frame memory
31 working memory
32 Drive memory
40, 41, 42, 43 Recording head
44 Head driver
101 Scanner section
102 Printer section
103 Control board
104 Inkjet head unit
105 Paper feeder
106 Belt conveyor
107 Double-sided belt conveyor
108 Double-sided stack tray
109 Paper discharge unit
110 Touch panel
111,114 roller pair
112 Transport path
123 Signal converter
133 Color image processing unit
143 Ink amount setting means
401, 402 head unit
605 DC servo motor
606 FG pulse generator
607 Buffer amplifier

Claims (4)

A plurality of ink ejection openings are arranged in a line, and an inkjet head that ejects ink from the ink ejection openings onto a recording medium based on input image data; and the recording medium is arranged in an arrangement direction of the ink ejection openings. An ink jet recording apparatus that transports the recording medium in the substantially orthogonal direction by the transporting means and that ejects ink from the ink jet head to record an image on the recording medium. In the recording device,
Storage means for storing print image data for at least one image;
An ink amount setting means capable of setting the amount of ink discharged from the inkjet head,
An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the ink jet head ejects ink onto the recording medium with an ink amount set by the ink amount setting means based on print image data stored in the storage means. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores data indicating a YMCK component as the print image data. Each pixel data constituting the print image data is represented by a plurality of bits,
The ink amount setting means sets an ink amount by setting a data value of the pixel data;
3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet head ejects an ink amount corresponding to a data value set by the ink amount setting means. 2. The conveying means for changing the conveying speed of the recording medium according to a time during which the ink amount set by the ink amount setting means is ejected from the inkjet head. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 3 to 4.

Images