JP2006218774A - Recorder and method for correcting feed amount of recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder and a method for correcting a feed amount of a recording medium which make high quality recording by making more precise and finer feed control to an actually used recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The recorder completes recording on a recording medium by intermittently feeding the medium in a direction perpendicular to a scanning direction of a recording head while making recording on the medium by reciprocating the recording head for scanning. Image data for recording the image on the medium and test pattern data used for confirming precision of medium feeding are mixed, and the image data and the test pattern obtained by repeating steps of: scanning the recording head and making recording on the medium by using the mixed image data and test pattern data; and after the recording, feeding the medium by a predetermined amount, are confirmed. According to the confirmation result, a correction value for correcting the feed amount of the medium is obtained, and by using the obtained correction value, the feed amount of the medium is corrected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a correction method for a recording medium conveyance amount, and more particularly to a recording apparatus using a recording head that performs recording according to an inkjet method, and a correction method for a recording medium conveyance amount.

In the conventional recording apparatus, the recording medium is conveyed by the same conveyance amount in the recording operation even when there is a difference in the material with respect to the recording medium such as the recording paper used in the apparatus.
JP 2004-182420 A

  However, in the case of the transport method as in the above-described conventional example, the actual transport amount of the recording medium differs even when the transport control is performed by assuming that the same transport amount is used for control depending on the material of the recording medium used for recording. In some cases, errors occurred.

  Furthermore, not only the difference in the material of the recording medium but also an individual difference for each recording apparatus and other operating environment (temperature, aging, etc.) errors may occur.

  In particular, for example, in the case where the size of the recording paper itself is slightly different at the front end, the center, and the rear end with respect to the transport direction, the recording paper is loaded for each scan while scanning the recording head over the recording paper. When recording is performed by transporting, the error between the transport amount set in the transport control and the actual transport amount also changes depending on where the recording sheet is recorded. With respect to such an error, the conventional technique cannot perform fine transport control while correcting the transport amount.

  Accordingly, there is a case where the recorded image is uneven due to such an error in the conveyance amount, and the recording quality is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a recording apparatus and a recording medium conveyance amount capable of performing high-quality recording by performing more accurate and fine conveyance control on a recording medium actually used. The purpose is to provide a correction method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium conveyance amount correction method of the present invention comprises the following steps.

  That is, a recording head having a plurality of recording elements is reciprocally scanned to perform recording on a recording medium, while the recording medium is transported intermittently in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the recording head to perform recording on the recording medium. Is a method of correcting a recording medium conveyance amount in a recording apparatus that completes the above, and a mixing step of mixing image data for recording an image on the recording medium and test pattern data used for confirming the accuracy of recording medium conveyance A recording step of scanning the recording head and recording on the recording medium using the image data and test pattern data mixed in the mixing step, and a predetermined amount of the recording medium after recording in the recording step A transporting step of transporting, a repeating step of repeating the recording step and the transporting step, and a result of repetition of the repeating step, the image data and the test data. A confirmation step for confirming the image and the test pattern recorded by the pattern data, an acquisition step for obtaining a correction value for correcting the conveyance amount of the recording medium based on the confirmation result in the confirmation step, and the acquisition step And a correction step of correcting the conveyance amount of the recording medium based on the correction value acquired by the above.

  Note that, in the recording in the recording process by the repeating process and in the transport in the transport process, the test pattern recording in the n-th recording scan is recorded using the recording element at the first position of the recording head. After transporting the recording medium, the test pattern in the (n + 1) th recording scan is recorded at the second position of the recording head that is assumed to be at a position corresponding to a predetermined amount from the first position of the recording head. It is desirable to record using a recording element located at the position.

  In the confirmation step, it is preferable to confirm the deviation of the recording position of the test pattern recorded in the n-th and (n + 1) -th recording scans in the conveyance direction of the recording medium.

  Here, the confirmation may be a visual confirmation or an automatic confirmation using a sensor.

  In the case of automatic confirmation, control is performed so that the test pattern is recorded at the same position on the recording medium in the n-th and (n + 1) -th recording scans, and the sensor performs the above-described two recording scans. It is preferable to detect the density of the recorded test pattern.

  Further, when it is desired to obtain the optimum value of the conveyance amount over the entire surface of the recording medium, the recording head is scanned by a plurality of scannings of the recording head with respect to the position assumed to be the same position on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium. The recording of the test pattern using different recording elements is controlled to be performed multiple times at different positions with respect to the scanning direction of the recording head, and further multiple times at different positions with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. It is preferable to detect the density of a plurality of test patterns and determine the optimum conveyance amount correction amount from the detected density of the test pattern.

  Further, when reciprocal recording by reciprocating scanning of the recording head is possible, the recording direction of the recording head using image data in recording using image data and test pattern data is the same as in normal recording using only image data. The recording direction of the recording head may be controlled so as not to differ from the recording direction of the recording head.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to have a storage step of storing the correction value acquired by the acquisition step, but the storage may be performed by the recording device or a host computer connecting the recording device.

  When the correction value is stored in the host computer, the correction step may be executed based on the correction value added to the command transmitted from the host computer to the recording apparatus.

  The recording head preferably includes an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink in order to eject the ink using thermal energy.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording apparatus that corrects the recording medium conveyance amount by applying the recording medium conveyance amount correction method having the above-described characteristics.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, an image and a test pattern are simultaneously recorded using image data for recording an image and test pattern data used for confirming the accuracy of conveyance of the recording medium. Since the conveyance amount correction value is obtained by checking the deviation in the conveyance direction, it is possible to perform highly accurate conveyance control that reflects actual recording, thereby achieving an effect of performing higher-quality recording. .

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In this specification, “recording” (sometimes referred to as “printing”) is not only for forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also for human beings visually perceived regardless of significance. Regardless of whether or not it has been manifested, it also represents a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or the medium is processed.

  “Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.

  Furthermore, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly in the same way as the definition of “recording (printing)” above. It represents a liquid that can be used for forming a pattern or the like, processing a recording medium, or processing an ink (for example, solidification or insolubilization of a colorant in ink applied to the recording medium).

  Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the “nozzle” collectively refers to an ejection port or a liquid channel communicating with the ejection port and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection.

<System configuration (Fig. 1)>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this printing system, a host (hereinafter referred to as a host) 20 and a printer 40 are connected via a network 60, and a print job transmitted from the host 20 is printed by the printer 40.

  The host 20 has a CPU 21 that executes processing of a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the ROM 23. The CPU 21 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 24. The ROM 23 stores an operating program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program executed by the CPU 21 and the above-described document processing program.

  The RAM 22 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 21. A keyboard controller (KBC) 25 controls key inputs from a keyboard 29 and a pointing device (not shown). A CRT controller (CRTC) 26 controls display of the CRT 30. A disk controller (DKC) 27 controls access to an external memory 31 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). The external memory 31 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, character image data generation programs, printer control command generation programs (hereinafter referred to as printer drivers), and the like.

  A printer controller (PRTC) 28 of the host 20 is connected to the printer 40 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (hereinafter referred to as an interface) and executes communication control processing with the printer 40. In this embodiment, the network controller 32 is used. Communication control processing with the printer 40 and other computers connected to the network 60 such as a LAN via (NETC) is executed.

  On the other hand, the printer 40 has a CPU 42 and outputs information to a printing unit (printer engine) 47 via a printing unit interface (I / F) 46 connected to the system bus 45 based on a control program stored in the ROM 43. As an image signal.

  The ROM 43 stores a control program executed by the CPU 42 and the like. The CPU 42 can communicate with the host 20 via the input unit 48 and notifies the host 20 of information in the printer. In this embodiment, communication processing can be performed from the input unit 48 to the host 20, another computer, or another printer connected via a network 60 such as a LAN.

  The RAM 49 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 42. The external memory 44 is an IC card or the like, and access control is performed by a memory controller (MC) 50. Further, the operation unit 41 is provided with a switch for operating with an operation panel, an LED display, and the like, and printer mode setting information can be stored in the external memory 44 using the operation unit 41.

  Although FIG. 1 assumes a printer connected via a network, the printing system is not limited to this, and a system configuration in which the host 20 directly connects to the printer 40 via an I / F. Is also possible.

<Outline of printer configuration (FIGS. 2 to 3)>
FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a printer 40 equipped with a recording head for recording in accordance with an ink jet method.

  An ink jet recording head (hereinafter, recording head) 306 has a plurality of nozzle rows 307 to 310, and each nozzle row has a plurality of ink discharge nozzles (hereinafter, nozzles) for discharging ink at a predetermined pitch. There are multiple arrays. The nozzle rows 307 to 310 are each composed of a plurality of nozzles for ejecting black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink. Each nozzle row is configured to be connected to a separate ink tank that stores corresponding ink. Therefore, the ink tank and the recording head can be separately mounted on the carriage.

  The recording head 306 can be moved by the driving force of the carriage motor 302 transmitted through the belt 303. On the other hand, an image signal and a control signal for the recording head are sent from the printer control unit via the flexible cable 304. At the same time, the recording head 306 can scan the recording medium 301 and perform recording by ejecting ink in accordance with the image signal during the scanning. As the recording medium, plain paper, high-quality printing dedicated paper, OHP sheet, glossy paper, glossy film, postcard, and the like can be used. Such a recording medium 301 includes transport rollers 311 and 312 and paper discharge rollers 313 and 314. Are conveyed intermittently by a predetermined amount during scanning of the recording head in the downward direction (arrow 320) in the figure, which is perpendicular to the scanning direction (arrows 321 and 322).

  The conveyance rollers 311 and 312 and the paper discharge rollers 313 and 314 are rotationally driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor (not shown) transmitted via a predetermined transmission mechanism, and thereby perform the above-described conveyance. Can do. The scanning position of the recording head is detected by the linear encoder 305. Based on this detection signal, for example, the timing of ink ejection from the recording head can be controlled.

  Note that, as described above, the ink cartridge 6 and the recording head 3 may be configured to be separable, but a replaceable head cartridge IJC may be configured by integrally forming them.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a head cartridge IJC in which an ink tank and a recording head are integrally formed. In FIG. 3, a dotted line K is a boundary line between the ink tank IT and the recording head IJH. The head cartridge IJC is provided with an electrode (not shown) for receiving an electrical signal supplied from the carriage 2 when it is mounted on the carriage 2, and the recording head IJH as described above is provided by this electrical signal. Is driven to eject ink.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 500 denotes an ink discharge port array. The ink tank IT is provided with a fibrous or porous ink absorber for holding ink.

<Printer control configuration (FIG. 4)>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

  4, the same components as those already described in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The EEPROM 203 stores setting information necessary for the recording operation.

  Ink ejection from the recording head 306 is performed by the CPU 42 supplying an image signal and a drive control signal to the electrothermal transducer provided in each nozzle of the recording head 306 via the head driver 208. That is, when an image signal is input to the recording head, a current flows through the electrothermal transducer in response to the signal, and the resulting thermal energy causes film boiling in the ink, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle. It is supposed to be. An EEPROM 210 is also provided in the recording head 306, and stores information necessary for setting the recording head.

  Further, the CPU 42 controls a carriage motor 302 for moving the carriage and a conveyance motor 207 for rotating the roller unit via motor drivers 204 and 206, respectively.

  Next, conveyance control executed by the printer having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing recording data used for manually confirming the conveyance correction of the recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an image 402 is recorded on a recording medium (for example, recording paper) 301 to be actually corrected so that the operator of the apparatus can visually confirm the accuracy of the conveyance amount of the printer. . This recording is performed by multipass recording.

  A region 403 surrounded by a broken line shows an enlarged view of how the image 402 is recorded for each pass, a region 404 surrounded by a dotted line is a first pass recording, and a region 405 surrounded by a dotted line is An area 406 surrounded by a dotted line in the second pass recording represents the third pass recording.

  As indicated by the area 404, in the first pass recording, the images 408 and 409 are recorded using the nozzle indicated by the position 407 among the nozzles of the recording head 306. As indicated by the area 405, in the second pass recording, the recording medium is conveyed in order to move the relative position of the recording head 306 from the first pass recording position to the second pass recording position. A constant value may be used as the transport amount at this time, and when high-precision recording is desired, the recording medium may be transported according to the transport amount based on the image data actually used for recording.

  Thereafter, in the second pass recording, the images 414 and 415 are recorded using the nozzles of the recording head indicated by the position 410, and at the same time, indicated by the upper position 411 corresponding to the current transport amount. Images 412 and 413 are recorded using a nozzle. Further, in the third pass recording, the recording medium is transported in order to move the relative position of the recording head from the second pass recording position to the third pass recording position. Images 418, 419, 420, and 421 are recorded using the nozzles of the recording head indicated by positions 416 and 417.

  With these recordings, for example, when the area 426 in which the recording area 425 is enlarged is viewed, a shift 429 between the image 427 and the image 428 becomes an error in the current paper feed amount, and conveyance control is performed to correct this. For example, the conveyance can be corrected.

  When recording is performed such that the image to be recorded with the nozzle position changed according to the carry amount and the image in the previous pass recording are arranged side by side, and this line is not in a straight line, there is a deviation. It can be seen that there is a deviation in the conveyance accuracy.

  Although this conveyance amount may be corrected with a fixed value, recording is actually performed using image data, and only the portion where the recording spans two passes is extracted by conveyance of the recording medium, and the amount of recording is measured. If all necessary correction values for the transport amount are obtained and used at the next recording, a more accurate result can be obtained. As a correction value determination method, a method visually observed by the user may be used, or a method based on sensor measurement may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image (image simultaneous recording) used for manually confirming the conveyance correction of the recording medium.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which only an image for confirming an error in the conveyance amount has been described. However, when confirming an error in the conveyance amount, the printer and the recording medium are brought closer to an actual recording state (operation state). Therefore, we focused on the fact that more accurate correction can be achieved by measuring the transport amount error while recording an actual image. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, instead of simply recording the image 501, recording is performed by replacing a part of the image 501 in the process of recording the image with the carry amount confirmation pattern, that is, the area 502. By deleting the image data corresponding to 503 and adding the image data corresponding to the confirmation pattern 50, it is possible to measure the transport error in a state closer to the actual recording operation.

  By using the correction result obtained by these measurements next time when recording using the same image data, it is possible to perform recording with higher accuracy. The correction value data obtained at this time may be stored on the printer side, or may be stored on the host side and used by a command from the host as necessary.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of an image used for automatically correcting the conveyance of the recording medium.

  According to FIG. 7, the recording head 306 records images 603 and 604 using nozzles such that the images overlap at the same position with respect to the conveyance amount 605 of the recording medium. Here, a ruled line (horizontal line) with a predetermined interval is recorded as a recording pattern that shows the deviation of the conveyance amount, and then the recording medium is conveyed, and this time, a similar pattern is formed using a nozzle that overlaps the previous ruled line. Record and check the density difference due to the deviation.

  FIG. 7 shows the overlapping state of these two patterns as patterns 606 and 607. As can be seen from a comparison of these patterns, the line overlap differs depending on the deviation from the carry amount, resulting in an image density difference. An optimum correction value can be found by measuring this density difference with a sensor built in the printer. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the pattern 606 has more ruled line overlaps and is lighter in density, and is more optimally corrected than the pattern 607.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an entire image used for automatically correcting the conveyance of the recording medium.

  In this embodiment, the density difference is detected according to the method described with reference to FIG. 7, but the recording medium 301 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow 704 in accordance with the first conveyance amount correction value with respect to the recording medium 301. Then, the image 702 is recorded. Next, as indicated by an arrow 705, the recording medium 302 is returned to the state before conveyance again by back feed, and the conveyance amount correction value is shifted from that value for the first time, and the image 703 is similarly recorded. Such an operation is repeated while changing only the carry amount correction value, and images are recorded side by side. If the recorded result is measured by a sensor, the obtained densities are compared, and the thinnest portion is detected, the optimum conveyance amount correction value can be automatically detected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the correction value when the image 706 is recorded is optimal.

  As shown in 707 to 711 in FIG. 8, for example, the measurement is performed at the front end portion, the central portion, and the rear end portion of the recording medium, and the correction when the carry amount is large, and the carry amount is small. By measuring under various conditions such as the correction value, it is possible to select a correction value that matches the actual recording condition and perform correction with higher accuracy.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining recording control related to the recording head scanning direction when reciprocally recording an image (image simultaneous recording) used for confirming conveyance correction of the recording medium.

  According to FIG. 9, in the first scan of the recording head, images 801 and 802 are recorded while moving the recording head in the direction indicated by the arrow 803. Next, pattern data is added to normal image data, and a confirmation pattern 804 is recorded while moving the recording head in the direction of the arrow 805, that is, in the direction opposite to the first scan. At this time, the recording medium is not conveyed and recording is performed at the position of the first scan. This is called second scan recording.

  Next, the normal recording with the conveyance of the recording medium is performed again in the third scan, but if the recording is performed as it is in the direction of the arrow 808, the confirmation pattern is recorded in the second scan in the middle. The recording for the images 806 and 807 is from left to right as indicated by an arrow 808. In this embodiment, the recording direction in the third scan is changed from the arrow 808 to the direction indicated by the arrow 809 in order to maintain the same state as the normal recording in which the confirmation pattern recording is not inserted. For this reason, the carriage is moved in the opposite direction.

  As a result, even if the recording of the confirmation pattern is inserted in the image recording, the recording can be performed in the same direction as the normal recording, and the conveyance error can be measured in an environment close to the actual recording operation.

  Such an operation is repeated, and when the recording direction needs to be switched as indicated by arrows 810 and 811 in FIG. 8, recording is performed with the direction reversed.

  When the conveyance amount correction value is determined by the above processing, whether manually or automatically, the correction value data may be held on the printer side as described above, or held on the host side. However, if necessary, it may be used by a command from the host.

  The following explanation is processing when the correction value data is held on the host side.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the conveyance amount correction value determination process.

  First, in step S901, it is confirmed whether or not a command (conveyance amount correction command) in which the conveyance amount correction value data is set is sent from the host 20.

  If such a command has been transmitted from the host, the process proceeds to step S903, and transport control is executed using a value according to the received transport amount correction command as a correction value. On the other hand, if the conveyance amount correction command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S902 to check whether a correction value under the same condition has been used before.

  Here, if it is determined that there is correction value information that has been previously transport-controlled under the same conditions as this time, the process proceeds to step S904, and correction values that have been previously used and stored in the printer are stored. Use it to perform transport control. On the other hand, if it is determined that the correction value information that has been previously controlled for conveyance under the same conditions as this time is not retained, the process proceeds to step S905, where a predetermined value is used. Then, carry amount correction is performed.

  Note that the processing shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example, and this does not limit the present invention. For example, in the case of a configuration in which all correction value data is held on the printer side, step S901 is not necessary. For example, the optimum correction value data stored by switching the recording mode instructed by the host 20 or the like is used. You may make it the process of selecting and using.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, a pattern for confirming the conveyance error is recorded on the recording medium prior to actual recording, and the conveyance error is read manually or automatically from the pattern image, and the correction value data Can be stored, and the conveyance amount of the recording medium can be corrected based on the correction value data in actual recording.

  In the above embodiment, the type of the recording medium was not particularly mentioned. However, if the type of the recording medium is changed, the physical characteristics thereof are also changed. Therefore, an optimum correction value is found for each type of the recording medium. It is desirable to keep it. In addition, even if the type of recording medium is the same, its physical characteristics also change due to temperature changes, so it is desirable to find and hold an optimum correction value for each temperature range.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the liquid droplets ejected from the recording head have been described as ink, and the liquid stored in the ink tank has been described as ink. However, the storage is limited to ink. It is not a thing. For example, a treatment liquid discharged to the recording medium may be accommodated in the ink tank in order to improve the fixability and water resistance of the recorded image or to improve the image quality.

  The above embodiment includes means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) that generates thermal energy as energy used to perform ink ejection, particularly in the ink jet recording system, and the ink is generated by the thermal energy. By using a system that causes a change in the state of recording, it is possible to achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

  In addition, even the serial scan type as in the above-described embodiments is mounted on the recording head fixed to the apparatus main body or the apparatus main body so that the electrical connection with the apparatus main body and the ink from the apparatus main body The present invention is also effective when an exchangeable cartridge type recording head that can be supplied is used.

  In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention may be used as an image output apparatus for information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, or a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function. It may be one taken.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system that is a typical embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer used in the printing system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a configuration of a head cartridge in which an ink tank and a recording head are integrally formed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the recording data used in order to confirm manually the conveyance correction of a recording medium. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image (image simultaneous recording) used for manually confirming conveyance correction of a recording medium. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a part of an image used for automatically performing conveyance correction of a recording medium. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an entire image used for automatically performing conveyance correction of a recording medium. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining recording control related to a recording head scanning direction when an image (image simultaneous recording) used for confirming conveyance correction of a recording medium is reciprocally recorded. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of a conveyance amount correction value.

Explanation of symbols

20 Host computer 21, 42 CPU
22, 49 RAM
23, 43 ROM
24 System bus 25 Keyboard controller (KBC)
26 CRT controller (CRTC)
27 Disk controller (DKC)
28 Printer Controller (PRTC)
29 Keyboard 30 CRT display (CRT)
31 External memory 32 Network controller (NETC)
40 Printer 41 Printer Operation Unit 44 External Memory 45 Printer System Bus 46 Printing Unit Interface (I / F)
47 Printing Department (Printer Engine)
48 Printer input unit 50 Printer memory controller (MC)
60 Network 203, 210 EEPROM
204, 206 Motor driver 207 Conveyance motor 208 Head driver 301 Recording medium 302 Carriage motor 303 Belt 304 Flexible cable 305 Linear encoder 306 Inkjet recording heads 307 to 310 Nozzle rows 311, 312 Conveying rollers 313, 314 Discharging rollers

Claims (14)

A recording head having a plurality of recording elements is reciprocally scanned to perform recording on the recording medium, and the recording medium is transported intermittently in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the recording head to complete recording on the recording medium. A method of correcting a recording medium conveyance amount in a recording apparatus,
A mixing step of mixing image data for recording an image on the recording medium and test pattern data used for confirming the accuracy of recording medium conveyance;
Using the image data and test pattern data mixed in the mixing step, the recording step of scanning the recording head and recording on the recording medium;
After recording in the recording step, a transporting step of transporting the recording medium by a predetermined amount;
A repeating step of repeating the recording step and the conveying step;
As a result of repetition by the repetition step, a confirmation step for confirming the image and the test pattern recorded by the image data and the test pattern data;
An acquisition step of acquiring a correction value for correcting the conveyance amount of the recording medium based on the confirmation result in the confirmation step;
And a correction step of correcting the conveyance amount of the recording medium based on the correction value acquired in the acquisition step. In recording in the recording process by the repeating process and transport in the transport process,
recording a test pattern in the n-th recording scan using a recording element at a first position of the recording head;
After transporting the recording medium for the predetermined amount, the test pattern in the (n + 1) th recording scan is recorded at a position away from the first position of the recording head by a distance corresponding to the predetermined amount. The recording medium conveyance amount correction method according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed using a recording element at a second position of the recording head.   3. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein, in the confirmation step, a recording position shift of the test pattern recorded in the n-th and (n + 1) -th recording scans with respect to a conveyance direction of the recording medium is confirmed. A method for correcting the carry amount.   The method of correcting a recording medium conveyance amount according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation in the confirmation step is a visual confirmation.   The method according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation in the confirmation step is an automatic confirmation using a sensor. The repeating step is controlled to perform test pattern recording in the nth and (n + 1) th recording scans at a position assumed to be the same position on the recording medium,
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the density of the test pattern recorded by the two recording scans is detected by the sensor. In the repeating step, a test pattern using a different recording element of the recording head by scanning the recording head a plurality of times with respect to a position assumed to be the same position on the recording medium while transporting the recording medium. Is controlled to be performed a plurality of times at different positions with respect to the scanning direction of the recording head, and further at a different position with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium,
Detecting the density of the plurality of recorded test patterns by the sensor;
6. The correction method for a recording medium conveyance amount according to claim 5, wherein an optimum conveyance amount correction amount is determined from the detected density of the test pattern.   When reciprocal recording by reciprocating scanning of the recording head is possible, the recording direction of the recording head using the image data in recording using the image data and the test pattern data is recording using only the image data. 8. The correction of the recording medium conveyance amount according to claim 1, further comprising a scanning control step of controlling a recording direction of the recording head so as not to differ from a recording direction of the recording head. Method.   9. The recording medium conveyance amount correction method according to claim 1, further comprising a storage step of storing the correction value acquired in the acquisition step.   The recording medium conveyance amount correction method according to claim 9, wherein the storing in the storing step is performed by the recording apparatus.   10. The recording medium conveyance amount correction method according to claim 9, wherein the storing in the storing step is performed by a host computer connected to the recording apparatus.   12. The method of correcting a recording medium conveyance amount according to claim 11, wherein the correction step is executed based on a correction value added to a command transmitted from the host computer to the recording apparatus.   13. The recording head according to claim 1, further comprising an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy applied to the ink in order to eject the ink using thermal energy. The correction method of the recording medium conveyance amount as described in 1 above. A recording apparatus that corrects a conveyance amount of a recording medium by applying the correction method of the conveyance amount of the recording medium according to claim 1.

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