JP2007050588A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder capable of not producing a white or black stripe at an overlapped portion in an image recorder for recording an image by using a plurality of printing element arrays of which the parts are overlapped with each other. <P>SOLUTION: In this image recorder, the plurality of printing element arrays are arranged such that one end of one of the plurality of printing element arrays is overlapped with one end of the other printing element array in a sub-scanning direction. In order to control a main light emitting element and a sub-light emitting element assigned in each of printing element arrays depending on an amount of positional deviation in the overlapped arrangement, a main light emitting element control section 122 generates a main light emission control signal for controlling an energy amount to be supplied to the main light emitting element according to main light emission control information. A sub-light emission element control section 123 generates a sub-light emission control signal for controlling an energy amount to be supplied to the sub-light emitting element according to sub-light emission control information, the energy amount to be supplied to the sub-light emitting element being lower than that to the main light emitting element. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records a wide image by overlapping a part of a plurality of printing element arrays.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image recording apparatuses that perform printing based on print data from a host apparatus are widely used, and image recording apparatuses that support printing on various sizes of paper are also used in various places.

  However, an image recording apparatus that supports printing on wide paper exceeding a certain size requires that the print element array be manufactured to be larger than the width of the paper, and the print element array is expensive because it must be manufactured exclusively. This increases the price of the device.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of inexpensive printing element arrays are arranged in the main scanning direction and printing is performed at different timings for each column, so that printing on a wide sheet can be performed. .
In addition, there is an apparatus that supports printing on a wide sheet by arranging a plurality of printing element arrays in the main scanning direction instead of arranging a plurality of printing element arrays in the main scanning direction.
JP 2004-145285 A

  However, in the conventional image recording apparatus, when printing is performed with a plurality of print heads or a plurality of print element arrays partially overlapped with each other in the main scanning direction, the overlapping portion is highly positioned in order to prevent print unevenness. High accuracy is required, and a large number of man-hours are required for the positioning.

  In addition, in the positioning of the overlapping portion of the printing element array, when the positioning is not performed with a high degree of accuracy, the printing elements in the overlapping portion are arranged so as to be shifted in the main scanning direction. Unevenness) occurred. That is, black stripes and white stripes are generated in the area where the printing elements in the overlapping portion of the printing element array form an image.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus that records an image by superimposing a part of a plurality of printing element arrays, and that does not generate white or black lines in the overlapping portion.

The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above points.
<Configuration 1>
An image recording apparatus comprising a plurality of printing element arrays in which a plurality of printing elements are arranged in a main scanning direction, wherein one end and the other end of each printing element array are arranged in an overlapping manner in the sub-scanning direction. In order to control the main light emitting element and the sub light emitting element allocated in each printing element array in accordance with the amount of deviation in the image data, an image data dividing unit that divides input image data, and a main pixel by controlling the main light emitting element A light emission control information generating unit for generating main light emission control information for forming and sub light emission control information for forming sub pixels by controlling the sub light emitting elements, and a main line indicating a line in the main scanning direction in which the main pixels are formed A light emission timing signal generator for generating control timings of the light emission line and a sub light emission line indicating a line in the main scanning direction in which the sub-pixel is formed; and main light emission control Lower than the amount of energy supplied to the main light emitting element based on the sub light emission control information and the main light emitting element control unit for generating the main light emitting control signal for controlling the amount of energy supplied to the main light emitting element based on the information And a sub-light-emitting element control unit that generates a sub-light-emitting control signal for controlling the amount of energy supplied to the sub-light-emitting element.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the generation of white stripes is prevented by forming subpixels with energy lower than the light emission energy for forming the main pixels between the main light emission lines on which the main pixels are formed. Further, by forming the sub-pixel with lower energy than the main pixel, the formation area of the pixel per unit area can be reduced, so that the occurrence of black stripes can be prevented. Thereby, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can obtain a good printing result by forming the sub-pixel.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same constituent elements in the drawings used in each embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as much as possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a first printing element array 130 and a second printing element array 140 that form an image with a set of pixel areas, and print data from a host device. An image data generation unit 110 that generates image data based on the image data, and a control unit 120 that controls the first printing element array 130 and the second printing element array 140 based on the image data.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, the first printing element array 130 has, for example, 200 printing elements L0 to L199, and the second printing element array 140 has 200 printing elements L200 to L399. is doing.

  The two printing element arrays 130 and 140 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the main scanning direction (row direction) as shown in FIG. That is, the printing element L199 at the right end of the printing element array 130 and the printing element L201 at the left end of the printing element array 140 are overlapped (overlapped) in the main scanning direction without being displaced in the sub-scanning direction. Yes. This arrangement is an ideal arrangement in the overlapping arrangement of the printing element array 130 and the printing element array 140, and the positional deviation z (deviation amount z) is zero.

  The positional relationship when the two printing element arrays 130 and 140 are arranged has a positional deviation Z1 (deviation amount Z1) in the main scanning direction as shown in FIG. 3B, for example. As shown in FIG. 3C, there may be a positional shift Z2 (shift amount Z2) in the main scanning direction.

  Each printing element (light emitting element) in the printing element arrays 130 and 140 is controlled by the control unit 120, that is, controlled by a light emission control signal (pulse) from the control unit 120 to emit light. The light emission in each printing element depends on the amount of energy supplied, and the amount of energy is expressed as the product of the amount of energy supplied and the supply time. In addition, the magnitude | size of energy is preset according to the resolution.

  By the way, in this embodiment, each printing element of the printing element arrays 130 and 140 functions as a main light emitting element that is controlled to emit main light or a sub light emitting element that is controlled to emit light depending on the amount of energy supplied. That is, it functions as a main light emitting element when the amount of supplied energy is large, and functions as a sub light emitting element when the amount of supplied energy is small. As a result of supplying toner to the latent image on the photosensitive drum formed by these light emitting elements, as shown in FIG. 1C, the toner image (main pixel) by the main light emitting element has a large area, The toner image (subpixel) by the sub light emitting element is formed with a smaller area than the toner image by the main light emitting element.

  By the way, the printing element emits light based on a light emission control signal indicating the amount of supplied energy, that is, emits light based on a pulse (light emission control signal) whose light emission time is indicated by a pulse width.

  In this embodiment, the printing elements L0 to L198 of the first printing element array 130 and the printing elements L201 to L399 of the second printing element array 140 function as main light emitting elements. L199 and L200 of the second printing element array 140 function as sub-light emitting elements. It should be noted that the function classification of each print element of each print array is performed based on pixel data selected in accordance with a positional shift (shift amount) of each print element array described later.

  The image data generation unit 110 generates bitmapped image data converted into presence / absence of printing dots based on print data from a host device (not shown), and transmits the image data to the control unit 120.

  The control unit 120 divides the image data from the image data generation unit 110 into first image data and second image data, and in each divided image data, main light emission control information and sub light emission for main light emission control. A print management control unit 121 that generates sub-emission control information for control, a main light-emitting element control unit 122 that generates a main light-emission control signal for controlling the main light-emitting element based on the main light-emission control information, and sub-emission control A sub-light-emitting element control unit 123 that generates a sub-light-emitting control signal for controlling the sub-light-emitting element based on the information.

  The print management control unit 121 includes a pixel data storage unit 1212 that holds a plurality of pieces of pixel data indicating the allocation of main and sub light emitting elements to the print elements of the print element arrays 130 and 140, and a pixel data storage unit 1212 based on the amount of deviation. The pixel data selection unit 1211 that selects one of the plurality of pixel data held in the image data, the image data from the image data generation unit 110, the first image data for the first printing element array 130, and the second The image data dividing unit 1213 that divides the image data into two pieces of second image data for the printing element array 140, and whether the first image data and the second image data are data for main light emission control (main light emission image data). Or a main / sub light emission image data determination unit 1214 for determining whether or not the data (sub light emission image data) is to be controlled for sub light emission, Main light emission control information composed of main light emission time data indicating light emission time for light emission control and data necessary for main light emission control, sub light emission time data indicating light emission time for sub light emission control, and necessary for sub light emission control A light emission control information generation unit 1215 that generates sub light emission control information including data, and main light emission time data indicating light emission time for main light emission control and sub light emission time data indicating light emission time for sub light emission control are stored. And a light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 that generates a light emission start signal necessary for starting main / sub light emission control of the printing elements in the printing element arrays 130 and 140.

  When the print management control unit 121 receives the image data from the image data generation unit 110, the print management control unit 121 divides data corresponding to each print element of the first print element array in the image data as the first image data, and performs the second printing. Data corresponding to each printing element of the element array is divided as second image data. Next, in the first image data and the second image data, the data corresponding to the sub-light-emitting elements of the overlapped portion is classified as sub-light-emitting image data, and the other data is classified as main light-emitting image data. At this time, the classification process is performed based on the pixel data acquired from the pixel data storage unit 1212 based on the shift amount.

  Thus, the print management control unit 121 first divides the image data into two parts, the first image data corresponding to the first print element array 130 and the second image data corresponding to the second print element array 140, and then The first image data and the second image data are classified into main light emission image data and sub light emission image data, respectively. Then, the image data classified into two main light emission image data and two sub light emission image data is transmitted to the light emission control information generation unit 1215.

  The pixel data selection unit 1211 includes an arrangement of printing elements (main light emitting elements) that are appropriately controlled for main light emission from a plurality of pixel data held in the pixel data storage unit 1212 based on the shift amount, and a printing element that is controlled for sub light emission. Pixel data indicating the arrangement of (sub-light emitting elements) is selected. The selected pixel data is notified to the image data division unit 1213 and the main / sub light emission image data determination unit.

  The pixel data storage unit 1212 represents pixel data indicating the arrangement of the main light emitting elements and the arrangement of the sub light emitting elements corresponding to the amount of deviation indicating the positional deviation when the printing element arrays 130 and 140 are installed in the image recording apparatus 100. Is held multiple times.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the positional relationship between the print element arrays 130 and 140 is set, there is no installation error (positional deviation). In the print element array 130, the print elements L0 to L198 are used as main light emitting elements, and printing is performed. In the element array 140, the printing elements L201 to L399 are set as main light emitting elements, and pixel data for preventing the printing elements L199 and L200 from controlling light emission is selected by the pixel data selection unit 1211.

  When the positional relationship between the print element arrays 130 and 140 is a shift amount Z1 as shown in FIG. 3B, in the print element array 130, the print elements L0 to L198 are set as the main light emitting elements, and the print element L199 is set as the secondary light emitting element. The pixel data selection unit 1211 selects the pixel data for the light emitting elements and the printing elements L201 to L399 as the main light emitting elements and the printing element L200 as the sub light emitting elements in the printing element array 140.

  When the positional relationship between the print element arrays 130 and 140 is a shift amount Z2 as shown in FIG. 3C, in the print element array 130, the print elements L0 to L198 are set as the main light emitting elements, and the print element L199 is set as the secondary light emitting element. The pixel data selection unit 1211 selects the pixel data for the light emitting element, the printing elements L202 to L399 are the main light emitting elements, the printing element L201 is the sub light emitting element, and the printing element L200 is not controlled to emit light. .

In the case of FIG. 3B, the printing element arrays 130 and 140 are arranged in an overlapping manner, and the light emission times by the printing elements L199 and L200 located at the end of the overlapping arrangement are represented by the printing elements L0 to L198 and the printing elements. By controlling the sub-light emission so as to be shorter than the light emission times such as L201 to L399, it is possible to correct the light emission amount of the print element at the end position where the print element arrays 130 and 140 are overlapped. .
Whether to perform main light emission control or sub light emission control for each printing element is selected by the pixel data selection unit based on the amount of deviation.

  When the image data dividing unit 1213 receives the image data from the image data generating unit 110, the image data dividing unit 1213 obtains data corresponding to the printing elements L0 to L199 of the first printing element array based on the selected pixel data in the image data. Similarly, the data corresponding to the printing elements L200 to L399 of the second printing element array in the image data is divided into two as the second image data.

  Upon receiving the first image data and the second image data from the image data dividing unit 1213, the main / sub light emission image data determination unit 1214 receives the first printing element array based on the selected pixel data in the first image data. The data corresponding to the printing elements L0 to L198 is determined as the first main light emission image data, and the data corresponding to the overlappingly arranged portions of the printing elements L199 is determined as the first sub light emission image data.

  Further, the main / sub-light emission image data determination unit 1214 determines, in the second image data, data corresponding to the printing elements L201 to L399 of the second printing element array as the second main light emission image data, and is arranged in an overlapping manner. Data corresponding to the partial printing element L200 is determined as second sub-emission image data.

  The image data classified into the first main light emission image data, the second main light emission image data, the first sub light emission image data, and the second sub light emission image data is transmitted to the light emission control information generation unit 1215.

  When the light emission control information generation unit 1215 receives the image data from the main / sub light emission image data determination unit 1214, the main light emission time when the received data classification is the first main light emission image data or the second main light emission image data. Is obtained from the light emission time data storage unit 1216, the first main light emission control information having the obtained main light emission time data and the first main light emission image data, or the obtained main light emission time data and the second. Second main light emission control information having main light emission image data is generated and output to the main light emitting element control unit 122.

  Similarly, when the light emission control information generation unit 1215 receives image data, when the received data classification is the first sub light emission image data or the second sub light emission image data, the sub light emission from the light emission time data storage unit 1216. First sub-emission control information having the sub-emission time data and the pixel data acquired from the sub-emission time data and the pixel data storage unit 1212, and the first sub-emission image data, Alternatively, second sub-emission control information including the acquired sub-emission time data and pixel data and second sub-emission image data is generated and output to the sub-emission element control unit 123.

The generated first sub-emission control information is used for sub-emission control of the printing element L199, and the second sub-emission control information is used for sub-emission control of the printing element L200.
In the following description, the first main light emission control information, the second main light emission control information, the first sub light emission control information, and the second sub light emission control information will be simply referred to as light emission control information.

  By the way, the main (sub) light emission image data included in the light emission control information indicates whether or not each print element emits light. For example, when “1” is indicated for a certain print element, the print element The light emission control of the printing element is not performed when “0” is indicated. Note that the light emission control for each printing element can be arbitrarily changed by changing the contents of the light emission image data.

  The light emission time data storage unit 1216 holds main light emission time data indicating the light emission time of the main light emission control and sub light emission time data indicating the light emission time of the sub light emission control, and the positional relationship between the print element arrays 130 and 140 is shifted. A plurality of sub-light emission time data are held in advance according to the amount.

  Here, the light emission control information generated by the light emission control information generation unit 1215 will be described. Note that this description focuses on the sub-emission control information.

First, the cause of white stripes will be described.
In the overlapping portion of each printing element of the printing element array 130 and each printing element of the printing element array 140 that are overlapped in the main scanning direction, the printing elements L199 and L200 are installed as shown in FIG. If the light emission control is not performed, a gap is generated in the result of the light emission control of each printing element. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1B, the light emission amount of each print element in the overlapping portion is reduced due to the gap (margin) of the array in the result of the light emission control of each print element. As a result, the density of the toner image by the toner becomes low at a portion where the amount of light emission is small in the printing result, that is, at the margin, and white stripes occur at the portion.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of a low print density portion (white streak) in the printing result, the overlapping portion of the print element arrays 130 and 140, specifically, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to control the light emission of the printing elements L199 and L200 arranged at the interval between the printing elements L201 to increase the amount of light emission at the position in the margin. However, if the printing elements L199 and L200 are caused to emit light with a normal amount of light emission energy, the amount of light emission becomes excessive, and a good printing result cannot be obtained. Accordingly, the inventor considered that the printing elements L199 and L200 are controlled to emit light with a light emission energy amount smaller than the normal light emission energy amount, that is, the light emission time is controlled to prevent the occurrence of white stripes.

  By the way, in order to control light emission at a position in the margin with a light emission energy amount smaller than a normal light emission energy amount, it is necessary to perform light emission control different from that of the main light emitting element using the printing elements L199 and L200 as sub-light emitting elements. For this reason, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information for performing sub light emission control based on a shift amount indicating a margin relationship between arrangement intervals and acquired pixel data.

Next, the cause of black streaks will be described.
In the overlapping portion of the printing element arrays 130 and 140 arranged in the main scanning direction, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the light emission control of the printing element L199 and the printing element L200 in the overlapping portion is performed, In the result of the light emission control of the printing element, the light emission amount per unit area in the overlapping portion increases. As a result, the density of the toner image due to the toner is high at the portion where the light emission amount is large in the printing result, that is, the overlapping portion, and black stripes are generated at the portion.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of a portion with high print density (black stripes) in the print result, the inventor printed the overlapping portion of the print element arrays 130 and 140, specifically, as shown in FIG. It has been considered to reduce the amount of light emission in the overlapping portion by performing dimming control on the printing elements L199 and L200 arranged at the interval between the element L198 and the printing element L201.

  By the way, by using the printing elements L199 and L200 in the overlapping portion as the secondary light emitting elements, the secondary light emission for controlling the secondary light emitting elements in order to perform light emission control (dimming control) with a light emission energy amount smaller than the normal light emission energy amount. Control information is generated by the light emission control information generation unit 1215. Note that the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub-light emission control information based on the shift amount indicating the arrangement relationship between the print elements of the print element array 130 and the print elements of the print element array 140 and the acquired pixel data. To do.

Next, the cause of oblique line breaks will be described.
When the printing process is performed based on the image data forming the diagonal line, as shown in FIG. 4A, a line break occurs in the printing result. As shown in FIG. 1A, this line breakage occurs at the overlapping portion of the printing element arrays 130 and 140 that are arranged in the main scanning direction.

  Specifically, since the light emission control of the printing element L199 and the printing element L200 in the overlapping portion is not performed, as shown in FIG. 4A, the light emission amount in the overlapping portion in the result of the light emission control of each printing element. Less. As a result, the density of the toner image by the toner is lowered at a position in the portion where the light emission amount is small in the printing result, and oblique line breakage occurs in the portion.

  In order to prevent oblique lines from being cut off in the printing result, the inventor arranges the overlapping portions of the printing element arrays 130 and 140, specifically, between the printing elements L198 and L201 as shown in FIG. It has been considered that the print elements L199 and L200 which have been used are dimmed (sub-light emission control) to prevent oblique lines from being cut off at the overlapping portion.

  By the way, as a result of the sub-emission control of the printing elements L199 and L200, if the sub-emission of the printing element L199 in the overlapping portion is controlled at the timing indicated by H1, as shown in FIG. Although it was possible to prevent cutting, it was found that good results could not be obtained. In order to solve this problem, the inventor considered correcting the light emission timing of the printing element L200. That is, the inventor considered correcting the sub-emission control of the printing element L199 from the emission timing indicated by H1 at the emission timing indicated by H2, as shown in FIG. 4B.

  Further, the inventor repeated the print density test, and based on the image data forming the diagonal lines, and the shift amount indicating the arrangement relationship between the print elements of the print element array 130 and the print elements of the print element array 140. It has been found that it is preferable to correct the light emission timing. In order to realize this, the inventor holds a plurality of timing correction data for correcting the timing of performing the main (sub) light emission control in advance, and appropriately stores the timing correction data based on the image data and the amount of deviation. Considered to choose.

  That is, a plurality of timing correction data is held in the pixel data storage unit 1212, and the light emission control information generation unit 1215 acquires the timing correction data from the pixel data storage unit 1212 based on the image data and the shift amount. Based on the acquired timing correction data, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 corrects the main (sub) light emission image data.

  Here, the timing correction data will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, only the timing correction for the printing element L198, the printing element L199, the printing element L200, and the printing element L201 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the printing element L198 forms a main pixel indicated by M1, a main pixel indicated by M2, and a main pixel indicated by M3 in accordance with the light emission timing. Thereafter, similarly, the printing element L200 forms a subpixel indicated by S1, a subpixel indicated by S2, a subpixel indicated by S3, and a subpixel indicated by S4, and the printing element L199 is indicated by S5. A sub-pixel, a sub-pixel indicated by S6, a sub-pixel indicated by S7, and a sub-pixel indicated by S8 are formed, and the printing element L201 is indicated by a main pixel indicated by M4, a main pixel indicated by M5, and indicated by M6. A main pixel is formed.

Next, the light emission timing will be described. In this description, the description is made on the assumption that the shift in the sub-scanning direction due to the overlapping arrangement of the printing element array 130 and the printing element array 140 is not taken into consideration.
The subpixel S1 formed by the printing element L200 of the printing element array 130 and the subpixel S5 formed by the printing element L199 of the printing element array 140 are formed at the same timing, and the subpixel S1 and the subpixel S5 are formed. Then, the main pixel M1 and the main pixel M4 are formed at the same timing. After these main pixels M1 and M4 are formed, the subpixel S2 and the subpixel S6 are formed at the same timing. Similarly, after the subpixel S2 and the subpixel S6 are formed, the main pixel M2 and the main pixel M5 are formed at the same timing. After the main pixel M2 and the main pixel M5 are formed, the subpixel S3 and the subpixel S7 are formed at the same timing. After the subpixel S3 and the subpixel S7 are formed, the main pixel M3 and the main pixel M6 are formed at the same timing. After the main pixel M3 and the main pixel M6 are formed, the sub-pixel S4 and the sub-pixel S8 are formed at the same timing.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the amount of deviation in the sub-scanning direction in the overlapping arrangement of the printing element array 130 and the printing element array 140 is 1 dot, it is necessary to correct the light emission timing described below.
That is, in order to form the main pixel and the sub-pixel at the same timing as described above, it is necessary to delay the light emission timing of the printing element array 130 by one dot.

In order to perform timing control of the main (sub) pixel formed by each printing element described above, the pixel data storage unit 1212 holds timing correction data in a table format as shown in FIG. By the way, when the tenth timing correction data in FIG. 5 is selected based on the image data by the pixel data selection unit 1211, the light emission control information generation unit 1215, as shown in FIG. The light emission timing for forming M3, the main pixel M5, the subpixel S3, and the subpixel S7 is controlled. That is, in order to control the light emission timing, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates main light emission control information and sub light emission control information.
The sub light emission control information generated by the light emission control information generation unit 1215 includes information for correcting the light emission timing for forming the sub pixel in the sub light emission line in order to prevent the diagonal line shown in FIG. 4 from being broken. It is shown. Thereby, a sub-pixel is formed while the diagonal line is broken.

  When the pixel data selection unit 1211 selects the twelfth timing correction data in FIG. 5 based on the image data, the light emission control information generation unit 1215, as shown in FIG. 8C, the main pixel M3. The main light emission control information for controlling the light emission timing for forming the main pixel M4 is generated. Further, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information for controlling the light emission timing for forming the sub pixel S3 and the sub pixel S6.

  Thereby, main (sub) light emission control information for controlling the light emission timing in the light emission control information generation unit 1215 is generated. By performing light emission control of each printing element of the printing element array 130 and each printing element of the printing element array 140 based on the generated main (secondary) light emission control information, diagonal line breakage is prevented and smooth diagonal lines are formed. Can be formed.

  As described above, various problems such as white stripes and black stripes occurring in the overlapping portions of the overlappingly arranged printing element arrays are solved by controlling the sub-light emission of the energy supplied to the printing elements located in the overlapping portion. The

  Various problems such as oblique line breakage are solved by correcting the timing for performing sub-emission control on the printing elements located in the overlapping portion.

The light emission time data storage unit 1216 includes main light emission time data indicating light emission time for main light emission control for determining the size of the main pixel and sub light emission time indicating light emission time for the sub light emission control for determining the size of the sub pixel. Retain data.
A plurality of main light emission time data are created and held in the light emission time data storage unit 1216, and are selected based on the resolution set by the user.

  On the other hand, the sub-light emission time data is in a predetermined ratio so that, for example, the light emission time indicated by the main light emission time data is ½ of the light emission time. More specifically, according to the amount of deviation, The ratio is corrected, and a plurality of sub-light emission time data are created as necessary and stored in the light emission time data storage unit 1216.

  By the way, the main (sub) light emission time data held in the light emission time data storage unit 1216 and the pixel data held in the pixel data storage unit 1212 are data created based on the print density test. A database that can be searched based on the amount of deviation.

The light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 forms a main pixel and a sub pixel in a main light emission line indicating a line in the main scanning direction where the main pixel is formed and a sub light emission line indicating a line in the main scanning direction. Generate timing for Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first main light emission start signal for starting the generation of the main pixel by the main light emitting element and the generation of the sub pixel by the sub light emitting element in the printing element array 130 are started. A first sub light emission start signal is generated, and a second main light emission start signal for starting generation of a main pixel by the main light emitting printing element in the printing element array 140 and a second main light emission element for starting generation of the sub pixel by the sub light emitting element. Two sub-light emission start signals are generated.
The sub light emission start signal is generated between the main light emission start signal and the subsequent main light emission start signal. That is, the sub-light emission control performs light emission control between the main light emission control and the subsequent main light emission control.

  After receiving the main light emission control information from the light emission control information generation unit 1215, the main light emitting element control unit 122 receives the first main light emission start signal from the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, and outputs the first main light emission start signal. As a trigger, the first main light emission control signal (pulse) for controlling light emission of each main light emitting element of the first printing element array 130 based on the main light emission control information and each main light emitting element of the second printing element array 140 emit light. A second main light emission control signal (pulse) to be controlled is generated, and the first main light emission control signal is output to the first printing element array 130, and the second main light emission control signal is output to the second printing element array 140. .

  After receiving the sub-light emission control information from the light emission control information generating unit 1215 and receiving the first sub-light emission start signal from the light emission timing signal generating unit 1217, the sub light-emitting element control unit 123 receives the first sub-light emission start signal. As a trigger, a first sub-emission control signal for controlling the light emission of each sub-light-emitting element of the first printing element array 130 based on the sub-light-emission control information and a first control for controlling the light emission of each sub-light-emitting element of the second printing element array 140. 2 sub light emission control signals are generated, and the first sub light emission control signal is output to the first printing element array 130 and the second sub light emission control signal is output to the second printing element array 140.

When receiving the main light emission control signal from the main light emitting element control unit 122, the print element arrays 130 and 140 cause the main light emitting elements of the print element arrays 130 and 140 to emit light based on the main light emission control signal. When the sub light emission control signal is received from the sub light emission element control unit 123, the printing element array 130 corrects the light emission time and the light emission position based on the sub light emission control signal and causes the printing element L199 to emit light. The light emitting time is corrected at, and the printing element L200 is caused to emit light.
Note that the sub-emission control signal for sub-emission control may be divided and supplied to the core printing element array according to the number of printing element arrays.

An operation of the image recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
When the image recording apparatus 100 receives print data from the host apparatus (S701), the image data generation unit 110 converts the print data into bitmap image data and transmits it to the control unit 120 (S702).

  The control unit 120 that has received the image data selects pixel data from the pixel data storage unit 1212 based on the amount of deviation between the first printing element array and the second printing element array (S703), and the image based on the pixel data. The data is divided into two parts, first image data and second image data (S704).

  Next, the main sub-emission image data determination unit 1214 of the control unit 120 determines whether the first image data and the second image data are sub-emission image data, and the main emission image data based on the determination result. And sub-emission image data (S705).

The main / sub-emission image data determination unit 1214 obtains first emission image data classified into main emission image data and auxiliary emission image data, and second emission image data classified into main emission image data and auxiliary emission image data. It transmits to the light emission control information generation part 1215.
Upon receiving the first main light emission image data, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 acquires the main light emission time data from the light emission time data storage unit 1216, and the first main light emission image data includes the first main light emission image data. Light emission control information is generated.

  When receiving the second main light emission image data, the main sub light emission image data determination unit 1214 generates second main light emission control information including the main light emission time data and the second main light emission image data (S706). The light emission control information generation unit 1215 transmits the first main light emission control information and the second main light emission control information to the main light emitting element control unit 122 (S707).

  After receiving the first main light emission control information, the main light emitting element control unit 122 receives the first main light emission start signal from the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, and then receives the first main light emission control information based on the first main light emission control information. A light emission control signal is generated and output to the first printing element array 130. In addition, after receiving the second main light emission control information, the main light emitting element control unit 122 receives the second main light emission start signal from the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, and then based on the second main light emission control information. Two main light emission control signals are generated and output to the second printing element array 140 (S708).

  In step S705 described above, when the main / sub-emission image data determination unit 1214 classifies the sub-emission image data, the emission control information generation unit 1215 that has received the first auxiliary emission image data from the main / sub-emission image data determination unit 1214 The light emission time data is acquired from the light emission time data storage unit 1216, and first sub light emission control information including the sub light emission time data and the first sub light emission image data is generated.

  When receiving the second sub-emission image data, the emission control information generation unit 1215 generates second sub-emission control information including the sub-emission time data and the second sub-emission image data (S709).

  The generated first sub light emission control information and second sub light emission control information are output from the light emission control information generation unit 1215 to the sub light emitting element control unit 123 (S710).

  After receiving the first sub-emission control information, after receiving the first sub-emission control signal, the sub-light-emitting element control unit 123 receives the first sub-emission control information. A light emission control signal is generated and output to the first printing element array 130. In addition, after receiving the second sub light emission control information, the sub light emitting element control unit 123 receives the second sub light emission start signal from the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, and based on the second sub light emission control information. A second sub-emission control signal is generated and output to the second printing element array 140 (S711).

  Upon receiving the first main light emission control signal and the first sub light emission control signal, the first printing element array 130 performs main light emission control on each of the printing elements L0 to L198 based on the first main light emission control signal, and the first sub light emission. Based on the control signal, the sub-emission of the printing element L199 is controlled.

  On the other hand, the second printing element array 140 that has received the second main light emission control signal and the second sub light emission control signal performs main light emission control on each of the printing elements L201 to L399 based on the second main light emission control signal, and the second Based on the sub-emission control signal, the printing element L200 is controlled to perform sub-emission.

  According to the image recording apparatus of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, pixel data is selected based on the amount of misalignment between the overlappingly arranged printing element arrays 130 and 140, and the main data is selected based on the selected pixel data. A light emitting element and a sub light emitting element are set. Thereby, since the light emission time of the sub light emitting element is controlled to be shorter than the light emitting time of the main light emitting element, the light emission amount of the sub light emitting element can be suppressed, and in the printing result in the overlapping portion of the print element arrays 130 and 140, Generation of white stripes and black stripes can be prevented, and good printing results can be obtained.

  Further, when forming the diagonal line, by correcting the light emission timing of the sub light emitting element in the overlapping portion of the printing element arrays 130 and 140, the formation position of the sub pixel generated by the sub light emitting element can be corrected, A smooth diagonal line can be formed by the correction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the image recording apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes an image data generation unit 110, a control unit 120, a printing element array 130, and a printing element array 140 similar to those in the first embodiment. , A printing element array 150 having 200 printing elements L400 to L599.

Here, the positional relationship between the three printing element arrays 130, 140, and 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the print element arrays 130 and 140 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the main scanning direction (row direction), and specifically, the print element L199 at the right end of the print element array 130. And the printing element L201 at the left end portion of the printing element array 140 are overlapped (overlapped) in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the print element arrays 140 and 150, the print element L399 at the right end portion of the print element array 140 and the print element L401 at the left end portion of the print element array 150 are overlapped in the main scanning direction ( (Overlapping placement).

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing element arrays 130 and 140 are overlapped with a positional deviation Z11 (deviation amount Z11) in the main scanning direction, and the printing element arrays 140 and 150 are displaced in the main scanning direction. Overlapping arrangement with (deviation amount Z12) is provided.

In addition, each printing element of each printing element array arranged in an overlapping manner is respectively assigned to the main light emitting element or the sub light emitting pixel as in the first embodiment, and each printing element is controlled by the control unit 120.
The control unit 120 according to the second embodiment uses the image data dividing unit 1213 to convert the image data from the image data generation unit 110 into the first image data corresponding to the printing elements L0 to L199 of the first printing element array 130, the second The second image data corresponding to the printing elements L200 to L399 of the printing element array 140 and the third image data corresponding to the printing elements L400 to L599 of the third printing element array 150 are divided into three.

The light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates main light emission control information for main light emission control and sub light emission control information for sub light emission control in each divided image data.
Note that the light emission control information generation unit 1215 emits light from the sub light emitting elements that independently form sub pixels according to the shift amount Z11 of the print element arrays 130 and 140 and the shift amount Z12 of the print element arrays 140 and 150. Sub-emission control information for controlling the time is generated, and sub-emission time data indicating the emission time of the sub-emission control corresponding to each of the shift amounts Z11 and Z12 to generate the respective sub-emission control information. Is read from the light emission time data storage unit 1216.

  As described above, the image recording apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment generates the sub-emission control information corresponding to each of the shift amounts Z11 and Z12, thereby reducing the light emission amount of the sub-light emitting element based on the sub-emission control information. Since it can be controlled, the sub-pixel can be formed with an area corresponding to each shift amount.

  As a result, the image recording apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment differs from, for example, the sub-pixel formed on the sub-emission line with the shift amount Z11, and has the sub-pixels on the sub-light-emission line with the shift amount Z12 in an area corresponding to the shift amount Z12. They can be formed independently, and white stripes (black stripes) can be corrected according to the amount of deviation to obtain good printing results.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the image recording apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment includes an image data generation unit 110, a control unit 120, a printing element array 130, and a printing element array 140 similar to those in the first embodiment. Printing element array 150 having 200 printing elements L400 to L599, printing element array 160 having 200 printing elements L600 to L799, and printing element array 170 having 200 printing elements L800 to L999. With an array.

Here, the arrangement positional relationship of the five printing element arrays 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the print element arrays 130 and 140 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the main scanning direction (row direction). Specifically, the print element array L199 at the right end of the print element array 130 is arranged. And the printing element L201 at the left end portion of the printing element array 140 are overlapped (overlapped) in the main scanning direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the print element arrays 140 and 150 are arranged such that the print element L399 at the right end portion of the print element array 140 and the print element L401 at the left end portion of the print element array 150 overlap in the main scanning direction ( (Overlapping placement).

  Further, in the print element arrays 150 and 160, the print element L599 at the right end of the print element array 150 and the print element L601 at the left end of the print element array 160 are overlapped (overlapped) in the main scanning direction. . In the print element arrays 160 and 170, the print element L799 at the right end of the print element array 160 and the print element L801 at the left end of the print element array 170 are arranged in an overlapping manner (overlapping arrangement) in the main scanning direction.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 11, the printing element arrays 130 and 140 are overlapped with a positional deviation Z11 (deviation amount Z11) in the main scanning direction, and the printing element arrays 140 and 150 are positional deviation Z12 in the main scanning direction. Overlapping arrangement with (deviation amount Z12) is provided. The printing element arrays 150 and 160 are arranged to overlap with each other with a positional deviation Z13 (deviation amount Z13) in the main scanning direction, and the printing element arrays 160 and 170 have a positional deviation Z14 (deviation amount Z14) in the main scanning direction. Are placed in duplicate.

In addition, each printing element of each printing element array arranged in an overlapping manner is respectively assigned to the main light emitting element or the sub light emitting pixel as in the first embodiment, and each printing element is controlled by the control unit 120.
In the control unit 120 according to the third embodiment, the image data dividing unit 1213 converts the image data from the image data generation unit 110 into the first image data corresponding to the printing elements L0 to L199 of the first printing element array 130, the second Second image data corresponding to the printing elements L200 to L399 of the printing element array 140, third image data corresponding to the printing elements L400 to L599 of the third printing element array 150, and printing elements of the fourth printing element array 160. The fourth image data corresponding to L600 to L799 and the fifth image data corresponding to the printing elements L800 to L999 of the fifth printing element array 170 are divided into five.

The light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates main light emission control information for main light emission control and sub light emission control information for sub light emission control in each divided image data.
Note that the light emission control information generation unit 1215 includes the shift amount Z11 of the print element arrays 130 and 140, the shift amount Z12 of the print element arrays 140 and 150, the shift amount Z13 of the print element arrays 150 and 160, and the print element array 160. And sub-light-emission control information for controlling the light-emission time of the sub-light-emitting elements forming the sub-pixels according to the amount of deviation Z14 of 170 and 170, respectively. Then, sub-emission time data indicating the emission time of the sub-emission control corresponding to each of the shift amounts Z11, Z12, Z13, and Z14 is read from the emission time data storage unit 1216.

  The sub light emission control information generated by the light emission control information generation unit 1215 is notified to the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, and the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 controls the sub light emission line to be described later based on the notified sub light emission control information. A sub light emission start timing signal for performing the above is generated, and the signal is output to the sub light emitting element control unit 123.

  By the way, in the image recording apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment, the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 of the control unit 120 forms a plurality of subpixels by a plurality of sublight emission lines between the main light emission lines where the main pixels are formed. A sub light emission start timing signal is generated. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the sub-pixel is formed by one sub-light-emitting line between the main light-emitting lines. However, in Embodiment 3, the timing for forming the sub-pixel is divided into a plurality of times as shown in FIG. Then, a plurality of sub-pixels are formed by controlling the plurality of sub-light emission lines in the sub-scanning direction at each timing.

  As a result, the image recording apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment can prevent the occurrence of oblique line breaks caused by misalignment by forming a plurality of sub-pixels in the sub-scanning direction, and draw horizontal lines in the main-scanning direction. In some cases, margins caused by misalignment can be prevented by forming a plurality of sub-pixels, and thus a good printing result can be obtained.

  By the way, the light emission timing signal generator 1217 of Example 3 controls the start timing of each sub light emission line having a different light emission time, and sub pixels having different areas are formed on each sub light emission line. Each sub light emission line is standardized, and specifically, the light emission times such as 10 μs, 20 μs, 30 μs, 40 μs, 50 μs, 60 μs, and 70 μs are associated with each sub light emission line. This standardization standardizes the unit time so as to indicate each light emission time corresponding to each shift amount (Z11 to Z14) in the overlapping arrangement of each print element array in combination with a predetermined unit time. As shown in FIG. 13, standardization is standardized under the restriction of the timing time (100 μs) between the main light emitting lines.

  By the way, each sub light emission line to which different light emission times of 10 μs, 20 μs, 30 μs, 40 μs, 50 μs, 60 μs, and 70 μs are assigned is controlled at different start timings, and the sub light emission start for controlling at each timing is started. A timing signal is generated by the light emission timing signal generator 1217.

  The light emission timing signal generator 1217 controls the sub light emission lines at different start timings to control the sub light emission lines corresponding to the divided light emission times obtained by dividing the light emission time of the sub light emission control information. A start timing signal is generated.

  In this embodiment, in order to simplify the following description, three sub-light-emitting lines, that is, sub-light-emitting control in which the sub-light-emission control is performed with a divided light-emission time of 20 μs as shown in FIG. An explanation will be given of an example in which the sub-light emission line 2 in which the sub-light emission control of the divided light emission time of 10 μs and the sub-light emission line 3 in which the sub-light emission control of 10 μs is performed are controlled.

  The light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 does not show a sub light emission line selection table indicating start timings for controlling with three different sub light emission lines according to the light emission time indicated in the sub light emission control information. It is provided in the storage unit.

  For example, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information indicating a light emission time of 40 μs according to the shift amount Z11 between the print element array 130 and the print element array 140, and notifies the sub light emission control information. The received light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 refers to the sub light emission line selection table of the start timing data storage unit based on the light emission time of 40 μs of the sub light emission control information, and determines the start timing of the sub light emission line 2 with the divided light emission time of 40 μs. get.

  In addition, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information indicating a light emission time of 60 μs according to the amount of deviation Z12 between the print element array 140 and the print element array 150 (see “A” in FIG. 13). The light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 that has received the notification of the sub light emission control information refers to the sub light emission line selection table of the start timing data storage unit based on the light emission time of 60 μs of the sub light emission control information, and the divided light emission time. The start timing of the sub light emission line 1 of 20 μs and the start timing of the sub light emission line 2 having a divided light emission time of 40 μs are acquired.

  Further, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information indicating a light emission time of 70 μs according to the amount of deviation Z13 between the print element array 160 and the print element array 170, and notifies the sub light emission control information. The received light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 refers to the sub light emission line selection table of the start timing data storage unit based on the light emission time of 70 μs of the sub light emission control information, and starts the sub light emission line 1 having a divided light emission time of 20 μs. Then, the start timing of the sub light emission line 2 with the divided light emission time of 40 μs and the start timing of the sub light emission line 3 with the divided light emission time of 10 μs are acquired.

  Similarly, the light emission control information generation unit 1215 generates sub light emission control information indicating a light emission time of 30 μs according to the shift amount Z14, and the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 receives the notification of the sub light emission control information. Based on the light emission time of 30 μs of information, the sub light emission line selection table of the start timing data storage unit is referred to, and the start timing of the sub light emission line 1 having a divided light emission time of 20 μs and the sub light emission line 3 having a divided light emission time of 10 μs. Get disclosure timing.

  The light emission timing signal generation unit 1217 generates a sub light emission start timing signal indicating a preset pulse length for each of these acquired start timings, and outputs the signal to the sub light emitting element control unit 123. .

  Receiving the sub light emission start timing signal from the light emission timing signal generation unit 1217, the sub light emission element control unit 123 sequentially generates a sub light emission control signal according to the pulse length of the sub light emission start timing signal, and outputs the signal to the printing element array. Output to. That is, the sub light emitting element control unit 123 first generates a sub light emission control signal for controlling the sub light emitting line 1 with a divided light emission time of 20 μs, outputs the signal to each printing element array, and then outputs 40 μs. A sub light emission control signal for controlling the sub light emission line 2 in the divided light emission time is generated, the signal is output to each printing element array, and the sub light emission control for controlling the sub light emission line 3 in the divided light emission time of 10 μs. A signal is generated, and the signal is output to each printing element array.

  As a result, sub-pixels are formed on the sub-light emission line 1 with a light emission time of 20 μs at the overlapping positions in the displacement amount Z12, displacement amount Z13, and displacement amount Z14 in each overlappingly arranged printing element array, and the displacement amount Z11, Sub-pixels are formed on the sub-light-emitting lines 2 at the light emission time of 40 μs at the overlapping positions in the shift amounts Z12 and Z13, and 10 μs on the sub-light-emitting lines 3 in the overlapping positions at the shift amounts Z13 and Z14. The sub-pixel is formed in the light emission time.

As described above, the image recording apparatus 300 according to the third exemplary embodiment is divided and formed because the subpixels are divided and formed at a plurality of timings in the sub-scanning direction where the broken lines such as oblique lines and horizontal lines are generated due to deviation. A plurality of sub-pixels can prevent a broken line such as an oblique line or a horizontal line, and can draw a smooth line.
Furthermore, the image recording apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment can control each sub light emission line uniformly by standardizing the light emission time of the sub light emission line, thereby reducing the number of controls of each sub light emission line. be able to.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining prevention of white stripes in the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a printing element array according to Example 1 and a deviation thereof. It is a figure which shows formation of the diagonal line in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a timing correction data table. 2 is a time chart of the image recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of the image recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating prevention of the cutting | disconnection of an oblique line. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of printing element arrays according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of printing element arrays according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating formation of sub-pixels in Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image recording device 110 Image data generation part 120 Control part 121 Print management control part 1211 Pixel data selection part 1212 Pixel data memory | storage part 1213 Image data division part 1214 Main / sub light emission image data determination part 1215 Light emission control information generation part 1216 Light emission time data Storage unit 1217 Light emission timing signal generation unit 122 Main light emitting element control unit 123 Sub light emitting element control unit 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 Printing element array

Claims (7)

An image recording apparatus comprising a plurality of printing element arrays in which a plurality of printing elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein one end and the other end of each printing element array are arranged overlapping in the sub-scanning direction,
An image data dividing unit that divides input image data in order to control a main light emitting element and a sub light emitting element allocated in each printing element array in accordance with a shift amount in the overlapping arrangement;
A light emission control information generating unit for generating main light emission control information for forming a main pixel by controlling the main light emitting element and sub light emission control information for forming a sub pixel by controlling the sub light emitting element;
A light emission timing signal generating unit for generating a control timing of a main light emission line indicating a line in the main scanning direction in which the main pixel is formed and a sub light emission line indicating a line in the main scanning direction in which the sub pixel is formed;
A main light emitting element control unit that generates a main light emission control signal for controlling the amount of energy supplied to the main light emitting element based on the main light emission control information;
A sub-light-emitting element control unit that generates a sub-light-emitting control signal for controlling the amount of energy supplied to the sub-light-emitting element that is lower than the amount of energy supplied to the main light-emitting element based on the sub-light-emitting control information. An image recording apparatus.   The light emission control information generation unit generates sub light emission control information in which a timing for forming a sub pixel in the sub light emission line is corrected in order to prevent disconnection in a diagonal line. The image recording apparatus described.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control information generation unit generates sub light emission control information in which the sub energy amount is adjusted by a ratio of the sub energy amount to the main energy amount.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control information generation unit generates the main light emission control information and the sub light emission control information for controlling an energy supply time as the energy amount.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light emission control information generation unit generates the sub light emission control information according to each shift amount in the overlapping arrangement. The light emission timing signal generation unit generates a sub light emission line control timing according to the number of divisions to divide and form the sub-pixels.
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control information generation unit generates each sub light emission control information for forming a sub pixel corresponding to the division number. The amount of energy is controlled by energy supply time,
7. The image according to claim 6, wherein the light emission control information generation unit generates the sub light emission control information for forming sub pixels according to the division number according to a standardized supply time. Recording device.

Images