JP2009214469A - Image forming device and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and an image processing method, which can prevent the deterioration of image due to poor discharging from developing, and an image processing method. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device is equipped with a dot number counting means for counting based on input image data, a number of times of maintenance measuring means of a recording head, a dot non-formed time counting means after the latest maintenance, a printingly copying method setting means for setting either a single-pass printingly copying method, which makes an image through one scanning of the recording head, or a multi-pass pintingly copying method, which makes an image through a plurality of times of scanning of the recording head. Under the condition that the input image data is an image except the black image (at the N of the step 331), the printingly copying method setting means sets either the multi-pass printingly copying method (at the step 336) or the single-pass printingly copying method (at the step 337) based on the number of dots counted by the dot number counting means, the dot non-formed time counted by the dot non-formed time counting means and the number of times of maintenance measure by the number of times of maintenance measuring means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of an ink jet recording method and an image forming method of the image forming apparatus, and in particular, a plurality of nozzles that form dots by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction, and are orthogonal to the one direction. The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head for recording an image on the recording medium, a moving unit that relatively moves the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the one direction, and an image forming method of the ink jet recording apparatus.

  2. Related Art As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine of these, for example, an ink jet recording apparatus using a droplet discharge head as a recording head is known. An ink jet recording apparatus is also referred to as a recording medium (recording medium, paper, transfer paper, etc.) from an ink recording head, and is not limited to paper, but includes OHP paper and the like to which ink (recording liquid) can adhere. In other words, recording is performed by discharging ink, and a high-definition color image can be recorded at high speed.

  Usually, ink as a recording liquid used in an ink jet recording apparatus is mainly composed of water, and it contains a colorant and a wetting agent such as glycerin for the purpose of preventing clogging. . As the colorant, there are a dye and a pigment, and a dye-based ink is often used for the color portion from the viewpoint that excellent color developability and stability can be obtained.

  Fastness such as light resistance and water resistance of an image obtained using this dye-based ink is inferior to that using a pigment as a colorant, and in particular, with respect to water resistance, an inkjet having an ink absorbing layer. If special recording paper is used, it is possible to improve to some extent, but if plain paper is used, satisfaction cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, recently, in order to improve the problems in the dye ink when using plain paper, use of a pigment-based ink using an organic pigment, carbon black or the like as a colorant has been studied or put into practical use. Unlike a dye, a pigment is not soluble in water, and therefore, it is usually used as a water-based ink in a state where a pigment is mixed with a dispersant, dispersed and stably dispersed in water.

  Inkjet recording devices have rapidly become popular for personal use because of their low price and high image quality when using special paper. Recently, research on pigment inks as described above has been conducted. As a result of the progress of development, it has come to be used as a recording apparatus capable of color output even in ordinary paper recording in offices where electrophotographic laser printers have been mainstream.

  In such an ink recording head of an ink jet recording apparatus, cleaning (maintenance) is periodically performed in order to prevent bending in the ejection direction due to dirt around the nozzle, non-ejection, and non-ejection due to clogging due to drying of ink near the nozzle. Therefore, when a large amount of printing is performed continuously, downtime for maintenance and ink consumption occur.

  Further, when used for a long time, the cleaning deteriorates the water-repellent state around the nozzle, and the solid content of the ink gradually adheres around the nozzle. Therefore, in a printing method in which white stripes cannot be corrected, image quality deterioration such as white stripes occurs, and the recording head must be replaced to improve the image quality.

On the other hand, techniques for preventing the image defects as described above have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).
First, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a detection device that detects a non-ejection nozzle is provided to detect a non-ejection nozzle, and when a non-ejection nozzle is generated, printing is performed except for data corresponding to the non-ejection nozzle. The head is fed by main scanning to print. Thereafter, the sub-scan feed is performed by the width corresponding to the non-ejection nozzle, and the complementary printing is performed by the nozzle in which no abnormality has occurred during the return scanning of the main scanning. Further, it has been proposed that when the total number of times of driving of complementary nozzles exceeds a predetermined value, the sub-scan feed amount for complementation is changed and other nozzles are used as complementary nozzles.

  Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a non-ejection nozzle is detected by providing a detection device that detects the non-ejection nozzle, the non-ejection nozzle is generated. The data corresponding to the non-ejection nozzles is removed in advance and forward printing is performed (at this time, white stripes are generated). In addition, prior to reverse printing, a small amount of sub-scan feed is performed so that white streaks and non-ejection nozzles do not overlap, and supplementary printing is performed to supplement the white streaks at the time of return by adding the data removed to healthy nozzles in reverse order. Has been proposed to do.

  Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 3, a device for detecting a non-ejection nozzle is provided, and when a non-ejection nozzle is complemented, when another nozzle to be complemented has a ejection failure, a print pass is performed in the high image quality mode. It has been proposed to complement by increasing the number, and to perform pseudo-complementation in the high-speed mode.

  Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 4, a counting unit that counts the number of dots formed by the recording head without providing a detection device that detects a non-ejection nozzle, and a value counted by the counting unit are determined in advance. The recording head is controlled so as to limit the use of nozzles in the vicinity of both ends of the nozzle array of the recording head when the threshold value is exceeded, and the amount of movement by the moving means is changed in accordance with the use limit of the nozzle. It has been proposed that a control means for controlling the moving means is provided to prevent white streaks due to defective discharge in the vicinity of both ends of the nozzle array.

  In this way, image quality defects such as white streaks can be prevented by performing processing as in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4.

JP-A-11-77986 JP-A-8-25700 JP 2006-159547 A JP 2006-1073 A

However, all of the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a problem that a detection device for performing processing for detecting defective ejection nozzles is required, which increases the cost of the device.
Further, the technique described in Patent Document 4 has a problem that the recording head includes a nozzle that ejects ink by a heating unit that heats ink, and is limited to the complement of ejection defects near both ends of the nozzle array. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and does not have a complicated and expensive detection device, and does not limit the recording head system or the position of a defective discharge nozzle. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image processing method that can prevent the above-described problem.

The present invention provided to solve the above problems is as follows.
[1] A plurality of nozzles (nozzle holes 14n) that discharge ink and form dots on a recording medium are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction ) To form an image on the recording medium (paper 3), and a moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction (Conveying mechanism 5), dot number counting means for counting the number of dots formed by the recording head based on input image data, maintenance frequency measuring means for measuring the maintenance frequency of the recording head, and the recording head Dot non-formation time counting means that counts the cumulative time during which the dots being printed are not formed after the most recent maintenance, and the same image formation on the recording medium As a printing method for an area, one of a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image and a multi-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned a plurality of times to form an image is used. Printing method setting means for setting, and when the input image data is an image other than a black image (N in step 331), the printing method setting means is counted by the dot number counting means The number of dots is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold (threshold A), and the dot non-formation time counted by the dot non-formation time counting means is obtained from the number of maintenance times measured by the maintenance number measurement means. When it is greater than or equal to the second threshold (threshold B) (Y in step 335), a multi-pass printing method is set (step 336), and the number of dots is less than the first threshold, or When the output result is less than the second threshold (N in Step 335), a one-pass printing method is set (Step 337). FIG. 13).
[2] A plurality of nozzles (nozzle holes 14n) that form dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction (main scanning direction) ) To form an image on the recording medium (paper 3), and a moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction (Conveying mechanism 5) and a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image as a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, and the recording head is scanned a plurality of times Printing method setting means for setting any one of a multi-pass printing method for forming an image and a black image is formed by black ink (K) and a pseudo black by overlapping the recording head with black ink (K). Dot Are formed by ejecting each of a plurality of color inks (CMY) other than black to form dots at the same position on the recording medium, and the input image data is a black image. In some cases (Y in step 331), a one-pass printing method is set (step 334). An image forming apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus, FIGS. 1, 2, and 13).
[3] The image forming apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the printing method setting unit sets a printing method between printing jobs or between pages in a printing job.
[4] A plurality of nozzles (nozzle holes 14n) for ejecting ink to form dots on the recording medium are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction (main scanning direction) ) To form an image on the recording medium (paper 3), and a moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction In the image forming method in the image forming apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) including the (conveying mechanism 5), a dot number counting step for counting the number of dots formed by the recording head based on input image data; The maintenance frequency counting process for counting the maintenance frequency of the recording head and when the dot being printed is not formed after the most recent maintenance on the recording head. A dot non-formation time counting step for counting the accumulated time between them, and a one-pass printing method for forming an image by scanning the recording head once as a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium; A printing method setting step for setting any one of a multi-pass printing method for forming an image by scanning the recording head a plurality of times, and the input image data is an image other than a black image ( In step 331 N), in the printing method setting step, the number of dots counted in the dot number counting step is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value (threshold A), and the dot non-formation time counting step. When the dot non-formation time counted in (1) is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (threshold value B) obtained from the maintenance frequency measured in the maintenance frequency measurement step (Y in step 335), A printing method is set (step 336), and when the number of dots is less than the first threshold value or the calculation result is less than the second threshold value (N in step 335), a one-pass printing method is set. (Step 337) An image forming method (FIG. 13).
[5] A plurality of nozzles (nozzle holes 14n) for forming dots on the recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction ) To form an image on the recording medium (paper 3), and a moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction In the image forming method in the image forming apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) including the (conveying mechanism 5), as a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, the recording head is scanned once to display the image. A printing method setting step for setting one of a one-pass printing method to be formed and a multi-pass printing method for forming an image by scanning the recording head a plurality of times; and A black image is formed by ejecting each of a plurality of inks (CMY) other than black to form pseudo black dots by overlapping each other and forming each dot at the same position on the recording medium. An image forming method (step 334) in which a one-pass printing method is set (step 334) when the input image data is a black image (Y in step 331). FIG. 13).
[6] The image forming method according to [4] or [5], wherein in the printing method setting step, a printing method is set between printing jobs or between pages in a printing job. .

  According to the present invention, without providing an expensive non-ejection nozzle detection device, it is possible to reduce the chance of throughput reduction even when preventing image deterioration due to ejection failure of the recording head.

  First, an example of an inkjet recording apparatus as an image forming apparatus capable of bidirectional printing to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire mechanism of the recording apparatus, FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the recording apparatus, FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating the head configuration of the recording apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram of a conveyance belt of a recording apparatus.

  The ink jet recording apparatus includes an image forming unit 2 and the like inside the apparatus main body 1, and a paper feed tray on which a large number of recording media (hereinafter referred to as “paper”) 3 can be stacked below the apparatus main body 1. 4, takes in the paper 3 fed from the paper feed tray 4, records a required image by the image forming unit 2 while transporting the paper 3 by the transport mechanism 5, and then attaches it to the side of the apparatus main body 1. The paper 3 is discharged to the discharged paper discharge tray 6.

  In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a duplex unit 7 that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1. When performing duplex printing, the sheet 3 is transported in the reverse direction by the transport mechanism 5 after completion of one-surface (front surface) printing. The sheet is taken into the duplex unit 7, reversed, and sent to the transport mechanism 5 again as the other side (back side) as a printable side, and the sheet 3 is discharged to the discharge tray 6 after the other side (back side) printing is completed.

  Here, the image forming unit 2 slidably holds the carriage 13 on the guide shafts 11 and 12 and moves the carriage 13 in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper 3 (main scanning) by a main scanning motor (not shown). . The carriage 13 is equipped with a recording head 14 composed of a droplet discharge head in which nozzle holes 14n (see FIG. 3) as a plurality of discharge ports for discharging droplets are arranged. The ink cartridge 15 for supplying the ink is detachably mounted. Note that a head tank may be mounted in place of the ink cartridge 15 so that ink is replenished and supplied from the main tank to the head tank.

  Here, as the recording head 14, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, droplets that discharge ink droplets of yellow (y), magenta (m), cyan (c), and black (k). Although the ejection head is used, a configuration using one or a plurality of heads having a plurality of nozzle rows that eject ink droplets of each color may be used. The number of colors and the order of arrangement are not limited to this.

  As the ink-jet head constituting the recording head 14, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, a thermal actuator that utilizes a phase change caused by film boiling of a liquid using an electrothermal transducer such as a heating resistor, and a metal phase change caused by a temperature change. A shape memory alloy actuator to be used, an electrostatic actuator using an electrostatic force, or the like as an energy generating means for discharging ink can be used.

  The sheets 3 in the sheet feeding tray 4 are separated one by one by a sheet feeding roller (half moon roller) 21 and a separation pad (not shown), are fed into the apparatus main body 1, and are fed into the transport mechanism 5.

  The transport mechanism 5 guides the fed paper 3 along the guide surface 23 a and guides the paper 3 fed from the duplex unit 7 along the guide surface 23 b and the paper 3. Conveying roller 24 that conveys, pressure roller 25 that presses the sheet 3 against the conveying roller 24, a guide member 26 that guides the sheet 3 to the side of the roller 24, and a sheet 3 returned during duplex printing 7 and a pressing roller 28 that presses the sheet 3 fed from the conveying roller 24.

  Further, the transport mechanism 5 charges the transport belt 33 between the drive roller 31 and the driven roller 32 and the transport belt 33 so that the recording head 14 transports the paper 3 while maintaining the flatness of the paper 3. A charging roller 34 that is opposed to the charging roller 34, a guide member 35 (not shown) that guides the conveying belt 33 at a portion facing the image forming unit 2, and a conveying belt 33. A cleaning roller made of a porous material or the like, which is a cleaning means for removing the recording liquid (ink) adhering to the recording medium.

  Here, the conveyance belt 33 is an endless belt, and is stretched between the driving roller 31 and the driven roller (tension roller) 32 so as to circulate in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 (paper conveyance direction). It is composed.

  The transport belt 33 can be configured as a single layer, or as shown in FIG. 4, a two-layer configuration of a first layer (outermost layer) 33a and a second layer (back layer) 33b, or a configuration of three or more layers. For example, the transport belt 33 is a surface layer that is a sheet adsorbing surface formed of a pure resin material having a thickness of about 40 μm that is not subjected to resistance control, for example, ETFE pure material, and resistance control by carbon using the same material as the surface layer. It consists of the back surface (medium resistance layer, earth layer) performed.

  The charging roller 34 is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface layer of the transport belt 33 and to rotate following the rotation of the transport belt 33. A high voltage is applied to the charging roller 34 in a predetermined pattern from a high voltage circuit (high voltage power source) (not shown).

  Further, on the downstream side from the transport mechanism 5, a paper discharge roller 38 for sending the paper 3 on which an image is recorded to the paper discharge tray 6 is provided.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the conveyance belt 33 is circulated in the direction of the arrow, and is positively charged by coming into contact with the charging roller 34 to which a high potential application voltage is applied. In this case, the charging roller 34 is charged at a predetermined charging pitch by switching the polarity at predetermined time intervals.

  Here, when the sheet 3 is fed onto the conveying belt 33 charged to this high potential, the inside of the sheet 3 is in a polarized state, and the charge having the opposite polarity to the charge on the conveying belt 33 is transferred to the belt 33 of the sheet 3. The charge on the belt 33 and the charge on the transported paper 3 are electrostatically attracted to each other, and the paper 3 is electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 33. . In this way, the sheet 3 strongly adsorbed to the transport belt 33 is calibrated for warpage and unevenness, and a highly flat surface is formed.

  Therefore, after the sheet 3 is moved by circling the conveying belt 33, the recording head 14 is driven in accordance with the image signal while moving and scanning the carriage 13 in one direction or in both directions, and FIGS. ), A droplet 14i is ejected from the recording head 14, and ink droplets that are droplets are landed on the stopped paper 3 to form dots Di, thereby forming one line. After recording, the paper 3 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, and then the next line is recorded. When the recording end signal or the signal that the rear end of the paper 3 reaches the recording area is received, the recording operation is ended. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the dot Di formation portion of FIG.

  In this way, the sheet 3 on which the image is recorded is discharged to the discharge tray 6 by the discharge roller 38.

Next, an outline of the control unit of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is an overall block diagram of the control unit.
The control unit 100 includes a CPU 101 that controls the entire apparatus, a ROM 102 that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and other fixed data, a RAM 103 that temporarily stores image data, and the like, while the apparatus is powered off. Also, a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) 104 for holding data and an ASIC 105 for processing image processing for performing various signal processing and rearrangement and other input / output signals for controlling the entire apparatus are provided.

  The control unit 100 also includes an I / F 106 for transmitting and receiving data and signals to and from the host 90 which is a data processing apparatus such as a personal computer in which the printer driver according to the present invention can be mounted, and a recording head 14. A head driving control unit 107 and a head driver 108 for driving control, a main scanning motor driving unit 111 for driving the main scanning motor 110, a sub scanning motor driving unit 113 for driving the sub scanning motor 112, An environmental sensor 118 for detecting environmental temperature and / or environmental humidity, an I / O 116 for inputting detection signals from various sensors (not shown), and the like are provided.

  The control unit 110 is connected to an operation panel 117 for inputting and displaying information necessary for the apparatus. Further, the control unit 100 performs on / off switching and output polarity switching control of the high voltage circuit (high voltage power supply) 114 that applies a high voltage to the charging roller 34.

  Here, the control unit 100 transmits print data including image data from the host 90 side such as a data processing device such as a personal computer, an image reading device such as an image scanner, and an imaging device such as a digital camera via a cable or a network. Received by the I / F 106. It should be noted that the print data generation output for the control unit 100 is performed by the printer driver 91 on the host 90 side.

  Then, the CPU 101 reads and analyzes the print data in the reception buffer included in the I / F 106, performs data rearrangement processing by the ASIC 105, and transfers the image data to the head drive control unit 107. Note that the print data for image output is converted into bitmap data. The printer driver 91 on the host 90 side develops the image data into bitmap data and transfers it to this apparatus. You may store font data.

  When the head drive control unit 107 receives image data (dot pattern data) corresponding to one line of the recording head 14, the dot pattern data for one line is serialized to the head driver 108 in synchronization with the clock signal. Data is sent out, and a latch signal is sent to the head driver 108 at a predetermined timing.

  The head drive control unit 107 includes a ROM (can be configured by the ROM 102) storing pattern data of a drive waveform (drive signal) and D / A-converted D of drive waveform data read from the ROM. A waveform generation circuit including an A converter and a drive waveform generation circuit including an amplifier and the like are included.

  The head driver 108 also receives a clock signal from the head drive control unit 107 and serial data as image data, and a latch circuit that latches the register value of the shift register using a latch signal from the head drive control unit 107. A level conversion circuit (level shifter) that changes the output value of the latch circuit, an analog switch array (switch means) that is controlled to be turned on / off by the level shifter, and the like, and controls on / off of the analog switch array. In this way, a required drive waveform included in the drive waveform is selectively applied to the actuator means of the recording head 14 to drive the head.

  Next, different examples of the configuration of the data processing apparatus including the printer driver according to the present invention on the host side for transferring image data to form an image by the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. To do.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the printer driver 91 of the data processing apparatus converts the image data 130 given from application software or the like from the color space for monitor display to the color space for recording apparatus (RGB color system → CMM (Color Management Module) processing unit 131 that performs CMY color system), BG / UCR (Black Generation / Under Color Removal) processing unit 132 that performs black generation / under color removal from CMY values, and characteristics and users of the recording apparatus Γ correction unit 133 that performs input / output correction reflecting the user's preferences, zooming unit 134 that performs enlargement processing in accordance with the resolution of the recording apparatus, and multi-value that replaces image data with a pattern arrangement of dots ejected from the recording apparatus A halftone processing unit 135 including a small value matrix is included.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the printer driver 91 of the data processing apparatus converts the image data 130 given from application software or the like from the color space for monitor display to the color space for recording apparatus (RGB color system). → CMM (Color Management Module) processing unit 131 that performs CMY color system), BG / UCR (Black Generation / Under Color Removal) processing unit 132 that performs black generation / under color removal from CMY values, A γ correction unit 133 that performs input / output correction reflecting the user's preference is included.

  In the case of the configuration of FIG. 8, the control unit 100 on the image forming apparatus side receives the output data after performing the γ correction process, and performs an enlargement process on this data in accordance with the resolution of the recording apparatus. A zooming unit 134 to perform, and a halftone processing unit 135 including a multi-value / low-value matrix that replaces the image data with a pattern arrangement of dots ejected from the recording apparatus are included.

  That is, in these FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the image data processed on the computer is RGB color system data because a color space is formed on the assumption that it is displayed on the monitor. In order to output with the (recording apparatus), it is necessary to convert the data into CMYK color system data. Therefore, the CMM processing unit 131 converts the color space from RGB to CMY, and the next BG / UCR processing unit 132 generates black data “K” from the CMY.

  The γ correction by the γ correction unit 133 is a fine adjustment for each of the CMYK data, and is a process of adjusting the data level reflecting the output characteristics of the printer and user settings. The zooming processing unit 134 performs the gradation expression using a printer whose information amount per pixel is inferior to that of the monitor, and further subdivides the data for one pixel of the monitor to increase the resolution, thereby removing the insufficient information. It is possible to compensate by the density of dots.

  A halftone processing unit (multi-value, low-value matrix) 135 is a multi-value (n1 value) or low-value data (n2 value) that can be output by a printer from multi-value data (m value) created for monitor display. Threshold matrix processing (halftone processing) is performed (m> n1 ≧ n2 ≧ 2). For the multi-value and low-value matrix used in the halftone processing unit 135, for example, a so-called dither process using a threshold matrix as shown in FIG. 9 or a so-called error diffusion process as shown in FIG. Processing to replace value data with dot ON / OFF.

  The “dither processing” shown in FIG. 9 is a threshold matrix created by a predetermined method as shown in FIG. 9B for the multi-valued image data input as shown in FIG. This is a method of comparing with a dither matrix and replacing only pixels showing values above (or below) the threshold with dots as shown in FIG. In the figure, only binary values of ON / OFF are shown, but for small values having more combinations, the reproducible gradation area is divided into small dots, medium dots, and large dots, for example. By applying a threshold matrix according to the dot size and comparing each with the input image data, the corresponding dot is replaced.

  Further, the error diffusion process shown in FIG. 10 is considerably more complicated than the dither process. This figure shows the procedure of binary error diffusion, but threshold processing is performed for each pixel, and the error at that time is retained and reflected in a later calculation at a predetermined ratio. As a result, information that is forcibly discarded in the dither processing can be fed back to the output image, and quality superior to the dither image in terms of resolution and the like can be obtained.

  The recording liquid used in the present invention can be used as a color material, either a pigment or a dye, and can also be used as a mixture.

<Pigment>
Although there is no limitation in particular as a pigment used for the recording liquid of this invention, For example, the pigments listed below are used suitably. Moreover, you may use these pigments in mixture of multiple types.

  Examples of organic pigments include azo, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, quinacridone, dioxazine, indigo, thioindigo, perylene, isoindolenone, aniline black, azomethine, rhodamine B lake pigment, and carbon black. It is done.

  Examples of inorganic pigments include iron oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, barium yellow, bitumen, cadmium red, chrome yellow, and metal powder.

  The particle diameter of these pigments is preferably 0.01 to 0.30 [mu] m. If the particle diameter is 0.01 [mu] m or less, the light resistance and feathering are deteriorated because the particle diameter approaches that of the dye. On the other hand, if it is 0.30 μm or more, clogging of the ejection opening or clogging with a filter in the printer occurs, and it is not possible to obtain ejection stability.

  The carbon black used in the black pigment ink is carbon black produced by the furnace method and the channel method, the primary particle size is 15 to 40 millimicrons, the specific surface area by the BET method is 50 to 300 square meters / g, The DBP oil absorption is preferably 40 to 150 ml / 100 g, the volatile content is 0.5 to 10%, and the pH value is 2 to 9. As such a thing, for example, no. 2300, no. 900, MCF-88, no. 33, no. 40, no. 45, no. 52, MA7, MA8, MA100, no. 2200B (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Raven700, 5750, 5250, 5000, 3500, 1255 (Columbia), Regal400R, 330R, 660R, MoguL, Monarch700, 800, 880, 900, 1000, 1100, 1300, Monarch 1400 (manufactured by Cabot), color black FW1, FW2, FW2V, FW18, FW200, S150, S160, S170, Printex 35, U, the same V, the same 140U, the same 140V, the special black 6, the same 5, the same 4A, the same 4 (manufactured by Degussa) and the like can be used, but are not limited thereto.

Specific examples of color pigments are listed below.
Examples of organic pigments include azo, phthalocyanine, anthraquinone, quinacridone, dioxazine, indigo, thioindigo, perylene, isoindolenone, aniline black, azomethine, rhodamine B lake pigment, and carbon black. Examples of inorganic pigments include iron oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, barium yellow, bitumen, cadmium red, chrome yellow, and metal powder.

Specific examples according to color are as follows.
Examples of pigments that can be used for yellow ink include C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 2, 3, 12, 14, 16, 17, 17, 73, 74, 75, 83, 93, 95, 97, 98, 114, 128, 129, 151, 154, etc., but are not limited thereto.

  Examples of pigments that can be used in magenta ink include C.I. I. Pigment Red 5, 7, 12, 48 (Ca), 48 (Mn), 57 (Ca), 57: 1, 112, 123, 168, 184, 202, etc. However, it is not limited to these.

  Examples of pigments that can be used for cyan ink include C.I. I. Pigment blue 1, 2, 3, 15: 3, 15:34, 16, 22, 22, 60, C.I. I. Examples thereof include, but are not limited to, Bat Blue 4 and 60.

  In addition, the pigment contained in each ink used in the present invention may be newly produced for the present invention.

  The pigments listed above can be made into an inkjet recording liquid by dispersing them in an aqueous medium using a polymer dispersant or a surfactant. As a dispersant for dispersing such organic pigment powder, a normal water-soluble resin or a water-soluble surfactant can be used.

  Specific examples of water-soluble resins include styrene, styrene derivatives, vinyl naphthalene derivatives, aliphatic alcohol esters of α, β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, maleic acid, maleic acid derivatives, itacon. Examples thereof include block copolymers composed of at least two monomers selected from acids, itaconic acid derivatives, fumaric acid, fumaric acid derivatives, etc., random copolymers, or salts thereof. These water-soluble resins are alkali-soluble resins that are soluble in an aqueous solution in which a base is dissolved. Among them, a resin having a weight average molecular weight of 3000 to 20000 is used as a dispersion when used in an inkjet recording liquid. It is particularly preferred because of the advantages that it can be reduced in viscosity and can be easily dispersed.

  The simultaneous use of a polymer dispersant and a self-dispersing pigment is a preferable combination because an appropriate dot diameter can be obtained. The reason is not clear, but it is thought as follows.

  By containing the polymer dispersant, the penetration into the recording paper is suppressed. On the other hand, since the aggregation of the self-dispersing pigment is suppressed by containing the polymer dispersant, the self-dispersing pigment can smoothly spread in the lateral direction. Therefore, it is considered that the dots spread widely and thinly and ideal dots can be formed.

  Moreover, the following are mentioned as a specific example of the water-soluble surfactant which can be used as a dispersing agent by this invention. For example, anionic surfactants include higher fatty acid salts, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ester sulfates, alkyl aryl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, alkyl allyls and alkyl naphthalene sulfonic acids. Examples thereof include salts, alkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate esters, and alkyl allyl ether phosphates. Examples of the cationic surfactant include alkylamine salts, dialkylamine salts, tetraalkylammonium salts, benzalkonium salts, alkylpyridinium salts, imidazolinium salts, and the like. Furthermore, examples of the amphoteric surfactant include dimethylalkyl lauryl betaine, alkyl glycine, alkyl di (aminoethyl) glycine, imidazolinium betaine and the like. Nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl allyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, glycerin ester, sorbitan ester, sucrose ester, glycerin ester polyoxyethylene ether, sorbitan Examples thereof include polyoxyethylene ethers of esters, polyoxyethylene ethers of sorbitol esters, fatty acid alkanolamides, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amides, amine oxides, and polyoxyethylene alkylamines.

  Further, the pigment can be provided with dispersibility by coating with a resin having a hydrophilic group and encapsulating the pigment.

As a method for microencapsulating a water-insoluble pigment with an organic polymer, all conventionally known methods can be used. Conventionally known methods include chemical production methods, physical production methods, physicochemical methods, mechanical production methods, and the like. In particular,
Interfacial polymerization method (a method in which two types of monomers or two types of reactants are separately dissolved in a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, and both substances are reacted at the interface between them to form a wall film);
In-situ polymerization method (method of supplying a liquid or gas monomer and catalyst, or two reactive substances from either one of the continuous phase core particles to cause a reaction to form a wall film);
・ Liquid-cured coating method (method of forming a wall film by insolubilizing droplets of a polymer solution containing core material particles in a liquid with a curing agent);
-Coacervation (phase separation) method (a method in which a polymer dispersion in which core material particles are dispersed is separated into a coacervate (concentrated phase) and a dilute phase having a high polymer concentration to form a wall film);
・ Liquid drying method (preparing a liquid in which a core material is dispersed in a solution of a wall membrane material, placing the dispersion in a liquid in which the continuous phase of this dispersion is not miscible, and forming a composite emulsion to dissolve the wall membrane material. A method of forming a wall film by gradually removing the medium that has been removed);
Melt dispersion cooling method (using a wall film material that melts into a liquid state when heated and solidifies at room temperature, this material is heated and liquefied, the core material particles are dispersed in it, cooled to fine particles, and cooled to the wall. A method of forming a film);
・ Air suspension coating method (Method of forming a wall membrane by suspending powder core material particles in the air with a fluidized bed and suspending them in an air stream while spraying and mixing the coating solution of the wall membrane material) ;
-Spray drying method (a method in which the encapsulated stock solution is sprayed and contacted with hot air to evaporate and dry the volatile components to form a wall film);
-Acid precipitation method (at least a part of anionic groups of organic polymer compounds containing anionic groups is neutralized with a basic compound to give solubility in water and kneaded in an aqueous medium with a colorant. Then, neutralize or acidify with an acidic compound, deposit organic compounds and fix them on the colorant, and then neutralize and disperse))
-Phase inversion emulsification method (a mixture containing an anionic organic polymer having dispersibility in water and a colorant is used as an organic solvent phase, and water is added to the organic solvent phase or And the like).

  Examples of organic polymers (resins) used as the material constituting the microcapsule wall membrane material include polyamide, polyurethane, polyester, polyurea, epoxy resin, polycarbonate, urea resin, melamine resin, phenol resin, and polysaccharide. , Gelatin, gum arabic, dextran, casein, protein, natural rubber, carboxypolymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, acetic acid Cellulose, polyethylene, polystyrene, (meth) acrylic acid polymer or copolymer, (meth) acrylic acid ester polymer or copolymer, (meth) acrylic acid (Meth) acrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-maleic acid copolymer, sodium alginate, fatty acid, paraffin, beeswax, water wax, hardened beef tallow, carnauba wax, albumin, etc. .

  Among these, organic polymers having an anionic group such as a carboxylic acid group or a sulfonic acid group can be used. Nonionic organic polymers include, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol monomethacrylate, polypropylene glycol monomethacrylate, methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate or their (co) polymers, and 2-oxazoline cationic ring-opening polymers. Is mentioned. In particular, a complete saponified product of polyvinyl alcohol is particularly preferable because it has low water solubility and is easily dissolved in hot water but difficult to dissolve in cold water.

  Further, the amount of the organic polymer constituting the wall membrane material of the microcapsule is 1% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less based on the water-insoluble colorant such as an organic pigment or carbon black. By setting the amount of the organic polymer within the above range, the content of the organic polymer in the capsule is relatively low so that the pigment develops due to the organic polymer covering the pigment surface. Can be suppressed. If the amount of the organic polymer is less than 1% by weight, it is difficult to exert the effect of encapsulation. Conversely, if the amount exceeds 20% by weight, the color developability of the pigment is significantly reduced. In consideration of other characteristics, the amount of the organic polymer is preferably in the range of 5 to 10% by weight based on the water-insoluble colorant.

  That is, since a part of the color material is exposed without being substantially covered, it is possible to suppress a decrease in color developability, and conversely, a part of the color material is not substantially exposed without being exposed. Since it is coated, it is possible to simultaneously exhibit the effect that the pigment is coated. The number average molecular weight of the organic polymers used in the present invention is preferably 2000 or more from the viewpoint of capsule production. Here, “substantially exposed” means not the partial exposure associated with defects such as pinholes and cracks, but a state where it is intentionally exposed.

  Furthermore, if an organic pigment or self-dispersing carbon black, which is a self-dispersing pigment, is used as a colorant, the dispersibility of the pigment is improved even if the content of organic polymers in the capsule is relatively low In addition, since sufficient storage stability of the ink can be secured, it is more preferable for the present invention.

  It is preferable to select an organic polymer suitable for the microencapsulation method. For example, in the case of interfacial polymerization, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, epoxy resin and the like are suitable. In the case of using the in-situ polymerization method, a polymer or copolymer of (meth) acrylic acid ester, (meth) acrylic acid- (meth) acrylic acid ester copolymer, styrene- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, Polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide and the like are suitable. In the case of the liquid curing method, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, albumin, epoxy resin and the like are suitable. In the case of the coacervation method, gelatin, celluloses, casein and the like are suitable. In addition, in order to obtain a fine and uniform microencapsulated pigment, it is possible to use all conventionally known encapsulation methods other than those described above.

  When the phase inversion method or the acid precipitation method is selected as the microencapsulation method, anionic organic polymers are used as the organic polymers constituting the wall membrane material of the microcapsules. The phase inversion method is a composite or composite of an anionic organic polymer having self-dispersibility or solubility in water and a colorant such as a self-dispersion organic pigment or self-dispersion carbon black, or a self-dispersion method. A mixture of a colorant such as a dispersible organic pigment or self-dispersing carbon black, a curing agent, and an anionic organic polymer is used as an organic solvent phase, and water is added to the organic solvent phase, or the organic solvent is submerged in water. In this method, a solvent phase is introduced and microencapsulation is performed while self-dispersion (phase inversion emulsification) is performed. In the above phase inversion method, there is no problem even if the organic solvent phase is mixed with a recording liquid vehicle or additives. In particular, it is more preferable to mix a liquid medium of a recording liquid because a dispersion liquid for recording liquid can be directly produced.

  On the other hand, in the acid precipitation method, a part or all of the anionic group of the anionic group-containing organic polymer is neutralized with a basic compound, and a colorant such as a self-dispersing organic pigment or self-dispersing carbon black, A water-containing cake obtained by a production method comprising a step of kneading in an aqueous medium and a step of neutralizing and acidifying an acidic compound to precipitate an anionic group-containing organic polymer and fixing it to a pigment, This is a method of microencapsulation by neutralizing a part or all of an anionic group using a compound. By doing in this way, the aqueous dispersion containing the anionic microencapsulated pigment which is fine and contains many pigments can be manufactured.

  Examples of the solvent used for microencapsulation as described above include alkyl alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzol, toluol and xylol; methyl acetate Esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; Chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chloroform and ethylene dichloride; Ketones such as acetone and methyl isobutyl ketone; Ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; Cellosolves such as methyl cellosolve and butyl cellosolve Etc. The microcapsules prepared by the above method are once separated from these solvents by centrifugation or filtration, and then stirred and redispersed with water and the necessary solvent, and used for the intended present invention. A recording liquid that can be used is obtained. The average particle diameter of the encapsulated pigment obtained by the above method is preferably 50 nm to 180 nm.

  By coating the resin in this way, the pigment adheres firmly to the printed material, whereby the scratching property of the printed material can be improved.

<Dye>
As the dye used in the recording liquid of the present invention, dyes classified in the color index into acid dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, and food dyes and having excellent water resistance and light resistance are used. These dyes may be used as a mixture of a plurality of types, or may be used as a mixture with other color materials such as pigments as necessary. these

  The colorant is added as long as the effects of the present invention are not inhibited.

(A) Acid dyes and food dyes C.I. I. Acid Yellow 17, 23, 42, 44, 79, 142
C. I. Acid Red 1,8,13,14,18,26,27,35,37,42,52,82,87,89,92,97,106,111,114,115,134,186,249,254 289
C. I. Acid Blue 9, 29, 45, 92, 249
C. I. Acid Black 1, 2, 7, 24, 26, 94
C. I. Food Yellow 3, 4
C. I. Food Red 7, 9, 14
C. I. Food Black 1, 2

(B) As a direct dye C.I. I. Direct yellow 1,12,24,26,33,44,50,86,120,132,142,144
C. I. Direct Red 1,4,9,13,17,20,28,31,39,80,81,83,89,225,227
C. I. Direct orange 26, 29, 62, 102
C. I. Direct blue 1,2,6,15,22,25,71,76,79,86,87,90,98,163,165,199,202
C. I. Direct black 19, 22, 32, 38, 51, 56, 71, 74, 75, 77, 154, 168, 171

(C) As a basic dye C.I. I. Basic yellow 1, 2, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 36, 40, 41, 45, 49, 51, 53, 63, 64, 65 67, 70, 73, 77, 87, 91
C. I. Basic Red 2,12,13,14,15,18,22,23,24,27,29,35,36,38,39,46,49,51,52,54,59,68,69,70 73, 78, 82, 102, 104, 109, 112
C. I. Basic blue 1,3,5,7,9,21,22,26,35,41,45,47,54,62,65,66,67,69,75,77,78,89,92,93 , 105, 117, 120, 122, 124, 129, 137, 141, 147, 155
C. I. Basic Black 2,8

(D) As a reactive dye, C.I. I. Reactive Black 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 17
C. I. Reactive Yellow 1,5,11,13,14,20,21,22,25,40,47,51,55,65,67
C. I. Reactive Red 1,14,17,25,26,32,37,44,46,55,60,66,74,79,96,97
C. I. Reactive Blue 1, 2, 7, 14, 15, 23, 32, 35, 38, 41, 63, 80, 95, etc. can be used.

<Additives and physical properties common to dyes and pigments>
In order to make the recording liquid of the present invention have desired physical properties or to prevent clogging of the nozzles of the recording head due to drying, it is preferable to use a water-soluble organic solvent in addition to the coloring material. The water-soluble organic solvent includes a wetting agent and a penetrating agent. The wetting agent is added for the purpose of preventing clogging of the nozzles of the recording head due to drying. Specific examples of the wetting agent include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 2-methyl-1,3-propane. Diol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 1,2 Polyhydric alcohols such as 1,4-butanetriol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, and petriol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene Polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers such as glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether and propylene glycol monoethyl ether, polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers such as ethylene glycol monophenyl ether and ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether Forehead: Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone, ε-caprolactam; formamide, N-methylformamide, Amides such as formamide and N, N-dimethylformamide; monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethylamine, diethylamine, triethyl And amines such as ruamine, sulfur-containing compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfolane and thiodiethanol, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and γ-butyrolactone. These solvents are used alone or in combination with water.

  Further, the penetrant is added for the purpose of improving the wettability between the recording liquid and the recording material and adjusting the penetration speed. As the penetrant, those represented by the following formulas (I) to (IV) are preferable. That is, a polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether surfactant of formula (I) below, an acetylene glycol surfactant of formula (II), a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactant of formula (III) below and formula (IV) The polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether-based surfactant (1) can reduce the surface tension of the liquid, so that the wettability can be improved and the penetration rate can be increased.

（Ｒは分岐していても良い炭素数６〜１４の炭化水素鎖、ｋ：５〜２０）

(R is an optionally branched hydrocarbon chain having 6 to 14 carbon atoms, k: 5 to 20)

（ｍ、ｎは０〜４０）

(M and n are 0 to 40)

（Ｒは分岐してもよい炭素数６〜１４の炭化水素鎖、ｎは５〜２０）

(R is a C6-C14 hydrocarbon chain which may be branched, n is 5-20)

（Ｒは炭素数６〜１４の炭化水素鎖、ｍ、ｎは２０以下の数）

(R is a hydrocarbon chain having 6 to 14 carbon atoms, m and n are numbers of 20 or less)

  Other than the compounds of the above formulas (I) to (IV), for example, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monoallyl ether, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol chlorophenyl Use alkyl and aryl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethers, nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, fluorine-based surfactants, lower alcohols such as ethanol and 2-propanol However, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether is particularly preferable.

  The surface tension of the recording liquid of the present invention is preferably 20 to 60 dyne / cm, and further preferably 30 to 50 dyne / cm from the viewpoint of achieving both wettability with the recording material and droplet formation. preferable.

  The viscosity of the recording liquid of the present invention is preferably 1.0 to 20.0 cP, and more preferably 3.0 to 10.0 cP from the viewpoint of ejection stability.

  The pH of the recording liquid of the present invention is preferably from 3 to 11, and more preferably from 6 to 10 from the viewpoint of preventing corrosion of the metal member in contact with the liquid.

  The recording liquid of the present invention can contain an antiseptic / antifungal agent. By containing the antiseptic / antifungal agent, the growth of bacteria can be suppressed, and the storage stability and the image quality stability can be improved. As antiseptic / antifungal agents, benzotriazole, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium sorbate, sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, isothiazoline compounds, sodium benzoate, sodium pentachlorophenol, and the like can be used.

  The recording liquid of the present invention can contain a rust inhibitor. By containing a rust preventive agent, a coating can be formed on the metal surface in contact with the liquid, such as a head, and corrosion can be prevented. As the rust inhibitor, for example, acidic sulfite, sodium thiosulfate, ammonium thiodiglycolate, diisopropylammonium nitrite, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, dicyclohexylammonium nitrite and the like can be used.

  The recording liquid of the present invention can contain an antioxidant. By containing an antioxidant, even when radical species that cause corrosion are generated, the antioxidant can be prevented by eliminating the radical species. Typical examples of the antioxidant include phenolic compounds and amine compounds. Examples of the phenolic compounds include hydroquinone and gallate compounds, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and stearyl. -Β- (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate, 2,2'-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis (4-ethyl- 6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4′-thiobis (3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 1,1,3-tris (2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl) butane, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris (3,5-di-tert-4-hydroxybenzyl) benzene, Hindered materials such as lith (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate, tetrakis [methylene-3 (3 ′, 5′-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] methane Phenol compounds are exemplified, and amine compounds include N, N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, phenyl-β-naphthylamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, N, N′-β-naphthyl-p-phenylene. Examples include diamine, N, N′-diphenylethylenediamine, phenothiazine, N, N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-tetramethyl-diaminodiphenylmethane, and the like. Further, as the latter, sulfur compounds and phosphorus compounds are representative, but as sulfur compounds, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, lauryl stearyl thiodipropionate, dithiol. Examples include myristyl thiodipropionate, distearyl β, β′-thiodibutyrate, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, dilauryl sulfide and the like, and phosphorus compounds include triphenyl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, tridecyl. Examples include phosphite, trilauryl trithiophosphite, diphenylisodecyl phosphite, trinonylphenyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol phosphite.

  The recording liquid of the present invention can contain a pH adjuster. Examples of the pH adjuster include hydroxides of alkali metal elements such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, quaternary ammonium hydroxide, quaternary phosphonium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, Examples include alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, amines such as diethanolamine and triethanolamine, boric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and acetic acid.

<Setting of printing method by threshold for recording head maintenance>
Next, a description will be given of a conventional technique for detecting a discharge failure of a recording head. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, a clogging of the recording head is detected by illuminating the ink droplet 14j ejected from the recording head 14 with the light source 51 and detecting the fluctuation in brightness with the optical sensor 52. is doing. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the clogging of the recording head is detected by reading the printed image of each nozzle of the recording head recorded on the paper 3 with an image sensor.

  As shown in these figures, the conventional technique requires an expensive detection device, causing downtime for detection, and in the example shown in FIG. 11B, the paper is consumed for detection. Further, it is effective as non-ejection detection, but it is difficult to detect bending in the ejection direction.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a conventional technique for preventing image deterioration caused by clogging of a recording head that does not use a detection device. In this technique, the total dot count is obtained and counted by the counting means (step 210), the table for limiting the nozzles stored in the storage means is read (step 212), and the total counted by the counting means is read. The number of dots is compared with a predetermined threshold (step 214), and when the total number of dots is larger than the threshold (Y in step 214), the nozzles of the ink jet recording head according to the table stored in the storage means The use of nozzles near both ends of the array is restricted (step 220), and the recording paper feed amount is changed according to the nozzles used (step 222), and recording is performed (step 224). In this example, only the ejection failure depending on the total dot count number and the ejection failure occurring at the nozzle row end are effective.

  In contrast, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of nozzles that eject ink and form dots on a sheet (recording medium) 3 are at least in one direction ( A recording head 14 which is arranged in the sub-scanning direction) and scans in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction to form an image on the recording medium, and the positions of the recording medium and the recording head 14 are In the image forming apparatus 1 including a moving unit that relatively moves in the sub-scanning direction, a dot number counting unit that counts the number of dots formed by the recording head 14 based on input image data, and the recording head A maintenance frequency measuring means for measuring the number of maintenance times of 14 and a dot non-counting unit for counting the cumulative time after the most recent maintenance in the recording head 14 and not forming the dots being printed. As a printing method for the generation time counting means and the same image forming area on the recording medium (paper 3), a one-pass printing method in which the recording head 14 is scanned once to form an image, and a plurality of recording heads 14 are provided. A printing method setting means for setting any of a multi-pass printing method for forming an image by scanning twice, and when the input image data is an image other than a black image, the printing method setting The means is configured such that the number of dots counted by the dot number counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold, and the dot non-forming time counted by the dot non-forming time counting means is the maintenance frequency measuring means. A multi-pass printing method is set when the measured number of maintenance times is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, and the number of dots is less than the first threshold value or the calculation result is less than the second threshold value. The Rutoki, and sets a path marked shooting method. In the case of forming an image other than a black image, for example, a color image, it is necessary to make a strict judgment on many items regarding the setting of the printing method because the influence of ink ejection failure on image deterioration is large.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 having this configuration, as a printing method for the same image forming region on the recording medium (paper 3), a one-pass printing method in which the recording head 14 is scanned once to form an image; A printing method setting means for setting one of a multi-pass printing method for forming an image by scanning the recording head 14 a plurality of times is provided, and the black color is formed by superimposing the recording head with black ink. Is formed by ejecting each of a plurality of colors other than black to form pseudo black dots and forming each dot at the same position on the recording medium, and the input image data is a black image. In this case, the printing method setting means sets a one-pass printing method.
Further, in these image forming apparatuses 1, the printing method setting means performs the next printing job or the next page printing in the printing job between printing jobs or between pages in the printing job. It is preferable to set a printing method. Note that a printing job is a group of image forming processes (or printing work output by one printing request) performed in response to one printing request, and is performed on one sheet (one page). There is a case where an image is formed and a case where an image is formed by continuously passing a plurality of sheets.

  Here, the “one-pass printing method” is a normal printing method in which the recording head 14 is scanned once to form an image in a predetermined area of the paper 3. The “multi-pass printing method” is a printing method in which an image formed by scanning the recording head 14 once by the one-pass printing method is formed by scanning the recording head 14 a plurality of times. That is, as an image formed by one scan of the recording head 14, an image finally formed in a certain area constitutes each image for scanning of the recording head 14 a plurality of times by constituting dots. The image is divided into dots to be cut, that is, thinned out. Then, the feed amount of the sheet 3 performed each time the recording head 14 is scanned is set to an amount shorter than the width of the image formed when scanning by the one-pass printing method. As a result, an image is formed by the next scanning of the recording head 14 in an area overlapped by a predetermined width in the conveyance direction of the paper 3 in the image forming area by one scanning of the recording head 14, and is formed by each scanning. The thinned images are overlapped to form a final image.

  The “maintenance frequency measuring means” starts measuring the maintenance frequency from the time when the recording head 14 is updated to a new one. The “dot number counting means” performs a CMM process, a γ correction process, and a halftone process on the input image data, counts and accumulates the total number of dots of the rasterized image, and outputs a count result. It is. In the case of the present invention, the total number of dots of image data for one page or the total number of dots of all image data of one printing job is counted. Further, the “dot non-formation time counting means” counts and outputs the accumulated time of the time after the most recent maintenance in the recording head 14 and the dot being printed is not formed.

Next, as an image forming method according to the present invention, a process of preventing image deterioration due to ejection failure of the recording head 14 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
During the printing job or between pages in the printing job (that is, when image data is input as one printing job to the image forming apparatus 1 or within one printing job, one page is printed. The dot number counting means counts the total number of dots for the print job or the next page with respect to the input image data (dot number counting step, step 310). Next, the dot non-formation time counting means counts the accumulated time after the latest maintenance in the recording head 14 and not forming the dot being printed (dot non-formation time counting step, step 311). . Next, the maintenance frequency measuring means measures the maintenance frequency from when the recording head 14 is updated to a new one (maintenance frequency measuring step, step 312).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the printing condition of the printing job is recording by the multi-pass printing method (step 330). Here, in the case of recording by the multipass printing method (Y in step 330), the printing method setting means sets the printing method (multipass printing method) as it is (step 340), Proceed to step 324.

  When recording is not performed by the multi-pass printing method (N in step 330 when recording is performed by the one-pass printing method), the image data determination unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1 inputs the input image data (print It is determined whether or not the entire copying job or the next page is only a black image (step 331).

  If it is a black image (Y in step 331), the printing method setting means sets the printing method (one-pass printing method) as it is (step 334), and proceeds to step 324. This is because the black image forming method is such that the recording head 14 ejects black ink and a plurality of colors other than black that form pseudo black dots by being overlaid, and the dots are the same on the recording medium. This is because it is a method of forming at a position.

  Next, when the image is not a black image (N in step 331), the printing method setting unit compares the total number of dots counted by the dot number counting unit with a predetermined threshold A which is a first threshold, and The dot non-formation time counted by the dot non-formation time counting means is compared with a threshold value B which is a second threshold obtained from the maintenance frequency measured by the maintenance frequency measurement means (step 335). The threshold value B at this time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows a boundary value at which ejection failure occurs in the relationship between the number of times the maintenance of the recording head 14 is maintained and the non-ejection time after maintenance. Here, when the non-ejection time after maintenance on or beyond the solid line C in the figure is reached, it can be determined that ejection failure occurs. Therefore, in FIG. 14, first, the post-maintenance non-ejection time in the maintenance frequency (the latest maintenance frequency) measured by the maintenance frequency measuring means is obtained as a threshold value B and counted by the threshold value B and the dot non-formation time counting means. The dot non-formation time is compared.

  When the total number of dots is equal to or greater than the threshold A and the dot non-formation time is equal to or greater than the threshold B (Y in step 335), the printing method setting means is changed from the one-pass printing method to the multi-pass printing method. (Step 336), and the process proceeds to step 324. By adopting a configuration in which the multipass printing method is changed under the predetermined condition as described above, non-ejection due to deterioration of the recording head 14 (specifically deterioration due to maintenance) other than deterioration depending on the total dot count, It is possible to prevent image deterioration due to discharge bending. Further, even when the number of pages per printing job is large, it is possible to prevent image degradation and further reduce downtime due to maintenance.

  If the total number of dots is less than the threshold value A or the dot non-formation time is less than the threshold value B (N in step 335), the printing method setting means keeps the printing method as it is (one-pass printing method). Set (step 337) and proceed to step 324.

  Next, recording (image formation) and paper feeding according to the set printing method are performed (step 324), and recording (image formation) scheduled as a printing job is not completed (N in step 326). Return to step 310. When the recording (image formation) scheduled as a printing job is completed (Y in step 326), a series of image forming processes is completed (end).

Next, in the image processing method and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a dot forming method applied to the black image formation will be described.
As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus has a density called a photo ink when four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) or higher image quality is required. Color reproduction is performed with 6 to 7 colors using low inks such as photocyan (PC) and photomagenta (PM).

  Here, black ink (black ink) is basically used for reproduction of black. However, as shown in FIG. 15A as black recording in the prior art, cyan dots, magenta dots, and yellow dots (these are referred to as black inks). By combining “CMY dots” collectively), it is possible to reproduce black in a pseudo manner. This is due to the characteristic of the subtractive color mixing method in which the brightness and saturation decrease each time colors are superimposed. Note that black reproduced by combining CMY dots (using CMY inks) is called “composite black” (pseudo black), and black using black ink is called “real black”. Further, in the drawings, composite black is represented by a combination of face coatings for distinguishing dots of each color, and real black is represented by blackening, and these representations do not indicate density.

  When composite black is used, the color changes to bluish black or reddish black depending on the degree of overlap of CMY dots. This is because composite black dots (hereinafter referred to as “3K dots”) generated by overlapping CMY three-color dots adversely affect image quality as undesirable turbidity in color reproduction, or more than single CMY dots. This is because the dot arrangement is intentionally shifted for the purpose of preventing the graininess from being deteriorated by mixing easily 3K dots (including black dots).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the halftone processing of each color of CMY, the dot arrangement pattern is adjusted so that 3K dots are not easily generated. In FIG. 16, overlapping of dots at a low gradation level is avoided as much as possible by changing the coordinates at which a single dot generation pattern (Bayer type) is applied for each color. In addition, methods such as rotating a generated pattern and applying a completely different generated pattern are also often used.

  In addition, in the case of error diffusion processing, the dot arrangement pattern generated even with a difference of only one pixel is completely different. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of 3K dots to some extent by adding processing such as random noise superimposition. .

  Furthermore, even if the input data “R = G = B” is not necessarily converted data “C = M = Y” by CMM or γ correction, It is not uncommon for the number of dots to differ from one color to another, and this imbalance in the number of dots also contributes to a decrease in image quality due to fluctuations in gray balance.

When gray balance variation is not allowed as in monochrome recording, gradation is usually reproduced only by real black. In this case, in the nozzles of the color recording head, the ink near the nozzles is dried and clogging is likely to occur. In order to prevent this clogging, frequent maintenance is required. The maintenance operation has an influence on the recording speed, and the ink consumption by the maintenance has an influence on the recording cost.
Further, when the nozzles of the black recording head are clogged, white streaks appear in the black image, degrading the image quality.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus and the image processing method according to the present invention, paying attention to this point, a plurality of colors other than black that form composite black dots (pseudo black dots) when the recording head 14 is overlaid with black ink. A black image is formed by ejecting each ink and forming each dot at the same position on the paper 3 (FIG. 15B). At this time, among the black ink used in the black image formation and the inks of a plurality of colors other than black, the amount used per unit area of the black ink is 20 when the same density is recorded using a single black ink. The amount used per unit area of each color ink other than black ink is set to 5 to 35% when the same density is recorded using a single black ink, or the black image formation The total usage amount per unit area of the black ink and the inks of a plurality of colors other than black used in the above is 80 to 130% when recording the same density using a single black ink color. Is preferred.

  An example of this will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, since the CMYK is formed by only 3K dots that overlap, the expressed black is always fixed to the hue of the composite black dot, and the gray balance does not fluctuate for each gradation level. In the case of a black image in a color image, since it is actually data that has undergone CMM or γ correction, CMYK primary color dots or RGB secondary color dots do not become composite black CMYK overlapping dots. However, since the data is originally “R = G = B”, the mixing ratio is very small and does not affect the hue. As for the area ratio of the recording area, FIG. 5A shows an example of 100% black, FIG. 5B shows an example of 75% black, and FIG. 5C shows an example of 50% black.

  As described above, when reproducing black, when mixing black ink and a color other than black ink to form an image on a recording medium, the recording head is overlapped with black ink in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Forming a black image by ejecting each of a plurality of colors other than black to form a pseudo black dot and forming each dot at the same position on the recording medium. Of the black ink and the ink of a plurality of colors other than black, the amount used per unit area of the black ink is 20 to 100% when recording the same density using a single black ink color, The amount of ink used for each color other than black ink per unit area is 5 to 35% of the same density recorded using a single black ink. In other words, the total use amount per unit area of the black ink and the inks of a plurality of colors other than black used in the black image formation is 80 to 130% in the case where the same density is recorded using a single black ink. With this configuration, it is possible to record with the same quality as when recording using a single black color, and when the black ink nozzles are clogged in the recording head 14, a printing method other than multi-pass printing is possible. For example, even when printing is performed by a printing method in which the recording area that can be formed by one scanning of the recording head is recorded by one scanning of the recording head, a black dot is not formed at a position. Since composite black dots (pseudo black dots) are formed with CMY inks, images with white stripes that occur when printed using a single black ink color It is possible to prevent the deterioration.

  A case of a color image will be described with reference to FIG. In a color image, when printing is performed by a printing method in which a recording area that can be formed by one scanning of the recording head 14 is recorded by one scanning of the recording head 14, the color recording head When clogging occurs, the image is deteriorated by white streaks (FIG. 18A). Therefore, multi-passing is performed, and the deterioration of the image can be reduced by preventing occurrence of missing dots (FIG. 18). (B)). Alternatively, the dot that is not formed by the clogged nozzle can be completely complemented by forming the dot by another nozzle (FIG. 18C).

  Here, FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the prior art, and FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are diagrams for explaining how the present invention is applied to the image processing flow shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.

  First, FIG. 19 shows a processing flow of a general prior art in which CMYK dot formation positions are not the same during black image formation. In this case, CMM processing is performed on the input data by the CMM processing unit 131 to convert the input data into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and C, M, Y, K For each, γ correction is performed by the γ correction unit 133, and halftone processing is performed for each of C, M, Y, and K by the halftone processing unit 134, and then output data is output. For this reason, it is necessary to perform separate halftone processing for each of C, M, Y, and K, increasing the load on the memory and the load on data processing.

  On the other hand, FIG. 20 shows a processing flow in which the dot formation positions of the respective colors are made the same when the dither method is used for halftone processing. In the dither method, since dots are reproduced in an arrangement defined by the threshold matrix, using a dither mask common to CMYK automatically generates dots with CMYK overlapping. That is, in this case, CMM processing is performed on the input data by the CMM processing unit 131 to convert the input data into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and C, M, After γ correction is performed for each of Y and K by the γ correction unit 133, halftone processing is performed by the halftone processing unit 134 using a dither matrix common to C, M, Y, and K, and then output data is output To do.

  FIG. 21 shows a processing flow when the error diffusion method is used for halftone processing. In the case of error diffusion, only one pixel of noise is mixed, resulting in a different dot arrangement pattern to be formed. In FIG. 21, magenta data is processed as a representative value (133, 134). Is copied to cyan, yellow, and black to achieve dot position alignment. For black, the dot arrangement pattern formed by another process is combined with the black dot arrangement pattern processed by the magenta data, thereby increasing the ratio to the color. The process of FIG. 21 can be applied not only to the error diffusion method but also to the dither method.

  That is, in this case, the CMM processing unit 131 performs CMM processing on the input data to convert it into magenta (M) and black (K) (C and Y are omitted), and M is corrected by the γ correction unit 133. γ correction is performed, and halftone processing is performed on the M by the halftone processing unit 134. Then, C, M, Y, and K data are generated by copying to each color, and K is corrected by the Kγ correction unit 133. And halftone processing is performed on K by the halftone processing unit 134 and then combined with the K data that has been processed for M and copied as K data. The generated C, M, Y, and K data are output.

Next, the black image forming method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in the case of a color image, it is determined whether or not the input is R = G = B (step 410). If the input is not R = G = B (N in step 410), halftone processing 1 is performed (step 411). ). In the halftone process 1, each color of CMYK is processed by separate halftone processes in the same manner as the process described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the input is a monochrome image or a color image and R = G = B (Y in step 410), halftone processing 2 is performed (step 442). This halftone process 2 is a halftone process for forming dots on which CMYK is superimposed, as described with reference to FIG. 20 or FIG.

  In the above description, the combination of CMYK ink and plain paper optimized pigment ink has been described. However, pigment ink for black ink, dye ink for CMY ink, or dye optimized for black ink, plain paper optimized pigment ink for CMY ink, and CMY ink. It is obvious that the same effect can be obtained by replacing the dedicated paper (including glossy paper) optimized pigment ink combination.

  In the present invention, as described above, it is more effective to switch the conditions depending on the combination of the ink composition and the specific paper. Therefore, when this combination is known in advance or mounted in a recording apparatus. When it is determined that the switching is effective by the sheet type determination unit, the user can save time and effort to set one by one by performing the switching automatically.

  In other words, the optimum image processing is applied when reproducing black in conjunction with the image forming mode determined according to the type of recording medium and the image forming method, and the user has to set it up. Save time and effort.

  On the other hand, user preferences vary widely, and some users may desire normal composite black instead of image processing according to the present invention. Therefore, not only forcibly and automatically executing the image processing according to the present invention, but also providing means for enabling ON / OFF switching according to the user's designation makes it possible to meet a wide range of needs. The means for enabling ON / OFF switching by the user's specification can be provided on the operation panel 117 as described above if it is on the image forming apparatus side, or by a printer driver on the host side (data processing apparatus side). This is achieved by adopting a configuration that allows the user to make settings on the print mode setting screen.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image processing method described above may be processed entirely on a computer as a program (printer driver), or a part of the image processing method may be programmed on a computer as shown in FIG. Processing may be performed, and the rest may be converted into hardware and processed on the image forming apparatus side. Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all processing is implemented in hardware and performed on the image forming apparatus side.

  Although the present invention has been described with the embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc. Can be changed within the range that can be conceived, and any embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects and advantages of the present invention are exhibited.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording head and a recording medium. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a recording head. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a conveyance belt. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between ink and dots ejected from a recording head. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data processing process (1) containing the printer driver in the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the data processing process (2) containing the printer driver in the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the dither process using a threshold value matrix. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the error diffusion process using a threshold value matrix. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of detection of a non-ejection nozzle in a conventional recording head. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image forming method for preventing image deterioration due to clogging of a conventional recording head. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an image forming method according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the number of times a print head is maintained and a non-ejection time after maintenance. It is a figure which shows the dot arrangement pattern of black image formation. It is a figure which shows the dot arrangement pattern example of each color of CMY. It is a figure which shows the dot arrangement pattern of black image formation in this invention. FIG. 6 is a dot arrangement pattern diagram showing a multi-pass state during color image formation. It is a figure which shows the image processing flow at the time of black image formation. It is a figure which shows the image processing flow when using a dither method for halftone processing and making each color dot formation into the same position. It is a figure which shows the image processing flow in case an error diffusion method is used for a halftone process, and each color dot formation is made into the same position. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the image process performed with respect to input image data in the image formation method of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus main body 2 Image formation part 3 Paper (recording medium)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Paper feed tray 5 Conveyance mechanism 6 Paper discharge tray 7 Duplex unit 11,12 Guide shaft 13 Carriage 14 Recording head 14i Droplet 14n Nozzle hole 15 Ink cartridge 21 Paper feed roller 23 Conveyance guide part 23a, 23b Guide surface 24 Conveyance roller 25 Pressure roller 26, 27 Guide member 28 Press roller 31 Drive roller 32 Driven roller 33 Conveyor belt 33a First layer 33b Second layer 34 Charging roller 35 Guide roller 38 Paper discharge roller 90 Host 91 Printer driver 100 Control unit 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Nonvolatile memory 105 ASIC
106 I / F
107 Head Drive Control Unit 108 Head Driver 110 Main Scan Motor 111 Main Scan Motor Drive Unit 112 Sub Scan Motor 113 Sub Scan Motor Drive Unit 114 High Voltage Circuit 116 I / O
117 Operation panel 118 Environmental sensor 130 Image data 131 CMM processing unit 132 BG / UCR processing unit 133 γ correction unit 134 Zooming unit 135 Halftone processing unit Di dot

Claims (6)

A plurality of nozzles for forming dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. A recording head for forming an image on a medium;
Moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction;
Dot number counting means for counting the number of dots formed by the recording head based on the input image data;
Maintenance frequency measuring means for measuring the maintenance frequency of the recording head;
Dot non-formation time counting means for counting the accumulated time after the most recent maintenance in the recording head and not forming dots during printing;
As a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image, and a multi-pass in which the recording head is scanned a plurality of times to form an image Printing method setting means for setting any one of the printing methods,
If the input image data is a non-black image,
The printing method setting means includes:
The number of dots counted by the dot number counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold, and the dot non-forming time counted by the dot non-forming time counting means is measured by the maintenance frequency measuring means. Set the multi-pass printing method when it is equal to or greater than the second threshold required from the maintenance count,
An image forming apparatus that sets a one-pass printing method when the number of dots is less than a first threshold value or the calculation result is less than a second threshold value. A plurality of nozzles for forming dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. A recording head for forming an image on a medium;
Moving means for relatively moving the positions of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction;
As a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image, and a multi-pass in which the recording head is scanned a plurality of times to form an image Printing method setting means for setting any one of the printing methods,
The black image is formed by ejecting black ink and a plurality of colors other than black that form pseudo black dots when the recording head is overlaid to form the dots at the same position on the recording medium. Is done by doing
If the input image data is a black image,
The printing method setting means is an image forming apparatus that sets a one-pass printing method.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing method setting unit sets a printing method between printing jobs or between pages in a printing job. A plurality of nozzles for forming dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. In an image forming method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a recording head that forms an image on a medium; and a moving unit that relatively moves the position of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction.
A dot number counting step of counting the number of dots formed by the recording head based on the input image data;
A maintenance frequency counting step of counting the maintenance frequency of the recording head;
Dot non-formation time counting step for counting the cumulative time after the most recent maintenance in the recording head and not forming dots during printing,
As a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image, and a multi-pass in which the recording head is scanned a plurality of times to form an image A printing method setting step for setting any of the printing methods, and
If the input image data is a non-black image,
In the printing method setting step,
The number of dots counted in the dot number counting step is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value, and the dot non-forming time counted in the dot non-forming time counting step was measured in the maintenance frequency measuring step. Set the multi-pass printing method when it is equal to or greater than the second threshold required from the maintenance count,
An image forming method in which a one-pass printing method is set when the number of dots is less than a first threshold value or the calculation result is less than a second threshold value. A plurality of nozzles for forming dots on a recording medium by ejecting ink are arranged in at least one direction (sub-scanning direction), and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. In an image forming method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a recording head that forms an image on a medium; and a moving unit that relatively moves the position of the recording medium and the recording head in the sub-scanning direction.
As a printing method for the same image forming area on the recording medium, a one-pass printing method in which the recording head is scanned once to form an image, and a multi-pass in which the recording head is scanned a plurality of times to form an image A printing method setting step for setting one of the printing methods;
The recording head ejects black ink and each of a plurality of colors other than black forming a pseudo black dot by being overlaid to form a black image by forming each dot at the same position on the recording medium. A black image forming step to be formed,
If the input image data is a black image,
An image forming method in which, in the printing method setting step, a one-pass printing method is set.   6. The image forming method according to claim 4, wherein in the printing method setting step, a printing method is set between printing jobs or between pages in a printing job.

Images