JP2019162725A - Data output setting adjustment method, image data processing apparatus and image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a data output setting adjustment method, image data processing apparatus and image formation apparatus which can more easily obtain an image with the proper image quality.SOLUTION: A data output setting adjustment method for drive data respectively sets the drive setting of the recording elements for the plurality of recording modules in accordance with the pixel arrangement data of a formation object image by an image formation apparatus which includes a recording operation part in which a plurality of recording modules having a plurality of recording elements are provided at different positions in the width direction, in which ends of the arrangement range of the recording elements overlap each other in the width direction between the adjacent recording modules, and which forms an image on a recording medium relatively moved with the recording operation part. The method includes a pattern application adjustment step of changing the application range of a selection setting pattern complementarily defining the drive state of the recording elements whose positions in the width direction in the overlapping portion correspond to each drive data relevant to the adjacent recording modules in accordance with the measurement value of the relative position of the recording module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output setting adjustment method, an image data processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

  There is an image forming apparatus that forms an image by performing a recording operation in which a plurality of recording elements such as nozzles that eject ink are arranged to form pixels. An image forming apparatus uses a line head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged over an image forming width in a predetermined width direction in response to a request for improving the image forming speed, and a recording medium is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the width direction. A technique for forming an image by one pass while transporting is known.

  As such a line head, there is a technique using a line head formed by arranging a plurality of recording modules in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged in the width direction. In this case, in consideration of mounting errors of the recording modules, the recording modules are arranged so that the arrangement ranges of the recording elements in each recording module partially overlap in the width direction. The image data to be formed is distributed so that the overlapping portion is selectively subjected to a recording operation by one of the recording elements of both recording modules.

  There is a technique for suppressing deterioration in image quality in overlapping portions by adjusting the distribution of image data to each recording module. In Patent Document 1, multi-gradation data is distributed to a plurality of recording modules, and binarization processing is performed separately for each recording module, so that the distribution is not complementary to nozzles at the same position in the width direction. A technique for suppressing density unevenness due to misalignment between recording modules by performing the above is disclosed. In addition, when arranging a plurality of line heads that form images of different colors, in order to suppress color misregistration between the plurality of line heads, pixels are inserted or deleted from overlapping portions. A technique for adjusting the relative position is known (Patent Document 2).

JP 2012-6260 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-58677

  However, there is a problem that it takes time and effort in the conventional process when it is desired to obtain an appropriate image quality by adjusting the shift, particularly fine adjustment.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a data output setting adjustment method, an image data processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that can obtain an image of appropriate image quality more easily.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1
A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules includes a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in a pixel unit in the width direction. Between the recording modules that are arranged at predetermined intervals and are adjacent in the width direction, end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction, An object to be formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by a relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and an operation of the recording operation unit; A plurality of driving devices that determine driving settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of recording modules, respectively, in accordance with pixel arrangement data of the image to be processed. A data of the data output setting adjustment method,
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. And a pattern application adjustment step of changing the application range for each of the two from the overlapping portion in accordance with the measurement value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the data output setting adjusting method according to the first aspect,
In one of the adjacent recording modules, a first reference pixel is formed by a predetermined first reference recording element included in the overlapping portion, and in the other of the adjacent recording modules, the first reference recording element and the width are formed. A comparison pixel is formed by each of the recording elements in a predetermined range including the first corresponding recording element corresponding to the position in the direction, and the formation position of the comparison pixel by the first corresponding recording element with respect to the formation position of the first reference pixel It includes a relative position determining step for determining the relative position in accordance with a deviation amount.

The invention according to claim 3 is the data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1 or 2,
The selection setting pattern exclusively determines which of the recording elements to which the position in the width direction corresponds enables the recording operation.

The invention according to claim 4 is the data output setting adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The method includes a range adjustment step of adjusting a corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel array data in correspondence with a measurement value of a relative position related to the array range of the plurality of recording modules.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the data output setting adjusting method according to the fourth aspect,
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at different positions in the relative movement direction,
The range adjustment step includes:
A first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules for a predetermined reference recording operation unit of the recording operation units;
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of positional deviation between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to each of the plurality of recording modules A second adjustment to perform
Including
In the pattern application adjustment step,
For the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit, the application range is changed in accordance with a deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment in the range adjustment step. And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the data output setting adjusting method according to the fifth aspect,
When there is the adjacent recording module on each predetermined one side in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, the number of the recording elements not included in the overlapping portion with the adjacent recording module is identified A reference relative position determining step for acquiring the relative position in the reference recording operation unit,
A second reference pixel is formed by a predetermined second reference recording element in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, and the second reference recording element and the width direction in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit, respectively. A comparison pixel is formed by a plurality of pixels including a second comparison recording element corresponding to the position of the pixel, and a deviation amount of a pixel formation position by the second comparison recording element with respect to a formation position of the second reference pixel is identified. Thus, a positional deviation amount determining step is provided for acquiring the positional deviation amounts of the recording modules other than the reference recording operation unit with respect to the recording module of the reference recording operation unit.

The invention according to claim 7 is the data output setting adjustment method according to claim 5 or 6,
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels of different colors, and the pixel array data is generated for the different colors.

The invention according to claim 8 is the data output setting adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The recording operation unit is a line head.

The invention according to claim 9
A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules includes a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in a pixel unit in the width direction. Between the recording modules that are arranged at predetermined intervals and are adjacent in the width direction, end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction, An object to be formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by a relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and an operation of the recording operation unit; A plurality of driving devices that determine driving settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of recording modules, respectively, in accordance with pixel arrangement data of the image to be processed. A control unit for performing data output setting adjustment data,
The controller is
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The image data processing apparatus is characterized in that the application range for each of the above is changed from the overlapping portion in accordance with the measurement value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.

The invention according to claim 10
A recording operation unit in which a plurality of recording modules are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction;
A control unit;
With
In the plurality of recording modules, a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in units of pixels are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction,
Between the recording modules adjacent to each other in the width direction, ends of the array range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction,
The controller is
According to pixel arrangement data of an image to be formed, a plurality of driving data for determining a driving setting of the plurality of recording elements for each of the plurality of recording modules is generated.
An image is formed on the recording medium by relatively moving between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and operating the recording operation unit based on the plurality of driving data. Form the
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a data output setting adjustment is performed to change an application range for each of the two from the overlapping portion according to a relative position of the adjacent recording modules.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that appropriate image quality can be obtained more easily.

1 is an overall perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus. It is the bottom view which showed the surface facing the conveyance surface of a head unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an inkjet recording device. It is a figure explaining distribution of the ink dischargeable nozzle. It is a figure explaining relative position alignment between head modules. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of each head unit between head units. It is a figure explaining identification of a gap between head modules in a non-reference head unit. It is a figure explaining the distribution shift by the position shift between the head modules in a non-reference head unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the drive data output setting process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus 100 which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 100 has a plurality of line heads and can perform color image recording by ejecting ink by a single pass method. The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 10, an image recording unit 20, , An ink storage unit 30, an image reading unit 60, and the like.

  The transport unit 10 includes a drive roller 11, a transport drive unit 12, a transport belt 14, and the like. The conveyance drive unit 12 includes a rotation motor that rotates the drive roller 11 at a predetermined speed. An endless transport belt 14 is wound around the drive roller 11 together with a follower roller (not shown), and the transport belt 14 is rotated by the rotation of the drive roller 11. A recording medium is placed on the conveyance surface with the outer surface of the conveyance belt 14 as a conveyance surface, and the recording medium is conveyed in the conveyance direction (relative movement direction) with the circumferential movement of the conveyance belt 14 (head unit 21). (Refer to FIG. 2). Here, as the recording medium, the wound long fabric is sequentially fed and conveyed. Alternatively, continuous paper or the like may be used, and the type of recording medium is not particularly limited.

  The image recording unit 20 includes a carriage 22, a carriage lifting / lowering unit 23, and the like, and the combination of the carriage 22 and the carriage lifting / lowering unit 23 is provided in the number of sets (here, eight sets) corresponding to the number of ink colors (plural colors). ing. Each of the carriages 22 extends in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit 10, in this case, in the orthogonal width direction. The carriage 22 is disposed above (in the height direction) the conveyance surface of the recording medium by the conveyance unit 10 and can eject ink droplets from the opening of the nozzle 27 (see FIG. 2) over the entire width of the conveyed recording medium. Head units 21 (see FIG. 2) are fixed to form line heads provided at different positions in the transport direction. The carriage 22 is provided such that a distance in the height direction from the conveyance surface can be changed by a carriage lifting / lowering unit 23.

The carriage lifting / lowering unit 23 changes the distance from the conveyance surface of the carriage 22. The carriage lift 23 includes a lift motor 232, an electromagnetic brake 233, a beam member 234, a support 235, and the like.
Two beam members 234 are provided substantially parallel to the upper portion of the conveying belt 14 (on the conveying surface side of the recording medium) in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction (here, an orthogonal direction, that is, a width direction). Support portions 235 are fixed to both ends, respectively. A lift motor 232, an electromagnetic brake 233 and a carriage 22 are attached to the support portion 235.
The carriage 22 is moved up and down in accordance with the operations of the lifting motor 232 and the electromagnetic brake 233 that are driven based on a control signal from the control unit 40 (see FIG. 3).

  The lifting motor 232 moves the carriage 22 at a predetermined lifting speed. As the lifting motor 232, for example, a servo motor or a stepping motor is used.

  The electromagnetic brake 233 maintains the fixed state of the carriage 22, and the fixed state is released according to the drive signal, so that the carriage 22 can be temporarily moved by the lifting motor 232. That is, the electromagnetic brake 233 fixes the carriage 22 in a normal state including when the power supply is cut off. As the electromagnetic brake 233, for example, a disc brake is used.

  The ink storage unit 30 stores ink of each color used for image formation and supplies the ink to the head unit 21 (see FIG. 2). The ink storage unit 30 includes an ink tank 31, a dedicated rack 32, and the like, and the ink tank 31 is connected to the image recording unit 20 via piping such as a tube. The ink storage unit 30 is not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of colors (e.g., 8 colors) including C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) are used as ink tanks. 31 and supplied to the head unit 21 attached to a separate carriage 22. That is, the plurality of head units 21 eject dots of different colors to form dots (pixels). The color and type of ink connected to and supplied to the head unit 21 may be exchangeable.

  The image reading unit 60 reads the surface of the recording medium that has passed the image forming position (ink landing position) by the image recording unit 20 on the downstream side in the transport direction. The image reading unit 60 includes a line sensor 61 (see FIG. 3) that can capture images across the width in which the image can be formed by the head unit 21 (see FIG. 2) in the width direction, and reads a two-dimensional image according to the conveyance of the recording medium. It is possible.

  FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a surface facing the transport surface of the head unit 21 in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Here, the eight head units 21 have the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, on the bottom surface of the head unit 21 (recording operation unit) fixed to the carriage 22, a plurality of head modules 210 (recording modules) are arranged at positions different from each other in the width direction. Are arranged in a staggered pattern. Each head module 210 includes two recording heads 211. On the bottom surface of each recording head 211, the openings of the nozzles 27 are arranged in a staggered pattern at different positions in the width direction so that the interval is twice the predetermined nozzle interval dp. The two recording heads 211 in each head module 210 are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the width direction by the nozzle interval dp. As a result, the plurality of nozzles 27 are arranged (arranged) at different positions so that the openings in the entire width direction of the head module 210 are the nozzle interval dp (predetermined interval).

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the nozzle arrangement range (arrangement range), which is the range in which the nozzles 27 (openings) are arranged in each head module 210, is between the adjacent head modules 210 in the width direction. There are portions that overlap each other at each end in the width direction. When all the head modules 210 are correctly attached to the head unit 21, the overlapping portion of the width Ba belongs to each of the two head modules 210 with respect to the same position (dot position) in the width direction. Each nozzle 27 can eject ink. As will be described later, in this overlapping portion, the ink is distributed so that ink from any one of the nozzles 27 can be ejected.

Next, a functional configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.
The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 50, a communication unit 71, a display unit 72, and an operation receiving unit 73 in addition to the above-described transport driving unit 12, image recording unit 20, and image reading unit 60. And a bus 90 and the like.

  As described above, the image recording unit 20 includes a plurality of nozzles 27 arranged in the plurality of head modules 210, the pressure generation mechanism 26, and a head that operates the pressure generation mechanism 26 to eject ink from the plurality of nozzles 27. A driving unit 25, a carriage driving unit 24, and the like are included.

  The carriage drive unit 24 outputs drive signals to the electromagnetic brake 233 and the lifting motor 232 according to the control signal from the control unit 40, loosens the electromagnetic brake 233, and operates the lifting motor 232 to move the carriage to a desired position. Or the elevator motor 232 is stopped and the carriage is fixed by the electromagnetic brake 233.

The head drive unit 25 receives supply of ink from the ink tank 31 and outputs a drive signal to the pressure generation mechanism 26 to operate the pressure generation mechanism 26. The pressure generating mechanism 26 applies pressure to the ink in an ink flow path that communicates with each nozzle 27 and flows ink. For example, a piezoelectric element that deforms a wall surface of a pressure chamber provided in the ink flow path. It is. The head drive unit 25 selects a voltage waveform pattern stored in advance based on a control signal from the control unit 40 and generates a drive voltage signal obtained by power amplification. Each head drive unit 25 generates each drive voltage signal according to the image data input from the storage unit 50. Whether to output a drive voltage signal related to the ink ejection operation to the pressure generation mechanism 26 (piezoelectric element) is switched. The pressure chamber is deformed by the operation of the pressure generating mechanism 26 (deformation of the piezoelectric element) according to the drive voltage signal related to the ink ejection operation, and a pressure that fluctuates in a predetermined pattern is applied to the ink. 27, a predetermined amount of ink droplets are ejected at a predetermined speed. That is, here, each nozzle 27 (pressure generation mechanism 26) is determined to be in one of two gradations (two stages) of driving state whether ink is ejected or not. However, as described above, the predetermined amount and the predetermined speed may have minute unevenness for each head module 210.
A combination of each nozzle 27 and a pressure generation mechanism 26 (here, a piezoelectric element) corresponding to each nozzle 27 constitutes a recording element in the ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Each recording element performs a recording operation in units of pixels, that is, dot formation.

  The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 and controls the operation of each unit. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 42 (Random Access Memory), and the like.

  The CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes and controls image processing of an output target image, conveyance of a recording medium, ink supply, ink ejection, maintenance operation, and the like in the inkjet recording apparatus 100. Further, the CPU 41 performs various processes related to image formation based on image data, status signals of each unit, clock signals, and the like according to a program read from the storage unit 50.

The RAM 42 provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores temporary data. The RAM 42 may include a non-volatile memory, and data stored in the non-volatile memory and data stored in the storage unit 50 are appropriately assigned.
The control unit 40 is included in the image data processing apparatus of this embodiment.

  The storage unit 50 stores job data related to image formation acquired from the outside via the communication unit 71, control programs and setting data related to various control operations of the control unit 40, and the like. A DRAM is mainly used as a configuration for temporarily storing job data and processing data thereof, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like is used as a configuration for storing a control program and setting data. However, it is not limited to these. For example, the job data may be stored in a non-volatile memory, and the initial program and initial setting data may be stored in a mask ROM that cannot be rewritten and updated. In the control program, the image data of the image to be formed acquired by the job data is converted into image data (pixel arrangement data) in units of pixels as necessary, that is, bitmap data, pixmap data, etc. Further, drive setting information relating to whether or not each of the plurality of pressure generating mechanisms 26 is operated for each head module 210 (recording element is subjected to recording operation) (driving state. Here, only two stages as described above) is arranged. A conversion processing program 51 for converting into drive image data (drive data) is included.

  The data stored in the storage unit 50 includes positional relationship information 52 and a distribution matrix 53 (selection setting pattern) that are referred to when the conversion processing program 51 is executed. The positional relationship information 52 includes information related to the relative positional relationship of the eight head modules 210 in total for eight colors. The distribution matrix 53 is used for distribution (complementary, here exclusive setting) of which head module 210 is allowed to eject ink in the above-described overlapping portion.

  The line sensor 61 of the image reading unit 60 includes a plurality of imaging elements arranged over the image formable width in the width direction. For example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor is used as the imaging element. The line sensor 61 is capable of reading a color image and, for example, performs imaging in each of three wavelength bands of RGB. The arrangement of the imaging elements in the width direction may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the transport direction so that imaging in each of the RGB wavelength bands is appropriately performed.

  The communication unit 71 is a communication interface that controls a communication operation with an external device. As the communication interface, for example, one or a plurality of communication interfaces such as a LAN card corresponding to various communication protocols are included. The communication unit 71 acquires image data to be formed and setting data (job data) related to image formation from an external device based on the control of the control unit 40, and transmits status information and the like to the external device. Can do.

  The display unit 72 displays a status, an operation menu, and the like of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to a control signal from the control unit 40. The display unit 72 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal screen (LCD) or an organic EL screen (Electro-Luminescent). In addition to these, the display unit 72 may include an LED lamp or the like.

  The operation receiving unit 73 receives a user operation and outputs it to the control unit 40. The operation reception unit 73 includes, for example, a touch sensor provided so as to overlap the display screen. The operation accepting unit 73 outputs the type and position information of the accepted user touch operation to the control unit 40. The operation receiving unit 73 may include a push button switch, a numeric keypad, and the like.

  The bus 90 is a signal transmission path for exchanging signals by electrically connecting the control unit 40 and each of the above components.

Next, an image forming operation in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 converts the formation target image data received from the outside into a dot arrangement corresponding to the presence or absence of ink ejection of each nozzle 27, that is, pixel arrangement data as necessary, and an adjustment process. Then, the obtained data is converted into driving data for each pressure generating mechanism 26. Then, the pressure generating mechanism 26 is operated in accordance with the driving data, and an image is formed by ejecting ink from each nozzle 27 to the recording medium at an appropriate timing.

  The obtained pixel array data is distributed to each head module 210. The distribution range (corresponding range of the driving data for each head module 210 in the pixel array data) is determined based on the positional relationship information 52.

  Further, in the nozzle arrangement range of each head module 210, the range adjacent to the other head module 210 in the width direction has the overlapping portion of the width Ba as described above. In the overlapping portion, a distribution matrix 53 is applied in order to complementarily determine whether ink can be ejected from the nozzles 27 belonging to any of the head modules 210.

  A subtle difference in ink ejection characteristics (speed and ink amount) or the like is likely to occur between adjacent head modules 210. Further, there is a slight difference in the width direction at the position of the opening of the corresponding nozzle 27 in these two head modules 210. Therefore, when the distribution is changed abruptly in the width direction, a discontinuity corresponding to these differences occurs at the boundary portion across the change region. Therefore, the sorting by the sorting matrix 53 is made so as not to make the subtle difference as mentioned above conspicuous.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of the ink dischargeable nozzles.
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the overlapping portion related to the adjacent head modules 210a and 210b, the allocation rate Ra to the head module 210a and the allocation rate Rb to the head module 210b are respectively from the center of the nozzle arrangement range to the end. It gradually decreases from 100% to 0% toward the club. The sum of the distribution ratios Ra and Rb at the same position in the width direction is 100%.

  FIG. 4B schematically shows the distribution matrix 53. Here, for example, a position corresponding to the white matrix element is allocated to ink ejection from the nozzles 27 of the head module 210a, and a position corresponding to the black matrix element is allocated to ink ejection from the nozzles 27 of the head module 210b. In other words, the distribution rate is a value determined by the probabilistic number of distribution pixels within the predetermined number of pixels in the transport direction, and in the overlapping portion, the distribution destination is distributed within the two-dimensional plane in the width direction and the transport direction. The The distribution pattern of the distribution destination may be a spatial frequency distribution according to, for example, blue noise in consideration of the influence on the visibility of the distribution.

  The distribution matrix 53 is repeatedly applied to the overlapping portion for each predetermined number of pixels in the transport direction. That is, when the pixel array data is distributed to the driving data of each head module 210, the recording matrix 53 (pressure generating mechanism) that does not eject ink regardless of the pixel data for each row in the transport direction using the distribution matrix 53 as a mask. 26 and the nozzle 27) are determined to set no ink discharge.

Next, identification of the relative positional relationship of each head module 210 will be described.
As described above, relative position information between the head modules 210 included in the positional relationship information 52 is used to identify the corresponding range of the driving data of each head module 210 with respect to the pixel array data related to the formation target image. The relative position information includes a relative position between the plurality of head modules 210 in the head unit 21 and a relative position between the head modules 210 at positions corresponding to the width direction between different head units 21.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining relative positioning between the head modules 210 in the head unit 21.
Here, unit numbers h = 0 to 7 are assigned to the head units 21 of eight colors, respectively. In addition, module numbers i = 0 to 7 are assigned to the eight head modules 210 in each head unit 21 in order from one end in the width direction, and each head module 210 has a unit number h and The module number i is used to identify the head module 210 [h, i]. Each head module 210 [h, i] is provided with “J0 + 1” (for example, 2048) nozzles 27, and the nozzle numbers in order in the width direction from the one end side described above. j = 0 to J0 are assigned. The individual nozzles 27 are specified as nozzles 27 [h, i, j] using these unit numbers h, module numbers i, and nozzle numbers j.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 100, first, the reference head unit 21 (reference recording operation unit), for example, the black (K color) head unit 21 is set to unit number h = 0. For this head unit 21, the positional relationship of the eight head modules 210 is acquired.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, for each head module 210 (here, the head module 210b) with a module number i ≧ 1, the head nozzle 210 [0, i, 0] at the head is the head module 210 ( Here, it is identified which nozzle 27 [0, i-1, j] of the head module 210a) corresponds to. For example, with respect to the nozzle number j that is originally set so that the ink discharge position overlaps with the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] in the width direction, it can be assumed according to the mounting accuracy of the head module 210 to the head unit 21. Ink is ejected from each nozzle 27 of the head module 210 [h, i−1] and ink is ejected from the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] within a range corresponding to the maximum deviation amount. A straight line extending in the transport direction is recorded on the recording medium. This is read by the image reading unit 60, and the nozzle number j of the nozzle 27 [0, i−1, j] whose position in the width direction is closest to the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] is the number J1 [i−1. ] Is set. In this case, in the head module 210 [h, i-1], the number of nozzles 27 that do not overlap with the head module 210 [h, i] (outside the overlapping portion) is J1 [i-1]. The number of nozzles 27 in the overlapping portion is identified as “J0−J1 [i−1] +1”. Here, a minute difference dw1 (less than 0.5 × dp) remains between the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] and the nozzle 27 [0, i−1, J1 [i−1]].

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the “0” -th pixel from one end in the width direction in the pixel array data is assigned to the first nozzle 27 [0, 0, 0] of the head module 210 [0, 0]. When fixed, the last nozzle 27 [0, 0, J0] is assigned a pixel whose order from the one end is “J0”. That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of the head module 210 [0, 0] in the pixel array data is “0” to “J0” in the pixel array order.

The head nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] of the head module 210 [0, i] has a pixel whose order from the one end is “Σ _{(ik =} 0 to i ₋₁₎ J1 [ik]”, that is, The number of nozzles J1 [ik] (ik) up to the head module 210 [0, ik] (ik = i−1) in the immediately preceding head and in a range that does not overlap with the nozzles of the next head module 210 [0, ik] in the width direction. = 0 to i-1). Further, the last nozzle 27 [0, i, J0] of the head module 210 [0, i] is a pixel whose order from the one end is “Σ _{(ik =} 0 to i ₋₁₎ J1 [ik] + J0”. Corresponding to That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of the head module 210 [0, i] (1 ≦ i ≦ 7) in the pixel array data is “Σ _{(ik = 0 to i−1)} J1 [ik ] ”To“ Σ _{(ik = 0 to i−1)} J1 [ik] + J0 ”.

  Next, in the ink jet recording apparatus 100, the nozzles 27 [0, i, J2] used as the reference in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21 correspond to the corresponding head modules 210 [h, Which nozzle 27 [h, i, j] corresponds to i] is identified.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the head modules 210 between the head units 21.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the nozzle 27 [0] in each head module 210 [0, h] of the reference head unit 21a (reference recording operation unit; in the above example, the head unit 21 that discharges K-color ink). , H, J2] (second reference recording element), the non-reference head unit 21b (here, unit number h = 1) other than the reference head unit 21a (reference recording operation unit) with respect to the landing position in the width direction of the ink. ˜7), the nozzle 27 [h, i, j] that is the closest landing position is specified. The landing position is identified by forming a line (a series of pixels (second reference pixel, comparison pixel)) extending in the transport direction as in the case of FIG. 5 and reading the position of the line. The corresponding nozzle number j is equal to the number J2 if all the head modules 210 and the head unit 21 are correctly attached. Actually, there may be a slight difference between the ink landing position of the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] and the ink ejection position of the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2] (second comparative recording element). Therefore, each head module 210 is accompanied by a difference dj [h, i] (position shift amount, shift amount), and the nozzle number j just before the shift (if the difference dj [h, i] is negative) = J2-dj [h, i]. Also in this case, there is a minute difference dw2 (0) between the ink ejection position by the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] and the ink ejection position by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2-dj [h, i]]. Less than 5 × dp).

As shown in FIG. 6B, in the above-described case, the pixel data assigned to the nozzle 27 [h, i, j] is different from the pixel assigned to the nozzle 27 [0, i, j] by a difference dj [h. , I], the color shift is suppressed. Therefore, the pixels assigned to the nozzles 27 [h, i, 0] to the nozzles 27 [h, i, J0] are respectively Σ _{(ik = 0 to} i ₋₁₎ J1 [i] + dj [h, i] to Σ _{(ik = 0 to} i ₋₁₎ J1 [i] + dj [h, i] + J0. That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of the head modules 210 [h, i] in the pixel array data is shifted from the corresponding range of the head modules 210 [0, i] by this difference dj [h, i]. .

  Finally, the deviation between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b is adjusted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining identification of deviation between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b.
Through the above-described processing, pixel data at the most appropriate position on the pixel array data is assigned to each nozzle, and color misregistration is also suppressed. However, in the non-reference head unit 21b, the difference between the differences dj [h, i−1] and dj [h, i] of the adjacent head modules 210 and the minute differences dw1 and dw2 between the head modules 210 overlap. When added partially (by the first adjustment and the second adjustment), a deviation of 0.5 × dp or more may occur between the adjacent head modules 210. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the nozzle 27 for landing the ink closest to the ink landing position of the nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J1 [i-1]] is the nozzle 27 [h, i, 0 ] May be different. Here, this deviation is identified.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, in the overlapping part of the adjacent head modules 210 [h, i-1], 210 [h, i] in the non-reference head unit 21b, one head module 210 [h, i− 1] reference nozzles 27 [h, i-1, J3] (first reference recording element; J1 [i-1] + a <J3 <J0-a, a is an assumed deviation amount (for example, ± 1 to 2) (E.g., 3 each corresponding to the above a)) at a predetermined nozzle number interval (in this case, 20), for example, “3”). A line (that is, a series of plural pixels = first reference pixels) is formed (area AL [h, i−1]). Further, the reference nozzle 27 [h, i, J3-J1 [i-1]] (first corresponding recording element) of the other head module 210 [h, i] is different from the predetermined nozzle number interval by one center. Lines (comparison pixels) are formed on both sides at the same interval (here, one is wide, ie, 21) (predetermined range; three each) (area AL [h, i]). From this formed image, it is determined here that the nozzle 27 [h, i−1, J3 + 20] and the nozzle 27 [h, i, J3−J1 [i−1] +21] are closest in the width direction. Therefore, it can be seen that the head module 210 [h, i] is relatively displaced from the head module 210 [h, i−1] on the side having a smaller number for one nozzle (the left side in the figure). Actually, the amount of deviation is not limited to an integer, that is, any pair of lines is not necessarily in the same position in the width direction, but as described above, the nearest pair of lines is selected. This will round to the nearest integer value.

  5 are recorded by the image recording unit 20 and are read by the image reading unit 60. The image recording unit 20 records each image for identifying the amount of misalignment shown in J1 [i] in FIG. 5, dj [h, i] in FIG. In some cases, all images may be recorded at once and read together at one time.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a sorting shift due to a positional shift between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b.
As described above, in the overlapping portion, sorting is performed according to the sorting matrix 53 so that ink is ejected by one of the two head modules 210 related to the overlapping portion. However, if there is a positional shift between the head modules 210, a shift occurs in the sorting position. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, based on the example of the distribution matrix 53 shown in FIG. 4, not only the region sd where ink is ejected from any nozzle but also ink can be ejected from both nozzles. Region dd and a region zd where ink is not ejected from any nozzle occur, resulting in uneven density.

  In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, adjustment is performed to relatively move the application range of the sorting matrix 53 without moving or changing the corresponding pixel data in the overlapping portion of the non-reference head unit 21b. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when there is a shift of one nozzle (one pixel) or more in the relative position, one head module 210 (for example, the head module on the back side in the arrangement order) by the sorting matrix 53 210 [h, i]), the allocation-destination nozzle 27 is shifted by the amount of the shift. As shown in the chart of FIG. 8B, the shift amount of the sorting position with respect to the predetermined one head module 210 by the sorting matrix 53 is stored in each overlapping portion, and the application range of the sorting matrix 53 is changed one by one. .

  When the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is moved to the end side of the nozzle array in each head module 210, there may be a case where there is no target nozzle to which the distribution matrix 53 is applied. However, when there is no nozzle to be ejected and ejection is not performed, as shown in FIG. 4, since the end portion is close to zero, the adverse effect on the image quality is suppressed to be sufficiently small.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure by the control unit 40 of the driving image data setting process executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  This driving data output setting process, which is a data output setting adjustment method (data output setting adjustment) of driving data in the present embodiment, is performed when an image forming command (print job) is acquired and image data to be formed is set for each ink color. After being decomposed and generated into each dot image data (that is, pixel array data), it is subsequently called and executed.

  When the driving data output setting process is started, the control unit 40 causes the image recording unit 20 to record the test image shown in the description of FIGS. 5 to 7 described above and causes the image reading unit 60 to read the test image (step S101). ). As described above, the control unit 40 can collectively form the test images related to these three measurement values, and can collectively read the test images. For the predetermined reference head unit 21a (for example, the head unit 21 that discharges K-color ink), the control unit 40 determines the positional relationship between the adjacent head modules 210 (modules) (the above-described nozzles 27 [0, i, The number J1 [i] in J1 [i]], that is, included in the overlapping portion at the rear end (predetermined one side) with respect to the arrangement order of the nozzles 27 in each head module 210 (other than i = 7). The number of nozzles not present is identified (step S102). The formation of the test image according to FIG. 5 in step S101 and the processing in step S102 constitute a reference relative position determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

  The controller 40 sets (adjusts) the pixel arrangement data allocation pixel range (corresponding range of the driving data for the head module 210 in the pixel arrangement data) to each head module 210 (module) of the reference head unit 21a (step S103). First adjustment).

  For each head module 210 (module) of the non-reference head unit 21b (the head unit 21 that discharges ink other than K ink), the control unit 40 sets the same (corresponding) nozzle number 27 for the module 27 in the reference head unit 21a. Identifies the positional deviation amount (here, deviation dj [h, i] in nozzle 27 [h, i, J2 + dj [h, i]]) with respect to the array (here, reference nozzle 27 [0, i, J2]) (Step S104). The formation of the test image according to FIG. 6 in step S101 and the processing in step S104 constitute a misregistration amount determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

Based on the deviation dj [h, i], the control unit 40 assigns pixel array data to each head module 210 [h, i] (module) of each non-reference head unit 21b (head module in the pixel array data). 210 [h, i] corresponding range of driving data) is set (adjusted) (step S105; second adjustment).
The processes in steps S103 and S105 constitute a range adjustment step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

The control unit 40 identifies, based on the read image, the deviation (measured value of the relative position) of the positional relationship (formation position) between the adjacent head modules 210 (modules) for the non-reference head unit 21b (step S106). . The formation of the test image according to FIG. 7 in step S101 and the processing in step S106 constitute a relative position determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.
[0063]
The control unit 40 shifts (changes) the application range of the distribution matrix 53 applied to each head module 210 [h, i] (module) in the non-reference head unit 21b based on the identified positional deviation amount. ) Is set (step S107; pattern application adjustment step). Then, the control unit 40 ends the drive data output setting process.

As described above, the present embodiment includes the head units 21 in which the plurality of head modules 210 are provided at different positions in the predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of head modules 210 is recorded in units of pixels. A plurality of recording elements (nozzles 27 and pressure generating mechanisms 26) that perform the operation are arranged at a predetermined nozzle interval dp in the width direction, and a plurality of nozzles 27 in the head module 210 are between the head modules 210 that are adjacent in the width direction. The ends of the arrangement range provided with (openings) overlap in the width direction, the relative movement between the head unit 21 and the recording medium M in the transport direction orthogonal to the width direction, and the head unit 21 is an object to be formed by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 that forms an image on the recording medium M. Depending on the image of the pixel array data, a plurality of data output setting method of adjusting the driving data defining each drive setting a plurality of recording elements for a plurality of head modules 210. In this data output setting adjustment method, the driving state of the recording element related to the nozzle 27 corresponding to the position in the width direction corresponding to the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzle 27 in each of the driving data related to the adjacent head modules 210 is complemented. A pattern application adjustment step of changing the application range for each of the drive data of the distribution matrix 53 determined in accordance with the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent head module 210 from the overlapping portion.
By using such an adjustment method, it is easy to move only the application range of the distribution matrix 53 without changing the contents of the image data and the distribution matrix 53, and density unevenness or an artificial pattern ( Occurrence of moiré, etc.) can be suppressed. In particular, since this process is performed after the image is assigned according to the positional relationship between the original head modules 210, effects such as reduction of image distortion and suppression of color unevenness due to the previously performed process are performed. The density unevenness can be effectively suppressed without canceling out. Thereby, an appropriate output image quality can be obtained easily and stably.
In particular, such an easy process is effective not only at the time of initial setting or replacement of the head unit 21, but also for fine correction corresponding to a change over time during use of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. By such processing, it is possible to stably suppress image distortion and density unevenness and continue high-quality image formation for a long period of time.

Further, in this drive data output setting process, pixels (lines extending in the transport direction) are formed by the nozzles 27 [h, i−1, J3] serving as a reference included in the overlapping portion in one adjacent head module 210a. In the other head module 210b adjacent to each other, the comparison pixels (conveyance) are respectively performed by the nozzles 27 in a predetermined range including the nozzles 27 [h, i-1, J3] corresponding to the positions in the width direction. A line extending in the direction), and the head module according to the shift amount of the comparison pixel formation position by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J3] with respect to the pixel formation position by the nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J3]. A relative position determining step (steps S101 and S106) for determining a relative position between 210a and the head module 210b.
In this way, the deviation of the actual pixel formation position is obtained, and the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is changed as described above according to this deviation. Therefore, the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is surely optimized and substantially complementary. Can be.

The selection setting pattern exclusively determines which of the nozzles 27 corresponding to the position in the width direction is allowed to perform the ink ejection operation.
That is, for each overlapping nozzle 27, only whether or not an ink ejection operation is possible is determined in a binary manner. In such a case, if the ink is ejected greatly deviating from the exclusive positional relationship due to the positional deviation, the density unevenness is conspicuous. Therefore, the distribution matrix 53 is applied so as to obtain the most exclusive positional relationship as described above. By changing the range, an image with an appropriate image quality can be formed easily and more stably.

Further, in this drive data output setting process, the corresponding ranges of the plurality of drive data in the pixel array data are respectively adjusted in accordance with the measurement values of the relative positions related to the array ranges of the nozzles 27 in the plurality of head modules 210. A range adjustment step (steps S103 and S105) is included.
As described above, when the arrangement interval of the head modules 210 is not uniform in the first place, the corresponding range for the original image data is adjusted to appropriately minimize the distortion of the image and appropriately set each nozzle 27 of each head module 210. Therefore, ink can be ejected according to the positional relationship. Even in such a case, the adjustment by the pattern application adjustment step with respect to the occurrence of a slight deviation with time and the deviation that occurs additively due to the adjustment of the color deviation as in the above embodiment. By performing the above, it is possible to form an image with appropriate image quality in which density unevenness is suppressed more easily and more stably.

The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a plurality of head units 21 that are provided at different positions in the transport direction. The range adjustment step includes the first adjustment (step S103) for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of head modules 210 for the reference head unit 21a serving as a predetermined reference among the head units 21, and the plurality of non-reference head units 21b. And a second adjustment (step S105) for adjusting the corresponding range according to the amount of positional deviation between the head module 210 and the head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a corresponding to each of the plurality of head modules 210. In the pattern application adjustment step (step S107), for the plurality of head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b, according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment (step S103) and the second adjustment (step S105) in the range adjustment step. Change the scope.
That is, in the above two processes, the ink discharge setting of each nozzle 27 is optimized in accordance with the output target image and the color misregistration is suppressed, but a minute misregistration of less than 0.5 pixel remains. In the overlapping part of the head module 210 of the non-reference head unit 21b, these deviations may be added to become 0.5 pixels or more, and the application position of the distribution matrix 53 will be displaced. Therefore, by adjusting the application position in accordance with the shift amount in the overlapping portion, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of color unevenness in the overlapping portion while maintaining the effect of suppressing image distortion and color shift. As a result, the image quality can be maintained appropriately and more stably.

The driving data output setting process is performed when there is a head module 210 adjacent on the rear end side in the width direction in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a (that is, excluding the head module 210 [0, 7]). By identifying the number J1 [i] of the nozzles 27 that are not included in the portion overlapping the head module 210 [0, i]) and the adjacent head module 210 [0, i + 1], the relative relationship in the reference head unit 21a is determined. Reference relative position determination step for acquiring the position (steps S101 and S102), and pixels (straight lines extending in the transport direction) are formed by predetermined nozzles 27 [0, i, J2] in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a. In the non-reference head unit 21b, the nozzle 27 [0, , J2] and a plurality of pixels including nozzles 27 [h, i, J2] corresponding to positions in the width direction, respectively, form comparison pixels (straight lines extending in the transport direction), and nozzles 27 [0, i, J2 ], The displacement amount dj [h, i] of the pixel formation position by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2] with respect to the formation position by A misregistration amount determination step (steps S101 and S104) for acquiring the misregistration amounts of the head modules 210 [h, i] of the reference head unit 21b is included.
As described above, the positional relationship within the reference head unit 21a and the positional relationship between the reference head unit 21a and the non-reference head unit 21b are covered two-dimensionally, so that the positional relationship of each head unit 21 is easily and reliably identified. The Thereby, color misregistration and distortion of the formed image can be suppressed. Further, as described above, since the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is adjusted according to the positional deviation between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b, the color deviation, distortion and density unevenness of the formed image are suppressed in a balanced manner. be able to.

  The plurality of head units 21 form pixels of different colors, and pixel array data is generated for the different colors. That is, in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of density unevenness and moire in overlapping portions at the same time while effectively suppressing the color shift of the formed image between different colors.

  The head unit 21 is a line head. By combining the plurality of head modules 210 and using the above-described technique for a line head that is a long head, high-speed image processing, stable but high image quality, and ease of maintenance adjustment related to relative positional deviation are arranged side by side. Can be made.

In addition, as described above, the image data processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes the head units 21 in which a plurality of head modules 210 are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of head modules 210 includes Recording elements that perform recording operations in units of pixels, that is, a plurality of nozzles 27 and pressure generating mechanisms 26 that discharge ink from the nozzles 27 are arranged at a predetermined interval dp in the width direction, and are adjacent head modules in the width direction. 210, the end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of nozzles 27 are provided in the head module 210 overlap in the width direction, and the relative movement of the recording medium M in the transport direction orthogonal to the width direction; Inkjet recording apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium M by the operation of the head unit 21 The control unit 40 performs data output setting adjustment of a plurality of driving data for determining the driving settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of head modules 210 according to pixel arrangement data of an image to be formed by 00, respectively. . In each of the driving data related to the adjacent head modules 210, the control unit 40 complements the distribution matrix 53 that determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction at the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzles 27. The applicable range for each of the driving data is changed from the original overlapping portion according to the measurement value of the relative position of the adjacent head module 210.
By performing such drive data adjustment processing, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 can easily maintain an appropriate image output in which image distortion and density unevenness are suppressed.

The ink jet recording apparatus 100 (image forming apparatus) of the present embodiment is an ink jet recording apparatus that is a target of the above-described image data processing apparatus, and a plurality of head modules 210 are provided at different positions in the width direction. The head unit 21 and the control unit 40 are provided. In the plurality of head modules 210, a plurality of recording elements (nozzles 27 and pressure generating mechanisms 26) each performing a recording operation in units of pixels are arranged at a predetermined interval dp in the width direction, and adjacent head modules in the width direction. 210, the end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of nozzles 27 are provided in the head module 210 overlap in the width direction. The control unit 40 generates a plurality of drive data for determining the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of head modules 210 in accordance with the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed, and transports orthogonal to the width direction An image is formed on the recording medium M by relatively moving the head unit 21 and the recording medium M in the direction and operating the head unit 21 based on a plurality of driving data. The controller 40 complementarily determines the driving state of the nozzle 27 (recording element) corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzle 27 in each of the driving data related to the adjacent head modules 210. Data output setting adjustment is performed to change the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 for each of the driving data from the original overlapping portion according to the relative position of the adjacent head modules 210.
As described above, in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 capable of the above-described processing, it is possible to easily perform adjustment so as to suppress image distortion and density unevenness, and to maintain proper image output.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, when performing fine adjustment according to changes over time for a head unit for which the above-described adjustment of the corresponding range and the adjustment of the application range have been performed, only the adjustment of the application range is performed alone. It may be done. Further, in this case, adjustments need not be made for all the head units 21. Only the head unit 21 that seems to have a problem may be selectively adjusted.

  Also, a method such as color misregistration correction is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. For example, when re-adjusting an image that has been adjusted once by inserting or deleting pixels according to the relative displacement of the head module 210 between the head units 21, the distribution is performed according to the method described in the above embodiment. The application range of the matrix 53 may be adjusted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation is switched in two steps, ie, whether or not ink is ejected from each nozzle 27. However, a plurality of droplet amounts may be set. In this case, the sorting in the overlapping portion may not only exclusively switch whether or not the ejection operation is performed, but may be performed so that the total of the upper limit values becomes the maximum droplet amount that can be ejected from one nozzle.

  In the above-described embodiment, the color misregistration in the case of ejecting different color inks from the plurality of head units 21 has been described as an example. However, the head unit that ejects the same color ink or a transparent different application is described. A head unit from which droplets are ejected may be included, and there may be one head unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 40 performs identification of the deviation amount, calculation setting of the adjustment amount, and the like based on the reading result of the image reading unit 60. The control unit 40 may calculate the adjustment amount based on the input result. Or the control part 40 may only change the application range of the distribution matrix 53 according to the input result of the adjustment amount calculated | required by the user.

  In the above embodiment, the line head has been described. However, even in an image forming apparatus that scans the head unit to form an image, a plurality of head modules are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. For example, the same problem occurs, and the problem can be solved by the technique disclosed above.

In the above embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example. However, an image forming apparatus having a head unit in which a large number of recording elements are arranged in a plurality of head modules, for example, LED elements are used as recording elements. In the arranged LED printer or the like, the application range of the sorting matrix 53 can be adjusted and the range of the image data to be formed corresponding to the head module 210 can be set as in the above embodiment.
In addition, specific details such as the configuration, arrangement, processing content, and procedure described in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conveyance part 11 Drive roller 12 Conveyance drive part 14 Conveyor belt 20 Image recording part 21 Head unit 21a Reference | standard head unit 21b Non-reference | standard head unit 210, 210a, 210b Head module 211 Recording head 22 Carriage 23 Carriage raising / lowering part 232 Lifting motor 233 Electromagnetic Brake 234 Beam member 235 Support unit 24 Carriage drive unit 25 Head drive unit 26 Pressure generation mechanism 27 Nozzle 30 Ink storage unit 31 Ink tank 32 Rack 40 Control unit 41 CPU
42 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Memory | storage part 51 Conversion process program 52 Positional relationship information 53 Sorting matrix 60 Image reading part 61 Line sensor 71 Communication part 72 Display part 73 Operation reception part 90 Bus 100 Inkjet recording device

Claims (10)

A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules includes a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in a pixel unit in the width direction. Between the recording modules that are arranged at predetermined intervals and are adjacent in the width direction, end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction, An object to be formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by a relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and an operation of the recording operation unit; A plurality of driving devices that determine driving settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of recording modules, respectively, in accordance with pixel arrangement data of the image to be processed. A data of the data output setting adjustment method,
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. A data output setting adjustment method comprising a pattern application adjustment step of changing an application range for each of the two from the overlapping portion in accordance with a measurement value of a relative position between the adjacent recording modules.   In one of the adjacent recording modules, a first reference pixel is formed by a predetermined first reference recording element included in the overlapping portion, and in the other of the adjacent recording modules, the first reference recording element and the width are formed. A comparison pixel is formed by each of the recording elements in a predetermined range including the first corresponding recording element corresponding to the position in the direction, and the formation position of the comparison pixel by the first corresponding recording element with respect to the formation position of the first reference pixel 2. The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1, further comprising a relative position determining step for determining the relative position in accordance with a deviation amount. 3. The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the selection setting pattern exclusively determines which of the recording elements corresponding to the position in the width direction enables the recording operation. .   And a range adjustment step of adjusting a corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel array data in correspondence with a measurement value of a relative position related to the array range of the plurality of recording modules. The data output setting adjustment method according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at different positions in the relative movement direction,
The range adjustment step includes:
A first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules for a predetermined reference recording operation unit of the recording operation units;
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of positional deviation between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to each of the plurality of recording modules A second adjustment to perform
Including
In the pattern application adjustment step,
For the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit, the application range is changed in accordance with a deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment in the range adjustment step. The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 4. When there is the adjacent recording module on each predetermined one side in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, the number of the recording elements not included in the overlapping portion with the adjacent recording module is identified A reference relative position determining step for acquiring the relative position in the reference recording operation unit,
A second reference pixel is formed by a predetermined second reference recording element in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, and the second reference recording element and the width direction in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit, respectively. A comparison pixel is formed by a plurality of pixels including a second comparison recording element corresponding to the position of the pixel, and a deviation amount of a pixel formation position by the second comparison recording element with respect to a formation position of the second reference pixel is identified. The method of claim 5, further comprising: a misregistration amount determination step of acquiring the misregistration amounts of the recording modules other than the reference recording operation unit with respect to the recording module of the reference recording operation unit. Data output setting adjustment method.   The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of recording operation units form pixels of different colors, and the pixel array data is generated for each of the different colors.   The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the recording operation unit is a line head. A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules includes a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in a pixel unit in the width direction. Between the recording modules that are arranged at predetermined intervals and are adjacent in the width direction, end portions of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction, An object to be formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by a relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and an operation of the recording operation unit; A plurality of driving devices that determine driving settings of the plurality of recording elements for the plurality of recording modules, respectively, in accordance with pixel arrangement data of the image to be processed. A control unit for performing data output setting adjustment data,
The controller is
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. An application range for each of the above is changed from the overlapping portion according to a measurement value of a relative position between the adjacent recording modules. A recording operation unit in which a plurality of recording modules are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction;
A control unit;
With
In the plurality of recording modules, a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in units of pixels are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction,
Between the recording modules adjacent to each other in the width direction, ends of the array range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap in the width direction,
The controller is
According to pixel arrangement data of an image to be formed, a plurality of driving data for determining a driving setting of the plurality of recording elements for each of the plurality of recording modules is generated.
An image is formed on the recording medium by relatively moving between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and operating the recording operation unit based on the plurality of driving data. Form the
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. An image forming apparatus, wherein data output setting adjustment is performed to change an application range for each of the two from the overlapping portion according to a relative position of the adjacent recording modules.

Images