JP2020146928A - Liquid discharge device, liquid discharge method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device, a liquid discharge method and a program capable of reducing a mist generation amount when a large amount of a liquid is discharged.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a first liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid; a second liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid with an equal color to that of the liquid, and having a smaller amount of mist generated when the liquid is discharged, than that by the first liquid discharge head; a calculation part for calculating a liquid discharge amount on the basis of printing data regulating a formation object image, or properties of a medium which is a formation destination of the image; a determination part for, on the basis of the discharge amount calculated by the calculation part, determining the liquid discharge head used for forming the image out of the first and second liquid discharge heads; and a discharge control part for controlling discharge of the liquid from the liquid discharge head determined by the determination part, and forming the image on the basis of the printing data on the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device, a liquid discharge method and a program.

Conventionally, a liquid ejection device that forms an image on a medium such as paper by ejecting a liquid such as ink has been known. Further, it is known that in such a liquid discharge device, mist (ink mist) is generated when the liquid is discharged. Ink mist refers to a plurality of minute droplets generated accompanying the droplets ejected from the ejection port. Ink mist increases due to the miniaturization of droplets and may adhere to the discharge port surface of the liquid discharge head, causing problems such as ejection failure.

Therefore, conventionally, in order to reduce the influence of ink mist, a liquid discharge device in which the arrangement position and spacing of the liquid discharge heads are devised, and a wiping device for wiping the ink mist adhering to the discharge port surface for each one or a plurality of media are used. A liquid discharge device including the above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

By the way, the amount of ink mist generated changes according to the amount of liquid (ink) discharged, and when a large amount of liquid is discharged, the amount of ink mist generated also increases. However, with the above-mentioned conventional technique, the amount of ink mist generated cannot be reduced, and there is room for further improvement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge device, a liquid discharge method, and a program capable of reducing the amount of mist generated when a large amount of liquid is discharged. And.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, one aspect of the present invention is generated when a first liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid and a liquid having the same color as the liquid are discharged and the liquid is discharged. The liquid is generated based on the characteristics of the second liquid discharge head, which generates less mist than the first liquid discharge head, the print data defining the image to be formed, or the medium on which the image is formed. A liquid discharge head used for forming the image from the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head based on the calculation unit for calculating the discharge amount of the above and the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit. It is provided with a determination unit for determining the above, and a discharge control unit for controlling the discharge of the liquid from the liquid discharge head determined by the determination unit to form an image based on the print data on the medium.

According to the present invention, the amount of mist generated can be reduced when a large amount of liquid is discharged.

FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view when a cassette is attached to the image forming apparatus of the image giving apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view when the cassette is removed and inserted into the heating device after image formation by the image forming device of the image giving device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating the overall configuration of the mechanical portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating the overall configuration of the mechanical portion of the image forming apparatus as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a carriage included in the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the image forming apparatus of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the liquid discharge device, the liquid discharge method, and the embodiment of the program will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, an example of the image giving device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view when the cassette 200 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 of the image giving apparatus 1000. FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view when the cassette 200 is removed and inserted into the heating device 500 after the image is formed by the image forming device 1 of the image giving device 1000.

The image giving device (image giving system) 1000 includes a cassette 200, an image forming device 1, and a heating device 500. The cassette 200 is a member that holds the printed portion of the fabric 400, which is a medium, in a flat state, and is shared by both the image forming apparatus 1 and the heating apparatus 500.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an example of a liquid discharging apparatus. In the image forming apparatus 1, the cassette 200 is detachable, and an image is formed on the cloth 400 held by the cassette 200. In the heating device 500, the cassette 200 is removable, and the fabric 400 on which the image is formed is heated together with the cassette 200 to fix the image.

Although the image forming apparatus 1 is shown in a state where the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on the heating apparatus 500, the image forming apparatus 1 and the heating apparatus 500 are separate bodies and may be arranged side by side or arranged side by side. It can also be placed at a distance.

When an image is given to the cloth 400 by the image giving device 1000, as shown in FIG. 1, the cassette 200 holding the cloth 400 is set (mounted) on the stage 111 of the image forming device 1, and the cloth is set (mounted) by the image forming device 1. An image is formed at 400.

When the image formation by the image forming apparatus 1 is completed, the front door 502 of the heating device 500 is opened, the cassette 200 holding the fabric 400 is taken out from the image forming apparatus 1, and the cassette 200 is taken out as it is as shown in FIG. 200 is inserted into the heating device 500. Then, after the cassette 200 is housed in the heating device 500, the front door 502 of the heating device 500 is closed, and the heating device 500 heats the fabric 400 together with the cassette 200. By heating the cloth 400, the image formed on the cloth 400 is fixed on the cloth 400.

Next, a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating the overall configuration of the mechanical portion of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating the overall configuration of the mechanical portion of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a carriage 121 included in the image forming apparatus 1.

The image forming apparatus 1 is held in the apparatus main body 100 by a stage 111, which is a receiving member that detachably holds a cassette 200 holding the fabric 400 and moves back and forth, and a cassette 200 held by the stage 111. The fabric 400 is provided with an image forming unit 112 that forms an image.

Here, the cloth 400 is not only a piece of cloth such as a handkerchief or a towel, but also a part of a product such as a cloth processed as clothes such as a T-shirt or a trainer, or a tote bag. You can also use the existing fabric.

The stage 111 is provided on the transport structure 113 held so as to be reciprocally movable in the arrow Y direction (sub-scanning direction) with respect to the apparatus main body 100. Specifically, the stage 111 is connected to the transport structure 113, and the slider portion 116 of the transport structure 113 is arranged in the bottom housing portion 114 of the apparatus main body 100 along the arrow Y direction. It is held movable by. The stage 111 (conveying structure 113) is reciprocated in the arrow Y direction by the sub-scanning motor M2 (see FIG. 6).

The image forming unit 112 includes a carriage 121 that moves in the arrow X direction (main scanning direction) with respect to the stage 111. The carriage 121 is movably held by a guide member 123 arranged along the arrow X direction, and is reciprocated in the arrow X direction by the main scanning motor M1 via a scanning mechanism such as a timing belt 125. Further, the carriage 121 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 122 that ejects ink onto the surface of the fabric to form an image.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the carriage 121 is equipped with a plurality of liquid discharge heads 122 (122c, 122m, 122y, 122k, 122w1, 122w2). Each of the liquid ejection heads 122 has a large number of nozzles (ejection ports) for ejecting liquid ink, and is arranged in the arrow X direction (main scanning direction) with respect to the stage 111.

The liquid discharge head 122c discharges cyan ink. The liquid discharge head 122m discharges magenta ink. The liquid discharge head 122y discharges yellow ink. The liquid discharge head 122k discharges black ink. Further, the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2 both discharge white ink. The ink of each color is supplied to each of the liquid discharge heads 122 from the tank mounted on the carriage 121 for each color. The color and number of inks may be arbitrary and can be changed as needed.

Here, the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2 correspond to the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head. The amount of mist (ink mist) generated when ink is discharged differs between the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2. Specifically, the amount of mist generated when the same amount of ink is ejected (hereinafter, also referred to as the amount of mist generated) is smaller in the liquid ejection head 122w2 than in the liquid ejection head 122w1.

Various methods can be adopted regardless of the difference in specifications between the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2, which are related to the difference in the amount of mist generated. For example, the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2 may have different mechanisms (for example, the size of the discharge port) for discharging the liquid. Further, for example, the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2 may have the same mechanism, and the drive waveform of the drive signal may be different, that is, the ink discharge speed may be different to make the mist generation amount different. ..

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the liquid discharge head 122w1 is set as the default liquid discharge head that is normally used. Further, in the following, the case of ejecting ink (image formation) using the liquid ejection head 122w1 is "normal printing", and the case of ejecting ink (image forming) using the liquid ejection head 122w2 is "reduced". Also referred to as "print". When the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid discharge head 122w2 are not distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as the liquid discharge head 122w.

Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the image forming apparatus 1, the cassette 200 is mounted and held on the stage 111 in the apparatus main body 100 with the fabric 400 set on the platen member 300 of the cassette 200. Then, the required image is printed on the cloth 400 by repeating the movement of the stage 111 in the arrow Y direction and the reciprocating movement of the liquid discharge head 122 in the arrow X direction.

In this case, the stage 111 can be raised and lowered in the arrow Z direction by the stage raising and lowering motor M3 (see FIG. 6), and the stage 111 is moved up and down according to the thickness of the cloth 400, so that the gap between the cloth 400 and the liquid discharge head 122 Can be adjusted to a predetermined gap. The image forming unit 112 may be configured to be able to move up and down.

Next, the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 700 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 702, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 703, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 704, and an ASIC705. And have.

The CPU 701 comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. The ROM 702 is a memory that stores a program executed by the CPU 701 and other fixed data. The RAM 703 is a memory that temporarily stores image data, print data, and the like. Here, the CPU 701, ROM 702, and RAM 703 correspond to the main control unit 700A (computer) of the image forming apparatus 1.

The NVRAM 704 is a non-volatile memory capable of holding data even while the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is cut off. The ASIC705 processes various signal processing, image processing for rearranging, and other input / output signals for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1.

Further, the control unit 700 includes a host I / F 706, an I / O 707, a head drive control unit 708, a main scanning motor drive unit 709, a sub-scanning motor drive unit 710, and an elevating motor drive unit 711.

The host I / F706 sends / receives data and signals to / from the host H side. The head drive control unit 708 generates a drive waveform for driving and controlling the liquid discharge head 122.

The main scanning motor drive unit 709 drives the main scanning motor M1. The main scanning motor M1 moves the carriage 121 in the X direction by driving. The sub-scanning motor drive unit 710 drives the sub-scanning motor M2. The sub-scanning motor M2 moves the stage 111 in the Y direction by driving. The elevating motor drive unit 711 drives the stage elevating motor M3. The stage elevating motor M3 elevates and elevates the stage 111 in the Z direction by driving.

The I / O 707 acquires information from various sensors (temperature sensors, etc.) provided in the image forming apparatus 1, and extracts information necessary for controlling each part of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, an operation panel 712 for inputting and displaying various information is connected to the control unit 700.

The control unit 700 receives image data from the host H side such as an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), an image reading device such as an image scanner, and an imaging device such as a digital camera, and hosts I / F706 via a cable or a network. Receive with. The CPU 701 and the ASIC 705 analyze the image data received by the host I / F 706 and generate print data.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 described above will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 1 has an acquisition unit 801, a generation unit 802, a calculation unit 803, a determination unit 804, and a discharge control unit 805 as functional configurations. Some or all of the above parts may be realized by software (program) or may be realized by a hardware circuit. As one aspect, each of the above parts is a function performed by the ASIC 705. However, some functions or all functions may be executed by the CPU 701. Further, some functions or all functions may be executed by a chip (hardware) (not shown).

The acquisition unit 801 acquires image data from the host H. More specifically, the acquisition unit 801 acquires image data from the host H via the host I / F 706. For example, the acquired image data is image data for color ink.

The generation unit 802 generates print data from the image data by converting the color space of the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 801 into the color space for the image forming apparatus 1.

For example, the generation unit 802 generates image data (intermediate data) in CMYKW format by converting sRGB values of image data expressed in sRGB format into CMYKW (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white) values. .. From the image data in the CMYKW format, the generation unit 802 defines print data (hereinafter referred to as white plate data) for defining an image formed with white ink and print data (hereinafter referred to as color) for defining an image formed with inks of each CMYK color. Version data) and is generated. Here, the white plate data indicates the amount of each discharge when ejecting white ink, and the color plate data indicates the amount of each discharge when ejecting ink of each CMYK color. Become.

Specifically, for the white plate data, only the W value indicated by any value from 0 to 255 is extracted from the image data in the CMYKW format for all the pixels and generated as intermediate data. .. Then, the W value (256-step gradation value) of the intermediate data is reduced in gradation by using an error diffusion method or the like, so that white plate data is generated. For example, the white plate data is obtained by lowering the W value of the intermediate data to a binary value indicating the presence or absence of ink ejection. In the case of printing that does not use white ink, the white plate data is null or the white plate data itself is not generated.

The calculation unit 803 calculates the ejection amount (usage amount) of the ink used at the time of image formation based on the print data or the like. In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 803 calculates the discharge amount of the white ink among the color inks.

For example, the calculation unit 803 calculates the ejection amount of the white ink used at the time of image formation from the number and ratio of the values indicating the presence or absence of ejection among the two values indicating the presence or absence of ejection constituting the white plate data.

Further, the discharge amount of the white ink may be calculated based on the characteristics (type, material, fabric color, etc.) of the fabric 400 as the medium. For example, in a cloth 400 having a dark fabric color, the color development of the color ink deteriorates. Therefore, as a pretreatment for improving the color development of the color ink, a treatment of covering the cloth 400 with white ink before ejecting the color ink is performed. May be done. In this case, the calculation unit 803 may calculate the discharge amount of the white ink used at the time of image formation based on the fabric color of the fabric 400, the area of the area covered with the white ink, the number of times of coating (the number of times of recoating), and the like. .. Further, for example, the calculation unit 803 may calculate the discharge amount of the white ink used at the time of image formation by multiplying the discharge amount calculated based on the white plate data by a coefficient according to the characteristics of the fabric 400. Good.

The characteristics of the fabric 400 may be preset or may be input via the operation panel 712 or the like. Further, as another example, the characteristics (fabric color) of the fabric 400 may be acquired via a sensor (color sensor or the like) connected to the I / O 707. Further, when the white plate data is null or the white plate data itself does not exist, the calculation unit 803 may calculate the discharge amount as zero, or may notify the discharge control unit 805 of "normal printing". Good.

The determination unit 804 determines one liquid discharge head 122w to be used for image formation from the liquid discharge heads 122w1 and 122w2 based on the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit 803.

For example, the determination unit 804 selects the default liquid discharge head 122w1 when the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit 803 is less than the threshold value, and selects the liquid discharge head 122w2 with a small mist generation amount when the discharge amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. To do.

As another example, the determination unit 804 estimates the amount of mist generated when the discharge amount of ink calculated by the calculation unit 803 is discharged from the liquid discharge head 122w1 (or the liquid discharge head 122w2). One liquid discharge head 122w may be determined using the estimated amount of mist generated.

In this case as well, the determination unit 804 selects the default liquid discharge head 122w1 when the estimated mist generation is less than the threshold value, and selects the liquid discharge head 122w2 having a smaller mist generation amount when the estimated mist generation is less than the threshold value. The method for estimating the amount of mist generated is not particularly limited, but for example, using setting information or the like that defines the relationship between the amount of discharge of the liquid discharge head 122w1 (or the liquid discharge head 122w2) and the amount of mist generated. , May be estimated.

The threshold value used in each of the above-mentioned examples is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary value can be set. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a countermeasure device (fan or the like) for mist countermeasures, the threshold value may be set according to the function or processing capacity of the countermeasure device, or the liquid discharge head. It may be set according to the performance difference between 122w1 and 122w2.

Then, the determination unit 804 notifies the discharge control unit 805 of the printing method corresponding to the selected liquid discharge head 122w. For example, when the liquid discharge head 122w1 is selected, the determination unit 804 notifies the discharge control unit 805 of "normal printing" as the printing method. When the liquid discharge head 122w2 is selected, the determination unit 804 notifies the discharge control unit 805 of "reduced printing" as the printing method.

Here, an operation example of the determination unit 804 will be described. The discharge amount and mist generation amount described below are not absolute physical quantities, but represent the ratio between the color ink of a specific color (black) and the white ink.

As an example, it is assumed that the discharge amount of white ink calculated by the calculation unit 803 is 10 times "1000%" of the maximum discharge amount of black ink "100%". In this case, assuming that "1" is generated from the black ink liquid discharge head 122b and "2" is generated from the white ink liquid discharge head 122w1 when "100%" is discharged, "1000" is assumed. When ejecting "%" of white ink, "20" of white ink mist is generated.

Here, for example, if the threshold value related to the discharge amount of white ink is "750%", the mist generation amount is "1000%" in the liquid discharge head 122w1, so the determination unit 804 determines that the threshold value or more is equal to or higher than the threshold value. Select the liquid discharge head 122w2 that generates less mist. On the other hand, when the amount of mist generated is less than the threshold value, the determination unit 804 selects the liquid discharge head 122w1.

Further, for example, if the threshold value related to the mist generation amount is "15", the mist generation amount is "20" in the liquid discharge head 122w1, so that the determination unit 804 determines that it is equal to or more than the threshold value and the mist generation amount is higher. Select the less liquid discharge head 122w2. On the other hand, when the amount of mist generated is less than the threshold value, the determination unit 804 selects the liquid discharge head 122w1.

As described above, when the ink ejection amount and the mist generation amount are equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 804 determines the liquid ejection head 122w2 having a small mist generation amount as one liquid ejection head 122w used for image formation. To do. As a result, when a large amount of white ink is used, the amount of mist generated by ejecting the white ink can be suppressed.

The discharge control unit 805 controls the discharge of the liquid from each head of the carriage 121 based on the print data generated by the generation unit 802, so that the image based on the print data is printed on the cloth 400 held in the cassette 200. Form. Specifically, the discharge control unit 805 scans the carriage 121 in the X direction, intermittently moves the stage 111 in the Y direction, and drives the liquid discharge head 122 by the head drive control unit 708 according to the print data. By doing so, ink of each color is ejected.

Further, the discharge control unit 805 uses the liquid discharge head 122w1 corresponding to the printing method notified from the determination unit 804 (or the calculation unit 803) for the white plate data among the print data generated by the generation unit 802. Form an image based on the white plate data. For example, when "normal printing" is notified as the printing method, the discharge control unit 805 causes the head drive control unit 708 to drive the liquid discharge head 122w1 to discharge white ink from the liquid discharge head 122w2. When "reduced printing" is selected as the printing method, the discharge control unit 805 causes the head drive control unit 708 to drive the liquid discharge head 122w2 to discharge white ink from the liquid discharge head 122w2.

When the white ink ejection speed (driving waveform) differs between "normal printing" and "reduced printing", the ejection control unit 805 determines the color ink ejection speed and the carriage 121 according to the printing method to be used. The scanning speed and the like shall be switched.

Next, an example of the image forming process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1. As a premise of this processing, it is assumed that the cassette 200 holding the fabric 400 has already been mounted on the stage 111.

First, the acquisition unit 801 acquires the image data transmitted from the host H (step S11). Next, the generation unit 802 converts the image data acquired in step S11 into a CMYKW value to generate print data (white plate data and color plate data) (step S12).

Subsequently, the calculation unit 803 determines whether or not printing uses white ink based on the white plate data or the like generated in step S12 (step S13). Here, when the white plate data is null or the white rice data does not exist, the calculation unit 803 determines that the white ink is not used (step S13; No), notifies the ejection control unit 805 of "normal printing", and then then. The process proceeds to step S16.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the white ink is used (step S13; Yes), the calculation unit 803 calculates the discharge amount of the white ink based on the white plate data or the like (step S14). The determination unit 804 determines whether or not the discharge amount of white ink calculated in step S14 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S15).

When the discharge amount is less than the threshold value (step S15; No), the determination unit 804 notifies the discharge control unit 805 of "normal printing" and proceeds to step S16. When the discharge amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S15; Yes), the determination unit 804 notifies the discharge control unit 805 of "reduced printing" and proceeds to step S17.

In step S16, the discharge control unit 805 forms the image specified in the color plate data by using the liquid discharge heads 122c, 122m, 122y, and 122k, and forms the image specified in the white plate data by using the liquid discharge head 122w1. By forming using, normal printing is executed (step S16).

Further, in step S17, the discharge control unit 805 forms the image specified in the color plate data by using the liquid discharge heads 122c, 122m, 122y, and 122k, and forms the image specified in the white plate data by the liquid discharge head. By forming using 122w2, mitigation printing is executed (step S17).

As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment calculates the discharge amount of white ink based on the white plate data or the characteristics of the fabric 400, and based on the calculated discharge amount, the liquid discharge head 122w1 and the liquid The liquid discharge head 122w used for image formation is determined from the discharge heads 122w2. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 controls the ejection of the white ink from the determined liquid ejection head 122w to form an image based on the white plate data on the cloth 400.

As a result, in the present embodiment, when a large amount of white ink is ejected, an image can be formed by using the liquid ejection head 122w2 having a smaller amount of ink mist generated, so that the amount of ink mist generated is reduced. can do.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of reducing the mist generated when ejecting white ink among the inks of each color has been described, but the liquid used in the same manner not only for this color but also for inks of other colors. The discharge head 122 may be switched.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the cassette 200 holding the fabric 400 is mounted on the stage 111 to form an image has been described, but the image forming method for the fabric 400 is not limited to this. For example, the fabric 400 may be placed directly on the stage 111 to form an image without using the cassette 200.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fabric 400 is heated together with the cassette 200 in the heating device 500 has been described, but the heating method of the fabric 400 is not limited to this. For example, the fabric 400 may be directly heated by the heating device 500 without using the cassette 200. Further, a device such as a heat press may be used separately to heat the fabric 400.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the medium is cloth (fabric 400), but the medium is not limited to this, and a medium formed of another material such as paper may be used.

Further, each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and conventional circuit modules.

When at least a part of each function of the embodiment described above is realized by executing the program, the program is provided by being pre-installed in an appropriate storage device. Further, the program may be provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. Further, the program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be configured to be provided by downloading via the network. The program may also be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program may have a modular structure including at least a part of each of the above-mentioned functions.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-described embodiment and its modification are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Image forming device 700 Control unit 701 CPU
702 ROM
703 RAM
801 Acquisition unit 802 Generation unit 803 Calculation unit 804 Decision unit 805 Discharge control unit

Japanese Patent No. 5024408 Japanese Patent No. 6028913

Claims (7)

A first liquid discharge head that discharges liquid,
A second liquid discharge head that discharges a liquid of the same color as the liquid and generates less mist than the first liquid discharge head when the liquid is discharged.
A calculation unit that calculates the discharge amount of the liquid based on the print data that defines the image to be formed or the characteristics of the medium on which the image is formed.
A determination unit that determines a liquid discharge head to be used for forming the image from the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head based on the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit.
A discharge control unit that controls the discharge of the liquid from the liquid discharge head determined by the determination unit to form an image based on the print data on the medium.
A liquid discharge device equipped with. A claim that the determination unit selects the first liquid discharge head when the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit is less than the threshold value, and selects the second liquid discharge head when the discharge amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. The liquid discharge device according to 1. When the amount of mist generated when the liquid of the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit is discharged from the first liquid discharge head or the second liquid discharge head is less than the threshold value. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid discharge head is selected, and when the threshold value is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the second liquid discharge head is selected. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head have different mechanisms for discharging the liquid. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head have different liquid discharge speeds. A liquid discharge method performed by a liquid discharge device.
The liquid discharge device discharges a first liquid discharge head that discharges a liquid and a liquid of the same color as the liquid, and the amount of mist generated when the liquid is discharged is greater than that of the first liquid discharge head. Equipped with a second liquid discharge head with less
A calculation step in which the calculation unit calculates the discharge amount of the liquid based on the print data defining the image to be formed or the characteristics of the medium on which the image is formed.
A determination step in which the determination unit determines the liquid discharge head to be used for forming the image from the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head based on the discharge amount calculated in the calculation step. When,
A discharge control step in which the discharge control unit controls the discharge of the liquid from the liquid discharge head determined in the determination step to form an image based on the print data on the medium.
Liquid discharge method including. A first liquid discharge head that discharges a liquid and a second liquid that discharges a liquid of the same color as the liquid and generates less mist than the first liquid discharge head when the liquid is discharged. A computer for a liquid discharge device equipped with a discharge head,
A calculation unit that calculates the discharge amount of the liquid based on the print data that defines the image to be formed or the characteristics of the medium on which the image is formed.
A determination unit that determines a liquid discharge head to be used for forming the image from the first liquid discharge head and the second liquid discharge head based on the discharge amount calculated by the calculation unit.
A discharge control unit that controls the discharge of the liquid from the liquid discharge head determined by the determination unit to form an image based on the print data on the medium.
A program to make it work.

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