JP3220634B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium, especially a recording medium such as a sublimable film or a hot-melt film.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that performs recording using light beams.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image recording apparatus using a conventional laser beam will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an image recording apparatus using a conventional laser beam. In FIG. 16, 1 is a recording head, 2 is a rotating drum on which a recording medium is mounted on the surface, 3 is a recording medium such as a film, and 4 is a recording drum 1
Is a linear motor that scans along. 5 is a DC motor driven by an instruction from a motor driver (not shown), 6 is a gear that rotates by receiving rotation from a motor gear attached to a rotating shaft of the DC motor, 7 is a screw screw fixed to the gear, and 8 is a recording head. A hole is provided at one end of the arm 8, and a screw screw 7 is inserted into the hole, so that the recording head 1 rotates.

[0003] The recording operation of the image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described. That is, a plurality of laser beam diodes (hereinafter, referred to as LDs) are prepared inside the recording head 1, whereby a plurality of spot lights can be obtained simultaneously. The laser beam output from these LDs is condensed on a recording medium 3 mounted on the surface of the drum 2 via a collimator lens, an objective lens, etc., to form a laser beam spot light for recording. By scanning the recording medium 3 with the laser beam spot light by the linear motor 4 and controlling the output of the LD according to the image signal,
Recording on the recording medium 3 was performed.

Further, since the plurality of LDs are linearly arranged in the recording head 1, changing the inclination angle of the recording head 1 changes the resolution. That is, the DC motor 5 is driven for a predetermined time in response to an instruction from a motor driver (not shown) to rotate the gear 6. The screw screw 7 rotates a predetermined amount based on the rotation of the gear 6 to move the arm 8 up and down. Since the arm 8 is fixed to the recording head 1, the recording head 1 rotates by a predetermined angle according to the instruction of the motor driver.

In a conventional image recording apparatus using a laser beam, as shown in FIG. 16, a laser provided for simultaneously obtaining a plurality of spot lights provided inside a recording head 1 is provided.
A plurality of beam diodes (hereinafter referred to as LDs) are prepared, and laser beams output from these LDs are recorded on a film or the like attached to the surface of the drum 2 via a collimator lens, an objective lens, and the like. The laser beam spot light for recording is formed by condensing the laser beam on the medium 3 and the laser beam spot light is scanned on the recording medium 3 by the linear motor 4 and the output of the LD is converted into an image signal. The recording on the recording medium 3 was performed by controlling according to it.

[0006]

However, in the conventional image recording apparatus, since the recording medium is scanned by one recording head, there is a limit in recording a high-speed and clear image. .

That is, as a method for enabling high-speed recording at a good resolution, a method of increasing the power of a laser beam to shorten the recording time is conceivable. However, in a multi-mode laser used in this type of image recording apparatus, when the power of the laser beam is set to, for example, 500 mW, the width of the light emitting point is formed to be 50 μm or more.
With a laser beam having such a width, the size of the spot light formed on the recording medium is inappropriate, and the structure of the focusing lens is complicated in order to obtain a minute spot. There is a problem that it becomes.

It is also conceivable to perform high-speed recording by a so-called multi-head type image recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads. However, since a plurality of recording heads are driven substantially simultaneously on one recording medium,
Due to the effects of mechanical variations among the heads, it is difficult to maintain continuity at seams of images on the recording medium,
Therefore, a very complicated and large-sized correction device is required, and there is no one that substantially solves the above-mentioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a recording time can be reduced by a multi-head type image recording apparatus using a plurality of recording heads. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of recording a good image.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cylindrical drum using a plurality of beam spot lights.
To record multiple images on a recording medium
Head and the entire recording surface of the recording head can be detected.
And the horizontal directions at both ends of the plurality of beam spot lights.
Horizontal direction detecting means for detecting the position of the
Vertical to detect the vertical position of both ends of the beam spot light
Direction detecting means, and horizontal directions at both ends of the beam spot light.
Direction of the beam spot light based on the position in the vertical direction.
Correction means for correcting the irradiation position on the cylindrical drum .

Further , the recording medium mounted on the cylindrical drum
A plurality of recording areas are divided to perform a recording operation for each recording area.
And a plurality of recording means controlled independently of each other.
Control means for recording one unit of image by the recording means as a whole.
It is provided. Also, a plurality of beam spot lights are tilted.
Obliquely arranged and mounted on a cylindrical drum as a unit
A plurality of recording heads for recording an image on a recording medium, and
Of beam spot light for multiple recording heads
A single detecting means for detecting the inclination angle of the
Based on these outputs, the beam spots of the plurality of recording heads are output.
Control means for changing the light inclination angle to a desired inclination angle.
It is a thing.

Furthermore, a plurality of beam spot lights are arranged in an inclined manner.
And divide the recording area of the recording medium as a unit
Recording heads for recording by
Horizontal position of both ends of each multiple beam spot light
And a beam obtained by the detecting means.
Each recording area is determined based on the horizontal position of the spot light.
Turn the recording head so that it matches the horizontal length of the area.
And a rotating means for rotating .

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the image recording apparatus. In these figures,
Numeral 1 denotes a recording head for irradiating a laser beam spot light in accordance with an image to be recorded (1a to 1d in the drawing are NO.
O. No. 4 recording head). And
In each of the recording heads 1a to 1d, a divided recording area on a recording medium is predetermined. Each of the recording heads 1a to 1d is controlled to be independently movable in the divided recording areas. Recording head 1
In this LD array, a plurality of beam spot lights are arranged in a line as in the conventional example. Further, the resolution can be changed corresponding to a plurality of line densities by changing the inclination angle of the array, and a motor and a sensor for changing the resolution are provided. Reference numeral 2 denotes a drum on which the recording medium 3 is held. As the recording medium 3, for example, a sublimable film or a hot-melt film is used. Reference numeral 4 denotes a carriage for movably holding the recording head 1, and moves the recording image in the sub-scanning direction by using a linear motor 5 or the like. In this embodiment, a linear motor is used, but the present invention can be realized by a configuration such as a ball screw. Reference numeral 6 denotes a linear scale provided along the moving direction of the linear motor 5. 7 is a linear scale 6
It is a sensor that reads position information as an absolute position marked on the top. A motor 8 rotates the drum 2 at a predetermined speed in the main scanning direction. Reference numeral 9 denotes a PSD detector capable of detecting a main scanning direction (hereinafter, referred to as Y direction) and a sub-scanning direction (hereinafter, referred to as X direction) substantially simultaneously. In this embodiment, a one-dimensional detection element which can obtain only the output in the Y direction is used. However, the output in the X direction is obtained based on the position information graduated on the linear scale 6. In addition, the PSD detector 9
Alternatively, outputs in the X and Y directions may be obtained using a two-dimensional detection element. When such a two-dimensional detecting element is used, the recording head can be stopped to perform the detecting operation. Reference numeral 10 denotes a monitor detector for monitoring the power value of the LD spot light emitted from the recording head 1 and comprises a photodiode or the like.

Here, as shown in the principle explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, the PSD detector 9 changes the voltage dividing resistance value of the slit resistor according to the irradiation position of the LD spot light, and charges the electrodes at both ends thereof. And is a kind of so-called photoelectric conversion element.

As a specific configuration of the PSD detection circuit using the PSD detector 9, a configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is used. That is, a current-voltage conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as an IV conversion circuit) connected to the electrodes at both ends of the PSD detection element 9.
41, a comparison circuit 42 for obtaining a difference output from these two IV conversion circuits 41, and a comparison circuit 43 for obtaining a sum output. The difference output value S1 and the sum output value S
2 are respectively output. For example, P
If the center of the SD detection element 9 is irradiated with light, the amount of charge output from both ends becomes substantially equal, so that the difference output S1 becomes zero.
V, while the light is applied to one end of the PSD detection element 9, the difference output S1 increases in the + or-direction. Therefore, the irradiation position of the beam spot light in the Y direction can be detected from the difference output S1. However, PS
When light is applied to the center of the D detection element 9, the difference output S
Since 1 becomes 0 V, it becomes the same as the state where light is not irradiated, and detection becomes impossible. Therefore, by obtaining the sum output S2, it is possible to determine whether or not light is applied. Thus, the irradiation position of the beam spot light in the Y direction in a state where the PSD detection element 9 is irradiated with light can be detected. Further, since the light irradiation interval can be determined from the sum output S2, the center position of the entire beam irradiated by one recording head can be detected.

Next, in the block diagram of FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a laser array driver provided corresponding to the recording head 1. More specifically, as shown in the main block diagram of FIG. 3, the selector 31 for inputting the image signal (PIX) and the laser light (LD) and the analog signal based on the control signal from the control unit 29. DAC that generates voltage (Digital Analy
g converter) circuit 32 and an ACC (Auto Current Control) circuit 33 for controlling the drive current to the laser array of the recording head 1 in accordance with the output from the DAC circuit 32. Reference numeral 22 denotes a resolution changing motor driver for changing the inclination angle of the LD array provided in the recording head 1.
The recording head 1 is controlled so as to give a common inclination angle. The change of the inclination angle is performed in the same manner as in the related art. 2
A monitor detection circuit 3 is connected to the monitor detector 10 and obtains a power value of the laser beam spot light output from the LD array. Specifically, as shown in the main block diagram of FIG. 3, the monitor detection circuit 23 outputs a current value of IV from a photoelectric conversion unit 34 in accordance with the amount of the beam spot light from the recording head 1. The signal is output to the conversion circuit 35 and output to the control unit 29 via an ADC (Analog Digital converter). Reference numeral 24 denotes a PSD detection circuit connected to the PSD detection element 9, which generally uses a circuit as shown in FIG. 4 described above and is output to the control unit 29 via the ADC circuit 37. Reference numeral 25 denotes a scanning control unit. The scanning control unit 25 reads the absolute scale of the linear scale 6 by the sensor 7 and multiplies an output pulse obtained by reading the absolute value scale to a predetermined number of pulses. A linear motor control circuit 27 for controlling the linear motor 5 by inputting an output pulse from the multiplication circuit 26, and a linear motor based on a command from the linear motor control circuit 27.
And a linear motor driver 28 for driving the motor 5. Reference numeral 29 denotes a control unit for performing overall control of various driver circuits, detection circuits, memory circuits, and the like.
Reference numeral 9 has a function of correcting the irradiation position of the LD spot light on the cylindrical drum 2 based on detection of the center position of the LD spot light described later. Further, the control unit 29 has a function of controlling movement to a recording start position corresponding to the recording range divided by the recording head 1 or a standby position capable of shifting to recording, and an LD in each recording head when changing the resolution.
A control function for changing the inclination angle of the array is provided. The above-described standby position is a position slightly shifted from the recording start position,
By shifting the output timing from the recording head, the same operation as when the recording head is at the recording start position is performed.

The operation of the image recording apparatus having the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are waveform diagrams showing outputs for position detection by the PSD detector 9. The horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents difference output and sum output (V). ). In FIG. 6B, a beam 1 refers to an LD disposed at the beginning inside one recording head, and a beam 2 refers to an LD disposed at the end inside the recording head. FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of position detection by the PSD detector 9. Here, the two beam spot lights are PS
The output waveform detected by the D detection circuit 9 is shown, and an output component corresponding to the center position of the beam spot light in both the X direction and the Y direction is obtained. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the absolute position at the beginning of the recording operation. The initial absolute address of each recording head 1 is detected. FIG. 9 shows a transition state of the recording head 1 from the start of recording, and shows a state from when a recording start instruction is given to when the recording of the second sheet is completed. FIG. 10 shows an actual recording example when the recording head 1 records at a predetermined linear density (10 light emitting points in this embodiment).

First, the operation of detecting the center position of the beam spot light by the PSD detector 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 7, first, the recording head 1 is moved to the PSD detection start position by the linear motor 5 (ST).
1). Next, the laser beam array of the recording head 1 emits light (ST2), and the recording head 1 is driven by the linear motor 5.
Is moved at a low speed (ST3). Here, it is determined whether or not the beam spot light is detected by the PSD detector 9. If detected, the laser beam is detected by a pulse counter (not shown) based on information from the linear scale 6. The center position of the memory array in the X direction is determined (ST4). on the other hand,
The difference output value S1 from the PSD detector 9 is AD-converted to L
The center position of the D array in the Y direction is determined (ST5).
In ST3, the recording head 1 is controlled to move at a low speed. However, the same effect can be obtained by moving the PSD detector 9 at a low speed to perform the detecting operation.

These ST4 and ST5 are further changed to FIG.
The description will be made with reference to (a) and (b).
When the system 1 approaches the slit of the PSD detector 9,
At times X11 and X12, a predetermined sum output value is obtained and at the same time a difference output value Y1 is obtained. Similarly, beam 2 is P
When approaching the slit of the SD detector 9, X21,
At time X22, a predetermined sum output value is obtained, and at the same time, a difference output value Y2 is obtained. In determining the position in the X direction of ST4, the position information of X11, X12, X21, X22 is read from the linear scale, and beam 1 and beam 2 are read.
X1, X2 [X1 = (X11−X12)
/ 2, X2 = (X21-X22) / 2]. Thus, the center position of each recording head can be determined. ST
In determining the position of the beam 5 in the Y direction, the Y coordinates of the beam 1 and the beam 2 are obtained from the difference output values Y1 and Y2. It should be noted that X1 and X2 determine the X of beam 1 and beam 2.
The distance in the direction can be measured, and the distance in the Y direction between the beam 1 and the beam 2 can be measured from Y1 and Y2. As described above, when the position of the print head in the Y direction is detected, the detection result is stored in a register in the control unit 29, and the same position detection processing is repeated for other print heads as shown in FIG. When the positions of the recording heads 1a to 1d are detected respectively, the control unit 29 compares the positions of the recording heads 1a to 1d and performs control for adjusting the position with reference to any one of the recording heads. . Specifically, the position shift in the Y direction is corrected by shifting the output timing of the laser beam, instead of physically moving the position of the recording head. When the position of the printhead in the X direction is detected, the detection result is stored in a register in the control unit 29, and the same position detection process is repeated for all printheads as shown in FIG. The control unit 29 controls each of the recording heads 1a to 1d for the resolution changing motor driver 22.
Is shifted from the absolute address of the linear scale, thereby correcting the positional deviation in the X direction.

Further, when the positional deviation in the Y direction and the X direction is corrected, each of the recording heads 1a to 1
d, a resolution change motor driver 22 drives the motor based on the instruction to mechanically change the tilt angle of the print head in the same manner as in the prior art, and to change the print head 1a to 1d. Correct the resolution of.

Next, the initial absolute position detection operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, the linear motor 5 is moved in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed (ST6), and it is determined whether or not the first absolute address reference mark on the linear scale 6 has been detected. The counter is set to "0" and count-up is started (ST7). Next, it is determined whether there is a second absolute address reference mark on the linear scale 6, and if it is determined that there is, the current position of the carriage 4 is determined based on the pulse counter value at that time (ST8). ). Thereafter, the carriage 4 is moved to a predetermined position based on the current counter value (ST
9) and reset the pulse counter (ST1).
0). In this absolute position detecting operation at the initial stage, two absolute address reference marks can be detected by moving the linear motor 5 by at least 20 mm. Note that the absolute position detection operation is performed when the power is turned on.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an image recording apparatus in the case where the recording head at the end of the recording head is damaged. For example, 1d (No. 4 head) is the power value or mechanism of the LD array. If it is determined that the recording head has been damaged due to, for example, inability to follow another recording head,
Space for storing damaged head 11 at left end of linear scale 6
1a (NO. 1 head) to 1c (NO. 3).
The head 29 is controlled by the control unit 29 so as to cover the entire recording area of the drum 2.

If 1a (NO. 1 head) is damaged, a damaged head storage space 11 is provided at the right end of the linear scale 6, and 1a (NO. 1 head) is retracted.
1b (NO.2 head) to 1d (NO.4 head)
The control unit 29 controls the whole recording area of the drum 2 so as to cover it.

FIG. 11 shows a case where the recording head at the end of the recording head is damaged. However, when the recording head other than the end is damaged, the recording head is not retracted to the storage space 11 and is damaged. It is sufficient to scan the entire recording area of the drum 2 with a normal recording head while the driver driving of the recording head is turned off.

In the above embodiment, an image recording apparatus using four recording heads has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration using four or more or less plural recording heads may be used. Needless to say, it is good. Also,
The number of the beam spot light is not limited to that of the present embodiment, but may be any as long as it has an array of light emitting points.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PSD detector 9
Is directly detected by detecting the position of the light emitting point of the LD array with respect to the center position.
The X-direction can be detected by reading the
By reading the difference output value from the D detection circuit, detection in the Y direction is also possible.

Further, according to the present invention, even in a recording apparatus having a plurality of recording heads, it is possible to have a single configuration in which the detection mechanism in both the X and Y directions is shared by all the heads.

Further, according to this embodiment, even when the resolution is changed at the time of recording by a plurality of recording heads,
Since one LD spot light can be detected for each recording head, the degree of the inclination angle of each recording head accompanying the change in resolution can be automatically detected.

Next, detection of the irradiation position of the recording head using the flat sensor will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 4 in that detection is performed by using a surface sensor, and a specific configuration will be described below.

The PSD detector, which is a flat sensor, has one set of electrodes in each of the vertical direction (Y direction) and the horizontal direction (X direction). A current-voltage conversion circuit (IV conversion circuit) connected to these electrodes, a comparison circuit for obtaining a sum output from these four IV conversion circuits, and a difference between the electrodes in the X and Y directions, respectively. It is composed of a comparison circuit for obtaining an output, and can output difference output values S′1, S′2, S′3, respectively. As a method of detecting the position, only the beam spots at both ends (CH0 and CH9 in FIG. 13) are irradiated from the irradiation light of the recording head obliquely irradiated. The position information obtained from these two points is output as a difference output in the X and Y directions through respective IV conversion circuits,
By outputting the sum output and the sum output, the irradiation position can be detected.

FIG. 14 shows details of the detection. FIG.
4 is a waveform diagram showing an output for position detection by the PSD detector 9, where the horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents difference output (V).
Is represented.

The recording head is stopped at the same position (PSD reading position), CH9 and CH0 are sequentially turned on, and the output voltages in the X and Y directions are measured. For example, when the recording head CH9 is turned on, the X coordinate: X19 and the Y coordinate: Y1
9, X coordinate: X10, Y coordinate: Y10 when CH0 is lit
Then, the inclination angle of the recording head is θ1 = (Y19−Y
10) / (X19-X10). If θ1 is different from the predetermined position, the resolution conversion motor is operated and adjusted to the predetermined angle. Then, the same measurement is performed for each recording head, and X9, Y9, X0, Y
The tilt angle is adjusted while measuring the value of 0. Next, using the measured values of the respective print heads PSD after the inclination angle adjustment, the Y direction and the X direction values between the respective print heads are corrected by sending the print timing in the Y direction, and the X direction is corrected. Is corrected by shifting the recording start position. By using a flat sensor, the irradiation position can be quickly detected, and thus the recording can be quickly performed.

Thus, one P for each recording head
By detecting the position of the beam with an SD sensor (plane sensor), the inclination angle of one recording head, the height between a plurality of recording heads (Y direction), and the interval between a plurality of recording heads (X
Direction) and the like are determined and correction is performed, so that the four recording heads can be automatically connected.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when recording an image on a recording medium, the positions of the beam spot lights of a plurality of recording heads are detected, and the positions of the beam spot lights of the respective recording heads are detected. An error relating to the irradiation position is corrected. Also,
When an image is recorded on a recording medium, all the irradiation positions of the beam spot light of the plurality of recording heads are detected by one detecting means, and based on this output, the recording head is moved to a recording start position corresponding to each recording head. be able to. Further, when recording an image on a recording medium, the beam spot light accompanying the resolution conversion of a plurality of recording heads is all detected by a single detecting means, and the inclination angle of each recording head is detected based on the output. Is changed to unify the linear density of each recording head.

Next, in a printing apparatus using a plurality of print heads, a description will be given of a control for correcting a joint between image recording areas and forming a distortion-free image.

Each recording head has a slight distortion or the like. When a plurality of these recording heads are provided and recording is performed in each of the corresponding recording areas, it can be assumed that images are shifted due to distortion of the recording heads. For this reason, it is required to rotate the recording head so as to eliminate the image displacement between the recording heads. FIG. 15 shows an explanatory conceptual diagram thereof. As shown in the figure, the horizontal length of the beam spot light obliquely arranged on the recording head is adjusted to the horizontal length of the recording area. As described above, since the positions of both ends of the beam spot light are detected, the inclination angle of the beam spot light is known in advance, and therefore, the recording head can be easily rotated to match the recording area.

At this time, since the length in the vertical direction changes for each recording head, control is performed to change the output timing of the beam spot light according to the rotation angle of the recording head. Specifically, a clock synchronized with the rotation of the drum is transmitted, and the output timing is delayed by a bit shift circuit using the clock. This bit shift circuit obtains an initial shift amount for each beam based on a beam interval and a desired angle, converts a vertical correction amount into a bit shift circuit shift amount, and adjusts the initial shift amount. By delaying the output timing, all beams can be aligned. This clock is the minimum unit clock for aligning beams, and is about 1 μm here.

In FIG. 15, the rotating direction of the drum rotates from bottom to top as shown in the figure. FIG. 15 (a)
Shows a diagram when the portion covered by the recording head is smaller than the horizontal recording area, and the recording head rotates clockwise. Then, the recording area is rotated until it can cover the entire horizontal direction. CH0 is vertically above the initial position and CH9 is rotated below the initial position. The output timing at this time is controlled so that it is output later than the initial timing when the output timing is higher than the initial position, and when the output timing is higher than the initial position,
The output is controlled so as to be earlier than the initial timing. That is, in this case, CH0 is output later than usual, and CH9 is output earlier than usual.

In FIG. 15B, the recording head rotates in the opposite direction to that of FIG. 15A, and is output earlier than normal timing because CH0 is below the initial position. Since it is above the initial position, it is output later than normal timing.

In this embodiment, CH0 to CH
Although up to 9 beam spots are used, their output timings differ depending on the position of the beam spot.

By controlling as described above, it is possible to correct a deviation of each recording head when recording is performed using a plurality of recording heads.

[0044]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention
According to the method, when an image is recorded on a recording medium, the positions of the beam spot lights of a plurality of recording heads are detected, and an error relating to the irradiation position of the beam spot light of each recording head is corrected. High-speed recording is possible while maintaining continuity in one recording image.

[0045]

Also, when recording an image on a recording medium, the beam spot light of a plurality of recording heads has a uniform inclination angle, so that variations in the inclination angle of each recording head due to a change in resolution are also automatically obtained. Can be corrected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main circuit configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of a PSD detection circuit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of position detection by a PSD detection circuit.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing an output for position detection by a PSD detection circuit.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of position detection by a PSD detection circuit.

FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of a recording head based on position detection by a PSD detection circuit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a transition state of a recording head of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recording example by a recording head of the image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an image recording apparatus when a recording head is damaged.

FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram of a PSD detection circuit when a flat sensor is used.

FIG. 13 is a detailed explanatory view of a flat sensor.

FIG. 14 is a waveform chart showing an output for position detection by a PSD detection circuit when a flat sensor is used.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for performing joining of each recording area using a plurality of recording heads.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional image recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording head 2 Drum 3 Recording medium 4 Carriage 5 Linear motor 6 Linear scale 8 Motor 9 PSD detector 10 Power monitor detector 11 Micro lens array 29 Control part

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/32 B41J 2/44 B41J 3/54

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] A cylindrical drum is provided by a plurality of beam spot lights.
Multiple recordings for recording images on recording media mounted on
Head and the entire recording surface of the recording head.
And the horizontal positions at both ends of the plurality of beam spot lights.
Horizontal direction detecting means for detecting a position in the direction;
A vertical detector that detects the vertical position of both ends of the beam spot light.
Direct-direction detecting means, horizontal at both ends of the beam spot light
The beam spot light based on the direction, vertical position
Correction means for correcting the irradiation position on the cylindrical drum of
Image recording device provided . 2. Recording on a recording medium mounted on a cylindrical drum.
Multiple recordings that divide the area and perform a recording operation for each recording area
Recording means and the plurality of recording means controlled independently of each other.
Control means for recording an image of one unit in the entire stage.
Image recording apparatus for. 3. A slide provided in the axial direction of the cylindrical drum.
Reading means for reading the absolute position information on the case
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A plurality of beam spot lights are arranged obliquely,
This is used as a unit for recording media mounted on cylindrical drums.
A plurality of recording heads for recording images, and the plurality of recording heads
The current tilt angle of the beam spot light for the recording head
A single detection means to detect and the output from this detection means
Inclination of the beam spot light of the plurality of recording heads
Control means for changing the angle to a desired inclination angle . 5. A plurality of beam spot lights are arranged obliquely,
The recording area of the recording medium is divided and recorded as one unit.
Print heads, and each of these print heads
Detects the horizontal position of both ends of multiple beam spot lights
Detecting means and the beam spot obtained by the detecting means.
Based on the horizontal position of the light,
Rotate the recording head to match the horizontal length
An image recording apparatus comprising: