JP3466665B2 - Image supply device and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates are those which relate to the image supply device and an image processing method for supplying image data relating to recording the image output device for outputting a color image on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image output device such as a color printer, color image data received from an image supply device such as a host computer is red (R) and green (G) which are three primary colors of an additive color mixture system. , Blue (B) combination (R, G,
It is often expressed in B). In particular, when the image supply device is a computer, the R, G, and B brightness data is expressed in the color image in consideration of the compatibility with the color monitor of the computer. It is often input as a digital signal whose intensity is quantized.

On the other hand, in general, in an image output apparatus, each color of a recording material (color toner, color ink, etc.) for forming an image is cyan (C), magenta (M) which is a complementary color of R, G, B. In many cases, yellow (Y) is used (black (BK) recording material is also used). C, M and Y are the three primary colors of the subtractive color mixture system.

In such a case, the image output device converts the input signals (R, G, B) into density data C, M, Y, (K) and, according to the density data, the amount of the material of each color. An image is formed by controlling the.

[0005]

In the image output apparatus, it is expected that a recording agent of a color other than C, M, Y and BK (a metallic color or the like, hereinafter referred to as a special color) is used as a recording agent for forming an image. . This is because when a color that cannot be expressed by C, M, Y, BK is required for the output image (especially in the field of printing, it is strongly desired to faithfully reproduce the design created by the designer. In many cases), or when the amount of coloring material such as ink or toner used is reduced.

When it is desired to use a coloring material having a special color as described above, the conventional image forming system has a problem in its capability.

For example, a plurality of recording materials can be attached (changed)
In this case, it is not necessary to use all the recording materials of the special color that are currently installed.
Sometimes there is no.

Also, on the image supply device side, how to specify a spot color, and how to specify a spot color usage mode, such as a color range to be replaced with a spot color and a region to use the spot color, are specified. There are some issues to consider. In addition, the image output control device side that receives the instruction
It is necessary to support the image supply device.

In some cases, the image supply device H uses signals C, M, Y and BK which are handled by the image output device. In such a case, the image supply device performs a process of color-separating the image data into C, M, Y, and BK according to the characteristics of the image output device and supplying this to the image output. The conventional image supply device cannot perform color separation into C, M, Y, BK, and spot colors, and the image output device cannot accept the input data subjected to such color separation.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image supply apparatus which can easily specify the use of a spot color and the use mode of the spot color.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control device for an image output device, which is compatible with such a device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus which can use a spot color and can correspond to designation of an image supply apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an image forming system which can faithfully reproduce an original image by including the image supply device and the image output device.

[0015]

To this end, the present invention provides
In an image supply device for supplying image data to an image output device capable of color recording ,
Instruction to accept the instruction of the recording means to be used among the recording means
Means and data of the recording means used according to the instruction
Determining means for determining a conversion table for obtaining

Here, the image output device is used.
Display the information of the recording means
Means may be provided, and further the display
According to the above, the instructed recording means is the image output device.
When it is not attached to the
A display prompting the user to wear the device may be displayed. Well
Also, the conversion table reads standard color patches.
It can be assumed that the correction was made using the result
It In addition, the feature color shall be used for the logo.
You can In addition, the plurality of special colors include a metallic color and a red color.
Includes red, green, blue and violet too
It can be Further, the image output device,
Printing according to the print mode designation may be performed.

[0017]

[0018]

Further, the present invention is an image processing method for an image supply device for supplying image data to an image output device capable of color recording, which comprises a recording means for recording a plurality of spot colors.
Of the recording means to be used and respond to the instructions.
Conversion data to obtain the data of the recording means used
Characterized by determining the bull .

Here, the image output device is used.
Display the information of the recording means
Can further be, according to said display,
The specified recording means is attached to the image output device.
If not, a table prompting you to attach the instructed recording means.
It can be an indication. Also, the conversion
The table uses the results of reading standard color patches
It can be assumed that the correction is performed. Furthermore, before
The feature may be the one used for the logo. Well
Also, the plurality of special colors include metallic colors, red, green,
May include blue and violet
it can. Further, the image output device has a print mode.
Printing can be performed according to the designation.

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

According to the present invention, designated mode of use of the specification and features of use of the spot color in the image supply device (features to be used
(Conversion table determination for obtaining the data of the recording means) can be easily performed, and the image output device is based on such designation.
Based on this , it becomes possible to record an image using the spot color. Therefore, it is also possible to obtain a recorded product that faithfully reproduces the original image.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

A textile printing system as a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below in the following procedure.

(1) Overall system (FIGS. 1 and 2) (2) Host computer (FIGS. 3 to 12) (2.1) Configuration (2.2) Operation (3) Printer (FIGS. 13 to 30) (3.1) Description of printing mechanism (3.2) Description of device configuration (3.3) Basic image print pattern (3.4) Download of conversion data and parameters (4) Other configuration example (FIG. 31) 35) (5) Others (1) Overall System FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a textile printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The host computer H serves as a data supply device that supplies original image data for printing and other control commands to a printer P that prints (hereinafter also referred to as printing) on a printing medium such as cloth. Using this host computer H, it is possible to make desired corrections to the original image created by the designer and read by the scanner S, and set the required parameters for the printer P to perform printing. The host computer H can also be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 1016 such as Ethernet (by XEROX) to enable communication with other systems.
In addition, the printer P notifies the host computer H of its status and the like. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 for the host computer H and FIG. 13 for the printer P.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a printing process procedure that can be performed using this system. The processing contents performed in each step are as follows, for example.

Original image creating step MS1 is a step in which the designer uses an appropriate means to create an original image, that is, a basic image which is a basic unit of a repeated image on a cloth as a recording medium. For the creation, required parts of the host computer H described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, for example, input means and display means may be used.

Original image input step MS3 Step of reading the original image created in the original creating step MS1 into the host computer H using the scanner S, or reading the original image data stored in the external storage of the host computer H, or This is a step of receiving original image data from the LAN 16.

Original Image Correction Step MS5 The textile printing system in this example allows selection of various repeating patterns for the basic image, as will be described later with reference to FIG. Image misalignment or color tone discontinuity may occur. This step is a step of receiving the selection of the repeating pattern and correcting the discontinuity at the boundary portion of the repeating pattern according to the selection.
As a mode of the correction, the designer or the operator may use the mouse or other input means while referring to the screen of the display device of the host computer H, and the automatic correction is performed by the image processing of the host computer H itself. It may be one.

Special Color Designating Step MS7 In the printer P according to this example, basically, yellow (Y),
Printing is performed using magenta (M) and cyan (C), or even black (BK) ink. In printing, colors other than these, for example, metallic colors such as gold and silver, and clear red (R) are used. , Green (G), Blue (B), etc. may be desired. Therefore, in the printer P of this example, it is possible to perform printing using inks of these special colors (hereinafter referred to as special colors), and
In this step, the spot color is designated.

Color palette data creation step In MS9 design, the designer creates an original image while selecting a color from standard color patches. The reproducibility of the color when printing the selected color greatly affects the productivity of the printing system. Therefore, in this step, data for determining the mixing ratio of Y, M, C, or the special color for favorably reproducing the selected standard color is generated.

Logo input step MS11 In the case of a piece of cloth, a logo mark of a designer, a manufacturer's brand, etc. is often printed on the end portion. In this step, such a logo mark is designated and its color, size and position are designated.

Cloth size specifying step MS13 The width, length, etc. of the cloth to be printed are specified. As a result, the scanning amount of the recording head in the printer P in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, the number of repetitions of the original image pattern, etc. are determined.

Original image magnification designation step MS15 Variable magnification at the time of printing the original image (for example, 100%, 2
00%, 400%, etc.) is set.

Cloth type designation step MS17 cloth has various types such as natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool, and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and acryl, and has different characteristics relating to printing. It is considered that this is due to the elasticity of the cloth, but when the feed amounts at the time of printing are made equal, the appearance of streaks occurring at the boundary portion for each main scan differs. Therefore, in this step, the type of cloth for printing is input so that the printer P can be used to set an appropriate feed amount.

Maximum ink ejection amount setting step MS19 Even when the same amount of ink is ejected onto the cloth, the image density reproduced on the cloth differs depending on the cloth type. The amount of ink that can be ejected also differs depending on the configuration of the fixing system in the printer P and the like. Therefore, in this step, the maximum ink ejection amount is designated according to the cloth type, the configuration of the fixing system of the printer P, and the like.

Print Mode Designating Step MS21 It is designated whether high-speed printing or normal printing is to be performed in the printer P, or whether one dot is subjected to one ink ejection or a plurality of ink ejections. . Furthermore, when printing is interrupted, control is performed so that the patterns continue before and after the interruption, or whether new printing is started regardless of the pattern continuity. You can also

Head shading mode designation step
When a recording head having a plurality of ejection ports is used in the MS23 printer P, the ejection amount or the ejection direction of the head may vary depending on the ejection port of the head due to manufacturing variations, usage conditions thereafter, and the like. Therefore, in order to correct this, a process (head shading) for correcting the drive signal for each ejection port to make the ejection amount constant may be performed. In this step, the timing of such head shading can be designated.

Printing step MS25 Printing is executed by the printer P based on the designations of the steps above.

If it is unnecessary to specify the above, the step may be deleted or skipped. Moreover, you may add the step which performs other designation | designated etc. as needed.

(2) Host Computer (2.1) Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the entire system centering on the configuration of the host computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 1011 is a CPU for executing control of the entire information processing system, and 1013 is a CPU 101.
1 stores a program to be executed by 1 and is used as a work area at the time of execution. A main memory 1014 transfers data between the main memory 1013 and various devices constituting the system without the CPU 1011. DMA controller (Direct Memory A)
access controller (hereinafter referred to as DMAC). 1015 is a LAN interface between the LAN 1016 and this system, and 1017 is a ROM, S
It is an input / output device (hereinafter referred to as I / O) having a RAM, an RS232C system interface, and the like. I / O
Various external devices can be connected to 1017. 101
Reference numerals 8 and 1019 denote a hard disk device and a floppy disk device as external storage devices, respectively.
Reference numeral 0 is a disk interface for signal connection between the hard disk device 1018 or the floppy disk device 1019 and this system. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a scanner / printer interface for signal connection between the printer P and the scanner S and the host computer H, which can be of the GPIB specification.
Reference numeral 1023 is a keyboard for inputting various kinds of character information, control information, and the like, 1024 is a mouse as a pointing device, and 1025 is a key interface for performing signal connection between the keyboard 1023 and the mouse 1024 and this system. Reference numeral 1026 denotes a display device such as a CRT whose display is controlled by the interface 1027. Reference numeral 1012 is a system bus composed of a data bus, a control bus, and an address bus for connecting signals between the above-mentioned devices.

(2.2) Operation In the system described above in which various devices are connected, the designer or the operator operates while corresponding to various information displayed on the display screen of the CRT 26. That is, external devices connected to the LAN 1016, I / O 1017, hard disk 1018, floppy disk 1019, scanner S, keyboard 1023, characters and image information supplied from the mouse 1024, and the like.
Operation information related to system operation stored in the main memory 1013 is displayed on the display screen of the CRT 1026,
The designer or operator, while looking at this display, designates various information and performs an instruction operation for the system.

Among the steps shown in FIG. 2,
Some details of the processing according to the main part of this embodiment performed using the system shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the spot color designation processing procedure in FIG. This procedure is a palette conversion created from the host computer H as a palette conversion table (a table showing a mixing ratio of Y, M, C, BK, and a spot color) in the printer P for the palette data sent to the printer P by the host computer H. A table is output, and when this procedure is activated, first, step SS7.
At -1, it is determined whether or not the use of the special color is instructed. If a negative determination is made here, this procedure is immediately ended, but if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step SS7-3, and the information about the current special color in the printer P is displayed on the CRT.
26 is displayed. In this process, for example, the applicant of the present invention proposes that the recording head of the printer has a means (pattern cutting) for presenting its own information so that the printer body can recognize the information from the means. The invention disclosed in JP-A-2-187343 can be used. The means for presenting the information may be an EPROM, a DIP switch, or the like. To apply to this example, the information may be the ink color used by the recording head, and the printer P may read the information and notify the CPU 11 of the host computer H. The operator looks at the information displayed on the CRT 26 and determines whether or not the recording head for the special color is currently used.
And know the special colors currently used, step SS
In 7-5, it is possible to perform a key operation or the like as to whether or not a desired spot color is included (that is, whether the current spot color is acceptable).
Then, if a negative determination, the process proceeds to step SS 7-7, to display such prompting the loading of the desired color of the recording head, returns to step SS7-3 in accordance with the mounting.

When an instruction to the effect that the recording head currently used by the printer P is sufficient is given in step SS7-5,
In step SS7-51, a palette command that specifies a color combination is specified. This is, for example, when using three colors of C, M, and Y for printing, when using BK, when using special colors S1 and S2 in addition to the three colors of C, M, and Y, and further using special colors S3 and S4. The case can be designated by using numerical values of "3", "4", "6", and "8", respectively.

In response to this, in step SS7-53, for example, the palette conversion table stored in advance in the storage device (main memory 13, external storage devices 18, 19, etc.) is read out, and the operator makes appropriate corrections as necessary. And set the mixing amount of each color (step SS7-5
5) The table data is sent to the printer P together with the palette command (step SS7-57). The palette conversion table may be, for example, one shown in FIGS.

As the processing circuit on the printer P side for this procedure, those described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19 can be used.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a detailed processing procedure of the color palette data generation step MS9 in FIG.

In this procedure, first, in step SS9-1, the standard color patch of the color selected by the designer is read. For this purpose, the scanner S can be used,
Alternatively, the reading means provided in the printer P described later can be used. Next, in step SS9-3,
Based on the code corresponding to the standard color patch, first, palette conversion data including a spot color is calculated by a palette conversion table that is set in advance to match the printer P, and image formation is performed according to the calculated data including the spot color. ,
This is printed in the form of color patches in step SS9-5.

Next, in step SS9-7, the color patch printed by the printer P is read and its color data is compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-1. If the difference between the two is less than the predetermined value, the color palette conversion data at that time is adopted and set in the printer P in step SS9-11, while if it is the predetermined value or more, in step SS9-13. The palette data is corrected based on the above difference, the process returns to step SS9-5, and the process is repeated until a positive determination is made in step SS9-9. Although the case where the special colors S1, S2, S3 and S4 are used in the special color processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 has been described, the palette created by the operator for each of the cases of using the special colors S1, S2, S3 and S4. The conversion table can be modified based on the data obtained in this procedure. According to this embodiment, a color patch, that is, a combination of a plurality of inks including a spot color corresponding to the color code selected by the designer can be appropriately selected.

FIG. 10 shows another example of the detailed processing procedure of the color palette data generating step.

Also in this procedure, first, the standard color patch is read in step SS9-21 similar to step SS9-1. Next, in this procedure, a plurality of types of color palette conversion data are prepared in step SS9-23, and a plurality of color patches are printed for them. Next, in step SS9-25, the plurality of color patches are read, and in step SS9-27, the color data obtained from these are compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-21. Then, in step SS9-29, the one closest to the color data obtained in step SS9-21, that is, the one with the best color reproducibility, is selected, and the color palette conversion data is adopted and set in the printer P.

The plurality of color palette conversion data prepared in step SS9-23 may be such that the ink mixing amount is changed by a predetermined amount for all color recording heads, or the data obtained in step SS9-21 is used. It is also possible to select a predetermined range centered on the data, or centered on the data set by the operator in the procedure of FIG. 4, and gradually change the ink mixing amount within that range. In this procedure, as compared with the procedure of FIG. 9, the process of performing correction and reprinting can be omitted, so that the process of generating color palette conversion data can be performed at high speed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the logo input processing procedure in FIG.

In this procedure, first in step SS11-1, the operator is inquired whether or not to put a logo on the cloth. If a positive determination is made, in step SS11-3 the designation of the color of the logo to be printed is accepted. . The designation of this color can be made by selecting from eight colors of C, M, Y, BK and special colors S1, S2, S3 or S4.

Next, in step SS11-5, selection designation from a plurality of types of logos prepared in advance for the printer P described later is accepted. This can be a designation to select one of four types, for example.

In step SS11-7, the size designation of the logo to be printed is accepted in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the sub scanning direction (Y direction) of printing. This is, for example, a maximum of 512 per pixel in the X direction.
Up to 8 pixels can be specified up to the pixel in the Y direction in units of the recording width (band) of one main scan of the recording head.

In step SS11-9, the main scanning direction (X
Accept the specification of the logo print start position in the direction). For this, for example, up to 512 pixels can be designated in units of one pixel.

At step SS11-11, an input for designating the logo start position in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) by designating the pitch (repetition interval) between the logos is accepted. This is, for example, a maximum of 25 per band.
Up to 6 bands can be specified. In addition,
Information may be presented to the operator so that the designated value does not become less than the size in the Y direction designated in step SS11-7.

For each of the above designations, step SS11-
At 13, the host computer H sets the logo information in the printer P. The data format for this is, for example, “<WLOGO>, <color>, <pattern>, <X0>, <
Y0>, <L0>, <L1> ”, where <WLOGO> is an identification code for causing the printer P to recognize that the data that follows is logo information, and <color> is a color. This is data for setting, and 1 bit is assigned to each of the above 8 colors, and it can be a 1-byte signal that can output / mask the color by turning it on / off.
rn> is data for setting a logo pattern, and can be a 2-bit signal for selecting one from four types. <X0>, <Y0>, <L0> and <L1>
Are the X-direction logo size, Y-direction logo size,
This is data for setting the X-direction logo start position and the Y-direction logo repeating interval, and an example of correspondence between these and the logo output format is shown in FIG.

The configuration on the printer P side corresponding to this procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

(3) Printer (3.1) Description of Printing Mechanism The operation of a serial type ink jet recording apparatus as a printer P applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 13, the carriage 1 has a recording head 2a for color corresponding to four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK).
2b, 2c and 2d are mounted, and the guide shaft 3 supports the carriage 1 for moving guide. Although illustration is omitted for simplification, up to four special color heads can be mounted on the carriage 1 in this example, and a mechanism related thereto is also arranged. Each head may be detachably attached to the carriage 1 individually or in units of several heads.

A part of the belt 4 which is an endless belt is fixedly connected to the carriage 1, and a carriage drive motor 5 (motor driver 2) which is a pulse motor.
(Driven by 3) is attached to a gear attached to the drive shaft of (3). Therefore, this carriage drive motor 23
The belt 4 stretched around the drive shaft is fed by driving the carriage 1. As a result, the carriage 1 scans the recording surface of the recording medium along the guide shaft 3. Further, a conveyance roller 7 that conveys the recording medium 6 (recording paper, cloth, etc.), and a guide roller 8 that guides the recording medium 6
A and 8B and a recording medium carrying motor 9 are provided.

Further, each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c, 2
The d and special color recording heads are provided with 256 ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets toward the recording medium 6 at a density of 400 DPI (dots / inch), for example. A corresponding ink tank 1 is provided for each of the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d (and further for the spot color head).
Supply tubes 12a, 12b, 12 from 1a, 11b, 11c, 11d (and further special color ink tanks)
Ink is supplied via c and 12d (and also the supply tube for the special color). The head drivers 24a, 24b, 24c, 24 are connected to the energy generating means (not shown) provided in the liquid passages communicating with the discharge ports.
An ink ejection signal is selectively supplied from d (and a special color driver) via the flexible cables 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (and a special color flexible cable).

Furthermore, each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d and the like include head heaters 14a, 14b, 14c, 1
4d (14b.14c, 14d etc. are not shown) and temperature detecting means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d (15b, 15).
c, 15d etc. are provided, and the detection signals from the temperature detecting means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d etc. are inputted to the control circuit 16 having a CPU. Based on this signal, the control circuit 16 passes through the driver 17 and the power supply 18 to the head heaters 14a, 14b, 14c,
Control heating in 14d, etc.

The capping means 20 contacts the ejection opening surface of each of the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d during non-recording,
It is intended to suppress the drying and the mixing of foreign matter, or to remove the foreign matter. Specifically, at the time of non-recording, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d move to positions facing the capping means 20. Then, the capping means 20 is driven forward by the cap driver 25 to bring the elastic member 44 into pressure contact with the ejection port surface for capping. Of course, capping means for the spot color head, which is omitted in the figure, is also provided.

The clogging prevention means 31 is used for the recording head 2
The a, 2b, 2c, and 2d receive the ejected ink when performing the idle ejection operation. This clogging prevention means 31
Is provided with a liquid receiving member 2 that faces the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, etc., and absorbs and receives the ink that has been ejected, and is disposed between the capping means 20 and the recording start position. There is. As a material for the liquid receiving member 32 and the liquid holding member 45, a sponge-like porous member, a plastic sintered body, or the like is effective.

A solenoid valve 61 for discharging water and an air pump driver 62 are connected to the capping means 20,
Under the control of the control circuit 16, the cleaning water discharge nozzle and the air injection nozzle, which are arranged in the capping means 20, are driven.

FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the recording head of this embodiment. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.
Also in this figure, the configuration related to the special color heads 2S1 to 2S4 is omitted.

In FIG. 14, the recording start detection sensor 34
The capping means detection sensor 36 is for detecting the position of each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The blank discharge position detection sensor 35 detects the reference position of the blank discharge operation performed while the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d move in the scanning direction.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a head characteristic measuring means that can be used not only for head shading (step MS23 in FIG. 2) but also for color palette data creation (step MS9). The head shading test pattern and color recorded by the head are used. It has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which the patch is printed and a reading means for reading the information. As this head characteristic measuring means, for example, the one shown in FIG. 31 of JP-A-4-18358 filed by the present applicant can be used.

Next, the ink jet recording operation will be described.

First of all, in the standby state, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are capping means 20 in this case.
Are capped by. Then, the control circuit 16
When a print signal is input to, the motor 5 is driven by the motor driver 23 and the carriage 1 starts moving. Along with this movement, when each recording head is detected by the blank ejection position detection sensor 35, blank ejection of ink is performed for a predetermined time on the clogging prevention means 31. Then, after that, the carriage 1 moves again in the direction of the arrow D, and when it is detected by the recording start detection sensor 34, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2
Each of the ejection openings such as c and 2d is selectively driven. As a result, ink droplets are ejected, and image recording is performed on the recording width portion p of the recording medium 6 in a dot matrix pattern. In this way, when printing is performed with a predetermined width (determined by the nozzle interval in the vertical direction of the print head and its number), the carriage 1 moves to the position on the right end side in the drawing (the number of pulses given to the motor 5 is counted. However, after detecting this, a pulse corresponding to the width of the print head arrangement is applied so that the print head 2a at the rear end of the carriage 1 crosses the print medium. After that, the carriage 1 is reversed, driven in the direction of arrow E to return to the idle ejection position, and the recording medium 6 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F by the width of the recording width portion p or more, and the above-described operation is performed again. Repeated.

(3.2) Description of Device Configuration Next, the configuration of this device will be described. 15 and 16 show the configuration of the ink jet printer of the embodiment and the configuration example of its operation unit, and FIGS. 17 to 19 show an example of the internal configuration of the control board 102 of FIG. 15 along the data flow. It is shown in the figure.

Image data for printing is sent from the host computer H via the interface (here, GPIB) to the control board 102 having the control circuit 16 and the like in FIG. The device for sending the image data is not particularly limited, and the transfer mode is transfer via a network,
It may be offline via a magnetic tape or the like. The control board 102 includes a CPU 102A, a ROM 102B storing various programs, a RAM 10C having various register areas and work areas, and each unit shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 and the like, and controls the entire apparatus. 103
Is an operation / display unit having an operation unit for the operator to give a desired instruction to the printer P and a display for displaying a message or the like to the operator.
Reference numeral 104 denotes a cloth conveyer including a motor and the like for conveying a recording medium such as cloth to be printed. 105 is shown in FIG.
A driver unit input / output unit for driving various motors (denoted by "M" at the end) and various solenoids (denoted by "SOL") shown in FIG. Reference numeral 107 denotes a relay board for supplying a drive signal to each head, and for receiving information on each head (information such as presence / absence of mounting and color presented by the head) and supplying the information to the control board 102. The information is transferred to the host computer H as described above.

Now, when the information of the image data to be printed is received from the host computer H, the image data is GPI.
The image is stored in the image memory 505 via the B interface 501 and the frame memory controller 504 (see FIG. 17).
reference). The image memory of the embodiment has a capacity of 124 Mbytes, and has an A1 size of 8-bit palette data. That is, 8 bits are assigned to each pixel. 503 is D for speeding up memory transfer
It is an MA controller. When the transfer from the host computer H is completed, printing can be started after a predetermined process.

Before and after the description, the host computer connected to the printing apparatus of the embodiment transfers the image data as a raster image. Since each recording head has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles arranged in the vertical direction, the arrangement of image data must be converted so as to match the recording heads. This data conversion is performed by the raster @BJ conversion controller 5
Perform at 06. Then, the data converted by the raster @BJ conversion controller 506 is supplied to the palette conversion controller 508 through the expansion function of the next expansion controller 507 for scaling the image data. The data up to the expansion controller 507 is the data sent from the host computer, and in this embodiment is an 8-bit palette signal. Then, this pallet data (8 bits) is commonly passed to and processed by a processing unit (described below) for each recording head.

In the following, in the case of eight recording heads,
That is, the description will be made assuming that a head that stores specific colors S1 to S4 in addition to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is provided.

Now, the palette conversion controller 508 is operated by the host computer H from FIG. 4 or FIG. 9 or FIG.
The conversion table memory 509 stores the palette data and the corresponding color conversion table input by processing such as 0.
Supply to.

In the case of an 8-bit palette, the number of reproducible color types is 256 from 0 to 255. For example,
The tables shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are expanded in the table memory 509 corresponding to each color.

As a concrete circuit configuration, the palette conversion table memory 509 fulfills its function by writing the conversion data in the address position for the palette data. That is, when the palette data is actually supplied as an address, the memory is accessed in the read mode. The palette conversion controller 508 manages the palette conversion table memory 509 and interfaces the control board 102 and the palette conversion table memory 509. Regarding the spot color, a circuit for setting the spot color mixture amount (a circuit for multiplying the output by 0 to 1) is inserted between the HS system including the HS controller 510 and the HS conversion table memory 511 at the next stage, and the set amount is set. Can be variable. In that case, FIGS.
Subsequent to the transmission of the data as shown in (3), the data for making it variable may be transmitted and set in those circuits.

The HS conversion controller 510 and the HS conversion table memory 511 are. Head characteristic measuring means 108
Based on the data measured by, the variation of the print density or the ejection direction corresponding to each ejection port of each head is corrected. For example, data with a low density (low ejection rate) is converted to darker data, and a port with high density (high ejection rate) is converted to lighter data, and a medium density ejection port is converted. In that case, the process of flowing it as it is is performed.

The next γ conversion controller 512 and γ conversion table memory 513 are table conversions for increasing or decreasing the overall density for each color. For example, when nothing is done, it is a linear table, 0 output for 0 input, 100 output for 100 input, 210 output for 210 input, and 255 output for 255 output.

The binarization controller 514 at the next stage has a pseudo gradation function, inputs 8-bit gradation data, and outputs binarized 1-bit pseudo gradation data. is there. Although there are a dither matrix, an error diffusion method, and the like for converting multi-valued data into binary data, these are adopted also in the embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted, but in any case, the unit What is necessary is just to express gradation by the number of dots per area.

The binarized data is stored in the connection memory 515 and then used for driving each recording head. Then, the binary data output from each connection memory is output as C, M, Y, BK, S1 to S4. Since the same processing is performed on the binarized signals of the respective colors, the binary data C will be focused here and described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the drawing shows the configuration for the recording color cyan, and each color has the same configuration. Note that FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a stage subsequent to the connection memory 515 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The binarized signal C is a sequential multi-scan generator (hereinafter, SMS generator) 5
22 is output to the pattern generator 51.
In some cases, the test printing of the device alone is performed by the 7, 518, so the data is supplied to the selector 519. Of course, this switching is controlled by the CPU of the control board 102, and the operator operates the operation unit 103.
When a predetermined operation is performed on (see FIG. 15),
The data from the binary pattern controller 517 is selected for test printing. Therefore, normally, the data from the binary controller 514 (connecting memory 516) is selected.

The SMS controller 522 prevents unevenness in image density due to variations in the ejection amount or ejection direction of each nozzle. Multi-scan is proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-79858. The connection memory 524 is a buffer memory that corrects the physical position of the head interval, and temporarily inputs the image data here and outputs the image data at a timing according to the physical position of the head. Therefore, the connection memory 524 has a different capacity for each recording color. Whether to prioritize image quality by performing multi-scan, that is, ejecting ink from a plurality of ejection ports for one pixel, or prioritizing high speed without performing such multi-scan, It can be designated in step MS21 of FIG.

After performing such data processing, the data is sent to the head through the head relay board 107.

By the way, conventionally, the data for palette conversion, HS conversion, and γ conversion have been fixedly held in the memory provided in the main body of the apparatus. Therefore, it may not match the image data to be output, and an image of sufficient quality may not be obtained. Therefore, in the present embodiment, these conversion data can be input from the outside and are stored in each conversion table memory. For example, palette conversion data as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is downloaded to the conversion table memory 509. That is, the conversion table memories 509, 511, and 513 of the embodiment are all composed of RAM. The data for palette conversion and γ conversion is sent from the host computer 101.
Further, the data for HS conversion is input from an external head characteristic measuring instrument 108 (see FIG. 15) so that the data consistent with the state of the head can always be obtained. In order to obtain the head characteristic of each recording color by the head characteristic measuring device 108, test printing (recording with uniform predetermined halftone density) is performed with each recording head. Then, the density distribution corresponding to the recording width is measured. The state of the head is the dispersion of the ejection states of a plurality of nozzles included in the head, or how much the density of the image printed by the head is different from the desired density.

Further, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent the abnormal output from being prevented until the conversion parameter is input, even if data is input, the output is set to 0 and printing is performed, as shown in FIG. I was not allowed to. The same applies to γ conversion and the like.

FIG. 21 shows the logo input section 520 shown in FIG.
The configuration example of FIG. 11 is shown, and the host computer H is configured corresponding to the processing procedure of FIG.

<Color>, <pattern>, <X0 transmitted from the host computer H in the above procedure.
>, <Y0>, <L0>, and <L1> data are stored in the CPU provided on the control board 102 of the printer P.
102A sets it in the register 520A. The controller 520B is configured using a counter or the like,
A signal (for example, an address signal) for controlling the feeding of the recording head in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the feeding of the cloth 6 in the sub scanning direction (Y direction) is received, and is defined by L0 and L1 (see FIG. 12). Allow the logo to be formed for the position.
In addition, the X stored in the register 520A from that position
The blanking processing circuit 520C of the binarized image data 516 is controlled to blank the range defined by 0 and Y0, that is, the logo printing range. The blanking processing circuit 520C receives the control signal and deactivates the image data in the range.

The controller 520B is the register 520A.
The logo memory 520D storing the logo to be printed is specified on the basis of the pattern stored in.
In this example, four types of logo patterns are provided, that is, four logo memories are provided. Each logo memory 520D is configured by using two 4M-bit ROMs in this example,
The maximum value of X0 (512 pixels) and the maximum value of Y0 that can be designated (the number of ejection openings of the print head 256 × 8 bands =
It corresponds to the maximum size determined by 2048 pixels).

FIGS. 22A and 22B show two ROMs (ROMA, R, ROM) for the logo image output range and logo memory.
The correspondence with the OMB space is shown, and the hatched area is the portion that is not output because it exceeds the specified X0, Y0.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, one pixel in the ROM is composed of 8 bits, and on / off data of one color of the pixel is assigned to each bit.

The data read from the logo memory 520D designated by the controller 520B is supplied to the logo sending circuit 520E. The logo sending circuit is composed of a selector and the like, and the logo color designation data (color) stored in the register 520A for the pixel data shown in FIG.
Only the data of the color designated by is validated and supplied to the data transmission circuit 520F. The data sending circuit 520F, which can be configured using an OR circuit, sends the data for printing the logo of the specified pattern in the specified color to the blanked area, and the image data in the other areas. 516 is passed as it is and supplied to the SMS generator of the next stage.

In this example, the logo data is managed independently of the basic image data, so that the repetition cycle of the basic image and that shown in FIG.
The desired logo data can be inserted at the repetition cycle desired by the operator regardless of the type of the repetition pattern as shown in FIG. Also, immediately before sending the basic image data to the head,
That is, after the binarization, the specified range is blanked and the logo is inserted there, so the logo mark is not affected by various conversions, and this can be achieved as desired (for example, sharply).
You can print. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, since a space of 1 byte (8 bits) for one pixel is configured by allocating each color to each bit, the memory usage efficiency is improved.

The contents of the logo memory can be read by the CPU of the host computer H or the printer P and displayed on the CRT 1026 of the host computer H or the operation / display unit of the printer P.

Further, although the logo memory is the ROM in this example, it may be constituted by a memory such as a RAM or EPROM so that the contents can be rewritten by the host computer H. In this case, the host computer H can make the logo data into a file, store it in the external storage with a management number, and access it appropriately. Also,
When the RAM is used, it may be backed up by a battery or the like to save the stored contents even when the power is turned off, or the logo data may be transferred from the host computer H and expanded in the storage area as needed. Good.

Furthermore, the number of logo memories, that is, the types of patterns of logo data is not limited to the above four.

In addition, in the printer P according to this example, a mode in which the ejection operation is performed twice or more for one pixel such as multi-scan can be selected. However, if high image quality is not required for the logo, Can also be controlled, for example, so that the second and subsequent ejection operations are not performed. In this case, for example, a gate circuit or the like for deactivating the logo data may be added to the data transmission circuit 520F of FIG. 21 so as not to perform the second and subsequent ejection operations according to the mode.

(3.3) Print Pattern of Basic Image When inputting the image data of the basic image, the host computer H sends the input image size (X _in , Y _in ) to the printer P in the command and parameter format. . As a result, the CPU 102A of the printer P secures an input area in the image memory 505 and stores the input image size in a predetermined parameter storage unit of the RAM 102C. Next, when the host computer H sequentially transmits the image data to the printer P,
The printer P receives this image data and stores it in the image memory 505 via the FM controller 504. on the other hand,
The host computer H sends the output format of the image data to the printer P. As a result, the printer P stores the image output format in the parameter storage unit of the RAM 102C. Here, the output type as shown in FIG. 24 is handled as the image output format.

24A to 24E are diagrams showing the image output format in this embodiment.

FIG. 24A shows a format in which the basic image 300 is printed out so as to be periodically repeated in the X direction (feeding direction of the carriage 1) and the Y direction (feeding direction of the recording medium 6) as shown in the figure. (Type 1) is shown. FIG. 24B shows a predetermined offset amount (shift amount) Δ for every other basic image 300 in the X direction when the basic image 300 is repeatedly printed.
A format that prints out by shifting y in the Y direction (Type 2)
Is shown. 24C is similar to the type 2 (FIG. 24B) described above, a format in which every other basic image 300 is shifted in the Y direction by a predetermined offset amount Δx and is printed out. (Type 3) is shown. In FIG. 24D, the basic image 300 is rotated (in FIG.
After 0 degree), a format (type 4) is shown in which, as in type 2 (FIG. 24 (B)), the print amount is shifted in the Y direction by the offset amount (offset “0” in FIG. 24 (D)). . Finally, in (E) of FIG. 24, after rotating the basic image 300 (90 degrees in FIG. 24E), the offset amount in the X direction (see (E) of FIG. )
Represents a format (type 5) in which the print output is performed by shifting by "0").

As parameters for designating the output format output from the host computer H, in addition to the parameters described above, output types such as types 1 to 5, basic image size (X _b , Y _b ), total output image size ( X _OUT , Y
_OUT ), the X-direction offset amount Δx, the Y-direction offset amount Δy, and the rotation amount (here, in 90 ° units). These parameters are set under the following conditions.

X _in × Y _in ≦ capacity of the memory 505, X _b ≦
X _in , Y _b ≦ Y _in , X _OUT ≧ X _b , Y _OUT ≧ Y _b ,
Δx ≦ X _b , Δy ≦ Y _b , and so on.

The host computer H sends an image data print command to the printer P in step MS25 of FIG. 2, whereby the printer P starts the printing operation.

Specifically, the CPU 102A controls the read timing of the memory 505 of the address control unit provided in the FM controller 504, the activation timing of the motor driver 23, and the activation timing of the head driver 24, so that the recording medium can be used. The printing timing on a certain cloth 28 is controlled. The address control unit sequentially reads the image data from the memory 505 according to the parameters set in the parameter storage unit and outputs the image data to the head driver 24.
As a result, the head driver 24 forms a drive signal for the recording heads 2a to 2d or the spot color head in accordance with the image data and outputs the drive signal to each recording head. In this way, each recording head is driven by the drive signal, and ink droplets are ejected onto the cloth 6 to print an image corresponding to the image data.

On the other hand, the motor driver 23 feeds the cloth 6 to a printable position by driving the carry motor 9, and rotates the carriage motor 5 in a predetermined direction to move the carriage 1 in the D direction for recording. (Figure 1
3). After printing one scan in this way,
Next, the carriage motor 5 is rotated in the reverse direction to move the carriage 1 in the E direction and return to the home position, and the cloth 6 is moved by the width of the recorded one scan in the Y direction, or at the time of multi-scan. The transport motor 9 is rotated to move in the Y direction by an amount less than that. In the above timing, one reciprocation of the carriage 1 is a basic cycle, and the print operation speed of the recording head serves as a reference for the print timing.

As described above, the printer P repeatedly executes the above-described operation to obtain the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ), when the printing of the image of the size designated by ( _{OUT OUT} ) is completed, the operation of the mode driver, head driver, FM controller 504, etc. is stopped to end the print mode, and again from the host computer H and the operation display unit 103. Will wait for input.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the parameter storage section and address control section of this embodiment.

In FIG. 25, each of 830 to 836 indicates a storage unit such as a register in the parameter storage unit, and the register 830 stores the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ), the basic image size (X _b , Y _b ) in the register 831, the number of times (N _x , N _y ) in the X and Y directions for repeatedly outputting the basic image in the register 832,
Output type for register 833 and X for register 834
The direction offset amount Δx, the Y direction offset amount Δy are stored in the register 835, and the rotation amount R is stored in the register 836.

Note that N _x = INT (X _OUT / X _B ), N
_y = INT (Y _OUT / Y _b ). However, INT
(A) indicates that when the number a is a decimal, the first decimal place of the number a is rounded up to an integer. For example, IN
T (1.2) = 2.

These registers are connected to each section of the address control section according to the output format of the input image data (specifically, they are used as reference values for the comparator described below).

In FIG. 25, 837 is an X address generator A, which is an address (XADR) of the basic image 300 in the X direction.
A) is counting. 838 is a Y address generator A
Address of the basic image 300 in the Y direction (YADRA)
Is counting. Reference numerals 839 and 840 denote an X address generator B and a Y address generator B, respectively, like the image output types 2 and 3 (FIGS. 24B and 24C) described above.
The X-direction address (XADRB) of the basic image 300 shifted in the X- or Y-direction and the Y-direction address (YADR
B) is counting. These address generators 837
Each of .about.840 mainly comprises a counter for actually outputting an address and a comparator for comparing whether or not the address exceeds the size of the basic image or the size of the entire image.

Reference numeral 841 denotes the X direction and Y of the basic image 300.
A block counter that counts the number of repetitions in each direction.
It mainly consists of a counter and a comparator. A selector 842 selects either one of the X-direction address (XADRA) and the X-address shifted in the X direction (XADRB). Similarly, the address in the Y direction (YADR
A) and the Y address shifted in the Y direction (YADRB)
Is a selector for selecting. Reference numeral 844 denotes a timing generation unit which, based on the addresses (XADR) and (YADR) from the selectors 42 and 43, various read signals (CS, ADR, RAS, CAS, WE, etc.) of the memory unit 9 and various timing signals ( IN, OUT, VE, PE, etc.) is output.

Here, the memory 505 is constructed by using one or more commercially available D-RAM (dynamic RAM) modules. In the read signal of the memory unit 9, CS is a chip select signal for selecting a module, ADR is a signal in which a row address (YADR) and a column address (XADR) are temporally allocated, and RAS is a row address / strobe signal and CAS. Is a column address strobe signal, and WE is a write enable (write enable) signal. The timing of these signals is shown in detail in FIG.

In the above various timing signals, IN is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit that temporarily holds image input data, OUT is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit that temporarily holds image output data, and VE is 1
A video enable signal indicating valid image data for each raster, and PE is a page enable signal indicating a valid raster in one page (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

Next, the operation of each section of the address control section in the case of the type 1 image output shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

When a print start is instructed from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103, the CPU 102A outputs a START signal to the address control unit to clear both the X address generator A837 and the Y address generator A838 (( (XADRA) and (YADRA) are both set to "0"), and these address generators 837 and 838 are made operable, and the timing generator 844 and block counter 841 are also made operable.

Of the output reference timing signals 500 (the image output clock CLK, the raster synchronizing signal HSYNC, the start signal START, etc.), the START signal becomes high level (enable) and the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC.
When C rises, the timing generator 44 sets both the VE signal and the PE signal to the high level (enable) as shown in FIG. Further, while both the VE signal and the HSYNC signal are at the high level, the R signal is synchronized with the CLK as shown in FIG.
The signals AS, CAS, ADR, WE, and OUT are output to the memory 505, and the image data is read from the memory 505. Further, while the VE signal and the PE signal are both at the high level, the read position and the output position of the image data are determined by controlling the address read from the memory 505.

Next, address control in the address controller will be described.

The output of the X address generator A837 is cleared to "0" when the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC goes high, and its output (XADR is synchronized with the rising edge of CLK.
A) is incremented by 1 and the count value becomes "X
_{When b} "(the length of the basic image size in the X direction) is reached, a ripple carry signal (XARC) is output to the block counter 41 and the output address (XADRA) is cleared to" 0 "(timing T1 in FIG. 26). T3), that is, this carry signal (XARC) is "X _b " of the basic image size stored in the basic image size register 831.
And the output value of the counter that counts CLK by a comparator (not shown).

During this operation, the block counter 841
The selector 842 selects the address signal (XADRA) from the X address generator A837, and the selector 843 selects Y.
Address signal from address generator A838 (YADR
The selection signals XSEL and YSEL are both output at a high level so as to select A). Then, the X address generator 8
When the carry signal (XARC) from 37 is received, the block count X in the X direction is incremented by 1, and when it becomes equal to the number of repetitions N _{x in} the X direction (timing T3), the Y address generator A838 is incremented by 1. YC
The NT signal is output, and the XEND signal indicating that the output of the image data for one raster in the X direction is completed is set to 1 (enable).

During this period, the timing generator 844 receives the address signal (XADR) from the selector 42 and the selector 4
The address signal ADR of the memory 505 and the chip select signal C based on the address signal (YADR) from
S is created, and signals such as RAS, CAS, WE, ADR, CS, and OUT are output to the memory 505 in synchronization with the output reference timing signal 500 to read image data. When the XEND signal input from the block counter 841 becomes "1", the VE signal is set to low level (disenable) (timing T3), and
The output of each signal is stopped to stop the reading of the image data from the memory unit 9. Here, when the VE signal becomes low level, counting of the X address generator 837, the Y address generator 838, and the block counter 841 is also stopped.

Next, when the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, which is the head of the next raster, rises, the above operation is repeated and the Y address generator A838 is successively counted up. In this way, the printing process of each raster is performed, and the Y address generator A83
When the value of the Y address (YADRA) output from 8 coincides with the basic image size in the Y direction length "Y _b" (timing T5 to T7), the Y-address generator 838, carry signal a (YARC) block counter It is output to 841 and the signal (YADRA) is cleared to "0".

When the carry signal (YARC) from the Y address generator 838 is received, the block counter 41 sets Y
The block count Y in the direction is incremented by 1, and it is checked whether or not this value is equal to the number of repetitions N _y, and when it becomes equal, YEND is signaled that the reading in the Y direction is completed.
The signal is set to high level (enable) (timing T
7). When the YEND signal becomes 1, the timing generator 844 sets both the VE and PE signals to the low level (disenable), stops the output of each signal, and completes the image reading for one unit of cloth. When the PE signal goes low, the counting operations of the X address generator A837, Y address generator A838 and block counter 841 are also stopped.

The number of repetitions N _y may be sent from the host computer H together with a command, or may be calculated in accordance with the step MS13 (FIG. 2).
Further, it may be set on the operation / display unit 103.

Next, the type 2 shown in FIG.
The operation of the address control unit in the case of image output of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

The basic operation of this timing diagram is shown in FIG.
6 is the same as the case of the type 1 image output, except that the operation of the Y address generator B840 is enabled and the selector 843 selects.

Specifically, the block counter 841 is
By switching the selector 843 to the high level / low level in synchronization with the block count of the block counter 841 in the X direction by the selection signal YSEL, the signal (YADRA) from the Y address generator A838 and the signal (YADRA) from the Y address generator B840 ( The difference is that the YADRB) is switched and the Y address YADR is switched for each block.

Further, the Y address generator B840 is not cleared to "0" at the rising edge of the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, but is offset at this timing by the offset amount Δy in the Y direction.
Is loaded. Further, the Y address generator B840 is
The length "Y _b " of the basic image size in the Y direction is compared with the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840, and (YA
When DRB) becomes equal to "Y _b ", it is cleared to "0". At this time, the carry signal YBRC is not output, and the block counter 41 is operated by the X address generator A837.
Block counter Y with carry signal (YARC) from
Is incremented.

This timing is shown in detail in FIG. 27. For example, when printing the first one scan of the basic image 300 portion of FIG.
For the Y address (YADR) input to 4, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A838 is selected to be "0".
And then the right image area (offset part)
When printing the first one scan of, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840 is selected and set to "Δy". Similarly, in the third image area (there is no offset), the Y address (YADR) returns to “0”, and in the next offset area, “Δy” again.
Becomes

Next, in the second scan for printing these image areas, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A838 is selected to be "1" in the image area where the Y address (YADR) is not offset, In the offset area, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840 is selected and becomes “Δy + 1”.

After outputting the line 301 of FIG. 24B, the output of the Y address generator B840 (YADR
Since B) is equal to the basic image size “Y _b ”,
It is cleared to "0".

The type 3 shown in FIG.
In the case of, the difference is that the offset is in the Y direction in the case of type 2, whereas the offset is in the X direction in type 3. Therefore, in the type 2 described above, the selector 843 selects the output of the Y address generator A 838 and the output of the Y address generator B 840 to generate the Y address (YADR).
Was devised to form the selector, but in this type 3, the selector 84
2 is an X address generator A 837 and an X address generator B
Select any of the 839 outputs to select the X address (XAD
Control to output as R) is required.

Specifically, the block counter 841 switches the selection signal XSEL of the selector 842 between high level and low level in synchronization with the Y count value of the block counter 841 to output the address (XADRA) output from the X address generator A837. ) And the X address generator B8
The address (XADRB) output by 39 is switched for each block and output as (XADR) to the timing generation unit 44. Further, the X address generator B839 is
The offset amount “Δx” in the X direction is loaded at this timing instead of being cleared to “0” at the rising edge of NC. Further, the X address generator B839 compares the width " _Xb " of the basic image size in the X direction with the output (XADRB), and when (XADRB) exceeds " _Xb ", the ripple carry (XBRC) is obtained. The X address generator B839 is cleared to "0" without outputting. Further, the block counter 41 increments the value of the block counter X with a carry (XARC) from the X address generator A837.

[0144] Type 4 and Type 5, the ratio between the vertical "Y _b" the horizontal "X _b" of the basic image size is beautifully useful for geometrically when an integer. Especially when X _b = Y _b (basic image is a square), it is possible to arrange them in a grid pattern neatly, and it is relatively easy in terms of configuration, and when XADR and YADR are exchanged,
The count direction (down / up count) of the address generators 837 to 840 can be realized according to the rotation amount R.

Further, when rotating the basic image, not only the address control but also the rotation processing section can be inserted in a pipeline manner. Further, by the address control, before the image data is actually output, for example, the basic image is set to 90
By creating and storing the rotated images for each basic image in the image memory, the image data including these rotated images can be output more easily and at high speed.

The block counter 841 counts the blocks of the basic image to obtain the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ) is output, but it is not limited to this. In particular, X _OUT, Y _OUT are each X _b, if not a multiple of Y _b is the only count in the block X _OUT, Y _OUT
Cannot be specified. Therefore, the remaining pixels X _r = X _OUT −
N _x × X _b , where N _x = INT (X _OUT / X _b ) −
It is possible to determine whether or not X _OUT has been reached by introducing 1 and comparing the number of repetitions N _x with the remainder pixel X _r . This also applies to the Y direction.

When the printing speed of the recording head is slow and the image output clock is slow, the above-mentioned address formation can be realized by software processing of a CPU or the like. In particular, by software, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of FIG. 25 with software by using a part of the memory as a counter.

In this embodiment, the arrangement of the image data to be output to the print head is performed in a raster format, and the image data array depending on the print head is changed by the raster @BJ conversion controller 506 (FIG. 17). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the image data stored in the memory 505 and the arrangement of the image data output to the recording head may be the same. You may make it match with the head array of a recording head at the time of outputting to a driver.

In the mechanical construction of the printer P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the print head having a print range of width H _y in the Y direction is actually scanned in the X direction to output an image. I have to.

In such a case, the FM controller 50
A counter (and a comparator) that counts the Y address generator 838 and the Y address generator B840 in the Y direction of the address control unit of 4 by H _y and a counter (and a comparator) that counts its ripple carry. It is also possible to realize it in a stage configuration.

Also, the width of H _{y in} the Y direction and X in the X direction
It is also possible to read out and print an image in _OUT units (called band units). At this time, Y in the above Y direction
Without requiring higher counter of the address generator 838, Y address generator B 840, can be configured with only the lower counter (counter for H _y). Specifically, every time an image is output in band units, the CPU 102
A may load the specified address in the Y direction (Y address of the first image data of the band unit to be printed next time) into the counter for H _y , and count up from there.

(3.4) Download of conversion data and parameters Various parameters set in the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103 for downloading each conversion data described above to the conversion table via each conversion controller. Is stored in the corresponding predetermined register, the apparatus of the present embodiment processes according to the flowchart of FIG. The operation will be described below. A program for performing the same process is stored in the ROM 102B provided in the control board 102 and is executed by the CPU 102A.

First, when the power of this system is turned on,
The printer P is initialized in step SP1. This initialization processing includes conversion tables 509 and 51 for each recording color.
The initialization process of 1 and 513 is also included.

Then, in the next step SP2, it is determined whether or not a test print instruction is received from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103. If it is determined that the instruction is received, the test print is performed in step SP3.
In this case, as described above, the selector 519 for each recording color outputs an instruction signal to select the data from the binary PG controller, and the printing process is performed.

If there is no instruction from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103, the process proceeds to step SP4, it is determined whether or not data is received via the GPIB interface 501, and the reception is awaited. When the data is received, the process proceeds to step SP4, and it is determined whether the received data is image data or each conversion table data or parameter. Incidentally, the judgment as to whether or not the image data is made is made by interpreting the control command located at the head of the received data. In particular, in the case of conversion table data or parameters, identification data indicating which recording color of which conversion data the data to be sent subsequently is for, or which control parameter is used is added. It

If it is determined that the received data is image data, the process proceeds to step SP6 and print processing based on the image quality is executed.

If it is determined that the conversion table data and parameters are used, the process proceeds to step SP7,
By interpreting the control command, it is determined which recording color is which conversion table or which parameter is a parameter. In step SP8, the received data is converted through the corresponding conversion controller or CPU based on the determination result. Or register.

The information set by the host computer H and the operation / display unit 103 and the like are stored in the operation / display unit 103.
Can also be displayed on the display of. FIG. 30 shows an example of the display. Although the printed length of the cloth 6, the total length of the cloth, the feeding amount of the cloth, and the like are displayed on the display device 103D in the figure, they are set using the host computer H or the operation buttons of the main operation / display unit. Of course, various parameters and modes can also be displayed. In FIG. 30, 103E is various error lamps. Reference numerals 103A and 103B denote a stop button and an emergency stop button, respectively, which can be used to enable selection of a stop mode that protects continuity of print output and a stop mode that does not protect the continuity of print output, respectively.

(4) Other Configuration Examples In the above embodiments, the host computer H is the printer P.
The image data converted into color palette data is supplied to the printer P, and the printer P performs printing using C, M, Y, BK and the special colors S1 to S4 based on the color palette conversion table. An example in which the host computer H supplies image data to the printer P as R, G, B brightness data will be described.

In this example, a configuration similar to that of the system described above can be adopted, but the image memory 505 in FIG. 17 is represented by R, G, B luminance data instead of the paletted image data. The stored image data is stored, and the configuration of FIG. 18 is replaced with that shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 shows C, M, and
An example of an image processing unit for converting signals of Y and BK or generating special color signals of S1 to S4 will be shown.

In this example, the host computer H
The color image data is sent to the printer P as R, G, B, the printer P receives the image data R, G, B through the interface, and the CPU 102A is an image data processing unit arranged on the control board 102 and records it. By adjusting the timings of the head driver 24, the motor driver 23, etc., and controlling them, the cloth C
A color image is formed and output by applying inks of magenta M, yellow Y, black BK or spot colors S1 to S4.

In FIG. 31, for the image data (luminance data) R, G, B supplied from the controllers 504, 506 and 507 from the memory 505, the input correction section 632 uses the input image spectral characteristics, dynamic range, etc. In consideration of the above, conversion to standard luminance data R ′, G ′, B ′ (for example, R, G, B of NTSC system of color television) is performed, and the density conversion unit 633 converts the standard luminance data R ′. , G ′, B ′ are converted into density data C, M, Y by using a non-linear conversion such as logarithmic conversion. The undercolor removal unit 634 and the black generation unit 635 perform undercolor removal and black generation from the density data C, M, Y, the UCR amount β, and the smear amount σ as in the following calculation example.

[0164]

## EQU1 ## C (1) = C−β × MIN (C, M, Y) M (1) = M−β × MIN (C, M, Y) Y (1) = Y−β × MIN (C , M, Y) K (1) = σ × MIN (C, M, Y) Next, the masking unit 636 removes the undercolor C (1),
The unnecessary absorption characteristics of ink are corrected for M (1) and Y (1) by the following calculation example.

[0165]

## EQU2 ## C (2) = A11 × C (1) + A12 × M (1) + A13 × Y (1) M (2) = A21 × C (1) + A22 × M (1) + A23 × Y (1) Y (2) = A31 * C (1) + A32 * M (1) + A33 * Y (1) where Aij (ij = 1 to 3) is a masking coefficient.

Next, the γ conversion unit 641 uses C (2), M
C (3), M (3), Y (3), K (3) in which the output gamma is adjusted for (2), Y (2), and BK (1), respectively.
(C (3), M (3), Y (3), BK
(3) Correction is performed so that it becomes linear with the image density output with ink corresponding to each signal).

Here, since the recording head is a binary recording means which has only two states, that is, whether or not ink is ejected, it is 2
The binarization processing unit 642 is a multilevel data C (3), M
19 (3), Y (3), and K (3) are binarized and converted into C ', M', Y ', and BK' so as to form pseudo gradations, respectively, and shown in FIG. Output to the circuit section.

Further, in this example, in accordance with the spot color instruction given from the CPU 102A, predetermined R, G, B ranges on the chromaticity diagram (R ', G', given by the input correction unit 632,
A color detection unit 631 for generating an instruction to print by replacing B ′) with the spot colors S1 to S4 is provided. The instruction is signal S
Is supplied to the γ conversion unit 637, and the γ conversion unit 631 outputs appropriate spot color signals S1 (3) to S4 (3), which are further binarized by the binarization processing unit 638 to obtain the signal S1 ′.
~ S4 'is generated.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a spot color designation processing procedure performed by the host computer H for the configuration of FIG. As a general rule, this procedure is a process of designating a desired chromaticity range of three colors of R, G, and B to determine a desired range in the chromaticity diagram, and replacing a color included in the range with a desired spot color.

In this procedure as well, the same processing of steps SS7-1 to SS7-7 as shown in FIG. 4 is preceded, and when the recording head of the desired color is mounted, step SS7-11 is executed. , CRT 26 determines whether or not to directly specify the color in the original image data. If an affirmative determination is made here, the designation is prompted in step SS7-13, and if it is determined in step SS7-15 that the designation has been input, then in step SS7-17 the R, G, and B colors Wait for specification of conversion width to spot color. In the designation, the minimum value (min) and the maximum value (max) of the conversion width are designated for each color of R, G and B. Next, in step SS7-19, a desired spot color is selected. For example, if there are four special colors S1 to S4, it can be designated by the numerical value assigned to each color.

When the conversion range and the spot color are designated in this way, the designation is made to the printer P in step SS7-21. The format of the command used for this instruction is, for example, “<Rmin>, <Rmax>, <Gmin>, <Gmax>, <Bmin following identification code <WCOLOR>.
>, <Bmax>, <byte> ”. This means that Rmin ≤ R ≤ Rmax, Gmin <G <Gmax, Bmin <B <Bmax. For data, "<by
It is an instruction to use a special color indicated by te> ”.

If a negative decision is made in step SS7-11, the flow advances to step SS7-23, and a CRT adopted in a computer having a color graphic function.
It is determined whether or not the color for conversion is specified in the color sample table on the screen. If a positive determination is made here, step SS7-2
In step 5, the designation is urged, and then the process proceeds to step SS7-15 to perform the same process as described above.

On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SS7-23, the operation proceeds to step SS7-27, it is decided whether or not color information related to conversion is designated by a key, and if a positive decision is made. To that effect, step SS7-15
Move to. When a negative determination is made in step SS7-27, the spot color currently used by the printer P is used as it is, and the processing is ended.

The circuit of the color detecting section 631 of the printer P for the above-mentioned designation processing on the host computer H side is as follows.
The one shown in FIG. 33 can be adopted.

In FIG. 33, the above-mentioned data sent from the host computer H can be constituted by the CPU 102A using a register, a comparator, etc., a comparison circuit 641.
Is set to. When the R ', G', and B'signals are input from the input correction unit 632, the comparison circuit 641 compares these signals with the set values, and if they are within the designated range, it is "0", otherwise. If so, a signal α that becomes “1” is generated. The signal α is supplied to the density conversion unit 633 and the spot color signal generation circuit 643. If α = 0, the density conversion unit 633 does not generate C, M, Y signals for the R ′, G ′, B ′.

The R ', G', and B'signals are also supplied to the luminance signal generation circuit 645. The luminance signal generation circuit 645 calculates (R '+ G' + B ') / 3, for example, and supplies it to the spot color signal generation circuit 643 so that the density is reproduced well even in the range where the spot color is replaced. Also, the selector 64
7 is C according to the data designated by the above <byte>
It is switched by the PU 102A and instructs the spot color signal generation circuit 643 to use the spot color. Therefore, when the α output from the comparison circuit 641 is “0”, the spot color signal generation circuit 643 has the density corresponding to the luminance signal supplied from the luminance signal generation circuit 645 and is designated by the selector 647. Data S is generated.

When it is desired to mix the special color with C, M, Y, etc., the above-mentioned <byte is used in this example.
> Data is increased, and the comparison circuit 641 generates data for determining the respective mixing ratios between α = 0 which indicates only the use of the spot color and α = 1 which uses only C, M, Y and the like. You can do it like this.

FIG. 34 shows still another example of the spot color designation processing procedure performed by the host computer H. This process is a process for designating a specific area on the original image data and printing the range with a desired spot color.

Also in this procedure, the above-mentioned step SS7 is executed.
-1 to SS7-9 are placed in front. When the special color recording head to be used is mounted, step S
In S7-41, input of coordinate data indicating a desired area on the original image is prompted. When the input is determined in step SS7-43, the spot color is selected in step SS7-45, and the printer P is notified of the area data and the spot color designation data in step SS7-47. The command format at that time is, for example, <WARE
Following the identification code of A>, if the above area is a triangular area, “<X ₁ >, <Y ₁ >, <X ₂ >, <Y ₂ >, <X ₃ ＞, ＜ Y ₃ ＞,
<Byte> ”, where“ <byte> ”is the designation data of the spot color as described above.

As the processing circuit on the printer P side for this procedure, the color detecting section in FIG. 31 can be used as the area detecting section, and the area detecting section shown in FIG. 35 can be used.

In FIG. 35, the data relating to the above area sent from the host computer H is set by the CPU 102A in the comparison circuit 651 which can be constructed by using a register, a comparator and the like. When the image address is input from the CPU bus, the comparison circuit 651 compares the image address with the set values, and outputs a signal α which is “0” within the specified range and “1” otherwise. Is generated and supplied to the density conversion unit 633 and the spot color signal generation circuit 643. The density conversion unit 633 does not generate C, M, and Y signals when α = 0. The comparison circuit 651 can also be configured to generate data that determines the ratio of the mixture of C, M, Y, etc. and the spot color.

The configurations of the spot color signal generation circuit 653, the luminance signal generation circuit 655 and the selector 657 are similar to those of the respective units 643, 645 and 647 in FIG. 33, and the spot color signal generation circuit 653 is output by the comparison circuit 651. When α is “0”, the luminance signal generation circuit 65
The special color data S designated by the selector 657 is generated at the density corresponding to the luminance signal supplied from the No. 5.

The spot color designation procedure described with reference to FIGS. 4, 32 and 34 is to activate one of them in accordance with the configuration of the printer P, that is, for example, based on the information presented by the printer P. Alternatively, if the printer P has a circuit that can handle any of the procedures, it is possible to activate one of them according to the operator's desire.

In each of the above embodiments, the "feature"
And Y, M, which are usually used in color printers.
C is a metal color that cannot be reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, and vivid colors such as R, G, B, violet, and orange are used, and these colors are expressed by a dedicated head.
In addition to these, the special colors referred to in the present invention mean that even if reproducible or easy to reproduce by mixing Y, M, C, etc., since the frequency of use is high, the amount of the recording agent of the color used for mixing is limited. In the case of a large amount, it may be a color used for the purpose of suppressing the amount used. Further, it may be a color represented by a mixture of Y, M or C and a spot color, or a mixture of spot color recording agents.

Regarding the processing for faithfully reproducing the color selected by the designer, the procedure of generating color palette data has been described in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, but as in the embodiments of FIG. 31 and thereafter. When the host computer H sends the R, G, B luminance signals to the printer P, good color reproduction is performed by the correction shown in FIG. 9 or the selection shown in FIG. Let R,
The G and B signals may be transmitted.

(5) Others The image output apparatus (printer) according to the present invention can employ various recording methods other than the ink jet recording method. When the ink jet recording method is adopted, ink is used among them. In a recording head and a recording device of a system that includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) that generates heat energy as energy used for ejecting, and that causes a change in ink state by the heat energy. It has an excellent effect. This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
It can be applied to any of the continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and film boiling is caused on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal in a one-to-one correspondence
It is effective because bubbles can be formed inside. Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape, because the bubble growth and contraction are immediately and appropriately performed, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise on the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the discharge port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
The structure using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration corresponding to the ejection portion is disclosed in JP-A-59-138461. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be surely and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as one recording head integrally formed.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main body of the apparatus or the electrical connection to the main body of the apparatus and the ink from the main body of the apparatus by being attached to the main body of the apparatus. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, as the constitution of the recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to add the ejection recovery means of the recording head, the auxiliary auxiliary means, etc. because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, heating is performed by using a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressure or suction unit for the recording head, an electrothermal converter or a heating element other than this, or a combination thereof. Examples thereof include a preliminary heating unit for performing the discharge and a preliminary discharge unit for performing discharge different from the recording.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. Or, in the inkjet system, it is common to control the temperature of the ink itself within the range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range. Sometimes, a liquid ink may be used. In addition, the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as the energy of the state change of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or in order to prevent the evaporation of the ink, it is solidified and heated in the standing state. You may use the ink liquefied by. In any case, by applying thermal energy such as ink that is liquefied by applying thermal energy according to the recording signal and liquid ink is ejected, or that begins to solidify when it reaches the recording medium. The present invention can be applied to the case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time is used. In this case, the ink is
JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-7
As described in Japanese Patent No. 1260, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or the through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention may be used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, or a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function. It may be a form or the like.

Next, as the ink-jet printing cloth used in the apparatus of this embodiment, (1) ink can be developed to a sufficient density, (2) ink has a high dyeing rate, and (3) The ink dries quickly on the fabric,
Performances such as (4) occurrence of irregular ink bleeding on the cloth and (5) excellent transportability in the apparatus are required. In order to satisfy these required performances, the fabric may be pretreated in advance in the present invention, if necessary. For example, JP-A-6
2-53492 discloses a fabric having an ink receiving layer, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-46589 proposes a fabric containing a reduction inhibitor or an alkaline substance. Examples of such pretreatment include a treatment in which the cloth is made to contain a substance selected from alkaline substances, water-soluble polymers, synthetic polymers, water-soluble metal salts, urea and thiourea.

Examples of the alkaline substance include alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide,
Examples thereof include amines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine, and carbonic acid or alkali metal bicarbonate such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Furthermore, there are organic acid metal salts such as calcium acetate and barium acetate, and ammonia and ammonia compounds. Also, sodium trichloroacetate, which becomes an alkaline substance under steaming and dry heat, can be used. Particularly preferred alkaline substances are sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate used for dyeing reactive dyes.

As the water-soluble polymer, starch substances such as corn and wheat, cellulosic substances such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, gum arabic,
Locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum,
Examples thereof include polysaccharides such as tamarind seeds, protein substances such as gelatin and casein, and natural water-soluble polymers such as tannin-based substances and lignin-based substances.

Examples of synthetic polymers include polyvinyl alcohol compounds, polyethylene oxide compounds, acrylic acid water-soluble polymers, maleic anhydride water-soluble polymers, and the like. Among these, polysaccharide polymers and cellulose polymers are preferable.

Examples of the water-soluble metal salt include compounds such as halides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, which produce typical ionic crystals and have a pH of 4 to 10. As a typical example of such a compound, for example, in the case of an alkali metal, NaCl, Na ₂ S
O ₄ , KCl, CH ₃ COONa and the like can be mentioned, and as the alkaline earth metal, CaCl ₂ and Mg.
Cl _{2 and the} like can be mentioned. Of these, salts of Na, K and Ca are preferable.

The method of incorporating the above substances and the like into the cloth in the pretreatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a dipping method, a pad method, a coating method and a spraying method which are usually carried out.

[0200] Furthermore, the printing ink applied to the ink-jet printing cloth merely adheres to the cloth when it is applied to the cloth. Therefore, as a post-treatment, the dye is fixed to the fiber by a reaction fixing step (dyeing step). ) Is preferably applied. Such a reaction fixing step may be a conventionally known method, for example, a steaming method, an HT steaming method, a thermofix method, an alkali pad steam method, an alkali blotch steam method when a cloth which has been previously alkali-treated is not used. , The alkaline shock method, the alkaline coldfick method and the like.

Further, the removal of the unreacted dye and the substance used for the pretreatment can be carried out by washing in sequence by a conventionally known method after the above reaction fixing step. In addition, it is preferable to use a conventional fixing treatment together with this cleaning.

One feature of the present invention is the recording medium that has undergone such pre-processing and post-processing.

[0203]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Designation of spot color use and spot color usage in the image supply device (data of the recording means of the spot color used is obtained.
(Determination of a conversion table) and the like can be easily performed, and the image output apparatus can record an image using a spot color based on the designation . Therefore, it is also possible to obtain a recorded product that faithfully reproduces the original image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a textile printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a printing processing procedure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system focusing on the configuration of a host computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a spot color designation processing procedure in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a palette conversion table created by the procedure of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the same.

FIG. 7 is likewise an explanatory diagram.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the same.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a color palette data generation procedure in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the same.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of a logo input processing procedure in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of correspondence between data designated in FIG. 11 and a logo print format.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a schematic mechanical configuration of a printer applied to this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the same.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a part of the internal configuration of the control board in FIG. 15 focusing on the flow of data.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the same.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the same.

20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data set in each memory shown in FIG. 18 in order to prevent abnormal output until a conversion parameter is input.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a logo input unit in FIG.

22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of correspondence between a logo image output range and a logo memory space.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure for one pixel in the logo memory.

24A to 24E are explanatory diagrams showing various examples of formation patterns of a basic image on a recording medium.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a parameter storage unit and an address control unit.

FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit when outputting an image output (type 1) by the printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit when outputting the image output (type 2) by the printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of actual image output by the printer of this example.

29 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting conversion data and parameters in each memory and each unit register shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a main part of an operation / display unit in the printer.

31 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main part of the control board in FIG. 15 centering on the flow of data.

32 is a flowchart showing an example of a spot color designation processing procedure that can be adopted by the host computer for the configuration of FIG. 31. FIG.

33 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a color detection unit in FIG. 31 for the processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing another example of the spot color designation processing procedure.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an area detection unit arranged in place of the color detection unit in FIG. 31 for the processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

S scanner H host computer 1011 CPU 1016 LAN 1018, 1019 External storage 1023 keyboard 1024 mouse 1026 CRT P printer 2a to 2d, S1 to S4 recording head 6 Recording medium (cloth) 16 Control circuit 23 Motor driver 24 head driver 102 control board 102A CPU 102B ROM 102C RAM 104 cloth feeder 501 GPIB interface 504 frame memory (FM) controller 505 image memory 509 Palette conversion table memory 511 HS conversion table memory 513 γ conversion table memory 515 connecting memory 520 logo input section 520A register 520C Blanking processing circuit 520D logo memory 631 color detector 641,651 Comparison circuit 643, 653 Special color signal generation circuit 645,655 Luminance signal generation circuit 647,657 selector

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-2-2015 (JP, A) JP-A-3-182192 (JP, A) JP-A-3-265873 (JP, A) JP-A-3-34856 (JP , A) JP 4-173178 (JP, A) JP 2-80270 (JP, A) JP 5-195448 (JP, A) JP 6-57654 (JP, A) JP 7-3666 (JP, A) JP 58-53445 (JP, A) JP 63-116855 (JP, A) JP 61-231279 (JP, A) JP 60-134085 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/21 B41J 2/525 G09G 5/06 H04N 1/46 H04N 1/60

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image supply device for supplying image data to an image output device capable of color recording, wherein an instruction of a recording device to be used among recording devices for a plurality of spot colors is specified.
The data of the instruction means to be accepted and the recording means used according to the instruction is obtained.
And a determining means for determining a conversion table for the image supply device. 2. A recording used in the image output device.
Means of receiving notification of means information and displaying it
The image supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
Place 3. The instructed record according to the display
When the means is not attached to the image output device,
Displaying a message prompting you to attach the specified recording means.
The image supply device according to claim 2. 4. The conversion table is a standard color patch.
The correction was made using the result of reading
The image supply device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The feature is used for a logo.
The image supply device according to claim 1. 6. The plurality of spot colors include metallic color, red,
To include green, blue and violet
The image supply device according to claim 1, wherein the image supply device is provided. 7. The image output device comprises a print mode instruction.
The print according to a predetermined condition is performed.
The image supply device described. 8. An image output device capable of color recording
Image processing for an image supply device that supplies image data
In the method of processing, specify the recording means to be used among the recording means of multiple spot colors.
Accept and obtain the data of the recording means used according to the instruction.
An image processing method, characterized in that a conversion table for determining the conversion table is determined . 9. A recording used in the image output device.
To receive notification of means information and display it
The image processing method according to claim 8, which is characterized in that: 10. The instructed information is displayed according to the display.
When the recording means is not attached to the image output device,
A display prompting the user to attach the instructed recording means is displayed.
The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein: 11. The conversion table is a standard color patch.
It was corrected using the result of the lead.
The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein. 12. The feature color is used for a logo.
The image processing method according to claim 8, which is a characteristic. 13. The plurality of spot colors include a metallic color and a red color.
De green, blue, and violet.
9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein: 14. The image output device is in a print mode.
9. The printing according to the designation is performed.
The image processing method described in.