JP3736592B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a color printing apparatus such as an ink jet printer, a color image is formed with three color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), or four color inks obtained by adding black (K) thereto. Print. The print heads that discharge these color inks can be integrated into one that discharges all the color inks. However, since the yield deteriorates, a plurality of print heads are often used separately for each color. . In the case of the integrated type, although there is an error of whether the discharge amount of the color ink is large or small as a whole, the balance among the color inks is maintained. However, when a plurality of print heads are used, the balance among the color inks is lost due to variations among the print heads.
[0003]
For this reason, in the conventional color printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-79853, the drive signal can be adjusted for each drive circuit for driving the print head. The balance can be maintained.
[0004]
On the other hand, a color printing apparatus is an output device, and normally only temporarily stores print data. If the power is turned off, the stored data is lost. Needless to say, setting data used for mode setting or the like is recorded in a non-volatile recording area, and such setting data indicates an option or the like for each model of the color printing apparatus.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional apparatus, factory adjustment is required for each color printing apparatus, which causes a problem that the manufacturing process is increased and complicated.
[0006]
On the other hand, the applicant of the present application has devised an image processing apparatus that performs color correction that cancels the machine difference at the stage of newly outputting color image data, thereby causing machine difference for each color printing apparatus. As a result, a uniform printed material can be obtained.
[0007]
However, in order to obtain a uniform print result by color correction, a procedure for obtaining the machine difference is required every time unless the machine difference is stored somewhere. In this case, it is possible to save the machine difference on the side of the image processing device, but if the color printing device is moved, the saved machine difference cannot be used and color printing is performed. Even if the apparatus is changed, if the image processing is performed with the data of the machine difference of another color printing apparatus, the original correction result cannot be obtained.
[0008]
On the other hand, in the case of a conventional color printing apparatus, only setting data representing options of the model is recorded, and such machine differences inherent to the color printing apparatus are originally acknowledged and recorded. There was no way.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can make effective use of individual deviations and the like for enabling adjustment corresponding to deviations in output characteristics without depending on hardware.Even if it is connected to other image processing devices, image processing that reflects the user's preferences is possible, and even if the printing paper is not white, gray is printed with gray print data that is achromatic color. Gray alignment is possibleIs to provide a simple printing apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 has a print head for developing a recording material corresponding to the element color in a dot matrix form based on print data obtained by color-separating a color image into predetermined element colors. And a printing apparatus that outputs a predetermined image on a medium with the same print head, and includes a non-volatile recording area capable of storing setting data relating to the characteristics of coloring the recording material reflecting the user's preference. A setting data holding unit; and a setting data reading unit capable of reading out and outputting the setting data from the setting data holding unit in response to a predetermined reading request. For printing multiple gray patches for selecting an achromatic color for this printing device from component data that represents the component and has been changed according to the specified regularity When printing on the same printing paper, there are three directions in which adjacent gray patches are connected to each other, and the components for the same element color sequentially change in each of the three directions. In this way, the plurality of gray patches are arranged in a plurality of rows in each of the three directions and printed on the same printing paper, and the selection result of the gray patches printed on the same printing paper is input and the user's The setting data is formed so as to obtain a print result reflecting the desired gray alignment, and a predetermined writing request is issued to hold the setting data in the printing apparatus. The setting data formed so that the setting data holding means can obtain a printing result reflecting the user's preferred gray alignment from the selection result of the gray patch based on It is constituted having a configuration data writing means for writing.
[0011]
  The printing apparatus of the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above,Color image was separated into predetermined element colorsDot matrix based on print dataCorresponds to the same element colorA print head for coloring the recording material is provided, and a predetermined image is output on the medium by the print head. Here, when such a print head develops the color of the recording material in the form of a dot matrix, the electrical print data is converted into the color of the physical recording material. Strictly speaking, there is a deviation in the characteristics of coloring the recording material. However, the printing apparatus can store setting data relating to the characteristic of coloring such a recording material reflecting the user's preference in a setting data holding unit composed of a non-volatile recording area, and the setting data reading unit is a predetermined unit. In response to the read request, the setting data is read from the setting data holding means and output.
[0012]
Accordingly, when image processing corresponding to the output characteristics is performed by an external image processing apparatus, the setting data reading unit stores the setting data in the setting data holding unit.Reflecting user preferencesBy reading out and using the characteristics that cause the recording material to develop color, the setting data of the printing apparatus can be used when the printing apparatus is replaced.
[0013]
Of course, such setting data isAnything that relates to the characteristics of coloring the recording material reflecting the user's preferences,Not only actual physical characteristics but also data such as parameters required to correct them may be used.
[0014]
  Also, the setting data forming apparatus that is an external device when viewed from the printing apparatus is the component data representing the component for each element color, and the component data changed in accordance with a predetermined regularity to the printing apparatus. When printing a plurality of gray patches for selecting an achromatic color on a printing paper, there are three directions in which adjacent gray patches are connected to each other on the printing paper, and each of the three directions Each of the plurality of gray patches is arranged in a plurality of rows in each of the three directions so that the component for each element color sequentially changes with respect to the direction, and is printed on the same printing paper. The setting data is formed so that a print result reflecting the user's preferred gray alignment is obtained by inputting the printed gray patch selection result. The setting data forming apparatus requests the writing to hold the setting data in the printing apparatus, and the setting data writing means writes the setting data to the setting data holding means. .
[0015]
Such a setting data forming apparatus can also be realized by utility software executed on the host side apparatus. With such utility software, the user makes settings related to machine differences or settings that reflect preferences. In this case, the setting data is not recorded in the host side device but is stored in the printing device.
[0016]
  The printing apparatus sends the setting data holding unit to the setting data holding unit based on the writing request.grayUser preference from patch selection resultsGray alignmentSetting data writing means for writing setting data formed so as to obtain a printing result reflecting the above.
[0017]
  In the invention configured as described above,grayWhen the setting data is generated so that the printing result according to the user's preference can be obtained from the patch selection result, a write request is issued from the outside, and the setting data writing means sends the setting data to the setting data holding means. Write. Therefore, takegrayUser preference from patch selection resultsGray alignmentEven if a printing device that has been written with setting data that is formed so as to obtain a printing result that reflects the image is connected to other image processing devices, etc.Gray alignmentImage processing reflecting the above becomes possible.
[0018]
As a result, gray matching that matches the color misregistration based on gray according to each person's preference can print gray with gray printing data that is achromatic even when the printing paper is not white, and the desired gray matching Will be able to.
[0019]
The recording area in which the setting data holding unit holds the setting data is not particularly different from the standpoint of an external image processing apparatus, regardless of where the recording area is installed in the printing apparatus. However,The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1.In the printing apparatus described in (1), the recording area is provided in the print head.
[0020]
Configured as aboveClaim 2In the invention according to the present invention, the setting data relating to the characteristics for coloring the recording material can be obtained through some measurement. However, if the recording area is provided in the print head, the setting data is applied at least with the print head assembled. Recording can also be performed by performing measurement or the like. On the other hand, if it is provided separately from the print head, it cannot be recorded unless it is managed at least simultaneously or assembled as a printing apparatus.
[0021]
  There are various characteristics for coloring the recording material, and there is no particular limitation. In other words, any characteristics necessary for image processing and the like may be used. As an example, the invention according to claim 3 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print head converts the color image into print data of a predetermined ratio obtained by separating the color image into predetermined element colors. Based on this, the same element color is developed, and the setting data is configured as a deviation in which the color development degree of each element color is different from a predetermined reference value.
[0022]
Configured as aboveClaim 3In the invention, the print head develops the element colors based on the print data of a predetermined ratio obtained by color-separating the color image into the predetermined element colors. The identity as a color is lost. However, as described above, a mechanical deviation can occur and appears as a ratio between element colors. Therefore, the setting data can be used in image processing or the like so as to store a deviation in which the coloration degree of each element color is different from a predetermined reference value.
[0023]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a recording material is colored in a dot matrix based on print data and a predetermined image is output on a medium, the print head usesReflecting user preferencesSince the setting data relating to the characteristics for coloring the recording material can be stored and read out, the setting data can be used in the connected external image processing apparatus, and the printing apparatus can easily use the setting data Can be provided. That is, even when the printing apparatus is reconnected to another image processing apparatus as necessary, the setting data of the printing apparatus can be used, and not only when the machine difference is eliminated and the standard state is set, It is also possible to always reflect the preferences of individual users.
[0024]
  In addition, an external setting data forming device is used to select an achromatic color for the printing device from component data representing components for each element color and changed according to a predetermined regularity. When printing a plurality of gray patches on a printing paper, there are three different directions for connecting adjacent gray patches on the printing paper, and the same element color for each of the three directions. Select the gray patches printed on the same printing paper by arranging each of the same gray patches in multiple rows in each of the three directions so that the respective components change in order and printing them on the same printing paper. Even when the result is input and setting data that reflects the user's preferred gray alignment is created, the printing device itself retains the setting data that reflects the user's preferred gray alignment. Since, it is possible to even when not using the external setting data forming apparatus utilizing the configuration data that reflects the gray alignment of the user's preferences.
[0025]
further,Since setting data reflecting user preferences created on the user's side can be written later, not only the deviation of the aircraft can be corrected, but also the setting data according to each user's customization can be saved in the printing device Even if the image processing apparatus is changed, the customized data can be utilized to obtain a highly satisfactory printing result. In addition, gray alignment that matches the color misregistration based on gray according to each person's preference can print gray with gray printing data that is achromatic even when the printing paper is not white, become able to.
[0026]
further,Claim 2According to the invention, since the recording area is provided in the print head having the closest relationship with the characteristic of coloring the recording material, the setting data representing the characteristic is stored in the print head in the minimum assembled state. This is useful when assembling after measurement.
[0027]
further,Claim 3According to the invention, the deviation that inevitably occurs when the color image is color-separated after color separation is stored as the setting data, so that the utility value is particularly high also in the printing apparatus.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a print processing system to which a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific hardware configuration example.
[0030]
In the figure, an image input device 10 inputs color image data of a color image to an image processing device 20, and the image processing device 20 internally performs various image processing on the same color image data. This image processing is executed based on predetermined setting data, and the image processing apparatus 20 outputs the print data to a printing apparatus 30 capable of color printing connected to the image processing apparatus 20. In addition, the printing apparatus 30 includes setting data holding means capable of storing setting data in a nonvolatile recording area, setting data reading means for reading the setting data from the recording area, and the same recording area. Setting data writing means for recording the setting data. That is, the image processing apparatus 20 reads the setting data recorded in the printing apparatus 30 and generates an image based on the setting data when generating print data of a predetermined ratio obtained by color-separating the color image for each predetermined element color. The process is executed and output to the printing apparatus 30 as predetermined print data. Then, the printing apparatus 30 develops a recording material corresponding to the same element color in a dot matrix based on the print data and outputs a predetermined image on the medium.
[0031]
  Here, a specific example of the image input device 10 corresponds to the scanner 11, the digital still camera 12, or the video camera 14, and the specific example of the image processing device 20 includes a computer 21, a hard disk 22, a keyboard 23, and a CD-ROM drive 24. This corresponds to a computer system comprising a floppy (R) disk drive 25, a modem 26, a display 27, and the like.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a color ink jet printer 31, which uses four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) as printing ink. There is a print head unit 31a1 for each color. As described above, since the print head unit 31a1 is independent for each color, the output characteristics vary due to the difference in machine body for each print head unit 31a1, and this causes color misregistration.
[0033]
FIG. 4 shows a correspondence table of ink weights of color inks used in one shot in each print head unit 31a1 and their classification. In the present embodiment, this ink weight classification is called ID. As shown in the figure, the ID range is “1” to “21”, and the middle “11” is the reference value, and the ink weight originally used in one shot is 20.0 to 20.5 nanograms ( ng) is desired. In the case of the printer 31, printing is performed on the RGB data used in the computer 21 by using the above-described CMYK color inks, but color conversion is performed because the color space is different at that time. Accordingly, in order to perform conversion while maintaining the same color, it is assumed that a predetermined amount of CMYK is used, and this shift in usage amount causes a color shift.
[0034]
Of course, it is possible to increase the manufacturing accuracy and reduce the deviation, but this deteriorates the manufacturing yield of the print head unit 31a1. Therefore, the deviation between the reference value and the actual ID is corrected by the printer driver in the image processing apparatus 20, thereby eliminating the deviation. As is apparent from the figure, the smaller the ID, the heavier the ink weight, the greater the amount of color ink used. Conversely, the larger the ID, the smaller the color ink used. Therefore, when the ID is large, the deviation can be canceled by increasing the density represented by the data. Conversely, when the ID is small, the deviation can be canceled by decreasing the density. FIG. 5 shows correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21 that are conversion tables for canceling such a shift. The plurality of correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21 are recorded on the hard disk 22 in the computer system. Each of the lookup tables LUT1 to LUT21 for correction is a conversion table of RGB data constituting the color image data, and each of the lookup tables for correction LUT1 to LUT21 is used in association with the ID assigned to the print head unit 31a1 described above. It is possible. That is, if the ID of a certain print head unit 31a1 is “11”, the ink weight according to the reference value is used by using the correction lookup table LUT11.
[0035]
Note that the function shown in FIG. 5 is a well-known tone curve for γ correction, and assuming the RGB data of 256 gradations, the γ curve is Y = 255 × (X / 255) ** γ. This means an input / output relationship. When γ = 1, no emphasis is made between input and output. When γ> 1, the output is weaker than the input, and when γ <1, the output is stronger than the input. In the present embodiment, γ of the tone curve at which the print result is the most linear corresponding to the ID is obtained in advance by experiment, and correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21 corresponding to each ID are generated. Of course, the tone curve to be emphasized according to a predetermined tendency while changing the degree of enhancement is not limited to γ correction, and may be another method such as a spline curve.
[0036]
The print head unit 31a1 is provided with a PROM for recording such classification IDs. The print head controller 31b that controls the print head unit 31a1 includes a print head drive unit 31b1 that drives each print head unit 31a1. In addition, a PROM interface 31b2 for writing to and reading from the PROM area is provided.
[0037]
Here, the writing of the ID into the PROM area of the print head 31a will be described. This writing procedure is shown in the factory setting procedure shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the color ink discharge amount is measured in the first step S11, and the ID corresponding to the ink weight measured in the next step S12 is written in the PROM. At the time of measurement, the weight of ink ejected by a predetermined number of shots is measured and obtained by dividing by the number of shots.
[0038]
On the other hand, the ink weight may be directly measured as described above, but it is also possible to measure the density of a patch printed with a predetermined number of shots and convert the ink weight from the density. In this case, cyan ink is supplied to all the print head units 31a1 in a state where the print heads 31a are assembled, and a solid patch is printed on a predetermined sheet at an appropriate density of 25% as shown in FIG. Measure the concentration with a densitometer. Of course, the four patches shown in the figure are printed only by the four print head units 31a1. Since all the printing nozzles eject the same cyan ink, the measured density is approximately proportional to the ejection amount for each printing nozzle. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the measured density varies even though each nozzle prints with a reference of 25%. In this example, the discharge amount of the print head unit 31a1 used for magenta and yellow is slightly small (23%), and the discharge amount of the print head unit 31a1 used for cyan is slightly large (27%). The discharge amount of the print head unit 31a1 to be used for black matches the reference value (25%).
[0039]
On the other hand, the same patch is printed using the print head unit 31a1 in which the ink weight is accurately measured in advance, and the density in that case is also measured. Then, the ink weight having the same density is used as the ID of the print head unit 31a1 to be measured, and is recorded in the PROM of the print head unit 31a1. Of course, such an ID is setting data relating to the characteristic of coloring the color ink, which is a recording material, and the PROM for recording such ID constitutes a setting data holding means as a non-volatile recording area. The PROM interface 31b2 from which the ID is read constitutes setting data reading means.
[0040]
In addition to the print head 31a and the print head controller 31b, the printer 31 includes a print head digit moving motor 31c for moving the print head 31a in the digit direction, a paper feed motor 31d for feeding print paper in the row direction, and these print heads. It comprises a controller 31b, a print head digit moving motor 31c, and a printer controller 31e which is an interface with external devices in the paper feed motor 31d.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, since the print head unit 31a1 is provided with the PROM, after the print head unit 31a1 alone is assembled and measured in a measuring device or the like, the measurement result can be recorded in the PROM as it is. Therefore, even if the printer 31 is subsequently assembled as the printer 31, even if it is removed from the measuring device, the print head unit 31a1 and the recording area are not separated, and management becomes easy. In particular, in the case where the print head and the color ink tank are integrally formed, data may be recorded for each cartridge.
[0042]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to connect only the recording area to the printer controller 31e as a single PROM 31f. However, in this case, the image cannot be recorded in the PROM 31f unless it is assembled as the printer 31. Of course, the print head unit 31a1 and the PROM 31f may be managed individually and the paired ones may be securely assembled in the assembly process, but the management process of writing IDs at the factory setting becomes complicated and realistic. is not.
[0043]
Further, in order to record such data, a dip switch or the like may be provided and connected to the printer controller 31e so that the operator can set the dip switch during measurement. This is because the setting contents of the dip switch can be read via the printer controller 31e and the data can be input as a deviation.
[0044]
On the other hand, what is recorded in the PROM is not limited to such an ID, but may be anything related to the characteristic of coloring the recording material. This can be widely interpreted. For example, any one of the corresponding lookup tables LUT1 to LUT21 can be recorded instead of the ID.
[0045]
In this embodiment, the print head unit 31a1 is assigned to each of the four color inks. However, the print head unit 31a1 may be configured by three print head units having two rows of print nozzles, and cyan and magenta. It is also possible to use six color inks by assigning two colors of light and dark ink. In this case, the manufacturing error between the two rows of nozzles in each print head unit is relatively small and can be almost ignored, but the error for each print head unit is often not negligible. In the present embodiment, the ink-jet color printer 31 has been described. However, in order to discharge color ink, a micropump mechanism using a piezo element may be employed, or provided on the inner wall surface of the ink discharge hole. It is also possible to generate bubbles with a heater and eject ink with the expansion pressure. Of course, it is also possible to eject color ink by a method other than these, or thermal transfer type printing in which the color ink attached to the ink ribbon is melted and transferred by a heater instead of ejecting the color ink. It can also be applied to a head or the like. However, in this case, it is preferable to apply to a printer in which the print head is different for each ink ribbon, and the machine difference is generated for each print head.
[0046]
The ID recorded in the PROM of the print head unit 31a1 in this way is read on the computer 21 side, and such reading is read by bidirectional communication via the operating system (OS). That is, the operating system can communicate with the printer 31 and can read not only the output of print data but also the ID that is the discharge amount of the color ink as described above. Of course, it is a printer driver (PRTDRV) that requests reading of the data via this operating system. This printer driver inputs color image data for printing output from an application, and the printer 31 can input it. Output as print data.
[0047]
The printer driver is activated when print processing is executed from an application, and generates print data according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0048]
When activated, first, an ID is read from the printer 31 in step S120. As described above, reading of the ID from the printer 31 is performed via the operating system, the printer controller 31e, and the PROM interface 31b2 of the print head controller 31b. When the ID is read, correction lookup tables LUT1 to LUT21 recorded in the hard disk 22 corresponding to the ID are read.
[0049]
The correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21 are conversion tables formed corresponding to deviations in the ink discharge amount in each print head unit 31a1, and any one of a plurality of setting data depending on the ID read from the printer 31. Is selected and read into the computer 21.
[0050]
In order to use the read correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21, the RGB data constituting the print color image data is converted by the correction look-up tables LUT1 to LUT21, and further color conversion is performed using the converted values. It is also possible to do. However, by rewriting the color conversion lookup table using such a conversion table in step S140, if the same color conversion lookup table is referred to in step S150, the machine difference of the print head unit 31a1 is eliminated. RGB data can be converted to CMYK data at a time.
[0051]
Thereafter, in the same manner as in a normal printer driver, gradation conversion is performed from 256 gradations to 2 gradations in step S160, and print data is output to the printer 31 in step S170. In this case, although the printer 31 cannot reproduce the color as indicated by the print data due to the machine difference, since the print data has been converted in advance so as to cancel the machine difference of the printer 31, It has good reproducibility.
[0052]
In the case of this printer driver, the ink weight that causes the color misregistration is held in the printer 31 as an ID, so that even when the printer 31 is connected to another computer system, the ID is read out to make the color The deviation can be eliminated. That is, only a certain print result corresponding to the ID already written in the printer 31 is obtained. However, if the user can select a correction lookup table to be used, setting data reflecting the user's preference is stored, and if the printer 31 matches, the preference can be reflected without fail. .
[0053]
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart corresponding to the LUT setting process for enabling to specify a correction lookup table used to reflect such user preferences. As an example corresponding to the user's preference, a process of making a color shift based on gray correspond to the preference of each person is shown. Of course, it is also possible to process setting data relating to color matching other than gray matching.
[0054]
In step S310 of the LUT setting process, a custom A pattern, which is a first-stage test pattern, is printed. The custom A pattern is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and is composed of a plurality of circular gray patches with slightly different component data. FIG. 12 shows component data in 256 gradation RGB data, FIG. 13 shows component data in CMYK data% display, and FIG. 14 shows the list.
[0055]
  The component data of each gray patch is changed little by little according to a predetermined regularity, the component data is uniform in the center gray patch, and the red (R) component increases and goes downward as it goes upward on the page. The red component becomes smaller as it goes, the green (G) component becomes larger as it goes to the lower left direction of the paper, the green component becomes smaller as it goes to the upper right direction, and blue (B ) The component becomes larger and the blue component becomes smaller toward the upper left. That is, from top to bottomWaySet the coordinate axis of the red component, which is the element color, in the direction from the lower left to the upper rightWaySet the coordinate axis of the green component, which is the element color, in the direction from the lower right to the upper leftWayThe coordinate axes of the blue component, which is the element color, are set in the direction, and each component data increases or decreases in proportion to the coordinates determined by these coordinate axes.
[0056]
Accordingly, all the sets in which the balance of all the element colors is changed within a certain range in the custom A pattern are displayed. Of course, if color ink is ejected according to this component data, the gray patch of A1 in the center will appear achromatic, and the edge will be out of balance and the effect of one of the element colors will appear gray. It is. Also, the amount of balance deviation increases as the distance from the center increases.
[0057]
However, if there is a bias in the amount of ink used in the print head unit 31a1, the color ink according to the reference value is not ejected. Also, depending on each person's preference, not necessarily the gray patch of A1 but other gray patches. It will appear to balance. FIG. 15 shows the correspondence obtained by calculating back the relationship. For example, if A1 looks achromatic, the cyan ink usage amount ID is “11”, the magenta ink usage amount ID is “11”, and the yellow color ink usage ID. Is “11”, so it is in perfect balance. However, if C4 looks achromatic, the cyan ink usage amount ID is “11”, the magenta ink usage amount ID is “15”, and the yellow color ink usage ID. It turns out that becomes "7". That is, the weight of ink ejected in the order of yellow, cyan, and magenta is gradually reduced, and the intensity deviation between the element colors can be seen.
[0058]
In the custom A pattern shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, each gray patch is printed with each element color of CMY, but a reference patch for the gradation value “128” is formed at the bottom of the paper with only black ink together with a cut line. Printing. If many gray patches are arranged, it may be difficult to determine whether the color is achromatic. In particular, it may be difficult to understand depending on the paper color and the lighting. However, if there is a reference patch printed only with black ink, the reference of the achromatic color can be confirmed by comparing it with the reference patch, so that the accuracy in selecting the achromatic color from the gray patches is improved.
[0059]
When a gray patch is selected in the custom A pattern, it seems that the degree of strength is also known, but the strength deviation judged here is only a deviation around “128” if it is a gradation value, It is not necessarily optimal that the IDs of cyan, magenta, and yellow are “11”, “15”, and “7” over all gradations.
[0060]
Accordingly, in step S320, when the user selects a gray patch that seems to be an achromatic color from the custom A pattern and inputs it to the computer 21 from the keyboard 23, the computer 21 performs a correction lookup in the next step S330. A table candidate is selected, and a custom B pattern shown in FIG. 16 is printed in step S340. The custom B pattern prints a gray patch in which the component data is changed according to one correction lookup table in the horizontal direction on the paper surface, and changes the correction lookup table in the vertical direction on the paper surface. 27 gradation gray scale patterns are printed on top.
[0061]
Even when A1 is selected as an achromatic color in the custom A pattern, the component data just happens to be balanced in the vicinity of “128”, and other gradation values may be slightly non-linear. Accordingly, with respect to the ID of each element color selected in the custom A pattern, three IDs in the range of plus or minus “1” are used as candidates, and a total of 27 correction look-up tables combined with each are used as shown in FIG. The component data shown in Fig. 5 is corrected, and a custom B pattern is printed.
[0062]
FIG. 17 shows a case where A1 is selected as an achromatic color in the custom A pattern, and if it is completely ideal, the 14th gray scale pattern should appear achromatic over all gradations. However, from the balance of other gradation values, the other gray scale pattern may appear to be achromatic as a whole. FIG. 18 shows the case where C4 is selected as an achromatic color in the custom A pattern. From the 27 gray scale patterns based on the ID obtained earlier, the one that appears achromatic over all gradations is selected. That's fine.
[0063]
When the selection result is input from the keyboard 23 to the computer 21 in step S350, a correction look-up table is also determined according to the finally selected ID. In step S360, the printer driver can be used for color conversion. 31 is written in the PROM of the print head unit 31a1. Of course, this writing is performed via the PROM interface 31b2 of the print head controller 31b and the printer controller 31e, and these constitute the setting data writing means. On the other hand, the printer driver including step S350 constitutes a setting data forming apparatus.
[0064]
In this example, the correction lookup tables LUT1 to LUT21 are used from the viewpoint of color misregistration, but of course, they may be used as setting data from another viewpoint. For example, in the above-described gray alignment, even when the printing paper is not white, gray can be printed with gray gray print data.
[0065]
In the above-described embodiment, the setting data relates to the color shift due to the deviation of the ink weight for each element color, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. For example, it may be a deviation for each nozzle arranged in a line, temperature compensation data in the print head 31a, or data indicating a positional deviation when each dot is ejected toward the recording material. It does not matter.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0067]
Before assembling the print head 31a as the printer 31, the ID is written in the PROM of each print head unit 31a1 through the factory setting procedure shown in FIG. Therefore, if the printer 31 is assembled as usual, the setting data is already held in the printer 31. Of course, since it is written in a non-volatile recording area called PROM, it is held regardless of whether the power is on or off.
[0068]
When printing is performed on the printer 31 by a computer system, when a printing process is selected from an application or the like, color image data composed of predetermined RGB data is generated, and the printer driver shown in FIG. 10 is activated. The printer driver reads the ID from the printer 31 at step S120, reads the correction lookup table corresponding to the ID at step S130, and rewrites the color conversion lookup table with the read correction lookup table at step S140. . After these processes, when the color image data is converted into CMYK data in step S150 using the color conversion lookup table, the color conversion is performed so that the machine difference of the print head unit 31a1 can be canceled. In step S160, the data is binarized, and the print data is output to the printer 31 in step S170.
[0069]
In the printer 31, when the print head 31 a develops the color ink element colors in a dot matrix based on the print data, the color difference differs from that indicated by the print data due to the machine difference, but this machine difference is canceled in advance. Since the color conversion is performed, the color desired by the application can be reproduced faithfully.
[0070]
Of course, even if such a printer 31 is connected to another computer system, the printer driver reads the ID described above from the printer 31, so the color reproducibility does not change.
[0071]
Furthermore, it is possible to execute the LUT setting process shown in FIG. 11 in order to correct the color misregistration in accordance with the user's preference. When the gray alignment is completed, an ID is written to the printer 31 so that the correction lookup table can be used in step S360.
[0072]
Therefore, also in this case, when the printer 31 is connected to another computer system, it is possible to reproduce the preference setting set by the user.
[0073]
As described above, the PROM for writing the ID indicating the machine weight difference of the ink weight to be used for each print head unit 31a1 is provided on the printer 31 side, and is set in the PROM through factory setting or user LUT setting processing. By writing the ID as data, when the printer driver is activated in the computer system to which the printer 31 is connected, the printer driver reads the setting data written in the PROM, and the image is based on the setting data. Since the processed print data is output, even if it is connected to another computer system, the ID written at the time of printing is referred to, and a print result in which the setting is utilized can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a print processing system to which a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific hardware / software configuration example of the print processing system;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a printer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between ink weight and classification.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input / output relationship of a correction lookup table which is setting data.
FIG. 6 is a procedure manual for factory setting for writing a deviation into the print head.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a patch measured by a densitometer.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of measurement with a densitometer.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a printer according to a modified example.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a printer driver.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of LUT setting processing.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a custom A pattern as component data of RGB data.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a custom A pattern as component data in the CMYK mode.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between component data of a custom A pattern.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an ID corresponding to a gray patch selected in a custom A pattern.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a gray scale pattern constituting a custom B pattern.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a combination of correction lookup tables when a gray patch of A1 is selected in a custom A pattern.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating combinations of correction lookup tables when a C4 gray patch is selected in a custom A pattern.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Image input device
20 Image processing apparatus
30 ... Printing device
31 ... Printer
31a ... Print head
31a1 ... Print head unit
31b ... Print head controller
31b1... Print head drive unit
31b2 ... PROM interface
31c ... Print head digit moving motor
31d: Paper feed motor
31e ... Printer controller
31f ... PROM

Claims (3)

It has a print head that develops a recording material corresponding to the element color in a dot matrix based on print data obtained by color-separating the color image into predetermined element colors, and outputs the predetermined image on the medium by the print head. And a setting data holding unit comprising a non-volatile recording area capable of storing setting data relating to the characteristics of coloring the recording material reflecting the user's preference, and the same setting for a predetermined read request Setting data reading means capable of reading out and outputting the setting data from the data holding means,
An external setting data forming device includes a plurality of grays for selecting an achromatic color for the printing device from component data representing components for each element color and changed according to a predetermined regularity. When printing a patch on printing paper, there are three directions in which the directions connecting adjacent gray patches on the printing paper are different from each other, and components for the same element color in each of the three directions. The gray patches are arranged in multiple rows in each of the three directions, printed on the same printing paper, and the selection result of the gray patches printed on the same printing paper is input. Then, the setting data is formed so that a printing result reflecting the user's preferred gray alignment is obtained, and a predetermined write request is issued to hold the setting data in the printing apparatus. And,
Based on the write request, the printing apparatus writes setting data formed so that a print result reflecting the user's preferred gray alignment can be obtained from the gray patch selection result to the setting data holding unit. And a setting data writing means for printing.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording area is provided in the print head.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print head develops the element color based on a predetermined ratio of print data obtained by color-separating a color image into a predetermined element color. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting data is a deviation in which the coloring degree of each element color is different from a predetermined reference value.

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