JP3821792B2 - Insufficient fixing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a thermal coloring light fixing (hereinafter referred to as TA (Thermo-Autochrome)) type recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a fixing deficiency determination method when fixing a full color thermal recording material that has developed thermal coloring.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the TA recording apparatus, heat is applied in order to develop yellow (hereinafter referred to as Y), magenta (hereinafter referred to as M), and cyan (hereinafter referred to as C) in order to obtain three colors. However, a fluorescent lamp having an emission luminance peak longer than about 430 nm is used as the Y fixing light after the Y color heating coloring step, and then the emission luminance peak is about 390 nm as the M fixing light after the M color heating coloring step. Fixing is performed at a fixing sensitivity center of 365 nm using a fluorescent lamp.
[0003]
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of a main part of a conventional TA type recording apparatus. Referring to FIG. 8, a conventional TA type recording apparatus 1100 supplies a continuous paper 1200 of TA full-color thermal recording from the left in the figure, and first heats it with a Y thermal head 1300 to develop a Y color, and a Y fixing light source. The image is fixed at the portion 1330. Subsequently, the M thermal head 1400 is heated to develop M color, the M fixing light source unit 1430 is fixed, and then the C thermal head 1500 is heated to develop C color to complete the recording. Each of the fixing light source units 1330 and 1430 incorporated in the TA type recording apparatus 1100 includes a number of fluorescent lamps each having a light emission luminance peak value at a predetermined wavelength together with a reflecting plate in the feeding direction of the continuous paper 1200. On the other hand, the cylindrical straight tube portions of the fluorescent lamp are arranged in a straight line on the substantially same plane along the feeding direction while being orthogonal to each other. Note that the illuminance meter 1900 monitors the illuminance of some fluorescent lamps so that the fixing light does not become insufficient due to the insufficient amount of fixing light.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional TA type recording apparatus 1100, as shown in FIG. 8, the fluorescent lamps 1330a to 1330d of the Y fixing light source unit 1330 and the fluorescent lamps 1430a to 1430j of the M fixing light source unit 1430 feed the continuous paper 1200. It is arranged in a straight line on the substantially same plane along the direction, and the apparatus becomes larger as the number of fluorescent lamps increases. In addition, since the illuminance meter 1900 only monitors the illuminance of some fluorescent lamps (1330a in this example), it is impossible to accurately measure the variation in the amount of light irradiated onto the continuous paper 1200. Further, the light for irradiating the heat-sensitive recording material is obtained by direct light from a fluorescent lamp and reflected light from a reflecting plate or the like, but the reflecting plate has no great effect because the cross section of the fluorescent lamp is cylindrical. In particular, when fluorescent lamps are closely arranged, the fluorescent lamp tube itself blocks light from the reflecting plate, and the effect of the reflecting plate cannot be obtained.
[0005]
In the light fixing process of the TA recording apparatus, a portion where the amount of fixing light is insufficient becomes poor fixing, and the color before fixing is also developed in the heating color development process of the next color, so that the color reproducibility is not faithful. In addition, the fluorescent lamp has a problem that the luminance decreases with use time. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly measure the illuminance of the fluorescent lamp and manage the fixing light amount so that the fixing light amount is not insufficient.
[0006]
When high-speed printing is performed with a TA recording apparatus, the fixing process is also accelerated, so that it is necessary to increase the illuminance of the fixing light on the heat-sensitive recording material. However, it is difficult to increase the luminance per fluorescent lamp as a fixing light source, and fluorescent lamps used at conventional printing speeds in each fixing light source section from the viewpoint of supply of maintenance parts and cost. However, in the configuration of the conventional TA type recording apparatus, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large as described above when the number of fluorescent lamps in each fixing light source unit is increased.
[0007]
Since the amount of light applied to the heat-sensitive recording material greatly affects the print image quality, the amount of light applied must be managed accurately. Therefore, when a fluorescent lamp that has individual differences in emission luminance and the luminance attenuates with use time is incorporated into the apparatus and used as a fixing light source for printing, the illuminance and irradiation time on the thermal recording material are always accurately determined. It is necessary to measure. In a TA type recording apparatus incorporating a large number of fluorescent lamps as a fixing light source, in order to manage the total amount of fixing light, for example, a large number of optical sensors are prepared and the illuminance at a plurality of points on the heat-sensitive recording material is measured. It is preferable to obtain an average value and indirectly manage the amount of irradiation light to the heat-sensitive recording material indirectly with the irradiation time. However, since it is expensive to attach a large number of optical sensors to the recording apparatus, the conventional TA recording apparatus substitutes by measuring the illuminance at the representative point with a small number of optical sensors. There is a problem in that the print image quality varies.
[0008]
In addition, if there is a temperature distribution in a single fluorescent lamp, the fluorescent lamp serving as the light source has a problem that the phosphor in the low temperature portion is blackened, and thus it is necessary to eliminate the temperature distribution. Furthermore, since the luminance of the fluorescent lamp varies depending on the temperature, temperature management is required to keep the fluorescent lamp at a predetermined temperature in order to obtain sufficient luminance. Specifically, if the fluorescent lamp has the highest luminance when the temperature is approximately 40 ° C., it is necessary to manage the entire fluorescent lamp of the irradiation light source unit at 40 ° C.
[0009]
Further, since the luminance of the fluorescent lamp as the light source attenuates as the usage time advances, it is necessary to replace the fluorescent lamp when the attenuation exceeds a certain level. In a fixing light source having a large number of fluorescent lamps, each fluorescent lamp deteriorates separately, or one of the fluorescent lamps disappears. At this time, if only one extinguished fluorescent lamp is replaced, it is difficult to guarantee that fixing can be completed to the end while maintaining the minimum brightness until the end of printing when performing continuous printing. For this reason, all the fluorescent lamps of the fixing light source section have to be replaced. Moreover, since the fluorescent lamp for the fixing light source has a short practical life, it is desirable that the replacement frequency of the fluorescent lamp is high and that all the fluorescent lamps can be replaced easily and easily in a short time.
[0010]
In addition, there is an industrial demand for coloring, fixing, and printing even in a gas atmosphere having a low flash point or ignition point. To meet this demand, it is desired that the fixing light source unit has an explosion-proof structure. For this purpose, the fluorescent lamp uses a high voltage so that no sparks are emitted, and at the same time, the fixing light source section is formed so that any surface of the fixing light source section including the fluorescent lamp is at a safe temperature or lower. If there is a hot part, it must be covered.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing shortage determination method capable of accurately detecting whether or not a fixing light quantity is insufficient in a TA type recording apparatus.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, the fixing deficiency determination method according to the present invention relates to a predetermined area of the thermal recording material in relation to the first print information when the thermal recording material is thermally developed with the predetermined first color based on the first print information. An inspection area securing step for creating second print information by adding to the first print information as an inspection area that does not cause thermal color development, and a first color development step for coloring the first color based on the second print information A light fixing step for fixing the first color by irradiating a predetermined time with a predetermined light on the heat-sensitive recording material on which the first color is thermally developed based on the second print information; and An inspection heating step for heating at least the inspection area to a temperature at which the first color is developed later, and a color measurement for determining the measured density by measuring the density of the first color in the inspection area after the inspection heating step. Step and at least Seen, and outputs a predetermined alarm is determined that the light fixing step is insufficient fixing when darker than a predetermined standard concentration measuring concentrations predetermined in the color measurement step.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, a TA type recording apparatus in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the first, second, and third colors are assumed to be yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), respectively.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the main part of an example of this TA type recording apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the outline of this TA type recording apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the printing function of the TA recording apparatus 100, where (a) is a schematic functional block diagram of the entire apparatus, and (b) is a detailed function of the printing processing means of (a). It is a block diagram. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining details of the Y fixing light source unit as the first fixing light source unit. FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 4B is a line AA ′ in FIG. It is typical sectional drawing which shows the cross section along. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the details of the M fixing light source unit as the second fixing light source unit. FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 5B is along the line BB ′ in FIG. It is a typical sectional view showing a section.
[0015]
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the TA recording apparatus 100 includes a power source and control unit 110, a recording paper holding unit 120, and a print processing unit 130. The power supply and control unit 110 stores, for example, an I / F unit 720 that captures first print information 701 supplied from the outside, a storage unit 730 that stores and holds the captured first print information 701, and insufficient fixing determination. The inspection area to be used is determined, the inspection area information is added to the first print information 701, the second print information 703 is output, and the second print information 703 is converted into a specific example. The image data processing means 750 for converting to the print processing control information 705 and the main control means 710 for controlling the entire apparatus including the above-mentioned respective means are provided, and the print processing control information 705 is output to the print processing section 130. The print processing unit 130 includes a Y color developing unit 761, a Y color fixing unit 762, a Y color inspection area heating unit 763a, a color density measuring unit 771 for the Y color inspection area, an M color developing unit 763b, and an M color fixing unit. Means 764, M color inspection area heating means 765a, M color inspection area color density measuring means 773, and C color color development heating means 765b are provided. The Y color inspection region heating unit 763a and the M color development heating unit 763b can be configured by one thermal head, and the M color inspection region heating unit 765a and the C color development heating unit 765b can also be configured by one thermal head. Further, the inspection area securing means 740 can be easily realized by software if the main control means 710 is constituted by a microprocessor (MPU), for example, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0016]
More specifically, the print processing unit 130, which is a main part of the TA recording apparatus 100, includes a thermal head that is a color heating unit and a fixing light source unit that is a fixing unit. The recording paper holding means 120 stores, for example, a continuous paper 200 that is a heat-sensitive recording material. That is, the print processing unit 130 includes thermal heads 300, 400, and 500, which are first, second, and third coloring heating units that develop Y, M, and C colors, respectively, and Y fixing that fixes Y colors. It includes at least a light source unit 330, an M fixing light source unit 430 that fixes M color, and a color image sensor 600 that measures color development in a predetermined inspection region that is set in advance.
[0017]
Next, referring to FIG. 4, the Y fixing light source unit 330 includes Y fixing fluorescent lamps 334, 335, 336, and 337 arranged in parallel in a box-shaped exterior body 331 made of metal, for example. A high-voltage power supply unit 341 for driving the fluorescent lamp, a first fan 351 and a second fan 352 for circulating the air inside the exterior body 331, and a central portion of the exterior body 331 along the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp A partition 381 that bisects the interior, a temperature sensor 359 that measures the temperature of the air circulating in the exterior body 331, a cooling lid 361, an external heat exchange means 362, a switching lid 371 that switches the path of the circulating air, and a connector 382, and the exterior body 331 is provided with a first window portion 332 and a second window portion 333 made of, for example, ultraviolet light transmitting glass so as to transmit the light of the fluorescent lamps 334 to 337. That. When the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical straight tube portions of the fluorescent lamps 334 to 337 is the X direction and the arrangement direction of the fluorescent lamps is the Y direction, the first window portion 332 and the second window portion 333 are both X It is provided in parallel with the -Y plane so as to face at least the cylindrical straight tube portion of the fluorescent lamps 334 to 337. In addition, fluorescent lamps 334 to 337 having an emission luminance peak wavelength of 430 nm or more are used. This Y-fixing light source unit 330 has a sealed structure with an exterior body 331 provided with first and second window parts 332 and 333 and a cooling part 361, and the internal atmosphere is blocked from outside air. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 359 exceeds a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 ° C., the switching lid 371 moves to the position of the dotted line portion 371b on the left side in the figure and the second fan starts to operate. Thereby, since internal air comes to pass through the cooling part 361, an internal temperature rise can be suppressed. The cooling unit 361 is connected to the external heat exchange unit 362, and exchanges heat with the outside of the Y fixing light source unit 330 by the external heat exchange unit 362. The connector 382 includes a signal interface that supplies low voltage power supplied from the outside to a high voltage power supply unit 341 that drives a fluorescent lamp provided in the Y fixing light source unit 330 and controls light emission of the fluorescent lamp. .
[0018]
Next, referring to FIG. 5, the M fixing light source unit 430 includes M fixing fluorescent lamps 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439 arranged in parallel in a box-shaped exterior body 431 made of, for example, metal. A high-voltage power supply unit 441 that drives these fluorescent lamps, first and second fans 451 and 452 that circulate the air inside the exterior body 431, and a central portion of the exterior body 431 in the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent lamp A partition 481 that is provided along the inside, a temperature sensor 459 that measures the temperature of the air circulating in the exterior body 431, a switching lid 471 that switches between the cooling unit 461, the external heat exchange means 462, and the path of the circulating air. And a connector 482, and the exterior body 431 has a first window portion 432 and a second window portion 433 made of, for example, ultraviolet transmissive glass so as to transmit light from the fluorescent lamps 434 to 439. It has been kicked. The first and second window portions 432 and 433 are first window portions when the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical straight tube portions of the fluorescent lamps 434 to 439 is the X direction and the arrangement direction of the fluorescent lamps is the Y direction. 432 and the second window part 433 are provided so as to face each other across at least the cylindrical straight pipe part of the fluorescent lamps 434 to 439 in parallel with the XY plane. Further, fluorescent lamps 434 to 439 having a light emission luminance peak wavelength of about 390 nm are used. Similarly to the Y fixing light source unit 330, the M fixing light source unit 430 has a hermetically sealed structure with the exterior body 431 provided with the first and second window parts 432 and 433 and the cooling part 461, and the internal atmosphere is blocked from the outside air. Has been. The functions and operations of the temperature sensor 459, the first fan 451, the second fan 452, the cooling unit 461, the external heat exchanging means 462, the switching lid 471, the partition 481, and the connector 482 are the same components of the Y fixing light source unit 330. Since the function and operation are the same, the description is omitted.
[0019]
The Y and M fixing light source units 330 and 430 have a unit structure, and can be replaced in units of fluorescent lamps. In addition, the exterior bodies 331 and 431 have a sealed structure in order to provide an explosion-proof function. However, if the explosion-proof function is unnecessary, the cooling units 361 and 461 and the external heat exchange means 362 and 462 are removed and necessary. Accordingly, the outside air can be taken into the exterior bodies 331 and 431. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the Y fixing light source unit 330 and the M fixing light source unit 430 are put in separate exterior bodies has been described. However, a fluorescent lamp for Y color fixing light source and a fluorescent lamp for M color fixing light source are used. One unit may be accommodated in the same exterior body.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the TA recording apparatus 100 will be described.
[0021]
When the continuous paper 200 is mounted on the print processing unit 130, the Y fixing light source unit 330 moves to a position where the end 330h does not block the straight line connecting the thermal heads 300 and 400 (position 330b in FIG. 1). Then, the end of the M fixing light source unit 430 moves to a position as close as possible to the straight line connecting the thermal heads 400 and 500 (position 430b in FIG. 1) within the range allowed by the apparatus size. During the printing operation, the Y fixing light source unit 330 and the M fixing light source unit 430 each form a straight line connecting the thermal heads 300 and 400 and a straight line connecting the thermal heads 400 and 500 while applying tension to the continuous paper 200. The marking screen of the continuous paper 200 is configured to face the windows of the Y fixing light source unit 330 and the M fixing light source unit 430. Therefore, at least during the printing operation, the continuous paper 200 that is a thermal recording material passes through the thermal head 300, the Y fixing light source unit 330, the thermal head 400, the M fixing light source unit 430, and the thermal head 500 in a twisted manner. As described above, the Y-fixing light source unit 330 and the M-fixing light source unit 430 take out light from the fluorescent lamps in the Z-direction opposite to each other without using a reflecting plate, and continue on each side. Since it is configured to directly irradiate the marking screen of the paper 200, the light use efficiency is improved and the number of fluorescent lamps can be reduced. As a result, the print processing unit 130 is folded down, and the recording apparatus 100 can be downsized.
[0022]
Further, the color image sensor 600 measures the color development of a predetermined inspection area provided at an appropriate position of the thermal recording material by the inspection area securing means 740. In the example of FIG. 2, when M color is developed by the thermal head 400, an appropriate position (for example, the region 213M outside the print region 211 of the thermal recording material 210 in FIG. 6A or the print region in (b)). The second inspection area provided in the area 223M) that does not cause a problem even if a specific printing pattern is printed inside 211 is not colored (not heated), and after the M color fixing process, the second inspection area The thermal head 500 that develops C color is heated to an intermediate density color development level of M color, and the M color density of the second inspection area is measured by the color image sensor 600. As a result, when the measured density of M color is higher than a predetermined standard density, it can be determined that the fixing of M color is insufficient, and the replacement timing of the M fixing light source unit 430 can be easily and reliably known. .
[0023]
In the above-described TA type recording apparatus 100, an example in which the color image sensor 600 is provided at a position where the thermal recording material after the color development by heating with the thermal head 500 can be measured in order to detect insufficient fixation of the M color has been described. Similarly, if the Y color is insufficiently fixed, the inspection area securing means 740 provides the first inspection area at appropriate positions (for example, 213Y and 223Y in FIGS. 6A and 6B) in advance. For example, a color image sensor 650 is installed after the M color thermal head 400 and before the M fixing light source unit 430 for fixing the M color, and the Y color density of the first inspection area after the predetermined processing is measured. Can be determined. When a predetermined inspection area is provided inside the print area 211 as in the areas 223Y and 223M of FIG. 6B, the result of each heating coloring process is a white area (non-colored area) in the first print information 701. A region to be selected may be selected as the region 223Y or the region 223M.
[0024]
A plurality of inspection areas are provided in the width direction (Y direction in FIG. 2) of the thermal recording material 210 such as 233Y1, 233Y2, 233Y3, 233M1, 233M2, and 233M3 in FIG. By providing a plurality of corresponding color image sensors, it is possible to measure and manage variations in the amount of fixing light in the width direction of the thermal recording material 210.
[0025]
That is, the above-described fixing light source unit and the TA recording apparatus using the fixing light source unit include a plurality of fluorescent lamps necessary for fixing processing, a high voltage unit for driving the fluorescent lamp, and first and first air circulation units. 2 and a temperature sensor are placed in a box-shaped exterior body, and fixing light is emitted from the first and second windows fitted with ultraviolet transmissive glass or the like provided on two surfaces of the exterior body facing each other across the fluorescent lamp. Since the heat-sensitive recording material that has been taken out and colored is irradiated, the exterior body can be hermetically sealed, and the air inside the exterior body is circulated by the built-in fan inside the exterior body, When the temperature is higher than the set value, the temperature sensor detects it, and changes the circulation path with the switching lid to cool the circulating air by flowing the internal circulating air in the vicinity of the cooling part that has external heat exchange means that can exchange heat with cold outside air. Since it, it is possible to equalize the temperature of the exterior body portion, enables temperature control of the fluorescent lamp can be used where the highest light emission luminance of the fluorescent lamp at a desired wavelength region. In addition, the high-voltage part for driving fluorescent lamps, which may cause sparks, is also sealed, so it can also be equipped with an explosion-proof function and should be used safely even in an atmosphere with a low application point and ignition point. Can do.
[0026]
In addition, the fixing light source unit has a structure in which first and second window portions are provided on two surfaces facing each other with a fluorescent lamp interposed therebetween, and a colored thermosensitive recording material passes through each window portion, thereby Direct light in two opposite directions of the lamp can be used as fixing light, and the light use efficiency from the fluorescent lamp can be remarkably improved as compared with the configuration using the conventional reflector. It is possible to reduce the number of prints or handle higher speed printing.
[0027]
In addition, the entire fixing light source unit is formed in a flat plate shape, and the fixing light source unit is arranged so that the heat-sensitive recording material passes through the recording apparatus in a twisted manner so that the flow of the fixing process is perpendicular to the flow of the entire apparatus. By doing so, the part of the recording apparatus length direction can be folded, and a recording apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0028]
Furthermore, since all the fluorescent lamps for the fixing light source corresponding to at least one fixing color are unitized by putting them in one box-shaped exterior body, a spare unit for replacement can be prepared in advance by external setup, If necessary, the fluorescent lamp for the fixing light source can be easily replaced in a short time.
[0029]
Next, an embodiment of the fixing shortage determination method of the present invention will be described.
[0030]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main part of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the fixing shortage determination method according to the present embodiment includes an inspection area securing step S1, a first color development step S2, a light fixing step S3, an inspection heating step S4, a color measurement step S5, and fixing. Determination step S6.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the fixing shortage determination method is applied to the TA type recording apparatus 100 having the print processing unit 130 of FIG. 2 to manage the M color fixing shortage, and therefore the replacement timing of the M fixing light source unit 430 and the like. Explained as an example.
[0032]
When a desired printing process is performed, first, a predetermined first color, for example, M color is applied to the continuous paper 200, which is a heat-sensitive recording material, based on the first printing information that is the desired printing information in the inspection area securing step S1. A second print information is created by adding a predetermined area of the continuous paper 200 to the first print information as an inspection area that is not heat-colored regardless of the first print information when the color is thermo-colored. Alternatively, a portion that is a print target but is white may be extracted from the first print information and stored as an inspection area. Next, M color is developed by the thermal head 400 based on the second print information in the first color development step S2 on the continuous paper 200 which has already been developed and fixed Y color by the thermal head 300 and the Y fixing light source unit 330. Let Next, in the light fixing step S3, the M color is fixed by irradiating a predetermined sheet of light for a predetermined time by the M fixing light source unit 430 on the continuous paper 200 on which the M color is thermally developed based on the second print information. Next, in the inspection heating step S4, the thermal head 500 heats at least the inspection area to a temperature at which the M color is developed, preferably to a temperature at which the M color is developed at an intermediate density. Next, in the color measurement step S5, the density of M color in the inspection area is measured by the color image sensor 600 to obtain the measured density. Next, in the fixing determination step S6, the measured density obtained in the color development measuring step S5 is compared with a predetermined standard density. When the measured density is higher than the standard density, it is determined that the light fixing step S3 is insufficiently fixed. An alarm such as prompting replacement of the M fixing light source unit 430 is output.
[0033]
Note that the fixing shortage determination method of this embodiment is a TA method having the print processing unit 130 of FIG. 2 in which the Y, M, and C color developing means are composed of separate thermal heads, 300, 400, and 500, respectively. Although the case of the recording apparatus has been described as an example, as in the case of a conventional TA full-color printer, heating is performed in the order of Y color, M color, and C color with a single thermal head, and fixing by light is dedicated to each of Y color and M color. In the case of fixing with this fixing light source, the above-described fixing deficiency determination method can be used by providing a color image sensor equivalent to the color image sensor 600 immediately after the thermal head. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the M color is insufficiently fixed, a predetermined first color, such as a predetermined color, is applied to the heat-sensitive recording material based on the first print information that is desired print information in the inspection area securing step S1. A second print information is created by adding a predetermined area of the heat-sensitive recording material to the first print information as an inspection area that does not cause heat development regardless of the first print information when the M color is thermally developed. Alternatively, a portion that is a print target but is white may be extracted from the first print information and stored as an inspection region. Next, M color is developed by the thermal head based on the second print information in the first color development step S2 on the heat sensitive recording material that has already been developed and fixed in Y color. Next, in the light fixing step S3, the M color is fixed by irradiating a predetermined recording light source with a predetermined light for a predetermined time on the heat-sensitive recording material in which the M color is thermally developed based on the second print information. Next, in the inspection heating step S4, at least the inspection area is heated to a temperature at which the M color is developed with an intermediate density by the thermal head. Next, in the color measurement step S5, the density of M color in the inspection area is measured by the color image sensor to obtain the measured density. Next, in the fixing determination step S6, the measured density obtained in the color development measuring step S5 is compared with a predetermined standard density. When the measured density is higher than the standard density, it is determined that the light fixing step S3 is insufficiently fixed. An alarm such as prompting replacement of a predetermined fixing light source is output. In this case, insufficient fixing of the Y color can be measured and determined in the same manner by the same color image sensor.
[0034]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A change is possible within the range of the summary. For example, although continuous paper has been described as an example of the thermal recording material, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to cut paper by providing an appropriate feeding mechanism.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the fixing shortage determination method according to the present invention can detect a shortage of fixing of a predetermined color accurately and reliably and generate an alarm, so that it is possible to perform high-speed printing with high quality.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a main part of an example TA recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an outline of an example TA recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing function of an example TA system recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, in which FIG. 3A is a schematic functional block diagram of the entire apparatus, and FIG. It is a detailed functional block diagram of a printing processing means.
4A and 4B are diagrams showing details of the Y-fixing light source unit of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing a cross section taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. FIG.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing details of the M fixing light source unit of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view, and FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing a cross section taken along line BB ′ of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of inspection areas.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a fixing deficiency determination method of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an outline of a conventional high-speed full-color thermal recording apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 TA recording device
110 Power supply and control unit
120 Recording paper holding means
130 Print processing section
200,1200 continuous paper
300,400,500,1300,1400,1500 Thermal head
330 Y-fixing light source unit
331,431 exterior body
332, 333, 432, 433 Window
334, 335, 336, 337 Y-fixing fluorescent lamp
341,441 High voltage power supply
351,352,451,452 fans
359, 459 Temperature sensor
361, 461 Cooling section
362,462 External heat exchange means
371,471 switching lid
381,481 partition
382,482 connectors
430 M fixing light source unit
434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439 M fixing fluorescent lamp
600 color image sensor
1330, 1430 Fixing light source
1900 Illuminometer

Claims (1)

The predetermined area of the thermal recording material when the thermal recording material is thermally developed based on the first print information is used as an inspection area that is not thermally developed regardless of the first print information. An inspection area securing step for creating second print information in addition to the first print information, a first color development step for developing a first color based on the second print information, and the second print information A light fixing step of fixing the first color by irradiating the heat-sensitive recording material on which the first color is thermally developed based on the predetermined time by irradiating a predetermined light for a predetermined time, and at least after the light fixing step An inspection heating step for heating the inspection region to a temperature at which the first color develops, and a color measurement for measuring the density of the first color in the inspection region after the inspection heating step to obtain a measured density Steps and at least Insufficient fixing, wherein when the measured density in the color measuring step is higher than a predetermined standard density determined in advance, the light fixing step determines that the fixing is insufficient and outputs a predetermined alarm. Judgment method.

Images