JP5125666B2 - Liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) that ejects ink from a head having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a predetermined direction is known. In order to realize high-speed printing in an inkjet printer, a printer having a plurality of heads and arranged so that nozzle rows of each head are arranged in a predetermined direction has been proposed. However, in such a printer, the boundary between images printed by different heads is conspicuous due to the difference in the characteristics of the heads, causing image deterioration.

Therefore, the nozzle at one end of the nozzle row of a certain head overlaps the nozzle at the other end of the nozzle row of another head, and the nozzle of that head against the medium facing this overlapping portion of the nozzle A printing method has been proposed in which dots are formed alternately or at predetermined intervals by nozzles of different heads. (See Patent Document 1)
JP 2001-1510 A

However, in the printing method as described above, if the alignment of the plurality of heads is not performed with high accuracy, for example, in the medium facing the overlapping portion of the nozzles, between the dots formed by the nozzles of a certain head, Dots are not formed by the nozzles of another head. As a result, the dot interval is too large and the light is visually recognized, causing deterioration in the image quality of the printed image.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to suppress image quality deterioration.

A main invention for solving the problems is a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid onto a medium are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a second nozzle in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid onto a medium are arranged in the predetermined direction. A second nozzle row arranged so that an end portion on one side in the predetermined direction overlaps an end portion on the other side in the predetermined direction of the first nozzle row, and a certain pixel data, On the medium corresponding to the pixel data from the first nozzle belonging to the other end of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle belonging to the one end of the second nozzle row A control unit that controls the discharge of the liquid into the region, and the control unit is configured to perform a function other than the first nozzle and the second nozzle based on a gradation value indicated by another pixel data that is not the certain pixel data. A predetermined amount of liquid is discharged from the nozzle If the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is equal to the gradation value indicated by the other pixel data and the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is greater than or equal to a threshold value, it corresponds to the certain pixel data. The predetermined liquid amount is ejected from the first nozzle and the second nozzle to an area on the medium, and the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is equal to the gradation value indicated by the other pixel data. When the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is less than the threshold value, the predetermined liquid amount is ejected from the first nozzle to an area on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data, This is a liquid ejection device that does not eject liquid from the second nozzle .

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

That is, a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that discharge liquid to a medium are arranged in a predetermined direction and a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that discharge liquid to a medium are arranged in the predetermined direction, the predetermined direction A second nozzle row arranged so that an end portion on one side of the first nozzle row overlaps an end portion on the other side in the predetermined direction of the first nozzle row, and the other side of the first nozzle row based on certain pixel data Control of the discharge of liquid from the first nozzle belonging to the end on the side and the second nozzle belonging to the end on the one side of the second nozzle row to the area on the medium corresponding to the pixel data And a control unit that implements the liquid ejection device.
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the dot interval (interval of the liquid trace) from becoming larger than instructed by the data. For example, if the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printer, it is possible to prevent the medium region corresponding to the end of the nozzle row from being viewed lightly. If dots are alternately formed by the first nozzle and the second nozzle in the area on the medium corresponding to certain pixel data (the medium area corresponding to the end of the nozzle array), the nozzle array mounting error, etc. If this occurs, the dot spacing is too large. In addition, the characteristic difference between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row can be reduced.

In this liquid ejecting apparatus, the control unit supplies a predetermined amount of liquid from nozzles other than the first nozzle and the second nozzle based on a gradation value indicated by another pixel data that is not the certain pixel data. When the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is equal to the gradation value indicated by the other pixel data, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are disposed in an area on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data. Each of the predetermined amounts of liquid is discharged.
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the dot interval from becoming larger than instructed by the data.

In this liquid ejection apparatus, the control unit may include the first nozzle and the first nozzle in a region on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data when the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is greater than or equal to a threshold value. When the predetermined liquid amount is ejected from each of the two nozzles and the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is less than the threshold value, the first nozzle is disposed in an area on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data. The predetermined amount of liquid is discharged from the nozzle, and the liquid is not discharged from the second nozzle.
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, when the liquid ejecting apparatus is a printer, when the gradation value is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the dark gradation value, the dot interval is larger than indicated by the data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gap from becoming conspicuous, and a higher quality image can be obtained. On the contrary, when the gradation value is less than the threshold value and is a light gradation value, it is possible to prevent the dots from being formed by the first nozzle and the second nozzle and being visually recognized darkly, and a higher quality image. Is obtained.

In this liquid ejection apparatus, the control unit performs dot data indicating a dot size to be formed in an area on the medium corresponding to each pixel data by performing a halftone process. And the first nozzle and the second nozzle are respectively formed with dots having a size equal to or smaller than the dot size indicated by the dot data of the certain pixel data in the area on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data. .
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being excessively ejected to the medium region corresponding to the end of the nozzle row.

In such a liquid ejection apparatus, a certain first nozzle and a certain second nozzle overlap each other, and the other first nozzle and the other second nozzle are more than the certain first nozzle and the certain second nozzle. Positioned and overlapped on the other side, the control unit causes the first nozzle to form a larger size dot than the second nozzle, and is larger than the second nozzle than the second nozzle. Forming dots of size.
According to such a liquid discharge apparatus, the difference in characteristics between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row can be reduced.

In this liquid ejection apparatus, the control unit converts the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data into a first gradation value for the first nozzle and a second gradation value for the second nozzle. After the distribution, the first gradation value is converted into the first gradation value by halftone processing for converting the gradation value indicated by the pixel data into dot data indicating the dot size to be formed in the area on the medium corresponding to the pixel data. 1 dot data is converted, the second gradation value is converted to the second dot data, and the dot of the dot size indicated by the first dot data is placed in the area on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data. Forming the first nozzle and forming the second nozzle with a dot size indicated by the second dot data;
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being excessively ejected to the medium region corresponding to the end of the nozzle row.

In such a liquid ejection apparatus, a certain first nozzle and a certain second nozzle overlap each other, and the other first nozzle and the other second nozzle are more than the certain first nozzle and the certain second nozzle. The control unit is positioned on the other side and overlaps, and the control unit sets the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data so that a dot having a larger size is formed in the certain first nozzle than in the certain second nozzle. Distributing the gradation value to one gradation value and the second gradation value, a dot having a larger size is formed on the second nozzle than the second nozzle by using the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data. As described above, the first gradation value and the second gradation value are distributed.
According to such a liquid discharge apparatus, the difference in characteristics between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row can be reduced.

In this liquid ejecting apparatus, the control unit causes liquid to be ejected from nozzles other than the first nozzle and the second nozzle based on a gradation value indicated by another pixel data that is not the certain pixel data, A gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data that is equal to the gradation value is converted into a light gradation value, and the first gradation data is converted into a light on the medium on the medium corresponding to the certain pixel data based on the light gradation value. Liquid is discharged from the nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively.
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to prevent the liquid from being excessively ejected to the medium region corresponding to the end of the nozzle row.

=== About Inkjet Printers ===
Hereinafter, a printing system in which an inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as printer 1) and a computer are connected will be described as an example of a “liquid ejecting apparatus”.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a printing system. FIG. 2A is a schematic sectional view of the printer 1, and FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of the printer 1. First, print data is transmitted from the computer 60 to the printer 1. When the printer 1 receives the print data, the controller 10 controls each unit (conveyance unit 20, drive unit 30, head unit 40) to form an image on the print tape T. The status in the printer 1 is monitored by the detector group 50, and the controller 10 controls each unit based on the detection result.

  The transport unit 20 transports the print tape T from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction in which the print tape T continues (hereinafter referred to as the transport direction). The roll-shaped printing tape T1 before printing is supplied to the printing region by the conveyance roller 21 driven by a motor, and then the printed printing tape T2 is wound into a roll shape by a winding mechanism. In the printing area during printing, the printing tape T is vacuum-sucked from below, and the printing tape T is held at a predetermined position.

  The drive unit 30 freely moves the head unit 40 in the transport direction and the width direction of the printing tape T (direction intersecting the transport direction). The drive unit 30 includes a first stage 31 that moves the head unit 40 in the transport direction, a second stage 32 that moves the first stage 31 in the width direction, and a motor that moves them.

  FIG. 3 shows the nozzle arrangement on the lower surface of the head unit 40. The head unit 40 includes a first head 41 (1) and a second head 41 (2). On the lower surface of each head 41, a plurality of nozzles that are ink ejection portions are provided. A yellow ink nozzle row Y, a magenta ink nozzle row M, a cyan ink nozzle row C, and a black ink nozzle row K are formed on the lower surface of each head 41. Each nozzle row includes 180 nozzles and is aligned at a constant interval (180 dpi) in the width direction (corresponding to a predetermined direction). Young numbers are assigned in order from the nozzles on the back side in the width direction (# 1, # 2,..., # 180).

  The first head 41 (1) and the second head 41 (2) are arranged in a staggered manner in the width direction. Further, five nozzles (# 176 to # 180) belonging to the front side (corresponding to the other side) of the nozzle row (corresponding to the first nozzle row) of the first head 41 (1), the second The five nozzles (# 1 to # 5) belonging to the end portion (corresponding to one side) of the nozzle row (corresponding to the second nozzle row) of the head 41 (2) overlap with each other. One head 41 (1) and second head 41 (2) are arranged. That is, in the region surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure, the nozzles (for example, # 176) of the first head 41 (1) and the nozzles (for example, # 1) of the second head 41 (2) are aligned in the transport direction. It is out.

  Hereinafter, the nozzles belonging to the region surrounded by the one-dot chain line are referred to as “overlapping nozzles”, and the nozzles # 176 to # 180 of the first head 41 (1) are referred to as “first overlapping nozzles (corresponding to the first nozzles). The nozzles # 1 to # 5 of the second head 41 (2) are referred to as “second overlapping nozzles (corresponding to the second nozzles)”. In addition, a region where the front end of the nozzle row of the first head 41 (1) and the rear end of the nozzle row of the second head 41 (2) overlap (that is, a region surrounded by a one-dot chain line) This is called “head overlap”.

  Next, the printing procedure of the printer 1 will be described. First, the head unit 40 moves in the transport direction by the first stage 31 with respect to the printing tape T supplied to the printing area by the transport unit 20, and ink is ejected from the nozzles during this movement. As a result, a dot row along the transport direction is formed on the printing tape T. Thereafter, the head unit 40 is moved in the width direction by the second stage 32 via the first stage 31. Then, again, while the head unit 40 moves in the transport direction, ink is ejected from the nozzles, and a dot row is formed in a region different from the previous one. By repeating this operation, an image is printed on the printing tape T supplied to the printing area (image forming operation). Thereafter, the printing tape T that has not been printed by the transport unit 20 is supplied to the printing area (transport operation), and an image is formed again. By alternately repeating this image forming operation and the conveying operation of the printing tape T, an image is printed on a continuous printing tape T (hereinafter referred to as a medium).

=== Comparative Example: Partial Overlap Printing ===
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which two heads 42 (1) and 42 (2) are arranged at positions different from the present embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the number of nozzles in the nozzle row is reduced. The two heads 42 (1) and 42 (2) in the figure are the front end of the nozzle row of the back head 42 (1) and the back end of the nozzle row of the front head 42 (2). The part does not overlap. That is, the interval between the nozzle located closest to the nozzle row of the rear head 42 (1) and the nozzle located farthest from the nozzle row of the front head 42 (2) is 180 dpi. In addition, two heads 42 (1) and 42 (2) are arranged.

  By the way, since the head unit 40 has a plurality of heads, the image width printed by one movement of the head unit 40 in the transport direction is increased. Therefore, the number of movements of the head unit 40 in the transport direction can be reduced, and high-speed printing is possible. However, since images printed by different heads are arranged in the width direction, a difference in head characteristics tends to appear in the image. In particular, in the printer of the comparative example in which the head 42 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4A, the characteristic difference of the head 42 is easily noticeable, leading to image deterioration. For example, the dot diameter formed by the head 42 (1) on the far side in the width direction is relatively large (white circle ○), and the dot diameter formed by the head 42 (2) on the near side is relatively small (black circle). ●). Then, the boundary between the images printed by the different heads 42 becomes conspicuous. Therefore, a printing method called “partial overlap printing” has been proposed.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a printing method of a comparative example different from the present embodiment. The arrangement of the first head 41 (1) and the second head 41 (2) depicted in FIG. 4B is the same as the arrangement of the head 41 of this embodiment (FIG. 3). That is, the nozzle (first overlapping nozzle) belonging to the front end of the nozzle row of the first head 41 (1) and the nozzle belonging to the rear end of the nozzle row of the second head 41 (2) (second overlapping) Nozzle) overlaps. For the sake of explanation, the number of nozzles in the nozzle row is reduced. Further, it is assumed that raster lines in which dots are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction print an image in which the nozzle pitch (180 dpi) is arranged in the width direction.

  “Partial overlap printing” which is a printing method of a comparative example is based on the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle for an area on the medium facing the overlapping part of the head (hereinafter referred to as “overlapping area”). This is a printing method in which ink is alternately ejected. As a result, a dot row (hereinafter referred to as a raster line) formed in the overlapping region in the transport direction is divided into dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle (white circles) and dots formed by the second overlapping nozzles (black circles). ●) are arranged alternately. Note that the present invention is not limited to ejecting ink alternately from the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. For example, the number of dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle may be larger than that of the second overlapping nozzle in the raster line on the far side of the overlapping region.

  Thus, the raster line formed in the overlapping region is formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle (FIG. 4B), and as shown in FIG. 4A, only by the head 42 (1) on the back side. Compared to the case where the raster lines (dots only with white circles) to be formed and the raster lines (dots only with black circles) formed only by the front head 42 (2) are aligned in the width direction. Thus, the boundary between the images printed by the different heads 41 is not conspicuous, and the characteristic difference of the heads 41 hardly appears in the image.

  Note that all nozzles in the nozzle row of the first head 41 (1) overlap with all nozzles in the nozzle row of the second head 41 (2), and all raster lines are aligned with the nozzles of the first head 41 (1). The printing method (overlap printing) formed by the two heads 41 (2) can alleviate the difference in characteristics of the head 41 than the partial overlap printing. However, since the width of an image to be printed is reduced by a single movement of the head unit 40 in the transport direction, the printing speed is reduced. That is, as in partial overlap printing, only two raster heads that are formed only in raster lines formed in an area corresponding to the joint of the head 41 (overlapping area) by overlapping only the nozzles at the end of the nozzle row of different heads 41 are overlapped. By forming with 41 nozzles, high-speed printing can be realized and the characteristic difference of the head can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state of partial overlap printing when an attachment error occurs in the second head 41 (2). The nozzle interval of the nozzle row is very small (180 dpi in this embodiment), and it is difficult to attach a plurality of heads 41 without error. Here, it is assumed that the second head 41 (2) is attached to be shifted to the front side in the width direction. In this case, originally, the first overlapping nozzle (for example, # 8) of the first head 41 (1) and the corresponding second overlapping nozzle (for example, # 1) of the second head 41 (2) are transported. The second overlapping nozzle (# 1) is positioned on the front side in the width direction with respect to the first overlapping nozzle (# 8) at a position aligned in the direction.

  As a result, in the overlapping region, as shown in FIG. 4B, the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle do not line up in the transport direction and are formed by the first overlapping nozzle. No dots (black circles ●) are formed by the second overlapping nozzles between the dots (white circles ○) arranged in the transport direction. That is, in the area on the medium other than the overlapping area, dots are arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport direction, whereas in the overlapping area, every other dot in the transport direction (at an interval twice the predetermined interval). ) Will be formed. That is, the overlap area is visually recognized lighter because the gap between the dots is larger than the other areas, and density unevenness occurs in the entire image.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the printer 1 having a plurality of heads 41 for the purpose of high-speed printing, a characteristic difference between different heads 41 is made difficult to appear in an image, and density unevenness caused by an attachment error of the heads 41 is made. It aims at suppressing (lightness of an overlap area).

=== Outline of Printing Method of the Present Embodiment ===
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing method according to the present embodiment. For example, when printing an image in which raster lines in which dots are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction are printed at a nozzle pitch (180 dpi) in the width direction, in the present embodiment, the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle are also As with the other nozzles, dots are formed at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. Therefore, when the mounting error does not occur in the head 41 and the first overlapping nozzle (for example, # 8) and the corresponding second overlapping nozzle (for example, # 1) are positioned side by side in the transport direction, the first overlapping nozzle And the dot row formed by the second overlapping nozzle are formed in an overlapping manner. In FIG. 6, the second overlapping nozzle is positioned on the front side in the width direction with respect to the first overlapping nozzle due to the mounting error of the second head 41 (2). Further, in the partial overlap printing (FIG. 5) of the comparative example, dots that are not printed are indicated by hatched dots.

  In this way, dots are formed at predetermined intervals by the nozzles of both the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle with respect to the overlapping area, thereby conveying the overlapping area in the comparative example (FIG. 5). It is possible to prevent the dots arranged in the direction from becoming wider than the predetermined interval and being perceived as faint. That is, as in the comparative example, due to the mounting error of the head 41 or the like, the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzles are not formed between the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzles, and the gaps between the dots increase, resulting in overlapping regions. It is possible to prevent density unevenness from occurring in the other image and the image in the other area.

  Here, it is assumed that one pixel on the data corresponds to one cell which is virtually determined on the medium. The density (gradation value) indicated by the pixel is pixel data. Then, based on certain pixel data, it is assumed that liquid ejection from a nozzle assigned to the pixel data is controlled with respect to an area on the medium corresponding to the pixel.

  In order to perform printing as in the present embodiment (FIG. 6), when creating print data, the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle for one pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area on the medium. Is assigned. In other words, liquid is discharged from the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle based on one pixel data. That is, in the printing system of the present embodiment, the first overlapping nozzle (corresponding to the first nozzle) and the second based on the pixel data (corresponding to certain pixel data) to which the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle are assigned. The ejection of ink (liquid) from the overlapping nozzle (corresponding to the second nozzle) to the area on the medium corresponding to the pixel data is controlled. Further, based on the gradation value indicated by the pixel data to which the nozzle other than the overlapping nozzle is assigned, a predetermined ink amount (liquid amount) is ejected from the nozzle other than the overlapping nozzle, and the pixel data to which the overlapping nozzle is assigned is indicated. When the gradation value is equal to the gradation value, a predetermined ink amount is ejected from each of the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle.

  On the other hand, in the partial overlap printing of the comparative example, the first overlapping nozzle or the second overlapping nozzle is assigned to one pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area. A raster line in which dots by the first overlapping nozzle and dots by the second overlapping nozzle are alternately arranged is formed by the pixel data to which the first overlapping nozzle is assigned and the pixel data to which the second overlapping nozzle is assigned. .

  That is, in the present embodiment, a certain area (one pixel data) among areas (overlapping areas) on the medium facing the joints (overlapping parts of heads) of different heads 41 (1) and 41 (2). Ink is ejected from both the nozzles of the head 41 (1) (first overlapping nozzle) and the nozzles of the other head 41 (2) (second overlapping nozzle) to the corresponding area on the medium) As a result, even if an attachment error occurs in the heads 41 (1) and 41 (2), it is possible to prevent the dot interval from becoming larger than the predetermined interval indicated by the print data. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a large gap is generated between dots particularly when printing is performed with a high gradation value (for example, in the case of solid printing). For example, in a white medium, a white background portion is conspicuous. Can be prevented and image deterioration can be suppressed.

  Further, in the area (overlapping area) on the medium facing the joint part (overlapping part of the heads) of the different heads 41 (1) and 41 (2), dots (white circles) by the first head 41 (1) Since the dots (black circles) are formed by the second head 41 (2) and the raster line formed by different heads as shown in FIG. Is difficult to appear in the image.

  However, in the overlapping area, the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle are formed so as to overlap each other, so that there is a tendency to print darker than the gradation value indicated by the print data. For this reason, when printing lightly with a low gradation value, the darkness of the overlapping area may become more conspicuous than the area on the medium other than the overlapping area.

  Therefore, for example, when a threshold value is provided for the pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area, and the gradation value indicated by the pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area is equal to or greater than the threshold value, A first overlapping nozzle and a second overlapping nozzle are assigned, and a predetermined ink amount is ejected from each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle. As a result, in the area corresponding to the pixel data, dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle are formed so as to overlap each other. On the other hand, when the gradation value indicated by the pixel data is less than the threshold and printing is light, the first overlapping nozzle or the second overlapping nozzle is assigned to the pixel data. For example, when the first overlapping nozzle is assigned, a predetermined amount of ink is ejected from the first overlapping nozzle, and no ink is ejected from the second overlapping nozzle. As a result, dots are formed by the first overlapping nozzle or the second overlapping nozzle in an area corresponding to the pixel data.

  By doing so, in the case of printing darkly, even if the first overlapping nozzle and the corresponding second overlapping nozzle are shifted in the width direction due to an attachment error of the head 41 or the like, it is more than indicated by the print data. It is possible to prevent a large gap between the dots from appearing lightly. On the other hand, when printing lightly, the number of dots formed is smaller than when printing darkly, so a gap between dots occurs more than indicated by the print data due to mounting errors of the head 41 or the like. Even so, the gap is inconspicuous and can be said to be no problem.

  Further, based on the gradation value indicated by the pixel data to which the nozzle other than the overlapping nozzle is assigned, a predetermined ink amount is ejected from the nozzle other than the overlapping nozzle, and the gradation value indicated by the pixel data to which the overlapping nozzle is assigned is If it is equal to the gradation value, the gradation value is converted into a low gradation value (corresponding to a light gradation value, for example, a gradation value of 80% of the gradation value), and the first overlapping nozzle and An amount of ink smaller than a predetermined amount of ink may be ejected from each second overlapping nozzle.

  In addition, the overlap region is printed darker than the other regions by forming the dots by the first overlap nozzle and the dots by the second overlap nozzle in the overlap region. In order to prevent this, the density correction of the overlapping area may be performed. Hereinafter, the density correction method for the overlapping region will be described.

=== Regarding Density Correction of Overlapping Area: Correction Example 1 ===
FIG. 7 is a print data creation processing flow. It is assumed that the density correction processing for the overlapping area is performed by the computer 60 during creation of print data in accordance with a printer driver stored in the memory of the computer 60. The print data created in the computer 60 is transmitted to the printer 1, and the printer 1 performs printing according to the print data. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a system in which the computer 60 and the printer 1 are connected corresponds to a “liquid ejecting apparatus”.

The resolution conversion process (S001) is a process for converting the image data output from the application program into a resolution for printing on a medium. Note that the image data after the resolution conversion process is 256-gradation data (RGB data) represented by an RGB color space. The image data is a collection of pixel data. Pixel data is a gradation value indicated by a pixel. One pixel is expressed with 256 gradations, and the higher the gradation value is, the higher the density of a region on the medium corresponding to the pixel is.
The color conversion process (S002) is a process for converting RGB data into CMYK data represented by a CMYK color space corresponding to the ink of the printer 1.
The halftone process (S003) is a process for converting high gradation number data into gradation number data that can be formed by the printer 1 (dot data indicating the dot size).

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating types of dots that can be printed by the printer 1 of the present embodiment. One pixel of this embodiment includes “form extra large dots”, “form large dots”, “form medium dots”, “form small dots”, “form very small dots”, “ It is expressed with 6 gradations of “no dot is formed”.

The overlapping pixel data density correction process (S004) is a process for correcting the density of pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area (that is, pixel data to which overlapping nozzles are assigned, hereinafter referred to as overlapping pixel data). Details will be described later.
The rasterization process (S005) is a process in which matrix image data is rearranged for each pixel data in the order of data to be transferred to the printer 1. The print data generated through these processes is transmitted to the printer 1 by the printer driver together with command data (conveyance amount, etc.) corresponding to the printing method.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the overlapping pixel data is replaced with the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle. In this correction example 1, when the overlapping pixel data after the halftone process instructs to form “extra large dots”, the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle are smaller in size than the extra large dots. “Large dots” are formed. Therefore, the overlapping pixel data “form an extra large dot” is changed to the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle “form a large dot” and the pixel for the second overlapping nozzle “form a large dot”. Replace with data. Similarly, when the overlapping pixel data instructs to form a “large dot”, a “medium dot” smaller in size than the large dot is formed in the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. Replace data.

  As described above, in the correction example 1, a dot smaller than the dot size indicated by the overlapping pixel data (or the dot indicated by the overlapping pixel data) in the area on the medium corresponding to the overlapping pixel data (corresponding to certain pixel data). The overlapping pixel data after the halftone process is replaced with pixel data for the overlapping nozzles so that the dots having a size smaller than or equal to the size are formed in the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. When the overlapping pixel data instructs to form “minimal dots”, it is preferable to form the minimal dots on either the first overlapping nozzle or the second overlapping nozzle. At this time, by making the number of minimal dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the number of minimal dots by the second overlapping nozzle approximately the same, it is difficult for the characteristic difference of the head 41 to appear in the image.

  FIG. 9A shows a state of dot formation when density correction processing is not performed on the overlapping area, and FIG. 9B shows dot formation when density correction processing of Correction Example 1 is performed on the overlapping area. It is a figure which shows a mode. Assume that all pixel data after halftone processing is instructed to form “large dots”. In addition, it is assumed that the second overlapping nozzle is displaced with respect to the first overlapping nozzle in the width direction. In FIG. 9A, “large dots” are respectively formed by the first overlap nozzle and the second overlap nozzle for the overlap pixel data “large dot formation” after the halftone process. By doing so, even when the second overlapping nozzle is displaced in the width direction with respect to the first overlapping nozzle due to the mounting error of the head 41, it is instructed by the print data as in the case of performing partial overlap printing. As described above, it is possible to prevent a large gap from occurring between the dots. On the other hand, in the overlapping area, the large overlapping dots are formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle, so that a large number of large dots are formed compared to the area other than the overlapping area, so that the dots are darkly visible. .

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9B, according to the density correction method of the first correction example, the overlapping pixel data “large dot formation” is the same as the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle “medium dot formation” and the second “medium dot formation”. Replace with pixel data for overlapping nozzles. As a result, “large dots” are formed in areas other than the overlapping area, and “medium dots” having a size smaller than the large dots are formed in the overlapping area by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. . That is, in the overlapping area, the number of dots formed is larger than in the area other than the overlapping area, but the dot size to be formed is small. As a result, the amount of ink ejected toward the area other than the overlapping area can be made equal to the amount of ink ejected toward the overlapping area, and the overlapping area is darker than the other areas. It can be prevented from being visually recognized, and uneven density is eliminated.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram of density correction processing in correction example 1 during print data creation. In the correction example 1, as shown in the flow of FIG. 7, the density correction process is performed on the pixel data after the halftone process. If the square in the figure is one pixel and “large” is marked on the pixel, a “large dot” is formed in the area on the medium corresponding to that pixel, and “medium” is marked on the pixel. Then, it is assumed that “medium dots” are formed in the area on the medium corresponding to the pixel. According to the pixel data after halftone processing, all the pixel data are shown to form “large dots”.

  Thereafter, in the density correction process, the data of the overlapping pixels (in bold lines) to which the overlapping nozzles are assigned are replaced with the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzles and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzles. When the overlap pixel data indicates “large dot formation”, the pixel data for the first overlap nozzle “medium dot formation” and the pixel data for the second overlap nozzle “medium dot formation” are replaced. Therefore, in the image data after the density correction processing in FIG. 10, “medium” is written in the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle surrounded by a thick line. Note that pixel data other than overlapping pixel data is not converted and remains “large dot formation”. Finally, each pixel data is rearranged so as to be assigned to the corresponding nozzle in the order in which the ink is ejected by the rasterizing process, and transmitted to the printer 1.

  By doing so, as shown in FIG. 9B, “medium dots” are formed to overlap in the overlapping area by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle, and “large dots” are formed in the area other than the overlapping area. It is formed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the overlapping area from being viewed darker than the other areas, and density unevenness is eliminated.

  Summarizing the above, in this correction example 1, the overlapping pixel data corresponding to the overlapping region is used as the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle from the dot size indicated by the overlapping pixel data. Is converted into data in which dots of a small size are formed. As a result, it is possible to correct the darkness of the overlapping area formed by overlapping the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle.

  Further, in the correction example 1, for example, when an instruction is given to form a large dot in the overlapping area, a medium dot is formed from two overlapping nozzles, resulting in discharge toward the overlapping area. The same amount of ink is used. Therefore, when an image having the same density is printed, the overlapping area is printed with dots of a smaller size than the other areas, so that an image with higher graininess and higher image quality can be obtained.

<Modification of Correction Example 1>
In the above-described correction example 1, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the overlapping pixel data indicates “large dot formation”, all the overlapping pixel data are respectively stored by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. Although it is replaced with data in which dots are formed, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when there are ten overlapping pixel data indicating “large dot formation”, five of the overlapping pixel data are converted into pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and “second overlapping nozzle” for “medium dot formation”. Replace with pixel data. The remaining five overlapping pixel data may be replaced with the first overlapping nozzle pixel data “medium dot formation” and the second overlapping nozzle pixel data “small dot formation”. By doing so, when “medium dots” are formed in the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle for all the overlapping pixel data indicating “large dot formation”, the overlapping area is still printed darkly. By forming “small dots” in the second overlapping nozzle for a part of the overlapping pixel data, the darkness of the overlapping region can be corrected more reliably. As described above, even if the same overlapping pixel data is used, the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle may be replaced with different data by the overlapping pixel data. As a result, it is possible to perform the density correction processing of the overlapping region with higher accuracy than in the correction example 1.

  Therefore, in the manufacturing process or the like, the density correction processing of the correction example 1, that is, all the overlapping pixel data indicating the same data are the same combination of the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle. It is recommended that the test pattern or the like is actually printed. As a result, in the density correction process of the correction example 1, when the density correction of the overlapping area is insufficient and the printed image is still darker than other areas, even if the overlapping pixel data indicates the same data, For some overlapping pixel data, the data may be replaced so that dots of a smaller size are formed from the overlapping nozzles. On the other hand, when the density correction processing of correction example 1 is performed, if the overlapping area is printed too lightly, even if it is overlapping pixel data indicating the same data, for some overlapping pixel data, Data may be replaced so that large size dots are formed from overlapping nozzles.

=== Regarding Density Correction of Overlapping Area: Correction Example 2 ===
In the present embodiment, the nozzles of the first head 41 (1) and the second are in the overlapping region where the image is printed at the joint portion (head overlapping portion) of the two heads 41 (1) and 41 (2). The dots are overlapped by the nozzles of the head 41 (2). Therefore, a difference in characteristics between the two heads 41 (1) and 41 (2) hardly appears in the image. In this correction example 2, in order to further reduce the difference in characteristics between the heads 41 (1) and 41 (2), the overlapped pixel data after the halftone process is changed from the first overlap nozzle pixel data to the second overlap nozzle data. When replacing with pixel data for overlapping nozzles, gradation is provided. Therefore, the density correction process of the correction example 2 is performed after the halftone process, as in the correction example 1 (FIG. 7).

  FIG. 11A shows a pattern in which, after halftone processing, overlapping pixel data indicating “extra-large dot formation” is replaced with pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle with gradation. FIG. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a state where dots in the overlapping region are formed according to the pattern shown in FIG. 11A. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the number of nozzles in the nozzle row is reduced and all the pixel data indicate “extra large dot formation”. The second overlapping nozzle is attached to the first overlapping nozzle so as to be shifted toward the front side in the width direction. In order to express the difference in characteristics between the first head 41 (1) and the second head 41 (2), the dots formed by the first head 41 (1) are indicated by circles (◯), and the second head The dots formed by 41 (2) are indicated by triangles (Δ).

  In the printer 1 of this embodiment, each head 41 has five overlapping nozzles (FIG. 3). Therefore, when the overlapping pixel data after the halftone processing indicates that “extra large dots” are formed, the innermost nozzle # 176 of the five first overlapping nozzles (# 176 to # 180). “Extra large dot” is formed in (corresponding to a certain first nozzle), and similarly, the innermost nozzle # 1 (corresponding to a certain second nozzle) of the five second overlapping nozzles (# 1 to # 5) ) To replace the data so that “small dots” are formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, on the far side of the overlapping region, the raster line (◯) of the extra large dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle # 176 and the raster of the minimal dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle # 1. A line (Δ) is formed.

  In the five overlapping nozzles, the overlapping pixel data is set such that the dot size formed by the first overlapping nozzle becomes smaller and the dot size formed by the second overlapping nozzle becomes larger as it becomes the front overlapping nozzle. Are replaced with the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle. By doing so, a raster line of medium dots is formed by the first overlapping nozzle # 178 and the second overlapping nozzle # 3 in the center of the overlapping region. Then, on the front side of the overlapping region, a raster line (◯) of minimal dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle # 180 (corresponding to another first nozzle) and a second overlapping nozzle # 5 (another second nozzle) The raster line (Δ) of extra large dots formed by

  That is, on the back side of the overlapping area, that is, on the first head 41 (1) side, the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzles are made larger than the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzles. On the near side, that is, on the second head 41 (2) side, the dots formed by the second overlapping nozzles are made larger than the dots formed by the first overlapping nozzles. As a result, the influence of the first overlapping nozzle is larger than that of the second overlapping nozzle in the back portion of the image printed in the overlapping area, and the influence of the second overlapping nozzle is greater than that of the first overlapping nozzle in the front portion. Become. Therefore, from the back side to the front side in the width direction, the image (Δ) formed only by the nozzles of the first head 41 (1) to the image (Δ) formed only by the nozzles of the second head 41 (2). When shifting, the head characteristic difference between the first head 41 (1) and the second head 41 (2) becomes inconspicuous, and a higher quality image can be obtained.

  FIG. 12 shows a pattern in which, after halftone processing, the overlapping pixel data indicating “large dot formation” is replaced with pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle with gradation. FIG. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, each head 41 has five overlapping nozzles. Also, the dot size that can be formed by the printer 1 is five (FIG. 8A). Therefore, when the overlapping pixel data indicating “extra-large dot formation” is converted into the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle, it is possible to form dots that are smaller in size from the back side to the first overlapping nozzle. However, the overlapping pixel data for forming dots smaller in size than the extra large dots cannot necessarily form dots smaller in size than the first overlapping nozzles from the back side to the front side with respect to the five first overlapping nozzles. .

  For example, when the overlapping pixel data indicating “large dot formation” is converted into pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle, the innermost first overlapping nozzle # 176 and the second first overlapping nozzle # 177 from the back are used. “Medium dots” are formed. The data is so formed that “small dots” are formed in the first overlapping nozzles # 178 and # 179 on the front side, and “minimal dots” are formed on the first overlapping nozzle # 180 on the front side. Convert. Conversely, the “small dot” is formed in the second overlapping nozzle # 1 on the farthest side, the “small dot” is formed on the second overlapping nozzles # 2 and # 3 on the front side, and the Data is converted so that “medium dots” are formed in the two overlapping nozzles # 4 and # 5.

  By doing so, the first overlapping nozzle (for example, nozzle # 176) on the first head 41 (1) side (the back side) can be obtained even if gradation is not imparted to all the dots formed by the five overlapping nozzles. ) Can be made larger than the dot formed by the corresponding second overlapping nozzle (for example, nozzle # 1). Conversely, dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle (for example, nozzle # 5) on the second head 41 (2) side (front side) are formed by the corresponding first overlapping nozzle (for example, nozzle # 180). It is possible to obtain an image that can be made larger than a dot and in which the difference in head characteristics between the first head 41 (1) and the second head 41 (2) is not noticeable.

  Then, by storing the replacement pattern of the overlapping pixel data as shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 12 in the memory of the computer 60, the computer 60 gives the gradation of the overlapping pixel data after the halftone process, The pixel data is replaced with the first overlapping nozzle pixel data and the second overlapping nozzle pixel data.

  Further, in FIG. 11B, it is assumed that all the overlapping pixel data indicates “extra-large dot formation”, but the actual print image is not limited to this. For example, it is assumed that the farthest overlapping pixel data indicates “large dot formation”, and the second overlapping pixel data from the back side indicates “extra large dot formation”. At this time, in the overlapping area, the “medium dot” is formed by the first overlapping nozzle on the farthest side, and the “large dot” is formed by the second first overlapping nozzle from the back side. For this reason, the dot size formed by the first overlapping nozzle is not necessarily smaller as the area from the back side to the front side of the overlapping area becomes smaller. However, based on the same overlapping pixel data, the first overlapping nozzle forms a larger dot than the second overlapping nozzle on the back side of the overlapping region, and the second overlapping nozzle is on the front side of the overlapping region. Since dots larger than the first overlapping nozzle are formed, the characteristic difference of the head 41 in the print image is larger than when the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle form dots of the same size based on the same pixel data. It becomes difficult to appear.

=== Regarding Density Correction of Overlapping Area: Correction Example 3 ===
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of print data creation in the third correction example. In the correction example 3, unlike the correction examples 1 and 2, the density correction process (S103) is performed on the overlapping pixel data before the halftone process (S104).

  FIG. 14 is an image diagram of density correction processing in correction example 3 during print data creation. The pixel data before the halftone process is data having a high gradation number (256 gradations). Here, it is assumed that all the pixel data indicate “tone value 200”. Thereafter, in the density correction process, the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data to which the overlapping nozzle is assigned is reduced to “100 (corresponding to the first gradation value and the second gradation value)”.

  Next, by the halftone process, the overlapping pixel data is changed from high gradation data “gradation value 100” to low gradation data “medium dot formation (corresponding to first dot data and second dot data)”. Converted. On the other hand, pixel data other than overlapping pixel data is converted from “gradation value 200” to data “large dot formation”. Finally, in the rasterization process, the pixel data in the area surrounded by the solid line in the image data after the halftone process in the drawing is assigned to the nozzle row of the first head 41 (1) and surrounded by the dotted line. The pixel data of the area is assigned to the nozzle row of the second head 41 (2).

  That is, before the density correction process, all the pixel data indicate the gradation value 200, and if the halftone process is performed without the density correction process, all the pixel data is converted into data “large dot formation”. However, the halftone process is performed after the gradation value of the overlapped pixel data is halved by the density correction process, whereby the overlapped pixel data is converted into data of “medium dot formation”. In this way, the data obtained by performing the halftone process with the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data being halved is allocated as data common to the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. As a result, similarly to the correction example 1 (FIG. 9B), in the overlapping region, the medium dots formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the medium dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle are formed so as to overlap each other. By doing so, the overlapping region is visually recognized darker than when the large overlapping dot is formed by the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle without performing density correction processing for the overlapping region (FIG. 9A). Can be prevented.

  In the correction example 1, the overlap pixel data is divided into the pixel data for the first overlap nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlap nozzle so that the dot size to be formed becomes small after the halftone process of the overlap pixel data. Replace with On the other hand, in the correction example 2, since the halftone process is performed after the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data is halved, the dot size formed in the overlapping area becomes smaller, and the number of dots generated in the overlapping area is smaller. May be less. However, as a result, since the amount of liquid ejected toward the overlapping area is reduced as compared with the case where the density correction process is not performed, it is possible to prevent the overlapping area from being viewed darkly.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data before the halftone process is replaced with the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle with gradation characteristics. It is. In FIG. 14, the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data is divided in half, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the gradation value indicated by the overlap pixel data is “200”, the overlap pixel data on the back side (the pixel side to which the nozzle of the first head 41 (1) is assigned) of the overlap pixel data is The gradation value “150 (corresponding to the first gradation value)” of the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle (corresponding to a certain first nozzle) is used as the pixel for the second overlapping nozzle (corresponding to a certain second nozzle). It may be larger than the gradation value “50 (corresponding to the second gradation value)” of the data. As a result, the amount of liquid discharged from the first overlapping nozzle is larger than that of the second overlapping nozzle on the back side of the overlapping region. Conversely, in the overlapping pixel data on the near side (pixel side to which the nozzle of the second head 41 (2) is assigned), the gradation value of the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle (corresponding to another second nozzle) “150 (corresponding to the second gradation value)” is larger than the gradation value “50 (corresponding to the first gradation value)” of the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle (corresponding to another first nozzle). Good. By doing so, the difference in characteristics of the different heads 41 is less noticeable in the image, and a higher quality image can be obtained.

  FIG. 14 shows a case where the gradation value of the overlapping pixel data is distributed as the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle with gradation instead of half, as shown in FIG. Thus, the overlapping pixel data after the halftone process cannot be the common data for the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable to distribute the overlapping pixel data to the pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and the pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle before the halftone process.

=== About Density Correction of Overlapping Area: Correction Example 4 ===
In this correction example 4, since the image printed in the overlapping area approaches the density (tone value) indicated by the pixel data, the correction value H for each pixel column (for each column region) (details will be described later). ) Is calculated. Note that a pixel column refers to a pixel in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a direction corresponding to the transport direction on print data. An area on the medium corresponding to the pixel column is referred to as a “column area”.

  FIGS. 16A to 16C are diagrams illustrating a printing method according to the present embodiment in the case where the density correction processing as in correction examples 1 to 3 is not performed on the overlapping region. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a state of dots printed when there is no attachment error of the head 41 and the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle are arranged in the transport direction. The ink droplets ejected from the first overlapping nozzle and the ink droplets ejected from the second overlapping nozzle overlap and land on the overlapping region. Therefore, larger dots are formed in the overlapping area than in other areas. That is, the density of the fourth to sixth row areas that are the overlapping areas is visually recognized as being darker than the density of the first to third row areas other than the overlapping areas. Therefore, in this correction example 4, the printer 1 is actually made to print a test pattern. From the test pattern result, it is detected how dark the column region belonging to the overlapping region is printed compared to other column regions, and a correction value H for each column region is calculated.

  In addition, a large dot formed in the fourth row region may protrude from the third row region adjacent to the fourth row region, which is an overlapping region. At this time, even if the third row region is not an overlapping region, the third row region is visually recognized darker than the other first and second row regions. That is, even in an image formed in the row region by the same nozzle, the density may be different due to the influence of the nozzle associated with the adjacent row region. In such a case, the density unevenness cannot be suppressed by simply using the correction value associated with the nozzle. Therefore, by calculating the correction value H for each row region, it is possible to prevent the dots formed by the overlapping nozzles from affecting the regions other than the overlapping region and causing density unevenness.

  Similarly, FIG. 16B shows a state of dots printed when the second overlapping nozzle is attached to the back side in the width direction with respect to the first overlapping nozzle. In this case, dots formed by the second overlapping nozzle are formed so as to protrude from the third row region. As a result, even if the third row region is not an overlapping region, the third row region is visually recognized darkly. Therefore, the density of the third row region can be corrected by the correction value H for each row region.

  On the other hand, FIG. 16C shows a state of dots printed when the second overlapping nozzle is attached to the front side in the width direction with respect to the first overlapping nozzle. In this case, dots due to the second overlapping nozzle that should be formed in the fourth row region are formed near the fifth row region. As a result, even if the fourth row area is an overlapping area, it is not printed as dark as the row areas belonging to other overlapping areas. For this reason, as in the case of the row regions belonging to other overlapping regions, if the density correction process for the fourth row region is performed, the fourth row region is visually recognized lightly. Therefore, density correction can be performed more accurately by performing density correction processing using the correction value H for each row region.

  The same can be said for the case where the density correction processing of correction example 1 to correction example 3 is performed on the overlapping region. For example, according to the correction example 1, as shown in FIG. 9B, even when the medium dot is formed by the first overlap nozzle and the second overlap nozzle when the overlap pixel data indicates “large dot formation”, the overlap region May still be seen darker than other areas. At this time, the test pattern is printed based on the print data subjected to the density correction process in the correction example 1, and the correction value H for each row region is calculated. The darkness that did not exist can be corrected. On the contrary, by performing the density correction process, even if the overlapping area is printed too lightly, the lightness of the overlapping area can be corrected by the correction value H. That is, by performing density correction processing of correction example 1 to correction example 3 on the overlapping area, and further performing density correction of the column area corresponding to the pixel column based on the correction value H for each pixel column, Density unevenness is further suppressed, and a high-quality image can be obtained.

  In addition, the characteristics differ depending not only on the head 41 but also on each nozzle. For this reason, whether the nozzles are overlapping or other nozzles, for example, the ink discharge amount may be smaller or larger than a predetermined amount. In this case, the row region formed by the nozzles ejecting a smaller amount of ink than the predetermined amount is visually recognized light, and the row region formed by the nozzles ejecting an amount of ink larger than the predetermined amount is viewed dark. . Such a row region can be corrected by the correction value H. That is, with the correction value H for each pixel column, it is possible to eliminate not only the overlapping area but also the density unevenness in the area other than the overlapping area. In addition, according to the correction value H for each pixel column, the density of the column region adjacent to the column region to which the nozzle to which the ejected ink droplet is bent is also determined by only the nozzle associated with its own column region. Instead, the correction is performed in consideration of nozzles associated with adjacent row regions.

  FIG. 17 is a flow of a method for calculating the correction value H. Hereinafter, a method for calculating the correction value H will be described. It is assumed that the correction value H is performed in the manufacturing process of the printer 1 or the like.

<S201: Print Test Pattern>
FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a test pattern, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a correction pattern. The computer 60 causes the printer 1 to print a test pattern as shown in FIG. 18A according to the printer driver. At this time, based on the pixel data to which the overlapping nozzle is assigned, ink is ejected from the first overlapping nozzle and the second overlapping nozzle to the area of the medium corresponding to the pixel data. In addition, a test pattern may be printed in the state where the density correction processing of correction example 1 to correction example 3 is performed on the overlapping region, or the test pattern may be printed without performing density correction processing. And

  The test pattern is composed of four correction patterns formed for each nozzle row of different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Each correction pattern is composed of strip-shaped patterns of three types of density. Each belt-like pattern is generated from image data having a certain gradation value. The tone value of the belt-like pattern is called a command tone value, the command tone value of the belt-like pattern having a density of 30% is Sa (76), the command tone value of the belt-like pattern having a density of 50% is Sb (128), and the density is 70. The command gradation value of the% band-shaped pattern is represented as Sc (179).

  In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, when a band image is printed by one movement (pass) of the head unit 40 in the transport direction, the head unit 40 moves in the width direction by the amount of the band image and is printed first. It is assumed that band printing is performed so that the band image is printed again in the next pass so that the band image is aligned with the transport direction. That is, a raster line formed in another pass is not printed between raster lines formed in a certain pass. As described above, the density of a certain row region differs depending on the characteristics of the nozzle associated with the row region and the nozzle associated with the row region adjacent to the row region. In band printing, raster lines formed in other passes are not printed between raster lines formed in a certain pass. Therefore, if the correction pattern is formed by two passes, the correction value H for each row region can be calculated. Therefore, it is assumed that the correction pattern is composed of 710 (= (180 + 175) × 2) raster lines formed in two passes. In addition, when the correction value H of the row region to which nozzles other than the overlapping nozzles are not calculated, the correction pattern may be formed using only the overlapping nozzles and the nozzles adjacent thereto.

<S202: Acquisition of Reading Tone Value>
Next, the printed test pattern is read with a scanner. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, a reading range may be a range (dotted line) surrounding a cyan correction pattern on a sheet on which a test pattern is printed. Similarly, correction patterns formed by other nozzle rows are also read. When the read image of the correction pattern (the range of the alternate long and short dash line) is tilted, the tilt θ of the image is detected, and rotation processing corresponding to the tilt θ is performed on the image data.

  Note that an area corresponding to the “column area” is also referred to as a “pixel column” on the image data obtained by reading the correction pattern. Then, unnecessary pixels in the read image data are trimmed in a range larger than the correction pattern (a range indicated by a one-dot chain line). Thus, on the read image data, the number of pixel columns in the direction corresponding to the conveyance direction is set to be the same as the number of raster lines (number of column regions) of the correction pattern. That is, the pixel column and the column region are associated one to one. For example, the pixel column positioned at the top corresponds to the first column region, and the pixel column positioned below it corresponds to the second column region.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing the result of reading a belt-like pattern having a density of 30% to 70%. After associating the pixel columns with the column regions on a one-to-one basis, the density of each column region is calculated for each strip pattern. The average value of the read gradation values of each pixel in the pixel column corresponding to a certain column area is set as the read gradation value of that column area. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the row area number, and the vertical axis represents the read gradation value. As shown in the graph, although each strip pattern is uniformly formed with each command gradation value, the reading gradation value varies for each row region. In particular, when the test pattern is printed without performing the density correction processing of correction examples 1 to 3, the density of the column area belonging to the overlapping area is higher than the density of the column area belonging to the other area. Become. This variation in density for each row area causes uneven density in the printed image.

<S203: Calculation of Correction Value H>
In order to reduce the density variation for each row region as shown in FIG. 19, it is only necessary to eliminate the density variation for each row region at the same gradation value. That is, the density unevenness is improved by bringing the density of each row region close to a certain value.

  Therefore, the average value Cbt of the read gradation values of all the row regions in the same command gradation value, for example, Sb is set as the “target value Cbt”. Then, the gradation value of the pixel corresponding to each column region is corrected so that the read gradation value of each column region at the command gradation value Sb approaches the target value Cbt. If the test pattern is performed without performing the density correction process on the overlapping area, the reading gradation value of the row area belonging to the overlapping area is high, and the average value of the reading gradation values of all the row areas is set as the target value. If this happens, the target value will increase. Therefore, the average value of the read gradation values in the row area other than the overlapping area may be set as the target value.

  In the row region i in which the read gradation value Cbi with respect to the command gradation value Sb is lower than the target value Cbt, the levels before the halftone process and before the density correction process are printed so as to be printed darker than the setting of the command gradation value Sb. Correct the key value. On the other hand, in the row region j (Cbj) having a reading gradation value higher than the target value Cbt, the gradation value is corrected so that printing is lighter than the setting of the instruction gradation value Sb.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating the target gradation value Sbt of the i-th row area whose reading result is lower than the target gradation value Cbt. The horizontal axis indicates the command gradation value, and the vertical axis indicates the read gradation value. On the graph, cyan reading results (Cai, Cbi, Cci) in the i-th row area are plotted against the command gradation values (Sa, Sb, Sc). The target command tone value Sbt for representing the i-th row region with the target value Cbt with respect to the command tone value Sb is calculated by the following equation (linear interpolation based on the straight line BC).
Sbt = Sb + (Sc−Sb) × {(Cbt−Cbi) / (Cci−Cbi)}

FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating the target gradation value Sbt of the j-th row area where the reading result is higher than the target gradation value Cbt. On the graph, the reading result of cyan in the j column region is plotted. The target command tone value Sbt for representing the j-th row region with the target value Cbt with respect to the command tone value Sb is calculated by the following equation (linear interpolation based on the straight line AB).
Sbt = Sa + (Sb−Sa) × {(Cbt−Caj) / (Cbj−Caj)}

Thus, after calculating the target command gradation value Sbt for expressing the density of each column region with the target value Cbt with respect to the command gradation value Sb, the command gradation value of each column region is calculated by the following equation. A correction value H for Sb is calculated.
Hb = (Sbt−Sb) / Sb

  Similarly, three correction values (Ha, Hb, Hc) for the three command gradation values (Sa, Sb, Sc) are calculated for each row region. Further, not only cyan but also correction values H of other nozzle rows are calculated. Note that the correction pattern of this embodiment is formed in two passes of the head unit 40 by a band printing method. Therefore, an average value of the correction values H of the corresponding two row areas may be set as the correction value H of the row areas.

<S204: Storage of Correction Value H>
FIG. 21 is a correction value table. After calculating the correction value H, the correction value H is stored in the memory 53 of the printer 1. In the correction value table, three correction values (Ha_i, Hb_i, Hc_i) corresponding to three command gradation values are associated with each column region i. In the correction value table, the correction value H of the row area to be printed in one pass of the head unit 40 is stored. Then, the correction value H of the row area numbers 176 to 180 becomes the correction value H of the overlapping area.

<About printing under the user>
FIG. 22 is a flow of print data creation processing when density correction processing is performed using the correction value H set for each row region. In the manufacturing process of the printer 1, a correction value H for correcting density unevenness is calculated, and after the correction value H is stored in the memory 53 of the printer, the printer 1 is shipped. When the user installs the printer driver when using the printer 1, the printer driver requests the printer 1 to transmit the correction value H stored in the memory 53 to the computer 60. The printer driver stores the correction value H sent from the printer 1 in a memory in the computer 60.

  Upon receiving a print command from the user, the printer driver creates print data according to the print data creation process flow of FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, after the color conversion process (S302), the gradation value of the pixel data indicated by the high gradation is corrected according to the correction value H of the column area to which the pixel data is assigned. (S303, details will be described later). After that, when the density correction processing of the correction examples 1 to 3 is not performed on the overlapping area (1), the pixel data corrected with the correction value H is halftone processed. On the other hand, when the density correction process of correction example 1 or correction example 2 is performed on the overlapping area (2), the pixel data corrected with the correction value H is subjected to the halftone process, and further corresponds to the overlapping area. The pixel data to be replaced is replaced with pixel data for the first overlapping nozzle and pixel data for the second overlapping nozzle. When the density correction process of the correction example 3 is performed on the overlapping area (3), the gradation value of the pixel data corresponding to the overlapping area among the pixel data corrected with the correction value H is halved. And so on (for example, FIGS. 14 and 15), and halftone processing is performed.

  Next, a process of correcting the high gradation value indicated by the pixel data with the correction value H in S303 will be described. The printer driver corrects the gradation value of each pixel data (hereinafter referred to as the gradation value S_in before correction) based on the correction value H of the column area corresponding to the pixel data (corrected gradation value). S_out).

If the gradation value S_in before correction is the same as any of the command gradation values Sa, Sb, Sc, the correction values Ha, Hb, Hc stored in the memory of the computer 60 can be used as they are. For example, if the gradation value S_in before correction is S_in = Sc, the gradation value S_out after correction is obtained by the following equation.
S_out = Sc × (1 + Hc)

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a correction method when the gradation value S_in before correction of the i-th row region of cyan is different from the command gradation value. The horizontal axis is the gradation value S_in before correction, and the vertical axis is the gradation value S_out after correction. When the gradation value S_in before correction is between the command gradation values Sa and Sb, correction is performed by the following equation by linear interpolation based on the correction value Ha of the command gradation value Sa and the correction value Hb of the command gradation value Sb. The later gradation value S_out is calculated.
S_out = Sa + (S′bt−S′at) × {(S_in−Sa) / (Sb−Sa)}

  When the gradation value S_in before correction is smaller than the command gradation value Sa, the gradation value S_out after correction is obtained by linear interpolation between the gradation value 0 (minimum gradation value) and the command gradation value Sa. Is calculated. When the gradation value S_in before correction is larger than the command gradation value Sc, the gradation value S_out after correction is calculated by linear interpolation between the gradation value 255 (maximum gradation value) and the instruction gradation value Sc. To do. The present invention is not limited to this, and a correction value H_out corresponding to a gradation value S_in before correction different from the command gradation value may be calculated to calculate a corrected gradation value S_out (S_out = S_in × ( 1 + H_out)).

=== Other Embodiments ===
Each of the above embodiments is described mainly for a printing system having an ink jet printer, but includes disclosure of a density unevenness correction method and the like. The above-described embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About serial printers>
In the above-described embodiment, after the continuous medium is transported to the printing area, an image is formed while the head unit 40 is alternately moved in the transport direction and the width direction of the continuous medium, and the image is not printed again after the image formation. Although an example of an inkjet printer that conveys an area of a continuous medium to a printing area and repeats this to print an image on the continuous medium is exemplified, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a serial operation in which a head unit having a plurality of heads alternately performs an operation of forming a raster line while moving in a moving direction by a carriage and an operation of conveying a cut sheet in a conveying direction that intersects the moving direction. The present invention can also be applied to printers of the type. In this case, the head includes a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the transport direction. Then, the plurality of heads are arranged so that the downstream end in the conveying direction of the nozzle row of one head overlaps the upstream end of the nozzle row of the other head. Then, ink is ejected from the nozzles of different heads to the area of the medium facing the end of the nozzle row based on the same pixel data. As a result, it is possible to eliminate uneven density caused by head mounting errors.

<About line head printer>
Further, the present invention can be applied even to a line head printer in which a plurality of heads having nozzle rows along the paper width direction are arranged in the paper width direction. In a line head printer, nozzles are aligned in the paper width direction, and ink is ejected from each nozzle when the paper is transported under the nozzles without stopping in the transport direction that intersects the paper width direction. To complete the image. In this case, each head is arranged so that the nozzle row end of one head of the heads adjacent in the paper width direction and the nozzle row end of the other head overlap. Then, ink is ejected from the nozzles of different heads to the area of the medium facing the end of the nozzle row based on the same pixel data. As a result, density unevenness due to head mounting error or the like can be eliminated. In particular, the line head printer has a large number of heads, and it can be said that density unevenness due to an attachment error is likely to occur compared to other printers. Therefore, the present invention can be applied effectively.

<About liquid ejection device>
In the above-described embodiment, the ink jet printer is exemplified as the liquid ejecting apparatus (part) for performing the liquid ejecting method, but is not limited thereto. If it is a liquid ejection device, it can be applied to various industrial devices, not a printer (printing device). For example, a textile printing device for patterning a fabric, a display manufacturing device such as a color filter manufacturing device or an organic EL display, a DNA chip manufacturing device for manufacturing a DNA chip by applying a solution in which DNA is dissolved in a chip, a circuit board manufacturing The present invention can be applied even to an apparatus or the like.
The liquid discharge method may be a piezo method that discharges liquid by applying voltage to the drive element (piezo element) to expand and contract the ink chamber, or generates bubbles in the nozzle using a heating element. It is also possible to use a thermal method in which liquid is discharged by the bubbles.

  In the above-described embodiment, the computer 60 connected to the printer 1 replaces pixel data to which overlapping nozzles are assigned so that ink is ejected from a plurality of overlapping nozzles based on the pixel data. Therefore, the computer 60 corresponds to the control unit, and the system in which the computer 60 and the printer 1 are connected corresponds to the “liquid ejecting apparatus”. However, not limited to this, when the controller 10 of the printer 1 plays the role of the computer 60, the controller 10 corresponds to the “control unit”, and the printer 1 alone corresponds to the “liquid ejecting apparatus”.

1 is a configuration block diagram of a printing system. 2A is a schematic sectional view of the printer, and FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of the printer. It is a figure which shows the nozzle arrangement | sequence of the lower surface of a head unit. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a head arrangement different from that of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a printing method of a comparative example different from the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the printing of the comparative example when the attachment error arises in the head. It is a figure which shows the printing method of this embodiment. It is a print data creation processing flow. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing types of dots that can be printed by the printer 1, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing replacement of overlapping pixel data with pixel data for overlapping nozzles. 9A shows how dots are formed when density correction processing is not performed, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing how dots are formed when density correction processing according to Correction Example 1 is performed. It is an image figure of the density correction process of the correction example 1. FIG. 11A shows a state in which overlapping pixel data is replaced with pixel data for overlapping nozzles with gradation, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing how dots are formed. It is a figure which shows the pattern which replaces the overlapping pixel data with the pixel data for overlapping nozzles with gradation. It is a flow of print data creation in the correction example 3. It is an image figure of the density correction process of the correction example 3. It is a figure which shows a mode that it replaces with the pixel data for overlapping nozzles, giving overlapping pixel data gradation property. 16A to 16C are diagrams illustrating the printing method according to the present embodiment when the density correction process is not performed. It is a flow of a correction value calculation method. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a test pattern, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a correction pattern. It is the figure which showed the reading result of the strip | belt-shaped pattern with the graph. 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating a method for calculating a target gradation value. It is a correction value table. It is a print data creation processing flow for performing density correction processing using correction values. It is a figure which shows the correction method when the gradation value before correction | amendment differs from a command gradation value.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer, 10 controller, 11 interface unit,
12 CPU, 13 memory, 14 unit control circuit,
20 transport units, 21 transport rollers,
30 drive unit, 31 first stage, 32 second stage,
40 head units, 41 heads, 42 heads,
50 detector groups, 60 computers

Claims (1)

A first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that discharge liquid to the medium are arranged in a predetermined direction;
A plurality of nozzles that discharge liquid to the medium is a second nozzle row arranged in the predetermined direction, and an end on one side of the predetermined direction is an end on the other side in the predetermined direction of the first nozzle row A second nozzle row arranged to overlap,
Based on certain pixel data, the pixel data from the first nozzle belonging to the other end portion of the first nozzle row and the second nozzle belonging to the one end portion of the second nozzle row A control unit for controlling the discharge of the liquid to the area on the medium corresponding to
Equipped with a,
The control unit discharges a predetermined amount of liquid from a nozzle other than the first nozzle and the second nozzle based on a gradation value indicated by another pixel data that is not the certain pixel data,
When the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is equal to the gradation value indicated by the other pixel data and the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the pixel data corresponding to the certain pixel data is stored. Discharging the predetermined amount of liquid from the first nozzle and the second nozzle to a region on the medium,
When the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is equal to the gradation value indicated by the other pixel data and the gradation value indicated by the certain pixel data is less than the threshold value, it corresponds to the certain pixel data. The predetermined amount of liquid is discharged from the first nozzle to the region on the medium, and the liquid is not discharged from the second nozzle.
Liquid ejection device.