JP6598640B2 - Recording apparatus, recording method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a program.

  Recording apparatus for recording an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium by driving a recording element using a recording head having a recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for ejecting ink are arranged Is conventionally known. In such a recording apparatus, a so-called multi-pass recording method is known in which an image is formed by performing a plurality of recording scans on a unit area.

  In such a multi-pass printing method, recently, image data represented by information of a plurality of bits for determining the number of ink ejections for each pixel and information of a plurality of bits for defining the number of times ink is allowed to be ejected for each pixel. It is known that print data is generated using a plurality of mask patterns each corresponding to a plurality of scans. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses generating print data using image data and a mask pattern each represented by 2-bit information.

  On the other hand, as a driving method for a plurality of recording elements in a recording element array, there is a so-called time division driving method in which a plurality of recording elements are divided into a plurality of driving blocks, and recording elements belonging to different driving blocks are driven at different timings. Generally known. According to this time-division driving method, the number of printing elements that are driven simultaneously can be reduced, so that it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that suppresses an increase in the capacity of the drive power supply.

  Here, when printing is performed according to the above-described multi-pass printing method, the ink ejection position shifts due to various factors between one type of scanning and another type of scanning in a plurality of scans for a unit area. May occur. For example, when the recording medium floats (cockling) in a form in which the recording head is reciprocally scanned in the forward direction and the backward direction, the ink ejection direction slightly shifts in the forward direction and the backward direction. Ink ejection position shifts between the area recorded by scanning and the area recorded by scanning in the backward direction.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, in order to suppress the ink ejection position shift between the two types of scanning such as the forward scanning and the backward scanning as described above, the same pixel region is set between the two types of scanning. It is described that recording data for ejecting ink is generated, and the above-described time-division driving is performed so that the landing positions of dots formed from the respective driving blocks are different in each of the two types of scanning. Here, in order to make the landing positions of the dots formed from the respective drive blocks different, in the case of reciprocating scanning of the recording head in the forward direction and the backward direction, the drive order of the plurality of drive blocks at the time of scanning in the backward direction is changed. It is described that the driving order of a plurality of driving blocks at the time of scanning in the forward direction is different from the reverse order. In the case where the recording head is scanned only in one direction, the driving order of a plurality of driving blocks in one type of scanning is changed in another type of scanning in order to vary the landing positions of dots formed from the respective driving blocks. It is described that the driving order of a plurality of driving blocks is different. According to this document, it is possible to execute printing while suppressing displacement of the ink ejection position between two types of scanning when printing is performed using the multipass printing method and the time-division driving method.

JP 2003-175592 A JP2013-159017A

  However, Patent Document 2 only describes a case where one color ink is ejected. Therefore, Patent Document 2 does not describe how to generate recording data for ejecting each color ink when ejecting a plurality of colors of ink. According to Patent Document 2, when one color ink is ejected, it is possible to suppress an ink ejection position shift between two types of scanning, but there is a problem in obtaining sufficient image quality when plural color inks are ejected. It remained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when a plurality of colors of ink are ejected, the ink ejection position shift between two types of scanning is not caused without causing other image problems. The purpose is to perform recording while suppressing the above.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a first recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for ejecting ink of the first color are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a second recording element that is different from the first color. A recording head having a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for ejecting color ink and arranged in the predetermined direction; and a unit area on the recording medium of the recording head. K (K ≧ 1) first scans in a first direction along a crossing direction intersecting a predetermined direction, and a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the unit area of the recording head Scanning means for executing L (L ≧ 1) second scanning, and a plurality of first colors corresponding to a plurality of pixels corresponding to an image recorded in the unit area. First image data for determining the number of times of ink ejection; Corresponding to the K + L scans by the inspection means, based on K + L first mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels. Corresponding to the K + L scans by the scanning means, and generating N + K first print data for determining ejection or non-ejection of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels. A second image data for determining a number of times of ejection of the second color ink for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area; Corresponding to K + L scans, and K + L second mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the second color ink for each of the plurality of pixels. Second generating means for generating N + K second print data for determining whether the second color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels, corresponding to the K + L scans of Driving the plurality of first recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a first driving order in the K first scans in the first and second recording element arrays; and Drive for driving a plurality of second recording elements corresponding to the unit area in a second driving order different from the reverse order of the first driving order in the L second scans in the second recording element array. And the driving means based on the K + L first and second print data generated by the first and second generation means in the K + L scans by the scanning means. The plurality of records in the second recording element array Control means for controlling the ink to be ejected to the plurality of pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels in the unit region by driving the recording element. (I) an arrangement of pixels in which an allowable number of M (M ≧ 1) times is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans; The pixel arrangements in which the N (N> M) allowable times are determined by any of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans correspond to each other. ii) an arrangement of pixels whose allowable number of times is determined by any one of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and corresponding to the L second scans N times allowed by any of the L second mask patterns The number of pixel arrangements that correspond to each other corresponds to each other. (Iii) N allowable times are determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans. The pixel arrangement is different from the pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of times N is determined by any one of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans. And

  According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, even when a plurality of colors of ink is ejected, recording is performed while suppressing misalignment of the ink ejection position between two types of scanning without causing other image problems. It becomes possible.

1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording head according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the recording control system in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process of the data in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the expansion | deployment table in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a general time division drive system. It is a figure for demonstrating the multipass recording system in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation process of the recording data in a multipass recording system. It is a figure which shows a decoding table. It is a figure for demonstrating the correlation of a drive order and the landing position of an ink. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a correlation among print data, drive order, and ink discharge position. It is a figure for demonstrating the grade of the discharge position of the ink between scans. It is a figure for demonstrating the grade of the discharge position of the ink between scans. It is a figure for demonstrating the grade of the discharge position of the ink between scans. It is a figure for demonstrating the grade of the discharge position of the ink between scans. It is a figure which shows the mask pattern applied in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mask pattern applied in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive order in embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image recorded by embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image recorded by embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image recorded by a comparative example. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive order in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the grade of the discharge position of the ink between scans. It is a figure which shows an example of a mask pattern. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the image recorded by embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the image recorded by a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the mask pattern applied in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mask pattern applied in embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image recorded by embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image recorded by a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the mask pattern applied in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the decoding table applied in embodiment.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially showing an internal configuration of the recording apparatus 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an internal configuration of the recording apparatus 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A platen 2 is disposed inside the recording apparatus 1000, and a plurality of suction holes 34 are formed in the platen 2 in order to prevent the recording medium 3 from adsorbing and floating. The suction hole 34 is connected to a duct, and a suction fan 36 is disposed at the lower part of the duct. The suction fan 36 operates to suck the recording medium 3 to the platen 2.

  The carriage 6 is supported by a main rail 5 installed extending in the paper width direction, and is configured to be able to reciprocate (reciprocate) in the forward and backward directions along the X direction (cross direction). ing. The carriage 6 is equipped with an ink jet recording head 7 which will be described later. The recording head 7 can employ various recording methods such as a thermal jet method using a heating element and a piezo method using a piezoelectric element. The carriage motor 8 is a driving source for moving the carriage 6 in the X direction, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the carriage 6 by the belt 9.

  The recording medium 3 is fed by being unwound from a medium 23 wound in a roll shape. The recording medium 3 is conveyed on the platen 2 in the Y direction (conveying direction) intersecting the X direction. The recording medium 3 is sandwiched between a pinch roller 16 and a conveyance roller 11, and is conveyed when the conveyance roller 11 is driven. The recording medium 3 is sandwiched between a roller 31 and a discharge roller 32 downstream of the platen 2 in the Y direction, and the recording medium 3 is wound around a winding roller 24 via a turn roller 33.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the recording head 7 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the chip 25 provided with the discharge port array 22K for black ink of the recording head. FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the chip 25 provided with a discharge port array 22C for cyan ink, a discharge port array 22M for magenta ink, and a discharge port array 22Y for yellow ink.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3A, in this embodiment, a recording chip (Bk chip) 25 for ejecting black ink and a recording chip (Cl chip) 26 for ejecting color ink are disposed in the recording head 7. Is provided separately.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the Bk chip 25 ejects black ink in which two rows are arranged with a density shifted by 1/600 inch (corresponding to 600 dpi) in the Y direction (predetermined direction). A K discharge port array 22K is formed. In each of these two rows, the discharge ports 30a are arranged at 300 recording resolution (300 dpi) per inch in the Y direction (predetermined direction). Here, the ejection port 30a can eject about 25 pl of ink, and the diameter of a dot formed by ejecting one drop of ink onto the recording medium from the ejection port 30a is about 60 μm. Further, in FIG. 3B, only six discharge ports 30a are shown for simplicity, but actually, the discharge port array 22K is formed by 128 discharge ports 30a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, in the Cl chip 26, the discharge ports 30b are arranged at a density of 1/600 inch (corresponding to 600 dpi) in the Y direction and the discharge ports 30c are 1/600 in the Y direction. An ejection port array 22C for ejecting cyan ink composed of an array with an inch density (equivalent to 600 dpi) is formed. Here, the ejection port 30b can eject about 5 pl of ink, and the diameter of a dot formed by ejecting one drop of ink from the ejection port 30b is about 50 μm. The ejection port 30c can eject about 2 pl of ink, and the diameter of a dot formed by ejecting one drop of ink from the ejection port 30c is about 35 μm. Further, in FIG. 3C, only three discharge ports 30b and three discharge ports 30c are shown for simplification, but actually, the discharge port array is formed by 128 discharge ports 30b and 128 discharge ports 30c. 22C is formed.

  Further, similarly, the Cl chip 26 is formed with an ejection port array 22M for ejecting magenta ink and an ejection port array 22Y for ejecting yellow ink.

  A recording element (not shown) is installed immediately below each of the ejection ports 30a, 30b, and 30c, and the ink immediately above is foamed by the heat energy generated by driving the recording element, and thereby the ejection port Ink is ejected. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, a column composed of a plurality of printing elements formed immediately below a plurality of ejection openings that form a column that ejects the same color and the same amount of ink is referred to as a printing element column.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system in the present embodiment. The main control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that executes processing operations such as calculation, selection, discrimination, and control, a ROM 302 that stores a control program to be executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 that is used as a buffer for recording data, and an input / output Port 304 etc. are provided. The EEPROM 313 stores image data, a mask pattern, ejection failure nozzle data, and the like, which will be described later. The input / output port 304 is connected to a transport motor (LF motor) 309, a carriage motor (CR motor) 310, and drive circuits 305, 306, and 307 corresponding to the recording head 7. Further, the main control unit 300 is connected to a PC 312 which is a host computer via an interface circuit 311.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a data processing process executed by the CPU 301 in this embodiment.

  In step 401, an original image signal of 256 gradations (0 to 255) of RGB each obtained by an image input device such as a digital camera or a scanner or computer processing is input at a resolution of 600 dpi.

  By the color conversion process A in step 402, the RGB original image signal input in step 401 is converted into an R'G'B 'signal.

  In a color conversion process B in the next step 403, the R'G'B 'signal is converted into a signal value corresponding to each color ink. In this embodiment, the recording mode is composed of three colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). Therefore, the converted signals are data C1, M1, and Y1 corresponding to cyan, magenta, and yellow ink colors. The data C1, M1, and Y1 each have 256 gradations (0 to 255) and a resolution of 600 dpi. The specific color processing B uses a three-dimensional lookup table (not shown) showing the relationship between R, G, and B input values and C, M, and Y output values. As for the value, an output value is obtained by interpolation from the output values of the surrounding table grid points. Hereinafter, the data C1 among the data C1, M1, and Y1 will be described as a representative.

  In step 404, gradation correction of the data C1 is performed by gradation correction using the gradation correction table to obtain data C2 after gradation correction.

  In step 405, quantization processing is performed on the data C2 by the error diffusion method to obtain gradation data C3 having a resolution of 600 dpi × 600 dpi at three gradations (gradation levels 0, 1, and 2). Although the error diffusion method is used here, a dither method may be used.

  In step 406, the gradation data C3 is obtained according to the ejection port array development table shown in FIG. 6 to obtain image data C4 for each ejection port array. In the present embodiment, the image data for the 5 pl discharge port array is not generated, and the image data for the 2 pl discharge port array is developed in three gradations of “0”, “1”, and “2”. Specifically, the image data C4 is one of three types of 2-bit information of “00”, “01”, and “10” at a resolution of 600 dpi × 600 dpi. Here, when the 2-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “00”, the value indicated by the information (hereinafter also referred to as a pixel value) is “0”. Further, when the 2-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “01”, the value (pixel value) indicated by the information is “1”. When information of 2 bits constituting image data in a certain pixel is “10”, the value (pixel value) indicated by the information is “2”. Details of the image data C4 will be described later.

  In step 407, a distribution process, which will be described later, is performed on the image data C4 to generate print data C5 that defines ink ejection or non-ejection for each pixel area in each scan.

  Thereafter, in step 408, the recording data C5 is transmitted to the recording head, and in step 409, ink is ejected in accordance with the recording data C5.

  Note that the PC 312 may perform all of the processing in steps 401 to 407, or part of the processing in steps 401 to 407 may be performed by the PC 312 and the other unit may be performed by the recording apparatus 1000.

  In the present embodiment, recording is performed according to a time-division driving method and a multipass recording method. Each control will be described in detail below.

(Time division drive system)
In the case of using a recording head in which a large number of recording elements are arranged as shown in FIG. 3, if all the recording elements are driven simultaneously and ink is ejected at the same timing, a large capacity power supply is required. End up. A so-called time-division drive method is used in which the recording element is divided into a plurality of drive blocks in order to suppress the increase in capacity of the power source, and the drive timing is different for each drive block in order to record the same row. Is generally known. According to this time-division driving method, the number of printing elements that are driven simultaneously can be reduced, so that the capacity of the power source required for the printing apparatus can be suppressed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the time-division driving method in the present embodiment. 7A shows 128 printing elements constituting one printing element array, FIG. 7B shows driving signals applied to the printing elements, and FIG. 7C shows actual ejection. FIG. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 7A, among the 128 recording elements, the recording element on the most downstream side in the Y direction is the recording element No. 1 and as the recording element No. increases toward the upstream side in the Y direction. 2, No. 3, ... No. 126, no. 127 and recording element No. 1 each. The recording element on the most upstream side in the Y direction is set to the recording element No. This will be described as 128.

  In the present embodiment, 128 recording elements are classified into 8 sections from the first section to the eighth section, each of 16 recording elements continuing in the Y direction. The recording elements located at the relatively same position in each of the eight sections are set as the same drive block, and the drive block No. 1 to drive block No. It is divided into 16 drive blocks up to 16.

  More specifically, in the eight sections from the first section to the eighth section, the recording element on the most downstream side in the Y direction is set to drive block No. 1 is a recording element belonging to 1. That is, the recording element No. 1, no. 17,. The recording element 113 is a drive block No. 1 is a recording element belonging to 1. In other words, when the integer of 0 to 7 is a, the recording element No. The recording element satisfying (16 × a + 1) is the drive block No. 1 is a recording element belonging to 1.

  In each of the eight sections from the first section to the eighth section, the second recording element from the downstream side in the Y direction is connected to the drive block No. The recording element belongs to 2. That is, the recording element No. 2, No. 18,. 114 is the drive block No. Recording elements belonging to 2 are obtained. In other words, when the integer of 0 to 7 is a, the recording element No. A recording element satisfying (16 × a + 2) has a drive block No. Recording elements belonging to 2 are obtained.

  Hereinafter, the drive block No. 3-No. The same applies to 16. Specifically, when an integer from 0 to 7 is a, the recording element No. A recording element satisfying (16 × a + b) has a drive block No. The recording element belongs to b.

  In the time-division driving method in this embodiment, the driving of each printing element is controlled so that printing elements belonging to different driving blocks are sequentially driven at different timings in a predetermined driving order. Here, in the present embodiment, the setting of the driving order is stored in the ROM 302 in the recording apparatus 1000 and is transmitted to the recording head via the driving circuit 307. A block selection signal is sent to the recording head at a predetermined interval, and a drive signal flows to the recording element by AND between the block selection signal and recording data. In FIG. 7B, the drive block No. 1, 5, 9, 13, 2, 6, 10, 14, 3, 7, 11, 15, 4, 8, 12, 16 drive signal 27 so that the printing elements belonging to each drive block are driven. Apply. As a result, the ink droplets 28 are ejected as shown in FIG.

(Multi-pass recording method)
In the present embodiment, recording is performed according to a multipass recording method in which recording is performed by scanning a plurality of times with respect to a unit area on a recording medium.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a general multi-pass printing method, taking as an example a case where printing is performed in a unit area by four scans. Here, in the multi-pass printing method according to this embodiment, scanning from the upstream side in the X direction to the downstream side (hereinafter also referred to as scanning in the forward direction) and scanning from the downstream side in the X direction to the upstream side (hereinafter referred to as recovery). (Also referred to as scanning in the direction).

  Each recording element provided in the recording element array 22 is divided into first, second, third, and fourth recording element groups along the Y direction. Here, the first recording element group includes a recording element No. 97 to 128, the second recording element group is recording element No. 65 to 96, the third recording element group is recording element No. 33 to 64, the fourth recording element group is No. 1 to 32. The length in the Y direction of each of the first to fourth recording element groups is L / 4, where L is the length in the Y direction of the recording element array.

  In the first recording scan (one pass), ink is ejected from the first recording element group to the unit area 211 on the recording medium 3. Here, the first pass is performed from the upstream side in the X direction toward the downstream side.

  Next, the recording medium 3 is conveyed relative to the recording head 7 by a distance of L / 4 from the upstream side in the Y direction to the downstream side. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the recording head 7 is transported from the downstream side in the Y direction to the upstream side with respect to the recording medium 3 is illustrated, but the relative relationship between the recording medium 3 and the recording head 7 after transport is illustrated. The positional relationship is the same as when the recording medium 3 is transported downstream in the Y direction.

  After this, a second recording scan is performed. In the second recording scan (two passes), ink is ejected from the second recording element group to the unit area 211 on the recording medium and from the first recording element group to the unit area 212. The second pass is performed from the downstream side in the X direction toward the upstream side.

  Thereafter, the reciprocating scanning of the recording head 7 and the relative conveyance of the recording medium 3 are repeated alternately. As a result, after the fourth recording scan (four passes), ink is ejected once from each of the first to fourth recording element groups in the unit area 211 of the recording medium 3. .

  Although the case where printing is performed by four scans has been described here, printing can be performed by the same process even when printing is performed by scanning for another number of times.

  In the present embodiment, in the above-described multipass printing method, image data having n (n ≧ 2) bits of information per pixel, a mask pattern having information of m (m ≧ 2) bits per pixel, and an image 1-bit recording data used for recording in each scan from image data using a decoding table that defines ink ejection or non-ejection according to a combination of values indicated by a plurality of bits of information in each data and mask pattern Is generated. Here, the n-bit information for each pixel of the image data corresponds to the number of ink ejections for each pixel. The information of m bits for each pixel of the mask pattern corresponds to the allowable number of ink ejections for each pixel. In the following description, a case where both image data and mask pattern are composed of 2-bit information will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating print data using image data and mask patterns each having multiple bits of information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a decoding table used for generating recording data as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically showing 16 pixels 700 to 715 in a certain unit area. Here, for the sake of simplicity, description will be made using a unit area composed of pixel areas corresponding to 16 pixels. However, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the unit area in this embodiment corresponds to 32 recording elements. Since it has a size, the unit area in the present embodiment is actually composed of 32 pixel areas in the Y direction.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of image data corresponding to a unit area.

  In the present embodiment, when the 2-bit information constituting the image data corresponding to a certain pixel is “00”, that is, the pixel value is “0”, ink is not ejected to the pixel even once. In addition, when the 2-bit information constituting the image data corresponding to a certain pixel is “01”, that is, the pixel value is “1”, the ink is ejected once to the pixel. When the 2-bit information constituting the image data corresponding to a certain pixel is “10”, that is, the pixel value is “2”, the ink is ejected twice to the pixel.

  With respect to the image data shown in FIG. 9B, for example, the pixel value in the pixel 703 is “0”, so that no ink is ejected to the pixel region corresponding to the pixel 703 even once. For example, since the pixel value of the pixel 700 is “2”, ink is ejected twice to the pixel region corresponding to the pixel 700.

  FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4 are diagrams showing mask patterns to be applied to the image data shown in FIG. 9B, corresponding to the first to fourth scans, respectively. That is, print data used in the first scan is generated by applying the mask pattern MP1 corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 9C-1 to the image data shown in FIG. 9B. . Similarly, by applying the mask patterns MP2, MP3, and MP4 shown in FIGS. 9 (c-2), (c-3), and (c-4) to the image data shown in FIG. 9 (b), respectively. Print data used for the second, third, and fourth scans are generated.

  Here, 2-bit information of “00”, “01”, or “10” is determined for each pixel in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4. ing. When the 2-bit information is “10”, the value indicated by the information (hereinafter also referred to as a code value) is “2”. When the 2-bit information is “01”, the value (code value) indicated by the information is “1”. When the 2-bit information is “00”, the value (code value) indicated by the information is “0”.

  Here, as can be seen by referring to the decoding table shown in FIG. 10, when the code value is “0”, the pixel value in the corresponding pixel is “0”, “1”, or “2”. Do not eject ink. That is, a code value of “0” in the mask pattern corresponds to the fact that no ink is allowed to be discharged (the allowable number of ink discharges is 0). In the following description, a pixel in a mask pattern to which a code value “0” is assigned is also referred to as a non-recording allowable pixel.

  On the other hand, as can be seen from the decoding table shown in FIG. 10, when the code value is “2”, the ink is not ejected when the pixel value of the corresponding pixel is “0” or “1”. In the case of “2”, ink is ejected. That is, a code value of “2” corresponds to allowing ink ejection once for three pixel values (the ink ejection is allowed once).

  When the code value is “1”, ink is not ejected when the pixel value of the corresponding pixel is “0”, but ink is ejected when it is “1” or “2”. In other words, the code value “1” allows ink ejection only twice with respect to three pixel values (“0”, “1”, “2”) (the allowable number of ink ejections is 2). Times). That is, the code value of “1” is a code value that determines the maximum allowable number of allowable times that the 2-bit information constituting the mask pattern can be reproduced.

  In the following description, the pixels in the mask pattern to which any one of the code values “1” and “2” is assigned are also referred to as print permitting pixels.

  Here, the mask pattern having m-bit information used in the present embodiment is set based on the following (Condition 1) and (Condition 2).

(Condition 1)
Here, for any two of the four pixels at the same position in the four mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C, either “1” or “2” is used. One code value is assigned one by one (recording allowable pixel), and a code value of “0” is assigned to the remaining 2 (= 4-2) pixels (non-recording allowable pixel).

  For example, a code value “2” is assigned to the pixel 700 in the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-1 and “1” is assigned in the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-2. . A code value of “0” is assigned in the remaining mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9 (c-3) and (c-4). In other words, the pixel 700 is a print-allowable pixel in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 and 9C-2, and is not in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-3 and C-4. This is a recording allowable pixel.

  Further, a code value of “2” is assigned to the pixel 701 in the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-4, and “1” is assigned in the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-1. . A code value of “0” is assigned in the remaining mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-2 and 9C-3. In other words, the pixel 701 is a print-allowable pixel in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 and 9C-4 and is not in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-2 and C-3. This is a recording allowable pixel.

  With such a configuration, even if the pixel value of a certain pixel is “0”, “1”, or “2”, the pixel area corresponding to the pixel corresponds to the number of ink ejections corresponding to the pixel value. Recording data that ejects ink can be generated.

(Condition 2)
Further, in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4, the print permitting pixels corresponding to the code value “1” are arranged so as to be substantially the same number. More specifically, a code value “1” is assigned to four pixels 701, 706, 711, and 712 in the mask pattern shown in FIG. In the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-2, a code value “1” is assigned to four pixels 700, 705, 710, and 715. In the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-3, a code value “1” is assigned to four pixels 703, 704, 709, and 714. In the mask pattern shown in FIG. 9C-4, a code value “1” is assigned to four pixels 702, 707, 708, and 713. That is, in the four mask patterns shown in each of FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4, four print permission pixels corresponding to the code value “01” are arranged.

  Similarly, in the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4, the print permitting pixels corresponding to the code value “2” are arranged to have the same number.

  Here, a case has been described where “1” and “2” in each mask pattern have the same number of print-allowable pixels corresponding to the code value, but in practice, the same number is used. It only needs to be arranged.

  As a result, when the print data is generated by distributing the image data to the four scans using the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4, the print in each of the four scans is performed. The rates can be approximately equal to each other.

  Each of FIGS. 9D-1 to 9D-4 applies the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 9C-1 to 9C-4 to the image data shown in FIG. 9B. It is a figure which shows the recording data produced | generated.

  For example, in the pixel 700 in the print data corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 9D-1, the pixel value of the image data is “2” and the code value of the mask pattern is “2”. Therefore, as can be seen with reference to the decode table shown in FIG. 10, the ink ejection (“1”) is determined in the pixel 700. In the pixel 701, since the pixel value of the image data is “1” and the code value of the mask pattern is “1”, ink ejection (“1”) is determined. In the pixel 704, since the pixel value of the image data is “2” and the code value of the mask pattern is “0”, ink non-ejection (“0”) is determined.

  Ink is ejected in the first to fourth scans in accordance with the recording data shown in FIGS. 9D-1 to 9D-4 generated as described above. For example, in the first scan, as can be seen from the print data shown in FIG. 9D-1, ink is ejected to the pixel areas on the print medium corresponding to the pixels 700, 701, and 712.

  FIG. 9E is a diagram showing the logical sum of the recording data shown in FIGS. 9D-1 to 9D-4. By ejecting ink according to the recording data shown in each of FIGS. 9D-1 to 9D-4, ink is ejected to the pixel area corresponding to each pixel as many times as shown in FIG. 9E. It will be.

  For example, in the pixel 700, the ejection of ink is determined in the print data corresponding to the first and second scans shown in FIGS. 9 (d-1) and 9 (d-2). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9E, the ink is ejected twice in total to the pixel region corresponding to the pixel 700.

  Further, in the pixel 701, ink ejection is determined in the recording data corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 9D-1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9E, the ink is ejected once in total to the pixel region corresponding to the pixel 701.

  When the print data shown in FIG. 9 (e) is compared with the image data shown in FIG. 9 (b), print data is generated so that ink is discharged at the number of discharges corresponding to the pixel value of the image data at any pixel. You can see that For example, in the pixels 700, 704, 708, and 712, the pixel value of the image data shown in FIG. 9B is “2”, but the number of ink ejections indicated by the logical sum of the generated print data is also two. Become.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to generate 1-bit print data used for each of a plurality of scans based on image data having a plurality of bits of information and a mask pattern.

(Discharge of ink in reciprocating scanning)
Next, the ink ejection position deviation between forward scanning and backward scanning (between reciprocating scanning) will be described in detail below.

  In this embodiment, the ink ejection position deviation between reciprocating scans is suppressed by the drive order of the drive blocks in the time-division drive control and the mask pattern used in the multi-pass printing method.

  First, the correlation between the drive order of drive blocks and the landing positions of ink from the drive blocks in the same column extending in the Y direction in time-division drive control will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a driving order in time-division driving control. FIG. 11B shows the printing element No. 1 while performing scanning in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the X direction (scanning in the forward direction) according to the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven. 11C shows the printing element No. 1 while performing scanning in the direction from the downstream side to the upstream side in the X direction (scanning in the backward direction) according to the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (b) and 11 (c), the dot located on the most downstream side in the Y direction is the recording element No. No. 1, and the larger the printing element No., the further toward the upstream side in the Y direction. The dot located at the most upstream end in the Y direction is the recording element No. 16 is a dot formed from 16.

  Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 1, drive block No. 2, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 6, drive block No. 7. Drive block No. 8, drive block No. 9, drive block no. 10, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 15, drive block No. A case in which time-division driving is performed in 16 driving orders will be described.

  In scanning in the forward direction, the ink droplets ejected by the previously driven recording element are ejected upstream in the X direction. Therefore, the printing element No. 1 is driven in the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. 16 is driven in a time-sharing manner, as shown in FIG. 1 is located on the most upstream side in the X direction. The dot formed is shifted to the downstream in the X direction as the recording element No. increases. 16 is located on the most downstream side in the X direction.

  On the other hand, in the backward scanning, the ink droplets ejected by the previously driven recording element are ejected downstream in the X direction. Therefore, the printing element No. 1 is driven in the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. 16 is driven in a time-sharing manner, as shown in FIG. 1 is located on the most downstream side in the X direction. The dot formed is shifted to the upstream side in the X direction as the recording element No. increases. 16 is located on the most upstream side in the X direction.

  As described above, in the scanning in the forward direction, the earlier the driving order of the driving blocks, the more dots are formed on the upstream side in the X direction. In the backward scanning, it can be seen that the earlier the driving order of the driving blocks, the more dots are formed on the downstream side in the X direction.

  Further, it can be seen that even if the driving order is the same, if the scanning direction is different, the ink landing positions from the respective driving blocks by the time-division driving control are reversed. From this point, when the driving order of the driving blocks in the backward scanning is reversed to the driving order of the driving blocks in the forward scanning, each time division driving control in the forward scanning and the backward scanning is performed. It can be seen that the ink landing positions from the drive block are the same. More specifically, for example, in the scanning in the forward direction, the printing element No. 1 in the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. 16 is time-division driven, drive block No. 16 is scanned in the backward direction. 16, drive block no. 15, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 9, drive block no. 8, drive block No. 7. Drive block No. 6, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 2, drive block No. When time-division driving is performed in the driving order of 1, the ink landing positions are the same in forward scanning and backward scanning.

  Based on the above points, a plurality of combinations of print data and drive order are set, and the landing position deviation of ink from each drive block in time-division driving between reciprocating scans that occurs in each combination will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a combination of print data and drive order. 12A1 and 12A2 show examples of print data corresponding to the forward scan and the reverse scan, and FIGS. 12B1 and 12B2 show other print data corresponding to the forward scan and the reverse scan. Each example is shown. In FIG. 12, (a1), (a2), (b1), and (b2), pixels that are blacked out indicate pixels for which ink ejection is determined (recording data is “1”). FIG. 12C shows an example of the driving order of time division driving, and FIG. 12D shows another example of the driving order of time division driving. FIG. 12E shows the contents of four sets with different recording data and driving order.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12 (e), here, four sets of recording data and driving order from the first group to the fourth group are set.

  In the first set, the print data shown in FIGS. 12B1 and 12B2 is used as print data in each of the forward scan and the reverse scan, and the drive order in the forward scan is changed to the drive order shown in FIG. The driving order in the backward scanning is set to the driving order shown in FIG. Here, the recording data shown in each of FIGS. 12B1 and 12B2 is data in which pixels for which recording is determined are continuous in the X direction (the pixels in which recording is determined have low dispersibility in the X direction). Further, as described above, since the driving order in the forward scanning (FIG. 12C) and the driving order in the backward scanning (FIG. 12D) are opposite to each other, in the time-division driving control between the reciprocating scannings. The ink landing positions from the respective drive blocks are the same.

  Next, in the second set, the print data shown in FIGS. 12A1 and 12A2 is used as print data in each of the forward scan and the backward scan, and the drive order in the forward scan is shown in FIG. In order, the driving order in the backward scanning is set to the driving order shown in FIG. Here, the recording data shown in each of FIGS. 12A1 and 12A2 is data in which pixels determined to be recorded are discontinuous in the X direction (the pixels determined to be recorded have high dispersibility in the X direction). . Further, as described above, the driving order in the forward scanning (FIG. 12C) and the driving order in the backward scanning (FIG. 12D) are opposite to each other. The ink landing position from the drive block is the same.

  Next, in the third set, the print data shown in FIGS. 12B1 and 12B2 is used as print data in each of the forward scan and the backward scan, and the driving order in each of the forward scan and the backward scan is shown in FIG. ) Is set to the driving order shown in FIG. Here, the recording data shown in each of FIGS. 12B1 and 12B2 is data in which pixels for which recording is determined are continuous in the X direction (the pixels in which recording is determined have low dispersibility in the X direction). Further, as described above, since the driving order in the forward scanning and the backward scanning (FIG. 12C) is the same, the landing positions of the inks from the respective driving blocks in the time-division driving during the reciprocating scanning are opposite. It will be a thing.

  Next, in the fourth group, the print data shown in FIGS. 12A1 and 12A2 is used for the print data in each of the forward scan and the backward scan, and the drive order in each of the forward scan and the backward scan is shown in FIG. ) Is set to the driving order shown in FIG. Here, the recording data shown in each of FIGS. 12A1 and 12A2 is data in which pixels determined to be recorded are discontinuous in the X direction (the pixels determined to be recorded have high dispersibility in the X direction). . Further, as described above, since the driving order in the forward scanning and the backward scanning (FIG. 12C) is the same, the landing positions of the inks from the respective driving blocks in the time-division driving during the reciprocating scanning are opposite. It will be a thing.

  An image to be recorded when there is a deviation between the forward scan and the backward scan in the combination of the above four kinds of print data and drive order will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 shows the first set, FIG. 14 shows the second set, FIG. 15 shows the third set, and FIG. 15 shows the images recorded when the fourth set is set. . Further, in each of FIGS. 13 to 16, (a) shows an image recorded when there is no deviation between forward scanning and backward scanning, and (b) shows an X direction between forward scanning and backward scanning. (C) shows an image recorded when a deviation of about 1 dot occurs in the X direction between forward scanning and backward scanning. (D) schematically shows images recorded when a shift of about 2 dots occurs in the X direction between the forward scan and the backward scan. In each figure, a circle with a vertical line inside shows a dot formed by forward scanning, and a circle with a horizontal line inside shows a dot formed by backward scanning.

  First, the first set will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when there is no positional deviation between the reciprocating scans, an ideal image with no missing or overlapping dots can be recorded according to the first set. However, as shown in FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13D, dot omission and overlap increase as the deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans increases. In particular, when a deviation of about 2 dots occurs in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 13D, a deviation of about 2 dots also occurs in the recorded image as it is. The image quality is greatly reduced. As described above, in the first set of settings, a preferable image can be obtained when there is no deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans, but it is desired when there is a deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans. The image quality may not be obtained.

  Next, the second set will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (a), when there is no positional deviation between the reciprocating scans, as in the first group of FIG. 13 (a), the missing dot is set according to the setting of the second group. It is possible to record an ideal image with no overlap. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (d), when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is greatly shifted by 2 dots, unlike the first group shown in FIG. Images with a relatively small overlap can be recorded. This is because the dispersibility in the X direction of the print data in each of the forward scan and the backward scan is high. However, as can be seen from FIGS. 14 (b) and 14 (c), when a deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans is about 1/2 dot or 1 dot, it is shown in FIGS. 13 (b) and 13 (c). Similar to the first group, an image in which dots are missing or overlapped is recorded. In this way, with the second set of settings, a preferable image can be obtained if there is no X-direction deviation between the reciprocating scans, and when the X-direction deviation between the reciprocating scans is relatively large. Also, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality as compared with the first set. However, even in the second set of settings, if the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is relatively small, deterioration in image quality cannot be suppressed.

  Next, the third set will be described.

  In the third set of settings, as shown in FIG. 15A, when there is no positional deviation between the reciprocating scans, there are some missing or overlapping dots. Further, as shown in FIG. 15D, when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is relatively large, dot missing or overlapping is performed in the same manner as the first set shown in FIG. A large image is recorded. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is relatively small, the inclination of the dots formed in the forward scan and the backward scan is different, so FIG. It is possible to record an image in which dot omission and overlap are suppressed to some extent as compared with the cases shown in FIGS. 14B, 14C, and 14C. That is, according to the setting of the third set, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality due to a deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans. This is because the ink ejection positions are different between the forward scan and the backward scan, and the distance between the dots formed in the forward scan and the backward scan differs depending on the drive block. As described above, according to the setting of the third group, it is possible to suitably suppress the deterioration of the image quality when the deviation in the X direction is relatively small.

  Finally, the fourth set will be described.

  In the fourth set, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), as in the third set of FIG. 15 (a), when there is no positional deviation between the reciprocating scans, missing or overlapping dots Will occur slightly. However, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is relatively small as in the third group shown in FIGS. It is possible to record an image in which omission and overlap are suppressed to some extent. Furthermore, with the fourth set of settings, as shown in FIG. 16 (d), even when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is relatively large, an image with small dot omission and overlap can be recorded. .

  From the images recorded by the above first, second, third, and fourth group settings, the fourth group setting is most preferable in order to suppress deterioration in image quality due to a deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans. It can be seen that the third set of settings is next preferred. Therefore, in the present embodiment, time-division driving is performed so that the landing positions of dots recorded from each drive block differ between reciprocating scans. Here, in this embodiment, since scanning in the forward direction and scanning in the backward direction are performed, the driving order of the driving blocks in each scanning is set to an order that is not reverse to each other. In this way, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the ejection positions of the dots recorded in the forward scan and the backward scan can be made different.

(Mask pattern applied in this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the mask pattern applied to the cyan ink image data C4 is different from the mask pattern applied to the magenta ink image data M4. The reason for this will be described later in detail.

  First, mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C corresponding to cyan ink will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a mask pattern applied to cyan ink image data C4 in the present embodiment. FIG. 17A shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP1_C corresponding to the first scan, and FIG. 17B shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP2_C corresponding to the second scan. FIG. 17C shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP3_C corresponding to the third scan, and FIG. 17D shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP4_C corresponding to the fourth scan. FIG. 17E shows the ink patterns determined in the mask pattern MP1_C corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 17A and the mask pattern MP3_C corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ejections is shown. FIG. 17F shows the ink patterns determined in the mask pattern MP2_C corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 17B and the mask pattern MP4_C corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ejections is shown. It should be noted that the pixels indicated by white dots in FIG. 17 are assigned with a code value of “0”, and the pixels filled with gray are assigned with a code value of “1” in black. Each pixel is assigned with a code value “2”.

  In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the repetitive unit of one mask pattern is determined by determining the allowable number of ink ejections in each of a total of 1024 pixels of 32 pixels in the X direction and 32 pixels in the Y direction. This is repeatedly used in the X and Y directions.

  The logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections indicates the result of calculating the sum of the allowable numbers indicated by the code values in the corresponding mask patterns. For example, the code value in the upper left pixel of the mask pattern MP1_C shown in FIG. 17A is “2” (the allowable number of ink ejections is 1), and the code value of the mask pattern MP3_C shown in FIG. Since the code value in the upper left pixel is “0” (the allowable number of ink ejections is 0), the code value in the upper left pixel of the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C shown in FIG. The allowable number of discharges is 1). For example, the code value at the upper left pixel of the mask pattern MP2_C shown in FIG. 17B is “1” (the allowable number of ink ejections is 2), and the mask pattern MP4_C shown in FIG. Since the code value in the upper left pixel of “0” is “0” (the allowable number of ink ejections is 0), the code value in the upper left pixel of the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C shown in FIG. (The allowable number of ink ejections is 2)

  Note that the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D are set so as to satisfy the above (Condition 1) and (Condition 2).

  That is, among the four pixels at the same position in the four mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D, any one of “1” and “2” is set for two pixels. Code values are assigned one by one, and code values for each pixel are assigned so that a code value of “0” is assigned to the remaining 2 (= 4-2) pixels (condition 1). .

  Further, in each of the four mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D, the number of pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned is almost the same, and the code value “2” is Code values for each pixel are assigned so that the assigned pixels are approximately the same number (Condition 2).

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the displacement of the ink ejection position in the reciprocating scan, the forward scan (first and third scans) and the backward scan (2, 4) are performed during high density image recording. Print data is generated so that ink is ejected to the same pixel area in the second scanning). In view of this point, the mask value MP1_C to MP4_C used in the present embodiment is assigned the code value “1” in any of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to the forward scanning among the four pixels at the same position. The code value “2” is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to the backward scan, and the code value “2” is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to the forward scan. A code value for each pixel is assigned such that a code value “1” is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to backward scanning. As a result, when high-density images, for example, image data with a pixel value of “2” is input, print data is generated so that ink is ejected to one pixel area once each in forward scanning and backward scanning. can do.

  Further, in the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D, a pixel assigned a code value of “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C and a code value of “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C are assigned. The set pixels are set so as not to be alternately generated in the X direction. More specifically, the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C have a random white noise characteristic, and the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C. A code value is assigned to each pixel in the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C so that the pixel pattern has a random white noise characteristic.

  Specifically, in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C according to the present embodiment, the code value “1” is assigned to 513 pixels among the 1024 pixels, and 119 of these pixels are assigned the code “1”. In addition, pixels to which code value “1” is assigned on both sides in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C are adjacent to each other. On the other hand, out of the pixels assigned 513 code values “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C, 119 pixels are not adjacent to the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C. It is. That is, in the present embodiment, among the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C, the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C are adjacent to both sides in the X direction. The number of pixels is the same as the number of pixels that are not adjacent in the X direction.

  For example, in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, The code value “1” is assigned to the 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 32nd pixels. On the other hand, in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C, 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, The code value “1” is assigned to the 15, 18, 19, 23, 25, 29, 30, and 31st pixels.

  Here, among the rows in the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the drawing) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C, the seventh, eleventh, 24th, and 32nd code values “1” from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the drawing). Is assigned to the pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C on both sides in the X direction. That is, among the pixels to which the code value “1” in the row on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the drawing) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C is assigned, the downstream in the Y direction in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C (in the drawing). The number of pixels in which the code value “1” in the upper row is adjacent to both sides in the X direction is four.

  On the other hand, the 21st and 27th code values “1” from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) of the row at the end in the Y direction downstream side (upper side in the figure) of the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C are assigned. A pixel is not adjacent in the X direction to a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C. That is, among the pixels to which the code value “1” in the row on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the drawing) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C is assigned, the downstream in the Y direction in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C (in the drawing). The number of pixels in which the code value “1” in the upper row is not adjacent in the X direction is two.

  When the same calculation is performed for each row in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C, among the pixels to which the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C is assigned, the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C is assigned. It can be seen that the number of adjacent pixels on both sides in the X direction is 119, and the number of pixels not adjacent in the X direction is also 119.

  Similarly, in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C in the present embodiment, the code value “1” is assigned to 511 pixels among the 1024 pixels, and the pixels to which 120 codes “1” are assigned. Are adjacent to each other with the code value “1” assigned to both sides in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C. On the other hand, among the pixels assigned 511 code values “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C, the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C are not adjacent in the X direction. Is 120 pieces. That is, in the present embodiment, among the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C, the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C are adjacent to both sides in the X direction. The number of pixels is the same as the number of pixels that are not adjacent in the X direction.

  Next, mask patterns MP1_M to MP4_M corresponding to magenta ink will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a mask pattern applied to the magenta ink image data M4 in this embodiment. 18A shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP1_M corresponding to the first scan, and FIG. 18B shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP2_M corresponding to the second scan. FIG. 18C shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP3_M corresponding to the third scan, and FIG. 18D shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP4_M corresponding to the fourth scan. FIG. 18E shows the ink patterns determined in the mask pattern MP1_M corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 18A and the mask pattern MP3_M corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP1_M + MP3_M obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ejections is shown. FIG. 18F shows the ink patterns determined in the mask pattern MP2_M corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 18B and the mask pattern MP4_M corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2_M + MP4_M obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ejections is shown. In FIG. 18, pixels indicated by white dots are assigned with a code value of “0”, and pixels filled with gray are assigned with a code value of “1”. Each pixel is assigned with a code value “2”.

  The magenta ink mask patterns MP1_M to MP4_M shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D also follow the same conditions as the cyan ink mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D described above. A code value is assigned to each pixel.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned in any one of the cyan ink / forward scan mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C and any one of the magenta ink / forward scan mask patterns MP1_M and MP3_M. The code values are assigned so that the pixels assigned with the code value “1” in FIG. More specifically, a pixel assigned a code value “1” in any one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C and a pixel assigned a code value “1” in any one of the mask patterns MP1_M and MP3_M overlap each other. It is arranged so as not to be in an exclusive relationship. Therefore, as can be seen by comparing the logical sum pattern MP1_C + MP3_C shown in FIG. 17E with the logical sum pattern MP1_M + MP3_M shown in FIG. The pixel is not superimposed.

  Similarly, a code value “1” is assigned to one of the cyan ink / reverse scan mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C, and a code value is set to the magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern MP2_M, MP4_M. Code values are assigned so that the pixels to which “1” is assigned are arranged differently from each other. Specifically, a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C and a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP2_M and MP4_M do not overlap each other. (Exclusive relationship). Therefore, as can be seen by comparing the logical sum pattern MP2_C + MP4_C shown in FIG. 17 (f) with the logical sum pattern MP2_M + MP4_M shown in FIG. The pixel is not superimposed.

  With the above settings, when relatively low density image data with a pixel value of “1” is input, print data is generated so that cyan ink and magenta ink are not ejected to the same pixel area when scanning in the same direction. can do. In other words, when relatively low density image data is input, cyan ink and magenta ink are applied to the same pixel region by scanning in different directions.

  Here, the mask pattern MP1_M shown in FIG. 18A is the mask pattern MP2_C shown in FIG. 17B, and the mask pattern MP2_M shown in FIG. 18B is the mask pattern MP1_C shown in FIG. The mask pattern MP3_M shown in FIG. 18C has the same arrangement as the mask pattern MP4_C shown in FIG. 17D, and the mask pattern MP4_M shown in FIG. 18D has the same arrangement as the mask pattern MP3_C shown in FIG. Although the mask pattern as described above has been described, the mask pattern may not be as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 as long as the above conditions are satisfied.

  Based on the conditions described above, the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C for cyan ink and the mask patterns MP1_M to MP4_M for magenta ink used in this embodiment are set.

(Driving order of driving blocks in this embodiment)
FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating a driving order in the time-division driving control executed in the present embodiment. FIG. 19B shows a printing element No. while scanning in the forward direction in accordance with the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven. FIG. 19C shows a printing element No. while scanning in the backward direction in accordance with the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19A, the drive block No. 1, drive block No. 9, drive block no. 6, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 8, drive block No. 16, drive block no. 5, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 2, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 7. Drive block No. 15, drive block No. 4, drive block No. Time-division driving is performed in twelve driving orders.

  As described above, in this embodiment, time-division driving is performed so that the ink landing positions from the respective drive blocks are different between forward scanning and backward scanning. More specifically, since printing is performed by reciprocating scanning in the present embodiment, the driving order of driving blocks in forward scanning is the same as the driving order of driving blocks in backward scanning. Note that the drive order of the drive blocks in the reciprocating scan does not necessarily have to be the same, and the drive order of the drive blocks in the reverse scan is different in order to make the ink ejection position different when performing the reciprocating scan as described above. May be different from the reverse order of the driving order of the driving blocks in the forward scanning.

  In accordance with the drive order shown in FIG. 1-No. 16 is driven in a time-sharing manner, the scanning element No. 1 that is driven first as shown in FIG. 1 is located on the most upstream side in the X direction. The dots formed in the order of 9, 6, 14, 3, 11, 8, 16, 5, 13, 2, 10, 7, 15, 4 are positioned so that they are shifted from the upstream side in the X direction to the downstream side. The driven recording element No. 12 is located on the most downstream side in the X direction.

  On the other hand, in the backward scanning, as shown in FIG. 1 is located on the most downstream side in the X direction. The dots formed in the order of 9, 6, 14, 3, 11, 8, 16, 5, 13, 2, 10, 7, 15, 4 are positioned so as to be shifted from the downstream side in the X direction to the upstream side. The driven recording element No. The dots formed from 12 are located on the most upstream side in the X direction.

  In this way, by driving the recording elements belonging to each drive block in the drive order shown in FIG. 19A, the ink landing positions in the same column extending in the Y direction can be made different.

  In this embodiment, the driving order is not changed between the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array. Therefore, both the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array are time-division driven in the driving order shown in FIG.

(Recorded image according to this embodiment)
As described above, in this embodiment, the cyan ink mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D and the magenta ink mask pattern MP1_M shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D. ... MP4_M and time division driving is performed in accordance with the driving order shown in FIG. 19A for both forward scanning and backward scanning. As a result, recording is performed while suppressing displacement of the ejection position between reciprocating scans during high density image recording. Further, even when using a plurality of colors of ink, it is possible to perform recording that is unlikely to cause image quality problems.

  First, a description will be given of the positions of dots formed by cyan ink when gradation data having gradation level 2 is input to all pixels as gradation data C3.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an image recorded with cyan ink when gradation data having a gradation level of level 2 is input.

  When the gradation value of the gradation data is level 2 in all the pixels in the unit region 211 in FIG. 8, as can be seen from the discharge port array development table shown in FIG. 2 "2pl image data is generated. Accordingly, cyan ink is ejected to a pixel area corresponding to a pixel to which one of code values “1” and “2” in the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIG. 17 is assigned. That is, the first scan is filled in gray in FIG. 17A, the second scan in FIG. 17B, the third scan in FIG. 17C, and the fourth scan in FIG. 17D. Cyan ink is ejected to a pixel area corresponding to the pixel and the pixel painted black.

  Of these, the first and third scans are forward scans, and the second and fourth scans are backward scans. Therefore, the pixels from which cyan ink is ejected in the forward scans are filled with gray in FIG. The pixels painted black and the pixels from which cyan ink is ejected in the backward scan are the pixels painted gray and the pixels painted black in FIG. That is, cyan ink is ejected to all pixels in both forward scanning and backward scanning.

  At this time, if time division driving is performed in the driving sequence shown in FIG. 19A for both forward scanning and backward scanning, if there is no deviation between the reciprocating scanning, the forward scanning is at the position shown in FIG. Cyan ink is discharged at the positions shown in FIG. 20B to form dots.

  Here, FIG. 20C shows the dot arrangement when the dot arrangements shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B overlap without deviation, and 21.2 μm (1200 dpi) downstream in the X direction in the backward scanning. (Equivalent) FIG. 20D shows the dot arrangement when they are shifted and overlapped, and FIG. 20E shows the dot arrangement when the dots are overlapped and shifted by 42.3 μm (equivalent to 600 dpi) downstream in the X direction in the backward scanning. ing.

  As can be seen from FIG. 20 (c), with respect to each row extending in the X direction, the dot recorded by the forward scan and the dot by the reverse scan are almost overlapped, the row is partially overlapped, and there is almost no overlap. It can be seen that there are various lines that are recorded with a shift. In FIG. 20D, the dots in the line that originally overlapped appear newly, but the dots in the line that originally shifted without overlapping overlap each other, thereby canceling the density fluctuation. FIG. 20E is also the same as FIG. 20D, and the dots in the row that originally overlapped appear newly, but the dots in the row that originally shifted without overlapping overlap each other, so that the density fluctuation is It has been offset.

  In this way, when viewed as the whole image, even if the amount of deviation between the reciprocating scans upstream in the X direction shown in FIG. 20 (d) is 21.2 μm, or upstream in the X direction shown in FIG. 20 (e). It can be seen that even if the shift amount between the reciprocating scans to the side is 42.3 μm, the density fluctuation hardly occurs as compared with the case where the shift between the reciprocating scans shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIG. 20, according to the mask pattern and the driving order in the present embodiment, when a relatively high density image is recorded such that 2 dots are recorded in one pixel area, the ejection position shift between reciprocating scans. It is possible to perform recording while suppressing the above.

  Next, the positions of dots formed when the mask pattern applied to the image data for cyan ink and the mask pattern applied to the image data for magenta ink that are made different in the above-described different ways are described. To do.

  In FIG. 21, print data is generated using the mask pattern shown in FIG. 17 for the image data for cyan ink and the mask pattern shown in FIG. 18 for the image data for magenta ink, and the cyan print element array and magenta ink are generated. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an arrangement of dots formed when both of the printing element arrays are time-division driven in the driving order shown in FIG. 19 for both forward scanning and backward scanning. 21A shows the arrangement of cyan ink dots, and FIG. 21B shows the arrangement of magenta ink dots. Further, FIG. 21C shows a state when the dots of cyan ink and magenta ink shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B are superimposed. In FIG. 21, a circle with a horizontal line inside represents a cyan ink dot, and a circle with a vertical line inside represents a magenta ink dot.

  FIG. 21A schematically shows the positions of dots formed by cyan ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data C3. . FIG. 21B schematically shows the positions of dots formed by magenta ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data M3. . Therefore, both cyan ink and magenta ink are applied once to each pixel area.

  Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, in the present embodiment, when relatively low density image data is input, the cyan and magenta inks are scanned in different directions with respect to the same pixel region. The mask pattern is set so as to be given by.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19, since the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array perform time-division driving in the same driving order, cyan ink and magenta ink that eject ink to the same pixel region. The drive order of the recording elements is the same.

  In view of the above points, when print data is generated so that cyan ink is applied to a certain pixel area by forward scanning (first and third scans), magenta ink is restored to that pixel area. Print data is generated so as to be given by scanning (second and fourth scans). The driving order of the recording elements that discharge cyan ink and magenta ink to the pixel area is the same. Therefore, although the discharge of cyan ink and magenta ink is determined by the recording data in the same pixel area, the cyan ink and magenta ink are scanned in different directions and discharged in the same driving order to the pixel area. Therefore, the dot landing positions are different in the X direction.

  Accordingly, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 21A and 21B, according to the present embodiment, cyan ink and magenta ink are applied to each pixel region in the unit region in a different arrangement. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21C, the surface of the recording medium can be sufficiently covered with the dots of cyan ink and magenta ink. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid overlap of dot arrangements of all cyan ink and magenta ink, and thus it is possible to suppress the graininess.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably suppress the ejection position deviation between the reciprocating scans of the inks of the respective colors. Furthermore, by making the mask patterns corresponding to cyan ink and magenta ink different, it is possible to suppress the graininess resulting from overlapping dot arrangements between cyan ink and magenta ink.

(Comparative example)
The form used for comparison with this embodiment will be described in detail.

  In the comparative example, the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D applied to the cyan ink image data in the first embodiment are used as the cyan ink image data and the magenta ink image. Apply to both data to generate recorded data. As for the drive order in the time-division drive, the drive order shown in FIG. 19A is used for both the cyan ink printing element array and the magenta ink printing element array as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 22, both the cyan ink image data and the magenta ink image data are generated using the mask pattern shown in FIG. 17, and both the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array are scanned forward. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dots formed when time-division driving is performed in the driving order shown in FIG. FIG. 22A shows the arrangement of cyan ink dots, and FIG. 22B shows the arrangement of magenta ink dots. Further, FIG. 22C shows a state when the dots of cyan ink and magenta ink shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B are superimposed. In FIG. 22, a circle with a horizontal line inside represents a cyan ink dot, and a circle with a vertical line inside represents a magenta ink dot.

  FIG. 22A schematically shows the positions of dots formed by cyan ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data C3. . FIG. 22B schematically shows the positions of dots formed by magenta ink when gradation data whose gradation level is level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data M3. . Therefore, both cyan ink and magenta ink are applied once to each pixel area.

  Here, as described above, in the comparative example, the mask pattern shown in FIG. 17 is applied to both the image data for cyan ink and the image data for magenta ink. Accordingly, when relatively low density image data is input, cyan ink and magenta ink are applied to the same pixel area by scanning in the same direction.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19, since the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array perform time-division driving in the same driving order, cyan ink and magenta ink that eject ink to the same pixel region. The drive order of the recording elements is the same.

  In view of the above points, when print data is generated so that cyan ink is applied to a certain pixel area by forward scanning (first and third scans), magenta ink is also forwarded to that pixel area. Print data is generated so as to be given by scanning (first and third scans). The driving order of the recording elements that discharge cyan ink and magenta ink to the pixel area is the same. In this manner, since the cyan ink and magenta ink are scanned in the same direction and ejected in the same driving order with respect to the same pixel region, the dot landing positions are the same in the X direction.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 22A and 22B, according to this comparative embodiment, the cyan ink and the magenta ink are applied to each pixel region in the unit region in the same arrangement. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22C, there are many spaces between the cyan ink dots and the magenta ink dots on the surface of the recording medium, and the dots tend to be scattered.

  It is clear when the dot arrangement of cyan ink and magenta ink recorded by the first embodiment shown in FIG. 21C is compared with the dot arrangement of cyan ink and magenta ink recorded by the comparative example shown in FIG. Thus, it can be understood that the graininess of the image can be suppressed by applying the first embodiment.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, both the forward scanning and the backward scanning are performed in the driving order shown in FIG. 19A, that is, in the same driving order for the recording element array that discharges cyan ink and the recording element array that discharges magenta ink. Although the mode of performing the split drive has been described, other modes are also possible. The drive order of the printing element arrays in the first embodiment is sufficient if the drive order of the drive blocks in the backward scan is different from the reverse order of the drive blocks in the forward scan when printing is performed by reciprocal scanning.

  Note that the drive order in the first embodiment is preferably different from the reverse order of the order in which the drive blocks in the backward scan are offset from the drive order in the forward scan when printing is performed by reciprocal scanning. This point will be described in detail below.

  Here, a case where the driving order at the time of forward scanning is the order shown in FIG. 23A and the driving order at the time of backward scanning is the order shown in FIG. 23B will be described. The drive order shown in FIG. 23B is the reverse order of the order in which the drive order shown in FIG.

  The drive order shown in FIG. 1, drive block no. 2, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 6, drive block No. 7, drive block No. 8, drive block No. 9, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 15, drive block No. The order is 16.

  Therefore, the order in which the driving order in FIG. 2, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 6, drive block No. 7, drive block No. 8, drive block No. 9, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 15, drive block No. 16, drive block no. The order is 1. This order is determined based on the drive block No. 2 to drive block No. 2 Drive order up to 16 one by one, and drive block No. 1 is the last driving order. In other words, this order is an order obtained by offsetting the driving order of FIG.

  For example, the drive block No. 3, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 6, drive block No. 7, drive block No. 8, drive block No. 9, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 15, drive block No. 16, drive block no. 1, drive block no. The order of 2 is also an order obtained by offsetting the driving order of FIG. This order is determined based on the drive block No. 3-No. The drive order up to 16 is moved forward by two, and the drive block No. 1, drive block No. 2 is the rear driving order while maintaining the order. In other words, this order is an order obtained by offsetting the driving order of FIG.

  Considering similarly, the drive block No. 9, drive block No. 10, drive block No. 11, drive block No. 12, drive block No. 13, drive block No. 14, drive block No. 15, drive block No. 16, drive block no. 1, drive block no. 2, drive block No. 3, drive block No. 4, drive block No. 5, drive block No. 6, drive block No. 7, drive block No. The order of 8 is also an order obtained by offsetting the driving order shown in FIG. Here, it can be seen that the driving order shown in FIG. 23B is the reverse of this order. Therefore, it can be seen that the driving order shown in FIG. 23B is the reverse of the order in which the driving order shown in FIG. 23A is offset.

  FIG. 23C shows a printing element No. while scanning in the forward direction according to the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven. FIG. 23D shows a printing element No. 2 while scanning in the backward direction according to the driving order shown in FIG. 1-No. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of dots formed when 16 is driven. As described above, when the driving order at the time of backward scanning is the reverse order of the order at which the driving order at the time of forward scanning is offset, the landing positions of ink from the respective driving blocks in the forward scanning and the backward scanning are different, but the positions are parallel to each other. It will be discharged so that it may become a relation.

  In FIG. 24, the print data shown in FIGS. 12A1 and 12A2 is used as print data in each of the forward scan and the backward scan, and the drive order in the forward scan is changed to the drive order shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing an image recorded when the driving order is set to the driving order shown in FIG. 24A shows an image recorded when there is no deviation between the forward scan and the backward scan, and FIG. 24B shows about 1/2 in the X direction between the forward scan and the backward scan. FIG. 24 (c) shows an image recorded when a deviation of about one dot occurs in the X direction between forward scanning and backward scanning. Reference numeral 24 (d) schematically shows images recorded when a shift of about 2 dots occurs in the X direction between the forward scan and the backward scan. In each figure, a circle with a vertical line inside indicates a dot formed by forward scanning, and a circle with a horizontal line inside indicates a dot formed by backward scanning.

  As can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 24, FIG. 14, and FIG. 16, the image shown in FIG. 24 is improved so that dot overlap and omission are less noticeable than the image shown in FIG. Has been. Here, as described above, FIG. 14 shows an image recorded when the driving order at the time of backward scanning is the reverse order of the driving order at the time of forward scanning, and FIG. 16 shows the driving order at the time of backward scanning. It is an image recorded in the same order as the driving order. Therefore, when the driving order at the time of backward scanning is the reverse order of the order at which the driving order at the time of forward scanning is offset, the ejection between reciprocating scans is more than when the driving order at the time of backward scanning is the reverse order of the driving order at the time of forward scanning. Misalignment can be suppressed. On the other hand, it can be seen that it is more preferable that the driving order at the backward scanning shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the driving order at the forward scanning.

  In consideration of the above points, in each printing element array, the driving order at the time of backward scanning in the present embodiment needs to be different from the reverse order of the driving order at the time of forward scanning. In addition, it is preferable that the driving order during forward scanning is different from the reverse order of the offset order. It is further preferable that the driving order is the same as the driving order at the time of forward scanning.

  In the first embodiment described above, the code value “1” is used for any one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to the cyan ink and the forward scan in order to suppress the deviation of the ink discharge position in the reciprocating scan when recording a high density image. A description has been given of a mode in which pixels assigned “1” and pixels assigned code value “2” in either of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to cyan ink / reverse scanning are arranged in the same manner. However, the pixels do not necessarily have the same arrangement. In other words, if the number is small, any one of the pixels assigned the code value “1” in any one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to the cyan ink / forward scan and any one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to the cyan ink / reverse scan. However, there may be a location where the pixel assigned the code value “2” is arranged differently. In other words, a pixel assigned a code value “1” in any one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to cyan ink / forward scanning and a code in any one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to cyan ink / reverse scanning. If the pixels to which the value “2” is assigned are arranged in substantially the same manner, the effect according to the present embodiment can be obtained. In the following description, when a certain pixel and another pixel are arranged in the same manner, and when a certain pixel and another pixel are almost the same, those pixels are arranged in correspondence with each other. Call it there.

  Here, out of the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to cyan ink / forward scanning, any one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to cyan ink / reverse scanning is used. It is particularly preferable that the number of pixels in the same arrangement as the pixels to which the code value “2” is assigned is about 75% or more.

  Similarly, a pixel assigned a code value “2” in one of the mask patterns MP1_C and MP3_C corresponding to cyan ink / forward scanning and a code in one of the mask patterns MP2_C and MP4_C corresponding to cyan ink / reverse scanning are used. It is only necessary that the pixels to which the value “1” is assigned have almost the same arrangement.

  The same applies to the mask pattern corresponding to magenta ink. The pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP1_M and MP3_M corresponding to magenta ink / forward scanning, and magenta ink / reverse scanning. The pixels to which the code value “2” is assigned in either of the corresponding mask patterns MP2_M and MP4_M may be arranged in substantially the same manner. Furthermore, the code value “2” is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP1_M and MP3_M corresponding to magenta ink / forward scanning, and the code value is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP2_M and MP4_M corresponding to magenta ink / reverse scanning. It is only necessary that the pixels to which “1” is assigned have almost the same arrangement.

  In the first embodiment described above, the code assigned to the code value “1” in any of the cyan ink / forward scanning mask patterns and the magenta ink / forward scanning mask pattern are coded. Although the description has been given of the form in which the pixels to which the value “1” is assigned are arranged so as not to overlap with each other (in an exclusive relationship), implementation in other forms is also possible.

  That is, a pixel assigned the code value “1” in any of the cyan ink / forward scanning mask patterns and a pixel assigned the code value “1” in any of the magenta ink / forward scanning mask patterns. Are not required to be in the same arrangement, and may be the same arrangement as long as it is a part of the pixels.

  However, a pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in any of the cyan ink / forward scanning mask patterns and a pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in any of the magenta ink / forward scanning mask patterns. The smaller the number of the same arrangement, the more suitably the surface of the recording medium can be coated. Specifically, out of the number of pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either the cyan ink / forward scanning mask pattern, the code value “1” in either the magenta ink / forward scanning mask pattern. It is preferable that the number of pixels in a different arrangement from the pixels to which is assigned is approximately half. About half of the pixels are assigned the code value “1” in either the cyan ink / forward scan mask pattern and half the pixels are assigned the code value “1” in either the magenta ink / forward scan mask pattern. This is because the surface of the recording medium can be sufficiently covered to a certain extent if is not superimposed.

  It should be noted that a pixel assigned a code value “1” in any of the cyan ink / reverse scan mask patterns and a pixel assigned a code value “1” in any of the magenta ink / reverse scan mask patterns; The same applies to the relationship.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, pixels assigned code value “1” in the forward scan logical sum pattern and the backward scan logical sum pattern as the mask patterns used for cyan ink and magenta ink are random white noise characteristics. In the above description, the mask pattern in which the code value for each pixel is assigned is used. Therefore, as described above, the mask pattern used in the first embodiment is assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern among the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern. The number of pixels adjacent to both sides in the X direction is the same as the number of pixels that are assigned a code value “1” in the logical sum pattern and are not adjacent in the X direction. It was. Similarly, among the pixels assigned code value “1” in the logical sum pattern, the number of pixels adjacent to both sides in the X direction are assigned the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern, The number of pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the sum pattern is not the same as the number of pixels that are not adjacent in the X direction.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, as the mask pattern used for each of the cyan ink and the magenta ink, the forward scan logical sum pattern among the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the backward scan logical sum pattern is used. The number of pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned is adjacent to both sides in the X direction, and the pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in the forward scan logical sum pattern is adjacent to both sides in the X direction. A mask pattern in which a code value for each pixel is determined so as to be larger than the number of pixels not to be used is used. Similarly, in the mask pattern used in the present embodiment, among the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the forward scan logical sum pattern, the code value “1” is assigned in the backward scan logical sum pattern. The number of pixels adjacent to both sides in the X direction is larger than the number of pixels that are assigned the code value “1” in the backward scan logical sum pattern and are not adjacent in the X direction. A code value for each pixel is defined.

  The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, in the first embodiment, the driving order in the backward scanning is different from the reverse order of the driving order in the forward scanning, so that the image quality due to the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scannings. Suppression of decrease was suppressed.

  However, as can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when recording a relatively low density image in which one dot is formed for each pixel, reciprocal scanning is performed not only based on the driving order but also based on the recording data. The degree of deterioration in image quality caused by the X-direction deviation between the two differs.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when print data is generated so that dots recorded by forward scanning and dots recorded by backward scanning do not alternate in the X direction, and when the deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans is small, A decrease in image quality can be suitably suppressed. However, as can be seen from FIG. 15 (d), when the deviation in the X direction between the reciprocating scans is large, even if the driving order is an order that is not opposite to each other, the missing or overlapping dots are increased. There is a fear.

  On the other hand, when the recording data is generated so that the dots recorded in the forward scan and the dots recorded in the backward scan are alternately arranged in the X direction, as shown in FIG. Even when there is a large deviation, dot omission and overlap can be reduced.

  In view of the above points, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress a decrease in image quality due to a deviation in the X direction between reciprocating scans when recording a low density image, dots recorded in the forward scan during low density image recording And print data are generated so that dots to be printed alternately in reverse scanning. Here, for low-density image data, for example, image data with a pixel value of “1”, as shown in the decoding table of FIG. 10, a dot is formed only on a pixel with a code value of “1” in the mask pattern. It is formed. This is because the code value “1” is the code value having the maximum allowable number of ink ejections among the code values “0”, “1”, and “2”. Therefore, in order to alternately generate dots to be recorded in each of the forward scan and the backward scan when recording a low density image, the code value “1” is set to the logical sum pattern for the forward scan and the logical sum pattern for the backward scan. What is necessary is just to use the mask pattern in which the defined pixel occurs alternately in the X direction.

  By using a mask pattern in which pixels whose code value “1” is defined alternately in the forward scan logical OR pattern and the backward scan logical OR pattern are used in the X direction, it is possible to reciprocate during low density image recording. Details of the mechanism that can reduce dot omission and overlap caused by the shift in the X direction during scanning will be described below.

  FIG. 25 shows a mask in which a code value is determined for each pixel so that pixels in which a code value “1” is determined alternately in the forward scan logical OR pattern and the backward scan OR pattern are generated in the X direction. It is a figure which shows an example of a pattern. 25A shows a mask pattern MP1 ′ corresponding to the first scan, FIG. 25B shows a mask pattern MP2 ′ corresponding to the second scan, and FIG. 25C shows 3 A mask pattern MP3 ′ corresponding to the fourth scan is shown, and FIG. 25D shows a mask pattern MP4 ′ corresponding to the fourth scan. Further, FIG. 25E is defined for the mask pattern MP1 ′ corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 25A and the mask pattern MP3 ′ corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ obtained by logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown. Further, FIG. 25F is defined for each of the mask pattern MP2 ′ corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 25B and the mask pattern MP4 ′ corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown. In FIG. 25, pixels indicated by white dots are assigned with a code value of “0”, and pixels filled with gray are assigned with a code value of “1”. Each pixel is assigned with a code value “2”.

  Mask patterns MP1 ′ to MP4 ′ shown in FIGS. 25A to 25D are mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D and mask patterns shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D. Unlike MP1_M to MP4_M, a pixel assigned a code value of “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. 25E and “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. "Is assigned so that pixels to which the code value of" "is assigned alternately occur in the X direction.

  Note that the mask patterns MP1 ′ to MP4 ′ shown in FIGS. 25A to 25D are the same as the mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D and FIG. ) To (d), which are similar to the mask patterns MP1_M to MP4_M.

  The above setting will be described in detail.

  In the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. 25E in this embodiment, a code value “1” is assigned to 512 pixels among 1024 pixels, that is, all of them, that is, 512 Pixels assigned code “1” are adjacent to pixels assigned code value “1” on both sides in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. On the other hand, among the pixels to which 512 code values “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. 25E are assigned, the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. The number of pixels adjacent to the pixel assigned the code value “1” in the X direction is zero.

  For example, in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. 25E, 1, 3, 5, from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) The code value “1” is assigned to the seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth, nineteenth, twenty-first, twenty-third, thirty-five, twenty-seventh, twenty-seventh and thirty-first pixels (odd-numbered pixels from the upstream side in the X direction). . On the other hand, in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. 25 (f), 2, 4, 6, The code value “1” is assigned to the 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32nd pixels (even-numbered pixels from the upstream side in the X direction). .

  Here, in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. 25E, the third pixel from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) in the row on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure). Is assigned a code value "1", and 2 from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) in the row of the end part on the downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) adjacent to both sides in the X direction. A code value “1” is assigned to the fourth pixel in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. That is, the third pixel from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) in the row in the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. , A pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned and a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned to pixels adjacent to both sides in the X direction by the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. It is.

  Here, it is assumed that the pixels at the end in the X direction upstream (left side in the figure) and the pixels at the end in the X direction downstream (right side in the figure) located in the same row are adjacent to each other. This is because the mask patterns MP1 ′ to MP4 ′ shown in FIGS. 25A to 25D each indicate a repeating unit of the mask pattern, and therefore these mask patterns are actually used sequentially in the X direction. Next to the right side of the region in the quantized data corresponding to the pixel at the end in the X direction downstream side (right side in the figure) of the mask pattern when actually applied to the data is the upstream side in the X direction of the next mask pattern This is because the quantized data corresponding to the pixel at the end (left side in the figure) comes.

  Therefore, for example, the first from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. The pixels assigned code value “1” are the second and second pixels from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure) in the row on the downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) adjacent to both sides in the X direction. That is, the code value “1” is assigned to the pixel in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG.

  Also, the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. 25F in this embodiment is assigned a code value “1” in 512 pixels out of 1024 pixels, that is, 512 of all. The pixels to which the code “1” is assigned are adjacent to the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned on both sides in the X direction in the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. . On the other hand, among the pixels to which 512 code values “1” in the logical sum pattern MP2 ′ + MP4 ′ shown in FIG. 25F are assigned, the logical sum pattern MP1 ′ + MP3 ′ shown in FIG. The number of pixels adjacent to the pixel assigned the code value “1” in the X direction is zero.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of dots when a low density image is recorded using the mask patterns MP1 ′ to MP4 ′ shown in FIGS. 25 (a) to 25 (d). Here, a case where gradation data having a gradation level of level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data corresponding to a low density image will be described.

  When the gradation value of the gradation data is level 1 in all the pixels in the unit region 211 in FIG. 8, as can be seen from the discharge port array development table shown in FIG. 1 ”2pl image data is generated. Therefore, as can be seen from the decoding table shown in FIG. 10, ink is ejected to the pixel area corresponding to the pixel assigned the code value “1” in the mask patterns MP1 ′ to MP4 ′ shown in FIG. . That is, the first scan is filled in with gray in FIG. 25A, the second scan in FIG. 25B, the third scan in FIG. 25C, and the fourth scan in FIG. 25D. Ink is ejected to a pixel area corresponding to the pixel.

  Among these, since the first and third scans are forward scans, and the second and fourth scans are backward scans, the pixels to which ink is ejected in the forward scans are pixels filled in gray in FIG. The pixels from which ink is ejected in the backward scanning are pixels filled in gray in FIG.

  At this time, if time division driving is performed in the driving sequence shown in FIG. 19A for both forward scanning and backward scanning, if there is no deviation between the reciprocating scanning, the forward scanning is at the position shown in FIG. Ink is ejected at each position shown in FIG. 26B to form dots.

  Here, FIG. 26 (c) shows the dot arrangement when the dot arrangements shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b) are overlapped without deviation, and 21.2 μm (1200 dpi) downstream in the X direction in the backward scanning. (Equivalent) FIG. 26 (d) shows the dot arrangement when they are shifted and overlapped, and FIG. 26 (e) shows the dot arrangement when they are shifted and shifted by 42.3 μm (equivalent to 600 dpi) downstream in the X direction in backward scanning. ing.

  As can be seen from FIG. 26 (c), with respect to each row extending in the X direction, the dot recorded by the forward scanning and the dot by the backward scanning are almost overlapped, the row is partially overlapped, and the rows are hardly overlapped. It can be seen that there are various lines that are recorded with a shift. In FIG. 26 (d), the dots in the line that originally overlapped appear newly, but the dots in the line that originally shifted without overlapping overlap each other, thereby canceling the density fluctuation. FIG. 26 (e) is the same as FIG. 26 (d), and the dots in the line that originally overlapped appear newly, but the dots in the line that originally shifted without overlapping overlap each other, so that the density fluctuation is reduced. It has been offset.

  In this way, when viewed as the entire image, even if the amount of deviation between the reciprocating scans upstream in the X direction shown in FIG. 26D is 21.2 μm, or upstream in the X direction shown in FIG. It can be seen that even if the shift amount between the reciprocating scans to the side is 42.3 μm, the density fluctuation hardly occurs as compared with the case where the shift between the reciprocating scans shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIG. 26, according to the mask pattern and the driving order in which pixels having the code value “1” defined alternately in the forward scanning logical sum pattern and the backward scanning logical sum pattern are generated in the X direction. Even when a relatively low-density image is recorded such that one dot is recorded in one pixel area, it is possible to perform recording while suppressing the displacement of the ejection position between reciprocating scans.

  For comparison, the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 17A to 17D used in the first embodiment are used, and other conditions are the same as in this embodiment. A description will be given of the positions of dots formed when grayscale data having level 1 is input.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an image recorded by ink when gradation data having a gradation level of level 1 is input when the mask pattern shown in FIG. 17 is used.

  When the gradation value of the gradation data is level 1 in all the pixels in the unit region 211 in FIG. 8, as can be seen from the discharge port array development table shown in FIG. Image data having a value “1” is generated. Therefore, as can be seen from the decoding table shown in FIG. 10, ink is ejected to the pixel area corresponding to the pixel assigned the code value “1” in the mask pattern shown in FIG. That is, the first scan is filled in gray in FIG. 17A, the second scan in FIG. 17B, the third scan in FIG. 17C, and the fourth scan in FIG. 17D. Ink is ejected to a pixel area corresponding to the pixel.

  Among these, since the first and third scans are forward scans, and the second and fourth scans are backward scans, the pixels to which ink is ejected in the forward scans are pixels filled in gray in FIG. The pixels from which ink is ejected in the backward scanning are pixels filled in gray in FIG.

  At this time, if time division driving is performed in the driving sequence shown in FIG. 19A for both forward scanning and backward scanning, if there is no deviation between the reciprocating scanning, the forward scanning is at the position shown in FIG. Ink is ejected at each position shown in FIG. 27B to form dots.

  Here, FIG. 27C shows the dot arrangement when the arrangement of dots shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B overlaps without deviation, and 21.2 μm (1200 dpi) downstream in the X direction in the backward scanning. (Equivalent) FIG. 27 (d) shows the dot arrangement when they are shifted and overlapped, and FIG. 27 (e) shows the dot arrangement when they are shifted and overlapped by 42.3 μm (equivalent to 600 dpi) downstream in the X direction in backward scanning. ing.

  As can be seen from FIG. 27 (c), recording is performed such that a dot where the dots for forward scanning and a dot for backward scanning almost overlap, a part where they overlap, and a part where they hardly overlap are mixed. Therefore, when the deviation between the reciprocating scans is relatively small, as shown in FIG. 27 (d), the dot overlap and omission are larger than in the case shown in FIG. 27 (c), but an image that does not change so much is recorded. it can. However, as shown in FIG. 27 (e), when the shift between the reciprocating scans is relatively large, dot overlap and omission become conspicuous, and deterioration in image quality is likely to be visually recognized. Since the dispersibility in the X direction of the pixels for which recording is determined is low, deterioration in image quality cannot be suppressed when the deviation between reciprocating scans becomes large.

  In this way, the code value is determined for each pixel so that pixels in which the code value “1” is determined alternately in the forward scan logical sum pattern and the backward scan logical sum pattern are generated in the X direction. According to the mask pattern, the code value for each pixel is such that the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the forward scan logical sum pattern and the backward scan logical sum pattern are arranged with random white noise characteristics. It can be experimentally confirmed that it is possible to suppress the displacement of the ejection position of one color ink during reciprocating scanning when an image having a low density is recorded as compared with the mask pattern to which is assigned.

(Mask pattern applied in this embodiment)
In view of the above points, in the present embodiment, a pixel whose code value “1” is determined by the forward scan logical sum pattern, that is, a pixel whose code value “1” is determined by one of the forward scan mask patterns. And pixels whose code value “1” is determined in the logical pattern for backward scanning, that is, pixels whose code value “1” is determined in any of the mask patterns for backward scanning are alternately arranged in the X direction. A mask pattern having a code value determined so as to occur is applied.

  In addition, as in the first embodiment, the mask pattern applied in the present embodiment is a pixel assigned a code value “1” in either the cyan ink or the forward scan mask pattern, and magenta ink. The code value for each pixel is assigned so that the pixel assigned the code value “1” in any of the forward scanning mask patterns is arranged differently. Similarly, a code value “1” is assigned to either a pixel assigned a code value “1” in either a cyan ink / reverse scan mask pattern or a magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern. The arranged pixels are also differently arranged.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a mask pattern applied to cyan ink image data C4 in the present embodiment. FIG. 28A shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP1_C ′ corresponding to the first scan, and FIG. 28B shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP2_C ′ corresponding to the second scan. FIG. 28C shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP3_C ′ corresponding to the third scan, and FIG. 28D shows a cyan ink mask pattern MP4_C ′ corresponding to the fourth scan. Yes. Further, FIG. 28E is defined for the mask pattern MP1_C ′ corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 28A and the mask pattern MP3_C ′ corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown. In addition, FIG. 28F is defined for each of the mask pattern MP2_C ′ corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 28B and the mask pattern MP4_C ′ corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2_C ′ + MP4_C ′ obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a mask pattern applied to magenta ink image data M4 in the present embodiment. FIG. 29A shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP1_M ′ corresponding to the first scan, and FIG. 29B shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP2_M ′ corresponding to the second scan. FIG. 29C shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP3_M ′ corresponding to the third scan, and FIG. 29D shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP4_M ′ corresponding to the fourth scan. Yes. Further, FIG. 29E is defined for the mask pattern MP1_M ′ corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 29A and the mask pattern MP3_M ′ corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown. In addition, FIG. 29F is defined in each of the mask pattern MP2_M ′ corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 29B and the mask pattern MP4_M ′ corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2_M ′ + MP4_M ′ obtained by a logical sum of the allowable number of ink ejections is shown.

  In FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the pixels indicated by white dots are assigned with the pixel value “0”, and the pixels filled with gray are assigned the code value “1”. The filled pixels indicate the pixels to which the code value “2” is assigned.

  As can be seen from the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ and the logical sum pattern MP2_C ′ + MP4_C ′ shown in FIGS. 28 (e) and (f), the mask pattern MP1_C ′ for cyan ink shown in FIGS. 28 (a) to (d). ˜MP4_C ′ includes a code value “1” assigned to a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned in either of the forward scanning mask patterns MP1_C ′ and MP3_C ′, and a backward scanning mask pattern MP2_C ′ or MP4_C ′. The pixels to which “1” is assigned are set to alternately occur in the X direction.

  Similarly, as can be seen from the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ and the logical sum pattern MP2_M ′ + MP4_M ′ shown in FIGS. 29 (e) and 29 (f), the magenta ink masks shown in FIGS. 29 (a) to 29 (d). The patterns MP1_M ′ to MP4_M ′ are the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the forward scanning mask patterns MP1_M ′ and MP3_M ′ and the backward scanning mask patterns MP2_M ′ and MP4_M ′. The pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned are set to alternately occur in the X direction.

  Further, as can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 28E and FIG. 29E, among the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either of the cyan ink / forward scan mask patterns MP1_C ′ and MP3_C ′. Thus, about half of the pixels are arranged so as not to overlap with the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either of the magenta ink / forward scan mask patterns MP1_M ′ and MP3_M ′. The remaining half of the pixels have the same arrangement as the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either the magenta ink / forward scan mask pattern MP1_M ′ or MP3_M ′.

  For example, in the row of the most downstream end in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ shown in FIG. 28 (e), 1, 3, 5, The code value “1” is assigned to the seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth, nineteenth, twenty-first, thirteenth, twenty-first, thirty-seventh, twenty-fifth, thirty-seventh, and thirty-first pixels (odd-numbered pixels from the upstream side in the X direction). . Further, in the row of the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ shown in FIG. 29 (e), 1, 3, 5, The code value “1” is assigned to the seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth, nineteenth, twenty-first, thirteenth, twenty-first, thirty-seventh, twenty-fifth, thirty-seventh, and thirty-first pixels (odd-numbered pixels from the upstream side in the X direction). . Therefore, all the pixels to which the code value “1” of the row at the end in the Y direction downstream side (upper side in the drawing) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ shown in FIG. It can be seen that the arrangement is the same as that of the pixel to which the code value “1” of the row on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the second row from the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ shown in FIG. 28E, 1, 3 from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure). The code value “1” is assigned to the fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth, nineteenth, twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, thirty-seventh and thirty-first pixels (odd-numbered pixels from the upstream side in the X direction). It has been. On the other hand, in the second row from the end portion on the most downstream side in the Y direction (upper side in the figure) in the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ shown in FIG. 29 (e), 2 from the upstream side in the X direction (left side in the figure). Code value “1” in the 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32nd pixels (even pixels from the upstream in the X direction) Is assigned. Accordingly, all the pixels to which the code value “1” of the second row from the end in the Y direction downstream side (upper side in the drawing) in the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ shown in FIG. In the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′ shown in FIG. 29 (e), the arrangement is different from the pixel to which the code value “1” in the second row from the most downstream end (upper side in the figure) is assigned. I understand that.

  Hereinafter, in the same way in all the rows, about half of the pixels to which the code value “1” in the logical sum pattern MP1_C ′ + MP3_C ′ is assigned in total are the codes in the logical sum pattern MP1_M ′ + MP3_M ′. It can be seen that the arrangement is the same as the pixel to which the value “1” is assigned.

  Similarly, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 28 (f) and FIG. 29 (f), a code value “1” is assigned to one of the mask patterns MP2_C ′ and MP4_C ′ for cyan ink and backward scanning. Among the pixels, about half of the pixels are arranged so as not to overlap with the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either of the magenta ink / reverse scan mask patterns MP2_M ′ and MP4_M ′. The remaining half of the pixels have the same arrangement as the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either the magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern MP2_M ′ or MP4_M ′.

  Based on the conditions as described above, mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ for cyan ink and mask patterns MP1_M ′ to MP4_M ′ for magenta ink used in the present embodiment are set.

(Recorded image according to this embodiment)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the cyan ink mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ shown in FIGS. 28A to 28D and the magenta ink masks shown in FIGS. 29A to 29D. The patterns MP1_M ′ to MP4_M ′ are used, and time division driving is performed in accordance with the driving order shown in FIG. 19A for both forward scanning and backward scanning. As a result, not only when recording a high density image but also when recording a low density image, recording is performed while suppressing the displacement of the ejection position between reciprocating scans. Further, by using different mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ for cyan ink and mask patterns MP1_M ′ to MP4_M ′ for magenta ink, a plurality of colors of ink are used as in the first embodiment. In addition, it is possible to perform recording so that image quality is not adversely affected.

  The positions of the dots formed when the mask pattern applied to the cyan ink image data and the mask pattern applied to the magenta ink image data that have been made different in the above-described manner will be described.

  FIG. 30 shows print data generated using the mask pattern shown in FIG. 28 for the image data for cyan ink and the mask pattern shown in FIG. 29 for the image data for magenta ink. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of dots formed when both of the recording element arrays are time-division driven in the driving order shown in FIG. 19 for both forward scanning and backward scanning. FIG. 30A shows the arrangement of cyan ink dots, and FIG. 30B shows the arrangement of magenta ink dots. Further, FIG. 30C shows a state when the dots of cyan ink and magenta ink shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B are superimposed. In FIG. 30, a circle with a horizontal line inside represents a cyan ink dot, and a circle with a vertical line inside represents a magenta ink dot.

  FIG. 30A schematically shows the positions of dots formed by cyan ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data C3. . FIG. 30B schematically shows the positions of dots formed by magenta ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data M3. . Therefore, both cyan ink and magenta ink are applied once to each pixel area.

  Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, in the present embodiment, when relatively low density image data is input, about half of the same pixel area has cyan ink and magenta. The mask pattern is set so that ink is applied by scanning in different directions, and cyan ink and magenta ink are applied by scanning in the same direction in the remaining approximately half of the pixel regions.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19, since the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array perform time-division driving in the same driving order, cyan ink and magenta ink that eject ink to the same pixel region. The drive order of the recording elements is the same.

  In view of the above points, when print data is generated so that cyan ink is applied to a certain pixel area by forward scanning (first and third scans), magenta ink is included in those pixel areas. Recording data is generated so that about half of the pixel regions are given by backward scanning (second and fourth scanning). The driving order of the recording elements that discharge cyan ink and magenta ink to the pixel area is the same. Accordingly, since the cyan ink and magenta ink are scanned in different directions and ejected in the same driving order in about half of the pixel regions described above, the dot landing is achieved as can be seen from FIG. The position will be different in the X direction.

  It should be noted that magenta ink is also used for the remaining half of the pixel areas determined so that cyan ink is applied in the forward scan (first and third scans) according to the recording data. In contrast, print data is generated so as to be given by forward scanning (first and third scanning). Therefore, cyan ink and magenta ink are scanned in the same direction and ejected in the same driving order for the remaining approximately half of the pixel areas, and as shown in FIG. The landing position of is the same in the X direction. Accordingly, in the image shown in FIG. 30 (c), the covering area of the surface of the recording medium is slightly reduced, but the dot landing positions of the cyan ink and magenta ink differ in the X direction in half of the pixel regions, so that the overlapping of the dots Can be reduced to some extent. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform recording while suppressing graininess.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably suppress the ejection position deviation between the reciprocating scans of the inks of the respective colors not only when recording a high density image but also when recording a low density image. Furthermore, by making the mask patterns corresponding to cyan ink and magenta ink different, it is possible to suppress the graininess resulting from overlapping dot arrangements between cyan ink and magenta ink.

(Comparative example)
Next, a comparative example with respect to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

  In the comparative example, the mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ shown in FIGS. 28A to 28D applied to the image data for cyan ink in the second embodiment are used as image data for cyan ink and magenta ink. The recording data is generated by applying to both of the image data. As for the driving order in the time-division driving, both the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array have the driving order shown in FIG. 19A, as in the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 31, both the cyan ink image data and the magenta ink image data are generated using the mask pattern shown in FIG. 28, and both the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array are scanned forward. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dots formed when time-division driving is performed in the driving order shown in FIG. FIG. 31A shows the arrangement of cyan ink dots, and FIG. 31B shows the arrangement of magenta ink dots. Further, FIG. 31C shows a state when the dots of cyan ink and magenta ink shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B are superimposed. In FIG. 31, a circle with a horizontal line inside represents a cyan ink dot, and a circle with a vertical line inside represents a magenta ink dot.

  FIG. 31A schematically shows the positions of dots formed by cyan ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data C3. . FIG. 31B schematically shows the positions of dots formed by magenta ink when gradation data having gradation level 1 is input to all pixels as gradation data M3. . Therefore, both cyan ink and magenta ink are applied once to each pixel area.

  Here, as described above, in the comparative example, the mask pattern shown in FIG. 28 is applied to both the cyan ink image data and the magenta ink image data. Accordingly, when relatively low density image data is input, cyan ink and magenta ink are applied to the same pixel area by scanning in the same direction.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19, since the cyan ink recording element array and the magenta ink recording element array perform time-division driving in the same driving order, cyan ink and magenta ink that eject ink to the same pixel region. The drive order of the recording elements is the same.

  In view of the above points, when print data is generated so that cyan ink is applied to a certain pixel area by forward scanning (first and third scans), magenta ink is also forwarded to that pixel area. Print data is generated so as to be given by scanning (first and third scans). The driving order of the recording elements that discharge cyan ink and magenta ink to the pixel area is the same. In this way, cyan ink and magenta ink are scanned in the same direction and ejected in the same driving order with respect to the same pixel area, so that the dot landing positions are the same in the X direction in all pixel areas. turn into.

  Therefore, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 31A and 31B, according to the comparative example, cyan ink and magenta ink are applied to each pixel area in the unit area in the same arrangement. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 31C, in the comparative example, the surface of the recording medium cannot be sufficiently covered with dots of cyan ink and magenta ink. As a result, an image with a noticeable graininess may be recorded.

  It is clear when the dot arrangement of cyan ink and magenta ink recorded by the first embodiment shown in FIG. 30C is compared with the dot arrangement of cyan ink and magenta ink recorded by the comparative example shown in FIG. As described above, it can be experimentally confirmed that the recording with the graininess suppressed can be performed also by applying the second embodiment.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28 (e) and FIG. 28 (f), among the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in one OR pattern, all the pixels in the other OR pattern. Although the embodiment using the mask pattern that is adjacent to the pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned and the both sides in the X direction has been described, implementation in other embodiments is also possible. In order to obtain the effect according to the present embodiment, among the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in one logical sum pattern, the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the other logical sum pattern Any mask pattern may be used as long as the number of pixels adjacent to both sides is larger than the number of pixels adjacent to the X direction in which the code value “1” is assigned in the other OR pattern.

  In this embodiment, about half of the pixels assigned the code value “1” in the cyan ink / forward scan logical sum pattern have the code value “1” in the magenta ink / forward scan logical sum pattern. In the above description, the mask pattern in which the code value for each pixel is determined so as to have the same arrangement as the pixel to which “is assigned” has been described. However, other forms are also possible.

  For example, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, all the pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in the cyan ink / forward scan logical sum pattern have the code value “1” in the magenta ink / forward scan logical sum pattern. A mask pattern in which a code value for each pixel is determined may be used so that the pixels are arranged in the same arrangement as “1”. An example of such a mask pattern is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 32A shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP1_M ″ corresponding to the first scan, and FIG. 32B shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP2_M ″ corresponding to the second scan. FIG. 32C shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP3_M ″ corresponding to the third scan, and FIG. 32D shows a magenta ink mask pattern MP4_M ″ corresponding to the fourth scan. Show. Further, FIG. 32E is defined for each of the mask pattern MP1_M ″ corresponding to the first scan shown in FIG. 32A and the mask pattern MP3_M ″ corresponding to the third scan shown in FIG. The logical sum pattern MP1_M ″ + MP3_M ″ obtained by the logical sum of the permitted number of ink ejections is shown. Further, FIG. 32F is defined for each of the mask pattern MP2_M ″ corresponding to the second scan shown in FIG. 32B and the mask pattern MP4_M ″ corresponding to the fourth scan shown in FIG. A logical sum pattern MP2_M ″ + MP4_M ″ obtained by a logical sum of the permitted number of ink ejections is shown.

  Pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP1_M ″ and MP3_M ″ shown in FIGS. 32A and 32C, and the mask pattern MP1_C shown in FIGS. The pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in either of “′” and “MP3_C ′” are arranged so as not to overlap each other (excluded). Therefore, as can be seen by comparing the logical sum pattern MP1_M ″ + MP3_M shown in FIG. 32E with the logical sum pattern MP1_C ″ + MP3_C ′ shown in FIG. 28E, the logical sum patterns MP1_M ″ + MP3_M ″, MP1_C ′. Pixels painted in gray (with code value “1”) between + MP3_C ′ are not superimposed.

  Similarly, the pixel to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP2_M ″ and MP4_M ″ shown in FIGS. 32B and 32D, and FIGS. 28B and 28D. The pixels to which the code value “1” is assigned in any one of the mask patterns MP2_C ′ and MP4_C ′ shown are arranged so as not to overlap each other (in an exclusive relationship). Therefore, as can be seen by comparing the logical sum pattern MP2_M ″ + MP4_M ″ shown in FIG. 32 (f) with the logical sum pattern MP2_C ″ + MP4_C ′ shown in FIG. 28 (f), the logical sum pattern MP2_M ″ + MP4_M ″, Pixels painted in gray (code value “1”) between MP2_C ′ + MP4_C ′ are not superimposed.

  Accordingly, the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 28A to 28D are applied to image data corresponding to cyan ink, and the mask patterns shown in FIGS. 32A to 32D are applied to image data corresponding to magenta ink. By applying, for example, when relatively low-density image data having a pixel value of “1” is input, cyan ink and magenta ink are not ejected to the same pixel area in scanning in the same direction in all pixel areas. Thus, the recording data can be generated.

  Therefore, when the mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ shown in FIGS. 28A to 28D and the mask patterns MP1_M ″ to MP4_M ″ shown in FIGS. 32A to 32D are used, FIG. The covering area of the surface of the recording medium is made larger than when mask patterns MP1_C ′ to MP4_C ′ shown in a) to (d) and mask patterns MP1_M ′ to MP4_M ′ shown in FIGS. be able to. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress graininess more suitably.

  In each of the embodiments described above, a mode in which the ejection position deviation between the forward scan and the backward scan is suppressed when the forward scan and the backward scan are performed on the unit region is described. Therefore, it is necessary that the driving order at the time of backward scanning be different from the reverse order of the driving order at the time of forward scanning, and it is preferable that the driving order at the time of forward scanning is different from the reverse order of the offset order. It was described that the same order as the order is more preferable.

  However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described form. In the case where printing is performed a plurality of times by only scanning in one direction with respect to the unit area, the first type of scanning and the second type of scanning are performed. It is also possible to suppress the discharge position deviation between the two. For example, when the first type of scan is the first half of the plurality of scans and the second type of scan is the second half of the plurality of scans, the interval between the first and second half scans. Can be suppressed. In this case, the driving order at the time of the second type of scanning needs to be different from the driving order at the time of the first type of scanning, and then the driving order at the time of the first type of scanning is different from the offset order. It is more preferable that the driving order in the first type of scanning is reversed.

  As described with reference to FIG. 11 and the like, when reciprocal scanning is performed in the same drive order, the ink landing positions from the respective drive blocks in the time-division drive control are reversed from each other, and the same drive order. This is because the ink landing positions from the respective drive blocks in the time-division drive control are the same when the unidirectional scan is performed. From here, for example, when performing unidirectional scanning, the driving order during the second type of scanning is the reverse of the driving order during the first type of scanning. The landing position and the landing position of ink from each drive block are the same when the time-division driving is performed with the driving order in the backward scanning being the same as the driving order in the forward scanning when performing reciprocal scanning. I understand that.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the mask pattern for cyan ink and magenta ink and the driving order of time-division driving among the plurality of colors of ink are described. Regarding inks of colors other than cyan ink and magenta ink Was not specifically described. This is because, in the ink used in the present embodiment, the graininess is particularly noticeable in the mixed color (blue) of cyan ink and magenta ink, and thus the effect obtained by applying the present invention is remarkable. is there. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to mask patterns and drive control of time-division driving in other inks such as yellow ink.

  For example, when it is desired to reduce the graininess in the color gamut of cyan ink and yellow ink (green) in addition to the color gamut of cyan ink and magenta ink (blue), the following control may be performed. That is, the mask patterns MP1_M to MP4_M shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D are applied to both the magenta ink image data and the yellow ink image data, and FIGS. 17A to 17D are applied to the cyan ink image data. The mask patterns MP1_C to MP4_C shown in FIG. 19 are applied, and the cyan ink recording element array, the magenta ink recording element array, and the yellow ink recording element array are all driven in a time-sharing manner in the driving order shown in FIG. It ’s fine.

  Further, for example, in addition to the color gamut of cyan ink and magenta ink (blue), the color gamut of cyan ink and yellow ink (green) and the color gamut of magenta ink and yellow ink (red) When it is desired to reduce the feeling, control may be performed as follows. That is, two types of mask patterns (a cyan ink and magenta ink set, a magenta ink and yellow ink set, and a mask pattern for cyan ink, a mask pattern for magenta ink, and a mask pattern for yellow ink) In any of the combinations of yellow ink and cyan ink, a mask pattern satisfying the above-described code value arrangement condition in the present invention may be used, and time-division driving may be performed in the same driving order in all printing element arrays.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, a form using a multi-value mask pattern configured by information of a plurality of bits indicating the allowable number of ink ejections for each pixel has been described. However, other forms are also possible. is there. For example, a binary mask pattern composed of 1-bit information indicating whether ink ejection is permitted or not permitted for each pixel may be used. In this case, with respect to the first logical sum pattern obtained from the mask pattern corresponding to the forward scan and the second logical sum pattern obtained from the mask pattern corresponding to the backward scan, the second logical sum pattern permits printing. Among the determined pixels, pixels that are permitted to be recorded in the first logical sum pattern and pixels adjacent to both sides in the X direction are pixels that are permitted to be recorded in the first logical sum pattern. A plurality of mask patterns need only be defined so that there are more pixels than those not adjacent to both sides in the X direction.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the forward scanning and the backward scanning are performed twice for the unit area, and one of the forward scanning and the backward scanning is performed twice for the unit area, and the other is performed once. Although the form to perform was described, implementation by another form is also possible. In other words, the present invention can be applied to any form in which the unit area is scanned K times (K ≧ 1) and L times (L ≧ 1). In this case, it is sufficient to use K mask patterns for forward scanning and L mask patterns for backward scanning.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, it is composed of 2 bits of information per pixel, and is composed of image data that defines the number of times of ejection, 0, 1, or 2 and information of 2 bits per pixel. In the above description, the print data is generated using the mask pattern that determines the allowable number of times of 0, 1, 2, or 2. However, other forms are also possible. Image data and mask patterns composed of information of 3 bits or more per pixel may be used. When the information per pixel constituting the image data and the mask pattern is n bits, it is possible to determine the maximum number (2 ^ n) of ink ejections and allowable times.

  For example, a case where image data and a mask pattern are configured from information of 3 bits or more per pixel will be described. That is, 3-bit information constituting the image data and the mask pattern is any one of “000”, “001”, “010”, “011”, “100”, “101”, “110”, and “111”. .

  Here, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “000”, the pixel value is “0”, that is, the number of ink ejections to the pixel is zero. Also, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “001”, the pixel value is “1”, that is, the number of ink ejections for that pixel is one. In addition, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “010”, the pixel value is “2”, that is, the number of ink ejections for the pixel is two. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “011”, the pixel value is “3”, that is, the number of ink ejections for the pixel is three. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “100”, the pixel value is “4”, that is, the number of ink ejections for the pixel is four. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “101”, the pixel value is “5”, that is, the number of ink ejections for the pixel is five. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “110”, the pixel value is “6”, that is, the number of ink ejections to the pixel is six. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the image data in a certain pixel is “111”, the pixel value is “7”, that is, the number of ink ejections for the pixel is seven.

  On the other hand, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “000”, the code value is “0”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for that pixel is zero. In addition, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “001”, the code value is “1”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is one. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “010”, the code value is “2”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is two. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “011”, the code value is “3”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is three. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “100”, the code value is “4”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is four. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “101”, the code value is “5”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is five. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “110”, the code value is “6”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is six. Further, when the 3-bit information constituting the mask pattern in a certain pixel is “111”, the code value is “7”, that is, the allowable number of ink ejections for the pixel is seven.

  FIG. 33 shows a decode table that defines the rules as described above. For example, a pixel to which a code value “1” is assigned determines non-ejection of ink when the pixel value is “0” to “6”, and ejects ink when the pixel value is “7”. Generate the specified recording data. Further, for example, when a pixel value assigned to a code value “7” is set to “0”, non-ejection of ink is determined, and when the pixel value is “1” to “7”, ink is discharged. Print data for determining ejection is generated.

  Here, even when the pixel value of the low density image, for example, the image data is “1”, the ink discharge is determined by the code value “maximum allowable number of ink discharges in the mask pattern”. 7 ”is an assigned pixel. Therefore, for example, in order to obtain the effect of the second embodiment of the present invention in the case of using a decoding table as shown in FIG. 33 using image data and a mask pattern composed of 3-bit information for each pixel, Attention is paid to the pixels to which the code value “7” in the mask pattern is assigned.

  Specifically, in order to obtain the effect of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is only necessary to satisfy the following (Condition A), (Condition B), and (Condition C).

(Condition A)
Almost all pixels assigned code value “7” in the cyan ink / forward scan mask pattern are code values other than code values “7” and “0” in the magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern. Is arranged to overlap with the assigned pixels.

(Condition B)
Almost all pixels assigned code value “7” in the cyan ink / forward scan mask pattern are code values other than code values “7” and “0” in the magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern. Is arranged to overlap with the assigned pixels.

(Condition C)
The pixel assigned the code value “7” in the cyan ink / forward scan mask pattern is different from the pixel assigned the code value “7” in the magenta ink / forward scan mask pattern. It is.

  Further, it is more preferable that the following (Condition A ′), (Condition B ′), and (Condition C ′) are satisfied.

(Condition A ′)
Almost all pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned in the cyan ink / reverse scanning mask pattern are code values other than the code values “7” and “0” in the magenta ink / forward scanning mask pattern. Is arranged to overlap with the assigned pixels.

(Condition B ′)
Almost all pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned in the cyan ink / reverse scanning mask pattern are code values other than the code values “7” and “0” in the magenta ink / forward scanning mask pattern. Is arranged to overlap with the assigned pixels.

(Condition C ′)
The pixel assigned the code value “7” in the cyan ink / reverse scanning mask pattern and the pixel assigned the code value “7” in the magenta ink / reverse scanning mask pattern are different from each other. It is.

  Furthermore, in order to obtain the effect of the second embodiment of the present invention, the following (Condition D) may be satisfied in addition to (Condition A), (Condition B), and (Condition C).

(Condition D)
Of the pixels assigned the code value “7” in the cyan ink / forward scan mask pattern, the pixels assigned the code value “7” in the cyan ink / reverse scan mask pattern are both sides in the X direction. There are more pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned in the cyan ink / reverse scan mask pattern than the pixels not adjacent to both sides in the X direction.

  Further, it is more preferable that the following (Condition D ′) is satisfied.

(Condition D ′)
Of the pixels assigned the code value “7” in the magenta ink / forward scan mask pattern, the pixels assigned the code value “7” in the magenta ink / reverse scan mask pattern are both sides in the X direction. There are more pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned in the mask pattern for magenta ink / reverse scanning than the pixels not adjacent to both sides in the X direction.

  In addition, when the pixel value of the image data is “1”, non-ejection of ink is determined, but when it is “2”, the pixel to which the code value “6” for determining ink ejection is assigned, or the image When the pixel value of the data is “1” or “2”, the non-ejection of the ink is determined, but when the data is “3”, the pixel assigned the code value “5” that determines the ejection of the ink is also It is a pixel that determines ink ejection when recording a relatively low density image. Therefore, in order to obtain the effect of the second embodiment, the arrangement of the pixels to which the code value “6” and the code value “5” are assigned is also determined under the same conditions as the pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned. It is preferable that Here, in order to suppress the positional deviation between the reciprocating scans at the time of recording a low density image, if the maximum value of the number of ink ejections that can represent the image data is R times, the ink ejection allowable It is preferable that the pixels to which the code value with the number of times S (S ≧ R / 2) is assigned are arranged under the same conditions as the pixels to which the code value “7” is assigned.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, a mode is described in which printing is performed while a recording medium is conveyed between a plurality of scans with respect to a unit area. However, other modes are also possible. That is, the recording may be performed by scanning the unit area a plurality of times without transporting the recording medium.

  The present invention is not limited to a thermal jet type ink jet recording apparatus. For example, the present invention can be effectively applied to various recording apparatuses such as a so-called piezo-type inkjet recording apparatus that discharges ink using a piezoelectric element.

  In each embodiment, the recording method using the recording apparatus is described. However, the image processing apparatus, the image processing method, and the program that generate data for performing the recording method described in each embodiment are separated from the recording apparatus. It can also be applied to forms prepared for the body. Needless to say, the present invention can be widely applied to forms provided in a part of the recording apparatus.

  The “recording medium” includes not only paper used in general recording apparatuses but also a wide range of cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. .

  Furthermore, “ink” is applied onto a recording medium to form an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like, process the recording medium, or process ink (for example, the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium). It shall represent a liquid that can be subjected to solidification or insolubilization.

3 Recording medium 7 Recording head 301 CPU
302 ROM

Claims (20)

A first recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for discharging ink of the first color are arranged in a predetermined direction, and ink of a second color different from the first color are discharged. A plurality of recording elements that generate energy for the second recording element array arranged in the predetermined direction, and a recording head,
K (K ≧ 1) first scans in a first direction along an intersecting direction intersecting the predetermined direction with respect to the unit area on the recording medium of the recording head, and the unit area of the recording head with respect to the unit area Scanning means for performing L (L ≧ 1) second scans in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, first image data for determining the number of times of ejection of the first color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning unit. And K + L first mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and K + L times by the scanning unit. A first generation unit that generates N + K pieces of first print data that determines whether or not the first color ink is ejected or discharged to each of the plurality of pixels.
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, second image data for determining the number of times of ejection of the second color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning unit. And the K + L second mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the second color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the scanning means performs the K + L times. Second generating means for generating N + K second print data for determining whether the second color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Driving the plurality of first recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a first driving order in the K first scans in the first and second recording element arrays; and Drive for driving a plurality of second recording elements corresponding to the unit area in a second driving order different from the reverse order of the first driving order in the L second scans in the second recording element array. Means,
In the K + L scans by the scanning unit, the driving unit controls the first and second based on the K + L first and second print data generated by the first and second generation units. Control is performed to eject the first and second color inks to a plurality of pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels in the unit region by driving the plurality of recording elements in the recording element array. A recording device comprising:
(I) a pixel arrangement in which an allowable number of times M (M ≧ 1) is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the L times The arrangement of the pixels whose N (N> M) allowable times are determined by any of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the second scan corresponds to each other, and (ii) the K times A pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of M times is determined by any of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the first scan, and the L number of the second mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans. The arrangement of the pixels whose N allowable times are determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other, and (iii) the K first masks corresponding to the K first scans A pixel arrangement in which N allowable times are determined by any of the patterns; A recording apparatus for the arrangement of pixels defined allowable number N times by any of the K second mask pattern corresponding to the first scan of the serial K times, being different from each other.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second driving order is different from a reverse order of the order in which the first driving order is offset.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second driving order is the same as the first driving order. A first recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for discharging ink of the first color are arranged in a predetermined direction, and ink of a second color different from the first color are discharged. A plurality of recording elements that generate energy for the second recording element array arranged in the predetermined direction, and a recording head,
K (K ≧ 1) first scans in a first direction along an intersecting direction intersecting the predetermined direction with respect to the unit area on the recording medium of the recording head, and the unit area of the recording head with respect to the unit area Scanning means for performing L (L ≧ 1) second scans in the first direction;
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, first image data for determining the number of times of ejection of the first color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning unit. And K + L first mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and K + L times by the scanning unit. A first generation unit that generates N + K pieces of first print data that determines whether or not the first color ink is ejected or discharged to each of the plurality of pixels.
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, second image data for determining the number of times of ejection of the second color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning unit. And the K + L second mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the second color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the scanning means performs the K + L times. Second generating means for generating N + K second print data for determining whether the second color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Driving the plurality of first recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a first driving order in the K first scans in the first and second recording element arrays; and Driving means for driving a plurality of second recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a second driving order different from the first driving order in the L second scans in the second recording element array; ,
In the K + L scans by the scanning unit, the driving unit controls the first and second based on the K + L first and second print data generated by the first and second generation units. Control is performed to eject the first and second color inks to a plurality of pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels in the unit region by driving the plurality of recording elements in the recording element array. A recording device comprising:
(I) an arrangement of pixels in which an allowable number of N (N ≧ 1) times is determined by any of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the L times The pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of M (M> N) times is determined by any of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the second scan corresponds to each other, and (ii) the K times A pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of times N is determined by any of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the first scan, and the L number of the second mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans. The arrangement of the pixels whose M allowable times are determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other, and (iii) the K first masks corresponding to the K first scans A pixel arrangement in which N allowable times are determined by any of the patterns; A recording apparatus for the arrangement of pixels defined allowable number N times by any of the K second mask pattern corresponding to the first scan of the serial K times, being different from each other.   The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second drive order is different from an order obtained by offsetting the first drive order.   The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second driving order is a reverse order of the first driving order.   An arrangement of pixels whose allowable number of M times is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the K corresponding to the K first scans. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the pixels in which the allowable number of M times is determined by any one of the K second mask patterns is different from one another.   An arrangement of pixels whose allowable number of N times is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the K corresponding to the K first scans. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of N times is determined by any one of the K second mask patterns does not overlap with each other. 9. .   The pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of times M is determined by any of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the L corresponding to the L second scans. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the pixels whose allowable number of N times is determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other. .   The pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of times N is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans and the L corresponding to the L second scans. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of M times is determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other. .   K pixels corresponding to the K first scans among the pixels for which N allowable times are determined by any one of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans. The number of pixels adjacent to both sides in the crossing direction is N K pixels corresponding to the K first scans. 11. The pixel according to claim 1, wherein the number of pixels for which N allowable times are determined by any one of the first mask patterns is greater than the number of pixels that are not adjacent to both sides in the crossing direction. The recording device described.   A pixel for which N allowable times are determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans is one of the K first mask patterns. The allowable number of times N is determined by the first mask pattern, and the allowable number of times of 0 is determined by the other K−1 first mask patterns of the K first mask patterns. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is defined.   A pixel whose allowable number of M times is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans is one of the K first mask patterns. The allowable number of times M is determined by the first mask pattern, and the allowable number of times is zero by the other K−1 first mask patterns of the K first mask patterns. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is defined. A transport unit that transports the recording medium in the predetermined direction during the continuous scanning of the K + L scans by the scanning unit;
14. The recording according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first recording elements and the plurality of second recording elements are located at different positions in the predetermined direction. apparatus.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scanning unit alternately performs the first scan and the second scan on the unit area.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein M = 1 and N = 2.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein K = L. A first recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for discharging ink of the first color are arranged in a predetermined direction, and ink of a second color different from the first color are discharged. A plurality of recording elements that generate energy for recording using a recording head having a second recording element array arranged in the predetermined direction.
K (K ≧ 1) first scans in a first direction along an intersecting direction intersecting the predetermined direction with respect to the unit area on the recording medium of the recording head, and the unit area of the recording head with respect to the unit area A scanning step of performing L (L ≧ 1) second scans in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, first image data for determining the number of ejections of the first color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning process. And K + L first mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the K + L times by the scanning step. A first generation step of generating N + K first print data for determining whether the first color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Corresponding to the image to be recorded in the unit area, the second image data for determining the number of ejections of the second color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning process. And the K + L second mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the second color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the K + L times by the scanning step. A second generation step of generating N + K second print data for determining whether the second color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Driving the plurality of first recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a first driving order in the K first scans in the first and second recording element arrays; and Drive for driving a plurality of second recording elements corresponding to the unit area in a second driving order different from the reverse order of the first driving order in the L second scans in the second recording element array. Process,
In the K + L scans by the scanning step, the first and second driving steps are performed by the driving step based on the K + L first and second print data generated by the first and second generation steps. Control is performed to eject the first and second color inks to a plurality of pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels in the unit region by driving the plurality of recording elements in the recording element array. And a control process to
(I) a pixel arrangement in which an allowable number of times M (M ≧ 1) is determined by any one of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the L times The arrangement of the pixels whose N (N> M) allowable times are determined by any of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the second scan corresponds to each other, and (ii) the K times A pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of M times is determined by any of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the first scan, and the L number of the second mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans. The arrangement of the pixels whose N allowable times are determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other, and (iii) the K first masks corresponding to the K first scans A pixel arrangement in which N allowable times are determined by any of the patterns; Recording method of the arrangement of pixels defined allowable number N times by any of the K second mask pattern, characterized in that the different corresponding to the first scan of the serial K times. A first recording element array in which a plurality of recording elements that generate energy for discharging ink of the first color are arranged in a predetermined direction, and ink of a second color different from the first color are discharged. A plurality of recording elements that generate energy for recording using a recording head having a second recording element array arranged in the predetermined direction.
K (K ≧ 1) first scans in a first direction along an intersecting direction intersecting the predetermined direction with respect to the unit area on the recording medium of the recording head, and the unit area of the recording head with respect to the unit area A scanning step of performing L (L ≧ 1) second scans in the first direction;
Corresponding to an image to be recorded in the unit area, first image data for determining the number of ejections of the first color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning process. And K + L first mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the first color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the K + L times by the scanning step. A first generation step of generating N + K first print data for determining whether the first color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Corresponding to the image to be recorded in the unit area, the second image data for determining the number of ejections of the second color ink for each of a plurality of pixels, and the K + L scans by the scanning process. And the K + L second mask patterns that determine the allowable number of ejections of the second color ink for each of the plurality of pixels, and the K + L times by the scanning step. A second generation step of generating N + K second print data for determining whether the second color ink is ejected or not ejected for each of the plurality of pixels.
Driving the plurality of first recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a first driving order in the K first scans in the first and second recording element arrays; and A driving step of driving a plurality of second recording elements corresponding to the unit region in a second driving order different from the first driving order in the L second scans in the second recording element array; ,
In the K + L scans by the scanning step, the first and second driving steps are performed by the driving step based on the K + L first and second print data generated by the first and second generation steps. Control is performed to eject the first and second color inks to a plurality of pixel regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels in the unit region by driving the plurality of recording elements in the recording element array. And a control process to
(I) an arrangement of pixels in which an allowable number of N (N ≧ 1) times is determined by any of the K first mask patterns corresponding to the K first scans, and the L times The pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of M (M> N) times is determined by any of the L first mask patterns corresponding to the second scan corresponds to each other, and (ii) the K times A pixel arrangement in which the allowable number of times N is determined by any of the K second mask patterns corresponding to the first scan, and the L number of the second mask patterns corresponding to the L second scans. The arrangement of the pixels whose M allowable times are determined by any one of the second mask patterns corresponds to each other, and (iii) the K first masks corresponding to the K first scans A pixel arrangement in which N allowable times are determined by any of the patterns; Recording method of the arrangement of pixels defined allowable number of N times by any of the K second mask pattern, characterized in that the different corresponding to the first scan of the serial K times.   A program for causing a recording apparatus to execute the recording method according to claim 18 or 19.