JP6897647B2 - Processing equipment, processing programs, and processing methods - Google Patents

Description

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

An inkjet recording device that forms an image by ejecting droplets of ink or the like from a nozzle is known. Further, a technique for suppressing color unevenness and streaks caused by how dots are overlapped, which is peculiar to the inkjet method, is disclosed.

For example, a technique for reducing color unevenness and streaks by using a multipath method instead of the single pass method is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a multi-pass method is used, and a plurality of print layers are laminated by forming a print layer made of dots having a gradation value lower than that of the print layer on a print layer made of dots ejected earlier. The technology to make it is disclosed.

In the conventional technique using the multipath method, color unevenness and streaks are suppressed by forming one printing layer by scanning the recording unit a plurality of times. Therefore, when forming a laminated image in which a plurality of dots are laminated, there is a problem that the larger the number of layers, the longer the time required for image formation. That is, conventionally, it has been difficult to achieve both suppression of image quality deterioration and shortening of the image formation time of the laminated image.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has a plurality of nozzles arranged in a first direction for recording dots by discharging a liquid, and is scanned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A recording unit that is moved relative to the recording medium in the first direction each time it is scanned in two directions. It is a processing device that generates data for creating a laminate formed of a plurality of layers, and is a recording unit. It is a set of data for each layer formed by , and the image data of the image corresponding to each layer and the layer information indicating the number of layers of the image data when the recording medium side is the first layer. including an acquisition unit that acquires stack image data of the stack image obtained by laminating superposed images by a single layer of dots, in the same recording n + 1 for the area (n is a natural number) th scan of the recording medium, the n-th scan The first print data is generated from the laminated image data so as to record the dots corresponding to the pixels of different layers and the dots corresponding to the pixel positions not formed by the nth scanning, which are the pixel positions to be formed. Corresponds to each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data so that one generation unit and the nozzle for recording dots corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data are different nozzles in each layer. A second generation unit for generating second print data to which a nozzle for recording the dots to be printed is assigned is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate print data capable of both suppressing deterioration of image quality and shortening the image formation time of a laminated image.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method of the recording unit of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image processing system of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional image. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the recording unit of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a recording area of a recording medium scanned four times in the second direction. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the coverage of the recording medium using the conventional print data. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of scanning a plurality of times in the second direction. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a state in which the recording unit records dots on the recording medium. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of unevenness on the surface of a single-layer image. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction of the laminated image. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the image processing procedure. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of forming a laminated image. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of forming a laminated image. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of forming a laminated image. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the image processing procedure. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a processing apparatus, a processing program, and a processing method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system 10.

The image processing system 10 includes an image processing device 12 and a recording device 30. The image processing device 12 and the recording device 30 are communicably connected to each other.

The recording device 30 includes a recording unit 14, an operating stage 16, and a driving unit 26. The recording unit 14 includes a plurality of nozzles 18. The recording unit 14 is an inkjet recording unit, and records dots by ejecting droplets from each of the plurality of nozzles 18. The nozzle 18 is provided on the surface of the recording unit 14 facing the operating stage 16.

In this embodiment, the droplet is an ink containing a coloring material. Further, in the present embodiment, the ink contains a photocurable resin that is cured by being irradiated with light. The light is, for example, ultraviolet light. Therefore, the ink of the present embodiment is cured by being irradiated with light after being ejected. The droplets ejected by the recording unit 14 are not limited to the form containing the photocurable resin.

An irradiation unit 20 is provided on the surface of the recording unit 14 facing the operation stage 16. The irradiation unit 20 irradiates the recording medium P with light having a wavelength that cures the ink ejected from the nozzle 18.

The operation stage 16 holds a recording medium P on which ink is discharged. The drive unit 26 sets the recording unit 14 and the operation stage 16 in the vertical direction (in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 1), the first direction Y perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, and the first direction Y perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and the first direction Y. It is moved relatively in two directions X. The first direction Y and the second direction X are directions orthogonal to each other.

The first direction Y and the second direction X may be directions that intersect each other, and are not limited to orthogonal directions.

In the present embodiment, the plane composed of the second direction X and the first direction Y corresponds to the XY plane along the surface facing the recording unit 14 in the operation stage 16.

The drive unit 26 includes a first drive unit 22 and a second drive unit 24. The first drive unit 22 moves the recording unit 14 in the vertical direction Z, the second direction X, and the first direction Y. The second drive unit 24 moves the operation stage 16 in the vertical direction Z, the second direction X, and the first direction Y. The recording device 30 may be configured to include either the first drive unit 22 or the second drive unit 24.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a recording method of the recording unit 14.

FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of a recording unit 14 of a one-pass method (sometimes referred to as a single-pass method). The one-pass method is a recording method in which an image is formed by passing the recording medium P relative to the second direction X through the recording unit 14. In this case, the recording unit 14 has a configuration in which a plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged at least in the first direction Y. The recording unit 14 may have a configuration in which a plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged in both the second direction X and the first direction Y. An image is formed on the recording medium P by ejecting ink from the nozzle 18 of the recording unit 14 and moving the recording unit 14 and the recording medium P relatively in the second direction X. Further, when forming a laminated image in which images of a plurality of layers are laminated, relative movement of the recording medium P in the vertical direction Z is performed in combination.

FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the multipath type recording unit 14 which is the target of the present embodiment. In the multipath method in the present embodiment, the recording unit 14 is scanned relative to the recording medium P in the second direction X, and the recording medium P is moved relative to the first direction Y to obtain an image. It is a recording method that forms. In this case, the recording unit 14 has a configuration in which a plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged at least in the first direction Y.

Specifically, in the multipath method, the recording unit 14 is supported by a support unit 21 long in the second direction X so as to be scannable in the second direction X. The recording unit 14 is scanned in the second direction X along the support unit 21, and each time it is scanned in the second direction X, the recording unit 14 is moved relative to the recording medium P in a predetermined movement width and in the first direction Y. .. This movement width is shorter than the length from one end to the other end of the plurality of nozzles 18 in the first direction Y in the recording unit 14. That is, the plurality of nozzles 18 arranged in the first direction Y in the recording unit 14 are divided into groups of a plurality of nozzles 18 continuous in the first direction Y. Then, each time the recording unit 14 is scanned in the second direction X, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y by each movement width corresponding to the nozzle 18 group. Further, in the multipath method, an image for one layer is formed by scanning the same recording area for one scan along the second direction X on the recording medium P a plurality of times in the second direction X. .. As a result, an image is formed on the recording medium P. Further, when forming a laminated image in which images of a plurality of layers are laminated, relative movement of the recording medium P in the vertical direction Z is performed in combination. That is, the "multi-pass method" targeted in the present embodiment shows a case where dots D due to ink ejected from different nozzles 18 are recorded along the second direction X.

In FIG. 2, the openings of the nozzles 18 provided in the recording unit 14 are arranged to face the operating stage 16. Therefore, each nozzle 18 is arranged so that ink can be ejected toward the operation stage 16 side.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image processing system 10.

The image processing device 12 includes a main control unit 13. The main control unit 13 is a computer configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the entire image processing device 12. The main control unit 13 may be configured by a CPU other than a general-purpose CPU. For example, the main control unit 13 may be configured by a circuit or the like.

The main control unit 13 includes an acquisition unit 12A, a discrimination unit 12B, a generation unit 12C, an output unit 12D, a storage unit 12E, and a calculation unit 12F.

Some or all of these acquisition units 12A, discrimination unit 12B, generation unit 12C, output unit 12D, and calculation unit 12F are realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software. It may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by using software and hardware in combination.

The acquisition unit 12A acquires image data. The image data is image data of an image formed by the recording unit 14 of the recording device 30. The acquisition unit 12A may acquire image data from an external device via a communication unit (not shown), or may acquire image data from a storage unit (not shown) provided in the image processing device 12. Good.

The image data is, for example, image data in vector format or raster format. In the present embodiment, the case where the image data is acquired in vector format will be described.

In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 12A acquires image data of an image with one layer of dots or laminated image data of a laminated image in which dots of a plurality of layers are laminated as image data. The laminated image data is image data of a laminated image in which a plurality of dots are superimposed and laminated at positions corresponding to the same pixel positions on the recording medium P.

In the following, an image with one layer of dots will be referred to as a single layer image. Further, in the following, the image data of the single-layer image will be referred to as the single-layer image data.

The single-layer image data includes image data for forming a single-layer image. The laminated image data includes image data for forming an image for a plurality of layers. The laminated image data includes, for example, image data of an image corresponding to each layer, and layered information indicating which layer of image data the image data is when the recording medium P side is the first layer. The laminated image data has a configuration in which the image data and the hierarchical information indicating the hierarchy of the image data are associated with each other. The laminated image data may be any image data for forming a laminated image, and is not limited to this data format.

The determination unit 12B determines whether or not the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is the laminated image data. In the present embodiment, the discrimination unit 12B determines whether the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is the laminated image data or the single-layer image data.

The determination unit 12B determines, for example, whether or not the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is laminated image data by determining whether or not the image data for a plurality of layers is included. The image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A may be configured to include identification information for identifying whether the image data is the laminated image data or the single-layer image data. In this case, the discrimination unit 12B may determine whether or not the image data is the laminated image data by reading the identification information included in the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A.

The generation unit 12C generates print data that can be image-formed by the recording unit 14 of the recording device 30 from the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A. The print data is data in which a nozzle 18 for recording dots corresponding to each pixel is assigned to each pixel included in the image data.

When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is the laminated image data and the recording unit 14 to be image-formed is of the multi-pass method (FIG. 2B), the generation unit 12C is the first print data. Generate print data. When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is single-layer image data, the generation unit 12C generates the third print data as the print data.

The first print data is the first condition (details will be described later) in which dots corresponding to pixels of different layers in a laminated image are recorded by one scan in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P. It is print data generated from the laminated image data so as to satisfy.

In the present embodiment, “scanning” refers to scanning of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X (see FIG. 2B).

The third print data is print data in which a nozzle 18 for recording dots corresponding to each pixel is assigned to each pixel included in the single-layer image data.

In the present embodiment, the generation unit 12C includes a conversion unit 12G, a first generation unit 12H, and a second generation unit 12I.

The conversion unit 12G converts the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A into a raster format indicating a density value for each pixel. Further, the color space is converted so that the color space of the image data becomes a color corresponding to the color space according to the color of the ink ejected by the recording unit 14. For example, the conversion unit 12G converts the color space expressed in RGB format into the color space in CMYK format.

Further, the conversion unit 12G assigns a nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot to each pixel constituting the image data. For example, the recording unit 14 records dots by a multipath method (see FIG. 2B), and a plurality of nozzles 18 (181 to 18n) (n is an integer of 2 or more) are arranged in the first direction Y. (See FIG. 2 (B)) (181 to 18n are not shown). In this case, for example, the conversion unit 12G outputs image data for each scan in the second direction X at each position in the first direction Y, as a pixel array in a direction corresponding to the first direction Y, which is the arrangement direction of the nozzles 18. It is read for each (1 line), a nozzle 181 is assigned to a pixel at one end of the first direction Y in the pixel array, and each of a plurality of pixels arranged toward the other end of the first direction Y with respect to the pixel. , The nozzles 182 to 18n are assigned one by one.

For example, the conversion unit 12G allocates a predetermined nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot D to each pixel constituting the image data as an allocation in the initial state. For example, the conversion unit 12G reads the image data for each pixel array (1 line) in the direction corresponding to the first direction Y, which is the arrangement direction of the nozzles 18, and positions one end of the first direction Y in the pixel array at the pixel position. The nozzle 181 is assigned to the pixel to be designated. Further, the conversion unit 12G allocates nozzles 182 to 18n to each of the plurality of pixels arranged toward the other end of the first direction Y with respect to the pixels.

When the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A is the laminated image data, the conversion unit 12G performs the image data for each image data corresponding to each layer information included in the laminated image data in the same manner as described above. A nozzle 18 is assigned to each pixel constituting the above. Therefore, the conversion unit 12G assigns a nozzle 18 for recording dots to each pixel constituting the image data for each layer included in the laminated image.

At this time, the conversion unit 12G has a nozzle for each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data so that the nozzle 18 for recording dots corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position is the same nozzle between the layers. Allocate 18 one by one.

Here, conventionally, images such as single-layer images and laminated images formed on the recording medium P are affected by variations in the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 18, inclination in the ejection direction (jet bending), and the like. , Unintended color unevenness and streaks may occur in the image.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional image. The image shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a single-layer image with one layer of dots D.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the XY plane of the conventional image recorded by the single pass method. FIG. 4B is a plan view of the XY plane of the conventional image recorded by the multipath method. In FIG. 4, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the identification number of the nozzle 18 in which each dot D is recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the number "1" shown in the dot D indicates that the dot D was recorded by the nozzle 181 among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y. Shown. Similarly, in FIG. 4, the numbers "2" to "8" shown in the dots D correspond to the nozzles 182 to nozzles among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 in which the dots D are arranged in the first direction Y, respectively. It is shown that each of 188 was recorded.

As shown in FIG. 4, among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 183 is higher than that of other normal nozzles 18 due to poor ejection or the like. It is assumed that the condition is low. Further, it is assumed that among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y, the ink ejection direction from the nozzle 185 is inclined toward the adjacent nozzle 184.

It is assumed that a signal for ejecting the same amount of ink is applied to the driving element (not shown) for driving each of the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188. Then, it is assumed that the ink is sequentially ejected in the second direction X by scanning the recording unit 14 with respect to the recording medium P in the second direction X.

In this case, the diameter of the dot D recorded by the nozzle 18 (nozzle 183 in FIG. 4) having a small discharge amount is larger than that of the other nozzles 18 (nozzles 181 to 182 and nozzles 184 to 188 in FIG. 4). small.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the image is formed by the single-pass method, the region of the dot D recorded by the nozzle 183 in the formed image is visually recognized as a streak along the second direction X. To. Further, since the dot D due to the ink ejected from the nozzle 185 is recorded so as to approach the dot D side due to the ink ejected from the nozzle 184, the dot D recorded by the nozzle 185 and the dot D recorded by the nozzle 186 are recorded. A streak is generated along the second direction X between the two.

On the other hand, in the multipath method, as described above, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y by a predetermined movement width for each scan in the second direction X (see FIG. 2B). .. Further, in the multipath method, an image for one layer is formed by scanning a plurality of times in the second direction X. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the multi-pass method, dots D due to ink ejected from different nozzles 18 are recorded along the second direction X.

Therefore, conventionally, the occurrence of color unevenness and streaks has been suppressed by using the above-mentioned multipath method instead of the single pass method. However, conventionally, there is a problem that the image formation time becomes long by using the multipath method.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the recording unit 14 when forming a single-layer image for one layer by the multipath method.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the recording unit 14 has a configuration in which 200 nozzles 18 are arranged in the first direction Y (see FIG. 5A). Further, in FIG. 5, the plurality of nozzles 18 arranged in the first direction Y in the recording unit 14 are divided into four for each group of the plurality of nozzles 18 continuous in the first direction Y. Specifically, a plurality of nozzles 181 to nozzle 18200 arranged along the first direction Y (in FIG. 5, the nozzles 181 to 18200 are not shown), and the nozzles 181 to 181 along the first direction Y. It is divided into a nozzle group 18A of the nozzle 1850, a nozzle group 18B of the nozzles 1851 to 18100, a nozzle group 18C of the nozzles 18101 to the nozzle 18150, and a nozzle group 18D of the nozzles 18151 to the nozzle 18200. Then, each time the recording unit 14 is scanned once in the second direction X, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y by each movement width corresponding to each of these nozzle groups (18A to 18D).

In this case, in the first scan of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X, ink is ejected from each of the nozzles 181 to 1850 belonging to the nozzle group 18A of the recording unit 14 (see FIG. 5B). By this one scan, dots are recorded in the area A1 in the recording area A of the recording medium P (see FIG. 5 (F)). Next, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y for 18 minutes with 50 nozzles. Then, in the second scan of the recording unit 14, ink is ejected from each of the nozzles 181 to 1850 belonging to the nozzle group 18A of the recording unit 14 and the nozzles 1851 to 18100 belonging to the nozzle group 18B (FIG. 5C). reference). By this second scanning, the area A1 in the recording area A of the recording medium P is scanned twice, and the area A2 is scanned once (see FIG. 5 (G)).

Further, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y by 50 nozzles for 18 minutes. Then, in the third scan of the recording unit 14, nozzles 181 to nozzle 1850 belonging to the nozzle group 18A of the recording unit 14, nozzles 1851 to nozzle 18100 belonging to the nozzle group 18B, and nozzles 18101 to nozzle 18150 belonging to the nozzle group 18C, respectively. Ink is ejected from (see FIG. 5 (D)). By this third scan, the area A1 in the recording area A of the recording medium P is scanned three times, the area A2 is scanned twice, and the area A3 is scanned once (FIG. 5 (H)). reference).

Further, the recording unit 14 is relatively moved in the first direction Y by 50 nozzles for 18 minutes. Then, in the fourth scan of the recording unit 14, nozzles 181 to 1850 belonging to the nozzle group 18A of the recording unit 14, nozzles 1851 to nozzle 18100 belonging to the nozzle group 18B, nozzles 18101 to nozzle 18150 belonging to the nozzle group 18C, and nozzle groups Ink is ejected from each of the nozzles 18151 to 18200 belonging to 18D (see FIG. 5 (E)). By this fourth scan, the area A1 in the recording area A of the recording medium P is scanned four times, the area A2 is scanned three times, the area A3 is scanned twice, and the area A4 is scanned once. (See FIG. 5 (I)).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a recording area A in the recording medium P after being scanned four times in the second direction X.

As described with reference to FIG. 5, the plurality of nozzles 18 provided in the recording unit 14 are divided into four nozzle groups (18A to 18D) for each of the plurality of nozzles 18 continuous in the first direction Y, and each of them is divided into four nozzle groups (18A to 18D). It is assumed that the recording unit 14 is moved in the first direction Y for each movement width corresponding to the nozzle group (18A to 18D). In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, in the multipath method, each of the areas A1 to A4 in the recording area A in the recording medium P is scanned by the recording unit 14 in the second direction X for each scan. Dots will be recorded with a coverage of 25%.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the coverage of the recording medium P when an image for one layer is formed using conventional print data.

Note that FIG. 7 shows a case where the image is formed by the multipath method. In FIG. 7, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the scanning number of the dot D recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 7, the number "1" shown in the dot D indicates that the dot D was recorded in the first scan in the second direction X. Similarly, in FIG. 7, each of the numbers "2" to "4" shown in the dot D indicates that the dot D was recorded in each of the second scan to the fourth scan in the second direction X. Shown.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the multipath method, an image for one layer is formed by scanning the recording unit 14 in the second direction X a plurality of times. For example, in each scan of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X, the dot D is recorded in a part of the area on the recording medium P. In the example shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) to 7 (D), dots D are sequentially recorded on the recording medium P by four scans in the second direction X. An image for one layer is formed (see FIG. 7 (D)).

Therefore, in the conventional technique using the multipath method instead of the single pass method, there is a problem that the image formation time becomes long.

The image formation time will be specifically described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a plurality of scans in the second direction X. Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 5, a plurality of nozzles 18 provided in the recording unit 14 are provided with four nozzle groups (18A to 18D) for each of the plurality of nozzles 18 continuous in the first direction Y. It is assumed that the recording unit 14 is moved in the first direction Y for each movement width corresponding to each nozzle group (18A to 18D) each time it is scanned once in the first direction Y. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, in order to record the dot D until the entire area of the recording area A in the recording medium P has a coverage of 100%, seven scans are required in the second direction X. there were.

Further, when forming a laminated image in which dots D are laminated, the number of scans in the first direction Y increases as the number of layers increases. For example, when forming a 10-layer laminated image using a conventional multipath method, it is necessary to repeat scanning of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X 70 times.

As described above, conventionally, when a laminated image in which a plurality of dots D are laminated is formed by using a multipath method, there is a problem that the larger the number of layers, the longer the time required for image formation. For this reason, conventionally, it has been difficult to achieve both suppression of image quality deterioration due to color unevenness and streaks and shortening of the image formation time of the laminated image.

Returning to FIG. 3, the generation unit 12C of the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment includes the first generation unit 12H.

The first generation unit 12H generates the first print data. The first print data is as described above.

That is, the first generation unit 12H generates the first print data from the laminated image data so as to satisfy the first condition. The first condition indicates that in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P, dots corresponding to pixels of different layers in the laminated image are recorded by one scan.

Specifically, the first generation unit 12H generates the first print data in which the nozzles 18 for recording the dots corresponding to the pixels of each layer in the laminated image data are assigned so as to satisfy the first condition. To do.

The first generation unit 12H generates the first print data as follows.

First, the first generation unit 12H reads the laminated image data converted by the conversion unit 12G. As described above, the laminated image data converted by the conversion unit 12G is data in which nozzles 18 for recording dots D are assigned to each of the pixels constituting the image data corresponding to each layer information.

The first generation unit 12H determines the layer of pixels for recording the dots to be ejected in the read laminated image data for each pixel position for each scan of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X. At this time, the first generation unit 12H determines the layer of pixels corresponding to the dots recorded in one scan in the second direction X for each pixel position so as to satisfy the first condition.

Specifically, the first generation unit 12H first uses a nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot D for the pixels recorded in the first scan of the recording area along the second direction X of the recording medium P. Allocate. At this time, the first generation unit 12H is the layer of the most recording medium P side (lower layer side) among the pixels constituting the pixel array along the second direction X corresponding to the recording area in the laminated image data. Some pixels are selected as pixels to be recorded in the first scan. Then, the first generation unit 12H assigns the nozzle 18 to be recorded to the pixels to be recorded in the selected scan of the first scan.

Then, in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P, the first generation unit 12H uses pixels adjacent to the upper layer side of the pixels recorded by the previous scan as pixels to be recorded in the next scan. Determine. Specifically, the first generation unit 12H selects an unrecorded pixel adjacent to the upper layer side of the recorded pixel as a pixel to be recorded at the next scan. Then, the first generation unit 12H assigns the nozzle 18 to record to the selected pixel.

In each scan, the pixel position of the pixel selected as the recording target can be arbitrarily selected. Therefore, the larger the number of pixels selected as the recording target in each scan, the shorter the printing time in forming the laminated image can be.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which the recording unit 14 records the dot D on the recording medium P using the first print data generated by the first generation unit 12H.

In FIG. 9, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the scanning number of the dot D recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 9, the number "1" shown in the dot D indicates that the dot D was recorded in the first scan in the second direction X. Similarly, in FIG. 9, each of the numbers "2" to "4" shown in the dot D indicates that the dot D was recorded in each of the second scan to the fourth scan in the second direction X. Shown.

In the present embodiment, the recording unit 14 records the dot D on the recording medium P using the first print data generated by the first generation unit 12H.

Specifically, for example, in the present embodiment, in the first scan in the second direction X, as in the conventional method (see FIG. 7A), a part of the recording medium P is covered. Dot D is recorded (see FIG. 9 (A)). In FIG. 9A, in the first scan, the pixels of the first layer in the laminated image data are stored at each of the positions P1 and P5 among the positions P1 to P5 along the second direction X in the recording medium P. The dot D corresponding to is recorded.

Then, in the second and subsequent scans in the second direction X, the dots D corresponding to the pixels of different layers in the laminated image data are sequentially recorded.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the second scan, the recording unit 14 has already formed the dot D of the first layer among the positions P1 to P5 along the second direction X in the recording medium P. At the recorded positions P1 and P5, dots D corresponding to the pixels of the second layer of the laminated image are recorded. Further, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the first layer of the laminated image at the position P2 in the second scan. In this way, when the recording unit 14 records using the first print data, the dots D corresponding to the pixels of different layers in the laminated image are recorded in one scan in the second direction X.

In the third scan, the recording unit 14 sets the recording unit 14 at the positions P1 and P5 on the recording medium P along the second direction X, where the dots D of the second layer are already recorded. The dot D corresponding to the pixel of the third layer of the laminated image is recorded. Further, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the second layer of the laminated image at the position P2 where the dot D of the first layer is already recorded. Then, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the first layer of the laminated image at the position P3 (see FIG. 9C).

In the fourth scan, the recording unit 14 sets the recording unit 14 at the positions P1 and P5 on the recording medium P along the second direction X, where the dots D of the third layer are already recorded. The dot D corresponding to the pixel of the fourth layer of the laminated image is recorded. Further, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the third layer of the laminated image at the position P2 where the dot D of the second layer is already recorded. Further, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the second layer of the laminated image at the position P3 where the dot D of the first layer is already recorded. Then, the recording unit 14 records the dot D corresponding to the pixel of the first layer of the laminated image at the position P4 (see FIG. 9D).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the recording unit 14 ejects ink according to the first print data, so that in one scan in the second direction X, the dots corresponding to the pixels of different layers in the laminated image D is recorded. That is, in the present embodiment, as compared with the conventional ink ejection according to the print data (see FIG. 7), as shown in FIG. 9, the same four scans in the second direction X are performed with a plurality of layers of dots. D can be recorded.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both suppression of image quality deterioration due to color unevenness and streaks and shortening of the image formation time of the laminated image.

Here, if the dots D corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position are recorded by the same nozzle 18 in the pixel stacking direction, unevenness may occur on the surface of the image. Such surface irregularities may be visually recognized as streaks or color unevenness in the image.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of unevenness on the surface of a single-layer image.

FIG. 10A is an XY plan view of a single-layer single-layer image formed by a multipath method. 10 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA'of FIG. 10 (A).

In FIG. 10, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the identification number of the nozzle 18 in which each dot D is recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 10, the numbers "1" to "8" shown in the dots D record the dots D in each of the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y, respectively. Show that.

As shown in FIG. 10A, among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 183 is the other normal nozzle due to ejection failure or the like. It is assumed that the condition is less than that of 18. Further, it is assumed that among the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188 arranged in the first direction Y, the ink ejection direction from the nozzle 185 is inclined toward the nozzle 184 adjacent to the first direction Y.

It is assumed that a signal for ejecting the same amount of ink is applied to the driving element (not shown) for driving each of the plurality of nozzles 181 to 188. Then, it is assumed that the ink is sequentially ejected in the second direction X by scanning the recording unit 14 with respect to the recording medium P in the second direction X.

In this case, the diameter of the dot D recorded by the nozzle 18 (nozzle 183 in FIG. 10) having a small discharge amount is larger than that of the other nozzles 18 (nozzles 181 to 182, nozzles 184 to 188 in FIG. 10). small.

As described with reference to FIG. 4B, in the multipath method, dots D due to ink ejected from different nozzles 18 are recorded along the second direction X (see FIG. 10A). Therefore, it is possible to suppress color unevenness and streaks in the image as compared with the case of using the single pass method. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the ink is ejected from the nozzles 18 having different ejection amounts, the surface of the formed single-layer image is in a state of being uneven.

Then, when dots corresponding to pixels at the same pixel position are recorded by the same nozzle 18 to form a laminated image in which the dots are laminated, the difference in unevenness on the surface of the laminated image increases as the number of layers increases.

FIG. 11 is an example of a cross-sectional view of the laminated image in the vertical direction Z. Similarly to FIG. 10, the numbers shown in each dot D in FIG. 11 indicate the identification number of the nozzle 18 in which each dot D is recorded.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a laminated image in which dots corresponding to pixels at the same pixel position are recorded by the same nozzle 18 and the dots are laminated. As shown in FIG. 11A, when dots are recorded with the same nozzle 18 at each positions P1 to P6 along the second direction X on the recording medium P, as the number of layers increases, the difference in unevenness on the surface of the layered image increases. Becomes larger.

Returning to FIG. 3, it is preferable that the generation unit 12C further includes a second generation unit 12I. In the present embodiment, the case where the generation unit 12C is provided with the second generation unit 12I will be described, but the generation unit 12C may not be provided with the second generation unit 12I. The generation unit 12C preferably has a configuration including a second generation unit 12I.

The second generation unit 12I generates the second print data from the laminated image data so as to satisfy the second condition. The second condition indicates that the nozzles 18 for recording the dots D corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data are different nozzles 18 between the layers. The second print data is print data in which a nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot D is assigned to each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data so as to satisfy the second condition.

Specifically, the second generation unit 12I first reads the laminated image data converted by the conversion unit 12G. As described above, the laminated image data converted by the conversion unit 12G is data in which nozzles 18 for recording dots D are assigned to each of the pixels constituting the image data corresponding to each layer information.

Then, the second generation unit 12I satisfies the above-mentioned second condition that the nozzle 18 for recording the dot D corresponding to the pixel at the same pixel position becomes the nozzle 18 different between each layer. The assigned position of the nozzle 18 corresponding to each pixel of is changed. As a result, the second generation unit 12I generates the second print data from the laminated image data.

The second generation unit 12I changes the allocation position as follows. For example, in the second generation unit 12I, the nozzles 18 for recording the dots D corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data are arranged in the arrangement direction (first direction Y) of a plurality of nozzles 18 between the layers. ), The assigned position of the nozzle 18 is changed so as to shift the movement amount by a predetermined amount.

The moving direction of the assigned position and the moving amount of the assigned position may be set according to the printing conditions. The printing conditions are, for example, the resolution at the time of printing, the direction of the recording medium P at the time of printing, the printing speed, and the like. Specifically, for example, the higher the resolution at the time of printing, the smaller the amount of movement of the assigned position. Further, for example, the faster the printing speed, the larger the moving amount of the assigned position, and the slower the printing speed, the smaller the moving amount of the assigned position. The moving direction of the assigned position may be both the first direction Y and the second direction X along the arrangement direction of the nozzles 18, or may be either one.

FIG. 11B is an example of a cross-sectional view of a laminated image formed by the recording unit 14 ejecting ink according to the second print data. When the dot D corresponding to the pixel at the same pixel position is recorded by different nozzles 18 between the layers (see FIG. 11B), the dot D corresponding to the pixel at the same pixel position is recorded by the same nozzle 18 between the layers. Compared with the case of recording (see FIG. 11A), the unevenness of the surface of the laminated image is suppressed. Therefore, deterioration of image quality due to unevenness can be suppressed.

When the generation unit 12C is configured to include the second generation unit 12I, the first generation unit 12H generates the first print data from the second print data generated by the second generation unit 12I.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first print data is print data that satisfies both the first condition and the second condition.

By forming a laminated image in the recording unit 14 using the first print data generated by the first generation unit 12H, even if the number of layers of the laminated image is large, the deterioration of the image quality is suppressed and the image formation time is shortened. And, both can be realized.

In the above, the second generation unit 12I uses the pixels for all the pixel rows in the laminated image data among the plurality of pixel rows in the directions corresponding to the arrangement directions (first direction Y) of the plurality of nozzles 18. The case of changing the corresponding allocation position between each layer has been described. However, the second generation unit 12I changes the allocation position corresponding to the pixel for some of the plurality of pixel sequences corresponding to the arrangement directions of the plurality of nozzles 18 in the laminated image data between each layer. You may.

In addition, the second generation unit 12I may store the allocation information in which the allocation positions different from each other are randomly determined in each layer in the storage unit 12E in advance. For example, the calculation unit 12F may calculate in advance allocation information in which allocation positions different from each other are randomly determined for each layer, and store the allocation information in the storage unit 12E in association with the information indicating the layer. The calculation unit 12F calculates the allocation information for each layer by using, for example, the random dither method. Further, as the allocation information, the combination of the allocation of the nozzles 18 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 12E in association with the printing conditions. As the combination of nozzle 18 allocations, for example, a table in which the nozzle 18 allocations are randomly arranged may be used.

Then, the second generation unit 12I reads the allocation information corresponding to the layer from the storage unit 12E for each layer in the laminated image data. At this time, the second generation unit 12I may read the allocation information corresponding to the printing conditions from the storage unit 12E. Then, the second generation unit 12I may change the allocation position of the nozzle 18 corresponding to each pixel for each layer by using the read allocation information.

The output unit 12D outputs the print data (first print data or the third print data) generated by the generation unit 12C to the recording device 30.

The recording device 30 includes a recording unit 14, a recording control unit 28, a driving unit 26, and an irradiation unit 20. Since the recording unit 14, the driving unit 26, and the irradiation unit 20 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted here.

The recording control unit 28 receives print data from the image processing device 12. When the received print data is the third print data corresponding to the single-layer image data, the recording control unit 28 ejects the ink corresponding to each pixel from the nozzle 18 assigned to each pixel to each pixel. The recording unit 14, the driving unit 26, and the irradiation unit 20 are controlled so as to record the corresponding dots. Further, when the received print data is the first print data corresponding to the laminated image data, the recording control unit 28 receives ink corresponding to each pixel from the nozzle 18 assigned to each pixel for the image data of each layer. Is ejected for each scan in the second direction X, thereby controlling the recording unit 14, the driving unit 26, and the irradiation unit 20 so as to record the dots corresponding to each pixel.

Next, the procedure of image processing executed by the main control unit 13 of the image processing device 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing executed by the main control unit 13.

First, the acquisition unit 12A acquires image data from an external device or the like (not shown) (step S100). Next, the discriminating unit 12B reads the number of stacked images N of the image data acquired in step S100 (step S102).

Next, the discrimination unit 12B determines whether or not the image data acquired in step S100 is the laminated image data (step S104). In the case of stacked image data (step S104: Yes), the determination unit 12B determines whether or not the recording unit 14 to be output is of the multipath method (step S106). For example, the acquisition unit 12A transmits a signal indicating the recording method inquiry of the recording unit 14 to the recording device 30 to be output. The recording device 30 to be output may be a recording device 30 connected to the image processing device 12, or may be a recording device 30 instructed as an output target by an external device (not shown). Then, the acquisition unit 12A receives a signal indicating the recording method from the recording device 30. The discriminating unit 12B discriminates in step S106 by decoding the received signal indicating the recording method.

When the recording method of the recording unit 14 in the recording device 30 to be output is the multipath method (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the conversion unit 12G converts the laminated image data acquired in step S100 into a raster format (step S108). Specifically, the conversion unit 12G converts the image data of each layer included in the laminated image data acquired in step S100 into a raster format, and assigns each pixel of the image data of each layer an initial state. , Assign a predetermined nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot D.

Next, the second generation unit 12I generates the second print data from the laminated image data converted in step S108 (step S110).

Next, the first generation unit 12H generates the first print data from the second print data generated in step S110 (step S112).

Next, the output unit 12D outputs the first print data generated in step S112 to the recording device 30 to be output (step S114). Then, this routine is terminated.

In the recording device 30 that has received the first print data, the recording control unit 28 controls the recording unit 14, the irradiation unit 20, and the drive unit 26 according to the first print data. As a result, the laminated image is formed on the recording medium P.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S104 (step S104: No), the process proceeds to step S116. If a negative determination is made in step S106 (step S106: No), the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, the conversion unit 12G converts the image data acquired in step S100 into a raster format (step S116).

Next, the output unit 12D outputs the image data converted in step S116 to the recording device 30 as the third print data (step S118). Then, this routine is terminated.

As described above, the image processing device 12 of the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit 12A and a generation unit 12C.

The acquisition unit 12A acquires the laminated image data of the laminated image. The recording unit 14 forms a laminated image. The recording unit 14 has a plurality of nozzles 18 that record dots D by ejecting droplets. The plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged in the first direction Y. Further, the recording unit 14 is scanned in the second direction X intersecting the first direction Y, and is moved relative to the recording medium P in the first direction Y each time it is scanned in the second direction X. The first generation unit 12H generates the first print data from the laminated image data so as to satisfy the first condition. The first condition indicates that in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P, dots corresponding to pixels of different layers in the laminated image are recorded by one scan.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment generates the first print data used by the recording unit 14 that records the laminated image by the multipath method. The recording unit 14 forms a laminated image by a multipath method according to the first print data. Therefore, deterioration of image quality due to color unevenness, streaks, and the like can be suppressed.

The first print data is print data that satisfies the first condition. Therefore, the recording unit 14 simultaneously records the dots D corresponding to the pixels of the plurality of layers at the number of scans required for the conventional image formation for one layer by forming the laminated image according to the first print data. be able to. Therefore, the image processing device 12 of the present embodiment can shorten the image formation time of the laminated image.

Therefore, the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment can provide print data capable of both suppressing deterioration of image quality and shortening the image formation time of the laminated image.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of laminated image formation by the recording unit 14 using the first print data generated by the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment.

13 (A) to 13 (J) are explanatory views for forming a two-layer laminated image by a multipath method using conventional print data. 13 (K) to 13 (T) are explanatory views of laminated image formation by the multipath method using the first print data of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 13, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the scanning number of the dot D recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 13, each of the numbers "1" to "4" shown in the dot D was recorded with the dot D in each of the first scan to the fourth scan in the second direction X. Show that.

In the conventional laminated image formation using print data, for example, dots D are sequentially recorded on the recording medium P for each scan in the second direction X, and an image for one layer is formed by four scans. (See FIGS. 13 (A) to 13 (E)). Further, by scanning the same recording area on the recording medium P four times in the second direction X, a second layer image is formed (see FIGS. 13 (F) to 13 (J)). .. As described above, in the conventional laminated image formation using print data, a two-layer laminated image is formed by repeating scanning in the second direction X a total of eight times for the same recording area of the recording medium P. Was there.

On the other hand, in the laminated image formation using the first print data of the present embodiment, as described above, in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P, the stacked images differ depending on one scan. The dots D corresponding to the pixels in the hierarchy are recorded.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the four-layer laminated image can be formed with the same number of scans as the scanning for forming the two-layer laminated image using the conventional print data.

Specifically, by recording the dot D using the first print data generated in the present embodiment, the recording unit 14 is scanned eight times in the second direction X (FIGS. 13 (K) to 13 (K)). 13 (S)), a four-layer laminated image can be formed (see FIG. 13 (T)).

Specifically, in the conventional laminated image formation using print data, when the dot D is recorded on the recording medium P in the multipath method, one scan in the second direction X is performed on one layer of the laminated image. , The dot D corresponding to the pixel was recorded. That is, conventionally, in the second and subsequent scans in the second direction X, the dots D corresponding to the pixels of the same layer as those in the previous scan in the laminated image are formed in the region where the dots D are not recorded in the previous scan. The images were recorded sequentially (see FIGS. 13 (B) to 13 (D)).

On the other hand, in the laminated image formation using the first print data generated in the present embodiment, the dots D corresponding to the pixels of different layers in the laminated image are recorded at each scanning of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X. .. Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the second and subsequent scans of the same recording area of the recording medium P, at least a part of the area where the dots D are not recorded during the previous scan has the same layer as that during the previous scan. Dots D corresponding to the pixels of the image are sequentially recorded (see dot DA in FIGS. 13 (K) to 13 (N)). At this time, in the present embodiment, the area where the dot D is recorded at the time of the previous scan is further adjacent to the upper layer side of the pixel corresponding to the dot D recorded on the recording medium P in the laminated image. The dot D corresponding to the pixel is recorded (see the dot DB in FIGS. 13 (L) to 13 (N)).

Therefore, in the laminated image formation using the first print data of the present embodiment, the image formation time of the laminated image can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the laminated image is formed by the multipath method, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of color unevenness and streaks.

Therefore, the image processing device 12 of the present embodiment can generate print data that can achieve both suppression of image quality deterioration and shortening of the image formation time of the laminated image.

The pixel position for recording the dot D and the number of pixels for each scan in the second direction X may be arbitrarily set. Further, the number of pixels for recording the dot D for each scan in the second direction X may be the same or different for each scan.

In FIG. 13, by using the first print data generated in the present embodiment, the number of scans for forming the two-layer laminated image using the conventional print data is the same as the number of scans, and the four-layer laminated image is obtained. The case of forming is described. However, the laminated image recorded by the first print data is not limited to the formation of the four-layer laminated image. The first generation unit 12H can further shorten the image formation time of the laminated image by adjusting the number of pixels to be recorded by one scanning in the second direction X in the first print data. That is, as the number of pixels recorded in one scan increases, the image formation time of the laminated image can be further shortened.

In FIG. 14, by using the first print data generated in the present embodiment, a 10-layer laminated image is formed with the same number of scans as the scan for forming a 4-layer laminated image using the conventional print data. It is explanatory drawing in the case of this.

In FIG. 14, the numbers shown in each dot D indicate the number of scans of the dot D recorded in the second direction X for forming an image of each layer using conventional print data. It is shown for each scan. Specifically, in FIG. 14, each of the numbers "1" to "4" shown in the dot D has the present embodiment with respect to the scanning of each layer using the conventional print data. It is shown that the data was recorded in each of the first to fourth scans in the second direction X.

As shown in FIG. 14A, by recording the dot D using the first print data generated by the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, an image for one layer is formed using the conventional print data. During the scan for, in this embodiment, the dots D corresponding to the pixels of the three layers of images are recorded. Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), by recording the dot D using the first print data generated by the image processing device 12 of the present embodiment, the dots D are recorded for two layers using the conventional print data. During scanning for image formation, in this embodiment, dots D corresponding to six layers of images are recorded.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, the conventional print data is used by repeating the scan for recording the dot D using the first print data generated by the image processing device 12 of the present embodiment. During scanning for layer image formation, dots D corresponding to 10 layers of images are recorded in this embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the laminated image is formed by the multipath method, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of color unevenness and streaks.

Therefore, the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment can provide print data capable of both suppressing deterioration of image quality and shortening the image formation time of the laminated image.

Further, the generation unit 12C of the present embodiment preferably includes a second generation unit 12I and a first generation unit 12H. The second generation unit 12I generates the second print data from the laminated image data so as to satisfy the second condition. The second condition indicates that the nozzle 18 for recording the dot D corresponding to the pixel at the same pixel position is a nozzle 18 different between the layers. The second print data is print data in which a nozzle 18 for recording the corresponding dot D is assigned to each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data so as to satisfy the second condition. In this case, the first generation unit 12H generates the first print data from the second print data.

By generating the first print data from the second print data in which the nozzles 18 for recording the dots D corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position are different nozzles 18 between the layers, the nozzles 18 having poor ejection can be used. It is possible to suppress unevenness on the surface of the laminated image due to the ejected dots D being laminated at the same pixel position and the like.

Therefore, if the generation unit 12C has the second generation unit 12I and the first generation unit 12H, in addition to the above effects, print data capable of suppressing surface irregularities of the laminated image is provided. can do.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the surface smoothness of the laminated image can be improved by simple image processing.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, when an ink containing a photocurable resin is used as the ink to be ejected, it is possible to suppress variations in the ultraviolet irradiation time in the image plane of the laminated image.

<Modification example>
The first generation unit 12H further satisfies the first condition, and the layer difference of the pixels corresponding to the dots D recorded at the time of one scan in the second direction X in the laminated image data is equal to or less than the threshold value. The first print data may be generated so as to be.

The threshold value indicating this layer difference is preferably adjusted so that the position where the ink ejected from the nozzle 18 reaches the recording medium P of the dot D is within a range in which the positional deviation that causes deterioration of image quality does not occur. Further, it is preferable to adjust the threshold value indicating the layer difference so that the ejected ink is within a distance that can be sufficiently cured by the irradiation unit 20.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of laminated image formation using the first print data generated in this modified example. In FIG. 15, the numbers shown in the dots D indicate the scan number of the dots D recorded. Specifically, in FIG. 15, each of the numbers "1" to "6" shown in the dot D was recorded with the dot D in each of the first scan to the sixth scan in the second direction X. Show that.

For example, it is assumed that the generation unit 12C generates the first print data with the threshold value being four layers. That is, it is assumed that the generation unit 12C generates the first print data so that the layer difference of the pixels corresponding to the dots D, which is recorded at the time of one scan in the second direction X, is 4 layers or less.

In this case, when the recording unit 14 forms a laminated image using the first print data generated by the generation unit 12C, for example, the laminated image shown in FIG. 15 is formed.

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 15, dots D are sequentially recorded on the recording medium P up to the fourth scan in the second direction X in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the second and subsequent scans are sequentially recorded. In each scan of, dots D corresponding to pixels of different layers in the stacked image are recorded by one scan (see FIGS. 15 (A) to 15 (D)).

In the example shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 15 (D), in the fourth scan of the recording unit 14, four layers of dots D are laminated on the regions P1 and P7 of the recording medium P. Further, dots D are not formed in the regions P5 and P6.

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the generation unit 12C performs the first printing so that the layer difference of the pixels corresponding to the dots D, which is recorded at the time of one scan in the second direction X, is 4 layers or less. Generating data.

Therefore, in the fifth scan of the recording unit 14, additional dots D are added to the regions P1 and P7 in the recording region (regions P1 to P8 in FIG. 15) along the second direction X on the recording medium P. Are not stacked (see reference numeral F in FIG. 15 (E)). That is, no further dots D are laminated in the region where the stacking difference of the dots D exceeds the height at which the four layers are formed (see the diagram T in FIG. 15 (E)). Then, the dots D are laminated on the regions other than the regions P1 and P7 (regions P2 to P6 and regions P8).

Then, in the sixth scan of the recording unit 14, the area P1, the area P7, the area P2, and the area in the recording area (areas P1 to P8 in FIG. 15) along the second direction X on the recording medium P. No further dots D are laminated on P8 (see reference numeral F in FIG. 15 (F)). That is, no further dots D are laminated in the region where the stacking difference of the dots D exceeds the height at which the four layers are formed (see the diagram T in FIG. 15 (F)). Then, dots D are laminated in regions other than regions P1 to P2 and regions P7 to P8 (regions P3 to P6) (see FIG. 15 (F)).

As described above, in this modification, the generation unit 12C satisfies the first condition and the layer difference of the pixels corresponding to the dots D recorded at the time of one scanning in the second direction X in the laminated image data. The first print data is generated so that is equal to or less than the threshold value.

In this way, by setting a limit on the layer difference of the pixels recorded in one scan, the dot D recorded in one scan is displaced from the arrival position on the recording medium P and is irradiated from the irradiation unit 20. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the cured state of the dots D due to the light.

Therefore, in this modification, in addition to the effect obtained in the first embodiment, the image quality can be further improved.

(Embodiment 2)
1 and 16 are diagrams showing an example of the image processing system 10A of the present embodiment.

The image processing system 10A includes an image processing device 15 and a recording device 30. The recording device 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the image processing device 15 includes a main control unit 13A. The main control unit 13A is a computer including a CPU and the like, and controls the entire image processing device 15. The main control unit 13A may be configured by a CPU other than a general-purpose CPU. For example, the main control unit 13A may be configured by a circuit or the like.

The main control unit 13A includes an acquisition unit 12A, a discrimination unit 12B, a generation unit 12K, an output unit 12D, a storage unit 12E, and a calculation unit 12F. Some or all of these acquisition units 12A, discrimination unit 12B, generation unit 12K, output unit 12D, and calculation unit 12F are realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software. It may be realized by hardware such as an IC, or it may be realized by using software and hardware together.

The generation unit 12K includes a conversion unit 12G, a first generation unit 12H, a second generation unit 12I, and a setting unit 12L. The generation unit 12K is the same as the generation unit 12C of the first embodiment except that the setting unit 12L is further provided (see FIG. 3).

The setting unit 12L sets the number of scans of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X with respect to the same recording area of the recording medium P according to the printing conditions.

The printing conditions are the resolution at the time of printing, the printing speed, and the like, as in the first embodiment. Specifically, for example, the setting unit 12L sets the number of scans so that the higher the resolution at the time of printing, the greater the number of scans in the second direction X for the same recording area of the recording medium P. Further, for example, the setting unit 12L sets the number of scans so that the faster the printing speed, the smaller the number of scans in the second direction X for the same recording area of the recording medium P.

Then, the first generation unit 12H scans the same recording area on the recording medium P for the number of scans set by the setting unit 12L, and the first print data so as to satisfy the first condition. To generate. At this time, the first generation unit 12H may generate the first print data so that the smaller the number of scans set by the setting unit 12L, the larger the number of pixels to be recorded in one scan.

Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 15 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to generate first print data capable of forming a laminated image with image quality and printing time according to printing conditions. it can.

Next, the procedure of image processing executed by the main control unit 13A of the image processing device 15 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing executed by the main control unit 13A.

First, the acquisition unit 12A acquires image data from an external device or the like (not shown) (step S200). Next, the discriminating unit 12B reads the number of stacked images N of the image data acquired in step S200 (step S202).

Next, the setting unit 12L reads the printing conditions (step S204). For example, the acquisition unit 12A acquires the print conditions together with the image data from an external device (not shown). Next, the setting unit 12L sets the number of scans from the print conditions read in step S204 (step S206).

Next, the discrimination unit 12B determines whether or not the image data acquired in step S200 is the laminated image data (step S208). In the case of stacked image data (step S208: Yes), the determination unit 12B determines whether or not the recording unit 14 to be output is of the multipath method (step S210). The determination in step S210 is the same as in step S106 (see FIG. 12) of the first embodiment.

When the recording method of the recording unit 14 to be output is the multipath method (step S210: Yes), the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S212, the conversion unit 12G converts the laminated image data acquired in step S200 into a raster format (step S212). The process of step S212 is the same as that of step S108 (see FIG. 12) of the first embodiment.

Next, the second generation unit 12I generates the second print data from the laminated image data converted in step S212 (step S214).

Next, the first generation unit 12H scans the same recording area on the recording medium P from the second print data generated in step S214 for the number of scans set in step S206, and the above-mentioned first generation unit 12H scans the same recording area. The first print data is generated so as to satisfy the condition of 1 (step S216).

Next, the output unit 12D outputs the first print data generated in step S216 to the recording device 30 to be output (step S218). Then, this routine is terminated.

In the recording device 30 that has received the first print data, the recording control unit 28 controls the recording unit 14, the irradiation unit 20, and the drive unit 26 according to the first print data. As a result, the laminated image is formed on the recording medium P.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S208 (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S220. If a negative determination is made in step S210 (step S210: No), the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, the conversion unit 12G converts the image data acquired in step S200 into a raster format (step S220). The process of step S220 is the same as the process of step S116 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 12).

Next, the output unit 12D outputs the image data converted in step S220 as print data to the recording device 30 (step S222). Then, this routine is terminated.

As described above, the image processing device 15 of the present embodiment further includes a setting unit 12L in addition to the configuration of the image processing device 12 of the first embodiment. The setting unit 12L sets the number of scans of the recording unit 14 in the second direction X with respect to the same recording area of the recording medium P according to the printing conditions.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 15 of the present embodiment can generate print data capable of forming a laminated image with an image quality and a printing time according to the printing conditions.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 in the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15.

The image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 include a CPU 52, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 53, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 50, and a network I / F (Interface) 51. The CPU 52, ROM 53, RAM 54, HDD 50, and network I / F 51 are connected to each other by a bus 55, and have a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

A program for executing the various processes executed by each of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 of the above embodiment is provided by being incorporated in a ROM or the like in advance.

The program for executing the various processes executed by each of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 of the above-described embodiment is a CD in a format that can be installed or executed in these devices. -It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versaille Disc).

Further, a program for executing the various processes executed by each of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 of the above embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and is stored via the network. It may be configured to be provided by downloading. Further, a program for executing the various processes executed by each of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 of the above embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. ..

The program for executing the various processes executed by each of the image processing device 12 and the image processing device 15 of the above embodiment includes the above-mentioned parts (acquisition unit 12A, discrimination unit 12B, generation unit 12C, output unit 12D). , Calculation unit 12F, conversion unit 12G, first generation unit 12H, second generation unit 12I, generation unit 12K, and setting unit 12L). As actual hardware, when the CPU 52 reads and executes each program from a storage medium such as ROM 53, each of the above parts is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

Although some embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

12, 15 Image processing device 12A Acquisition unit 12H 1st generation unit 12I 2nd generation unit 12L Setting unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-09434

Claims (9)

It has a plurality of nozzles arranged in a first direction for recording dots by ejecting a liquid, and is scanned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each time the dots are scanned in the second direction, the recording medium is used. On the other hand, the recording unit that is relatively moved in the first direction is a processing device that generates data for creating a laminate formed of a plurality of layers.
It is a set of data for each layer formed by the recording unit , and is a layer indicating the image data of the image corresponding to each layer and the number of layers of the image data when the recording medium side is the first layer. An acquisition unit that acquires laminated image data of a laminated image in which images of one layer of dots including information are superimposed and laminated.
In the same n + 1 with respect to the recording regions (n is a natural number) th scan of the recording medium, a pixel position for forming the n-th scan, not formed by the dot corresponding to the pixels of different layers, the n-th scan A first generation unit that generates first print data from the laminated image data so as to record dots corresponding to pixel positions.
Dots corresponding to each pixel in each layer of the laminated image data are set so that the nozzles for recording dots corresponding to pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data are different nozzles in each layer. A second generation unit that generates second print data to which nozzles for recording are assigned, and
A processing device equipped with. The first generation unit generates the first print data to which nozzles for recording dots corresponding to pixels of each layer in the laminated image data are assigned.
The processing apparatus according to claim 1. The first generation unit has a setting unit that sets the number of times the recording unit is scanned in the second direction with respect to the same recording area of the recording medium according to printing conditions.
The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The first generation unit generates the first print data so that the layer difference of the pixels corresponding to the dots recorded at the time of one scanning in the second direction in the laminated image data is equal to or less than the threshold value. ,
The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first generation unit generates the first print data from the second print data.
The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The second generation unit uses the nozzles for recording dots corresponding to pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data as different nozzles in each layer, for each layer of the laminated image data. The second print data in which the assigned position of the nozzle corresponding to each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data is changed is generated.
The processing apparatus according to claim 5. Each layer is provided with a storage unit that stores allocation information that defines the allocation positions that are different from each other between the layers.
The first generation unit, to each layer in the stack image data, based on the allocation information corresponding to the hierarchical, changing the allocation position corresponding to each pixel in the stack image data,
The processing apparatus according to claim 6. It has a plurality of nozzles arranged in a first direction for recording dots by ejecting a liquid, and is scanned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each time the dots are scanned in the second direction, the recording medium is used. On the other hand, it is a processing program for generating data for creating a laminate formed of a plurality of layers in the recording unit that is relatively moved in the first direction.
Computer,
It is a set of data for each layer formed by the recording unit, and is a layer indicating the image data of the image corresponding to each layer and the number of layers of the image data when the recording medium side is the first layer. An acquisition unit that acquires laminated image data of a laminated image in which images of one layer of dots including information are superimposed and laminated.
In the same n + 1 with respect to the recording regions (n is a natural number) th scan of the recording medium, a pixel position for forming the n-th scan, not formed by the dot corresponding to the pixels of different layers, the n-th scan A first generation unit that generates first print data from the laminated image data so as to record dots corresponding to pixel positions.
Dots corresponding to each pixel in each layer of the laminated image data are set so that the nozzles for recording dots corresponding to pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data are different nozzles in each layer. To function as a second generator that generates second print data to which a nozzle for recording is assigned.
A processing program characterized by. It has a plurality of nozzles arranged in a first direction for recording dots by ejecting a liquid, and is scanned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each time the dots are scanned in the second direction, the recording medium is used. On the other hand, it is a processing method for generating data for creating a laminate formed of a plurality of layers in the recording unit that is relatively moved in the first direction.
The acquisition unit is a set of data for each layer formed by the recording unit, and is the image data of the image corresponding to each layer and the image data of which layer when the recording medium side is the first layer. The acquisition step of acquiring the laminated image data of the laminated image in which the images of one layer of dots are overlapped and laminated, including the hierarchical information indicating the above.
First generating unit, in the same n + 1 with respect to the recording regions (n is a natural number) th scan of the recording medium, a pixel position for forming the n-th scanning, and dots corresponding to the pixels of different layers, the n-th The first generation step of generating the first print data from the laminated image data so as to record the dots corresponding to the pixel positions not formed by scanning,
The second generation unit of each pixel of each layer of the laminated image data so that the nozzle for recording the dots corresponding to the pixels at the same pixel position in the laminated image data is a different nozzle between the layers. A second generation step of generating second print data to which nozzles for recording the corresponding dots are assigned, and
Processing method with.

Images