JP7020211B2 - Data output setting adjustment method, image data processing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data output setting adjustment method, an image data processing device, and an image forming device.

There is an image forming apparatus that forms an image by arranging a plurality of recording elements such as nozzles for ejecting ink and performing a recording operation for forming each pixel. The image forming apparatus uses a line head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged over an image forming width in a predetermined width direction in response to a request for improving the image forming speed, and a recording medium is placed in a direction orthogonal to the width direction. A technique for forming an image in one pass while transporting it is known.

As such a line head, there is a technique of using a recording module in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged and formed by arranging a plurality of recording modules in the width direction. In this case, each recording module is arranged so that the arrangement range of the recording elements in each recording module partially overlaps in the width direction in consideration of the mounting error of the recording module. The image data to be formed is distributed so that the overlapping portion is selectively recorded by one of the recording elements of both recording modules.

There is a technique for suppressing deterioration of image quality in overlapping portions by adjusting the distribution of image data to each recording module. In Patent Document 1, multi-gradation data is distributed to a plurality of recording modules, and each recording module is individually binarized, so that the distribution is not complementary to the nozzles at the same position in the width direction. Disclosed is a technique for suppressing density unevenness due to misalignment between recording modules. Further, when arranging a plurality of line heads forming images of different colors, pixels may be inserted into overlapping portions or pixels may be deleted in order to suppress color shift between the plurality of line heads. A technique for adjusting relative positions is known (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-6260 JP-A-2015-58677

However, there is a problem that the conventional processing takes time and effort when it is desired to obtain an appropriate image quality by adjusting the deviation, particularly fine adjustment.

An object of the present invention is to provide a data output setting adjustment method, an image data processing device, and an image forming device that can more easily obtain an image of appropriate image quality.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is
A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules has a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units in the width direction. Between the recording modules arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction. A target formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by the relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in the relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and the operation of the recording operation unit. It is a data output setting adjustment method of a plurality of drive data which defines the drive setting of the plurality of recording elements for each of the plurality of recording modules according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be imaged.
A range adjustment step for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel array data corresponding to the measured values of the relative positions of the plurality of recording modules related to the array range.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The pattern application adjustment step , which changes the applicable range for each of the above from the overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
Including
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The range adjustment step is
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
Including
In the pattern application adjustment step,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment in the range adjustment step.
It is characterized by that.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is based on the data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1.
A first reference pixel is formed by a predetermined first reference recording element included in the overlapping portion in one of the adjacent recording modules, and the first reference recording element and the width in the other of the adjacent recording modules. Comparison pixels are formed by the recording elements in a predetermined range including the first corresponding recording element corresponding to the position in the direction, and the formation position of the comparison pixel by the first corresponding recording element with respect to the formation position of the first reference pixel. It is characterized by including a relative position determination step for determining the relative position according to the amount of deviation.

The invention according to claim 3 is the data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1 or 2.
The selection setting pattern is characterized in that it exclusively determines which of the recording elements corresponding to the position in the width direction enables the recording operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the method for adjusting the data output setting according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .
When there are adjacent recording modules on one predetermined side in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, the number of the recording elements not included in the portion overlapping with the adjacent recording modules is identified. As a result, the reference relative position determination step for acquiring the relative position in the reference recording operation unit,
A second reference pixel is formed by a predetermined second reference recording element in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, and the second reference recording element and the width direction are formed in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit. A comparative pixel is formed by a plurality of pixels including a second comparative recording element corresponding to the position of the second reference pixel, and the amount of deviation of the pixel formation position by the second comparative recording element with respect to the forming position of the second reference pixel is identified. By doing so, it is characterized by including a position deviation amount determination step for acquiring the position deviation amount of the recording module other than the reference recording operation unit with respect to the recording module of the reference recording operation unit.

The invention according to claim 5 is the data output setting adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
The plurality of recording operation units each form pixels of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each of the different colors.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the method for adjusting the data output setting according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
The recording operation unit is characterized by being a line head.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 is based on the invention.
A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules has a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units in the width direction. Between the recording modules arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction. A target formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by the relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in the relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and the operation of the recording operation unit. It is provided with a control unit for adjusting the data output settings of a plurality of drive data in which the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements are set for each of the plurality of recording modules according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be imaged.
The control unit
Corresponding to the measured value of the relative position related to the arrangement range of the plurality of recording modules, the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel arrangement data is adjusted respectively.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The applicable range for each of the above is changed from the overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The control unit
In the data output setting adjustment,
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
And
In adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of drive data,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment.
It is an image data processing device characterized by this.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is based on the invention.
A recording operation unit in which a plurality of recording modules are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and a recording operation unit.
Control unit and
Equipped with
In the plurality of recording modules, a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction.
Between the recording modules adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction.
The control unit
A plurality of drive data for which the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements are set for each of the plurality of recording modules are generated according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed.
An image is displayed on the recording medium by relatively moving between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and operating the recording operation unit based on the plurality of driving data. Form and
Corresponding to the measured value of the relative position related to the arrangement range of the plurality of recording modules, the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel arrangement data is adjusted respectively.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The data output setting adjustment is performed to change the applicable range for each of the above from the overlapping portion according to the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
A plurality of the recording operation units are provided at different positions in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The control unit
In adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of drive data,
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
And
In the data output setting adjustment,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment.
It is an image forming apparatus characterized by this.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that an appropriate image quality can be obtained more easily.

It is an overall perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus. It is a bottom view which showed the surface which faces the transport surface of a head unit. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an inkjet recording apparatus. It is a figure explaining the distribution of the ink ejection possible nozzle. It is a figure explaining the relative alignment between head modules. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of each head unit between head units. It is a figure explaining the identification of the deviation between head modules in a non-reference head unit. It is a figure explaining the distribution deviation by the position deviation between head modules in a non-reference head unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the drive data output setting process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

The inkjet recording apparatus 100 has a plurality of line heads and is capable of ejecting ink by a single-pass method to record a color image, and includes a transport unit 10 and an image recording unit 20. , An ink storage unit 30, an image reading unit 60, and the like are provided.

The transport unit 10 includes a drive roller 11, a transport drive unit 12, a transport belt 14, and the like. The transport drive unit 12 has a rotary motor that rotates the drive roller 11 at a predetermined speed. An endless conveyor belt 14 is wound around the drive roller 11 together with a driven roller (not shown), and the conveyor belt 14 orbits due to the rotation of the drive roller 11. A recording medium is placed on the transport surface with the outer surface of the transport belt 14 as the transport surface, and the recording medium is transported in the transport direction (relative movement direction) as the conveyor belt 14 orbits moves (head unit 21). (Move relative to (see FIG. 2)). As the recording medium, here, the wound long cloth is sequentially fed and conveyed. Alternatively, continuous paper or the like may be used, and the type of recording medium is not particularly limited.

The image recording unit 20 includes a carriage 22 and a carriage elevating unit 23, and the combination of the carriage 22 and the carriage elevating unit 23 is provided in a number of sets (8 sets in this case) according to the number of ink colors (plural colors). ing. Each of the carriages 22 extends in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium by the transport unit 10, and here, in a width direction orthogonal to each other. The carriage 22 is arranged above (in the height direction) the transport surface of the recording medium by the transport unit 10, and can eject ink droplets from the opening of the nozzle 27 (see FIG. 2) over the entire width of the transport recording medium. The head unit 21 (see FIG. 2) is fixed, and each forms a line head provided at a position different from each other in the transport direction. The carriage 22 is provided so that the distance in the height direction from the transport surface can be changed by the carriage elevating portion 23.

The carriage elevating unit 23 changes the distance of the carriage 22 from the transport surface. The carriage elevating portion 23 includes an elevating motor 232, an electromagnetic brake 233, a beam member 234, a support portion 235, and the like.
Two beam members 234 are provided substantially parallel to each other in the direction intersecting the transport direction (here, the orthogonal direction, that is, the width direction) at the upper portion of the transport belt 14 (the transport surface side of the recording medium), and the beam member 234 is provided. Support portions 235 are fixed to both ends, respectively. An elevating motor 232, an electromagnetic brake 233, and a carriage 22 are attached to the support portion 235.
The carriage 22 is moved up and down according to the operation of the elevating motor 232 and the electromagnetic brake 233 driven based on the control signal from the control unit 40 (see FIG. 3) to determine the position.

The elevating motor 232 moves the carriage 22 at a predetermined elevating speed. As the elevating motor 232, for example, a servo motor or a stepping motor is used.

The electromagnetic brake 233 maintains the fixed state of the carriage 22, and by releasing this fixed state in response to a drive signal, the carriage 22 can be temporarily moved by the elevating motor 232. That is, in a normal state including when the power supply is cut off, the electromagnetic brake 233 fixes the carriage 22. As the electromagnetic brake 233, for example, a disc brake is used.

The ink storage unit 30 stores inks of each color used for image formation, and supplies the inks to the head unit 21 (see FIG. 2). The ink storage unit 30 has an ink tank 31 and a dedicated rack 32, and the ink tank 31 is connected to the image recording unit 20 via a pipe such as a tube. The ink storage unit 30 is not particularly limited, but for example, inks of a plurality of colors (here, eight colors) including C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) are each in the ink tank. It is stored in 31 and supplied to the head unit 21 attached to each of the separate carriages 22. That is, the plurality of head units 21 eject inks of different colors to form dots (pixels). The color and type of ink connected to and supplied to the head unit 21 may be interchangeable.

The image reading unit 60 reads the surface of the recording medium that has passed the image forming position (ink landing position) by the image recording unit 20 on the downstream side in the transport direction. The image reading unit 60 includes a line sensor 61 (see FIG. 3) capable of capturing an image over a width in which an image can be formed by the head unit 21 (see FIG. 2) in the width direction, and reads a two-dimensional image according to the transport of the recording medium. It is possible.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a surface of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment facing the transport surface of the head unit 21. Here, the eight head units 21 all have the same configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of head modules 210 (recording modules) are located on the bottom surface of the head unit 21 (recording operation unit) fixed to the carriage 22 at different positions in the width direction, in this case, eight. , Arranged in a houndstooth pattern. Each head module 210 has two recording heads 211. On the bottom surface of each recording head 211, openings of nozzles 27 are arranged in a houndstooth pattern at different positions in the width direction so that the spacing is twice a predetermined nozzle spacing dp. The two recording heads 211 in each head module 210 are arranged so as to be offset from each other by a nozzle spacing of dm in the width direction. As a result, the plurality of nozzles 27 are arranged (arranged) at different positions in the entire head module 210 so that the openings are at the nozzle spacing df (predetermined spacing) in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the nozzle arrangement range (arrangement range), which is the range in which the nozzles 27 (openings) are arranged in each head module 210, is between the head modules 210 adjacent to each other in the width direction. There is a part where the ends overlap each other in the width direction. When all the head modules 210 are accurately attached to the head unit 21, the overlapping portion of the width Ba belongs to the two head modules 210 at the same position (dot position) in the width direction. Ink can be ejected by each nozzle 27. As will be described later, in this overlapping portion, the ink is sorted so that the ink can be ejected by any of the nozzles 27.

Next, the functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.
In the inkjet recording device 100, in addition to the transfer drive unit 12, the image recording unit 20, and the image reading unit 60 described above, the control unit 40, the storage unit 50, the communication unit 71, the display unit 72, and the operation reception unit 73 are provided. And equipped with a bus 90 and the like.

The image recording unit 20 operates a plurality of nozzles 27 arranged in the plurality of head modules 210, a pressure generating mechanism 26, and the pressure generating mechanism 26 as described above to eject ink from the plurality of nozzles 27. It has a drive unit 25, a carriage drive unit 24, and the like.

The carriage drive unit 24 outputs a drive signal to the electromagnetic brake 233 and the elevating motor 232 in response to the control signal from the control unit 40, loosens the electromagnetic brake 233, and operates the elevating motor 232 to move the carriage to a desired position. The elevating motor 232 is stopped and the carriage is fixed by the electromagnetic brake 233.

The head drive unit 25 receives ink from the ink tank 31 and outputs a drive signal to the pressure generation mechanism 26 to operate the pressure generation mechanism 26. The pressure generation mechanism 26 applies pressure to the ink in the ink flow path that communicates with each nozzle 27 and flows the ink. For example, a piezoelectric element that deforms the wall surface of the pressure chamber provided in the ink flow path. Is. The head drive unit 25 selects a voltage waveform pattern stored in advance based on the control signal from the control unit 40 to generate a power-amplified drive voltage signal, and each is generated according to the image data input from the storage unit 50. Whether or not to output the drive voltage signal related to the ink ejection operation to the pressure generation mechanism 26 (piezoelectric element) is switched. The pressure chamber is deformed by the operation of the pressure generation mechanism 26 (deformation of the piezoelectric element) according to the drive voltage signal related to the ink ejection operation, and a pressure fluctuating in a predetermined pattern is applied to the ink, and the nozzle responds accordingly. 27 ejects a predetermined amount of ink droplets at a predetermined speed. That is, here, each nozzle 27 (pressure generation mechanism 26) is defined as one of two gradations (two stages) of whether or not ink is ejected. However, as described above, there may be slight unevenness in each head module 210 in a predetermined amount or a predetermined speed.
A combination of each nozzle 27 and a pressure generating mechanism 26 (here, a piezoelectric element) corresponding to each nozzle 27 constitutes a recording element in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Each recording element performs a pixel-by-pixel recording operation, that is, dot formation.

The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 100 and controls the operation of each unit. The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 42 (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes, and controls the image processing of the output target image in the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the transfer of the recording medium, the supply of ink, the ejection of ink, the maintenance operation, and the like. Further, the CPU 41 performs various processes related to image formation based on the image data, the status signal of each unit, the clock signal, and the like according to the program read from the storage unit 50.

The RAM 42 provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores temporary data. The RAM 42 may include a non-volatile memory, and the data stored in the non-volatile memory and the data stored in the storage unit 50 are appropriately allocated.
The control unit 40 is included in the image data processing device of the present embodiment.

The storage unit 50 stores job data related to image formation acquired from the outside via the communication unit 71, control programs and setting data related to various control operations of the control unit 40, and the like. DRAM is mainly used as a configuration for temporarily storing job data and its processing data, and non-volatile memory such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used as a configuration for storing control programs and setting data. However, it is not limited to these. For example, the job data may be stored in the non-volatile memory, or the initial program, the initial setting data, and the like may be stored in a mask ROM or the like that cannot be rewritten and updated. In the control program, the image data of the image to be formed, which is acquired by the job data, is converted into pixel-based image data (pixel array data), that is, bitmap data, pixmap data, etc., as necessary. Further, drive setting information relating to whether or not to operate a plurality of pressure generating mechanisms 26 (recording operation of the recording element) for each head module 210 (driving state. Here, only two stages as described above) is arranged. A conversion processing program 51 for converting into driving image data (driving data) is included.

Further, the data stored in the storage unit 50 includes the positional relationship information 52 and the distribution matrix 53 (selection setting pattern) referred to when the conversion processing program 51 is executed. The positional relationship information 52 includes information relating to the relative positional relationship of the eight head modules 210 for each color and 64 in total. The distribution matrix 53 is used for distribution (complementary, here exclusive setting) of which head module 210 allows ink to be ejected in the above-mentioned overlapping portion.

The line sensor 61 of the image reading unit 60 has a plurality of image pickup elements arranged over an image-forming width in the width direction. As the image pickup device, for example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor is used. The line sensor 61 can read a color image, and for example, captures images in three wavelength bands of RGB. The arrangement of the image pickup elements in the width direction may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the transport direction so that imaging in each RGB wavelength band is appropriately performed.

The communication unit 71 is a communication interface that controls a communication operation with an external device. The communication interface includes one or a plurality of communication interfaces corresponding to various communication protocols, such as a LAN card. The communication unit 71 acquires image data to be formed and setting data (job data) related to image formation from an external device based on the control of the control unit 40, and also transmits status information and the like to the external device. Can be done.

The display unit 72 displays the status of the inkjet recording device 100, the operation menu, and the like in response to the control signal from the control unit 40. The display unit 72 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal screen (LCD) or an organic EL screen (Electro-Luminescent). In addition to these, the display unit 72 may include an LED lamp or the like.

The operation reception unit 73 receives the user's operation and outputs it to the control unit 40. The operation reception unit 73 has, for example, a touch sensor provided so as to be superimposed on the display screen. The operation reception unit 73 outputs information on the type and position of the received user's touch operation to the control unit 40. The operation reception unit 73 may include a push button switch, a numeric keypad, or the like.

The bus 90 is a signal transmission path that electrically connects the control unit 40 and each of the above configurations to exchange signals.

Next, the image forming operation in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 converts the image data to be formed received from the outside into a dot array according to the presence or absence of ink ejection of each nozzle 27, that is, pixel array data, and also performs adjustment processing. Then, the obtained data is converted into driving data of each pressure generating mechanism 26. Then, the pressure generation mechanism 26 is operated according to the driving data, and ink is ejected from each nozzle 27 to the recording medium at an appropriate timing to form an image.

The obtained pixel array data is distributed to each head module 210. The distribution range (corresponding range of the driving data of each head module 210 in the pixel arrangement data) is determined based on the positional relationship information 52.

Further, in the nozzle arrangement range of each head module 210, which is adjacent to the other head modules 210 in the width direction, there is an overlapping portion of the width Ba as described above. In the overlapping portion, a distribution matrix 53 is applied in order to complementarily determine whether ink can be ejected from the nozzle 27 belonging to any of the head modules 210.

Subtle differences in ink ejection characteristics (speed and ink amount) are likely to occur between adjacent head modules 210. Further, there remains a slight difference in the width direction in the positions of the openings of the corresponding nozzles 27 in these two head modules 210. Therefore, when the distribution is suddenly changed in the width direction, a discontinuity corresponding to these differences occurs at the boundary portion straddling the change region. Therefore, the distribution by the distribution matrix 53 is made so that the above-mentioned subtle differences are not noticeable.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating distribution of ink ejection capable nozzles.
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the overlapping portion of the adjacent head modules 210a and 210b, the distribution rate Ra to the head module 210a and the distribution rate Rb to the head module 210b are respectively from the center to the end of the nozzle arrangement range. It gradually decreases from 100% toward 0% toward the module. The sum of the distribution rates Ra and Rb at the same position in the width direction is 100%.

Further, FIG. 4B schematically shows the distribution matrix 53. Here, for example, the position corresponding to the white matrix element is assigned to the ink ejection from the nozzle 27 of the head module 210a, and the position corresponding to the black matrix element is assigned to the ink ejection from the nozzle 27 of the head module 210b. That is, the distribution rate is a value determined by a probabilistic number of distribution pixels within a predetermined number of pixels in the transport direction, and in the overlapping portion, the distribution destinations are dispersed in the two-dimensional planes in the width direction and the transport direction. To. The distribution pattern of the distribution destination may be, for example, a spatial frequency distribution corresponding to blue noise or the like in consideration of the influence on the visibility of the distribution.

The distribution matrix 53 is repeatedly applied to the overlapping portion in the transport direction for each predetermined number of pixels. That is, when the pixel arrangement data is distributed to the drive data of each head module 210, a recording element (pressure generation mechanism) that does not eject ink for each row in the transport direction regardless of the pixel data, using this distribution matrix 53 as a mask. 26 and the nozzle 27) are set to no ink ejection.

Next, identification of the relative positional relationship of each head module 210 will be described.
As described above, in order to identify the corresponding range of the driving data of each head module 210 with respect to the pixel arrangement data related to the image to be formed, the information on the relative position between the head modules 210 included in the positional relationship information 52 is used. The relative position information includes a relative position between the plurality of head modules 210 in the head unit 21 and a relative position between the head modules 210 at positions corresponding to each other in the width direction between different head units 21.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating relative alignment between head modules 210 in the head unit 21.
Here, the unit numbers h = 0 to 7 are assigned to the head units 21 of eight colors, respectively. Further, the eight head modules 210 in each head unit 21 are assigned module numbers i = 0 to 7 in order from one end in the width direction, and the individual head modules 210 have the unit number h and the unit number h. It is specified as the head module 210 [h, i] using the module number i. Further, each head module 210 [h, i] is provided with "J0 + 1" nozzles 27 (for example, 2048), and the nozzle numbers are sequentially provided in the width direction from the side of one of the above-mentioned ends. j = 0 to J0 are attached. Each nozzle 27 is specified as a nozzle 27 [h, i, j] by using the unit number h, the module number i, and the nozzle number j.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 100, first, the reference head unit 21 (reference recording operation unit), for example, the black (K color) head unit 21 is set to unit number h = 0. For this head unit 21, the positional relationship of eight head modules 210 is acquired.

As shown in FIG. 5A, for each head module 210 (here, the head module 210b) having the module number i ≧ 1, the head module 27 [0, i, 0] at the head is the previous head module 210 (in this case, the head module 210b). Here, which nozzle 27 [0, i-1, j] of the head module 210a) corresponds to is identified. For example, it can be assumed according to the mounting accuracy of the head module 210 to the head unit 21 with respect to the nozzle number j originally set as the ink ejection position overlaps with the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] in the width direction. Ink is ejected from each nozzle 27 of the head module 210 [h, i-1] and ink is ejected from the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] within a range corresponding to the maximum value of the deviation amount. , A straight line extending in the transport direction is recorded on the recording medium. This is read by the image reading unit 60, and the nozzle number j of the nozzle 27 [0, i-1, j] whose position is closest to the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] in the width direction is the number J1 [i-1]. ] Is set. In this case, in the head module 210 [h, i-1], the number of nozzles 27 that do not overlap with the head module 210 [h, i] (outside the overlapping portion) is J1 [i-1]. The number of nozzles 27 in the overlapping portion is identified as "J0-J1 [i-1] + 1". Here, a minute difference dw1 (less than 0.5 × dp) remains between the nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] and the nozzle 27 [0, i-1, J1 [i-1]].

As shown in FIG. 5B, assuming that the nozzle 27 [0, 0, 0] at the head of the head module 210 [0, 0] is assigned the "0" th pixel from one end in the width direction in the pixel arrangement data. When fixed, the last nozzle 27 [0, 0, J0] is assigned a pixel whose order from one end is "J0". That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of the head module 210 [0, 0] in the pixel arrangement data is "0" to "J0" in the order of the pixel arrangement.

The nozzle 27 [0, i, 0] at the head of the head module 210 [0, i] is a pixel whose order from one end is "Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [ik]", that is, The number of nozzles up to the previous head module 210 [0, ik] (ik = i-1) does not overlap with the nozzle of the next head module 210 [0, ik] in the width direction J1 [ik] (ik] (ik). = It corresponds to the sum of 0 to i-1). Further, the last nozzle 27 [0, i, J0] of the head module 210 [0, i] is a pixel whose order from one end is "Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [ik] + J0". Corresponds to. That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of the head module 210 [0, i] (1 ≦ i ≦ 7) in the pixel arrangement data is “Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [ik” in the order of the pixel arrangement. ] ”To“ Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [ik] + J0 ”.

Next, in the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] used as a reference in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21 is replaced with the corresponding head module 210 [h, in the other head unit 21. In i], it is identified which nozzle 27 [h, i, j] corresponds to.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of each head module 210 between the head units 21.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the nozzles 27 [0] in each head module 210 [0, h] of the reference head unit 21a (reference recording operation unit; in the above example, the head unit 21 that ejects K color ink). , H, J2] (second reference recording element) with respect to the landing position in the width direction of the ink, the non-reference head unit 21b (here, unit number h = 1) other than the reference head unit 21a (reference recording operation unit). In ~ 7), the nozzles 27 [h, i, j] that are the closest landing positions are specified. The landing position is identified by forming a line (a series of pixels (second reference pixel, comparison pixel) extending in the transport direction) and reading the position of the line as in the case of FIG. The corresponding nozzle number j is equal to the number J2 if all the head modules 210 and the head unit 21 are correctly attached. Actually, there may be a slight deviation between the ink landing position of the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] and the ink ejection position of the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2] (second comparative recording element). Therefore, there is a difference dj [h, i] (positional deviation amount, deviation amount) for each head module 210, and the nozzle number j in front of the deviation (if the difference dj [h, i] is negative). = J2-dj [h, i]. Also in this case, there is a minute difference dw2 (0) between the ink ejection position by the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] and the ink ejection position by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2-dj [h, i]]. .5 × less than dp) remains.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in the above case, the pixel data assigned to the nozzle 27 [h, i, j] is different from the pixel assigned to the nozzle 27 [0, i, j] by dj [h]. , I], so that the color shift is suppressed. Therefore, the pixels assigned to each nozzle 27 [h, i, 0] to nozzle 27 [h, i, J0] are Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [i] + dj [h, from one end side. i] to Σ _{(ik = 0 to i-1)} J1 [i] + dj [h, i] + J0. That is, the corresponding range of the driving data of these head modules 210 [h, i] in the pixel arrangement data deviates from the corresponding range of the head module 210 [0, i] by this difference dj [h, i]. ..

Finally, the deviation between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b is adjusted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating identification of deviations between head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b.
By the above-mentioned processing, the pixel data at the most appropriate position on the pixel arrangement data is assigned to each nozzle, and the color shift is suppressed. However, in the non-reference head unit 21b, the differences dj [h, i-1] and dj [h, i] of the adjacent head modules 210 and the minute differences dw1 and dw2 between the head modules 210 overlap. Additions may occur in portions (due to the first and second adjustments), resulting in a deviation of 0.5 × dp or more between adjacent head modules 210. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the nozzle 27 that causes the ink to land closest to the ink landing position of the nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J1 [i-1]] is the nozzle 27 [h, i, 0]. ] May be different. Here, this deviation is identified.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), in the overlapping portion of the adjacent head modules 210 [h, i-1] and 210 [h, i] in the non-reference head unit 21b, one head module 210 [h, i-]. The reference nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J3] of 1] (first reference recording element; J1 [i-1] + a <J3 <J0-a, a is an expected deviation amount (for example, ± 1 to 2). It is a value equal to or more than the maximum value of (about), for example, a plurality of nozzles on both sides at a predetermined nozzle number interval (here, 20) centered on "3") (for example, 3 nozzles corresponding to a above). A line (that is, a series of a plurality of pixels = a first reference pixel) is formed (area AL [h, i-1]). Further, the reference nozzle 27 [h, i, J3-J1 [i-1]] (first corresponding recording element) of the other head module 210 [h, i] is different from the predetermined nozzle number interval. The same number of lines (comparative pixels) are formed on both sides at intervals (one wider in this case, that is, 21) (predetermined range; 3 lines each) (area AL [h, i]). From this formed image, it is determined here that the nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J3 + 20] and the nozzle 27 [h, i, J3-J1 [i-1] +21] are the closest in the width direction. Therefore, it can be seen that the head module 210 [h, i] is relatively displaced from the head module 210 [h, i-1] to the side with the smaller number of one nozzle (left side in the figure). In practice, this amount of deviation is not limited to integers, that is, one set of lines is not necessarily in the same position in the width direction, but as described above, the closest set of lines is selected. Therefore, it will be rounded to the nearest integer value.

Each image for identifying the J1 [i] in FIG. 5, dj [h, i] in FIG. 6 and the amount of misalignment in FIG. 7 is recorded by the image recording unit 20 and read by the image reading unit 60. In that case, all the images may be recorded at once and read at once.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating distribution deviation due to positional deviation between head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b.
As described above, in the overlapping portion, the ink is distributed according to the distribution matrix 53 so that the ink is ejected by either of the two head modules 210 related to the overlapping portion. However, if there is a misalignment between the head modules 210, the distribution position will also be misaligned. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, based on the example of the distribution matrix 53 shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to eject ink not only from the region sd where ink is ejected from any nozzle but also from both nozzles. A region dd and a region zd in which ink is not ejected from any of the nozzles are generated, resulting in uneven density.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, in the overlapping portion of the non-reference head unit 21b, adjustments are made to relatively move the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 without moving or changing the corresponding pixel data. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when there is a deviation of 1 nozzle (1 pixel) or more in the relative position, one head module 210 by the distribution matrix 53 (for example, the head module on the rear side in the arrangement order). The nozzle 27 of the distribution destination in 210 [h, i]) is shifted by the amount of the deviation. As shown in the chart of FIG. 8B, the amount of deviation of the distribution position with respect to the predetermined head module 210 by the distribution matrix 53 is stored in each overlapping portion, and the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 is changed one by one. ..

When the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is moved to the end side of the nozzle arrangement in each head module 210, there may be a case where the target nozzle to which the distribution matrix 53 is applied does not exist. However, when there is no nozzle to be ejected and the nozzle is not ejected, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portion is close to zero, so that the adverse effect on the image quality is sufficiently suppressed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the control unit 40 of the driving image data setting process executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

In this drive data output setting process, which is the data output setting adjustment method (data output setting adjustment) of the drive data in the present embodiment, an image formation command (print job) is acquired and the image data to be formed is generated for each ink color. After being decomposed and generated into each dot image data (that is, pixel array data) of the above, it is subsequently called and executed.

When the drive data output setting process is started, the control unit 40 causes the image recording unit 20 to record the test image shown in the above description of FIGS. 5 to 7, and causes the image reading unit 60 to read the test image (step S101). ). As described above, the control unit 40 can collectively form the test images related to these three measured values, and can collectively read them. The control unit 40 has a positional relationship between adjacent head modules 210 (modules) with respect to a predetermined reference head unit 21a (for example, a head unit 21 that ejects K color ink) (the above-mentioned nozzles 27 [0, i, The number J1 [i] in J1 [i]], that is, included in the overlapping portion at the rear end (predetermined one side) of the arrangement order of the nozzles 27 in each head module 210 (other than i = 7). (Indicating no number of nozzles) is identified (step S102). The formation of the test image according to FIG. 5 in step S101 and the processing in step S102 constitute a reference relative position determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

The control unit 40 sets (adjusts) the pixel arrangement data allocation pixel range (corresponding range of the driving data of the head module 210 in the pixel arrangement data) for each head module 210 (module) of the reference head unit 21a (step S103). First adjustment).

The control unit 40 uses the nozzle 27 of the same (corresponding) module number i in the reference head unit 21a for each head module 210 (module) of the non-reference head unit 21b (head unit 21 that ejects ink other than K color ink). Identification of the amount of misalignment with the sequence (here, reference nozzle 27 [0, i, J2]) (here, misalignment dj [h, i] in nozzle 27 [h, i, J2 + dj [h, i]]) (Step S104). The formation of the test image according to FIG. 6 in step S101 and the processing in step S104 constitute a position shift amount determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

The control unit 40 allocates pixel array data to each head module 210 [h, i] (module) of each non-reference head unit 21b based on the deviation dj [h, i]. The corresponding range of the driving data of 210 [h, i]) is set (adjusted) (step S105; second adjustment).
The processes of steps S103 and S105 constitute the range adjustment step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.

The control unit 40 identifies the amount of deviation (measured value of the relative position) of the positional relationship (formation position) between the adjacent head modules 210 (modules) for the non-reference head unit 21b from the scanned image (step S106). .. The formation of the test image according to FIG. 7 in step S101 and the processing in step S106 constitute a relative position determination step in the data output setting adjustment method of the present embodiment.
[0063]
The control unit 40 shifts (changes) the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 applied to each head module 210 [h, i] (module) in the non-reference head unit 21b based on the identified misalignment amount. ) Set (step S107; pattern application adjustment step). Then, the control unit 40 ends the driving data output setting process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the plurality of head modules 210 are provided with head units 21 provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and the plurality of head modules 210 are recorded in pixel units. A plurality of recording elements (nozzles 27 and a pressure generating mechanism 26) that perform operations are arranged at a predetermined nozzle spacing dp in the width direction, and a plurality of nozzles 27 in the head module 210 are arranged between head modules 210 adjacent to each other in the width direction. The ends of the array range provided with (opening) overlap each other in the width direction, and the relative movement between the head unit 21 and the recording medium M in the transport direction orthogonal to the width direction and the head unit. A plurality of head modules 210 are set to drive settings of a plurality of recording elements according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 that forms an image on the recording medium M by the operation of 21. It is a data output setting adjustment method of the driving data of. This data output setting adjustment method complements the drive state of the recording element related to the nozzle 27 whose position in the width direction corresponds to the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzle 27 in each of the drive data related to the adjacent head modules 210. The pattern application adjustment step of changing the application range for each of the driving data of the distribution matrix 53 to be determined from the overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent head modules 210 is included.
By using such an adjustment method, it is easy to move only the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 without changing the contents of the image data and the distribution matrix 53, and the density unevenness and the artificial pattern in the overlapping portion ( It is possible to suppress the occurrence of moire etc.). In particular, by performing this process after the image is assigned according to the positional relationship between the original head modules 210, the effect of reducing image distortion and suppressing color unevenness due to the previous process is achieved. It is possible to effectively suppress the concentration unevenness without offsetting. As a result, an appropriate output image image quality can be easily and stably obtained.
In particular, such an easy process is effective not only at the time of initial setting and at the time of replacing the head unit 21, but also at the time of making minor corrections corresponding to changes over time during use of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. By such processing, it is possible to stably suppress image distortion and density unevenness, and to continue image formation with high image quality for a long period of time.

Further, in this drive data output setting process, pixels (lines extending in the transport direction) are formed by the reference nozzles 27 [h, i-1, J3] included in the overlapping portion in one of the adjacent head modules 210a. , In the other adjacent head module 210b, the nozzles 27 [h, i-1, J3] and the nozzles 27 [h, i, J3] in the predetermined range including the nozzles 27 [h, i, J3] whose positions in the width direction correspond to each other are used for comparison pixels (conveyance). A line extending in the direction) is formed, and the head module is formed according to the amount of deviation of the formation position of the comparison pixel by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J3] with respect to the formation position of the pixel by the nozzle 27 [h, i-1, J3]. The relative position determination step (steps S101 and S106) for determining the relative position between the 210a and the head module 210b is included.
In this way, the deviation of the actual pixel formation position is obtained, and the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is changed as described above according to this deviation. Therefore, the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is reliably optimized and substantially complemented. Can be targeted.

Further, the selection setting pattern exclusively determines which of the nozzles 27 whose position in the width direction corresponds to enable the ink ejection operation.
That is, for each nozzle 27 in the overlapping portion, only whether or not the ink ejection operation is possible is determined binary. In such a case, if the ink is ejected far from the exclusive positional relationship due to the positional deviation, the density unevenness becomes conspicuous. Therefore, the distribution matrix 53 is applied so as to have the most exclusive positional relationship as described above. By changing the range, it is possible to easily and more stably form an image with appropriate image quality.

Further, in this drive data output setting process, the corresponding range of the plurality of drive data in the pixel array data is adjusted corresponding to the measured value of the relative position related to the array range of the nozzles 27 in the plurality of head modules 210. A range adjustment step (steps S103, S105) is included.
As described above, when the arrangement interval of the head modules 210 is uneven in the first place, by adjusting the corresponding range with respect to the original image data, the distortion of the image is minimized and each nozzle 27 of each head module 210 is properly used. It is possible to eject ink according to the positional relationship. Further, even in such a case, the pattern application adjustment step is used to adjust for the subsequent occurrence of slight deviation over time and the deviation that is additively caused by the adjustment of the color deviation as in the above embodiment. By performing this, it is possible to form an image of appropriate image quality in which density unevenness is suppressed more easily and more stably.

Further, the inkjet recording device 100 includes a plurality of head units 21 provided at positions different from each other in the transport direction. The range adjustment step includes a first adjustment (step S103) for adjusting the corresponding range of a plurality of head modules 210 with respect to the reference head unit 21a which is a predetermined reference among the head units 21, and a plurality of non-reference head units 21b. The second adjustment (step S105) for adjusting the corresponding range according to the amount of positional deviation between the head module 210 and the head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a corresponding to the plurality of head modules 210 is included. In the pattern application adjustment step (step S107), for the plurality of head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b, according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment (step S103) and the second adjustment (step S105) in the range adjustment step. Change the scope of application.
That is, in the above two processes, the ink ejection setting of each nozzle 27 is optimized according to the image to be output, and the color shift is suppressed, but a minute shift of less than 0.5 pixel remains in each. In the overlapping portion of the head module 210 of the non-reference head unit 21b, these deviations may be added to be 0.5 pixels or more, and the application position of the distribution matrix 53 may be displaced. Therefore, by adjusting the application position according to the amount of deviation in the overlapping portion, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of color unevenness in the overlapping portion while maintaining the effect of suppressing image distortion and color deviation. As a result, the image quality can be easily and stably maintained properly.

Further, the drive data output setting process is performed except when there are head modules 210 adjacent to each other on the rear end side in the width direction in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a (that is, the head modules 210 [0, 7] are excluded. By identifying the number J1 [i] of the nozzles 27 not included in the part overlapping the head module 210 [0, i]) and the adjacent head module 210 [0, i + 1], the relative in the reference head unit 21a. A pixel (a straight line extending in the transport direction) is formed by a predetermined nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] in each head module 210 of the reference head unit 21a in the reference relative position determination step (steps S101, S102) for acquiring the position. , In the non-reference head unit 21b, the comparison pixels (straight lines extending in the transport direction) are formed by a plurality of pixels including the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2] and the nozzles 27 [h, i, J2] whose positions correspond to each other in the width direction. ), And by identifying the deviation amount dj [h, i] of the pixel formation position by the nozzle 27 [h, i, J2] with respect to the formation position by the nozzle 27 [0, i, J2], respectively, the reference head. A misalignment amount determination step (steps S101, S104) for acquiring the misalignment amount of the head module 210 [h, i] of the non-reference head unit 21b with respect to the head module 210 [0, i] of the unit 21a is included.
In this way, by two-dimensionally covering the positional relationship within the reference head unit 21a and the positional relationship between the reference head unit 21a and the non-reference head unit 21b, the positional relationship of each head unit 21 can be easily and reliably identified. To. As a result, it is possible to suppress color shift and distortion of the formed image. Further, as described above, since the application range of the distribution matrix 53 is adjusted according to the positional deviation between the head modules 210 in the non-reference head unit 21b, color deviation, distortion and density unevenness of the formed image are suppressed in a well-balanced manner. be able to.

Further, the plurality of head units 21 each form pixels of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each of the different colors. That is, in the above embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the color shift of the formed image between different colors and at the same time suppress the occurrence of density unevenness and moire in the overlapping portion.

Further, the head unit 21 is a line head. By using the above technology for line heads with long heads in combination with multiple head modules 210, high-speed image processing, stable but high image quality, and ease of maintenance adjustment related to relative misalignment can be achieved side by side. Can be made to.

Further, as described above, the image data processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes head units 21 in which a plurality of head modules 210 are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and the plurality of head modules 210 are each provided. , A recording element that performs recording operation in pixel units, that is, a plurality of nozzles 27 and a pressure generating mechanism 26 that ejects ink from each nozzle 27 are arranged at predetermined intervals dp in the width direction, and head modules adjacent to each other in the width direction. Between the 210s, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of nozzles 27 are provided in the head module 210 overlap each other in the width direction, and the relative movement of the recording medium M in the transport direction orthogonal to the width direction and the relative movement of the recording medium M. A plurality of head modules 210 are set to drive the plurality of recording elements according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed by the inkjet recording device 100 that forms an image on the recording medium M by the operation of the head unit 21. A control unit 40 for adjusting the data output settings of a plurality of driving data is provided. The control unit 40 complementarily determines the drive state of the recording element whose position in the width direction corresponds to the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzles 27 in each of the drive data related to the adjacent head modules 210. The applicable range for each of the driving data is changed from the original overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent head modules 210.
By performing such adjustment processing of the drive data, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 can easily maintain an appropriate image output in which distortion and density unevenness of the image are suppressed.

Further, the inkjet recording device 100 (image forming device) of the present embodiment is an inkjet recording device that is a target of the above-mentioned image data processing device, and a plurality of head modules 210 are provided at different positions in the width direction. A head unit 21 and a control unit 40 are provided. In each of the plurality of head modules 210, a plurality of recording elements (nozzles 27 and pressure generating mechanism 26) that perform recording operations in pixel units are arranged at predetermined intervals dp in the width direction, and the head modules are adjacent to each other in the width direction. Between 210, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of nozzles 27 are provided in the head module 210 overlap each other in the width direction. The control unit 40 generates a plurality of drive data in which the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements are set for each of the plurality of head modules 210 according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed, and the transfer unit 40 is orthogonal to the width direction. An image is formed on the recording medium M by relatively moving the head unit 21 and the recording medium M in the direction and operating the head unit 21 based on a plurality of driving data. The control unit 40 complementarily determines the drive state of the nozzle 27 (recording element) whose position in the width direction corresponds to the overlapping portion of the arrangement range of the nozzle 27 in each of the drive data related to the adjacent head modules 210. The data output setting adjustment is performed so that the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 for each of the driving data is changed from the original overlapping portion according to the relative position of the adjacent head modules 210.
As described above, in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 capable of the above-mentioned processing, it is possible to easily adjust the image distortion and density unevenness so as to be able to suppress it, and it is possible to maintain an appropriate image output.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, when making fine adjustments according to changes over time for a head unit that has been once adjusted for the corresponding range and adjusted for the applicable range, only the adjustment of the applicable range is performed independently. It may be done. Further, in this case, it is not necessary to make adjustments for all the head units 21. Only the head unit 21 that seems to have a problem may be selectively adjusted.

Further, the method such as color shift correction is not limited to the one shown in the above embodiment. For example, when the image once adjusted is readjusted by inserting or deleting pixels according to the relative positional deviation amount of the head module 210 between the head units 21, the images are sorted according to the method shown in the above embodiment. The scope of application of the matrix 53 may be adjusted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operation is switched in two steps only for whether or not the ink is ejected from each nozzle 27, but a plurality of droplet amounts may be set. In this case, the distribution in the overlapping portion may not only exclusively switch whether or not the ejection operation is possible, but may also be distributed so that the total of the upper limit values is the maximum amount of droplets that can be ejected from one nozzle.

Further, in the above embodiment, the color shift in the case of ejecting inks of different colors from a plurality of head units 21 has been described as an example, but the head units ejecting inks of the same color and transparent different uses have been described. A head unit for ejecting droplets may be included, or there may be one head unit.

Further, in the above embodiment, the control unit 40 identifies the deviation amount and the like and sets the calculation of the adjustment amount based on the reading result by the image reading unit 60, but the user reads the operation reception unit 73. The control unit 40 may calculate the adjustment amount based on the input result. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may only change the applicable range of the distribution matrix 53 according to the input result of the adjustment amount requested by the user.

Further, in the above embodiment, although described as a line head, even in an image forming apparatus that scans a head unit to form an image, a plurality of head modules may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. For example, the same problem arises, and the problem can be solved by the technology disclosed above.

Further, in the above embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus has been described as an example, but an image forming apparatus having a head unit in which a large number of recording elements are arranged in a plurality of head modules, for example, an LED element is used as a recording element. Also in the arranged LED printers and the like, the application range of the distribution matrix 53 can be adjusted and the range of the image data to be formed corresponding to the head module 210 can be set in the same manner as in the above embodiment.
In addition, specific details such as the configuration, arrangement, processing contents and procedures shown in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 Transport section 11 Drive roller 12 Transport drive section 14 Transport belt 20 Image recording section 21 Head unit 21a Reference head unit 21b Non-reference head unit 210, 210a, 210b Head module 211 Recording head 22 Carriage 23 Carriage lift section 232 Lifting motor 233 Electromagnetic Brake 234 Beam member 235 Support part 24 Carriage drive part 25 Head drive part 26 Pressure generation mechanism 27 Nozzle 30 Ink storage part 31 Ink tank 32 Rack 40 Control part 41 CPU
42 RAM
50 Storage unit 51 Conversion processing program 52 Positional relationship information 53 Distribution matrix 60 Image reading unit 61 Line sensor 71 Communication unit 72 Display unit 73 Operation reception unit 90 Bus 100 Inkjet recording device

Claims (8)

A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules has a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units in the width direction. Between the recording modules arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction. A target formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by the relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in the relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and the operation of the recording operation unit. It is a data output setting adjustment method of a plurality of drive data which defines the drive setting of the plurality of recording elements for each of the plurality of recording modules according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be imaged.
A range adjustment step for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel array data corresponding to the measured values of the relative positions of the plurality of recording modules related to the array range.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The pattern application adjustment step , which changes the applicable range for each of the above from the overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
Including
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The range adjustment step is
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
Including
In the pattern application adjustment step,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment in the range adjustment step.
A data output setting adjustment method characterized by this. A first reference pixel is formed by a predetermined first reference recording element included in the overlapping portion in one of the adjacent recording modules, and the first reference recording element and the width in the other of the adjacent recording modules. Comparison pixels are formed by the recording elements in a predetermined range including the first corresponding recording element corresponding to the position in the direction, and the formation position of the comparison pixel by the first corresponding recording element with respect to the formation position of the first reference pixel. The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1, wherein the relative position determination step for determining the relative position is included according to the deviation amount. The data output setting adjustment method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection setting pattern exclusively determines which of the recording elements corresponding to the position in the width direction enables the recording operation. .. When there are adjacent recording modules on one predetermined side in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, the number of the recording elements not included in the portion overlapping with the adjacent recording modules is identified. As a result, the reference relative position determination step for acquiring the relative position in the reference recording operation unit,
A second reference pixel is formed by a predetermined second reference recording element in each recording module of the reference recording operation unit, and the second reference recording element and the width direction are formed in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit. A comparison pixel is formed by a plurality of pixels including a second comparison recording element corresponding to the position of the second reference pixel, and the amount of deviation of the pixel formation position by the second comparison recording element with respect to the formation position of the second reference pixel is identified. 1. The data output setting adjustment method described in any one of the above. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of recording operation units form pixels of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each of the different colors. Data output setting adjustment method. The data output setting adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the recording operation unit is a line head. A plurality of recording modules are provided with recording operation units provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and each of the plurality of recording modules has a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units in the width direction. Between the recording modules arranged at predetermined intervals and adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction. A target formed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium by the relative movement between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in the relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and the operation of the recording operation unit. It is provided with a control unit for adjusting the data output settings of a plurality of drive data in which the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements are set for each of the plurality of recording modules according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be imaged.
The control unit
Corresponding to the measured value of the relative position related to the arrangement range of the plurality of recording modules, the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel arrangement data is adjusted respectively.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The applicable range for each of the above is changed from the overlapping portion according to the measured value of the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of recording operation units provided at positions different from each other in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The control unit
In the data output setting adjustment,
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
And
In adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of drive data,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment.
An image data processing device characterized by this. A recording operation unit in which a plurality of recording modules are provided at different positions in a predetermined width direction, and a recording operation unit.
Control unit and
Equipped with
In the plurality of recording modules, a plurality of recording elements each performing a recording operation in pixel units are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction.
Between the recording modules adjacent to each other in the width direction, the ends of the arrangement range in which the plurality of recording elements are provided in the recording module overlap each other in the width direction.
The control unit
A plurality of drive data for which the drive settings of the plurality of recording elements are set for each of the plurality of recording modules are generated according to the pixel arrangement data of the image to be formed.
An image is displayed on the recording medium by relatively moving between the recording operation unit and the recording medium in a relative movement direction orthogonal to the width direction and operating the recording operation unit based on the plurality of driving data. Form and
Corresponding to the measured value of the relative position related to the arrangement range of the plurality of recording modules, the corresponding range of the plurality of driving data in the pixel arrangement data is adjusted respectively.
In each of the driving data related to the adjacent recording modules, the driving data of the selection setting pattern that complementarily determines the driving state of the recording element corresponding to the position in the width direction in the overlapping portion. The data output setting adjustment is performed to change the applicable range for each of the above from the overlapping portion according to the relative position of the adjacent recording modules.
A plurality of the recording operation units are provided at different positions in the relative movement direction.
The plurality of recording operation units form pixels having at least a part of different colors, and the pixel arrangement data is generated for each recording operation unit.
The control unit
In adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of drive data,
With respect to the predetermined reference recording operation unit among the recording operation units, the first adjustment for adjusting the corresponding range of the plurality of recording modules and the first adjustment.
Adjustment of the corresponding range according to the amount of misalignment between the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit and the recording module of the reference recording operation unit corresponding to the plurality of recording modules, respectively. And the second adjustment to do
And
In the data output setting adjustment,
The applicable range of the plurality of recording modules in the recording operation unit other than the reference recording operation unit is changed according to the deviation caused by the first adjustment and the second adjustment.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that.

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