JPH04244855A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a recording apparatus capable of recording a high-grade image of high density regardless of the kind of a recording material. CONSTITUTION:A recording apparatus is constituted so as to be capable of being operated in a first recording mode recording an image on the predetermined area of a recording material by single scanning and a second recording mode recording an image on the predetermined area of the recording material by scanning of several times and a gamma conversion characteristic subjecting inputted image data to gamma conversion is selected so that the density of the output image of the noticeable pixel obtained in the second recording mode becomes higher than that of the output image of the noticeable pixel obtained in the first recording mode.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording material by ejecting ink in accordance with input image data.

(Background of the Invention) Conventionally, this type of inkjet recording apparatus has been used to generate bubbles in ink using thermal energy generated by an ink ejection energy generating element, for example, an electrothermal conversion element, and to control the growth of the bubbles. An inkjet recording apparatus has been put into practical use that records on a recording material (recording paper) at high speed by ejecting ink in accordance with the recording speed.

Since the recording material used in this type of apparatus is required to have a high ink absorption speed and a high amount of ink absorption, a special so-called coated paper having a thick ink absorption layer has been developed.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Currently, such coated paper is required to have a thinner coating layer because of its high cost, tendency to curl, and heavy weight. There is a need to develop an inkjet recording device that is compatible with this.

However, since these recording papers have low ink absorption speed and absorption amount, and poor density reproducibility, when attempting to record on these recording papers, there is a risk of deterioration of image quality due to ink smearing. However, there is a problem in that the apparatus and the recording paper are stained due to ink overflow.

[0006] In particular, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y
In full-color recording using four-color inks of (yellow) and K (black), these phenomena occur when recording high-density portions of an image, resulting in a problem that the image quality deteriorates. In addition, since OHP films have low ink absorption,
When a large amount of ink is applied at once, the so-called beading phenomenon occurs, in which adjacent ink dots are connected, and when a large amount of ink is applied at once, the so-called bleeding phenomenon occurs. As a result, the problem arises that the image quality deteriorates significantly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and
The purpose is to provide a recording device that can prevent deterioration of image quality and record high-density, high-quality images regardless of the type of recording material.

[0008]

[Means and operations for solving the problem] In order to solve this problem, the recording apparatus according to the present invention has the configuration shown below.

That is, a conversion means converts the density of input multi-value image data based on predetermined conversion characteristics, and 2 performs binarization processing on the multi-value image data output from the conversion means.
digitization means, and a first recording system that records an image by ejecting ink according to the output data from the binarization means, and records the image in a predetermined area on a recording material by a single scan; mode and a second recording mode for recording an image in the predetermined area by a plurality of scans, and the correction means includes an output image density of the pixel of interest obtained in the second recording mode. The conversion characteristics of the first recording mode and the second recording mode are selected such that the density of the output image of the pixel of interest obtained in the first recording mode is higher than the density of the output image of the pixel of interest obtained in the first recording mode.

[0010] The present invention also includes a converting means for converting the density of input multi-color image data based on a predetermined conversion characteristic, and converting the multi-color multi-value image data outputted from the converting means into two.
a binarization means for carrying out a value processing, and a first means for recording a color image in accordance with output data from the binarization means, for recording a color image in a predetermined area on a recording material by a single scan; a recording means operable in a recording mode and a second recording mode for recording a color image in the predetermined area by multiple scans; The conversion characteristics of the first recording mode and the second recording mode are selected such that the output image density of the predetermined color of the pixel of interest obtained in the first recording mode is higher than the output image density of the predetermined color of the pixel of interest obtained in the first recording mode. do.

As a result, in the second recording mode, the same area is scanned overlappingly to record a single color or color image on the recording material, and the output image density in the second recording mode is higher than that in the first recording mode. Convert the input image data so that it becomes higher.

0012

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of a copying machine using the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

This color copying machine includes an image reading and image processing section (hereinafter referred to as the reader section 24) and a printer section 44.
It is made up of. The reader unit 24 uses a CCD line sensor 5 to read the image while scanning the original 2 placed on the original glass 1, and then sends the image to the printer unit 44 via an image processing circuit using a black (Bk) inkjet head 3.
2, the image is recorded on the recording paper.

The details of the operation will be explained below.

The reader section 24 consists of members or sections 1-23, and the printer section 44 consists of members or sections 25-43. In this configuration, the upper left side in FIG. 1 is the front side.

The printer section 44 includes an inkjet head (recording head) 32 that performs recording by ejecting ink, and this recording head 32 has, for example, nozzles with a pitch of 63.5 microns in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction, which will be described later). 12
There are eight of them lined up, and the configuration is such that they can record a width of 8.128 millimeters at a time. Therefore, when recording on recording paper, first stop the recording paper and record the required distance with a width of 8.128 mm, then advance the recording paper 8.128 mm and stop, and record the next 8.128 mm. This action will be repeated. This recording direction is called the main scanning direction, and the paper feeding direction is called the sub-scanning direction. In the configuration of this embodiment, the main scanning direction is the front-rear direction with respect to FIG. 1, and the sub-scanning direction is the left-right direction.

Further, the reader section 24 repeatedly reads the document 2 with a width of 8.128 mm in correspondence with the printer section 44, but the reading direction is the main scanning direction and the direction of movement for the next reading is the sub-scanning direction. This is called the scanning direction. In this configuration, the main scanning direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 1, and the sub-scanning direction is the front-back direction in FIG.

The operation of the reader section 24 will be explained as follows.

The original 2 on the original table glass 1 is illuminated by the lamp 3 on the main scanning carriage 7, and the image is transmitted to the light receiving element 5 (CCD line sensor) through the lens array 4.
guided by. The main scanning carriage 7 is engaged with the main scanning rail 8 on the sub-scanning unit 9 and is slidable. Furthermore, the main scanning carriage 7 is connected to the main scanning belt 17 by an engagement member (not shown), and is moved in the left and right direction in FIG. 1 by rotation of the main scanning motor 16 to perform a main scanning operation.

The sub-scanning unit 9 is slidably engaged with a sub-scanning rail 11 fixed to the optical frame 10. Furthermore, since the sub-scanning unit 9 is connected to the sub-scanning belt 18 by an engagement member (not shown), the sub-scanning unit 9 moves forward and backward in FIG. 1 by rotation of the sub-scanning motor 19, and performs a sub-scanning operation.

In this way, the image signal read by the CCD 5 is transmitted to the sub-scanning unit 9 through the loop-shaped signal loop 13. The signal cable 13 is held on the main scanning carriage 7 by a gripping part 14 , and the other end is fixed to the bottom surface 20 of the sub-scanning unit by a member 21 to connect the sub-scanning unit 9 and the printer part 44 . It is coupled to the sub-scanning signal 23 that connects the electrical equipment unit 26. Here, the signal cable 13 follows the movement of the main scanning carriage 9, and the sub-scanning signal cable 23 follows the movement of the sub-scanning unit 9.

Next, the operation of the printer section 44 will be explained as follows.

The recording paper fed out one by one from the recording paper cassette 25 by a paper feed roller 27 driven by a power source (not shown) is transferred to two pairs of rollers 28, 29, 3.
Recording is performed by the recording head 32 between 0 and 31. The recording head 32 is constructed integrally with an ink tank 33 and is removably mounted on a printer main scanning carriage 34. The printer main scanning carriage 34 is engaged with the printer main scanning rail 35 and is slidable.

Furthermore, since the printer main scanning carriage 34 is connected to the main scanning belt 36 by an engaging member (not shown), the rotation of the main scanning motor 37 moves it toward the front and back in FIG. Perform a scanning operation.

The printer main scanning carriage 34 has an arm portion 38 to which a printer signal cable 39 for transmitting signals to the recording head 32 is fixed. The other end of the printer signal cable 39 is fixed to the printer middle plate 40 by a member 41, and is further coupled to the electrical unit 26. This printer signal cable 39 follows the movement of the printer main scanning carriage 34 and is connected to the upper optical frame 1.
It is configured so that it never touches 0.

The sub-scanning of the printer section 44 is performed by the roller pair 28.
, 29, 30, and 31 are rotated by a power source (not shown), and the recording paper is moved by 8.128 mm. 42 is a bottom plate of the printer section 44, 45 is an exterior plate, 46
Reference numeral 47 indicates a document pressure bonding plate, 47 indicates a paper discharge tray, and 48 indicates electrical equipment for the operating section.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. 100 is a data conversion circuit that also performs image processing such as logarithmic conversion on image data read by the CCD line sensor 5, and converts input multivalued image (luminance) data into ink density data according to a predetermined algorithm. do.

The gamma conversion circuit 101 converts density data (
The density data to be recorded (0 to 255 levels) is converted and output to the binarization circuit 102.

The binarization circuit 102 is a circuit for binarizing the recording density data using a known binarization method such as the error diffusion method, and based on the binary data outputted from the circuit, the recording density data is In this section, a pseudo multi-tone image is recorded on a recording material using an inkjet recording method. The recording section in this embodiment is of a type that drives a thermal energy generating element in accordance with recording data to cause a state change in the ink and eject the ink.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the gamma conversion circuit 101.

In the figure, 105 is a ROM that stores first gamma characteristic data, and 106 is a ROM that stores second gamma characteristic data. The density data output from the data converter 100 is stored in the ROMs 105 and 106.
input to the address data terminal. This allows the ROM
105 outputs recording data stored at an address determined by the density data, and the data is sent to the selector circuit 10.
7 is input to one data input terminal (D0). Similarly, recording data output from the ROM 106 is input to the other data input terminal (D1) of the selector circuit 107. A gamma characteristic selection signal output from a control circuit (not shown) is always input to the selector circuit 107, and either one of the record data input to the two input terminals is sent to the binarization circuit 102. It is configured to output to

Next, using FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, the first gamma characteristic data, the second toleration characteristic data, and the relationship thereof will be shown.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing gamma characteristics used in the first recording mode in which an image in a predetermined area is recorded in a single scan using coated paper in the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention. , the aforementioned ROM10
This corresponds to the first gamma characteristic data stored in No. 5.

On the other hand, in the second recording mode in which an image in a predetermined area is recorded by multiple overlapping scans, second gamma characteristic data stored in the ROM 106 is used.

[0036]Hereinafter, as an example of this overlapping scanning mode, a mode will be described using a mode in which an image in a predetermined area is recorded by two overlapping scannings.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing gamma characteristics when the output image density is set to be 1/2 of the output image density based on the first gamma characteristic data shown in FIG. The density of the recorded data gamma-corrected by this gamma characteristic is half the density of the recorded data gamma-corrected by the first gamma characteristic, and by scanning twice, the density of the recorded data is gamma-corrected by the first gamma characteristic.
The sum of the recording data densities input to 02 is equal to the recording data density gamma-corrected by the first gamma characteristic. In other words, the image density is preserved on the print data density.

However, the binarization (pseudo halftone processing) method represented by the error diffusion method expresses the gradation pseudo by the number of ink dots recorded in a predetermined area, and the input Since a texture peculiar to the image density occurs, in the configuration in which the document is read every scan as in this embodiment, it is difficult to accurately control the recording (ink injecting) position of the image data after binarization. Can not. FIG. 6 shows this example. FIG. 6(A) shows the area recorded by the first scan, and FIG. 6(B) shows the area recorded by the second scan. As is clear from the figure, the total image density recorded by two scans is 100%, but in this example, there are places where the ink dots overlap in the first and second scans. The parts from ■ to ■ are blank.

In this way, beading can be prevented when the gamma characteristics shown in FIG. Dots may be recorded at the same position, which means that the density of the recorded image decreases due to white spots, making it impossible to preserve the density of the recorded image. The relationship between the input image density and the recorded image density in such a case is shown in FIG. 5(B).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing gamma characteristics used in the mode of recording by two overlapping scans in this embodiment, and is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem. This gamma characteristic corresponds to the second gamma characteristic data stored in the ROM 106 described above.

In this way, when recording an image of a predetermined area using two overlapping scans, the recorded image data of the pixel of interest is corrected by the first gamma characteristic, which is used when recording an image of a predetermined area using a single scan. By selectively controlling the second gamma characteristic so that the density is higher, the ink applied the first time will be fixed to some extent and the ink will be less likely to soak in, so the large amount of ink applied the second time will be Even if the first and second dots are adjacent to each other, it can reduce the occurrence of ink conflicts, correct the recorded image density due to overprinting of recording ink dots caused by overlapping scanning, and It is possible to perform high-density, high-quality recording without causing deterioration in image quality due to bleeding or ink overflow, and without staining the device or recording paper. Note that the gamma characteristics may be set such that the gamma characteristics are changed between the first and second times, and the output image density of the first time is 60% and the output image density of the second time is 80%, for example.

[0042] In this embodiment, the case where two overlapping scans are performed as an example of overlapping scanning has been described, but the number of times of overlapping may be three or more. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the gamma conversion circuit in which the number of repetitions is (n-1).

In the figure, 111-1 to 111-n are ROMs 105 and 10 that store the gamma characteristic data shown in FIG.
6, which sequentially stores a first gamma characteristic, a second gamma characteristic, ... an nth gamma characteristic, and stores predetermined recording data (multi-value) for input multi-value image data. Output. The outputs of these ROMs are connected to corresponding input terminals of the selector circuit 113. Selector circuit 113
, a gamma characteristic selection signal output from a control circuit (not shown) is always input, and any one of the record data input to the input terminal is output to the binarization circuit 102. It is structured as follows.

FIG. 9 shows the gamma characteristic selection signal inputted to the address input terminal of the ROM 120 together with the input image data, and the first gamma characteristic, the second gamma characteristic stored in the ROM 120, ... one of the n-th gamma characteristics is selected according to the gamma characteristic selection signal, and recording data corresponding to the selected gamma characteristic is output to the binarization circuit 102. be.

In this embodiment, in a mode in which an image of a predetermined area is recorded by multiple (n) overlapping scans, gamma correction is performed by selecting a different gamma characteristic for each scan, and the second gamma Characteristics...The n-th gamma characteristic is such that the recorded data output corrected by each of these characteristics is
It is set and stored in the ROM so that when the input image data has the same density, the density becomes darker in order. An example of these gamma characteristics is shown in FIG. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control circuit (not shown) controls the control circuit for each scan in the overlapping scan mode.
The gamma characteristic is selected from the following two methods depending on the absorption characteristic of the recording paper, and the gamma characteristic selection signal is output to the gamma conversion circuit. ■Select in order from the second gamma characteristic. ■Select in order from the n-th gamma characteristic.

Specifically, in the case of recording paper with good water absorption properties such as coated paper, select the method (■), and in the case of recording paper with poor water absorption properties such as plain paper or OHP film, select the method (■). is preferable. This is because a beading phenomenon is likely to occur with the ink that is first applied. This selection can be made, for example, by providing a key for selecting the type of recording paper on the operating section of the device, and selecting one of the methods ① and ② above in response to the operator's key operation. good.

Note that in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the recorded image data of the pixel of interest is corrected by the first gamma characteristic used when recording an image in a predetermined area in a single scan. The second gamma characteristic to the nth gamma characteristic are set so that the density becomes higher when recording is performed by (n-1) times of overlapping scanning.

Next, the case where the present invention is applied to a color image recording apparatus will be explained. In this case, the reader section 24 in FIG.
The CCD line sensor 5 is configured with three color filters of R, G, and B, and the recording head 32 of the printer section 44 is configured with cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black. It consists of inkjet heads of four colors (Bk).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing section in this embodiment. 130 is a data conversion unit that performs processes such as logarithmic conversion and black component extraction on the image data read by the CCD line sensor, and converts the input R, G, B multivalued image (luminance) data into a predetermined value. It is converted into Y, M, C, and K density data according to an algorithm.

That is, the image signal read from the CCD sensor 5 is processed by the logarithmic conversion circuit in the data conversion section 130 to
The primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are converted into the three primary colors (printing colors) C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). Next, the C, M, and Y signals are extracted in a Bk generation UCR circuit using the Bk (black) part generated by mixing the three colors of C, M, and Y as a common component, or a part of the common component is used as a black component. The gamma conversion circuit 131 extracts the signals as C, M, Y, and Bk signals.
is input.

131 is a gamma correction circuit section, which controls each color (
A gamma correction circuit as shown in FIG. 1 or 5 is provided for each of (Y, M, C, Bk). Gamma selection signals (Sc, Sm, Sy, SBk) for each color are input from a control unit (not shown) to the selector of the gamma correction circuit for each color, and recording is performed by single scanning as in the previous embodiment. A ROM storing gamma characteristic data is selected depending on whether the printing mode is printing mode or overlapping scanning printing mode, and gamma correction is performed on input image data for each color.

Therefore, the gamma characteristic selection signals (Sc), (Sm), (Sy), (S
k) as the same data, the recorded image data of the pixel of interest corrected by the first gamma characteristic used when recording a color image in a predetermined area in a single scan is (n-1) ) It is now possible to record a color image in each scan by setting the second gamma characteristic to the n-th gamma characteristic so that the density is higher when recording by overlapping scanning. This prevents deterioration in image quality due to ink bleeding due to overprinting of recording ink dots and stains on the device and recording paper due to ink overflow, and enables high-density, high-quality color image recording.

Furthermore, in a mode in which a color image in a predetermined area is recorded by two overlapping scans, at least one of the four recording colors is not recorded during the first scan, and the second scan Sometimes only the non-recording colors can be recorded. As an example of this embodiment, a case will be described in which three colors, C, M, and Y are printed in the first scan, and K color is printed in the second scan.

In this case, 3 of C, M, and Y are scanned in the first scan.
Gamma characteristic selection signals (Sc), (Sm), corresponding to colors
(Sy), and only the input image data corresponding to each gamma characteristic selection signal is gamma-corrected using the second gamma correction data and recorded. Next, in the second scan, only the gamma characteristic selection signal (Sk) corresponding to the K color is controlled, and only the input image data corresponding to this gamma characteristic selection signal is gamma-corrected using the second gamma correction data and recorded. It is something. In this embodiment, the second gamma characteristic is as shown in FIG. 12. In this way, by selecting different gamma correction characteristics for each recording color for each scan and controlling whether or not to record, the same effect as in the previous embodiment can be obtained and high-quality recording can be performed. can.

Note that by controlling only a specific signal among the gamma characteristic selection signals (Sc), (Sm), (Sy), and (Sk) according to the characteristics of the recording material, the desired It is also possible to fix the gamma correction characteristics for recording colors other than the colors to the first gamma characteristics.

Note that the present invention brings about excellent effects particularly in a bubble jet type recording head and recording apparatus among ink jet recording types. This is because such a system can achieve higher recording density and higher definition.

For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
Preferably, it is carried out using the basic principles disclosed in the '796 specification. This method is the so-called on-demand type.
It is applicable to both continuous types, but in particular, in the case of on-demand type, it is applicable to the electrothermal converter placed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. , by applying at least one drive signal corresponding to recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy to produce film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head. Let it happen,
As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in a one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal, which is effective. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to use this drive signal in a pulse form, since the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, making it possible to eject liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. No. 4,463,359 and US Pat. No. 4,345,262 are suitable. Furthermore, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 concerning the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, even more excellent recording can be performed.

[0058] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that is a combination of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 44 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a hole that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is disclosed. The effects of the present invention are also effective even with a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461/1983 which discloses a configuration corresponding to the discharge section. In other words, regardless of the form of the printhead, printing can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have either a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally. In addition, even serial type recording heads like the one above can be installed in the main body of the device, making it possible to electrically connect to the main body of the device and supply ink from the main body of the device.Replaceable chip-type recording heads Alternatively, the present invention is also effective when using a cartridge type recording head that is provided integrally with the recording head itself.

Furthermore, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus, to the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. . Specifically, these include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressure or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination thereof; It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

Regarding the type and number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to a single head that corresponds to a single color ink, there are also systems that correspond to a plurality of inks of different recording colors and densities. A plurality of them may be provided.

In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention can be used as a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting/receiving function. It may take the form of

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, scanning is performed a plurality of times in the second recording mode to record a monochromatic or color image in a predetermined area, and the output image density in the second recording mode is Since the conversion characteristics of the input image data are selected so that the output image density is higher than the output image density in one printing mode, by selecting the printing mode appropriately according to the absorption speed and amount of ink of the printing material, it is possible to Regardless of the type, image quality may deteriorate due to ink bleeding,
It is possible to prevent staining of the device and recording material due to ink overflow, and to form high-density, high-quality images.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing section.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing details of a gamma conversion circuit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing gamma conversion characteristics in a first recording mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing gamma conversion characteristics and the relationship between input image density and output image density when the output density is 50%.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the printing state during the first scan and the second scan in the second print mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing gamma conversion characteristics in a second recording mode.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the gamma conversion circuit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing yet another example of the gamma conversion circuit.

10 is a diagram showing gamma conversion characteristics of the gamma conversion circuit shown in FIG. 9. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing section of a color copying machine.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing gamma conversion characteristics in a second recording mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 CCD line sensor 24 Leader part 32 Inkjet head 44 Printer section 100 Data conversion section 101 Gamma conversion circuit 102 Binarization circuit 105,106 ROM 107, 111 Selector circuit 111-1,111-n ROM

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Conversion means for converting the density of input multivalued image data based on predetermined conversion characteristics; binarization means for performing binarization processing on the multivalued image data output from the conversion means; A first recording mode in which an image is recorded by ejecting ink according to output data from the binarizing means, and in which the image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording material by a single scan; a recording means operable in a second recording mode for recording an image in an area by multiple scans; A recording apparatus characterized in that conversion characteristics of the first recording mode and the second recording mode are selected so that the output image density of the pixel of interest obtained in the mode is higher than the output image density of the pixel of interest obtained in the mode. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second recording mode, the correction means makes the conversion characteristic different for each scan. 3. In the second recording mode, the correction means selects the conversion characteristic so that the density of the multivalued image data of the target pixel converted by the conversion means increases in order for each scan. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that: 4. In the second recording mode, the correction means selects the conversion characteristic so that the density of the multivalued image data of the pixel of interest converted by the conversion means decreases in order for each scan. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that: 5. The recording unit includes a thermal energy generating element, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port by causing a state change in the ink using the heat generated from the thermal energy generating element. The recording device according to claim 4. 6. Conversion means for converting the density of input multi-color multi-value image data based on predetermined conversion characteristics, and converting the multi-color multi-value image data output from the conversion means into two.
It records a color image by ejecting ink according to the output data from the binarization means and the binarization means, and the color image is recorded in a predetermined area on the recording material by a single scan. and a recording means operable in a first recording mode for recording an image and a second recording mode for recording a color image in the predetermined area by scanning a plurality of times, and the correction means is operable in the second recording mode. Selecting the conversion characteristics of the first recording mode and the second recording mode so that the output image density of the predetermined color of the pixel of interest obtained is higher than the output image density of the predetermined color of the pixel of interest obtained by the first recording mode. A recording device characterized by: 7. The recording unit includes a thermal energy generating element, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port by causing a state change in the ink using the heat generated from the thermal energy generating element. recording device.