JPH068524A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize a recording action in both ways and thereby accelerate the speed of a surface recording action by using the subject device with the switching of a color conversion method depending on the scanning and recording of data in a normal direction or the scanning and recording in a reverse direction. CONSTITUTION:A recording head part 6 which records an image on a recording medium is smaller than the recording medium, so that printing only a single dot all at once is possible. Therefore, forming an image on a single screen is achieved by scanning it several times. A full color image equal to a single scanning is formed by changing a color conversion selection switch 3 over to a forward direction conversion part 1 side and scanning the image using a main scanning means with the concurrent action to perform a recording action on the recording medium. Next, the recording medium is transported by a single scanning length in a sheet feeding direction using the scanning means, and the color conversion selection switch 3 is changed over to the side of a conversion part 2 for the backward direction. Further, data are recorded in the second scanning by scanning up to a specified position for a recording head part 6. After that, the recording medium is transported by a single scanning length in a sheet feeding direction again using a feed means. Thus an image of a single screen is completed by repeating the described procedures.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for forming a surface image by scanning a recording head, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 19 shows a structure of a conventional recording apparatus, and 20 has a function of color-converting an input image and converting it into an image corresponding to a recording head section or a recording medium. Reference numeral 21 denotes a recording head portion, which is a portion for performing a recording operation on a recording medium.
FIG. 20 shows a printing operation in a conventional printing apparatus. The print head unit 21 has a black 21K and a cyan 21.
A recording head for recording four colors of C, magenta 21M, and yellow 21Y is mounted. FIG. 21 is a flowchart thereof.

First, a recording medium (recording paper) 1 is scanned from a position 21 to a position 21 'by a main scanning means (not shown).
A recording operation is performed on 0 to form a full-color image for one scan (S100). Next, set the recording head unit to 2
The recording medium 1 is scanned from the position 1 ′ to the position 21 (S101) without a recording operation, and the recording medium 1
0 is conveyed by one scanning in the illustrated paper feed direction (S10).
2).

By repeating the above operation (S103), the formation of an image of one screen is completed. The recording order of each color is black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0005]

However, in the above conventional example, the recording operation can be performed only when scanning in the direction 21 'from FIG. 20, and if the scanning operation is performed in the opposite direction, the recording operation is performed. Since the recording order of each color is also reversed, there is a drawback that different colors are reproduced even if the image data of the same color is recorded.

The present invention has been made in view of the drawbacks of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object thereof is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of improving the speed of surface recording operation.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the object, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording unit that scans a recording medium to form a surface image, a plurality of image processing units that process an input image, and a plurality of the image processing units. A first switching means for switching, a pattern generating means for generating an image pattern, a second switching means for switching an image from the image processing means and an image from the pattern generating means, and an image from the pattern generating means. Pattern reading means for reading the recorded recording medium, processing content changing means for changing the processing content of the image processing means based on the pattern data from the pattern reading means, and the image processing means by the scanning direction of the recording means. And a third switching means for switching.

[0008]

According to this structure, there are two types of color conversion methods, one for forward direction and the other for backward direction, and scanning in the forward direction.
By switching the color conversion method between printing and scanning and printing in the reverse direction, bidirectional printing operation can be realized without any difference in reproduced color depending on the scanning direction, and the speed of surface printing operation is improved. be able to.

[0009]

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment (Structure) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 6 is a recording head unit for recording an image on a recording medium according to an input image. Included in the recording head unit 6,
Since the recording head that actually performs the recording operation is smaller than the recording medium and can record only one dot at a time, it is possible to complete the formation of an image on one screen by scanning many times. Reference numeral 1 is a color conversion unit when the recording head unit is scanned in the forward direction, and 2 is a color conversion unit when the recording head unit is scanned in the reverse direction. Reference numeral 3 is a color conversion selection switch for selecting the color conversion units 1 and 2, 4 is a pattern generation unit for generating an image pattern, and 5 is image data from the color conversion unit 1 or 2 and the pattern generation unit 4. It is an image selection switch for switching image data. Reference numeral 7 is a pattern reading unit for reading a recording medium on which the pattern image generated by the pattern generating unit 4 is recorded, and 8 is the color conversion unit 1, based on the pattern data read by the pattern reading unit 7.
2 is a color conversion data generation unit that generates color conversion data used in 2.

(Formation of Image) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a scanning method of the recording head according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the recording head unit 6 is equipped with recording heads for recording four colors of black 6K, cyan 6C, magenta 6M, and yellow 6Y. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the recording operation.

First, the color conversion selection switch 3 is switched to the forward color conversion section 1 side (S1), and the recording medium (recording paper) 10 is scanned from the position 6 to the position 6'by a main scanning means (not shown). A full-color image for one scan is formed by performing a recording operation on (S2). Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by a sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S3), and the color conversion selection switch 3 is switched to the reverse color conversion unit 2 side (S4) to perform recording. By scanning from the position of the head unit 6'to the position of 6, the second scan recording is performed (S5).

Then, the recording medium 10 is again conveyed by one scanning in the paper feeding direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning means (not shown) (S6). By repeating the above operation, the formation of an image for one screen is completed (S7). At this time, the scan from 6 to 6'is called the forward direction, the scan from 6'to 6 is called the reverse direction, these are called the main scan, and the paper feed direction is called the sub-scan.

Further, the recording order of each color is different in the forward direction and the reverse direction. In the case of the forward direction, black, cyan, and
The order is magenta and yellow, and in the reverse direction, the order is yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. (Generation of Color Conversion Data) FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the procedure for generating color conversion data.

First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the side of the pattern generation unit 4 (S10), and 6 in FIG.
The pattern image for one scan is formed by performing the recording operation on the recording medium (recording paper) 10 while scanning from the position 6 to the position 6'by the main scanning means (not shown) (S1).
1). Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by a sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S12), and the recording head unit is scanned from the position 6'to the position 6'without recording operation to perform the recording head. The part is returned to the position of 6 (S13).

By repeating the above operation, the formation of the color conversion data generation pattern image for the forward direction is completed (S1).
4). In the case of forming the reverse direction color conversion data generation pattern image, contrary to the above operation, the printing operation is not performed during the forward scanning, and the printing is performed only during the backward scanning.

Further, bidirectional recording may be performed when the formation of the color conversion data generation pattern image for the forward direction and the formation of the color conversion data generation pattern image for the reverse direction are switched. The pattern generation unit 4 switches and outputs several types of patterns in conjunction with the recording operation, and one pattern may be of any size and shape as long as it is sufficient for reading and generating color conversion data. .

In this way, a color conversion data generating pattern image as shown in FIG. 3 is formed. Next, a color conversion data generating pattern image is set in the pattern reading unit 7 by means (not shown) (S20), and the image data read by the pattern reading unit 7 is sent to the color conversion data generating unit 8 for color conversion. The data generation unit 8 generates the color conversion data for the forward direction and the color conversion data for the backward direction (S21), and the color conversion data for the forward direction is sent to the color conversion unit for the forward direction 1 and the color conversion unit for the backward direction 2 is generated. The color conversion data for reverse direction is set for each (S22), and the switch 5 is switched to the normal image side (S23).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the bidirectional scanning recording operation can be realized without any difference in the reproduced color depending on the scanning direction, and the speed of the surface recording operation can be improved. <Second Embodiment> (Structure) The same symbols as those in the first embodiment are used because they have the same structure as in the first embodiment, except that the recording head has a large number of dot rows in the sub-scanning direction. Is the point that can be recorded at the same time. However, the number n1 of the dot rows means that the color conversion data generation pattern image is read,
And the width is insufficient for generation.

(Formation of Image) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a scanning method of the recording head according to the second embodiment. In the figure, the recording head portion 61 has black 61K and cyan 61
Recording heads for recording four colors of C, magenta 61M, and yellow 61Y are mounted, and these recording heads have a function of simultaneously recording n1 dots in the paper feeding direction.

The procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the color conversion switch 3 is switched to the forward color conversion unit 1 side (S1), and a recording operation is performed on the recording medium (recording paper) 10 while scanning from a position 61 to 61 'by a main scanning unit (not shown). By doing this, a full-color image for one scan having a width of n1 dots is formed (S2).

Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan, that is, n1 dots in the paper feed direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning means (not shown) (S3), and the color conversion selection switch is switched to the reverse direction color conversion section 2 side. (S4), the recording head unit is 61 '
By performing scanning from the position of to the position of 61, the second scan recording having the n1 dot width is performed (S5). And
The recording medium 10 is again conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S6).

By repeating the above operation, the formation of an image on one screen is completed (S7). At this time, 61 to 61 '
The scans up to are called forward, the scans from 61 'to 61 are called reverse, these are called main scan, and the paper feed direction is called sub-scan. In addition, the recording order of each color is different in the forward direction and the reverse direction. In the forward direction, the order is black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and in the reverse direction, the order is yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Is.

(Generation of Color Conversion Data) Description will be made with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the pattern generation unit 4 side (S10), and the recording medium (recording paper) is scanned from the position 61 to 61 'in FIG. 4 by the main scanning means (not shown). 1
By performing the recording operation for 0, a pattern image for one scanning is formed (S11).

Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by a sub-scanning device (not shown) (S12).
The recording head unit is scanned from the position 61 ′ to the position 61 without recording operation, and the recording head is returned to the position 61 (S1).
3). The formation of the forward color conversion data generation pattern image is completed by repeating the above operation (S14).

When forming the color conversion data generation pattern image for the reverse direction, contrary to the above operation, the recording operation may not be performed during the forward scanning, and the printing may be performed only during the backward scanning. In addition, bidirectional recording may be performed when switching between formation of the color conversion data generation pattern image for forward direction and formation of the color conversion data generation pattern image for reverse direction.

The pattern generating section 4 switches and outputs several kinds of patterns in conjunction with the recording operation, and one pattern has any size and shape as long as it is sufficient for reading and generating color conversion data. May be. In this way, a color conversion data generating pattern image as shown in FIG. 3 is formed.

Next, a color conversion data generating pattern image is set in the pattern reading unit 7 by means (not shown) (S20), and the image data read by the pattern reading unit 7 is sent to the color conversion data generating unit 8. The color conversion data generation unit 8 generates the forward direction color conversion data and the backward direction color conversion data (S21), and the forward direction color conversion data is forwarded to the forward direction color conversion unit 1. Reverse color conversion data is set in the conversion unit 2 (S22).

<Third Embodiment> (Structure) Since the second embodiment has the same structure as that of the second embodiment, the symbols showing the structure are those shown in FIG. 1 except that a large number of recording heads are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. That is, the dot rows can be recorded at the same time. Moreover, the number of dot rows n2
Is a sufficient width for reading and generating the color conversion data generating pattern image.

(Formation of image) An image is formed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. (Generation of Color Conversion Data) The color conversion data will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the pattern generation unit 4 side (S30),
A pattern image for one scan is formed by performing a recording operation on the recording medium (recording paper) 10 while scanning from a position 61 to 61 'in FIG. 4 by a main scanning unit (not shown) (S31).

Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by a sub-scanning device (not shown) (S32).
The recording operation is performed on the recording medium 10 while scanning the recording head unit from the position 61 ′ to the position 61, and the next pattern image is formed (S33). Then, the recording medium 10 is again conveyed by one scanning in the paper feeding direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning device (not shown) (S34).

By repeating the above operation, the forward direction color conversion data generation pattern image and the reverse direction color conversion data generation pattern image are alternately formed, and the color conversion data generation pattern image as shown in FIG. 5 is obtained. It is formed (S35). The pattern generation unit 4 switches and outputs several types of patterns in synchronization with the recording operation, and one pattern has a width of a recorded image obtained by a maximum of one main scanning in the sub-scanning direction. The length may be any length as long as it is sufficient for reading in the main scanning direction and generating color conversion data.

Next, a color conversion data generating pattern image is set in the pattern reading unit 7 by means not shown (S20), and the image data read by the pattern reading unit 7 is sent to the color conversion generating unit 8. The color conversion unit 8 generates color conversion data for forward direction and color conversion data for reverse direction (S
21), the forward direction color conversion data is set in the forward direction color conversion unit 1, and the backward direction color conversion data is set in the backward direction color conversion unit 2 (S22). <Fourth Embodiment> (Structure) The structure is the same as that of FIG. 1, and the recording head can simultaneously record a large number of dot rows in the sub-scanning direction, and the number n2 of the dot rows is the color conversion data generation pattern. It is wide enough to read and generate images.

Reference numeral 11 shown in FIG. 6 is a forward pattern reading sensor, and 12 is a backward pattern reading sensor, each of which is a part of the pattern reading section 7. These sensors 11 and 12 are fixed to the recording head 62, can move together with the recording head 62, and can sequentially read the recording medium 10 by scanning the recording head 62.

(Formation of image) An image is formed in the same manner as in the third embodiment. (Generation of Color Conversion Data) An explanation will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the pattern generation unit 4 (S40), and 62 in FIG.
From the position 62 to 62 ′ by the main scanning unit (not shown), the recording operation is performed on the recording medium (recording paper) 10 to form a pattern image for one scanning (S4).
1).

At the same time, the forward direction pattern reading sensor 1
1 to read the pattern, and the color conversion data generation unit 8
The read data is sent to (S41). Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scanning in the paper feeding direction (not shown) by a sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S42), and the recording head unit is scanned from the position 62 'to the position 62' with respect to the recording medium 10. The recording operation is performed to form the next pattern image (S4).
3).

At the same time, the reverse direction pattern reading sensor 1
2 reads the pattern, and the color conversion data generation unit 8
The read data is sent to (S43). Then, the recording medium 10 is again conveyed by one scanning in the paper feeding direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning device (not shown) (S44). By repeating the above operation, the forward direction color conversion data generation pattern image,
The reverse direction color conversion data generation pattern image is alternately formed to generate the color conversion data generation pattern image as shown in FIG. 5, and the pattern image data is sent to the color conversion data generation unit 8 (S45).

The pattern generator 4 outputs several kinds of patterns by switching them in tandem with the recording operation, and one pattern has a width of a recorded image obtained by a maximum of one main scanning in the sub-scanning direction. The length may be any length as long as it is sufficient for reading in the main scanning direction and generating color conversion data. Next, the color conversion data generation unit 8 generates the forward direction color conversion data and the reverse direction color conversion data, and the forward direction color conversion unit 1 receives the forward direction color conversion data and the reverse direction color conversion data. Reverse direction color conversion data is set in the unit 2.

Of course, each color conversion data may be generated by the color conversion data generator 8 during the recording and reading operations. <Fifth Embodiment> Reference numeral 13 shown in FIG. 7 is a pattern reading sensor, which is a part of the pattern reading unit 7 and sends the read image data to the color conversion data generating unit 8.

(Generation of Color Conversion Data) An explanation will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the pattern generation unit 4 side (S5
0), the pattern image for one scan is formed by performing the recording operation on the recording medium (recording paper) 10 while scanning from the position 63 to 63 ′ in FIG. 7 by the main scanning unit (not shown) (S51). ).

Next, the recording head portion is moved from the position 63 'to 63
The recording medium 10 is read by the pattern reading sensor 13 while scanning to the position, and the read data is sent to the color conversion data generating unit 8 (S52). Next, the recording medium 10 is conveyed by one scan in the paper feed direction (not shown) by the sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S53).

By repeating the above operation, the forward direction color conversion data generation pattern image can be formed and the forward direction color conversion data can be obtained (S54). When the operation for the forward direction is completed, the color conversion data for the backward direction can be obtained in the same manner. The pattern generation unit 4 switches and outputs several types of patterns in synchronization with the recording operation,
One pattern has a width of a recorded image obtained in one main scanning at the maximum in the sub-scanning direction, and is long enough to read in the main scanning direction and generate color conversion data. Is also good.

The color conversion data generated by the color conversion data generation unit 8 is the forward direction color conversion data for the forward direction color conversion unit 1 and the backward direction color conversion data for the backward direction color conversion unit 2. Is set. Of course, each color conversion data may be generated by the color conversion data generation unit 8 during the recording and reading operation, or when the data for the forward direction is prepared, the data for the forward direction is generated and the data for the backward direction is generated. The data for the reverse direction may be generated at the time of completion, or each color conversion data may be generated after all the data are acquired.

The sensor 13 may be on the right side of the recording head 63 in the drawing. <Sixth Embodiment> The recording means for recording on a recording medium is, for example, an ink jet system, and if the image is read immediately after recording as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the recorded image is not stable, so color conversion is performed. This embodiment is effective when a waiting time is required because it cannot be used as a data creation pattern.

Reference numeral 14 shown in FIG. 8 is a color conversion data generating pattern reading sensor, which is a part of the pattern reading unit 7. The sensor 14 is fixed to the recording head 64 at a position where it can be read just before one scanning, and can be moved together with the recording head 64, and the recording medium can be sequentially read by the scanning of the recording head 64. (Generation of Color Conversion Data) An explanation will be given based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, the image selection switch 5 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the pattern generating section 4 side (S60), and the recording head 64 is scanned in the forward direction as in the third, fourth and fifth embodiments. Then, the forward pattern image for one scan is formed on the recording medium (S61). Next, the recording medium is conveyed by one scanning by a sub-scanning unit (not shown) (S62), and the recording head 64
Is scanned in the reverse direction to form a reverse pattern image on the recording medium, and at the same time, the pattern reading sensor 14
The pattern image before one scan is read by and the read data is sent to the color conversion data generator 8 (S63).

Further, the recording medium is conveyed by one scanning by a sub-scanning means (not shown) (S64), the recording head 64 is scanned in the forward direction to form a forward direction pattern image on the recording medium, and at the same time, the pattern is read. The sensor 14 reads the pattern image before one scan, and sends the read data to the color conversion data generator 8 (S65). By repeating the above operation, the color conversion data generation pattern image is formed and the pattern image data is sent to the color conversion data generation unit 8 (S66).

The pattern generator 4 outputs several types of patterns by switching them in conjunction with the recording operation, and one pattern has a width of a recorded image obtained by a maximum of one main scanning in the sub-scanning direction. The length may be any length as long as it is sufficient for reading in the main scanning direction and generating color conversion data. Next, the color conversion data generation unit 8 generates the forward direction color conversion data and the reverse direction color conversion data, and the forward direction color conversion unit 1 receives the forward direction color conversion data and the reverse direction color conversion data. Reverse direction color conversion data is set in the unit 2.

Of course, each color conversion data may be generated by the color conversion data generation unit 8 during the recording and reading operations. <Seventh Embodiment> Reference numeral 15 shown in FIG. 9 is a pattern reading sensor for generating color conversion data, which is a part of the pattern reading unit 7. The reading sensor 15 does not move and is fixed to a frame or the like by a sensor fixing member (not shown).

(Generation of Color Conversion Data) An explanation will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. First, a color conversion data generation pattern is formed at a position that can be read by the sensor 15 by the same operation as in the above embodiment (S) (S).
70). As soon as the pattern is formed and reaches the sensor 15 (S71), the sensor 15 sequentially reads the pattern and sends the data to the color conversion data generator 8 (S72).

FIG. 10 shows a recording medium on which the pattern is recorded. A forward pattern and a backward pattern are recorded in the first half and the forward and backward patterns are alternately recorded and read. May be. Next, the color conversion data generation unit 8
Generates color conversion data for the forward direction and color conversion data for the backward direction, forward color conversion data for the forward direction color conversion unit 1 and reverse direction color conversion for the backward direction color conversion unit 2. Set the data.

Of course, each color conversion data may be generated by the color conversion data generating section 8 during the recording and reading operations.
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention, the bidirectional scanning recording operation can be realized without any difference in the reproduced color depending on the scanning direction, and the speed of the surface recording operation can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a drawing explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a color conversion data generating pattern image used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a color conversion data generating pattern image used in a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a recording head and a pattern reading sensor used in a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the operation of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pattern image for color conversion data generation used in a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a recording operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a pattern forming procedure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a color conversion data generation procedure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a pattern forming procedure according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a color conversion data generation procedure of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a color conversion data generation procedure of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a color conversion data generation procedure according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a color conversion data generation procedure according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a conventional example.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a conventional example.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Forward color conversion unit 2 Reverse color conversion unit 3 Color conversion selection switch 4 Pattern generation unit 5 Image changeover switch 6 Recording head unit 7 Pattern reading unit 8 Color conversion data generation unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical display location B41J 19/18 A 9212-2C G06F 3/12 L 15/72 G 9192-5L 8306-2C B41J 3 / 04 101 A

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A recording unit for scanning a recording medium to form a surface image, a plurality of image processing units for processing an input image, a first switching unit for switching between the plurality of image processing units, and an image pattern. A pattern generating means for generating an image, a second switching means for switching an image from the image processing means and an image from the pattern generating means, and a pattern reading means for reading a recording medium on which the image from the pattern generating means is recorded. A processing content changing means for changing the processing content of the image processing means based on the pattern data from the pattern reading means; and a third switching means for switching the image processing means according to the scanning direction of the recording means. An image recording device characterized by. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means includes a plurality of recording heads arranged in the scanning direction and having different recording colors. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image recorded by a large number of recording heads having different recording colors is a superimposed recording image by the large number of recording heads.