WO2016093008A1 - 情報処理装置、画像記録装置及び情報処理方法 - Google Patents
情報処理装置、画像記録装置及び情報処理方法 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2016093008A1 WO2016093008A1 PCT/JP2015/081700 JP2015081700W WO2016093008A1 WO 2016093008 A1 WO2016093008 A1 WO 2016093008A1 JP 2015081700 W JP2015081700 W JP 2015081700W WO 2016093008 A1 WO2016093008 A1 WO 2016093008A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/21—Ink jet for multi-colour printing
- B41J2/2132—Print quality control characterised by dot disposition, e.g. for reducing white stripes or banding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
- B41J2/04501—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits
- B41J2/04505—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits aiming at correcting alignment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J19/00—Character- or line-spacing mechanisms
- B41J19/14—Character- or line-spacing mechanisms with means for effecting line or character spacing in either direction
- B41J19/142—Character- or line-spacing mechanisms with means for effecting line or character spacing in either direction with a reciprocating print head printing in both directions across the paper width
- B41J19/145—Dot misalignment correction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
- B41J2/04501—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits
- B41J2/04573—Timing; Delays
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
- B41J2/04501—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits
- B41J2/04581—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits controlling heads based on piezoelectric elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/145—Arrangement thereof
- B41J2/155—Arrangement thereof for line printing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/40—Picture signal circuits
- H04N1/401—Compensating positionally unequal response of the pick-up or reproducing head
- H04N1/4015—Compensating positionally unequal response of the pick-up or reproducing head of the reproducing head
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/46—Colour picture communication systems
- H04N1/56—Processing of colour picture signals
- H04N1/60—Colour correction or control
- H04N1/603—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer
- H04N1/6033—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer using test pattern analysis
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/46—Colour picture communication systems
- H04N1/56—Processing of colour picture signals
- H04N1/60—Colour correction or control
- H04N1/603—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer
- H04N1/6033—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer using test pattern analysis
- H04N1/6038—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer using test pattern analysis for controlling interaction among colorants
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/46—Colour picture communication systems
- H04N1/56—Processing of colour picture signals
- H04N1/60—Colour correction or control
- H04N1/603—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer
- H04N1/6033—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer using test pattern analysis
- H04N1/6044—Colour correction or control controlled by characteristics of the picture signal generator or the picture reproducer using test pattern analysis involving a sensor integrated in the machine or otherwise specifically adapted to read the test pattern
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/21—Ink jet for multi-colour printing
- B41J2/2132—Print quality control characterised by dot disposition, e.g. for reducing white stripes or banding
- B41J2/2135—Alignment of dots
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
- B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
- B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns
- B41J2029/3935—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns by means of printed test patterns
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
- G03G2215/00535—Stable handling of copy medium
- G03G2215/00556—Control of copy medium feeding
- G03G2215/00561—Aligning or deskewing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
- G03G2215/00535—Stable handling of copy medium
- G03G2215/00556—Control of copy medium feeding
- G03G2215/00599—Timing, synchronisation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image recording apparatus, and an information processing method.
- an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles provided in a recording head with respect to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying apparatus.
- Such an image recording apparatus is provided with a plurality of recording heads, and recording in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction over the entire nozzle array included in the plurality of recording heads.
- There is a single-pass type that forms an image without scanning the recording head in the width direction by covering the entire width.
- a line pattern including lines recorded by ink ejection from individual nozzles of each recording head is recorded on a recording medium, and this line is provided by a line sensor provided on the downstream side in the transport direction.
- a line sensor provided on the downstream side in the transport direction.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an image recording apparatus, and an information processing method capable of detecting a positional deviation of a recording head easily and with high accuracy.
- the information processing apparatus In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1
- the positional relationship between the first recording unit and the second recording unit is specified based on the imaging data of the inspection image recorded on the recording medium by the first recording unit and the second recording unit each having a plurality of recording elements arranged.
- An information processing apparatus that performs processing to perform The inspection image includes a plurality of first lines recorded at different recording positions in the line arrangement direction on the recording medium by the first recording means, and a plurality of first lines recorded in the line arrangement direction by the second recording means.
- a plurality of second lines recorded at different recording positions For each of the plurality of first lines, a recording coordinate on a first coordinate axis in which a predetermined first unit coordinate interval is defined in the line arrangement direction on the recording medium is acquired, and each of the plurality of second lines is acquired.
- a second unit coordinate interval different from the first unit coordinate interval is determined in the line arrangement direction, and the first recording means and the second recording means are arranged in a specific positional relationship in the line arrangement direction.
- Recording coordinate acquisition means for acquiring recording coordinates on a second coordinate axis that has a predetermined reference relative positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with the reference position of the first coordinate axis when the reference position is
- Recording position acquisition means for acquiring a recording position in the line array direction in the imaging data of each of the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines;
- a relative positional relationship in the line arrangement direction between the reference position of the first coordinate axis and the reference position of the second coordinate axis is specified from the correspondence relationship between the acquired recording coordinates and the recording position, and the specified relative A position for calculating a value corresponding to a positional deviation amount from the specific positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with respect to the first recording unit of the second recording unit based on the positional relationship and the predetermined reference relative positional relationship.
- a deviation amount calculating means for calculating a value corresponding to a positional deviation amount from the specific positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with respect to the first recording unit of the second recording unit based on the
- the invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
- the predetermined reference relative positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the reference position of the first coordinate axis and the reference position of the second coordinate axis coincide with each other in the line arrangement direction.
- the positional deviation amount calculation means is configured to determine whether the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis are based on the same coordinate at a position in the line arrangement direction where the coordinates on the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis are the same.
- a relative positional relationship in the line arrangement direction is specified.
- the misregistration amount calculating means includes a third coordinate axis indicating the recording coordinates of the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis as a common coordinate axis and a fourth coordinate axis indicating the recording position as two axes.
- a third coordinate axis indicating the recording coordinates of the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis as a common coordinate axis
- a fourth coordinate axis indicating the recording position as two axes.
- the invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
- the inspection image includes a first identification mark recorded by the first recording means in a predetermined positional relationship with the plurality of first lines, and a first positional relationship with the plurality of second lines in a predetermined positional relationship.
- a second identification mark recorded by two recording means The recording coordinate acquisition means acquires the recording coordinates on the first coordinate axis of at least one of the plurality of first lines based on a positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with the first identification mark, The recording coordinates on the second coordinate axis of at least one of the plurality of second lines are acquired based on a positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with the second identification mark.
- the invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
- the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines are recorded at predetermined intervals, respectively.
- the recorded coordinate acquisition means acquires the recorded coordinates of the plurality of first lines from a value corresponding to the predetermined interval and a number indicating the arrangement order of the plurality of first lines, and the predetermined interval and the plurality of the plurality of first lines.
- the recording coordinates of the plurality of second lines are acquired from a value corresponding to a number indicating the arrangement order of the second lines.
- the invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
- the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines are respectively three or more lines recorded at equal intervals.
- the invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
- the recording coordinate acquisition unit acquires a value corresponding to a number indicating an arrangement order of the plurality of first lines as the recording coordinates of the plurality of first lines, and the recording coordinates of the plurality of second lines as the recording coordinates. It is characterized in that a value corresponding to a number indicating the arrangement order of a plurality of second lines is acquired.
- the invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
- the recording coordinate acquisition means uses any one recording coordinate of the plurality of first lines as a reference position of the first coordinate axis, and uses any one recording coordinate of the plurality of second lines as the first coordinate. It is characterized by a reference position of two coordinate axes.
- the invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
- the plurality of recording elements of the first recording unit are transferred to the inspection image while the recording medium is moved by a conveying unit that moves the recording medium in the conveying direction with respect to the first recording unit and the second recording unit.
- the plurality of first lines are recorded by recording elements having different arrangement positions in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and among the plurality of recording elements of the second recording unit, the arrangement positions in the width direction are different.
- the plurality of second lines are recorded by an element,
- the positional deviation amount calculation means calculates a value corresponding to the positional deviation amount in the width direction of the second recording means relative to the first recording means as a value corresponding to the positional deviation amount from the specific positional relationship. It is characterized by that.
- the plurality of recording elements of the first recording unit are transferred to the inspection image while the recording medium is moved by a conveying unit that moves the recording medium in the conveying direction with respect to the first recording unit and the second recording unit.
- the plurality of recording elements of the second recording means and the recorded lines are connected in series.
- the plurality of second lines are recorded by a recording element having a positional relationship of
- the misregistration amount calculation unit calculates a value corresponding to the misregistration amount in the transport direction of the second recording unit with respect to the first recording unit as a value corresponding to the misregistration amount from the specific positional relationship. It is characterized by that.
- the invention according to claim 11 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
- the recording position acquisition means sets a recording position acquisition line indicating a position for acquiring the recording position in the line arrangement direction, and an imaginary line extending each of the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines; The position in the line arrangement direction of the intersection with the recording position acquisition line is acquired as the recording position.
- the invention according to claim 12 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Image data of an image recorded on the recording medium by the first recording unit and the second recording unit based on a value corresponding to the positional deviation amount calculated by the positional deviation amount calculating unit or the positional deviation amount It is characterized by comprising image data correcting means for correcting.
- the invention of the image recording apparatus according to claim 13 An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first recording means and the second recording means; It is characterized by having.
- the invention of the image recording apparatus according to claim 14 An information processing apparatus according to claim 9; The first recording means and the second recording means; Based on the value corresponding to the positional deviation amount calculated by the positional deviation amount calculating means or the positional deviation amount, the timing at which recording is performed on the recording medium by the first recording means and the second recording means is corrected. And a recording timing correction means.
- the invention of the image recording apparatus according to claim 15 An information processing apparatus according to claim 9;
- the first recording means and the second recording means The imaging data obtained by imaging the two uniform gradation image areas adjacent to each other in the width direction by the imaging unit that captures the inspection image has a luminance between the luminances of the two uniform gradation image areas. Occurs when the luminance transition range changes.
- the first recording means causes the first recording means to set the interval in the width direction of the plurality of adjacent first lines to be not less than twice the distance on the recording medium corresponding to the width direction length of the luminance transition range.
- the recording apparatus includes recording control means for recording the plurality of second lines by the second recording means.
- the invention of the image recording apparatus provides: An information processing apparatus according to claim 10; The first recording means and the second recording means, The imaging data obtained by imaging the two uniform gradation image areas adjacent to each other in the transport direction by the imaging unit that captures the inspection image has a luminance between the luminances of the two uniform gradation image areas. Occurs when the luminance transition range changes.
- the first recording means causes the first recording means to set the interval in the transport direction between the plurality of adjacent first lines to be not less than twice the distance on the recording medium corresponding to the length in the transport direction of the luminance transition range.
- the recording apparatus includes recording control means for recording the plurality of second lines by the second recording means.
- the invention of the image recording device An information processing apparatus according to claim 9;
- the plurality of first lines are recorded by the first recording means so that the interval between adjacent lines is not less than 3 times and less than 30 times the arrangement interval in the width direction of the plurality of image sensors, and the second recording is performed.
- Recording control means for recording the plurality of second lines by means It is characterized by having.
- an information processing method comprises: The positional relationship between the first recording unit and the second recording unit is specified based on the imaging data of the inspection image recorded on the recording medium by the first recording unit and the second recording unit each having a plurality of recording elements arranged.
- An information processing method for performing processing, The inspection image includes a plurality of first lines recorded at different recording positions in the line arrangement direction on the recording medium by the first recording means, and a plurality of first lines recorded in the line arrangement direction by the second recording means.
- a plurality of second lines recorded at different recording positions For each of the plurality of first lines, a recording coordinate on a first coordinate axis in which a predetermined first unit coordinate interval is defined in the line arrangement direction on the recording medium is acquired, and each of the plurality of second lines is acquired.
- a second unit coordinate interval different from the first unit coordinate interval is determined in the line arrangement direction, and the first recording means and the second recording means are arranged in a specific positional relationship in the line arrangement direction.
- a relative positional relationship in the line arrangement direction between the reference position of the first coordinate axis and the reference position of the second coordinate axis is determined from the correspondence relationship between the acquired recording coordinates and recording positions, Based on the relative positional relationship and the predetermined reference relative positional relationship, a value corresponding to a positional deviation amount from the specific positional relationship in the line arrangement direction with respect to the first recording unit of the second recording unit is calculated.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a head unit, a fixing unit, and a line sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light-incidence surface of a line sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the main function structures of an inkjet recording device. It is a figure which shows an example of the test
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection image used for a calculation process of a positional deviation amount related to an alignment element B. It is a figure explaining the straight line which shows the correspondence of the recording coordinate of several lines, and a recording position.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection image used for a calculation process of a positional deviation amount related to an alignment element C. It is a figure explaining the straight line which shows the correspondence of the recording coordinate of several lines, and a recording position.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection image used for a calculation process of a positional deviation amount related to an alignment element D. It is a figure explaining the straight line which shows the correspondence of the recording coordinate of several lines, and a recording position.
- FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the test
- FIG. It is a figure explaining the straight line which shows the correspondence of the recording coordinate and recording position of several lines which concern on the modification 2.
- FIG. It is a figure explaining the process in case a line inclines with respect to a Y-axis in imaging data.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus 1 which is an embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 10, an image recording unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, a control unit 40 (FIG. 4) (information processing apparatus), and the like. Under the control of the control unit 40, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 conveys the recording medium P stored in the paper feeding unit 10 to the image recording unit 20, and records (forms) an image on the recording medium P by the image recording unit 20. Then, the recording medium P on which the image is recorded is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 30.
- As the recording medium P various media capable of fixing the ink (coloring material) discharged to the surface, such as paper, cloth, or sheet-like resin, can be used.
- the paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed tray 11 that stores the recording medium P, and a transport unit 12 that transports the recording medium P from the paper feed tray 11 to the image recording unit 20.
- the transport unit 12 includes a ring-shaped belt 123 whose inner side is supported by two rollers 121 and 122. The transport unit 12 transports the recording medium P by rotating the rollers 121 and 122 while the recording medium P is placed on the belt 123.
- the image recording unit 20 includes a conveyance drum 21 (conveying unit), a delivery unit 22, a heating unit 23, a head unit 50, a fixing unit 24, a line sensor 25 (imaging unit), and a delivery unit 26. .
- the conveyance drum 21 holds the recording medium P on a cylindrical outer peripheral surface (conveyance surface) and rotates around a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as X direction).
- the recording medium P is transported in the transport direction along the outer peripheral surface (hereinafter referred to as the Y direction).
- the transport drum 21 includes a claw portion and a suction portion (not shown) for holding the recording medium P on its outer peripheral surface.
- the recording medium P is held on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance drum 21 by the end being pressed by the claw portion and sucked to the outer peripheral surface by the intake portion.
- the transport drum 21 includes a transport drum motor 21M (FIG. 4) for rotating the transport drum 21, and rotates by an angle proportional to the rotation amount of the transport drum motor 21M.
- the delivery unit 22 delivers the recording medium P transported by the transport unit 12 of the paper feed unit 10 to the transport drum 21.
- the delivery unit 22 is provided at a position between the transport unit 12 and the transport drum 21 of the paper feed unit 10, holds one end of the recording medium P transported from the transport unit 12 by the swing arm unit 221, and delivers the transport unit. Delivered to the transport drum 21 via the drum 222.
- the heating unit 23 heats the recording medium P held on the transport drum 21.
- the heating unit 23 includes, for example, an infrared heater, and the infrared heater generates heat in response to energization.
- the heating unit 23 is provided in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 21 and on the upstream side of the head unit 50 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. Heat generation of the heating unit 23 is controlled by the control unit 40 so that the recording medium P held by the transport drum 21 and passing through the vicinity of the heating unit 23 has a predetermined temperature.
- the head unit 50 records an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium P held on the transport drum 21.
- the head unit 50 is disposed with a predetermined distance so that the ink discharge surface faces the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 21.
- the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes four head units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K (hereinafter, corresponding to four color inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). These four head units 50 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the order of colors Y, M, C, and K from the upstream side along the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. .
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the head unit 50, the fixing unit 24, and the line sensor 25.
- the head unit 50Y corresponding to yellow ink has four recording heads 51Y (recording means) attached to an attachment member.
- the head units 50M, 50C, and 50K corresponding to the magenta, cyan, and black inks respectively have four recording heads 51M, 51C, and 51K (hereinafter, the recording heads 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K are simply referred to as the recording head 51). Also noted).
- Numbers 0 to 3 are set in order from the + X direction side to the four recording heads 51Y. Similarly, numbers 0 to 3 are set for the recording heads 51M, 51C, and 51K, respectively. In the following, when the recording head 51 including the number is shown, the number is given in parentheses like the recording head 51Y (0). In FIG. 2, the position of the recording head 51 ⁇ / b> C (2) in the X direction is illustrated so as to be different from the position of the recording head 51 ⁇ / b> K (2) in order to explain the positional deviation amount described later.
- Each recording head 51 has a plurality of recording elements 52.
- Each recording element 52 includes a pressure chamber for storing ink, a piezoelectric element provided on a wall surface of the pressure chamber, and a nozzle.
- the pressure in the pressure chamber changes according to the magnitude of the drive voltage, and ink is ejected from the nozzles communicating with the pressure chamber.
- the nozzles of the recording element 52 are provided with openings on the surface (ink discharge surface) of the head unit 50 on the side of the transport drum 21. In FIG. 2, a part of the opening of the nozzle included in the recording element 52 is drawn as a dot.
- the nozzles of the plurality of recording elements 52 included in the recording head 51 are arranged in the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the recording medium P on the surface facing the conveyance drum 21 of the recording head 51. Are arranged over the recording width.
- the recording elements 52 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. Note that the nozzle rows of the recording elements 52 need only be arranged in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction, and need not necessarily be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction.
- Each recording head 51 includes two or more rows of recording elements 52 arranged in the X direction, and each of the two or more recording elements 52 is arranged at different positions in the X direction as a whole. There may be.
- the arrangement of the recording elements 52 means an arrangement of nozzle positions in the recording elements 52.
- the four recording heads 51 included in each head unit 50 are arranged in a staggered pattern so that the arrangement ranges in the X direction partially overlap each other, and the first and third recording elements 52 along the X direction. Are located on the same line, and the recording elements 52 of the second and fourth recording heads 51 are located on the same line.
- the arrangement ranges in the X direction of the recording elements 52 included in each recording head 51 overlap.
- the recording head 51Y (1) and the recording head 51Y (2) have overlapping X-direction arrangement ranges of the recording elements 52 in the range R1 shown in FIG.
- each recording head 51 includes about 3500 recording elements 52, of which about 50 are included in a portion where the arrangement ranges of the recording elements 52 in the X direction overlap. It is a piece.
- the overlapping portion is set so that an image is recorded only by the recording element 52 of one recording head 51 out of the two recording heads 51 having the recording element 52 in the overlapping portion.
- the arrangement range in the X direction of the recording element 52 included in the head unit 50 covers the width in the X direction of the area where the image is recorded in the recording medium P held and conveyed by the conveyance drum 21.
- the unit 50 is used with its position fixed with respect to the transport drum 21 during image recording. That is, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is a single-pass inkjet recording apparatus.
- the recording resolution in the X direction and the Y direction of the head unit 50 of this embodiment is 1200 dpi, and the recording elements 52 included in the head unit 50 are arranged at a density of 1200 per inch in the X direction.
- the recording head 51 includes an ink heating unit (not shown).
- the ink heating unit operates under the control of the control unit 40 and heats the ink to a temperature that becomes a sol.
- the recording element 52 ejects ink that has been heated to form a sol.
- the fixing unit 24 includes a fluorescent tube such as a low-pressure mercury lamp, and irradiates the recording medium P held on the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 21 with energy rays such as ultraviolet rays by the light emitted from the fluorescent tube. The ink discharged on P is cured and fixed.
- the fixing unit 24 is disposed on the downstream side of the head unit 50 in the transport direction.
- the line sensor 25 is arranged at a position downstream of the fixing unit 24 in the Y direction, captures an image recorded on the recording medium P held and transported by the transport drum 21, and outputs two-dimensional image data.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light incident surface of the line sensor 25.
- the line sensor 25 includes a plurality of imaging elements 251R, a plurality of imaging elements 251G, and a plurality of imaging elements 251B, each one-dimensionally arranged in the X direction.
- the image sensors 251R, 251G, and 251B (hereinafter also simply referred to as the image sensor 251) receive light emitted from a light source (not shown) and reflected from the surface of the recording medium P by a light receiving unit. ), A signal corresponding to the intensity of the blue (B) wavelength component is output.
- a light source not shown
- a signal corresponding to the intensity of the blue (B) wavelength component is output.
- the image sensors 251R, 251G, and 251B are represented by rectangles labeled “R”, “G”, and “B”, respectively.
- the image sensor 251 is arranged in a state where the light receiving portion is exposed on the surface of the line sensor 25 facing the conveyance drum 21.
- a CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
- a CCD Charge Coupled Device
- the imaging elements 251R, 251G, and 251B are arranged in this order in the Y direction, and a set of imaging elements 251R, 251G, and 251B arranged in the Y direction constitutes the pixel 252 of the line sensor 25.
- light detection is performed by any one of the image sensors 251 R, 251 G, and 251 B, and pixel data is output. Note that in each pixel 252, light detection may be performed by two or more of the imaging elements 251 ⁇ / b> R, 251 ⁇ / b> G, and 251 ⁇ / b> B.
- the line sensor 25 converts the analog signal output from each pixel 252 into a digital signal, and outputs a digital signal indicating imaging data including pixel data from each pixel 252 to the control unit 40.
- the resolution in the width direction (X direction) of the imaging data output from the line sensor 25 is 600 dpi
- the resolution in the transport direction (Y direction) is 300 dpi.
- the delivery unit 26 includes an annular belt 263 that is supported by two rollers 261 and 262 on the inside, and a cylindrical delivery drum 264 that delivers the recording medium P from the transport drum 21 to the belt 263.
- the recording medium P transferred from the conveyance drum 21 to the belt 263 by the H.264 is conveyed by the belt 263 and sent to the paper discharge unit 30.
- the paper discharge unit 30 includes a plate-shaped paper discharge tray 31 on which the recording medium P sent out from the image recording unit 20 by the delivery unit 26 is placed.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
- the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) (recording coordinate acquisition means, recording position acquisition means, positional deviation amount calculation means, image data correction means, recording timing correction means, recording control means), RAM 42 (Random Access Memory).
- a control unit 40 including a ROM 43 (Read Only Memory) and a storage unit 44, a recording head control circuit 61 connected to the recording head 51, a line sensor control circuit 62 connected to the line sensor 25, and a transport drum motor 21M.
- a transport drum motor control circuit 63 connected to the external device 2, an interface 64 connected to the external device 2, and the like.
- the CPU 41 is connected to the RAM 42, the ROM 43, the recording head control circuit 61, the line sensor control circuit 62, the transport drum motor control circuit 63 and the interface 64 via the bus 65.
- the CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes and controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For example, the CPU 41 outputs image data of an image to be recorded on the recording medium P from the recording head control circuit 61 to the recording head 51, thereby ejecting ink from the recording element 52 of the recording head 51, so that the image is recorded on the recording medium P. Let me record. Further, the CPU 41 causes the line sensor 25 to capture an image recorded on the recording medium P by outputting a control signal from the line sensor control circuit 62 to the line sensor 25. Further, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal from the transport drum motor control circuit 63 to the drive circuit of the transport drum motor 21M and operates the transport drum motor 21M to rotate the transport drum 21.
- the CPU 41 calculates the positional deviation amount of the recording head 51 based on the image data obtained by the line sensor 25 and stores it in the RAM 42. Further, the CPU 41 corrects the image data of the image recorded on the recording medium P using the positional deviation amount data stored in the RAM 42 and causes the storage unit 44 to store the corrected image data.
- the RAM 42 provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores temporary data. Further, in the RAM 42, data related to a distance corresponding to a unit coordinate interval of a coordinate axis X1 (Y1) described later, data related to a ratio of a unit coordinate interval between the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the coordinate axis X2 (Y2), calculated by the CPU 41. The amount of misregistration is stored.
- the RAM 42 may include a nonvolatile storage unit.
- the ROM 43 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 41, setting data, and the like.
- the program includes, for example, a program for calculating the positional deviation amount of the recording head 51 and an image recording program for correcting the image data and recording an image on the recording medium P using the corrected image data. Yes.
- a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory may be used.
- the storage unit 44 is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, image data input from the external device 2 via the interface 64, image data obtained by imaging with the line sensor 25, and the position of the recording head 51. Image data and the like corrected using the deviation amount are stored. These image data and the like may be stored in the RAM 42.
- DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
- the recording head control circuit 61 determines the timing of the driving voltage applied from the driving circuit of the recording head 51 to the piezoelectric element of the recording element 52 based on the signal input from the CPU 41 and the image data stored in the storage unit 44 and the like. A control signal (image data) for determining the size is output to the recording head 51.
- the line sensor control circuit 62 outputs, to the line sensor 25, a control signal for causing the line sensor 25 to perform imaging at a predetermined timing based on the signal input from the CPU 41 and the like.
- the transport drum motor control circuit 63 outputs a control signal for operating the transport drum motor 21M to the transport drum motor 21M based on the signal input from the CPU 41.
- the interface 64 is a means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external device 2, and is composed of any one of various serial interfaces, various parallel interfaces, or a combination thereof.
- the external device 2 is a personal computer, for example, and supplies image data of an image recorded by the inkjet recording device 1 to the control unit 40 via the interface 64.
- the positional deviation amounts in the X direction and the Y direction (from the positional relationship that satisfies the specific condition of each recording head 51 with respect to the recording head 51K (2) with respect to the recording head 51K (2) ( A positional deviation amount calculation process for calculating a positional deviation magnitude and direction) is performed. Further, the corrected image data is used by correcting the image data using the X-direction component of the calculated misregistration amount, and the ink from the recording element 52 is used using the Y-direction component of the calculated misalignment amount. An image recording process for correcting the ejection timing and recording an image is performed.
- the alignment element A is alignment in the X direction of the recording heads 51 included in different head units 50 and having the same number. Magnitude and direction of the positional displacement of the recording head 51 according to the alignment element A, number is represented by the X-direction of the positional deviation amount G A from the same certain conditions positional relationship between the recording head 51.
- the alignment element A for example, the positional deviation in the X direction between the recording head 51K (# 2) and the recording head 51C (# 2) indicated by the symbol A in FIG. the amount G A is calculated.
- the alignment element B is alignment in the X direction of the recording heads 51 included in the same head unit 50.
- Magnitude and direction of the positional displacement of the recording head 51 according to the alignment element B is represented by the X-direction of the positional deviation amount G B from certain conditions positional relationship between the recording head 51 included in the same head unit 50
- the alignment element B for example, the positional deviation amount G from the positional relationship satisfying a specific condition regarding the positional relationship in the X direction between the recording head 51K (1) and the recording head 51K (2) indicated by the symbol B in FIG. B is calculated.
- the alignment element C is an alignment in the Y direction of the recording heads 51 included in different head units 50 and having the same number.
- Magnitude and direction of the positional displacement of the recording head 51 according to the alignment element C is number is represented by a Y-direction position deviation amount G C from a particular satisfying the positional relationship of the recording head 51 is the same.
- the positional deviation amount G from the positional relationship satisfying a specific condition regarding the positional relationship in the Y direction between the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51C (2) indicated by the reference C in FIG. C is calculated.
- the alignment element D is an alignment in the Y direction of the recording heads 51 included in the same head unit 50.
- the magnitude and direction of the positional deviation of the recording head 51 related to the alignment element D is represented by the positional deviation amount G D in the Y direction from the positional relationship that satisfies the specific conditions of the recording heads 51 included in the same head unit 50.
- the positional deviation amount G from the positional relationship satisfying a specific condition regarding the positional relationship in the Y direction between the recording head 51K (1) and the recording head 51K (2) indicated by the symbol D in FIG. D is calculated.
- the positional deviation amount calculation processing an inspection image is recorded on the recording medium P, and the image data obtained by capturing the inspection image with the line sensor 25 is analyzed, whereby a predetermined length is used as a unit (unit length).
- the positional deviations g A , g B , g C , and g D indicating the magnitude of the positional deviation in each direction are calculated.
- the positional deviation amounts G A , G B expressed in the same dimension as the coordinates related to the arrangement of the recording head 51.
- G C, G D is calculated.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G A according to the alignment element A.
- the inspection image includes a line pattern 70A and a reference mark 80A (first identification mark) recorded by the recording head 51K (2) (first recording unit) serving as a reference for calculating a positional deviation amount, and a positional deviation inspection target. It includes a line pattern 70B and a reference mark 80B (second identification mark) recorded by a certain recording head 51C (2) (second recording means).
- the line patterns 70A and 70B are also simply referred to as the line pattern 70
- the reference marks 80A and 80B are also simply referred to as the reference mark 80.
- FIG. 5 shows the recording medium P and the recording head 51 as viewed from the side opposite to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 21, but the recording head 51 is shown for convenience in showing the position of the recording element 52.
- the recording element 52 is shown in FIG. 7 (the same applies to FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 17, and 19).
- the line pattern 70A is a plurality of lines parallel to the transport direction, each recorded by ejecting ink from the recording elements 52 that are spaced apart from each other by the recording head 51K (2) with respect to the transported recording medium P.
- 71A first line
- the line patterns 70B are recorded in the transport direction in which ink is ejected from the recording elements 52 that are spaced apart from each other by the recording head 51C (2) with respect to the transported recording medium P.
- a plurality of lines 71B (second lines) parallel to the line.
- the line pattern 70A is recorded such that every seven recording elements 52 are selected and the distance in the X direction between the lines 71A is 8s when the distance between the recording elements 52 in the X direction is the distance s.
- the Each line 71A is orthogonal to a virtual coordinate axis X1 (first coordinate axis) in the X direction (line arrangement direction) set on the recording medium P, and coordinates (recording coordinates) about the coordinate axis X1 are determined in advance. ing. Specifically, each line 71A is recorded at a position where the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis X1 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, ⁇ 4.
- the unit coordinate interval (8s) (first unit coordinate interval) is set so that the recording coordinates of the line 71A are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, and ⁇ 4, respectively.
- the line pattern 70B is recorded such that the arrangement interval of the lines 71B in the X direction is a distance 9s. That is, each line 71B is recorded such that every eight recording elements 52 of the recording head 51C (2) are selected and the arrangement interval of the lines 71B in the X direction is a distance 9s.
- Each line 71B is orthogonal to a virtual coordinate axis X2 (second coordinate axis) in the X direction set on the recording medium P, and recording coordinates (recording coordinates) for the coordinate axis X2 are determined in advance. Specifically, the line 71B is recorded at a position where the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis X2 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, ⁇ 4. In other words, for the coordinate axis X2, the unit coordinate interval (9s) (second unit coordinate interval) is set so that the recording coordinates of the line 71B are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, and ⁇ 4, respectively. .
- the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X2 is 9/8 times the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1.
- the unit coordinates intervals of the coordinate axes X2 the ratio of the unit coordinates intervals of the coordinate axes X1
- the magnification and r A The magnification and r A.
- the absolute values of the coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 represent numbers (line numbers) indicating the arrangement order of the lines 71A and 71B with respect to the origin, and the code of the coordinates represents the arrangement direction of the line 71 with respect to the origin. It can be said that there is. Also, the coordinate axes X1 and X2 and their coordinates drawn in FIG. 5 are for explaining the inspection image and are not recorded on the recording medium P. The same applies to the following FIGS.
- the position in the X direction of the origin (reference position) of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 is a positional relationship (specific positional relationship) in which the recording head 51C (2) satisfies a specific condition in the X direction with respect to the recording head 51K (2).
- the specific condition is that the positions of the corresponding recording elements 52 in the X direction in the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51C (2) match.
- the corresponding recording elements 52 are, for example, the recording elements 52 of the different recording heads 51 that have the same position (number indicating the arrangement order of the recording elements 52) in the recording head 51.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the recording head 51C (2) is not in a positional relationship that satisfies the above specific condition with respect to the recording head 51K (2), and a positional deviation in the X direction occurs.
- the reference mark 80 is formed by recording the ink ejected onto the recording medium P with a plurality of recording elements 52 in a positional relationship that forms a series of connections in the X direction.
- the reference mark 80 is a rectangular mark whose length in the X direction is larger than the line 71 and smaller than the recording width of the line pattern 70 in the X direction. Therefore, the reference mark 80 is easily distinguished from the line 71 in the inspection image including the plurality of lines 71, and is used as a reference when acquiring the position of the line 71 in the X direction from the imaging data of the inspection image.
- the reference mark 80 is a mark occupying a certain area, the position of the reference mark 80 is represented by a predetermined reference position among the reference marks 80.
- the reference position can be any point of the reference mark 80, but in this embodiment, the center of gravity of the reference mark 80 is used as the reference position.
- the reference marks 80A and 80B are recorded such that the X-direction position of the reference position coincides with the origins of the X-direction coordinate axes X1 and X2.
- a method of calculating the position deviation g A and the positional deviation amount G A recording head 51 in the position deviation amount calculating process is calculated.
- the inspection image shown in FIG. 5 is recorded on the recording medium P by the head unit 50, and the inspection image is captured by the line sensor 25 to acquire imaging data.
- the positional deviation g A of the recording head 51 is calculated by obtaining and analyzing the luminance data in the imaging data.
- the recording position in the X direction (line arrangement direction) and the recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X1 in the imaging data are acquired from the imaging data, and each of the plurality of lines 71B is acquired. Then, the recording position in the X direction in the imaging data and the recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X2 are acquired. Next, straight lines indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions respectively acquired for the plurality of lines 71A and 71B are derived.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B.
- a straight line L1 (first approximate straight line) and a straight line L2 (second approximate straight line) are a coordinate axis X3 (third coordinate axis) indicating the coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 as a common coordinate axis, and a coordinate axis indicating a position in the X direction in the imaging data. It is expressed in an orthogonal coordinate system having Px (fourth coordinate axis) as two axes.
- a plurality of points corresponding to each of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B are plotted.
- the coordinates of the coordinate axis X3 of each point are the recorded coordinates of the line 71
- the coordinates of the coordinate axis Px are the lines.
- 71 recording positions are shown.
- the straight line L1 is an approximation straight line that is best applied to a plurality of points corresponding to the plurality of lines 71A by the least square method
- the straight line L2 is an approximation best applied to the plurality of points corresponding to the plurality of lines 71B.
- a straight line is derived by the method of least squares.
- the coordinate a A on the coordinate axis X3 of the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 is the coordinate at the position in the X direction where the coordinates of the coordinate axis X1 and the coordinate axis X2 in the inspection image and its imaging data shown in FIG. Equivalent to.
- the positional deviation of the origin of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 is about the X direction with the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 as a unit from the positional relationship of the recording head 51C (2) with respect to the recording head 51K (2). corresponding to the displacement g a.
- positional deviation amount G A is calculated. Since in r A> 1, when the position deviation g A is a positive value indicates that positional deviation amount G A to the recording head 51K (2) of the recording head 51C (2) is a + X direction, A negative value indicates the ⁇ X direction.
- the recording head 51M based has shown an example of calculating the positional deviation amount G A, likewise the black recording head 51K (2) with respect to the recording head 51K (2) of the recording head 51C (2) (2), the positional deviation amount G a of 51Y (2) is calculated.
- the recording head 51C in which the recording head 51K (2) as a reference (2), 51M (2), in the case of capturing an inspection image by the line sensor 25 for the calculation of the positional deviation amount G A of 51Y (2) Uses only the image sensors 251R, 251G, and 251B of the pixels 252 of the line sensor 25, respectively.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G B according to an alignment element B.
- the inspection image of FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 5 in the arrangement of the recording head 51 and the lines 71A and 71B used for recording, and the other points are the same as those in FIG. To do.
- the inspection image shown in FIG. 7 is recorded by the line pattern 70A and the reference mark 80A recorded by the recording head 51K (2) serving as a reference for calculating the amount of misregistration, and by the recording head 51K (1) that is the subject of the misregistration inspection.
- Line pattern 70B and fiducial mark 80B A plurality of lines 71A included in the line pattern 70A are recorded so that every seventh recording element 52 of the recording head 51K (2) is selected, and the arrangement interval of the lines 71A in the X direction is a distance 8s.
- the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis X1 of each line 71A are 0, -1, -2, -3, and -4.
- the plurality of lines 71B included in the line pattern 70B are recorded such that every eight recording elements 52 of the recording head 51K (1) are selected and the arrangement interval of the lines 71A in the X direction is a distance 9s.
- the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis X2 of each line 71B are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Accordingly, the ratio r B of the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X2 to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 is 9/8, the same as the ratio r A.
- the line 71A corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis X1 has overlapping arrangement ranges in the X direction of the recording elements 52 included in the recording heads 51K (1) and 51K (2) among the recording elements 52 of the recording head 51K (1). Recording is performed by the recording element 52 near the center of the range R1.
- the line 71B corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis X2 is the position of the coordinate axis X1 when the alignment related to the alignment element B among the recording elements 52 of the recording head 51K (1) is appropriate (when the positional relationship satisfies a specific condition). Recording is performed by the recording element 52 having the same arrangement position in the X direction as the recording element 52 corresponding to the origin line 71A.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the recording head 51K (1) is not in a positional relationship that satisfies the above specific condition with respect to the recording head 51K (2) and a positional deviation in the X direction occurs.
- the method of calculating the position deviation g B and the positional deviation amount G B of the recording head 51 is similar to the example of FIG. That is, the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence relationship between the recording coordinates and the recording positions respectively acquired for the lines 71A and 71B from the imaging data of the inspection image are derived, and the coordinates a B of the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 are compared with the ratio.
- the positional deviation g B is calculated from r B. Then, by multiplying the distance corresponding to the unit coordinate intervals of the coordinate axes X1 to the position deviation g B, it calculates a positional deviation amount G B.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B.
- the coordinate a B related to the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 is calculated as 1.5.
- the positional deviation g B on the coordinate axis X1 is calculated as ( ⁇ 0.1875).
- positional deviation amount G B corresponding to the position deviation g B is calculated as a distance (-1.5s). Therefore, it is detected that the recording head 51K (1) is displaced from the recording head 51K (2) by a distance of 1.5 s in the ⁇ X direction.
- Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G C according to the alignment element C.
- the inspection image of FIG. 9 is different from FIG. 5 in the arrangement and direction of the recording head 51 and the lines 71A and 71B used for recording, and the other points are the same as those in FIG. The explanation will focus on the differences.
- the inspection image shown in FIG. 9 is recorded by the line pattern 70A and the reference mark 80A recorded by the recording head 51K (2) serving as a reference for calculating the displacement amount, and by the recording head 51C (2) that is the object of inspection for displacement.
- Line pattern 70B and fiducial mark 80B are recorded by the recording head 51K (2) serving as a reference for calculating the displacement amount, and by the recording head 51C (2) that is the object of inspection for displacement.
- the line pattern 70A includes a plurality of lines 71A (first lines) parallel to the X direction recorded by the recording element 52 included in the recording head 51K (2).
- the line pattern 70B includes a plurality of lines 71B (second lines) parallel to the X direction recorded by the recording element 52 included in the recording head 51C (2).
- Each line 71 is formed by recording with a plurality of recording elements 52 in a positional relationship in which the ink ejected to the recording medium P forms a series of connections (the lines to be recorded form a series of connections).
- the position in the Y direction of each line 71 is determined by the timing at which ink is ejected from the recording head 51 to the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying drum 21.
- the line pattern 70A is recorded such that the arrangement interval in the Y direction of the line 71A is a distance corresponding to eight recording pixels. Since the recording resolution in the X direction and the Y direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is 1200 dpi, the distance corresponds to a distance of 8 s.
- Each line 71A is orthogonal to a virtual coordinate axis Y1 (first coordinate axis) in the Y direction (line arrangement direction) set on the recording medium P, and the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis Y1 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, ⁇ 4.
- the line pattern 70B is recorded such that the arrangement interval in the Y direction of the line 71B is nine recording pixels, that is, a distance 9s.
- Each line 71B is orthogonal to a virtual coordinate axis Y2 (second coordinate axis) in the Y direction set on the recording medium P, and the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis Y2 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3. Recorded at a position of ⁇ 4. Therefore, the ratio r C of the unit coordinate interval (second unit coordinate interval) of the coordinate axis Y2 to the unit coordinate interval (first unit coordinate interval) of the coordinate axis Y1 is 9/8.
- the absolute values of the coordinates of the coordinate axes Y1 and Y2 represent the array numbers (line numbers) of the lines 71A and 71B with respect to the origin, and the code of the coordinates represents the array direction of the line 71 with respect to the origin.
- the coordinate axes Y1, Y2 and their coordinates drawn in FIG. 9 are for explaining the inspection image and are not recorded on the recording medium P. The same applies to FIG. 11 below.
- a line 71A recorded at a position corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis Y1 and a line 71B recorded at a position corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis Y2 are the alignment elements C of the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51C (2).
- the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51C are at the ink ejection timing at which the recording positions in the Y direction are the same (reference relative positional relationship). Recorded according to (2).
- FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the recording head 51C (2) has a positional deviation in the Y direction with respect to the recording head 51K (2) without being in a positional relationship that satisfies the above specific condition.
- the reference marks 80A and 80B are recorded so that the Y-direction positions of the reference positions coincide with the origins of the coordinate axes Y1 and Y2 in the Y-direction.
- a method of calculating the position deviation g C and the positional deviation amount G C of the recording head 51 in the position deviation amount calculating process First, for each of the plurality of lines 71A, the recording position in the Y direction (line arrangement direction) and the recording coordinates on the coordinate axis Y1 are acquired from the imaging data, and the imaging data is acquired for each of the plurality of lines 71B. The Y-direction recording position and the recording coordinates on the coordinate axis Y2 are acquired. Next, straight lines indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions respectively acquired for the plurality of lines 71A and 71B are derived.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B.
- the straight lines L1 and L2 respectively corresponding to the line patterns 70A and 70B are a coordinate axis Y3 (third coordinate axis) indicating the coordinates of the coordinate axes Y1 and Y2 as a common coordinate axis, and a coordinate axis Py (fourth coordinate) indicating the position in the Y direction in the imaging data.
- the coordinate system is expressed in an orthogonal coordinate system having two axes. In this orthogonal coordinate system, a plurality of points corresponding to each of the lines 71A and 71B are plotted.
- the coordinates of the coordinate axis Y3 of each point are the recorded coordinates of the line 71
- the coordinates of the coordinate axis Py are the coordinates of the line 71.
- Each recording position is shown.
- the straight line L1 is an approximate line derived by a least square method from a plurality of points corresponding to the plurality of lines 71A
- the straight line L2 is an approximation derived by a least square method from a plurality of points corresponding to the plurality of lines 71B. It is a straight line.
- the recording head 51M based has shown an example of calculating a position deviation amount G C, likewise the black recording head 51K (2) with respect to the recording head 51K (2) of the recording head 51C (2) (2), the position deviation amount G C of 51Y (2) is calculated.
- the recording head 51C in which the recording head 51K (2) as a reference (2), 51M (2), in the case of capturing an inspection image by the line sensor 25 for the calculation of the positional deviation amount G C of 51Y (2) Uses only the image sensors 251R, 251G, and 251B of the pixels 252 of the line sensor 25, respectively.
- Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G D according to the alignment element D.
- the inspection image of FIG. 11 is different from FIG. 9 in the arrangement of the recording head 51 and the lines 71A and 71B used for recording, and the other points are the same as those in FIG. To do.
- the inspection image shown in FIG. 11 is recorded by the line pattern 70A and the reference mark 80A recorded by the recording head 51K (2) serving as a reference for calculating the amount of misregistration, and by the recording head 51K (1) that is the subject of the misregistration inspection.
- Line pattern 70B and fiducial mark 80B The plurality of lines 71A included in the line pattern 70A are recorded so that the arrangement interval in the Y direction is eight recording pixels, that is, the distance 8s, and the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis Y1 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3 ⁇ 4.
- the plurality of lines 71B included in the line pattern 70B are recorded so that the arrangement interval in the Y direction is nine recording pixels, that is, the distance 9s, and the recording coordinates of the coordinate axis Y2 are 0, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2. , ⁇ 3, ⁇ 4.
- the line 71A recorded at a position corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis Y1 and the line 71B recorded at a position corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axis Y2 are the alignment elements D of the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51K (1).
- the recording is performed by the recording head 51K (2) and the recording head 51K (1) at the ink ejection timing at which the recording positions in the Y direction are the same.
- the FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the recording head 51K (1) is not in a positional relationship that satisfies the above specific condition with respect to the recording head 51K (2) and a positional deviation in the Y direction occurs.
- the calculation method of the positional deviation g D and the positional deviation amount G D of the recording head 51 is the same as the example of FIG. That is, the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence relationship between the recording coordinates and the recording positions respectively acquired for the lines 71A and 71B from the imaging data of the inspection image are derived, and the positional deviation from the coordinates a D of the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2. g Calculate D. Then, by multiplying the distance corresponding to the unit coordinate intervals of the coordinate axes Y1 to the position deviation g D, it calculates a position deviation amount G D.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B.
- L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B.
- the position deviation g D at axis Y1 is calculated as 0.275.
- the positional deviation amount G D corresponding to the positional deviation g D is calculated as the distance 2.2s. Therefore, it is detected that the recording head 51K (1) is displaced from the recording head 51K (2) by a distance of 2.2 s in the Y direction.
- the line 71 is recorded so as to satisfy an arrangement condition that allows the position of the line sensor 25 to be accurately identified with respect to the length of the luminance transition range (luminance transition distance) generated in the image data captured by the line sensor 25. .
- this arrangement condition will be described.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the luminance transition distance of the line sensor 25
- FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the width direction luminance transition distance dx
- FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the conveyance direction luminance transition distance dy.
- Each distance (length) in these descriptions is a value converted from a distance (number of pixels) on the imaging data to a distance on the recording medium P.
- a first gradation image area 92ax uniform gradation image area
- an image of a uniform gradation here, a white image
- a second gradation image area 92bx (uniform gradation image area) in which an image having a uniform gradation (here, a black image) having a luminance different from that of the first gradation image area 92ax is recorded adjacent to the area 92ax in the X direction;
- a portion 92x including the boundary is shown.
- the range 93ax indicating the luminance of the first gradation image region 92ax and the range 93bx indicating the luminance of the second gradation image region 92bx are separated by a distance dx (width direction luminance transition distance). ing.
- a distance corresponding to the distance dx hereinafter referred to as a width direction luminance transition range 93cx
- the luminance continuously changes between the luminances corresponding to the first gradation image region 92ax and the second gradation image region 92bx.
- the above-mentioned range 93ax is a region showing a luminance of 90 or more when the luminance of the first gradation image region 92ax is 100 and the luminance of the second gradation image region 92bx is 0.
- the range 93bx is Similarly, it is an area showing a luminance of 10 or less.
- FIG. 13B on the left side, a first gradation image area 92ay (uniform gradation image area) and a second gradation image area 92by (uniform gradation) adjacent to the first gradation image area 92ay in the ⁇ Y direction are displayed. A portion 92y including a boundary with the (tone image area) is shown. Further, on the right side, a graph showing the luminance at the position of the analysis line 91 in the image data obtained by imaging the portion 92y of the recording medium P by the line sensor 25 is shown.
- the range 93ay indicating the luminance of the first gradation image region 92ay and the range 93by indicating the luminance of the second gradation image region 92by are separated by a distance dy (conveyance direction luminance transition distance). Yes.
- a conveyance direction luminance transition range 93cy In a region corresponding to the distance dy (hereinafter referred to as a conveyance direction luminance transition range 93cy), the luminance continuously changes between the luminances according to the first gradation image region 92ay and the second gradation image region 92by.
- the above-mentioned range 93ay is a region showing a luminance of 90 or more when the luminance of the first gradation image region 92ay is 100 and the luminance of the second gradation image region 92by is 0, and the range 93by is Similarly, it is an area showing a luminance of 10 or less.
- the method of determining the boundaries between the range 93ax, the range 93bx and the width direction luminance transition range 93cx, and the boundary between the range 93ay, the range 93by and the conveyance direction luminance transition range 93cy is not limited to the above, and the ranges 93ax, 93bx If the brightness of the first gradation image area 92ax and the second gradation image area 92bx are shown, and the ranges 93ay and 93by show the brightness of the first gradation image area 92ay and the second gradation image area 92by, respectively.
- the boundary may be determined by other methods.
- the first gradation image areas 92ax and 92ay can be areas that are not recorded on the recording medium P.
- the second gradation image areas 92bx and 92by are not limited to black images, but are areas in which a solid pattern of the same ink as that used for recording the line pattern 70 and the reference mark 80 is recorded on the recording medium P. It is good.
- the distance dx is required for the response to the luminance change in the width direction of the image recorded on the recording medium P
- the distance dy is required for the response to the luminance change in the transport direction.
- the size of the distance dx and the distance dy includes the installation state and performance of a lens that condenses the light incident on the line sensor 25 onto the image sensor 251, and the amount of incident scattered light from other than the imaging target position on the image sensor 251. Affected by.
- the size of the distance dy is also affected by the conveyance speed of the recording medium P at the time of imaging, and increases as the conveyance speed increases.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an aspect in which the width direction luminance transition range 93cx occurs.
- FIG. 14A shows the luminance of the second gradation image area 92bx in the second gradation image area 92bx, and the first gradation image area from the boundary between the first gradation image area 92ax and the second gradation image area 92bx.
- the width direction luminance transition range 93cx of the distance dx is generated on the 92ax side.
- FIG. 14A shows the luminance of the second gradation image area 92bx in the second gradation image area 92bx, and the first gradation image area from the boundary between the first gradation image area 92ax and the second gradation image area 92bx.
- the width direction luminance transition range 93cx of the distance dx is generated on the 92ax side.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B shows the luminance of the first gradation image area 92ax in the first gradation image area 92ax, and the second gradation from the boundary between the first gradation image area 92ax and the second gradation image area 92bx.
- a width direction luminance transition range 93cx of the distance dx occurs on the image area 92bx side.
- the width direction luminance transition range 93cx can be generated in any of the modes illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B and the intermediate state thereof depending on the lens arrangement of the line sensor 25, the incident state of the diffused light, and the like.
- the first gradation If the luminance of the image area 92ax is 100 and the luminance of the second gradation image area 92bx is 0, the center of gravity of each data group included in the area where the luminance is 90 or less (range R2 in FIG. 14A)
- the position in the X direction that equally divides the integrated value of the amount of decrease in brightness from the brightness 100) is estimated as the center position in the X direction of the second gradation image region 92bx.
- the width of the first gradation image region 92ax (that is, the interval between adjacent second gradation image regions 92bx) is preferably equal to or greater than the distance 2dx.
- width direction luminance transition range 93cx occurs is shown in FIG. 14, the same applies to the aspect in which the conveyance direction luminance transition range 93cy occurs.
- Lines 71A and 71B shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 are such that the interval between adjacent lines 71 in the X direction is equal to the width direction luminance transition range 93cx so that no trouble occurs regardless of the width direction luminance transition range 93cx. Recording is performed so that the distance on the recording medium P corresponding to the length in the width direction (width direction luminance transition distance dx) is twice or more.
- the lines 71A and 71B shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 have an interval between lines adjacent to each other in the transport direction luminance transition range 93cy so that no trouble occurs regardless of the transport direction brightness transition range 93cy. Are recorded so as to be at least twice the distance on the recording medium P corresponding to the length in the transport direction (transportation direction luminance transition distance dy).
- the arrangement conditions may be determined in relation to the arrangement interval of the pixels 252 of the line sensor 25 in the X direction.
- the interval between the lines 71 in the X direction is set to be not less than 3 times and less than 30 times the arrangement interval of the pixels 252 of the line sensor 25 in the X direction. .
- This range may be changed based on the imaging resolution of the line sensor 25, the recording resolution of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and the like.
- the lower limit of this range is set in a range in which adjacent lines 71 can be separated and read from the image data captured by the line sensor 25, and the upper limit is a predetermined number of lines 71 corresponding to points for deriving the straight lines L1 and L2. It is set within the above range.
- the positional deviation g i i is A, B, C, or D
- the positional deviation amount G i . Calculation accuracy is improved. Therefore, the predetermined number is a value corresponding to the calculation accuracy of the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i is requested be two or more.
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the positional deviation amount calculation processing.
- the CPU 41 controls the conveyance drum 21 on which the recording medium P is held and the recording head 51 of the head unit 50, and a plurality of predetermined recording elements 52 of the recording head 51 with respect to the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyance drum 21. by ejecting ink from recording the alignment element a ⁇ line pattern 70 to be used in the calculation of all the positional deviation amount G i according to any one of D, and inspection image and a reference mark 80 on the recording medium P (Step S11).
- the CPU 41 picks up an inspection image including the line pattern 70 and the reference mark 80 recorded on the recording medium P by the line sensor 25 while rotating the conveying drum 21 to convey the recording medium P (step S12).
- the CPU 41 outputs two-dimensional imaging data of the inspection image from the line sensor 25 and stores the obtained imaging data in the storage unit 44. Note that in step S12, the entire inspection image may be captured, or only a part (reading line) including the position of the analysis line from which the luminance is acquired and analyzed in the inspection image may be captured. Good.
- the recording medium P on which the inspection image is captured is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 30 under the control of the CPU 41.
- step S13 recording coordinate acquisition step, recording position acquisition step, positional deviation amount calculation step.
- the CPU 41 acquires luminance data on the analysis line set in the X direction (Y direction) at a position intersecting the reference marks 80A and 80B from the imaging data, and the X direction of the reference position of the reference marks 80A and 80B. The position in the (Y direction) is acquired and stored in the RAM 42.
- the CPU 41 acquires luminance data on the analysis line set in the X direction (Y direction) at a position intersecting with the line patterns 70A and 70B, and records the recording position of each line 71A, 71B in the X direction (Y direction). Acquired and stored in the RAM 42.
- the luminance data may be acquired in an analysis region having a width of a plurality of pixels in the Y direction (X direction) instead of the analysis line whose width in the Y direction (X direction) is a single pixel.
- the CPU 41 specifies a line 71A in which the reference position of the reference mark 80A and the position in the X direction (Y direction) are the same, and acquires the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) of the line 71A as 0.
- the data is stored in the RAM 42.
- the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) of the line 71A arranged in the + X direction (+ Y direction) with respect to the line 71A are obtained as 1, 2, 3, 4 in order, and the ⁇ X direction ( ⁇ Y direction) ) Are sequentially acquired as ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, and ⁇ 4, and the recorded coordinates are stored in the RAM 42.
- the CPU 41 specifies a line 71B having the same position in the X direction (Y direction) as the reference position of the reference mark 80B, and obtains the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) of the line 71B as 0.
- the data is stored in the RAM 42.
- the recording coordinates about the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) of the line 71B arranged in the + X direction (+ Y direction) with respect to the line 71B are obtained as 1, 2, 3, 4 in order, and the ⁇ X direction ( ⁇ Y direction) ),
- the recording coordinates of the line 71B arranged on the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) are sequentially acquired as -1, -2, -3, -4, and these recording coordinates are stored in the RAM 42.
- the CPU 41 derives the straight lines L1 and L2 in the orthogonal coordinate system having the coordinate axis X3 (Y3) and the coordinate axis Px (Py) as two axes, showing the relationship between these recording coordinates and recording positions, by the least square method.
- the values of parameters (inclination and intercept) representing the straight lines L1 and L2 are stored in the RAM 42.
- the CPU 41 calculates the coordinate a i of the coordinate axis X3 (Y3) of the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 derived in step S13, and the coordinate axis of the recording head 51 is calculated from the coordinate a i and the ratio r i stored in the RAM 42.
- CPU 41 obtains a distance corresponding to the unit coordinate intervals of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) from the RAM42 by multiplying to the positional deviation g i, and calculates the positional deviation amount G i. (Step S14; misregistration amount calculation step).
- the CPU 41 stores the calculated values of the coordinates a i , the positional deviation g i, and the positional deviation amount G i in the RAM 42.
- the inspection image recorded in step S11 is relates alignment elements of interest, positional deviation amount G i for the recording head 51 of all inspected to determine whether it has been calculated (step S15). If it is determined that the positional deviation amount G i has not been calculated for any of the recording heads 51 (“No” in step S15), the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S13, and the positional deviation amount G i is the inspected recording head 51 that is not calculated by executing the steps S13, S14 and calculates the positional deviation amount G i.
- step S15 If the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 of all of the inspection target is determined that the calculated ( "Yes” in step S15), CPU 41, the position deviation amount G of the all of the alignment element A ⁇ D It is determined whether or not i has been calculated (step S16). If it is determined that the calculation of the positional deviation amount G i is not completed for any of the alignment elements (“No” in step S16), the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S11, and the positional deviation amount G i. There calculates the position deviation amount G i executes step S11 ⁇ S14 for alignment elements not calculated.
- step S16 If the calculation of the positional deviation amount G i according to all the alignment element A ⁇ D is judged to be complete ( "Yes" in step S16), CPU 41 terminates the positional deviation amount calculating process.
- the steps S11 and S12 are performed separately for each of the alignment elements A to D. However, in each of steps S11 and S12, all the alignment elements A to D are processed, and step S16 is omitted. May be.
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the image recording process.
- the CPU 41 acquires the positional deviation amounts G i (position deviation amounts G A , G B , G C , G D ) related to the respective recording heads 51 calculated in the positional deviation amount calculation process and stored in the RAM 42 (steps). S21).
- the CPU41 among the obtained position deviation amount G i in step S21, positional deviation amount G A in the X direction, to correct the image data of an image to be recorded on the recording medium P based on the G B (step S22). Specifically, the CPU 41 acquires single-color image data including only the color elements corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black constituting the image data.
- CPU 41 a recording head 51C (2), 51M (2 ), alignment data corresponding to white based on the positional deviation amount G A according to the element A of the monochromatic image data + X direction of the end of 51Y (2) parts or by inserting the end of the -X direction, is shifted monochromatic image data in the -X direction or the + X direction by an amount to offset the positional deviation amount G a in the X direction of the recording head 51.
- the CPU 41 controls the transport drum 21 to transport the recording medium P and outputs the corrected image data stored in the storage unit 44 in step S22 from the recording head control circuit 61 to each recording head 51 for recording.
- An image is recorded on the medium P (step S23).
- the image recording is performed after adjusting the ink ejection timing from each recording head 51 based on the positional deviation amounts G C and G D related to the alignment elements C and D.
- the recording head 51C relative to the recording head 51K (2) (2), 51M (2), 51Y and positional deviation amount G C in the Y direction (2), the recording head 51K (2), 51C (2 ), 51M (2), and a positional deviation amount G D other three recording heads corresponding to the recording head 51 the same color on the basis of 51Y (2), a reference recording head 51K (2)
- the accumulated positional deviation amount in the Y direction of each recording head 51 is calculated.
- the predetermined ink ejection timing when the relative position in the Y direction with respect to the recording head 51K (2) set for each recording head 51 is a predetermined value corresponds to the calculated cumulative amount of positional deviation.
- the image is recorded at an appropriate position by offsetting the accumulated misregistration amount by being advanced or delayed by an amount.
- the CPU 41 records an image without correcting the ink ejection timing related to the recording head 51.
- the CPU 41 ends the image recording process.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 as the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment is recorded on the recording medium P by the reference recording head 51 in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged and the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- the positional relationship between the recording head 51 serving as a reference and the recording head 51 to be inspected is specified, and the inspection image is recorded in the X direction on the recording medium P by the recording head 51 serving as a reference. Recording is performed by changing the recording positions in the X direction (Y direction) on the recording medium P by the plurality of lines 71A recorded at different recording positions in the (Y direction) and the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- the CPU 41 includes a plurality of lines 71B, and each of the plurality of lines 71A is arranged in the X direction (Y direction) on the recording medium P.
- the recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) where the first unit coordinate interval is determined are acquired, and for each of the plurality of lines 71B, the second unit coordinate interval different from the first unit coordinate interval is present on the coordinate axis X1 (Y1).
- the reference position is the reference position of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the X direction.
- Recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) having a predetermined reference relative positional relationship in (Y direction) are acquired, and recording positions in the X direction (Y direction) in the imaging data of each of the plurality of lines 71A and the plurality of lines 71B are obtained.
- a relative positional relationship in the X direction (Y direction) between the reference position of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the reference position of the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) is obtained from the correspondence relationship between the acquired recording coordinates and the recording positions.
- the positional deviation g i is calculated based on the correspondence between the recording coordinates of the lines 71A and 71B and the recording positions, the positional deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 are calculated with high accuracy. be able to. Further, since the calculation of the positional deviation g i is not used the distance corresponding to the length of the imaging data, the positional deviation g i does not include error due to resolution calibration accuracy of the line sensor 25. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 with high accuracy without depending on the resolution accuracy of the calibration of the line sensor 25.
- the predetermined reference relative positional relationship is a positional relationship in which the reference position (origin) of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the reference position (origin) of the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) in the X direction (Y direction) match.
- the CPU 41 determines that the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the coordinate axis X2 are based on the same coordinate a i at the position in the X direction (Y direction) where the coordinates related to the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and the coordinate axis X2 (Y2) are the same.
- the positional relationship in the X direction (Y direction) with (Y2) is specified. Thereby, the positional deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 can be calculated more easily.
- the CPU 41 is an orthogonal coordinate system having two coordinate axes X3 (Y3) indicating the recording coordinates on the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) as a common coordinate axis and two coordinate axes Px (Py) indicating the recording positions.
- a second approximate straight line (straight line L2) of the points is calculated, and coordinates a i are obtained from the coordinates of the coordinate axis X3 (Y3) related to the intersection of the first approximate straight line and the second approximate straight line.
- a reference mark 80A recorded by the recording head 51 serving as a reference with a plurality of lines 71A and a predetermined positional relationship, and a recording of an inspection object with a plurality of lines 71B and a predetermined positional relationship are recorded.
- the CPU 41 includes a reference mark 80B recorded by the head 51, and the CPU 41 sets the recording coordinates on at least one coordinate axis X1 (Y1) of the plurality of lines 71A in the X direction (Y direction) with respect to the reference mark 80A.
- the recording coordinates on at least one coordinate axis X2 (Y2) among the plurality of lines 71B are obtained based on the positional relationship with respect to the reference mark 80B in the X direction (Y direction).
- the plurality of lines 71A and the plurality of lines 71B are three or more lines 71 recorded at equal intervals. Thereby, an approximate position where the coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 are the same can be obtained on the imaging data, and the coordinates a i can be easily calculated.
- the CPU 41 acquires a value corresponding to the number indicating the arrangement order in the plurality of lines 71A as the recording coordinates of the plurality of lines 71A, and sets the number indicating the arrangement order in the plurality of lines 71B as the recording coordinates of the plurality of lines 71B. Get the corresponding value. Thereby, the recording coordinates of the line 71 can be easily obtained.
- the CPU 41 uses any one of the plurality of lines 71A as the origin of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1), and any one of the plurality of lines 71B as the origin of the coordinate axis X2 (Y2). To do. Thereby, the positional deviation of the origin of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) can be indicated on the imaging data by the positional relationship between the pair of lines 71 corresponding to the origin.
- the inspection image is recorded on the reference recording head 51 while the recording medium P is moved by the transport drum 21 that moves the recording medium P in the transport direction relative to the reference recording head 51 and the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- a plurality of lines 71A are recorded by the recording elements 52 having different arrangement positions in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction among the plurality of recording elements 52, and the arrangement positions in the width direction among the plurality of recording elements 52 of the recording head 51 to be inspected. are those in which the plurality of lines 71B by different recording element 52 is recorded, CPU 41, the position deviation g corresponding to the displacement amount G i of the width direction with respect to the recording head 51 serving as a reference for the inspection target recording head 51 i is calculated.
- the inspection image is recorded on the reference recording head 51 while the recording medium P is moved by the transport drum 21 that moves the recording medium P in the transport direction relative to the reference recording head 51 and the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- a plurality of lines 71A are recorded by the recording elements 52 that are in a positional relationship in which the lines to be recorded are connected in a series, and are recorded among the recording elements 52 of the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- a plurality of lines 71B are recorded by the recording elements 52 in a positional relationship in which the lines are connected in series.
- the CPU 41 shifts the positional deviation in the transport direction with respect to the recording head 51 serving as a reference of the recording head 51 to be inspected.
- a misregistration g i corresponding to the amount G i is calculated. Thus, it is possible to calculate the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the transport direction of the recording head 51.
- CPU 41 is recorded on the recording medium P by the positional deviation g i or based on the positional deviation amount G i, a reference recording head 51 and inspected the recording head 51 corresponding to the calculated positional deviation amount G i
- the image data of the image to be corrected is corrected. Thereby, the image data is corrected so as to cancel out the positional deviation of the recording head 51, and a normal image can be recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
- the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a recording head 51 serving as a reference and a recording head 51 to be inspected, in addition to the configuration as the information processing apparatus. Thus, it is possible to calculate the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 included in the ink-jet recording apparatus 1 by the ink jet recording apparatus 1.
- the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes, in addition to the configuration as the information processing apparatus, a recording head 51 and inspected the recording head 51 as a reference, CPU 41, the position deviation corresponding to the calculated positional deviation amount G i g i or based on the positional deviation amount G i, corrects the timing of printing on a printing medium by the recording head 51. According to this, the timing at which recording is performed by the recording head 51 is corrected so as to cancel the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51, it is possible to record the normal image by an ink jet recording apparatus 1.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a reference recording head 51 and an inspection target recording head 51 in addition to the configuration as the information processing apparatus, and includes two line sensors 25 adjacent to each other in the width direction that capture an inspection image.
- the luminance is between the luminances of the two uniform gradation image regions.
- a plurality of lines 71A are recorded by the recording head 51 serving as a reference so as to be twice or more, and the interval in the width direction between the adjacent lines 71B is the width direction luminance transition range.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a reference recording head 51 and a recording head 51 to be inspected in addition to the configuration as the information processing apparatus, and two line sensors 25 adjacent to each other in the transport direction by a line sensor 25 that captures an inspection image.
- the luminance is between the luminances of the two uniform gradation image regions.
- the plurality of lines 71A are recorded by the recording head 51 serving as a reference so that the number of the lines is more than twice, and the intervals in the conveyance direction of the plurality of adjacent lines 71B are conveyed.
- the inspected recording head 51 so as to be twice or more the distance on the recording medium P corresponding to the length of the conveying direction of the direction luminance transition region 93cy to record a plurality of line 71B.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has a recording head 51 serving as a reference, a recording head 51 to be inspected, a transport drum 21, and a recording range of the inspection image on the recording medium P in the width direction.
- a line sensor 25 that picks up an inspection image recorded on the recording medium P by a plurality of image pickup elements 251 arranged and outputs image pickup data, and the CPU 41 has a plurality of intervals between adjacent lines.
- a plurality of lines 71A are recorded by the recording head 51 serving as a reference, and a plurality of lines 71B are recorded by the recording head 51 to be inspected so as to be 3 times or more and less than 30 times the arrangement interval in the width direction of the image sensor 251. .
- the adjacent line 71 can be separated and read from the imaging data by the line sensor 25.
- the necessary number of lines 71 for deriving the coordinates a i with high accuracy can be recorded on the recording medium P.
- the line pattern 70A does not include a line where the coordinate of the coordinate axis X1 is positive
- the line pattern 70B does not include a line where the coordinate of the coordinate axis X2 is negative. From the above, it is impossible to specify the position where the coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 are the same, but according to the embodiment, the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates of the line 71 and the recording positions. can be calculated easily positional deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i from the coordinates a i.
- the line sensor 25 generates an inspection image for calculating the positional deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i of the recording heads 51C (2), 51M (2), 51Y (2) with the recording head 51K (2) as a reference.
- an inspection image for calculating the recording head misregistration g i and the misregistration amount G i corresponding to the same color on the basis of the recording heads 51C (2), 51M (2), 51Y (2) is a line sensor.
- 25, only the image sensors 251R, 251G, and 251B are used among the pixels 252 of the line sensor 25, respectively.
- the recording head 51C for serving as a reference recording head 51K (2), 51M, direct 51Y, or positional deviation of indirect via other recording head 51 g i and the positional deviation amount G i are each imaging It is calculated based on imaging data imaged using only the elements 251R, 251B, and 251B. Therefore, it becomes possible to image sensor 251 of the same resolution is used for each imaging inspection image, the imaging element 251R, 251B, generation of error in the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i due to differences in 251B mutual resolution Can be suppressed.
- Modification 1 Next, the modification 1 of the said embodiment is demonstrated. This modification 1 may be combined with other modifications described later.
- the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 is larger than the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X2. Since the other points are the same as those in the above embodiment, differences from the above embodiment will be described below.
- Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G i according to a first modification.
- the inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G A according to the alignment element A is shown.
- 17 is recorded by the recording heads 51K (2) and 51C (2) having the same positional relationship as that in FIG.
- the plurality of lines 71A included in the line pattern 70A of FIG. 17 are recorded such that the arrangement interval in the X direction is a distance 8s, and the plurality of lines 71B included in the line pattern 70B is the arrangement interval in the X direction is a distance 7s. It is recorded to become.
- the unit coordinate intervals of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 are 8s and 7s, respectively, and the ratio r A of the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X2 to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 is 7/8.
- FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B according to the first modification.
- the coordinate a A related to the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 is calculated as 2.
- the positional deviation g A in axis X1 is calculated to be 0.25
- positional deviation amount G A is the distance Calculated as 2s.
- the positional deviation amount of the recording head 51 can be calculated by the same algorithm as in the above embodiment. While the above is calculation of the positional deviation amount G A according to the alignment element A, the first modification can also be applied to calculation processing of the positional deviation amount G i according to other alignment elements B ⁇ D.
- Modification 2 of the above embodiment will be described.
- This modified example 2 may be combined with other modified examples.
- the line pattern 70 includes two or three lines 71, and the three lines 71 are not arranged at equal intervals, and the coordinate axes X1 or This is an example where the recording coordinates for X2 are not integers. Since the other points are the same as those in the above embodiment, differences from the above embodiment will be described below.
- Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G i according to a second modification.
- the inspection image used for calculation of the positional deviation amount G A according to the alignment element A is shown. Further, it is assumed that the inspection image in FIG. 19 is recorded by the recording heads 51K (2) and 51C (2) having the same positional relationship as in FIG.
- the line pattern 70A shown in FIG. 19 includes two lines 71A whose recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X1 are ( ⁇ 1.5) and 2.4.
- the line pattern 70B includes three lines 71B whose recording coordinates on the coordinate axis X2 are ( ⁇ 3.0), 0.8, and 3.5.
- the unit coordinate intervals of the coordinate axes X1 and X2 are 8s and 9s, respectively, as in the above embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the straight lines L1 and L2 indicating the correspondence between the recording coordinates and the recording positions of the plurality of lines 71A and 71B according to the second modification.
- each of the line patterns 70A and 70B is composed of only two and three lines 71. Since the line patterns 70A and 70B include at least two lines 71, straight lines L1 are formed from points corresponding to these lines 71. , L2 can be derived.
- the coordinate a A on the coordinate axis X3 of the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 in FIG. 20 is ( ⁇ 2), and the positional deviation amount g A of the recording head 51C (2) with respect to the recording head 51K (2) is Similarly calculated to be 0.25, positional deviation amount G a is the distance 2s to be calculated.
- the straight lines L1 and L2 are derived by obtaining the recording coordinates and recording positions of the respective lines 71. Can do. Further, if the line pattern 70 includes at least two lines 71, straight lines L1 and L2 can be derived. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the position deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i from the coordinates a i of the intersection of the straight line L1, L2 even when these.
- Modification 3 of the above embodiment will be described.
- This modified example 3 may be combined with other modified examples.
- the line 71 is Y in the image pickup data obtained as a result of the image pickup because the recording medium P is inclined with respect to the transport direction.
- the present invention relates to a method for acquiring the recording position of the line 71 when it is inclined with respect to the axis. Since the other points are the same as those in the above embodiment, differences from the above embodiment will be described below.
- FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating processing when the line 71 is inclined with respect to the Y axis in the imaging data.
- the luminance data on the analysis line set in the X direction at the position intersecting with the lines 71A and 71B
- the recording position it is not possible to acquire a recording position that accurately reflects the positional relationship between the line 71A and the line 71B in the state recorded on the recording medium P.
- the CPU 41 sets a single analysis line 95 (recording position acquisition line) in the X direction, and determines the position in the X direction of the intersection of the virtual lines 72A and 72B obtained by extending each line 71 and the analysis line 95. Obtained as a recording position.
- the X of the reference position of the reference marks 80A and 80B is based on the range in the X direction where the virtual reference marks 82A and 82B obtained by extending the reference marks 80A and 80B and the analysis line 95 overlap. Get the position of the direction.
- the line sensor 25 images the range necessary for the extension process of the lines 71A and 71B and the reference marks 80A and 80B as described above. .
- FIG. 21 the example in which the analysis line 95 parallel to the X direction is set has been described. However, when the lines 71A and 71B that should be parallel to the X direction are inclined with respect to the X axis, The position in the Y direction at the intersection of the virtual lines 72A and 72B obtained by setting 95 and extending the lines 71A and 71B and the analysis line 95 may be used as the recording position.
- the CPU 41 sets the analysis line 95 indicating the position for acquiring the recording position in a direction parallel to the coordinate axis X1 (Y1), and extends the plurality of lines 71A and the plurality of lines 71B to virtual lines 72A and 72B. And the position in the X direction (Y direction) of the intersection point with the analysis line 95 is acquired as a recording position.
- the recording positions of the line 71A and the line 71B in the state recorded on the recording medium P are accurately reflected.
- the recorded position can be acquired.
- the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made.
- the recording coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) related to the lines 71A and 71B respectively recorded at equal intervals indicate the arrangement order of the lines 71.
- a predetermined value is set as a tolerance such that the recording coordinates of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) related to the lines 71A and 71B recorded at equal intervals are 0, ⁇ 2, ⁇ 4, ⁇ 6, etc.
- the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) may be set so as to form a difference number sequence. Not limited to this example, no matter how the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1), X2 (Y2) is set, the positional deviation with the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) calculated by the algorithm as a unit. By multiplying g i by a distance corresponding to the unit coordinate interval, the positional deviation amount G i of the recording head 51 can be obtained.
- the example has been described in which the positional deviation amount G i is calculated from the positional deviation g i and the correction of the image data and the recording timing are performed based on the positional deviation amount G i .
- the positional deviation amount G i may be corrected and ink correction of ejection timing of the image data on the basis of the values obtained with respect to position deviation g i or the positional deviation g i by performing a predetermined conversion process.
- the positional deviation g i was calculated unit coordinate space coordinate axis X1 (Y1) as a value in units, not intended to be limited to this, the single coordinate intervals A value multiplied by a predetermined number may be calculated as a unit.
- the position deviation g i the value 1 of 8 minutes the unit coordinates interval axis X1 (Y1) as a unit, in this case, the position the distance s, corresponding to the unit
- the positional displacement amount G i can be calculated.
- This example is equivalent to calculating the positional deviation g i in units of the distance s, which is the interval between the recording elements 52 and the interval between the recording pixels in the Y direction.
- the positional deviation amount G i is obtained by reading the distance corresponding to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) from the RAM 42 and multiplying the positional deviation g i has been described.
- the purpose is not limited to this.
- the distance corresponding to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) may be calculated from the imaging data of the inspection image.
- the ratio r i may calculate the position deviation g i with the parameters can be derived the ratio r i.
- the parameter from which the ratio r i can be derived include a set of a value d1 corresponding to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) and a value d2 corresponding to the unit coordinate interval of the coordinate axis X2 (Y2).
- the coordinates a i are calculated from the intersection of the straight lines L1 and L2 in the orthogonal coordinate system having the coordinate axis X3 (Y3) and the coordinate axis Px (Py) as two axes. It is not intended to limit this.
- the coordinates a i may be acquired directly without deriving the straight lines L1 and L2.
- the value of the recording coordinates can be used as the value of the coordinates a i as they are.
- the coordinates a i may be directly obtained by visually obtaining a position where the coordinates about the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) coincide on the imaging data.
- the positive direction of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) is matched with the positive direction of the X coordinate (X direction) (the positive direction of the Y coordinate (Y direction)).
- the positive direction of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) may be changed according to a predetermined rule. For example, when the interval between the lines 71A recorded by the reference recording head 51 is larger than the interval between the lines 71B recorded by the recording head 51 to be inspected, the positive directions of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) May be the ⁇ X direction ( ⁇ Y direction).
- the distance between the lines 71A recorded by the reference recording head 51 is the distance 8s
- the distance between the lines 71B recorded by the recording head 51 to be inspected is the distance 9s or 7s.
- the interval of the line 71 can be changed to fit the size of the position deviation g i envisaged.
- the interval between the lines 71 is at least twice the width-direction luminance transition distance dx or the conveyance-direction luminance transition distance dy, and the adjacent lines 71 can be separated and read from the image data captured by the line sensor 25.
- the number of lines 71 corresponding to the points for deriving the straight lines L1 and L2 can be arbitrarily set within a range where the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.
- the reference mark 80 is rectangular has been described.
- Any shape can be used as long as it is larger than the length of each coordinate axis X1 (Y1) direction and smaller than the recording width of the line pattern 70 in the coordinate axis X1 (Y1) direction.
- the position where the reference mark 80 is recorded is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the modifications, and can be any position on the recording medium P.
- the reference mark 80 may be recorded such that the reference position is located at a position other than the origin of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2).
- the recording coordinates of the line 71 corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) is specified from the positional relationship with the reference mark 80 has been described. It is not intended to be limited.
- the CPU 41 determines the number of lines 71A from the value corresponding to the predetermined interval and a number indicating the arrangement order of the plurality of lines 71A.
- the recording coordinates may be acquired, and the recording coordinates of the plurality of lines 71B may be acquired from values corresponding to the predetermined intervals and numbers indicating the arrangement order of the plurality of lines 71B.
- the recording coordinates of the line 71 can be acquired without recording the reference mark 80 and the positional deviation amount calculation process can be performed.
- the recording coordinates of the line 71 corresponding to the origin of the coordinate axes X1 (Y1) and X2 (Y2) are specified from the positional relationship with the reference mark 80, and the other plurality of lines 71 are determined.
- the example in which the recording coordinates are specified from the arrangement order of the plurality of lines 71 has been described.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the relative position of each line 71 from the reference mark 80 and the recording coordinates of the line 71 are determined in advance. You may memorize
- 71A and 71B may be recorded by a plurality of recording elements 52 in a positional relationship such that the ink ejected to the recording medium P is not separated in the X direction.
- the recording element 52 that records the lines 71A and 71B includes the recording element 52 that is defective in ejection, the lines 71A and 71B can be recorded.
- an inspection image recorded on the recording medium P by the ink jet recording apparatus 1 may be imaged and read by an image pickup unit provided in a reading device separate from the ink jet recording apparatus 1.
- the process of calculating the positional deviation g i and the positional deviation amount G i from the imaging data and the process of correcting the image data using the positional deviation g i or the positional deviation amount G i are performed outside the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
- the processing result may be input to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 by being executed in the image processing apparatus, or these processes may be performed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
- the line sensor 25 has been described as an example of the imaging unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a two-dimensional image sensor or the like may be used, for example. Further, although the line sensor 25 is arranged along the direction (X direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P, it is not limited to this. The line sensor 25 suffices if it captures an image along a predetermined straight line that intersects the transport direction, and any angle can be used as long as the angle of the line sensor 25 from the X direction is known.
- the conveyance drum 21 has been described as an example of the conveyance unit.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and any conveyance unit that holds and conveys a recording medium on the conveyance surface may be used. it can.
- it may be a conveying means that has a belt supported by two rollers and circulates around the two rollers according to the rotation of the rollers, and holds the recording medium P on the conveying surface of the belt.
- the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has been described as an example of the image recording apparatus.
- the present invention can be applied to various image recording apparatuses that record an image using a plurality of recording elements.
- an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a charged photosensitive drum with light from a print head in which an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a recording element or a laser light emitting element is arranged, and according to the electrostatic latent image
- the present invention may be applied to an electrophotographic image recording apparatus that forms an image by transferring toner distributed on a photosensitive drum to a recording medium.
- the present invention can be used for an information processing apparatus, an image recording apparatus, and an information processing method.
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Abstract
Description
このような構成の画像記録装置では、各記録ヘッドの個々のノズルからのインク吐出により記録されたラインを含むラインパターンを記録媒体に記録し、搬送方向下流側に設けられたラインセンサーでこのラインパターンの幅方向の位置を読み取ることで記録ヘッドの適正位置からの位置ずれの検出が行われる(例えば特許文献1)。
複数の記録素子が各々配列された第1記録手段及び第2記録手段により記録媒体に記録された検査画像の撮像データに基づいて前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段との位置関係を特定する処理を行う情報処理装置であって、
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段により前記記録媒体上におけるライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第1ラインと、前記第2記録手段により前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第2ラインとを含み、
前記複数の第1ラインの各々について、前記記録媒体上の前記ライン配列方向に所定の第1単位座標間隔が定められた第1座標軸における記録座標を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの各々について、前記ライン配列方向に前記第1単位座標間隔とは異なる第2単位座標間隔が定められ、前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段とが前記ライン配列方向に特定の位置関係で配置されている場合の基準位置が前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記ライン配列方向に所定の基準相対位置関係となる第2座標軸における記録座標を取得する記録座標取得手段と、
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ライン各々の前記撮像データにおける前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を取得する記録位置取得手段と、
当該取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係から、前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記第2座標軸の基準位置との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定し、当該特定された相対位置関係及び前記所定の基準相対位置関係に基づいて、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記ライン配列方向についての前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値を算出する位置ずれ量算出手段と
を備えることを特徴としている。
前記所定の基準相対位置関係は、前記第1座標軸の基準位置及び前記第2座標軸の基準位置の前記ライン配列方向についての位置が一致する位置関係であり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第1座標軸及び前記第2座標軸における座標が同一となる前記ライン配列方向についての位置での当該同一の座標に基づいて前記第1座標軸と前記第2座標軸との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定する
ことを特徴とすることを特徴としている。
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第1座標軸及び前記第2座標軸における前記記録座標を共通の座標軸で示す第3座標軸と、前記記録位置を示す第4座標軸とを2軸とする直交座標系において、前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標及び前記記録位置の組み合わせにそれぞれ対応する複数の点の第1近似直線と、前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標及び前記記録位置の組み合わせにそれぞれ対応する複数の点の第2近似直線とを算出し、前記第1近似直線と前記第2近似直線との交点に係る前記第3座標軸の座標から前記同一の座標を取得することを特徴としている。
前記検査画像は、前記複数の第1ラインと予め定められた位置関係で前記第1記録手段により記録された第1識別標識と、前記複数の第2ラインと予め定められた位置関係で前記第2記録手段により記録された第2識別標識と、を含み、
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインのうち少なくとも一本の前記第1座標軸における前記記録座標を、前記第1識別標識との前記ライン配列方向についての位置関係に基づいて取得し、前記複数の第2ラインのうち少なくとも一本の前記第2座標軸における前記記録座標を、前記第2識別標識との前記ライン配列方向についての位置関係に基づいて取得する
ことを特徴としている。
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインは、所定の間隔で各々記録されたものであり、
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記所定の間隔及び前記複数の第1ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値から前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標を取得し、前記所定の間隔及び前記複数の第2ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値から前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標を取得する
ことを特徴としている。
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインは、それぞれ等間隔に記録された3本以上のラインであることを特徴としている。
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標として当該複数の第1ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標として当該複数の第2ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値を取得することを特徴としている。
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインのうちいずれか一本の記録座標を前記第1座標軸の基準位置とし、前記複数の第2ラインのうちいずれか一本の記録座標を前記第2座標軸の基準位置とすることを特徴としている。
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段に対して前記記録媒体を搬送方向に移動させる搬送手段により当該記録媒体が移動されながら、前記第1記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち前記搬送方向と直交する幅方向の配置位置が異なる記録素子により前記複数の第1ラインが記録され、前記第2記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち前記幅方向の配置位置が異なる記録素子により前記複数の第2ラインが記録されたものであり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記幅方向についての位置ずれ量に対応する値を前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値として算出する
ことを特徴としている。
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段に対して前記記録媒体を搬送方向に移動させる搬送手段により当該記録媒体が移動されながら、前記第1記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち記録されるラインが一連の繋がりとなる位置関係にある記録素子により前記複数の第1ラインが記録され、前記第2記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち記録されるラインが一連の繋がりとなる位置関係にある記録素子により前記複数の第2ラインが記録されたものであり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記搬送方向についての位置ずれ量に対応する値を前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値として算出する
ことを特徴としている。
前記記録位置取得手段は、前記記録位置を取得する位置を示す記録位置取得線を前記ライン配列方向に設定し、前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインの各々を延長した仮想線と前記記録位置取得線との交点の前記ライン配列方向の位置を前記記録位置として取得することを特徴としている。
前記位置ずれ量算出手段により算出された前記位置ずれ量に対応する値又は当該位置ずれ量に基づいて、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段により前記記録媒体に記録される画像の画像データを補正する画像データ補正手段を備えることを特徴としている。
請求項1~12の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
を備えることを特徴としている。
請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段により算出された前記位置ずれ量に対応する値又は当該位置ずれ量に基づいて、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段により前記記録媒体に記録が行われるタイミングを補正する記録タイミング補正手段と
を備えることを特徴としている。
請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と
を備え、
前記検査画像を撮像する撮像手段により前記幅方向に隣接した2つの異なる輝度の均一階調画像領域を撮像して得られた撮像データに、前記2つの均一階調画像領域の輝度の間で輝度が変化する輝度移行範囲が生じる場合に、
隣り合う前記複数の第1ラインの前記幅方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記幅方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、隣り合う前記複数の第2ラインの前記幅方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記幅方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段を備える
ことを特徴としている。
請求項10記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と
を備え、
前記検査画像を撮像する撮像手段により前記搬送方向に隣接した2つの異なる輝度の均一階調画像領域を撮像して得られた撮像データに、前記2つの均一階調画像領域の輝度の間で輝度が変化する輝度移行範囲が生じる場合に、
隣り合う前記複数の第1ラインの前記搬送方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記搬送方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、隣り合う前記複数の第2ラインの前記搬送方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記搬送方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段を備える
ことを特徴としている。
請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
前記搬送手段と、
前記幅方向に前記記録媒体での前記検査画像の記録範囲に亘って配列された複数の撮像素子により前記記録媒体に記録された前記検査画像を撮像して前記撮像データを出力する撮像手段と、
隣り合うラインの間隔が前記複数の撮像素子の前記幅方向の配置間隔の3倍以上30倍未満となるように、前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段と、
を備えることを特徴としている。
複数の記録素子が各々配列された第1記録手段及び第2記録手段により記録媒体に記録された検査画像の撮像データに基づいて前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段との位置関係を特定する処理を行う情報処理方法であって、
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段により前記記録媒体上におけるライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第1ラインと、前記第2記録手段により前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第2ラインとを含み、
前記複数の第1ラインの各々について、前記記録媒体上の前記ライン配列方向に所定の第1単位座標間隔が定められた第1座標軸における記録座標を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの各々について、前記ライン配列方向に前記第1単位座標間隔とは異なる第2単位座標間隔が定められ、前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段とが前記ライン配列方向に特定の位置関係で配置されている場合の基準位置が前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記ライン配列方向に所定の基準相対位置関係となる第2座標軸における記録座標を取得する記録座標取得ステップ、
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ライン各々の前記撮像データにおける前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を取得する記録位置取得ステップ、
当該取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係から、前記第1座標軸の前記基準位置と前記第2座標軸の前記基準位置との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定し、当該特定された相対位置関係及び前記所定の基準相対位置関係に基づいて、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記ライン配列方向についての前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値を算出する位置ずれ量算出ステップ
を含むことを特徴としている。
図1は、本発明の画像記録装置の実施形態であるインクジェット記録装置1の概略構成を示す図である。
インクジェット記録装置1は、給紙部10と、画像記録部20と、排紙部30と、制御部40(図4)(情報処理装置)などを備える。インクジェット記録装置1は、制御部40による制御下で、給紙部10に格納された記録媒体Pを画像記録部20に搬送し、画像記録部20で記録媒体Pに画像を記録(形成)し、画像が記録された記録媒体Pを排紙部30に搬送する。記録媒体Pとしては、紙、布帛又はシート状の樹脂等、表面に吐出されたインク(色材)を固着させることが可能な種々の媒体を用いることができる。
搬送部12は、内側が2本のローラー121,122により支持された輪状のベルト123を備える。搬送部12は、ベルト123上に記録媒体Pを載置した状態でローラー121,122を回転させることで記録媒体Pを搬送する。
搬送ドラム21は、搬送ドラム21を回転させるための搬送ドラムモーター21M(図4)を備えており、当該搬送ドラムモーター21Mの回転量に比例した角度だけ回転する。
イエローのインクに対応するヘッドユニット50Yは、取付部材に取り付けられた4つの記録ヘッド51Y(記録手段)を有する。マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックのインクに対応するヘッドユニット50M,50C,50Kも同様に、それぞれ4つの記録ヘッド51M,51C,51Kを有する(以下では記録ヘッド51Y,51M,51C,51Kを単に記録ヘッド51とも記す)。
4つの記録ヘッド51Yには、+X方向側から順にそれぞれ0~3の番号が設定されている。記録ヘッド51M,51C,51Kの各々にもそれぞれ同様に0~3の番号が設定されている。以下では、番号を含めて記録ヘッド51を示す場合には、記録ヘッド51Y(0)のように括弧内に当該番号を付して記す。
なお、図2では、後述する位置ずれ量の説明のため記録ヘッド51C(2)のX方向の位置が記録ヘッド51K(2)の位置と異なるように描かれている。
記録ヘッド51は、図示しないインク加熱部を備える。当該インク加熱部は、制御部40による制御下で動作し、ゾル状となる温度にインクを加熱する。記録素子52は、加熱されてゾル状となったインクを吐出する。
撮像素子251R,251G,251Bは、Y方向にこの順で配列され、Y方向に並んだ1組の撮像素子251R,251G,251Bがラインセンサー25の画素252を構成する。各画素252では、撮像素子251R,251G,251Bのうちいずれかによる光検出が行われて画素データが出力される。なお、各画素252では、撮像素子251R,251G,251Bのうち2つ以上による光検出が行われてもよい。
ラインセンサー25は、各画素252から出力されたアナログ信号をデジタル信号に変換して、各画素252からの画素データを含む撮像データを示すデジタル信号を制御部40に出力する。本実施形態では、ラインセンサー25から出力される撮像データの幅方向(X方向)の解像度は600dpi、搬送方向(Y方向)の解像度は300dpiである。
インクジェット記録装置1は、CPU41(Central Processing Unit)(記録座標取得手段、記録位置取得手段、位置ずれ量算出手段、画像データ補正手段、記録タイミング補正手段、記録制御手段)、RAM42(Random Access Memory)、ROM43(Read Only Memory)及び記憶部44を含む制御部40と、記録ヘッド51に接続された記録ヘッド制御回路61と、ラインセンサー25に接続されたラインセンサー制御回路62と、搬送ドラムモーター21Mに接続された搬送ドラムモーター制御回路63と、外部装置2に接続されたインターフェース64などを備える。CPU41は、バス65を介してRAM42、ROM43、記録ヘッド制御回路61、ラインセンサー制御回路62、搬送ドラムモーター制御回路63及びインターフェース64と接続されている。
次に、インクジェット記録装置1における記録ヘッド51の位置ずれ量の算出及びその算出結果に基づく画像データ及びインク吐出タイミング(記録タイミング)の補正動作について説明する。
インクジェット記録装置1で記録される隣り合う画素の位置の違いはX方向、Y方向ともに20μm程度であるため、各記録ヘッド51の配置には、所定の位置に対してある程度の位置ずれが生じる場合が多い。
そこで、インクジェット記録装置1では、記録ヘッド51K(2)を基準とし、当該記録ヘッド51K(2)に対する各記録ヘッド51の特定の条件を満たす位置関係からのX方向及びY方向の位置ずれ量(位置ずれの大きさ及び方向)を算出する位置ずれ量算出処理が行われる。また、算出された位置ずれ量のX方向成分を用いて画像データを補正して補正された画像データを用いるとともに、算出された位置ずれ量のY方向成分を用いて記録素子52からのインクの吐出タイミングを補正して画像を記録する画像記録処理が行われる。
アライメント要素Aは、異なるヘッドユニット50に含まれ番号が同一である記録ヘッド51のX方向のアライメントである。アライメント要素Aに係る記録ヘッド51の位置ずれの大きさ及び方向は、番号が同一である記録ヘッド51の特定の条件を満たす位置関係からのX方向の位置ずれ量GAにより表される。アライメント要素Aについては、例えば図2の符号Aで示される記録ヘッド51K(#2)と記録ヘッド51C(#2)とのX方向の位置関係について、特定の条件を満たす位置関係からの位置ずれ量GAが算出される。
アライメント要素Bは、同一のヘッドユニット50に含まれる記録ヘッド51のX方向についてのアライメントである。アライメント要素Bに係る記録ヘッド51の位置ずれの大きさ及び方向は、同一のヘッドユニット50に含まれる記録ヘッド51の特定の条件を満たす位置関係からのX方向の位置ずれ量GBにより表される。アライメント要素Bについては、例えば図2の符号Bで示される記録ヘッド51K(1)と記録ヘッド51K(2)とのX方向の位置関係について、特定の条件を満たす位置関係からの位置ずれ量GBが算出される。
アライメント要素Cは、異なるヘッドユニット50に含まれ番号が同一である記録ヘッド51のY方向のアライメントである。アライメント要素Cに係る記録ヘッド51の位置ずれの大きさ及び方向は、番号が同一である記録ヘッド51の特定の条件を満たす位置関係からのY方向の位置ずれ量GCにより表される。アライメント要素Cについては、例えば図2の符号Cで示される記録ヘッド51K(2)と記録ヘッド51C(2)とのY方向の位置関係について、特定の条件を満たす位置関係からの位置ずれ量GCが算出される。
アライメント要素Dは、同一のヘッドユニット50に含まれる記録ヘッド51のY方向についてのアライメントである。アライメント要素Dに係る記録ヘッド51の位置ずれの大きさ及び方向は、同一のヘッドユニット50に含まれる記録ヘッド51の特定の条件を満たす位置関係からのY方向の位置ずれ量GDにより表される。アライメント要素Dについては、例えば図2の符号Dで示される記録ヘッド51K(1)と記録ヘッド51K(2)とのY方向の位置関係について、特定の条件を満たす位置関係からの位置ずれ量GDが算出される。
図5は、アライメント要素Aに係る位置ずれ量GAの算出処理に用いられる検査画像の一例を示す図である。当該検査画像は、位置ずれ量算出の基準となる記録ヘッド51K(2)(第1記録手段)により記録されたラインパターン70A及び基準マーク80A(第1識別標識)と、位置ずれの検査対象である記録ヘッド51C(2)(第2記録手段)により記録されたラインパターン70B及び基準マーク80B(第2識別標識)とを含んでいる。以下では、ラインパターン70A,70Bを単にラインパターン70とも記し、基準マーク80A,80Bを単に基準マーク80とも記す。
なお、図5では記録媒体P及び記録ヘッド51を搬送ドラム21の外周面と対向する側とは反対側から見たものが示されているが、記録素子52の位置を示す便宜上、記録ヘッド51に記録素子52が示されている(図7,9,11,17,19についても同様である)。
ラインパターン70Bは、ライン71BのX方向の配置間隔が距離9sとなるように記録される。即ち、各ライン71Bは、記録ヘッド51C(2)のうち8つおきの記録素子52が選択されて、ライン71BのX方向の配置間隔が距離9sとなるように記録される。また、各ライン71Bは、記録媒体P上に設定されたX方向の仮想の座標軸X2(第2座標軸)と直交し、当該座標軸X2についての記録座標(記録座標)が予め定められている。具体的には、ライン71Bは、座標軸X2の記録座標が0,±1,±2,±3,±4となる位置に記録される。換言すれば、座標軸X2は、ライン71Bの記録座標がそれぞれ0,±1,±2,±3,±4となるように単位座標間隔(9s)(第2単位座標間隔)が設定されている。
また、座標軸X2の単位座標間隔は、座標軸X1の単位座標間隔の8分の9倍である。以下ではこの倍率(座標軸X2の単位座標間隔の、座標軸X1の単位座標間隔に対する比)をrAとする。
この算出方法では、まず図5に示す検査画像がヘッドユニット50により記録媒体Pに記録され、当該検査画像がラインセンサー25により撮像されて撮像データが取得される。そして、撮像データにおける輝度データが取得、解析されることにより記録ヘッド51の位置ずれgAが算出される。
次に、複数のライン71A,71Bについて各々取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係を示す直線がそれぞれ導出される。
この座標軸X1,X2の原点の位置ずれは、記録ヘッド51C(2)の記録ヘッド51K(2)に対する特定の条件を満たす位置関係からの、座標軸X1の単位座標間隔を単位とするX方向についての位置ずれgAに相当する。当該位置ずれgAに座標軸X1の単位座標間隔に相当する距離を乗じることで、位置ずれ量GAが算出される。rA>1であるので、位置ずれgAが正の値である場合には、記録ヘッド51C(2)の記録ヘッド51K(2)に対する位置ずれ量GAが+X方向であることを示し、負の値である場合には、-X方向であることを示す。
図7は、アライメント要素Bに係る位置ずれ量GBの算出処理に用いられる検査画像の一例を示す図である。図7の検査画像は、記録に用いられる記録ヘッド51及びライン71A,71Bの配置が図5と異なり、その他の点は図5と共通であるため、以下では図5との差異を中心に説明する。
ラインパターン70Aに含まれる複数のライン71Aは、記録ヘッド51K(2)の7つおきの記録素子52が選択されて、ライン71AのX方向の配置間隔が距離8sとなるように記録される。各ライン71Aの座標軸X1の記録座標は0,-1,-2,-3,-4である。また、ラインパターン70Bに含まれる複数のライン71Bは、記録ヘッド51K(1)の8つおきの記録素子52が選択されて、ライン71AのX方向の配置間隔が距離9sとなるように記録される。各ライン71Bの座標軸X2の記録座標は0,1,2,3,4である。従って、座標軸X2の単位座標間隔の、座標軸X1の単位座標間隔に対する比rBは、比rAと同じく8分の9である。
座標軸X1の原点に対応するライン71Aは、記録ヘッド51K(1)の記録素子52のうち記録ヘッド51K(1),51K(2)に含まれる記録素子52のX方向についての配置範囲が重複する範囲R1の中心近傍の記録素子52により記録される。座標軸X2の原点に対応するライン71Bは、記録ヘッド51K(1)の記録素子52のうちアライメント要素Bに係るアライメントが適正である場合(特定の条件を満たす位置関係にある場合)に座標軸X1の原点のライン71Aに対応する上記記録素子52とX方向の配置位置が同一となる記録素子52により記録される。図7では、記録ヘッド51K(1)が記録ヘッド51K(2)に対して上記特定の条件を満たす位置関係になくX方向の位置ずれが生じている場合を例に説明する。
図7,8の例では、直線L1,L2の交点に係る座標aBは1.5と算出される。また、比rBは1.125(8分の9)であるので、座標軸X1での位置ずれgBは(-0.1875)と算出される。座標軸X1の単位座標間隔は距離8sであるので、当該位置ずれgBに対応する位置ずれ量GBは、距離(-1.5s)と算出される。よって、記録ヘッド51K(1)が記録ヘッド51K(2)に対して-X方向に距離1.5sだけ位置ずれを生じていることが検出される。
図9は、アライメント要素Cに係る位置ずれ量GCの算出処理に用いられる検査画像の一例を示す図である。図9の検査画像は、記録に用いられる記録ヘッド51及びライン71A,71Bの配置及び方向が図5と異なり、その他の点は図5と共通であるため、以下では図5の検査画像との差異を中心に説明する。
ラインパターン70Bは、ライン71BのY方向の配置間隔が記録画素9つ分、即ち距離9sとなるように記録される。また、各ライン71Bは、記録媒体P上に設定されたY方向の仮想の座標軸Y2(第2座標軸)と直交し、当該座標軸Y2についての記録座標が0,±1,±2,±3,±4となる位置に記録される。
よって、座標軸Y2の単位座標間隔(第2単位座標間隔)の、座標軸Y1の単位座標間隔(第1単位座標間隔)に対する比rCは、8分の9である。
まず、撮像データから、複数のライン71Aの各々について、撮像データでのY方向(ライン配列方向)の記録位置と座標軸Y1での記録座標とが取得され、複数のライン71Bの各々について、撮像データでのY方向の記録位置と座標軸Y2での記録座標とが取得される。
次に、複数のライン71A,71Bについて各々取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係を示す直線がそれぞれ導出される。
図9,10の例では、直線L1,L2の交点に係る座標aCは(-1)と算出される。また、比rCは1.125(8分の9)であるので、座標軸Y1での位置ずれgCは0.125と算出される。座標軸Y1の単位座標間隔は距離8sであるので、当該位置ずれgCに対応する位置ずれ量GCは、距離sと算出される。よって、記録ヘッド51C(2)が記録ヘッド51K(2)に対してY方向に距離sだけ位置ずれを生じていることが検出される。
図11は、アライメント要素Dに係る位置ずれ量GDの算出処理に用いられる検査画像の一例を示す図である。図11の検査画像は、記録に用いられる記録ヘッド51及びライン71A,71Bの配置が図9と異なり、その他の点は図9と共通であるため、以下では図9との差異を中心に説明する。
ラインパターン70Aに含まれる複数のライン71Aは、Y方向の配置間隔が記録画素8つ分、即ち距離8sとなるように記録され、その座標軸Y1の記録座標は0,±1,±2,±3,±4である。また、ラインパターン70Bに含まれる複数のライン71Bは、Y方向の配置間隔が記録画素9つ分、即ち距離9sとなるように記録され、その座標軸Y2の記録座標は0,±1,±2,±3,±4である。
座標軸Y1の原点に対応する位置に記録されたライン71Aと、座標軸Y2の原点に対応する位置に記録されたライン71Bとは、記録ヘッド51K(2)及び記録ヘッド51K(1)のアライメント要素Dに係るアライメントが適正である場合(特定の条件を満たす位置関係にある)にY方向の記録位置が同一となるインク吐出タイミングで記録ヘッド51K(2)及び記録ヘッド51K(1)によりそれぞれ記録される。図11では、記録ヘッド51K(1)が記録ヘッド51K(2)に対して上記特定の条件を満たす位置関係になくY方向の位置ずれが生じている場合を例に説明する。
図11,12の例では、直線L1,L2の交点に係る座標aDは2.2と算出される。また、比rDは1.125(8分の9)であるので、座標軸Y1での位置ずれgDは0.275と算出される。座標軸Y1の単位座標間隔は距離8sであるので、当該位置ずれgDに対応する位置ずれ量GDは、距離2.2sと算出される。よって、記録ヘッド51K(1)が記録ヘッド51K(2)に対してY方向に距離2.2sだけ位置ずれを生じていることが検出される。
ライン71は、ラインセンサー25による撮像データにおいて生じる輝度移行範囲の長さ(輝度移行距離)との間でラインセンサー25による撮像データからその位置を正確に特定できる配置条件を満たすように記録される。以下ではこの配置条件について説明する。
図13Aでは、上段に、記録媒体Pのうち均一な階調の画像(ここでは白画像)が記録された第1階調画像領域92ax(均一階調画像領域)と、当該第1階調画像領域92axにX方向に隣接し第1階調画像領域92axと輝度が異なる均一な階調の画像(ここでは黒画像)が記録された第2階調画像領域92bx(均一階調画像領域)との境界を含む部分92xが示されている。また、下段には、記録媒体Pの部分92xをラインセンサー25により撮像して得られた撮像データにおける解析線91の位置での輝度を表すグラフが示されている。ラインセンサー25の撮像データにおいては、第1階調画像領域92axの輝度を示す範囲93axと、第2階調画像領域92bxの輝度を示す範囲93bxとが距離dx(幅方向輝度移行距離)だけ離れている。当該距離dxに相当する範囲(以下では幅方向輝度移行範囲93cxと記す)では輝度が第1階調画像領域92ax及び第2階調画像領域92bxに応じた輝度間で連続的に変化する。ここで、上記の範囲93axは、第1階調画像領域92axの輝度を100、第2階調画像領域92bxの輝度を0とした場合に90以上の輝度を示す領域であり、範囲93bxは、同じく10以下の輝度を示す領域である。
また、第1階調画像領域92ax,92ayは、記録媒体Pに対して記録を行わない領域とすることができる。また、第2階調画像領域92bx,92byは、黒画像に限られず、記録媒体Pに対してラインパターン70及び基準マーク80の記録に用いられるインクと同一のインクによるベタパターンが記録された領域としてもよい。
図14Aは、第2階調画像領域92bx内では第2階調画像領域92bxの輝度を示し、第1階調画像領域92axと第2階調画像領域92bxとの境界から第1階調画像領域92ax側に距離dxの幅方向輝度移行範囲93cxが生じている例を示している。
一方、図14Bは、第1階調画像領域92ax内では第1階調画像領域92axの輝度を示し、第1階調画像領域92axと第2階調画像領域92bxとの境界から第2階調画像領域92bx側に距離dxの幅方向輝度移行範囲93cxが生じている例を示している。
このように、幅方向輝度移行範囲93cxは、ラインセンサー25のレンズの配置や拡散光の入射状況等により、図14A、図14B及びこれらの中間のいずれの態様でも生じ得る。
次に、上記の検査画像を用いた位置ずれ量算出処理の全体動作について説明する。
CPU41は、記録媒体Pが保持された搬送ドラム21及びヘッドユニット50の記録ヘッド51を制御して、搬送ドラム21により搬送される記録媒体Pに対して記録ヘッド51の複数の所定の記録素子52からインクを吐出させて、アライメント要素A~Dのうち何れかに係る全ての位置ずれ量Giの算出処理に用いられるラインパターン70と、基準マーク80とを含む検査画像を記録媒体Pに記録させる(ステップS11)。例えばアライメント要素Aに係る位置ずれ量GAを算出する場合には、記録ヘッド51K(2)を基準として記録ヘッド51C(2),51M(2),51Y(2)の位置ずれ量GAを算出するための全てのラインパターン70及び基準マーク80を記録媒体Pに記録させる。
なお、ステップS12では、検査画像の全体について撮像が行われてもよいし、検査画像のうち輝度が取得、解析される解析線の位置を含む一部分(読取ライン)のみについて撮像が行われてもよい。
検査画像が撮像された記録媒体Pは、CPU41による制御下で排紙部30に搬送される。
詳しくは、CPU41は、撮像データから、基準マーク80A,80Bと交差する位置でX方向(Y方向)に設定された解析線上の輝度データを取得し、基準マーク80A,80Bの基準位置のX方向(Y方向)の位置を取得してRAM42に記憶させる。また、CPU41は、ラインパターン70A,70Bと交差する位置でX方向(Y方向)に設定された解析線上の輝度データを取得し、各ライン71A,71BのX方向(Y方向)の記録位置を取得してRAM42に記憶させる。なお、輝度データの取得は、Y方向(X方向)の幅が単一画素である上記解析線に代えてY方向(X方向)に複数画素の幅を有する解析領域において行ってもよい。
次に、CPU41は、基準マーク80Aの基準位置とX方向(Y方向)の位置が同一であるライン71Aを特定し、当該ライン71Aの座標軸X1(Y1)についての記録座標を0として取得してRAM42に記憶させる。そして、当該ライン71Aに対して+X方向(+Y方向)に配列されたライン71Aの座標軸X1(Y1)についての記録座標を順に1,2,3,4として取得し、-X方向(-Y方向)に配列されたライン71Aの座標軸X1(Y1)についての記録座標を順に-1,-2,-3,-4として取得して、これらの記録座標をRAM42に記憶させる。
同様に、CPU41は、基準マーク80Bの基準位置とX方向(Y方向)の位置が同一であるライン71Bを特定し、当該ライン71Bの座標軸X2(Y2)についての記録座標を0として取得してRAM42に記憶させる。そして、当該ライン71Bに対して+X方向(+Y方向)に配列されたライン71Bの座標軸X2(Y2)についての記録座標を順に1,2,3,4として取得し、-X方向(-Y方向)に配列されたライン71Bの座標軸X2(Y2)についての記録座標を順に-1,-2,-3,-4として取得して、これらの記録座標をRAM42に記憶させる。
次に、CPU41は、これらの記録座標及び記録位置の関係を示す、座標軸X3(Y3)と座標軸Px(Py)とを2軸とする直交座標系における直線L1,L2を最小二乗法により導出し、直線L1,L2を表すパラメーター(傾き及び切片)の値をRAM42に記憶させる。
全てのアライメント要素A~Dに係る位置ずれ量Giの算出が完了したと判別された場合には(ステップS16で“Yes”)、CPU41は、位置ずれ量算出処理を終了させる。
なお、上記ではアライメント要素A~Dの各々についてステップS11,S12を別個に行う例を説明したが、ステップS11,S12の各々において全てのアライメント要素A~Dに係る処理を行い、ステップS16を省略してもよい。
次に、画像記録処理について説明する。
CPU41は、位置ずれ量算出処理で算出されてRAM42に記憶されている各記録ヘッド51に係る位置ずれ量Gi(位置ずれ量GA,GB,GC,GD)を取得する(ステップS21)。
詳しくは、CPU41は、当該画像データを構成するイエロー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックに対応する各色要素のみからなる単色画像データを取得する。そして、CPU41は、記録ヘッド51C(2),51M(2),51Y(2)のアライメント要素Aに係る位置ずれ量GAに基づいて白に対応するデータを各単色画像データの+X方向の端部又は-X方向の端部に挿入して、これらの記録ヘッド51のX方向の位置ずれ量GAを相殺する量だけ単色画像データを-X方向又は+X方向にシフトさせる。
続いて、CPU41は、記録ヘッド51K(2),51C(2),51M(2),51Y(2)を基準として算出された各記録ヘッド51のアライメント要素Bに係る位置ずれ量GBに基づいて、単色画像データのうち当該単色画像データの色に対応する4つの記録ヘッド51がそれぞれ記録を受け持つ範囲を変更する。
CPU41は、これらの補正を行った単色画像を記憶部44に記憶させる。なお、CPU41は、各記録ヘッド51の位置ずれ量GA,GBの何れか又は双方が0である場合には、0である位置ずれ量GA,GBに対応する上記補正を行わずにステップS22を終了させる。
ステップS23では、アライメント要素C,Dに係る位置ずれ量GC,GDに基づいて各記録ヘッド51からのインク吐出タイミングを調整した上で画像の記録を行う。詳しくは、記録ヘッド51K(2)を基準とする記録ヘッド51C(2),51M(2),51Y(2)のY方向の位置ずれ量GCと、記録ヘッド51K(2),51C(2),51M(2),51Y(2)を基準とした当該記録ヘッド51と同一の色に対応する他の3つの記録ヘッドの位置ずれ量GDとから、記録ヘッド51K(2)を基準とした各記録ヘッド51のY方向の累積の位置ずれ量を算出する。そして、各記録ヘッド51に設定されている、記録ヘッド51K(2)とのY方向の相対位置が所定値である場合の既定のインク吐出タイミングを、算出された累積の位置ずれ量に対応する分だけ早め、又は遅らせることで、当該累積の位置ずれ量を相殺して適正な位置で画像を記録させる。
なお、CPU41は、記録ヘッド51の位置ずれ量GC,GDがいずれも0である場合には、当該記録ヘッド51に係るインク吐出タイミングを補正することなく画像の記録を行う。
記録媒体Pへの画像が記録されると、CPU41は、画像記録処理を終了させる。
次に、上記実施形態の変形例1について説明する。この変形例1は、後述する他の変形例と組み合わされても良い。
本変形例1は、座標軸X1の単位座標間隔が座標軸X2の単位座標間隔より大きい場合の例である。その他の点は上記実施形態と同様であるので、以下では上記実施形態との相違点について説明する。
図17のラインパターン70Aに含まれる複数のライン71Aは、X方向の配置間隔が距離8sとなるように記録され、ラインパターン70Bに含まれる複数のライン71Bは、X方向の配置間隔が距離7sとなるように記録されている。従って、座標軸X1,X2の単位座標間隔はそれぞれ8s,7sであり、座標軸X2の単位座標間隔の座標軸X1の単位座標間隔に対する比rAは8分の7である。
図18の例では、直線L1,L2の交点に係る座標aAは2と算出される。また、比rAは0.875(8分の7)であるので、座標軸X1での位置ずれgAは、上記実施形態と同様に0.25と算出され、位置ずれ量GAは、距離2sと算出される。
次に、上記実施形態の変形例2について説明する。この変形例2は、他の変形例と組み合わされても良い。
本変形例2では、ラインパターン70に含まれるライン71が2本又は3本であり、また当該3本のライン71が等間隔に配列されておらず、一部のライン71に係る座標軸X1又はX2についての記録座標が整数でない場合の例である。その他の点は上記実施形態と同様であるので、以下では上記実施形態との相違点について説明する。
図19のラインパターン70Aは、座標軸X1での記録座標が(-1.5)、及び2.4である2本のライン71Aからなる。また、ラインパターン70Bは、座標軸X2での記録座標が(-3.0),0.8,3.5である3本のライン71Bからなる。なお、座標軸X1,X2の単位座標間隔は、上記実施形態と同様にそれぞれ8s,9sである。
変形例2では、ラインパターン70A,70Bがそれぞれ2本、及び3本のライン71のみからなるが、少なくとも2本のライン71を含んでいるため、これらの各ライン71に対応する点から直線L1,L2を導出することができる。
図20の直線L1,L2の交点の座標軸X3での座標aAは(-2)であり、記録ヘッド51C(2)の記録ヘッド51K(2)に対する位置ずれ量gAは、上記実施形態と同様に0.25と算出され、位置ずれ量GAは、距離2sと算出される。
次に、上記実施形態の変形例3について説明する。この変形例3は、他の変形例と組み合わされても良い。
本変形例3は、ラインセンサー25による検査画像の撮像時に、記録媒体Pが搬送方向に対して傾いて設置されたこと等に起因して、撮像の結果得られた撮像データにおいてライン71がY軸に対して傾いている場合のライン71の記録位置の取得方法に係るものである。その他の点は上記実施形態と同様であるので、以下では上記実施形態との相違点について説明する。
図21のように、Y方向に平行となるべきライン71がY軸に対して傾いている場合、ライン71A,71Bと交差する位置でX方向に設定された解析線上の輝度データからライン71の記録位置を取得すると、記録媒体Pに記録された状態でのライン71Aとライン71Bとの位置関係を正確に反映した記録位置を取得することができない。このため、CPU41は、X方向の単一の解析線95(記録位置取得線)を設定するとともに、各ライン71を延長した仮想線72A,72Bと解析線95との交点のX方向の位置を記録位置として取得する。また、基準マーク80A,80Bについても、基準マーク80A,80Bを延長した仮想基準マーク82A,82Bと解析線95とが重なる部分のX方向の範囲に基づいて基準マーク80A,80Bの基準位置のX方向の位置を取得する。
また、本変形例3では、図15に示す位置ずれ量算出処理のステップS12において、上記のようなライン71A,71B、基準マーク80A,80Bの延長処理に必要な範囲をラインセンサー25により撮像する。
図21では、X方向に平行な解析線95を設定する例を説明したが、X方向に平行となるべきライン71A,71BがX軸に対して傾いている場合には、Y方向の解析線95を設定して各ライン71A,71Bを延長した仮想線72A,72Bと解析線95との交点のY方向の位置を記録位置とすればよい。
例えば、上記実施形態及び変形例2を除く各変形例では、各々等間隔に記録されたライン71A,71Bに係る座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)の記録座標がライン71の配列順を示す番号(線番号)に相当する例を説明したが、これに限定する趣旨ではない。例えば、各々等間隔に記録されたライン71A,71Bに係る座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)の記録座標が0,±2,±4,±6のように所定の値を公差とする等差数列となるように座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)を設定してもよい。この例に限らず、座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)の単位座標間隔をどのように設定しても、上記アルゴリズムにより算出された座標軸X1(Y1)の単位座標間隔を単位とする位置ずれgiに対し当該単位座標間隔に対応する距離を乗じることで、記録ヘッド51の位置ずれ量Giを求めることができる。
また、撮像データ上で座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)についての座標が一致する位置を目視で求めることで直接座標aiを取得してもよい。
また、基準マーク80を記録する位置は、上記実施形態及び各変形例の態様に限られず、記録媒体P上の任意の位置とすることができる。例えば、基準マーク80は、基準位置が座標軸X1(Y1),X2(Y2)の原点以外に位置するように記録されていてもよい。
また、ラインセンサー25は記録媒体Pの搬送方向に直交する方向(X方向)に沿って配置されているものとしたが、これに限られない。ラインセンサー25は、搬送方向と交差する所定の直線に沿って撮像を行うものであれば足り、ラインセンサー25のX方向からの角度が既知であれば任意の角度とすることができる。
2 外部装置
10 給紙部
11 給紙トレー
12 搬送部
121,122 ローラー
123 ベルト
20 画像記録部
21 搬送ドラム
21M 搬送ドラムモーター
22 受け渡しユニット
221 スイングアーム部
222 ドラム
23 加熱部
24 定着部
25 ラインセンサー
251 撮像素子
252 画素
26 デリバリー部
261,262 ローラー
263 ベルト
264 ドラム
30 排紙部
31 排紙トレー
40 制御部
41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM
44 記憶部
50 ヘッドユニット
51 記録ヘッド
52 記録素子
61 記録ヘッド制御回路
62 ラインセンサー制御回路
63 搬送ドラムモーター制御回路
64 インターフェース
65 バス
70A,70B ラインパターン
71A,71B ライン
72A,72B 仮想線
80A,80B 基準マーク
91,95 解析線
92ax,92ay 第1階調画像領域
92bx,92by 第2階調画像領域
93cx 幅方向輝度移行範囲
93cy 搬送方向輝度移行範囲
dx 幅方向輝度移行距離
dy 搬送方向輝度移行距離
g,gA,gB,gC,gD 位置ずれ
G,GA,GB,GC,GD 位置ずれ量
P 記録媒体
Claims (18)
- 複数の記録素子が各々配列された第1記録手段及び第2記録手段により記録媒体に記録された検査画像の撮像データに基づいて前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段との位置関係を特定する処理を行う情報処理装置であって、
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段により前記記録媒体上におけるライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第1ラインと、前記第2記録手段により前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第2ラインとを含み、
前記複数の第1ラインの各々について、前記記録媒体上の前記ライン配列方向に所定の第1単位座標間隔が定められた第1座標軸における記録座標を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの各々について、前記ライン配列方向に前記第1単位座標間隔とは異なる第2単位座標間隔が定められ、前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段とが前記ライン配列方向に特定の位置関係で配置されている場合の基準位置が前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記ライン配列方向に所定の基準相対位置関係となる第2座標軸における記録座標を取得する記録座標取得手段と、
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ライン各々の前記撮像データにおける前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を取得する記録位置取得手段と、
当該取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係から、前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記第2座標軸の基準位置との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定し、当該特定された相対位置関係及び前記所定の基準相対位置関係に基づいて、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記ライン配列方向についての前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値を算出する位置ずれ量算出手段と
を備えることを特徴とする情報処理装置。 - 前記所定の基準相対位置関係は、前記第1座標軸の基準位置及び前記第2座標軸の基準位置の前記ライン配列方向についての位置が一致する位置関係であり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第1座標軸及び前記第2座標軸における座標が同一となる前記ライン配列方向についての位置での当該同一の座標に基づいて前記第1座標軸と前記第2座標軸との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定する
ことを特徴とする請求項1記載の情報処理装置。 - 前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第1座標軸及び前記第2座標軸における前記記録座標を共通の座標軸で示す第3座標軸と、前記記録位置を示す第4座標軸とを2軸とする直交座標系において、前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標及び前記記録位置の組み合わせにそれぞれ対応する複数の点の第1近似直線と、前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標及び前記記録位置の組み合わせにそれぞれ対応する複数の点の第2近似直線とを算出し、前記第1近似直線と前記第2近似直線との交点に係る前記第3座標軸の座標から前記同一の座標を取得することを特徴とする請求項2記載の情報処理装置。
- 前記検査画像は、前記複数の第1ラインと予め定められた位置関係で前記第1記録手段により記録された第1識別標識と、前記複数の第2ラインと予め定められた位置関係で前記第2記録手段により記録された第2識別標識と、を含み、
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインのうち少なくとも一本の前記第1座標軸における前記記録座標を、前記第1識別標識との前記ライン配列方向についての位置関係に基づいて取得し、前記複数の第2ラインのうち少なくとも一本の前記第2座標軸における前記記録座標を、前記第2識別標識との前記ライン配列方向についての位置関係に基づいて取得する
ことを特徴とする請求項1~3の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。 - 前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインは、所定の間隔で各々記録されたものであり、
前記記録座標取得手段は、前記所定の間隔及び前記複数の第1ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値から前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標を取得し、前記所定の間隔及び前記複数の第2ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値から前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標を取得する
ことを特徴とする請求項1~3の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。 - 前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインは、それぞれ等間隔に記録された3本以上のラインであることを特徴とする請求項1~5の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。
- 前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインの前記記録座標として当該複数の第1ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの前記記録座標として当該複数の第2ラインの配列順を示す番号に対応する値を取得することを特徴とする請求項6記載の情報処理装置。
- 前記記録座標取得手段は、前記複数の第1ラインのうちいずれか一本の記録座標を前記第1座標軸の基準位置とし、前記複数の第2ラインのうちいずれか一本の記録座標を前記第2座標軸の基準位置とすることを特徴とする請求項1~7の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。
- 前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段に対して前記記録媒体を搬送方向に移動させる搬送手段により当該記録媒体が移動されながら、前記第1記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち前記搬送方向と直交する幅方向の配置位置が異なる記録素子により前記複数の第1ラインが記録され、前記第2記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち前記幅方向の配置位置が異なる記録素子により前記複数の第2ラインが記録されたものであり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記幅方向についての位置ずれ量に対応する値を前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値として算出する
ことを特徴とする請求項1~8の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。 - 前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段に対して前記記録媒体を搬送方向に移動させる搬送手段により当該記録媒体が移動されながら、前記第1記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち記録されるラインが一連の繋がりとなる位置関係にある記録素子により前記複数の第1ラインが記録され、前記第2記録手段の前記複数の記録素子のうち記録されるラインが一連の繋がりとなる位置関係にある記録素子により前記複数の第2ラインが記録されたものであり、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段は、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記搬送方向についての位置ずれ量に対応する値を前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値として算出する
ことを特徴とする請求項1~8の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。 - 前記記録位置取得手段は、前記記録位置を取得する位置を示す記録位置取得線を前記ライン配列方向に設定し、前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ラインの各々を延長した仮想線と前記記録位置取得線との交点の前記ライン配列方向の位置を前記記録位置として取得することを特徴とする請求項1~10の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。
- 前記位置ずれ量算出手段により算出された前記位置ずれ量に対応する値又は当該位置ずれ量に基づいて、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段により前記記録媒体に記録される画像の画像データを補正する画像データ補正手段を備えることを特徴とする請求項1~11の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置。
- 請求項1~12の何れか一項記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
を備えることを特徴とする画像記録装置。 - 請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
前記位置ずれ量算出手段により算出された前記位置ずれ量に対応する値又は当該位置ずれ量に基づいて、前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段により前記記録媒体に記録が行われるタイミングを補正する記録タイミング補正手段と
を備えることを特徴とする画像記録装置。 - 請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と
を備え、
前記検査画像を撮像する撮像手段により前記幅方向に隣接した2つの異なる輝度の均一階調画像領域を撮像して得られた撮像データに、前記2つの均一階調画像領域の輝度の間で輝度が変化する輝度移行範囲が生じる場合に、
隣り合う前記複数の第1ラインの前記幅方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記幅方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、隣り合う前記複数の第2ラインの前記幅方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記幅方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段を備える
ことを特徴とする画像記録装置。 - 請求項10記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と
を備え、
前記検査画像を撮像する撮像手段により前記搬送方向に隣接した2つの異なる輝度の均一階調画像領域を撮像して得られた撮像データに、前記2つの均一階調画像領域の輝度の間で輝度が変化する輝度移行範囲が生じる場合に、
隣り合う前記複数の第1ラインの前記搬送方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記搬送方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、隣り合う前記複数の第2ラインの前記搬送方向の間隔が前記輝度移行範囲の前記搬送方向の長さに対応する前記記録媒体上の距離の2倍以上となるように前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段を備える
ことを特徴とする画像記録装置。 - 請求項9記載の情報処理装置と、
前記第1記録手段及び前記第2記録手段と、
前記搬送手段と、
前記幅方向に前記記録媒体での前記検査画像の記録範囲に亘って配列された複数の撮像素子により前記記録媒体に記録された前記検査画像を撮像して前記撮像データを出力する撮像手段と、
隣り合うラインの間隔が前記複数の撮像素子の前記幅方向の配置間隔の3倍以上30倍未満となるように、前記第1記録手段により前記複数の第1ラインを記録させ、前記第2記録手段により前記複数の第2ラインを記録させる記録制御手段と、
を備えることを特徴とする画像記録装置。 - 複数の記録素子が各々配列された第1記録手段及び第2記録手段により記録媒体に記録された検査画像の撮像データに基づいて前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段との位置関係を特定する処理を行う情報処理方法であって、
前記検査画像は、前記第1記録手段により前記記録媒体上におけるライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第1ラインと、前記第2記録手段により前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を互いに異ならせて記録された複数の第2ラインとを含み、
前記複数の第1ラインの各々について、前記記録媒体上の前記ライン配列方向に所定の第1単位座標間隔が定められた第1座標軸における記録座標を取得し、前記複数の第2ラインの各々について、前記ライン配列方向に前記第1単位座標間隔とは異なる第2単位座標間隔が定められ、前記第1記録手段と前記第2記録手段とが前記ライン配列方向に特定の位置関係で配置されている場合の基準位置が前記第1座標軸の基準位置と前記ライン配列方向に所定の基準相対位置関係となる第2座標軸における記録座標を取得する記録座標取得ステップ、
前記複数の第1ライン及び前記複数の第2ライン各々の前記撮像データにおける前記ライン配列方向についての記録位置を取得する記録位置取得ステップ、
当該取得された記録座標と記録位置との対応関係から、前記第1座標軸の前記基準位置と前記第2座標軸の前記基準位置との前記ライン配列方向についての相対位置関係を特定し、当該特定された相対位置関係及び前記所定の基準相対位置関係に基づいて、前記第2記録手段の前記第1記録手段に対する前記ライン配列方向についての前記特定の位置関係からの位置ずれ量に対応する値を算出する位置ずれ量算出ステップ
を含むことを特徴とする情報処理方法。
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Cited By (4)
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JP2018047594A (ja) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-29 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | 記録ヘッドの相対位置検出方法、及び画像形成装置 |
JP2019181931A (ja) * | 2018-03-30 | 2019-10-24 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | インクジェット記録装置 |
JP7265130B2 (ja) | 2018-03-30 | 2023-04-26 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | インクジェット記録装置 |
JP7482007B2 (ja) | 2020-12-01 | 2024-05-13 | ローランドディー.ジー.株式会社 | プリンタ |
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EP3231611A4 (en) | 2018-08-01 |
EP3231611B1 (en) | 2022-02-09 |
CN107000430A (zh) | 2017-08-01 |
JP6536590B2 (ja) | 2019-07-03 |
US20170334192A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
US9950515B2 (en) | 2018-04-24 |
JPWO2016093008A1 (ja) | 2017-09-14 |
CN107000430B (zh) | 2019-05-28 |
EP3231611A1 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
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