WO2017217173A1

WO2017217173A1 - Information-processing device, inkjet printing apparatus, and information-processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2017217173A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/018451
Authority: WO
Inventors: 裕貴富田
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-06-17
Filing date: 2017-05-17
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Also published as: JPWO2017217173A1; CN109311317B; JP6891885B2; CN109311317A

Abstract

Provided are an information-processing device, inkjet printing apparatus and information-processing method, which are capable of generating setting information for limiting the printing of unnecessary test images. An information-processing device, which is for generating setting information to be used in setting the control of operations in a printing apparatus provided with multiple ink-discharging units that discharge mutually different kinds of ink from respective nozzles onto a print medium, is provided with: an input means for accepting a first input operation relating to the selection, from among the multiple ink-discharging units, of an ink-discharging unit to be tested that prints on a print medium a test image to be used for testing the state of discharge from the nozzles; and a setting information-generating means for generating setting information to be used for settings to perform printing of test images by the ink-discharging unit to be tested that has been selected on the basis of the first input operation.

Description

Information processing apparatus, ink jet recording apparatus, and information processing method

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an inkjet recording apparatus, and an information processing method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink onto a recording medium from an ink ejecting section provided with a nozzle for ejecting ink. Some ink jet recording apparatuses are provided with a plurality of ink ejection units that eject different types of ink from nozzles. For example, in an ink jet recording apparatus that ejects different colors of ink from nozzles by each of a plurality of ink ejection units, it is possible to record a color image using the different colors of ink.
In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink ejection unit based on setting information generated in response to a user input operation with respect to an input unit in an information processing apparatus provided inside or outside the ink jet recording apparatus. Some devices can perform settings related to operation control of each unit.

In the ink jet recording apparatus, an abnormality in the ink ejection state from the nozzles leads to a decrease in the image quality of the recorded image. For this reason, conventionally, the discharge state from the nozzles is regularly inspected. In this inspection, for example, a predetermined test image is recorded on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a nozzle, and an abnormality in the ink ejection state is detected from imaging data obtained by imaging the recorded test image. Can be done.
In addition, in an ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of ink ejection units, a test image is recorded by each ink ejection unit, and the corresponding ink ejection unit is inspected using imaging data of the recorded test image. In this inspection method, when the recordable area of the recording medium is sufficiently larger than the test image, all the test images related to the plurality of ink ejection units can be recorded on one recording medium. In addition, when an area for recording a test image on a recording medium is limited, such as when using a margin of the recording medium, a test image by one ink ejection unit among a plurality of ink ejection units on each of the plurality of recording media There is a technique for recording the images in order (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-41495

However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is not necessary to inspect the ejection state such as an ink ejection unit that ejects ink from a nozzle at a low frequency or an ink ejection unit that ejects a type of ink that is difficult for the user to recognize an abnormality in the ejection state. Alternatively, even with an ink ejection unit sufficient for inspection at a low frequency, test images are recorded at the same frequency as other ink ejection units. For this reason, ink or a recording medium is wasted due to unnecessary test image recording, or a normal image can be recorded when a normal image and a test image to be recorded are recorded in one recording area of the recording medium. There is a problem of narrowing.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus, and an information processing method capable of generating setting information for suppressing recording of an unnecessary test image.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1
An information processing apparatus that generates setting information used for setting operation control in a recording apparatus including a plurality of ink discharge units that discharge different types of ink from nozzles onto a recording medium,
An input unit that receives a first input operation related to selection of an ink discharge unit to be inspected to record a test image used to inspect a discharge state from a nozzle among the plurality of ink discharge units;
Setting information generating means for generating the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected selected based on the first input operation;
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The input means designates a maximum number of ink ejecting sections that record the test image on one recording area on a recording medium to be ejected of ink from nozzles in the plurality of ink ejecting sections. Accepts input operations,
The setting information generation unit performs recording by each of the ink ejection units not more than the maximum number designated by the second input operation among the ink ejection units to be inspected selected based on the first input operation. The setting information used for setting the recording of the test image in each recording area of the medium is generated.

The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to

claim

1 or 2,
The input unit receives the first input operation for designating the ink discharge unit to be inspected.

The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to

claim

1 or 2,
The input means selects a first inspection target selection unit that selects the inspection target ink discharge unit based on image data of a normal image to be recorded recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink discharge units. Receiving the first input operation for designating a mode;
The setting information generation unit is configured to perform the test by the inspection target ink ejection unit that is selected based on the image data of the normal image according to the designation of the first inspection target selection mode by the first input operation. The setting information used for setting for recording an image is generated.

The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
The setting information generation unit selects the ink ejection unit to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image when the first inspection object selection mode is designated by the first input operation. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The setting information generation unit obtains ink ejection amounts from the nozzles in each of the plurality of ink ejection units necessary for recording the normal image by the plurality of ink ejection units based on the image data of the normal image. In addition, an ink discharge unit in which the ink discharge amount is larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as the ink discharge unit to be inspected.

The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to

claim

1 or 2,
The input means includes, for each recording area on a recording medium to be ejected from nozzles in the plurality of ink ejecting sections, an ink ejection section to be inspected that records the test image on the recording area. Accepting the first input operation designating
The setting information generation means is used for setting the recording of the test image by the inspection target ink ejection unit designated by the first input operation for each of the plurality of recording areas. It is characterized by generating.

The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The recording apparatus has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium,
Each of the plurality of ink ejection portions has a plurality of ink ejection heads each provided with a plurality of the nozzles,
The plurality of ink ejection heads are different from each other in the arrangement range of the plurality of nozzles in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and the plurality of ink ejection heads have a predetermined width direction. Provided so that the nozzles are arranged over the recording width,
The input means receives a third input operation related to selection of an inspection target ink discharge head used for recording the test image in the inspection target ink discharge section;
The setting information generation unit uses the inspection target ink discharge head selected based on the third input operation by the inspection target ink discharge unit selected based on the first input operation. The setting information used for setting for recording the test image is generated.

The invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 8,
The input means receives the third input operation for designating the ink discharge head to be inspected.

The invention according to claim 10 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 8,
The input means selects a second inspection target selection unit that selects the inspection target ink discharge head based on image data of a normal image to be recorded recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink discharge units. Accepting the third input operation to specify a mode;
The setting information generation unit is selected based on the image data of the normal image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected according to the designation of the second inspection object selection mode by a third input operation. The setting information used for setting for recording the test image using the target ink discharge head is generated.

The invention according to claim 11 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
The setting information generation unit selects the ink ejection head to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image when the second inspection object selection mode is designated by the third input operation. It is a feature.

The invention according to claim 12 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 11,
The setting information generation unit obtains ink ejection amounts from the nozzles in each of the plurality of ink ejection heads necessary for recording the normal image by the plurality of ink ejection units based on the image data of the normal image. An ink discharge head having an ink discharge amount larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as the inspection target ink discharge head.

The invention according to claim 13 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The recording apparatus includes ejection failure detection means for detecting ejection failure from the nozzles in the plurality of ink ejection sections based on a result of reading by the test image reading device.
The input means receives a fourth input operation for designating detection accuracy of ejection failure for each of the plurality of ink ejection sections;
The setting information generation unit generates the setting information used for setting for detecting the ejection failure by the ejection failure detection unit with the detection accuracy specified by the fourth input operation.

The invention according to claim 14 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The recording apparatus has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium,
Each of the plurality of ink ejection portions has a plurality of ink ejection heads each provided with a plurality of the nozzles,
The plurality of ink ejection heads are different from each other in the arrangement range of the plurality of nozzles in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and the plurality of ink ejection heads have a predetermined width direction. Provided so that the nozzles are arranged over the recording width,
The recording apparatus includes ejection failure detection means for detecting ejection failure from the nozzles in the plurality of ink ejection heads provided in each of the plurality of ink ejection sections, based on a result of reading by the test image reading unit. Have
The input means receives a fifth input operation for designating detection accuracy of ejection failure for each of the plurality of ink ejection heads in each of the plurality of ink ejection units;
The setting information generating means generates the setting information used for setting for detecting the ejection failure by the ejection failure detecting means with the detection accuracy specified by the fifth input operation.

The invention according to claim 15 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Test image data generation means for generating test image data of an image including the test image recorded by the ink ejection unit to be inspected according to the setting based on the setting information is provided.

The invention according to claim 16 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 15,
The test image data generation unit generates the test image data of a normal image to be recorded and an image including the test image recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink ejection units. Yes.

The invention according to claim 17 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
An output means for outputting the setting information to the recording apparatus is provided.

The invention according to claim 18 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 15 or 16,
An output means for outputting the test image data to the recording apparatus is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 19 comprises:
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
A recording apparatus including a plurality of ink ejection units that eject different types of ink from the nozzles onto the recording medium, and
With
The recording apparatus includes recording control means for recording the test image based on the setting information generated in the information processing apparatus by the ink ejection unit to be inspected.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to claim 20 comprises:
An information processing method for generating setting information used for setting operation control in a recording apparatus including a plurality of ink discharge units that discharge different types of ink from nozzles onto a recording medium,
An input step of receiving a first input operation related to selection of an inspection target ink discharge unit that records a test image used for inspection of a discharge state from a nozzle on a recording medium among the plurality of ink discharge units;
A setting information generating step for generating the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected selected based on the first input operation;
It is characterized by including.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that setting information for suppressing recording of an unnecessary test image can be generated.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a head unit. It is a block diagram which shows the main function structures of an inkjet recording device. It is a figure which shows the example of a test chart. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen display used for the recording setting of a test chart. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of the recording setting of a test chart. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of the test chart recorded according to recording setting. It is a figure explaining the 3rd example of the recording setting of a test chart. It is a figure explaining the 3rd example of the test chart recorded according to recording setting. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of an image recording process. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of an uneven color response process. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the calculated ink discharge amount. It is a figure explaining the example of the test chart recorded according to the recording setting in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart in the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the test chart recorded according to the recording setting in the modification 2. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart in the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the test chart recorded according to the recording setting in the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the recording setting which can designate head module automatic selection mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the calculated ink discharge amount. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart in the modification 4. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart which can designate the detection precision of an ink discharge defect for every head module. It is a figure explaining the example of the recording setting of the test chart which can designate the detection precision of an ink discharge defect for every head module. It is a figure which shows the example of the error display in the modification 5. It is a figure which shows the example of the head maintenance menu screen in the modification 5. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting screen which sets the conditions which perform an error display.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing apparatus, the ink jet recording apparatus, and the information processing method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a recording apparatus 1 that records an image on a recording medium P, generation of setting information used for setting operation control in the recording apparatus 1 according to an input operation by a user, and generation of the setting information. And an information processing apparatus 2 that performs various processes according to the above.
The recording apparatus 1 includes a paper feed unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, and a control unit 40. Under the control of the control unit 40, the recording apparatus 1 transports the recording medium P stored in the paper feeding unit 10 to the image forming unit 20, and records an image on the recording medium P by the image forming unit 20. The recorded recording medium P is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 30. As the recording medium P, in addition to paper such as plain paper and coated paper, various media capable of fixing ink landed on the surface, such as 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 medium supply unit 12 that conveys and supplies the recording medium P from the paper feed tray 11 to the image forming unit 20. The medium supply unit 12 includes a ring-shaped belt supported on the inside by two rollers, and the recording medium P is removed from the paper feed tray 11 by rotating the roller while the recording medium P is placed on the belt. It is conveyed to the image forming unit 20.

The image forming unit 20 includes a transport unit 21, a delivery unit 22, a heating unit 23, a head unit 24 (ink ejection unit), a fixing unit 25, an image reading unit 26 (reading unit), and a delivery unit 27. And an inversion unit 28.

The conveying unit 21 (conveying means) holds a recording medium P placed on the conveying surface of a cylindrical conveying drum 211, and a rotating shaft (cylindrical cylinder) in which the conveying drum 211 extends in a direction perpendicular to the drawing in FIG. The recording medium P on the transport drum 211 is transported in the transport direction along the transport surface by rotating around the shaft). The transport drum 211 includes a claw portion and a suction portion (not shown) for holding the recording medium P on the transport surface. The recording medium P is held on the conveyance surface by the end being pressed by the claw portion and sucked to the conveyance surface by the intake portion. The transport unit 21 includes a transport drum motor (not shown) for rotating the transport drum 211, and the transport drum 211 rotates by an angle proportional to the rotation amount of the transport drum motor. Hereinafter, a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the rotation axis of the transport drum 211 is referred to as a width direction.

The delivery unit 22 delivers the recording medium P conveyed by the medium supply unit 12 of the paper supply unit 10 to the conveyance unit 21. The delivery unit 22 is provided at a position between the medium supply unit 12 and the conveyance unit 21 of the paper supply unit 10, and picks up one end of the recording medium P conveyed from the medium supply unit 12 by the swing arm unit 221. Then, it is delivered to the transport unit 21 via the delivery drum 222.

The heating unit 23 is provided between the arrangement position of the delivery drum 222 and the arrangement position of the head unit 24, and the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyance unit 21 has a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. Heat P. The heating unit 23 includes, for example, an infrared heater and energizes the infrared heater based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 41 (FIG. 3) to cause the infrared heater to generate heat.

The head unit 24 is disposed on the recording medium P from a nozzle opening provided on an ink discharge surface facing the conveyance surface of the conveyance drum 211 at an appropriate timing according to the rotation of the conveyance drum 211 on which the recording medium P is held. Then, an image is recorded by performing a recording operation of ejecting ink. The head unit 24 is disposed such that the ink discharge surface and the transport surface are separated by a predetermined distance. In the ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, four head units 24 respectively corresponding to four color inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are transported in the recording medium P. They are arranged so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals in the order of Y, M, C, and K colors from the upstream side.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the head unit 24. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the entire head unit 24 as viewed from the side facing the conveyance surface of the conveyance drum 211.
In the present embodiment, the head unit 24 includes eight recording heads 242 in which a plurality of recording elements that eject ink are arranged in the width direction. Each recording element of the recording head 242 includes a pressure chamber for storing ink, a piezoelectric element provided on the wall surface of the pressure chamber, and a nozzle 243. When a driving signal for deforming the piezoelectric element is input to the recording element, the pressure chamber is deformed by the deformation of the piezoelectric element and the pressure in the pressure chamber changes, and ink is ejected from the nozzle 243 communicating with the pressure chamber. Ink discharge operation is performed. The amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 243 can be adjusted by changing the amplitude of the voltage of the drive signal.
FIG. 2 shows the positions of the ink discharge ports of the nozzles 243 that are the constituent elements of the printing element. The arrangement direction of the recording elements in each recording head 242 is not limited to the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and may be a direction that intersects the conveyance direction at an angle other than a right angle.

In the head unit 24, eight recording heads 242 are combined two by two, and four head modules HM1 to HM4 (ink discharge heads) (hereinafter referred to as head modules HM1 to HM4) each configured by the combination of the recording heads 242. Is also referred to as a head module HM). In each of the head modules HM1 to HM4, the two recording heads 242 are arranged in such a positional relationship that the nozzles 243 of the recording elements of the two recording heads 242 are alternately arranged in the width direction. By arranging the nozzles 243 in this manner, the head modules MH1 to HM4 can perform recording at a resolution of 1200 dpi (dot per inch) in the width direction.
The four head modules MH1 to HM4 have different nozzle arrangement ranges in the width direction, and the four head modules HM1 to HM4 have nozzles arranged over a predetermined recording width in the width direction. Due to the positional relationship, the line head is configured by being arranged in a staggered pattern so that the arrangement ranges in the width direction partially overlap each other.
The arrangement range in the width direction of the nozzles 243 included in the head unit 24 covers the width in the width direction of an area in which an image can be recorded in the recording medium P transported by the transport unit 21. The head unit 24 is used at a fixed position during image recording, and sequentially ejects ink at different intervals (conveyance direction intervals) to different positions in the conveyance direction according to the conveyance of the recording medium P. Record an image using the single pass method.
Instead of the above configuration, the ink discharge head may be configured by a single recording head 242.

In the recording head 242, nozzles 243 (defective nozzles) with poor ink ejection due to variations in processing at the time of nozzle formation, variations in characteristics of piezoelectric elements, clogging of the nozzles 243, or clogging due to adhesion of foreign matters to the nozzle openings, etc. May occur. As modes of ink ejection failure, there are ink ejection failure, abnormality in the ink ejection direction, abnormality in the amount of ink ejected, abnormality in the flying speed of ejected ink, and the like. If a recording operation is performed by the head unit 24 when there is a defective nozzle, normal ink ejection is not performed at the defective nozzle, leading to a reduction in the image quality of an image recorded on the recording medium P. A method for detecting a discharge failure from the nozzle 243 and a method for adjusting the ink discharge operation when a discharge failure is detected will be described later.

As the ink ejected from the nozzle 243 of the recording element, an ink that has a property of changing in a gel or sol state depending on the temperature and being cured by irradiating energy rays such as ultraviolet rays is used.
In this embodiment, ink that is gel-like at room temperature and becomes sol-like when heated is used. The head unit 24 includes an ink heating unit (not shown) that heats the ink stored in the head unit 24, and the ink heating unit operates under the control of the CPU 41 and heats the ink to a sol-like temperature. . The recording head 242 discharges ink that has been heated to form a sol. When the sol-like ink is ejected onto the recording medium P, the ink droplets land on the recording medium P and then spontaneously cool, so that the ink quickly becomes a gel and solidifies on the recording medium P.

The fixing unit 25 has an energy beam irradiation unit arranged across the width in the width direction of the conveyance unit 21, and ultraviolet rays or the like from the energy beam irradiation unit to the recording medium P placed on the conveyance unit 21. The ink ejected on the recording medium P is cured and fixed by irradiating energy rays. The energy ray irradiating unit of the fixing unit 25 is arranged to face the conveying surface between the arrangement position of the head unit 24 and the arrangement position of the delivery drum 271 of the delivery unit 27 in the conveying direction.

The image reading unit 26 is arranged so as to be able to read the surface of the recording medium P on the conveyance surface at a position between the ink fixing position by the fixing unit 25 and the arrangement position of the transfer drum 271 in the conveyance direction. The image recorded on the recording medium P conveyed by the above is read in a predetermined reading range, and imaging data of the image is output.
In the present embodiment, the image reading unit 26 has a light source that irradiates light to the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying drum 211 and an image sensor that detects the intensity of reflected light of the light incident on the recording medium P. Line sensors arranged in a direction. Specifically, in the line sensor, three rows of image pickup devices each including image pickup devices arranged in the width direction are provided, and R (red), G (green), and B of the incident light are provided by the image pickup devices of each image pickup device row. A signal corresponding to the intensity of the wavelength component of (blue) is output. Imaging elements corresponding to R, G, and B are, for example, R, G, or B in a light receiving portion of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that includes a photodiode as a photoelectric conversion element. A filter in which a color filter that transmits light having a wavelength component of is arranged can be used. The reading resolution of each image sensor of the line sensor is, for example, 600 dpi in the width direction. That is, this image sensor may acquire an image with a resolution lower than the resolution corresponding to the arrangement interval of the nozzles 243.
The signal output from the line sensor is subjected to current-voltage conversion, amplification, noise removal, analog-digital conversion, and the like in an analog front end (not shown), and is output to the control unit 40 as imaging data indicating the luminance value of the read image.
Note that the configuration of the image reading unit 26 is not limited to this, and for example, an area sensor may be used instead of the line sensor.

The delivery unit 27 includes a belt loop 272 having an annular belt supported on the inside by two rollers, and a cylindrical delivery drum 271 that delivers the recording medium P from the transport unit 21 to the belt loop 272. The recording medium P transferred from the transport unit 21 onto the belt loop 272 by the transfer drum 271 is transported by the belt loop 272 and sent to the paper discharge unit 30.

The reversing unit 28 operates under the control of the CPU 41 when reversing the front and back of the recording medium P. The reversing unit 28 reverses the front and back of the recording medium P delivered from the transfer drum 271 and delivers it to the transport drum 211. Place on the surface. The reversing unit 28 includes a first drum 281, a second drum 282, and a belt loop 283.
In the reversing unit 28, the recording medium P is transferred from the transfer drum 271 that rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 to the first drum 281 that rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, and then rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. The second drum 282 and the belt loop 283 that rotates counterclockwise are sequentially delivered. When the rear end of the recording medium P reaches the vicinity of the nip portion between the second drum 282 and the belt loop 283, the rotation direction of the belt loop 283 is changed to the clockwise direction in FIG. It is placed on the transport surface of the transport drum 211 on the upstream side. The recording medium P placed on the transport surface by the reversing unit 28 is held again on the transport drum 211 in a state where the surface on which the image is recorded is in contact with the transport surface.
Note that the configuration of the reversing unit 28 is not limited to the above, and can be appropriately selected from various configurations that can be transferred to the transport drum 211 by reversing the front and back of the recording medium P.

The paper discharge unit 30 includes a plate-shaped paper discharge tray 31 on which the recording medium P sent out from the image forming unit 20 by the delivery unit 27 is placed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.
Of the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the recording apparatus 1 includes a heating unit 23, a head unit 24 having a recording head driving unit 241 and a recording head 242, a fixing unit 25, an image reading unit 26, a control unit 40, and a conveyance drive. A unit 51, an input / output interface 52, a bus 53, and the like are provided.

The recording head driving unit 241 supplies pixel signals of image data from the nozzles 243 of the recording head 242 by supplying a driving signal for deforming the piezoelectric element according to the image data at an appropriate timing to the recording elements of the recording head 242. An amount of ink corresponding to the value is ejected.

The control unit 40 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) (recording control unit, ejection failure detection unit), a RAM 42 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 43 (Read Only Memory), and a storage unit 44.

The CPU 41 reads various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 43, stores them in the RAM 42, and executes the programs to perform various arithmetic processes. The CPU 41 controls the overall operation of the recording apparatus 1. For example, the CPU 41 operates each unit of the recording apparatus 1 based on a print job (image recording command) stored in the storage unit 44 and image data related to the print job to record an image on the recording medium P.

The RAM 42 provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores temporary data. The RAM 42 may include a nonvolatile memory.

The ROM 43 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 41, setting data, and the like. Instead of the ROM 43, 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 stores a print job input from the information processing apparatus 2 via the input / output interface 52, image data of an image recorded by the print job, imaging data output from the image reading unit 26, and the like. Is done. As the storage unit 44, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is used, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like may be used in combination.

The transport drive unit 51 supplies a drive signal to the transport drum motor of the transport drum 211 based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 41 to rotate the transport drum 211 at a predetermined speed and timing. Further, the transport driving unit 51 supplies a driving signal to a motor for operating the medium supply unit 12, the delivery unit 22, and the delivery unit 27 based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 41, so that the recording medium P is transported. Supply to the unit 21 and discharge from the transport unit 21 are performed. Further, the transport driving unit 51 operates the first drum 281, the second drum 282, and the belt loop 283 of the reversing unit 28 based on the control signal supplied from the CPU 41, and the reversing unit 28 controls the front and back of the recording medium P. Invert.

The input / output interface 52 is connected to the input / output interface 83 of the information processing apparatus 2 and mediates transmission / reception of data between the control unit 40 and the control unit 70 of the information processing apparatus 2. The input / output interface 52 is configured by any one of various serial interfaces, various parallel interfaces, or a combination thereof, for example.

The bus 53 is a path for transmitting and receiving signals between the control unit 40 and other components.

Of the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 70, an operation display unit 81 (input unit), an image processing unit 82 (test image data generation unit), an input / output interface 83, a bus 84, and the like. Prepare. The information processing apparatus 2 is configured by a personal computer such as a desktop type or a notebook type.

The control unit 70 includes a CPU 71 (setting information generation unit, output unit), a RAM 72, a ROM 73, and a storage unit 74.

The CPU 71 reads out various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 73, stores them in the RAM 72, and executes the programs to perform various arithmetic processes. The CPU 71 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 2. For example, the CPU 71 generates a print job based on a user input operation on the operation display unit 81 and outputs the print job to the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1.

The RAM 72 provides a working memory space for the CPU 71 and stores temporary data. The RAM 72 may include a nonvolatile memory.

The ROM 73 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 71, setting data, and the like. Instead of the ROM 73, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used.

The storage unit 74 stores PDL (Page Description Language) data relating to a normal image to be recorded input from the external device 200 via the input / output interface 83, raster-format image data generated by the image processing unit 82, and will be described later. The image data of the test chart to be set, the setting information related to the setting of the control of the operation of the recording apparatus 1, and the like are stored. As the storage unit 44, for example, an HDD is used, and a DRAM or the like may be used in combination.

The operation display unit 81 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display device. The operation display unit 81 displays various information on the display device, converts a user input operation to the input device into an operation signal, and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 70.

The image processing unit 82 converts the PDL data input from the external device 200 and stored in the storage unit 44 into a raster format in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 71, and stores the converted image data in the storage unit 44. In addition, when the print job includes a test chart recording command, the image processing unit 82 generates a normal image according to a control signal from the CPU 71 and a test chart according to the setting information stored in the storage unit 44. Raster composite image data (that is, composite image data in which image data of a normal image and image data of a test image are combined) (test image data) is generated. Note that the image processing unit 82 may be configured to perform color conversion processing, gradation correction processing, halftone processing, and the like on image data in addition to such rasterization processing.

The input / output interface 83 mediates data transmission / reception between the control unit 70 and the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1 and between the control unit 70 and the external device 200. The input / output interface 83 is constituted by, for example, any of various serial interfaces, various parallel interfaces, or a combination thereof.

The bus 84 is a path for transmitting and receiving signals between the control unit 70 and other components.

The external device 200 is a personal computer, for example, and supplies PDL data and the like to the control unit 70 via the input / output interface 83.

Next, the recording operation of the normal image and the test chart in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment and the inspection of the ejection state from the nozzle 243 using the test chart will be described.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a normal image to be recorded is recorded on the recording medium P, and a test chart (test image) used for inspecting the ejection state from the nozzle 243 on the recording medium P. Is recorded. The test chart recorded on the recording medium P is read by the image reading unit 26, and the ejection state is inspected based on the reading result (imaging data).
The test chart is recorded separately by the four head units 24. In the ink jet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 can perform a recording setting that specifies a test chart recording mode by the four head units 24, and the recording apparatus 1 is based on the recording setting. A test chart is recorded at.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test chart.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the normal image 61 to be recorded is recorded in the normal image recording area among the recording areas 60 that are targets of ink ejection from the nozzles 243 and can record images on the recording medium P. The test chart 62 is recorded in a blank area of the recording area 60 excluding the normal image recording area. Here, the test chart 62 is recorded on the upstream side in the transport direction of the normal image recording area. Further, the test chart 62 can be used for an inspection for detecting a defective nozzle.

Four test charts 62, that is,

test charts

62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K are recorded on the recording medium P in FIG. The test charts 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K are recorded with Y, M, C, and K inks by the Y, M, C, and K head units 24, respectively. Each test chart 62 is an image that can be easily distinguished from light and shade, for example, a halftone image having a constant density for each color. The recording range in the width direction of the test chart 62 is equal to the recording range in the width direction of the normal image 61 (and hence the normal image recording area). Further, the width of each test chart 62 in the transport direction is about 5 mm, and the width in the entire transport direction of the four-color test chart in FIG. 4 is about 20 mm.
The test chart 62 can be appropriately recorded outside the normal image recording area, but can be easily read by the image reading unit 26 by recording at a predetermined interval in the transport direction with respect to the normal image recording area. In addition to being controllable, operations related to reading and analysis of the test chart 62 are performed without difficulty at appropriate time intervals according to the conveyance speed of the recording medium P.
The test chart 62 is read by the image reading unit 26. The imaging data of the test chart 62 by the image reading unit 26 is stored in the RAM 42 or the storage unit 44 of the control unit 40 and used for detection of ink ejection failure by the CPU 41 of the control unit 40.

When there is a defective nozzle in the head unit 24 and the density at the ink landing position from the defective nozzle decreases, uneven color occurs in the recorded test chart 62. This color unevenness is detected by the control unit 40 from the imaging data of the test chart 62. Here, as described above, the reading resolution of the line sensor of the image reading unit 26 is coarser than the nozzle arrangement. Therefore, from the test chart 62, defective nozzles that cause color unevenness can be specified by a block having a plurality of nozzles 243 as a unit. Alternatively, at this stage, only the presence or absence of a defective nozzle may be determined.

If an image is recorded on the next recording medium P as it is when color unevenness is detected in the test chart 62 in the ink ejection defect inspection, the image quality caused by the defective nozzle is recovered unless the ink ejection defect of the defective nozzle is recovered. Defects occur. For this reason, in the ink jet recording apparatus 100, when color unevenness is detected in the test chart 62, the following operation for dealing with color unevenness is performed.

In the color unevenness handling operation, first, a missing position specifying chart for detecting an ink ejection failure is output for each nozzle 243 using one recording medium P as a unit. Then, the image of the missing position specifying chart is read by the image reading unit 26 and analyzed by the control unit 40, whereby the missing position of the ink is specified, and the defective nozzle is identified.
Here, the missing position specifying chart may be a line pattern including a plurality of lines recorded by ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles 243 included in the head unit 24, for example. In the imaging data obtained by reading this line pattern, when there is a missing line or a line that is not recorded at an appropriate position corresponding to the nozzle 243, the nozzle 243 corresponding to the line is identified as a defective nozzle. The

When a defective nozzle is identified, ink from the defective nozzle is not ejected, and ink that should be ejected by the defective nozzle is complemented by increasing the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 243 around the defective nozzle. Completion processing is set. In this complementary processing, the normal image 61 and the test are performed so that the ink discharge from the defective nozzle is not performed and the ink discharge amount from the peripheral nozzle 243 is increased according to the ink amount not discharged from the defective nozzle. The image data of the chart 62 is corrected. Thereafter, an image is recorded with the corrected image data.

If the detected ink discharge failure is difficult to record an image with an appropriate image quality depending on the complement processing, the ink discharge failure is recovered instead of setting the complement processing. The maintenance process may be performed. As this maintenance process, for example, a nozzle cleaning process in which ink is forcibly ejected from the nozzles 243 by pressurizing ink in the recording head 242 or ink is forcibly sucked from the nozzles 243 of the recording head 242. And a cloth wiping process for cleaning the ink discharge surface of the recording head 242 with a wiping cloth containing a chemical solution.

Next, the recording setting of the test chart 62 will be described.
In the recording setting of the test chart 62 in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the head unit 24 that records the test chart 62 out of the four head units 24, that is, the inspection target that is the inspection target that detects the ink ejection failure. The head unit 24 can be selected.
Further, in the recording setting of the test chart 62, the maximum number of head units 24 that perform recording of the test chart 62 on one recording area 60 (one recording medium P in the present embodiment) of the recording medium P, that is, The number of colors of the test chart recorded in the recording area 60 of the recording medium P can be designated.
The recording setting of the test chart 62 is performed based on a user input operation on the operation display unit 81 of the information processing apparatus 2 when the recording apparatus 1 generates a print job for recording an image in the information processing apparatus 2. Is called.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display used for test chart recording setting.
When the process of generating a print job is started in the information processing apparatus 2, the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 81 in a predetermined step of the process. The recording setting screen includes a radio button 91 for designating the number of colors of the test chart recorded on one recording medium P, and a check box 92 for selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected by the corresponding ink color. Is included. When the determination button 93 is selected after the radio button 91 and the check box 92 are selected by a user input operation on the input device of the operation display unit 81, the selection state of the radio button 91 and the check box 92 is reflected. Setting information is generated, and composite image data of an image including the test chart 62 and the normal image 61 corresponding to the recording setting indicated by the setting information is generated. When the print job is executed, recording of the normal image 61 and recording of the test chart 62 according to the recording setting are performed on each recording medium P based on the composite image data. Here, the input operation for selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected by the check box 92 corresponds to the first input operation, and the input operation for designating the number of colors of the test chart by the radio button 91 is the second input operation. Corresponding to
When the cancel button 94 is selected, the selection state of the radio button 91 and the check box 92 is ignored, and the screen returns to the display screen before the recording setting screen of FIG. 5 is displayed.

Hereinafter, specific recording settings of the test chart 62 and examples of test charts recorded according to the recording settings will be described.
In the recording setting screen of FIG. 5, “4 colors” is designated as the number of colors of the test chart 62 recorded on one recording medium P by the radio button 91. In addition, all the Y, M, C, and K head units 24 are selected by the check box 92 as the head units 24 to be inspected.
In the print job in which the recording setting is made in this way, as shown in FIG. 4, four

test charts

62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K are performed by the four head units 24 on the recording area 60 of one recording medium P. Is recorded.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a recording setting of the test chart 62 and a second example of the test chart recorded according to the recording setting.
In the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 6A, the radio button 91 designates “one color” as the number of colors of the test chart 62 recorded on one recording medium P. In addition, all the Y, M, C, and K head units 24 are selected by the check box 92 as the head units 24 to be inspected.
In the print job set as described above, as shown in FIG. 6B, the test chart 62Y is recorded on the recording medium P of the first page by the Y head unit 24, and M is recorded on the recording medium P of the second page. The test chart 62M is recorded by the head unit 24, the test chart 62C is recorded by the C head unit 24 on the recording medium P of the third page, and the test chart 62K is recorded by the K head unit 24 on the recording medium P of the fourth page. Is recorded. Further, the test chart 62 is recorded on the recording media P of the 5th to 8th pages in the same manner as the recording media P of the 1st to 4th pages, and thereafter the recording of the same test chart 62 is repeated every 4th page.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a third example of the recording setting of the test chart 62 and the test chart recorded according to the recording setting.
In the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 7A, the radio button 91 designates “one color” as the number of colors of the test chart 62 recorded on one recording medium P. In addition, the check box 92 selects the head unit 24 of three colors other than M, that is, Y, C, and K, as the head unit 24 to be inspected.
In the print job set as described above, as shown in FIG. 7B, the test chart 62Y is recorded on the recording medium P of the first page by the Y head unit 24, and C is recorded on the recording medium P of the second page. The test chart 62C is recorded by the head unit 24, and the test chart 62K is recorded by the K head unit 24 on the recording medium P of the third page. Further, the test chart 62 is recorded on the recording media P of the 4th to 6th pages in the same manner as the recording media P of the 1st to 3rd pages, and thereafter the recording of the same test chart 62 is repeated every 3 pages.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the test chart 62 is recorded by the head unit 24 selected as the inspection target within the range of the set value of the number of colors of the test chart 62 that can be recorded on one recording medium P. Then, the color test chart 62 that could not be recorded on the recording medium P of the first page is recorded on the recording medium P of the second and subsequent pages. At this time, the test chart 62 is recorded in an order in which the colors of the test chart 62 circulate (in this embodiment, in the order of Y, M, C, and K). As a result, the test charts 62 are recorded with substantially the same frequency by each of the head units 24 to be inspected.

Note that the normal image 61 and the test chart 62 may be recorded in the recording areas 60 on the front surface and the back surface of the recording medium P, respectively. In this case, after the recording of the first page image on the front surface of the first recording medium P is completed, the front and back of the recording medium P are reversed by the reversing unit 28, and the second page is placed on the back surface of the recording medium P. Images are recorded. Therefore, for example, four images in FIG. 6B are respectively recorded on the recording area 60 on the front surface of the first recording medium P, the back surface of the recording medium P, the front surface of the second recording medium P, and the back surface of the recording medium P. To be recorded. When images are recorded on both sides, the test chart 62 recorded on one side of the recording medium P does not cause a problem that the image recorded on the opposite side is not seen through when the test chart 62 is read. It is preferable that the normal image 61 and the test chart 62 recorded on the other side do not overlap.

Subsequently, a control procedure by the CPU 41 and the CPU 71 of image recording processing performed in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the image recording process.
This image recording process is executed when a user performs a predetermined input operation instructing the operation display unit 81 of the information processing apparatus 2 to start generation of a print job.

When the image recording process is started, the CPU 71 of the information processing apparatus 2 accepts various input operations regarding the recording settings of the test chart 62 and generates setting information related to the recording settings of the test chart 62 based on the input operations. (Step S101: input step, setting information generation step). That is, the CPU 71 displays the recording setting screen of the test chart 62 shown in FIG. 5 on the display device of the operation display unit 81. The CPU 71 selects the number of test chart colors to be recorded on one recording medium P with the radio button 91 for the operation display unit 81, and determines with the head unit 24 to be inspected selected with the check box 92. When an input operation for selecting the button 93 is performed, setting information reflecting these selection states is generated and stored in the RAM 72 or the storage unit 74.

The CPU 71 generates composite image data of the normal image 61 to be recorded in the print job and the test chart 62 (step S102). That is, the CPU 71 outputs a control signal to the image processing unit 82, and generates raster format composite image data by combining the PDL data related to the normal image 61 stored in the storage unit 74 and the image data of the test chart 62. Let Here, as the PDL data, image data designated as a recording target in the print job by the user among the PDL data stored in the storage unit 74 is used. In addition, a rasterized process is performed on each page of the normal image 61 and a rasterized process is performed after a test chart 62 having a color corresponding to the recording setting indicated by the setting information generated in step S101 is generated, thereby generating composite image data. Is done. When the composite image data is generated, the CPU 71 generates print job data related to the composite image data and outputs the print job data to the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1 together with the composite image data.

When the print job data and the composite image data input from the CPU 71 of the information processing apparatus 2 are stored in the storage unit 44, the CPU 41 of the recording apparatus 1 causes the head unit 24 to execute the print job data and the composite image data based on the print job data and the composite image data. The normal image 61 and the test chart 62 are recorded on the recording medium P (step S103). That is, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the transport driving unit 51 and causes the transport driving unit 51 to start the rotation of the transport drum 211. Further, the conveyance driving unit 51 operates the paper feeding unit 10 and the image forming unit 20 to supply the recording medium P onto the conveyance drum 211, and the conveyance of the recording medium P is started. Then, the CPU 41 supplies the composite image data to the recording head drive unit 241 and records a voltage signal having a drive waveform corresponding to the composite image data by the recording head drive unit 241 at an appropriate timing according to the rotation of the transport drum 211. By outputting to the head 242, the normal image 61 and the test chart 62 are recorded in the recording area 60 of the recording medium P by ejecting ink from the nozzles 243 of the head unit 24 onto the recording medium P conveyed by the conveying drum 211. .

The CPU 41 reads the test chart 62 recorded on the recording medium P repeatedly at appropriate intervals by the image reading unit 26 while conveying the recording medium P by the conveying drum 211, acquires the imaging data, and stores it in the storage unit 44. (Step S104).

The CPU 41 detects color unevenness from the imaging data of the test chart 62 (step S105).
If the CPU 41 determines that color unevenness is detected in the test chart 62 (“YES” in step S106), the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the transport driving unit 51 to discharge the recording medium P to the paper discharge tray 31. (Step S107), color unevenness handling processing described later is executed (Step S108).
If it is determined that no color unevenness has been detected (“NO” in step S106), the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the transport driving unit 51 to discharge the recording medium P to the paper discharge tray 31. (Step S110).

When the processing of step S108 or step S110 is completed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all execution instructions relating to the print job have been completed (step S109). If it is determined that there is an incomplete execution instruction (“NO” in step S109), the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S103. If it is determined that all execution instructions relating to the print job have been completed (“YES” in step S109), the CPU 41 ends the image recording process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of uneven color processing.
When the color unevenness handling process is started, the CPU 41 causes the head unit 24 to record a missing position specifying chart for specifying a defective nozzle on the recording medium P (step S201). That is, the CPU 41 supplies test image data related to the missing position specifying chart to the recording head driving unit 241 according to the rotation of the transport drum 211, and causes the head unit 24 to record the missing position specifying chart on the recording medium P.

The CPU 41 causes the image reading unit 26 to read the missing position specifying chart repeatedly recorded at appropriate intervals while transporting the recording medium P by the transport drum 211, acquires imaging data, and stores it in the storage unit 44. (Step S202).

The CPU 41 identifies the defective nozzle by identifying the defective position from the missing position specifying chart (step S203).

The CPU 41 performs a complementary setting for complementing the shortage of the ink discharge amount by the identified discharge nozzle with the ink discharge from the peripheral nozzles 243 (step S204). In other words, the CPU 41 does not perform ink ejection from the defective nozzle, and the next image recording is performed so that the ink ejection amount from the peripheral nozzle 243 increases in accordance with the amount of ink that is not ejected from the defective nozzle. The image data of the normal image recorded by the processing and the test image data related to the test chart 62 are corrected. When the process of step S204 ends, the CPU 41 ends the color unevenness handling process. When the next image recording process is started after the end of the color unevenness handling process, the CPU 41 adjusts the ink ejection amount of each nozzle 243 based on the complementary setting at the time of image recording.

As described above, the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to control the operation of the recording apparatus 1 including the plurality of head units 24 that eject inks of different colors from the nozzles 243 onto the recording medium P. Information processing apparatus 2 that generates setting information used for recording, and a head to be inspected that records on a recording medium P a test chart 62 that is used to inspect a discharge state from a nozzle 243 among a plurality of head units 24 The CPU 71 includes an operation display unit 81 that receives a first input operation related to the selection of the unit 24, and the CPU 71 uses the head unit 24 to be inspected to be selected based on the first input operation. Setting information used for setting for recording is generated (setting information generation means).
By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on such setting information, the test chart 62 can be recorded only by the head unit 24 to be inspected selected based on the user's input operation. 62 recording can be suppressed. As a result, wasteful consumption of ink and recording medium can be suppressed, and the area where the normal image 61 to be recorded can be recorded can be expanded.

The operation display unit 81 also displays the maximum number of head units 24 that perform test chart 62 recording on one recording region 60 on the recording medium P that is a target of ink ejection from the nozzles 243 in the plurality of head units 24. The CPU 71 receives the second input operation that designates the number of head units 24 that are equal to or less than the maximum number designated by the second input operation among the head units 24 to be inspected selected based on the first input operation. Each generates setting information used for setting to record the test chart 62 in each of the recording areas 60 of the recording medium P (setting information generating means).
By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on such setting information, the number of test charts 62 recorded in one recording area 60 can be limited to the maximum number or less based on a user input operation. . As a result, the area where the normal image 61 to be recorded can be recorded can be surely expanded, and in each recording area 60 of the recording medium P, an area of a predetermined size is secured as the area where the normal image 61 can be recorded. be able to.

The operation display unit 81 accepts a first input operation for designating the head unit 24 to be inspected. Thereby, the user can prevent the test chart 62 from being recorded by the specific head unit 24. Therefore, for example, the head unit 24 that ejects ink from the nozzle 243 at a low frequency (that is, the head unit 24 that ejects ink that is used less frequently) or ink of a color (type) that is difficult to be recognized as defective by the user is ejected. It is possible to prevent the unnecessary test chart 62 from being recorded by the head unit 24 that does not require the inspection of the ink discharge state or the head unit 24 that is sufficient for the inspection at a low frequency.

Further, the information processing apparatus 2 includes an image processing unit 82 that generates composite image data (test image data) of an image including the test chart 62 recorded by the head unit 24 to be inspected according to the recording setting based on the setting information. As described above, the composite image data is generated in the information processing apparatus 2, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1.

Further, the image processing unit 82 generates composite image data of an image including the normal image 61 and the test chart 62. Thereby, the recording of the normal image 61 and the recording of the test chart 62 according to the recording setting based on the setting information can be performed by a simple process that causes the recording apparatus 1 to record an image based on the composite image data. it can.

Further, the CPU 71 outputs the composite image data to the recording device 1 (output means). For this reason, in the recording apparatus 1, the normal image 61 is recorded and the test according to the recording setting based on the setting information is performed by an easy process of supplying the composite image data input from the information processing apparatus 2 to the recording head driving unit 241. The chart 62 can be recorded.

The inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the recording apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2, and the CPU 41 of the recording apparatus 1 inspects the recording of the test chart 62 based on the setting information generated in the information processing apparatus 2. It is performed by the target head unit 24 (recording control means). According to such a configuration, since the test chart 62 can be recorded only by the head unit 24 to be inspected selected based on the user's input operation, unnecessary recording of the test chart 62 can be suppressed. . As a result, wasteful consumption of ink and recording medium can be suppressed, and the area where the normal image 61 to be recorded can be recorded can be expanded.

In addition, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes an input step of receiving a first input operation related to selection of a head unit 24 to be inspected for recording the test chart 62 out of the plurality of head units 24, a first input operation A setting information generation step for generating setting information used for setting for recording the test chart 62 by the head unit 24 to be inspected selected based on By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on the setting information generated by such a method, the test chart 62 can be recorded only by the head unit 24 to be inspected selected based on the user's input operation.

(Modification 1)
Next, the modification 1 of the said embodiment is demonstrated. This modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that the setting for automatically selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected can be made in the recording setting of the test chart 62. Hereinafter, differences from the above embodiment will be described. Note that this modification may be combined with other modifications.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the test chart 62 recorded according to the recording setting of the test chart 62 and the recording setting in the present modification.
In the recording setting screen of this modification, as shown in FIG. 10A, in the check box 92 for selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected, the head unit automatic selection mode (first step) for automatically selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected. “Auto” check box for designating one inspection object selection mode) is provided.
In FIG. 10A, “one color” is designated as the number of colors of the test chart 62 recorded on each recording medium P by the radio button 91.

When the head unit automatic selection mode is designated in the recording setting of the test chart 62, the CPU 71 determines the head unit 24 to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61 to be recorded in the print job. That is, the CPU 71 calculates the ejection amount (use amount) of each color ink necessary for recording the normal image 61 from the image data of the normal image 61 (FIG. 10B). Then, the head unit 24 in which the calculated ink discharge amount exceeds a predetermined detection reference value (reference amount) is selected as the head unit 24 to be inspected.
In the example of FIG. 10B, the detection reference value is 500, and the normal image 61 to be recorded has many blue portions, so the ink ejection amounts for M and C exceed 500. Therefore, the M and C head units 24 are selected as the head units 24 to be inspected.

In the print job set as described above, as shown in FIG. 10C, the test chart 62M is recorded on the odd-numbered recording medium P by the M head unit 24, and the C-head is recorded on the even-numbered recording medium P. A test chart 62C is recorded by the unit 24.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus 2 according to the first modification, the operation display unit 81 designates the head unit automatic selection mode for selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61. The CPU 71 records the test chart 62 by the head unit 24 to be inspected that is selected based on the image data of the normal image 61 in accordance with the designation of the head unit automatic selection mode by the first input operation. The setting information used for the setting to perform is generated (setting information generation means).
Thereby, the head unit 24 to be inspected used for recording the test chart 62 can be selected by an easy input operation. Further, since the inspection-target head unit 24 is selected based on the image data, the inspection-target head unit 24 can be appropriately selected according to the normal image 61 to be recorded.

In addition, when the head unit automatic selection mode is designated by the first input operation, the CPU 71 selects the head unit 24 to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61 (setting information generation unit). Thus, the processing load on the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1 can be reduced by analyzing the normal image 61 and selecting the head unit 24 in the information processing apparatus 2.

Further, the CPU 71 acquires the ink discharge amount from the nozzle 243 in each head unit 24 necessary for recording the normal image 61 by the plurality of head units 24 based on the image data of the normal image 61, and the ink discharge amount is A head unit 24 larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as a head unit 24 to be inspected (setting information generating means). Thereby, since it is possible to detect the ink ejection failure using the test chart 62 for the head unit 24 having a large amount of ink ejection when the normal image 61 is recorded, it is possible to efficiently detect the ink ejection failure.

(Modification 2)
Next, Modification 2 of the above embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it is possible to individually specify the inspection-target head unit 24 for recording the test chart 62 on each of the plurality of recording media P in the recording setting of the test chart 62. And different. Hereinafter, differences from the above embodiment will be described. Note that this modification may be combined with other modifications.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a test chart 62 recorded according to the recording setting of the test chart 62 and the recording setting in the present modification.
In the recording setting screen of this modification, as shown in FIG. 11A, instead of the check box 92 in the recording setting screen of the above embodiment, the head unit 24 to be inspected, that is, the inspection target head unit 24, for each page of the recording medium P. A drop-down list 95 for selecting the color of the test chart 62 to be recorded is displayed. In the drop-down list corresponding to each page, any color of Y, M, C, and K can be selected. In the example of FIG. 11A, colors C, C, K, and M are selected for each of the first to fourth pages, and the same pattern as that of the first to fourth pages is used for the fifth and subsequent pages. A left arrow symbol indicating that the repeated test chart 62 is to be recorded is selected.
In FIG. 11A, “one color” is designated as the number of colors of the test chart 62 recorded on each recording medium P by the radio button 91.

In the print job set as described above, as shown in FIG. 10C, the test chart 62C is recorded by the C head unit 24 on the recording medium P of the first and second pages, and the recording of the third page is performed. The test chart 62K is recorded on the medium P by the K head unit 24, and the test chart 62M is recorded on the recording medium P of the fourth page by the M head unit 24. Further, the test chart 62 is recorded on the recording media P of the 5th to 8th pages in the same manner as the recording media P of the 1st to 4th pages, and thereafter the recording of the same test chart 62 is repeated every 4th page.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus 2 according to the second modification, the operation display unit 81 is an inspection target for recording the test chart 62 on the recording area 60 of each recording medium P for each recording medium P. The CPU 71 receives a first input operation for designating the head unit 24, and the CPU 71 uses the test target head unit 24 designated by the first input operation for each of the recording areas 60 of the plurality of recording media P to perform the test chart 62. The setting information used for the setting for recording is generated (setting information generating means).
As a result, the user can individually specify the head unit 24 that records the test chart 62 on each of the recording areas 60 of the plurality of recording media P. Therefore, the user can freely set the recording order and the recording frequency of the test charts 62 of a plurality of colors in the recording areas 60 of the plurality of recording media P within a settable range.

(Modification 3)
Next, Modification 3 of the above embodiment will be described. This modification is different from the above embodiment in that, in the recording setting of the test chart 62, the inspection target head module HM among the four head modules HM1 to HM4 of each head unit 24 can be designated. Hereinafter, differences from the above embodiment will be described. Note that this modification may be combined with other modifications.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the test chart 62 recorded in accordance with the recording setting of the test chart 62 and the recording setting in the present modification.
In the recording setting screen of this modification, as shown in FIG. 12A, among the four head modules HM1 to HM4 of the Y, M, C, and K head units 24, the head module HM to be inspected, that is, the test chart. A check box 92 for selecting the head module HM to be used for recording 62 is provided. In FIG. 12A, the head modules HM2 to HM4 are selected as inspection targets for the Y and K head units 24, and the head modules HM2 and HM3 are selected as inspection targets for the M and C head units 24. Here, the input operation for selecting the head module HM to be inspected by the check box 92 corresponds to the third input operation.

In the print job in which the recording setting is made in this way, as shown in FIG. 12B, in the recording area 60 of each recording medium P, a test chart 62 is formed using only the head module HM selected in the recording setting of FIG. To be recorded. Accordingly, the test charts 62Y and 62K are composed of only the portions recorded by the head modules HM2 to HM4 in the Y and K head units 24, and the test charts 62M and 62C are the head modules in the M and C head units 24. It consists only of portions recorded by HM2 and HM3.

In the recording setting of this modification, a head module automatic selection mode (second inspection target selection mode) for automatically selecting the head module HM to be inspected may be designated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording setting that can specify the head module automatic selection mode.
In the recording setting screen of FIG. 13A, in the check box 92 for selecting the head module HM to be inspected, an “auto” check box for designating the head module automatic selection mode corresponds to each of the head modules HM1 to HM4. Is provided. In the head module HM in which the automatic selection mode is selected among the head modules HM1 to HM4, the test chart 62 is recorded only by the head module HM of the color automatically selected according to the image data among Y, M, C, and K. The
In addition, a check box of “auto” is provided for each head unit 24, and in the head unit 24 in which “auto” is selected, the test chart is automatically selected by the head module HM selected from the head modules HM1 to HM4 according to the image data. 62 may be recorded.

When the head module automatic selection mode is designated in the recording setting of the test chart 62, the CPU 71 determines the head module HM to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61 to be recorded in the print job. That is, the CPU 71 calculates the ink ejection amount (usage amount) by each head module HM required for recording the normal image 61 from the image data of the normal image 61 (FIG. 13B). Then, the head module HM in which the calculated ink discharge amount exceeds a predetermined detection reference value (reference amount) is selected as the head module HM to be inspected.
In the example of FIG. 13B, the detection reference value is 500, and the ink ejection amounts for the head modules HM2 to HM4 of the Y and K head units 24 and the head modules HM2 and HM3 of the M and C head units 24 are 500. Over. For this reason, when the head modules HM2 to HM4 of the Y and K head units 24 and the head modules HM2 and HM3 of the M and C head units 24 are selected as the head modules HM to be inspected and a print job is executed, A test chart 62 shown in FIG. 12B is recorded.

As described above, the recording apparatus 1 according to the third modification includes the transport unit 21 that transports the recording medium P, and each of the plurality of head units 24 includes a plurality of heads each provided with a plurality of nozzles 243. The plurality of head modules HM have different arrangement ranges of the plurality of nozzles 243 in the width direction, and the plurality of head modules HM have nozzles over a predetermined recording width in the width direction. The operation display unit 81 of the information processing apparatus 2 is provided with a third input operation related to selection of the inspection target head module HM used for recording the test chart 62 in the inspection target head unit 24. The CPU 71 accepts, based on the third input operation, the head unit 24 to be inspected selected based on the first input operation. There generates setting information used for recording a setting to perform the test chart 62 with head module HM the test object is selected (setting information generation means).
By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on such setting information, it is possible to record the test chart 62 using only the head module HM selected based on the input operation by the user. Thereby, it is possible to record only a portion of the test chart 62 necessary for detecting ejection failure of the head module HM to be inspected. As a result, wasteful consumption of ink can be further suppressed.

Further, the operation display unit 81 accepts a third input operation for designating the head module HM to be inspected. As a result, the user can individually specify the head module HM that detects an ink ejection failure.

Further, the operation display unit 81 receives a third input operation for designating a head module automatic selection mode for selecting the head module HM to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61, and the CPU 71 performs the third input operation. Is set so that the test chart 62 is recorded using the head module HM to be inspected selected based on the image data of the normal image 61 by the head unit 24 to be inspected according to the designation of the head module automatic selection mode by Setting information used for the setting is generated (setting information generation means).
Thereby, the head module HM to be inspected used for recording the test chart 62 can be selected by an easy input operation. Further, since the head module HM to be inspected is selected based on the image data, the head module HM to be inspected can be appropriately selected according to the normal image 61 to be recorded.

Further, when the head module automatic selection mode is designated by the third input operation, the CPU 71 selects the head module HM to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image 61 (setting information generation unit). Thus, the processing load on the control unit 40 of the recording apparatus 1 can be reduced by analyzing the normal image 61 and selecting the head module HM in the information processing apparatus 2.

Further, the CPU 71 acquires the ink discharge amount from the nozzle 243 in each head module HM necessary for recording the normal image 61 by the plurality of head units 24 based on the image data of the normal image 61, and the ink discharge amount is A head module HM larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as a head module HM to be inspected (setting information generating means). As a result, it is possible to detect an ink ejection failure using the test chart 62 for the head module HM having a large ink ejection amount during recording of the normal image 61, and thus it is possible to efficiently detect the ink ejection failure.

(Modification 4)
Next, Modification 4 of the above embodiment will be described. This modified example is different from the above-described embodiment in that it is possible to specify the detection accuracy of ink ejection failure for each color head unit 24 in the recording setting of the test chart 62. Hereinafter, differences from the above embodiment will be described. Note that this modification may be combined with other modifications.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of recording setting of the test chart 62 in the present modification.
In the recording setting screen of FIG. 14, in addition to the check box 92 for selecting the head unit 24 to be inspected, a slider 96 for specifying the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for the head unit 24 of each color is provided. In this recording setting screen, by moving the slider 96 left and right by an input operation on the operation display unit 81, the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for the corresponding head unit 24 is changed from “low”, “standard”, and “high”. In addition to being able to select, it is also possible to select “Auto” which automatically sets the detection accuracy. Here, the input operation for designating the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for each head unit 24 by the slider 96 corresponds to the fourth input operation.
Note that the recording setting screen of FIG. 14 may include a radio button 91 for designating the number of colors of the test chart recorded on one recording medium P as shown in FIGS. good.

In this modification, the color unevenness determination reference value when color unevenness is detected based on the imaging data of the test chart 62 is set according to the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure set on the recording setting screen. Here, the color unevenness determination reference value is an upper limit value and / or a lower limit value that defines a normal luminance range in the imaging data. In the color unevenness determination, the portion of the image data that exceeds the color unevenness determination reference value indicating the upper limit of the luminance range and / or the portion of the image data that is lower than the color unevenness determination reference value indicating the lower limit of the luminance range is assumed to be color unevenness. Detected.
For the head unit 24 in which the detection accuracy is set to “low” and low-accuracy ejection failure detection is performed, the color unevenness determination criterion is set so that the luminance range determined to be normal in color unevenness detection is wider than the standard time. Value is set. On the other hand, for the head unit 24 in which the detection accuracy is set to “high” and the ejection failure detection is performed with high accuracy, the brightness range determined to be normal in the detection of color unevenness is narrower than the standard time. An unevenness determination reference value is set.
In the head unit 24 in which the detection accuracy is set to “auto”, the color unevenness determination reference value is set based on the image data of the normal image 61 to be recorded in the print job. For example, when the ink discharge amount from the head unit 24 necessary for recording the normal image 61 is calculated and the calculated ink discharge amount exceeds a predetermined upper limit reference value, the above-described highly accurate discharge defect detection is performed. When the color unevenness determination reference value at the time is set and is below a predetermined lower limit reference value, the color unevenness determination reference value at the time of detecting a low-precision ejection failure is set.

Further, in the recording setting of this modification, it is possible to specify the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for each head module HM as follows.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the recording setting of the test chart 62 that can specify the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for each head module HM.
In the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 15A, a drop-down list 95 for selecting the detection accuracy of ink ejection failure from “high”, “medium”, and “low” corresponding to each head module HM of the four head units 24. Is provided. In addition, by selecting “−” in the drop-down list 95, it is possible to perform a setting so as not to detect an ink ejection failure for the head module HM.
In the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 15B, in addition to “high”, “medium”, “low”, “−”, the detection accuracy is automatically set corresponding to each head module HM of the four head units 24. "Auto" to be set to can be selected. In the head module HM in which the detection accuracy is set to “auto”, the color unevenness determination reference value is set based on the image data of the normal image 61 to be recorded in the print job.
Here, the input operation for designating the detection accuracy of the ink ejection failure for each head module HM from the drop-down list 95 corresponds to the fifth input operation.

As described above, the CPU 41 of the recording apparatus 1 according to the fourth modification detects a discharge failure from the nozzles 243 in the plurality of head units 24 based on the reading result by the image reading unit 26 of the test chart 62 (discharge failure). Detection means), the operation display unit 81 of the information processing apparatus 2 accepts a user's fourth input operation for specifying the detection accuracy of ejection failure for each of the plurality of head units 24, and the CPU 71 receives the fourth input. Setting information used for setting for detecting ejection failure by the CPU 41 is generated with the detection accuracy specified by the operation (setting information generating means).
By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on such setting information, it is possible to detect the ink ejection failure of each head unit 24 with desired detection accuracy. Thereby, for example, it is possible to reduce the detection accuracy in the head unit 24 of a color in which it is difficult to visually recognize the ejection failure, and to suppress the frequency of ejection failure detection within a range in which the image quality of the recorded image is ensured. In addition, it is possible to increase the detection accuracy of the head unit 24 in a color in which ejection failure is easily visible, and to reliably suppress the degradation of the recorded image.

Further, the operation display unit 81 accepts a user's fifth input operation for designating the ejection failure detection accuracy for each of the plurality of head modules HM in each of the plurality of head units 24, and the CPU 71 Setting information used for setting for detecting ejection failure by the CPU 41 is generated with the detection accuracy specified by the input operation (setting information generating means).
By operating the recording apparatus 1 based on such setting information, it is possible to detect the ink ejection failure of each head module HM with desired detection accuracy. Thereby, for example, it is possible to increase the detection accuracy in the head module HM that has a large ink ejection amount necessary for recording the normal image 61, and to reliably suppress deterioration in the image quality of the recorded image.

(Modification 5)
Next, Modification 5 of the above embodiment will be described. The present modification is different from the above embodiment in that the user can select the subsequent corresponding operation according to the detection frequency of the ink ejection failure. Hereinafter, differences from the above embodiment will be described. Note that this modification may be combined with other modifications.

In this modification, when an ink ejection defect is detected continuously for a preset number of times from a plurality of test charts 62 recorded in different recording areas 60 by the same head unit 24 during execution of a print job, When the total number of ink ejection defects detected during execution of the print job reaches a preset number, a predetermined error is displayed and the user is prompted to select a subsequent process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of error display in the present modification.
As described above, when an ink ejection failure is detected continuously, and when the number of detected ink ejection failures reaches a predetermined number, an error display shown in FIG. 16A is displayed on the display device of the operation display unit 81. Is called.
In this error display, actions that can be selected by the user as the corresponding actions to be performed thereafter are displayed by the corresponding process selection buttons 97a to 97d, and any of the corresponding process selection buttons 97a to 97d is displayed by an input operation on the operation display unit 81. Is selected, the corresponding operation indicated by the selected corresponding processing selection buttons 97a to 97d is performed.

That is, in FIG. 16A, when “head maintenance” is selected by the corresponding process selection button 97a, the head maintenance menu screen shown in FIG. 16B is displayed. When any one of the maintenance process selection buttons 97e to 97i is selected on the head maintenance menu screen, the head maintenance process corresponding to the selected button is performed. Here, by selecting each of the maintenance process selection buttons 97e to 97i, each process of nozzle cleaning (weak), nozzle cleaning (strong), defective nozzle complement (weak), defective nozzle complement (strong), and cloth wipe Is done. Here, in the nozzle cleaning (strong) process, a process of forcibly ejecting ink from the nozzles 243 at a higher pressure than the nozzle cleaning (weak) process is performed. Further, in the defective nozzle complement (weak) and (strong) processes, the above-described complement setting is performed, and in the defective nozzle complement (strong) process, for example, the ink from the defective nozzles is increased by a wider range of peripheral nozzles. Adjustment to compensate for non-ejection is performed. When the cancel button 97j is selected, the display on the operation display unit 81 returns to the error display shown in FIG. 16A.
In addition, when “change ejection failure detection accuracy” is selected by the corresponding process selection button 97b in the error display of FIG. 16A, the recording setting screen shown in FIG. 14 or 15 is displayed, and the ink ejection failure detection accuracy is displayed. Processing for accepting the change is performed.
Further, when “continue printing by ignoring ejection failure” is selected by the corresponding process selection button 97c, recording of an image related to the print job is continued without performing the corresponding process. As a result, when an ink discharge failure is repeatedly detected, it is a discharge failure that is not noticeable by the user, or the ink discharge failure is a discharge failure related to ink of a color that is difficult for the user to visually recognize. It is possible to continue recording images related to the job.
When “cancel job” is selected by the corresponding process selection button 97d, the print job being executed is stopped, and the image recording process by the inkjet recording apparatus 100 ends.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting conditions for displaying an error. This setting screen is displayed, for example, in a predetermined step in the process of generating a print job.
In this setting screen, for each of the Y, M, C, and K head units 24, a text box 98a for designating how many times an ink ejection failure is detected, and an ink in a print job. A text box 98b is provided for designating how many times defective ejection is detected in total when an error is displayed. When the enter button 93 is selected with numerical values entered in the

text boxes

98a and 98b, setting information for determining error display conditions in the print job is generated by the CPU 71 of the information processing apparatus 2, and is recorded together with the print job in the recording apparatus 1 Is output to the control unit 40.
In addition, instead of the above aspect in which the number of continuous detections of ejection failures when performing error display is set for each head unit 24, the number of continuous detections may be set for each head module HM.

As mentioned above, although embodiment and modification of this invention were described, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment and each modification, A various change is possible.
For example, in the above embodiment and each modification, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes the recording apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2, and data is transmitted and received between these apparatuses via the input /

output interfaces

52 and 83. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each component of the information processing device 2 may be provided in the recording device 1 and the control performed by the control unit 70 of the information processing device 2 may be performed by the control unit 40 of the recording device 1. In this case, the information processing apparatus 2 is configured by a part of the recording apparatus 1.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the configuration in which the inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes the information processing apparatus 2 has been described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the information processing apparatus 2 is connected to the outside of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. May be provided.

In the above embodiment and each modification, the information processing device 2 generates setting information and composite image data based on the setting information, and the recording device 1 generates a normal image 61 based on the composite image data. The example of recording the test chart 62 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, setting information is output from the CPU 71 (output means) of the information processing apparatus 2 to the recording apparatus 1, and the CPU 41 (recording control means) of the recording apparatus 1 prints the head according to the recording settings of the test chart 62 indicated by the setting information. The unit 24 may record the normal image 61 and the test chart 62. In this case, the recording device 1 is provided with an image processing unit, and the image processing unit performs rasterization processing under the control of the CPU 41 of the recording device 1 to generate composite image data, and the head unit 24 is based on the composite image data. Thus, the normal image 61 and the test chart 62 may be recorded. Alternatively, the normal image 61 and the image data of the test chart 62 are not combined and stored in the storage unit 44 of the recording apparatus 1, and then the normal image 61 is supplied to the recording head driving unit 241 to supply the normal image. The recording of the test chart 62 may be performed by recording 61 and starting supplying the image data of the test chart 62 to the recording head driving unit 241 at the recording start timing according to the setting information of the test chart 62.

In the above embodiment and each modified example, the input operation related to the recording setting of the test chart 62 is performed by the user using the recording setting screen provided with the radio button 91, the check box 92, the drop-down list 95, the slider 96, and the like. Although the example performed by the interface has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a user interface for performing an input operation related to a recording setting detects a user's contact position with respect to a touch panel provided on a screen on which selection options for each recording setting are displayed, and each setting of a recording setting. The content may be input by changing a physical state such as a push button or a lever switch.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the description has been given using the example in which the recording setting of the test chart 62 is performed for each print job when the print job is generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Recording setting may be performed at the timing when the input operation is performed. In such an aspect, the test chart 62 can be recorded with a common recording setting for a plurality of different print jobs, or the recording setting of the test chart 62 can be changed during execution of the print job.

In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the example in which the test chart 62 composed of a halftone image is recorded as the test image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the test image is the ink from the nozzle 243. Other images recorded by ejection and used for inspection of the ejection state of the nozzle 243 may be used. For example, a missing position specifying chart may be recorded as a test image, and the presence or absence of a defective nozzle may be determined from the reading result of the missing position specifying chart by the image reading unit 26. Further, the test image is not limited to that used for detecting defective nozzles. For example, a gradation image (gray chart) used for detecting variation in ink discharge amount among a plurality of recording heads 242 in the head unit 24. It may be.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the description has been given using the example in which the plurality of head units 24 eject inks of different colors from the nozzles 243, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of head units 24 is not limited thereto. Can be configured to eject different types of ink from the nozzles 243. Here, the type of ink can be determined by characteristics according to the ink material such as color, viscosity, melting point, and fixing method.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example in which a sheet is used as the recording medium P has been described. However, the recording medium P may be a continuous paper, a medium supplied by a roll-to-roll method, or the like. Continuous paper may be used. In such a case, the normal image 61 and the test chart 62 are recorded in each of the plurality of recording areas 60 that are the targets of normal image recording in the conveyance direction on the recording medium.

In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the ink jet recording apparatus 100 has been described using an example including the image reading unit 26, but instead, an image reading apparatus provided separately outside the ink jet recording apparatus 100. Thus, the test chart 62 may be read.

In the above embodiment and each modification, the recording medium P is transported by the transport drum 211. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus that transports the recording medium P by a transport belt that is supported by two rollers and moves according to the rotation of the rollers.

In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 that records an image with a line head in which the nozzles 243 are arranged over the recording range of the image in the width direction on the recording medium P has been described as an example. The present invention may be applied to an ink jet recording apparatus that records an image while scanning the recording head.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. .

The present invention can be used for an information processing apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus, and an information processing method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 10 Paper feed part 11 Paper feed tray 12 Medium supply part 20 Image formation part 21 Conveyance part 211 Conveyance drum 22 Delivery unit 23 Heating part 24 Head unit 241 Recording head drive part 242 Recording head 243 Nozzle 25 Fixing Unit 26 image reading unit 27 delivery unit 28 reversing unit 30 paper discharge unit 31

paper discharge tray

40, 70

control unit

41, 71 CPU
42,72 RAM
43, 73 ROM
44, 74 Storage unit 51

Transport drive unit

52, 83 Input /

output interface

53, 84 Bus 60 Recording area 61

Normal image

62, 62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K Test chart 81 Operation display unit 82 Image processing unit 100 Inkjet recording apparatus 200 External Apparatus HM, HM1 to HM4 Head module P Recording medium

Claims

An information processing apparatus that generates setting information used for setting operation control in a recording apparatus including a plurality of ink discharge units that discharge different types of ink from nozzles onto a recording medium,
An input unit that receives a first input operation related to selection of an ink discharge unit to be inspected to record a test image used to inspect a discharge state from a nozzle among the plurality of ink discharge units;
Setting information generating means for generating the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected selected based on the first input operation;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
The input means designates a maximum number of ink ejecting sections that record the test image on one recording area on a recording medium to be ejected of ink from nozzles in the plurality of ink ejecting sections. Accepts input operations,
The setting information generation unit performs recording by each of the ink ejection units not more than the maximum number designated by the second input operation among the ink ejection units to be inspected selected based on the first input operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image in each recording area of the medium is generated.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives the first input operation for designating the ink discharge unit to be inspected.
The input means selects a first inspection target selection unit that selects the inspection target ink discharge unit based on image data of a normal image to be recorded recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink discharge units. Receiving the first input operation for designating a mode;
The setting information generation unit is configured to perform the test by the inspection target ink ejection unit that is selected based on the image data of the normal image according to the designation of the first inspection target selection mode by the first input operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information used for setting to record an image is generated.
The setting information generation unit selects the ink ejection unit to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image when the first inspection object selection mode is designated by the first input operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.
The setting information generation unit obtains ink ejection amounts from the nozzles in each of the plurality of ink ejection units necessary for recording the normal image by the plurality of ink ejection units based on the image data of the normal image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an ink discharge unit in which the ink discharge amount is larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as the ink discharge unit to be inspected.
The input means includes, for each recording area on a recording medium to be ejected from nozzles in the plurality of ink ejecting sections, an ink ejection section to be inspected that records the test image on the recording area. Accepting the first input operation designating
The setting information generation means is used for setting the recording of the test image by the inspection target ink ejection unit designated by the first input operation for each of the plurality of recording areas. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus generates the information.
The recording apparatus has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium,
Each of the plurality of ink ejection portions has a plurality of ink ejection heads each provided with a plurality of the nozzles,
The plurality of ink ejection heads are different from each other in the arrangement range of the plurality of nozzles in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and the plurality of ink ejection heads have a predetermined width direction. Provided so that the nozzles are arranged over the recording width,
The input means receives a third input operation related to selection of an inspection target ink discharge head used for recording the test image in the inspection target ink discharge section;
The setting information generation unit uses the inspection target ink discharge head selected based on the third input operation by the inspection target ink discharge unit selected based on the first input operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the setting information used for setting for recording the test image is generated.
9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the input unit receives the third input operation for designating the ink discharge head to be inspected.
The input means selects a second inspection target selection unit that selects the inspection target ink discharge head based on image data of a normal image to be recorded recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink discharge units. Accepting the third input operation to specify a mode;
The setting information generation unit is selected based on the image data of the normal image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected according to the designation of the second inspection object selection mode by a third input operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image using a target ink discharge head is generated.
The setting information generation unit selects the ink ejection head to be inspected based on the image data of the normal image when the second inspection object selection mode is designated by the third input operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.
The setting information generation unit obtains ink ejection amounts from the nozzles in each of the plurality of ink ejection heads necessary for recording the normal image by the plurality of ink ejection units based on the image data of the normal image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an ink discharge head having an ink discharge amount larger than a predetermined reference amount is selected as the ink discharge head to be inspected.
The recording apparatus includes ejection failure detection means for detecting ejection failure from the nozzles in the plurality of ink ejection sections based on a result of reading by the test image reading device.
The input means receives a fourth input operation for designating detection accuracy of ejection failure for each of the plurality of ink ejection sections;
2. The setting information generation unit generates the setting information used for setting for detecting the ejection failure by the ejection failure detection unit with the detection accuracy specified by the fourth input operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 12.
The recording apparatus has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium,
Each of the plurality of ink ejection portions has a plurality of ink ejection heads each provided with a plurality of the nozzles,
The plurality of ink ejection heads are different from each other in the arrangement range of the plurality of nozzles in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit, and the plurality of ink ejection heads have a predetermined width direction. Provided so that the nozzles are arranged over the recording width,
The recording apparatus includes ejection failure detection means for detecting ejection failure from the nozzles in the plurality of ink ejection heads provided in each of the plurality of ink ejection sections, based on a result of reading by the test image reading unit. Have
The input means receives a fifth input operation for designating detection accuracy of ejection failure for each of the plurality of ink ejection heads in each of the plurality of ink ejection units;
The setting information generation unit generates the setting information used for setting for detecting the ejection failure by the ejection failure detection unit with the detection accuracy specified by the fifth input operation. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 12.
15. The test image data generation means for generating test image data of an image including the test image recorded by the ink ejection unit to be inspected according to the setting based on the setting information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The test image data generation unit generates the test image data of a normal image to be recorded recorded on a recording medium by at least a part of the plurality of ink ejection units and an image including the test image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising output means for outputting the setting information to the recording apparatus.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an output unit that outputs the test image data to the recording apparatus.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
A recording apparatus including a plurality of ink ejection units that eject different types of ink from the nozzles onto the recording medium, and
With
The ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a recording control unit that causes the ink ejection unit to be inspected to record the test image based on the setting information generated in the information processing apparatus.
An information processing method for generating setting information used for setting operation control in a recording apparatus including a plurality of ink discharge units that discharge different types of ink from nozzles onto a recording medium,
An input step of receiving a first input operation related to selection of an inspection target ink discharge unit that records a test image used for inspection of a discharge state from a nozzle on a recording medium among the plurality of ink discharge units;
A setting information generating step for generating the setting information used for setting the recording of the test image by the ink ejection unit to be inspected selected based on the first input operation;
An information processing method comprising: