Inkjet printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

To record an image of high quality.SOLUTION: An ink jet printing apparatus configured to print an image on a print medium includes a printing unit configured to eject a first ink, a second ink, a first reaction liquid, and a second reaction liquid, a generation unit configured to generate first print data with the first ink based on first image data and generate second print data with the second ink based on second image data, and a determination unit configured to determine ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second reaction liquid for each partial area of the print medium based on the first print data and the second print data. The determination means determines the discharge amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a first determination method for a lamination region where a recording image by the first ink and a recording image by the second ink are laminated, and determines the discharge amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a second determination method for a non-lamination region where the recording images are not laminated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet recording devices are known that use color inks and a reaction liquid, and form images by mixing the color inks and the reaction liquid on a recording medium to cause the coloring materials in the color inks to aggregate. Patent Document 1 describes a technology for recording a layered image consisting of a white ink layer and a color ink layer on a non-absorbent transparent recording medium by adhering white ink and color inks together with the reaction liquid to the recording medium. This technology describes an image recording method that uses one type of reaction liquid and controls the aggregation properties of the color inks relative to the reaction liquid and the aggregation properties of the white ink relative to the reaction liquid to obtain a recorded product with good image quality characteristics, such as character sharpness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-156995 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in an image having a laminated area where ink layers such as color ink and white ink are laminated on a recording medium such as a transparent film, the quality of the recorded image may differ. For example, the cohesive strength of the colorant differs between the laminated area and the non-laminated area, which changes the degree of abrasion resistance, bleeding (ink flow), and burial (reduction in color development due to sedimentation of the colorant).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a technique that enables high-quality image recording. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration: a recording means configured to be able to eject a first ink containing a coloring material, a second ink containing a coloring material different from that of the first ink, a first reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring material in the ink, and a second reaction liquid that is different from the first reaction liquid; a generating means for generating first recording data for the first ink based on first image data, and generating second recording data for the second ink based on second image data different from the first image data; a determination means for determining the ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second reaction liquid for each partial area of ​​the recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data; a conveying means for changing the relative position between the recording means and the recording medium; a control means for driving the recording means in synchronization with the transport of the transport means based on the ejection amount determined by the determination means, and controlling the recording scan; Equipped with The determination means determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid using a first determination method for a laminated area where the recorded image using the first ink and the recorded image using the second ink are laminated, and determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid using a second determination method different from the first determination method for a non-laminated area where the recorded image using the first ink and the recorded image using the second ink are not laminated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables high-quality image recording. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a recording control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a discharge port forming substrate observed from the discharge port surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording head observed from the ejection port surface. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating general generation of print data. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a general multi-pass printing method. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a laminated region and a non-laminated region. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a path mask. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing image processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of ink recorded and the amount of reaction liquid recorded. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing precipitates occurring on the surface of an image. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a path mask. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input image. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing image processing (second embodiment). [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing image processing (third embodiment). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) As a first embodiment of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method will be described below. The recording apparatus may be, for example, a single-function printer having only a recording function, or may be, for example, a multi-function printer having multiple functions such as a recording function, a fax function, and a scanner function.

[0011] In the following explanation, "recording" means forming images such as characters and figures on a recording medium such as paper. However, the formed image may or may not be visible to humans, and it also broadly refers to forming images, patterns, structures, etc. on a recording medium or processing the medium.

[0012] Furthermore, the term "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to materials capable of receiving ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, and leather. Non-absorbent recording media include, for example, glass, plastic, film, and Yupo, which are not designed as recording media for aqueous inkjet inks. Other examples include substrates such as plastic film and paper that are not surface-treated for inkjet printing (i.e., do not have an ink-absorbing layer), such as substrates coated with plastic. Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Specific examples of low-absorbent recording media include printing paper used in offset printing, such as art paper and coated paper.

[0013] <Device configuration> FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view partially exploded to explain the internal mechanism, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIG. 1, a recording medium 12 is transported in the -Y direction in the figure as a sub-scanning motor (not shown) is driven. In addition, a guide shaft 13 is disposed so as to extend in the X direction, which intersects with the Y direction, which is the transport direction of the recording medium 12.

[0014] A carriage 11 carrying a recording head 15 disposed opposite the platen 10 is supported by a guide shaft 13 and moves back and forth (scans back and forth) along the X direction by being driven by a main scanning motor (not shown). The recording head 15 mounted on the carriage 11 ejects ink onto a recording medium 12 in accordance with recording data while the carriage 11 is moving and scanning, thereby performing recording on the recording medium 12.

[0015] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment employs a so-called bidirectional recording method in which ink is ejected to record an image on a recording medium both when the recording head 15 moves along a forward path and when it moves along a backward path. When the recording head 15 performs a single scan accompanied by recording, the recording medium 12 is transported a predetermined distance by a sub-scanning motor (not shown).

[0016] When a printing operation command is input from an external device 205, which will be described later with reference to Figure 2, the printing medium 12 is fed to a position where printing is possible by the printing head 15 mounted on the carriage 11. Thereafter, an image is printed by alternately repeating main scanning of the printing head 15 while ejecting ink in response to a printing signal and conveying the printing medium 12 a predetermined distance. In other words, an image is printed in a predetermined area of ​​the printing medium 12 by changing the relative position between the printing head 15 and the printing medium 12. Furthermore, the image formed on the printing medium 12 on the platen 10 is conveyed in the -Y direction, and is heated to about 100°C by the heating mechanism 14, whereupon the image is thermally fixed.

[0017] The heating mechanism 14 also has the function of heating water-soluble resin particles (described later) in the recording device to form a film. These water-soluble resin particles are applied to the recording medium and then heated to form a film, improving the scratch resistance of the image. In this embodiment, the temperature is adjusted so that the temperature on the recording medium is 80°C.

[0018] In this embodiment, the recording head 15, which is the recording unit, is configured to be able to eject color inks (K, C, M, Y) and white ink (W). In addition, it is configured to be able to eject two types of reaction liquids (RCT1, RCT2). The reaction liquid contains a reactant, which reacts with solid components such as coloring materials and resin particles contained in each ink to promote their aggregation. Details of the inks and reaction liquid will be described later.

[0019] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a printing control system. The control unit 20 in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a gate array 204. The image input unit 206 is used to input image data from an external device 205. The ROM 202 is a memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 201 to control the printing apparatus and process image data. For example, the ROM 202 stores dither masks, pass masks, and threshold tables, which will be described later. The RAM 203 temporarily stores various data, such as image data used to control the inkjet printing apparatus and print signals supplied to the print head.

[0020] The gate array 204 supplies print signals to the print head 15 and also transfers data between the image input unit 206, CPU 201, and RAM 203. The print head driver 207 drives the print head 15 to eject ink in response to print signals output from the control unit 20. A main scanning encoder 213 detects the position of the carriage 11 in the main scanning (X-axis) direction, and a sub-scanning encoder 214 detects the transport amount of the print medium 12 in the sub-scanning (Y-axis) direction. The control unit 20 generates a drive signal in response to the carriage position / printing medium transport amount detected by the main scanning encoder 213 and sub-scanning encoder 214. A main scanning motor driver 209 and a sub-scanning motor driver 211 drive a main scanning motor 210 and a sub-scanning motor 212 in response to the drive signals generated by the control unit 20, thereby transporting the carriage 11 and the print medium 12.

[0021] The gate array 204 and CPU 201 of the control unit 20 convert image data received from an external device 205 via an image input unit 206 into print data and store the data in RAM 203. The control unit 20 controls the print operation of the print head 15 on the print medium 12 by synchronously driving drivers 207, 209, and 211. As a result, a print image corresponding to the print data is formed on the print medium 12. The heating mechanism 14, which is composed of a hot air fan or the like, is driven by a signal output from the control unit 20, and heats the print medium 12 on which the image has been printed. The display / operation unit 215 of the inkjet printing device presents various printing condition settings, such as the level setting for the reaction liquid printing amount (discharge amount), to the user, and also accepts individual changes to the settings.

[0022] <Head configuration> 3 is a schematic diagram of the ejection port forming substrate 30 of the recording head 15, observed from the ejection port surface. In the recording head 15, an ejection port array for one color is formed by 1024 ejection ports 31 arranged in the Y direction at a density of 1200 per inch. Therefore, the direction in which the ejection ports are arranged intersects with the X-axis direction in which the recording head 15 scans.

[0023] From the recording head 15, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks are ejected as droplets as the first ink by ejection energy generated by recording elements such as electrothermal converters (heaters) and piezoelectric elements. White (W) ink containing a white colorant is ejected as droplets as the second ink. Reaction liquid 1 (RCT1) and reaction liquid 2 (RCT2) are also ejected as reaction liquids. Upon contact with the ink, reaction liquid 1 and reaction liquid 2 react with solid components such as colorants and resin particles contained in the ink, promoting their aggregation and thereby acting as auxiliary agents in image recording. Specific details of the inks and reaction liquids will be described later.

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the print head 15 as viewed from the ejection port surface. Figure 4(a) shows seven ejection port array substrates mounted on the print head. The seven ejection port array substrates include a black ejection port array 41K, a cyan ejection port array 41C, a magenta ejection port array 41M, a yellow ejection port array 41Y, a white ejection port array 41W, an ejection port array 41R1 for reaction liquid 1, and an ejection port array 41R2 for reaction liquid 2. The droplets ejected from each ejection port of the print head are approximately 4 ng, and can be ejected at a maximum drive frequency of 21 kHz.

[0025] <Ink composition> The compositions of the first ink and second ink used in this embodiment will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" are based on mass.

[0026] The first ink (color ink) contains a color pigment other than white, water-soluble resin particles, and a water-soluble organic solvent. As described above, the first inks are black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, and each ink uses a black, cyan, magenta, or yellow color pigment as a color material. As described below, these color pigments are prepared as a dispersion solution in an aqueous solution, and then blended with other specified material components to prepare the ink.

[0027] The second ink (white ink) is a white ink containing a white colorant, water-soluble resin particles, and a water-soluble organic solvent as colorants. Titanium oxide particles can be suitably used as the colorant for the white ink. Titanium oxide is classified into rutile, anatase, and brookite types based on its crystal structure. Of these, rutile type titanium oxide, which has low photocatalytic activity, is preferred. Methods for producing titanium oxide include the sulfuric acid method and the chlorine method. From the perspective of ink stability, the content (mass %) of titanium oxide particles in the ink is preferably 5% to 20% by mass based on the total mass of the ink.

[0028] The zeta potential of the titanium oxide particles in pure water is preferably 0 mV or higher. Zeta potential is an indicator of the charge state of the titanium oxide particle surface and can be measured by electrophoretic light scattering. When the amount of positive charge on the titanium oxide particle surface is greater than the amount of negative charge, the particles are more likely to adsorb to a resin having anionic groups, improving the dispersion stability of the titanium oxide. Furthermore, to prevent excessive consumption of the anionic groups in the resin and a lack of charge repulsion between the titanium oxide particles, the zeta potential is preferably 40 mV or lower. The second ink is a white ink primarily composed of the above-mentioned coloring materials. However, other coloring materials may be added to adjust the slight white tint that is visible in reflected light, etc., within a range that does not impair whiteness.

[0029] The water-soluble organic solvent preferably has a boiling point of 150°C or higher and 300°C or lower for reasons of wettability and moisture retention of the print head face. Ketone compounds such as acetone and cyclohexanone are preferred for their function as a film-forming aid for resin particles and for their swelling solubility in a print medium on which a resin layer is formed. Ethylene glycol derivatives such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and heterocyclic compounds with a lactam structure, such as N-methylpyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone, are also preferred. From the perspective of ejection performance, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 3 wt% or higher and 30 wt% or lower.

[0030] Specific examples of water-soluble organic solvents include alkyl alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol; amides, such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; ketones or ketoalcohols, such as acetone and diacetone alcohol; ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; polyalkylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; ethylene glycol; alkylene glycols having an alkylene group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, and diethylene glycol; lower alkyl ether acetates, such as polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate; glycerin; and lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol methyl (or ethyl) ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether. Polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolpropane and trimethylolethane; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, etc.; and water-soluble organic solvents such as those listed above can be used alone or in combination. Deionized water is preferably used as the water. In addition to the above components, surfactants, antifoaming agents, preservatives, antifungal agents, etc. can be added as needed to achieve desired physical properties.

[0031] The resin microparticles used in this embodiment are described below. The first and second inks contain water-soluble resin microparticles that adhere to the recording medium and the colorant, improving the scratch resistance (fixability) of the recorded image. The resin microparticles are melted by heat, and a heater is used to form a film of the resin microparticles and dry the solvent contained in the ink. "Resin microparticles" refer to polymer microparticles dispersed in water. Specifically, these include acrylic resin microparticles synthesized by emulsion polymerization of monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters or (meth)acrylic acid alkyl amides. Styrene-acrylic resin microparticles synthesized by emulsion polymerization of styrene monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters or (meth)acrylic acid alkyl amides. Examples include polyethylene resin microparticles, polypropylene resin microparticles, polyurethane resin microparticles, and styrene-butadiene resin microparticles. Core-shell resin microparticles, in which the polymer composition of the core and shell of the resin microparticles differ, and resin microparticles obtained by emulsion polymerization around pre-synthesized acrylic microparticles used as seed particles to control particle size, are also acceptable. Furthermore, hybrid resin particles in which different resin particles, such as acrylic resin particles and urethane resin particles, are chemically bonded together may also be used.

[0032] Furthermore, "polymer microparticles dispersed in water" may be in the form of resin microparticles obtained by homopolymerizing or copolymerizing multiple types of monomers having a dissociative group, i.e., a so-called self-dispersing resin microparticle dispersion. Examples of the dissociative group include a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphate group, and examples of monomers having this dissociative group include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. Furthermore, the polymer may be a so-called emulsion-dispersed resin microparticle dispersion in which resin microparticles are dispersed using an emulsifier. As the emulsifier, a material having an anionic charge can be used, regardless of whether it is low molecular weight or high molecular weight.

[0033] <Composition of reaction solution> In this embodiment, two different reaction liquids, reaction liquid 1 (RCT1) and reaction liquid 2 (RCT2), are used. Each reaction liquid contains a reactant that reacts with the colorant component contained in the ink and causes the colorant to aggregate or gel. Here, the reactant is a component that can reduce the dispersion stability of the ink when mixed on a recording medium or the like with an ink containing a pigment that is stably dispersed in an aqueous medium due to the action of ionic groups. Specifically, polyvalent metal salts, water-soluble cationic polymers with cationic groups, water-soluble organic acids, etc. can be used as reactants for the reaction liquids.

[0034] Reaction liquid 1 preferably contains at least a polyvalent metal salt as a reactant component. Reaction liquid 1 is a reaction liquid used mainly for color inks, because it can control the aggregation state when mixed with color inks and improve image quality characteristics such as gloss and color development. A reaction liquid containing a large amount of reactant components such as cationic polymers that have a strong aggregation action when mixed with color inks will cause strong aggregation of ink dots on the recording medium, inhibiting leveling (smoothing) of the ink dots and thereby degrading the image quality characteristics of the recorded material.

[0035] Reaction liquid 2 is a reaction liquid used primarily for white ink and contains at least a cationic polymer as a reactant component. Cationic polymers contain many ionic polar groups per polymer molecule, resulting in a high charge density and therefore excellent ability to reduce the dispersibility of colorant pigments. White ink is used for purposes such as controlling the light-blocking properties of images when transparent film or the like is used as a recording medium. In this case, it is necessary to form a white ink layer with high light-blocking (concealing) properties from the side opposite the recording surface, and the white ink contains a higher colorant content than color inks. In order to properly aggregate the white ink, which contains a large amount of colorant, on the recording medium and form a layered image with the color ink, it is preferable that reaction liquid 2 contain at least a cationic polymer as a reactant component.

[0036] In this embodiment, the content of the reactant is preferably 0.1 mass % or more and 90.0 mass % or less, and more preferably 1.0 mass % or more and 70.0 mass % or less, based on the total mass of the composition contained in the reaction liquid.

[0037] <Method of preparing (preparing) ink and reaction liquid> ·Resin particle dispersion The resin particle dispersion used in the first embodiment was prepared by first adding the following three additive liquids dropwise in small amounts while stirring in a nitrogen atmosphere heated to 70°C, and polymerizing for 5 hours. Each additive liquid was a mixture containing a hydrophobic monomer consisting of 28.5 parts methyl methacrylate, a hydrophilic monomer consisting of 4.3 parts sodium p-styrenesulfonate and 30 parts water, and a polymerization initiator consisting of 0.05 parts potassium persulfate and 30 parts water. In this way, a 20% by mass resin particle dispersion was obtained.

[0038] Black ink (K1) Preparation of dispersion An anionic polymer P-1 [styrene / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid copolymer (weight ratio = 30 / 40 / 30), acid value 202, weight average molecular weight 6500] was prepared. This was neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 10% by mass polymer solution.

[0039] 600 g of the polymer solution, 100 g of carbon black, and 300 g of ion-exchanged water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time, followed by centrifugal separation to remove undispersed material, including coarse particles, to obtain a black dispersion. The resulting black dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0040] (K2) Ink preparation The ink was prepared by adding the following components to the black dispersion liquid described above to achieve the desired concentration: After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was filtered under pressure using a microfilter with a pore size of 2.5 μm (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 2% by mass.

[0041] 20 parts of the above black dispersion 40 parts of the above resin particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0042] Cyan ink (C1) Preparation of dispersion An AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 250 and a number-average molecular weight of 3,000 was prepared using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials by a conventional method, neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 50% by mass polymer solution.

[0043] 200 g of the polymer solution, 100 g of CI Pigment Blue 15:3, and 700 g of ion-exchanged water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time, followed by centrifugal separation to remove non-dispersed material, including coarse particles, to obtain a cyan dispersion. The resulting cyan dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0044] (C2) Preparation of ink The ink was prepared by adding the following components to the cyan dispersion liquid to achieve the desired concentration: After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was filtered under pressure using a microfilter with a pore size of 2.5 μm (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 2% by mass.

[0045] 20 parts of the above cyan dispersion 40 parts of the above resin particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0046] Magenta ink (M1) Preparation of dispersion Using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials, an AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 300 and a number-average molecular weight of 2500 was prepared by a standard method, neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 50% by mass polymer solution.

[0047] 100 g of the polymer solution, 100 g of CI Pigment Red 122, and 800 g of ion-exchanged water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time, followed by centrifugal separation to remove non-dispersed material including coarse particles, to obtain a magenta dispersion. The resulting magenta dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0048] (M2) Ink preparation The ink was prepared by adding the following components to the magenta dispersion liquid described above to achieve the desired concentration: After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was filtered under pressure using a microfilter with a pore size of 2.5 μm (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 3% by mass.

[0049] 30 parts of the above magenta dispersion 40 parts of the above resin particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0050] Yellow ink (Y1) Preparation of dispersion Anionic polymer P-1 was neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 10% by mass polymer solution.

[0051] 300 g of the polymer solution, 100 g of CI Pigment Yellow 74, and 600 g of ion-exchanged water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time, followed by centrifugal separation to remove undispersed material, including coarse particles, to obtain a yellow dispersion. The resulting yellow dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0052] (Y2) Ink preparation The following components were mixed and thoroughly stirred to dissolve and disperse, and then pressure filtered through a microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) with a pore size of 1.0 μm to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 3% by mass.

[0053] 30 parts of the above yellow dispersion 40 parts of the above resin particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.025 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 1 part Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0054] White ink (W1) Preparation of white dispersion An anionic polymer P-1 [styrene / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid copolymer (weight ratio = 30 / 40 / 30), acid value 202, weight average molecular weight 6500] was prepared. This was neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 10% by mass polymer solution.

[0055] 150 g of the above polymer solution, 500 g of titanium oxide, and 350 g of ion-exchanged water were mixed, and the titanium oxide was dispersed using a homogenizer. Subsequently, undispersed material, including coarse particles, was removed by centrifugation, and an appropriate amount of ion-exchanged water was added to obtain a white dispersion. The resulting white dispersion had a pigment concentration of 30% by mass.

[0056] (W2) Preparation of white ink To prepare the white ink, the above white dispersion was used, and the following components were mixed with it. After thorough stirring to dissolve and disperse the mixture, the mixture was filtered under pressure using a microfilter with a pore size of 2.5 μm (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 4% by mass.

[0057] 40 parts of the above white dispersion 40 parts of the above water-soluble resin emulsion dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.025 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 1 part Ion-exchanged water (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) Remaining

[0058] Reaction solution 1 (RCT1) Magnesium sulfate (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as a reactant component, and the following components were mixed to prepare RCT1.

[0059] Magnesium sulfate 2 parts 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0060] Reaction solution 2 (RCT2) The following cationic polymer was used as a reactant component, and the following components were mixed to prepare RCT2. The cationic polymer was blended to the following weight in solids content, taking into account the solid content of the solution used.

[0061] 2 parts cationic polymer (Unisense FPA100LU manufactured by Senka Corporation) 2-pyrrolidone 5 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct (Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Ion-exchanged water Remaining

[0062] <Device Operation> In this embodiment, an image is recorded according to a multi-pass recording method in which an image is recorded in a unit area (partial area) on a recording medium by multiple scans. Here, in each of the multiple scans, droplets (ink and reaction liquid) are discharged according to recording data that determines whether or not to discharge droplets for each of multiple pixels.

[0063] In this embodiment, a dither mask and a pass mask are used to generate print data corresponding to each of multiple scans from image data. A general method for processing image data when printing (forming an image) in 8 passes using a dither mask and a pass mask is described below. For simplicity of explanation, the image data will be described as 8-bit data capable of expressing 256 gradation values ​​from 0 to 255. In addition, both the dither mask and the pass mask are assumed to have a size corresponding to an 8 pixel x 8 pixel area, which is equivalent to a unit area.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating general print data generation. Specifically, it illustrates a method for generating print data by processing the image data described above. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a dither mask. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram illustrating binary data generated by applying the dither mask shown in FIG. 5(a) to image data having a gradation value (information indicating gradation) of "64." Furthermore, pass masks 501 to 508 in FIG. 5(c) are diagrams illustrating examples of pass masks corresponding to the first to eighth scans of droplets, respectively. In each scan, a unit pixel is 1 / 2400 inch in the X direction and 1 / 1200 inch in the Y direction, and a maximum of one dot is printed per pixel. FIG. 5(d) is a diagram illustrating print data 511 to 518 corresponding to the first to eighth scans, respectively, generated by applying the pass masks 501 to 508 in FIG. 5(c) to the binary data shown in FIG. 5(b). 5(c) are mask patterns in which a total of one dot is printed on each pixel over eight scans. However, mask patterns in which two or more dots are printed on each pixel are also possible, and the mask pattern can be set according to the desired amount of droplets printed per unit area on the print medium.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(a), a dither mask has a different threshold value set for each of a plurality of pixels. Here, if the gradation value of the multi-value data for each pixel is greater than the threshold value to be compared, the multi-value data is converted into binary data (1-bit data) indicating "droplet ejection" for that pixel. On the other hand, if the gradation value of the multi-value data for each pixel is equal to or less than the threshold value to be compared, the multi-value data is converted into binary data indicating "droplet non-ejection" for that pixel. Note that the following explanation describes a form in which the same value of multi-value data is input to all pixel regions within a certain unit area, but different values ​​of multi-value data may also be input to each pixel region.

[0066] For example, if the gradation value of the multi-value data for the previous pixel is "64," the threshold value for pixel 50 in the dither mask shown in FIG. 5(a) is "9" (<64), so the multi-value data corresponding to pixel 50 is converted into binary data indicating "droplet ejection." Furthermore, the threshold value for pixel 51 is "93" (≧64), so the multi-value data corresponding to pixel 51 is converted into binary data indicating "droplet non-ejection." In this way, by using the dither mask shown in FIG. 5(a), the binary data shown in FIG. 5(b) is generated from the multi-value data indicating the gradation value "64."

[0067] As shown in each of the pass masks 501 to 508 in Fig. 5(c), the pass mask is configured by arranging print permitting pixels that permit the ejection of droplets and non-print permitting pixels that do not permit the ejection of droplets. In each of the pass masks 501 to 508 in Fig. 5(c), the blacked-out areas represent print permitting pixels, and the whited-out areas represent non-print permitting pixels.

[0068] Here, the print data corresponding to each scan is generated by taking the logical product of the input binary data and the pass mask corresponding to each scan. That is, when binary data indicating droplet ejection is input to print permitting pixels, the binary data is converted into print data indicating droplet ejection. On the other hand, even when binary data indicating droplet ejection is input to non-print permitting pixels, the binary data is converted into print data indicating no droplet ejection.

[0069] Specifically, by applying the pass mask shown in pass mask 501 in Figure 5(c) corresponding to the first scan to the binary data shown in Figure 5(b), the binary data is distributed, and print data corresponding to the first scan shown as print data 511 in Figure 5(d) is generated. In the same way, the binary data shown in Figure 5(b) is distributed to each of the second to eighth scans, and print data corresponding to the second to eighth scans shown as print data 512 to 518 in Figure 5(d) are generated. In each of the first to eighth scans, an image is printed by ejecting droplets in accordance with the print data generated as described above.

[0070] The above-mentioned multi-pass printing method will be described in detail below. Here, the case where image data with a gradation value of 64 is input will be described. As described above, when image data with a gradation value of 64 is input, the printing data shown in each of the printing data 511 to 518 in Fig. 5(d) is generated, and here droplets are ejected in accordance with this printing data.

[0071] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a typical multi-pass printing method. It shows a situation in which printing is performed within a unit area on a print medium through eight print scans using a print head having 1,024 ejection ports in one ejection port array. For simplicity's sake, an example is shown using the 8-pixel x 8-pixel pass mask shown in Figure 5(c). Also shown is an example in which the print head 15 has one ejection port array.

[0072] The ejection ports 20 provided in the ejection port array 21 that ejects droplets are divided into eight recording groups 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, and 608 along the Y direction.

[0073] In the first printing scan, droplets are ejected from the printing group 601 onto an area 611 on the printing medium 12 in accordance with the printing data 511 in FIG. 5(d). As a result, droplets are ejected onto the printing medium at the positions indicated by black in A in FIG. 6. Next, the printing medium 12 is transported in the Y direction relative to the printing head 15 by a distance equivalent to 128 (=1024 / 8) ejection ports. After this, a second printing scan is performed.

[0074] During the second printing scan, droplets are ejected from printing group 602 onto area 611 on the printing medium in accordance with printing data 512 in FIG. 5(d). Also, droplets are ejected from printing group 601 onto area 612 in accordance with printing data 511 in FIG. 5(d). As a result of this second printing scan, an image such as that shown in area 611 of "row B" is formed on the printing medium 12.

[0075] Thereafter, the scanning of the recording head 15 and the relative transport of the recording medium 12 are alternately repeated. As a result, after the eighth recording scan, an image as shown in the "H row" area 611 is formed on the recording medium 12, and droplet ejection is completed for 25% of the pixel area that can be recorded.

[0076] A general example of 8-pass printing using a print head having 1024 ejection ports used in this embodiment has been described above.

[0077] <Laminated and non-laminated image recording> We will now explain laminated and non-laminated image recording using two types of reaction liquids, color ink and white ink. When at least one of white ink and color ink is recorded on the recording medium 12, four types of recording cross sections shown in Figure 7 can be recorded.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing cross sections of a laminated region and a non-laminated region. In Figure 7(a), a white ink layer 72 is formed on the recording medium 12, and a color ink layer 71 is formed thereon. In Figure 7(b), only the color ink layer 71 is formed on the recording medium 12. In Figure 7(c), the color ink layer 71 is formed on the recording medium 12, and a white ink layer 72 is formed thereon. In Figure 7(d), only the white ink layer 72 is formed on the recording medium 12.

[0079] The laminated region can take a variety of forms, including being composed of multiple color ink layers 71 and a shielding layer. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, a region whose recording cross section is as shown in FIG. 7(a) or 7(c) is referred to as a "laminated region," and a region whose recording cross section is as shown in FIG. 7(b) or 7(d) is referred to as a "non-laminated region." Furthermore, a layer made of white ink in a laminated region may be referred to as a "white ink layer" or a "shielding layer." A layer made of color ink may be referred to as a "color ink layer."

[0080] Printing of an image having a laminated region is possible by adjusting the pass masks shown in FIG. 5( c ) that are assigned to each ejection port array of the print head 15 .

[0081] 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of pass masks set for an ejection port array that can be used for printing an image having a stacked region. In Fig. 8A, all print-permitted pixels in a unit area are set for the first through fourth print scans out of a total of eight print scans. For the ejection port array set in Fig. 8A, eight pass masks are applied sequentially over the eight print scans, with pass mask 801 being applied for the first print scan, pass mask 802 being applied for the second print scan, and so on. Therefore, no printing is performed for this ejection port array during the fifth through eighth print scans.

[0082] In addition, in Figure 8(b), all print-permitted pixels in the unit area are set for the fifth through eighth printing scans. Similarly, for the ejection port array set in Figure 8(b), eight pass masks are applied sequentially for the eight printing scans, with pass mask 811 for the first printing scan, pass mask 812 for the second printing scan, and so on. Therefore, no printing is performed for this ejection port array during the first through fourth printing scans.

[0083] Therefore, by setting the pass mask of Fig. 8(b) for the ejection port array of the color inks and reaction liquid 1, and setting the pass mask of Fig. 8(a) for the ejection port array of the white ink and reaction liquid 2, it becomes possible to record a layered image as shown in Fig. 7. That is, white ink and reaction liquid 2 are recorded in the first to fourth recording scans, and color ink and reaction liquid 1 are recorded in the fifth to eighth recording scans. Through these recording processes, it is possible to record an image in which a color ink layer 71 is formed on a shielding layer.

[0084] <Image processing operations during image recording> 9 is a flowchart showing image processing. The program for this flow is stored in, for example, ROM 202, and is executed by CPU 201. This flow starts when image processing unit 20 accepts input of RGB data from external device 205 via image input unit 206.

[0085] In S901, the image processing unit 20 accepts input of color image data (8-bit gradation for each RGB). Similarly, it accepts input of white image data (8-bit gradation). Hereinafter, RGB 8-bit data for color inks may be referred to as color image data, and 8-bit data for white ink may be referred to as white image data.

[0086] In S902, the image processing unit 20 performs ink color separation processing to convert the color image data into multi-value color ink data corresponding to each of the multiple color inks (C, M, Y, K) used to print the image. Specifically, while referencing a color conversion lookup table (LUT), the input image data is converted into color ink data corresponding to the multiple ink colors available in the printing device for each predetermined area. A similar process is performed on the white image data to convert it into white ink data. In the ink color separation processing, 8-bit image data corresponding to each ejection port array 41 is generated based on a printing mode predetermined for each printing medium type and a three-dimensional (3D)-LUT.

[0087] FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the ink recording volume and the reaction liquid recording volume. FIG. 10(a) shows an example of the recording volume (ejection volume) of reaction liquid 1, where the relationship between the recording volume of reaction liquid 1 and the total recording volume of color inks (C, M, Y, K) is defined. The horizontal axis represents the total recording volume of color inks per predetermined area (e.g., 1 / 600 inch square), and the vertical axis represents the total recording volume of reaction liquid 2 per unit area. FIG. 10(b) shows an example of the recording volume of reaction liquid 2, where the relationship between the recording volume of white ink and the recording volume of reaction liquid 2 is defined. The recording volumes of reaction liquid 1 and reaction liquid 2 are determined at a predetermined ratio to the total ink in a predetermined area based on the relationship shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), and are converted into 8-bit image data (RCT data) corresponding to that recording. However, as will be described later, the recording volume of reaction liquid for the same amount of color ink is varied depending on whether the area to be recorded is a laminated area or a non-laminated area.

[0088] In S903, the image processing unit 20 binarizes the color ink data, white ink data, and RCT data using a dither mask. The binarization using a dither mask is the same as the process described using Figure 5. During this process, the dither mask and pass mask stored in ROM 202 are expanded in RAM 203, and the data generated in each step is also stored in RAM 203.

[0089] In S904, the image processing unit 20 separates the binarized color ink data, white ink data, and RCT data into passes. In S905, the image processing unit 20 generates print data for driving the print head based on the pass-separated data for each scan. In S906, the image processing unit 20 synchronously drives the drivers 207, 209, and 211 to perform image printing.

[0090] <Control of the recording volume of the reaction mixture> The following describes the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which is performed in S902. Specifically, the method and effect of differentiating the recording amount of reaction liquid for the same amount of color ink in the laminated area and the non-laminated area will be described. In particular, in the first embodiment, the control of the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 for the color ink layer 71 will be described when the laminated area is as shown in FIG. 7(a) and the non-laminated area is as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0091] Reaction liquid 1 is a reaction liquid used primarily with color inks, and preferably contains a polyvalent metal salt from the viewpoint of improving image quality characteristics. In this embodiment, reaction liquid 1 contains magnesium sulfate as the polyvalent metal salt. Polyvalent metal salts are preferable in terms of controlling the aggregation reaction with the color inks, but unreacted metal ions (cations) and anions remain, and tiny metal salt crystals measuring submicrons to several microns may precipitate during the drying process of the ink film. Because reaction liquid 1 contains magnesium sulfate, sulfate crystals, magnesium salt crystals, and the like may precipitate due to the anion and cation components dissociated in the ink film.

[0092] FIG. 11 shows a diagram of deposits 115 that occur on the image surface. FIG. 11(a) shows the state in which metal salt crystals several microns in size have precipitated as deposits 115 on the surface of a laminated region, while FIG. 11(b) shows the state in which deposits 115 have occurred in a non-laminated region. Deposits 115 occur more frequently near the surface of the color ink layer 71, and the amount of deposits varies depending on the drying conditions of the ink film. Compared to non-laminated regions, laminated regions have a higher ink recording volume per unit area, resulting in slower ink film drying. As a result, metal salt crystals tend to grow and deposits 115 tend to occur more frequently. Deposits 115, ranging in size from submicrons to several microns, that deposit on the surface diffuse light, leading to reduced color development in the color ink layer 71. Furthermore, because deposits 115 are composed of metal salt crystals, they adsorb or hydrate moisture from the air, promoting the growth of deposits. This can lead to changes in image quality depending on the storage environment of the printed material, i.e., reduced image quality stability.

[0093] On the other hand, the reaction liquid 2 used for white ink is a reaction liquid containing a cationic polymer as a reactant component, and compared to the reaction liquid 1, the generation of the above-mentioned precipitate 115 derived from the reaction liquid is small.

[0094] The inventors of the present invention discovered that when printing color inks, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of precipitates near the surface of the color inks by using reaction liquid 2 in combination with reaction liquid 1. Furthermore, they discovered that by increasing the printing ratio of reaction liquid 2, which is printed in the same printing scan as the color ink amount, in the laminated region compared to the non-laminated region, the image quality in the laminated region of Figure 7(a) is improved.

[0095] Therefore, it is conceivable to control printing so that the printing ratio of reaction liquid 2 in the laminated area is higher than the printing ratio of reaction liquid 2 in the non-laminated area. However, when using the pass mask configuration of FIG. 8, the printing volume of reaction liquid 1 is determined based on the total amount of color ink, and the printing volume of reaction liquid 2 is determined based on the printing volume of white ink. In other words, the printing volume of reaction liquid 2 cannot be determined depending on the printing volume of color ink. Therefore, by adjusting the pass mask of the ejection port array that ejects reaction liquid 2, the ratio of reaction liquid 2 to color ink in the laminated area can be increased.

[0096] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram illustrating the pass masks used in this embodiment. Fig. 12(a) shows the pass masks assigned to each of the seven ejection port arrays shown in Fig. 4(a) over eight printing scans. The hatched areas indicate where ink is printed (ejected), and the non-hatched areas indicate where ink is not printed (non-ejected).

[0097] In Figure 12(a), white ink is printed from the first to fourth printing scans (four times in total) on the upstream side in the transport direction. The color inks and reaction liquid 1 are printed from the fifth to eighth printing scans (four times in total) on the downstream side in the transport direction. Furthermore, reaction liquid 2 is printed from the first to eighth printing scans (eight times in total). Note that the pass mask shown in Figure 12(a) has print-permitted pixels set so that one dot of ink is printed per pixel in eight passes, making it possible to print a maximum of 32 ng of ink per unit area.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input image. The above configuration will be explained in relation to the example of input image data shown in FIG. 13. The input image in FIG. 13 is composed of RGB data (8 bits each) for color inks in FIG. 13(a) and W image data (8 bits) for white ink in FIG. 13(b). The color data in image area 131 and image area 132 in FIG. 13(a) contains the same data value, which in this case is black data of RGB(0,0,0). Furthermore, image area 131 is a layered area, and maximum gradation value data of W(0) is input to image area 131 in FIG. 13(b).

[0099] Here, reaction liquid 1 corresponding to reaction liquid 1 is generated for the recording amount of color ink, so image data is generated for image area 131 and image area 132. Reaction liquid 2 corresponding to reaction liquid 2 is generated for the recording amount of white ink, so image data is generated only for image area 131.

[0100] 12(a), printing is performed on the ejection port array of reaction liquid 2 in all printing scans from the first printing scan to the eighth printing scan. Therefore, in the fifth to eighth printing scans that print color inks in the image area 131, reaction liquid 1 and reaction liquid 2 are printed together with the color inks. Since print data for reaction liquid 2 is not generated for the image area 132, reaction liquid 2 is not printed in the non-layered region.

[0101] As a result, the printing ratio of reaction liquid 2, which is printed in the same printing scan as the color inks, can be made higher in the laminated region than in the non-laminated region, effectively suppressing the occurrence of precipitates in the laminated region as mentioned above and improving image quality. Furthermore, the deposit 115 shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 tends to occur more easily as the shielding layer becomes thicker, i.e., the amount of white ink printed increases. With the above configuration, the greater the amount of white ink printed, the higher the printing ratio of reaction liquid 2, which is printed in the same printing scan as the color inks, and image quality is improved while also taking into account the effect on the thickness of the shielding layer.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, a total of eight printing scans is described. However, the number of printing scans can be adjusted depending on the printing mode and is not limited to this number. Furthermore, while the pass mask for reaction liquid 2 is illustrated as an example of eight-pass printing, it is sufficient that it is printed using the same printing scan as the color inks, and in that case, it is not limited to eight-pass printing. In the above example, the pass mask can be adjusted as needed so that it overlaps with any of the fifth through eighth printing scans in which the color inks are printed. For example, it can be printed using the first through seventh printing scans. Furthermore, if the pass mask for color inks is set for a time other than the fifth through eighth printing scans, the pass mask for reaction liquid 2 is set so that reaction liquid 2 is printed in the same pass as the color ink printing pass, such as the sixth through eighth printing scans. Furthermore, the printing volume of reaction liquid 2 relative to the color inks can be adjusted by adjusting the frequency of print-permitted pixels in the pass mask for each pass.

[0103] Figure 10(b) shows an example of the relationship in distribution of reaction liquid 2 as a dotted line 1002. In Figure 10(b), a solid line 1001 represents the total amount of reaction liquid 2 printed, and a dotted line 1002 represents the amount of reaction liquid 2 printed in the same printing scan as the color ink. The slope of the dotted line can be adjusted by changing the ratio of print permitted pixels in the pass mask for the same printing pass as the color ink (the fifth to eighth printing scans in the above example) relative to the print permitted pixels for the first to fourth printing scans.

[0104] However, as mentioned above, the reaction liquid 2 containing the cationic polymer has a strong aggregating effect on the color inks, so it is preferable to adjust the total recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 relative to the color inks within a range that does not affect the image quality of the color inks.

[0105] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the amount of reaction liquid to be printed varies depending on whether the area to be printed is a laminated area or a non-laminated area. For example, in the laminated area shown in FIG. 7(a), by adjusting the pass mask assigned to the ejection port array for reaction liquid 2 used for white ink, reaction liquid 2 is printed in addition to reaction liquid 1 in the color ink printing area. This suppresses the generation of the above-mentioned precipitate 115, and improves the color development of the printed matter.

[0106] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a description will be given of the control of the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 to the color ink layer 71 when the laminated region is as shown in Fig. 7(c) and the non-laminated region is as shown in Fig. 7(b). Note that the device configuration (Figs. 1 to 3), the composition of the ink and the reaction agent, and the method of producing the ink and the reaction liquid are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] In the laminated region where the shielding layer is on the color ink layer 71, it is preferable to control the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 relative to the color ink to be smaller than in the non-laminated region consisting only of the color ink layer 71. That is, contrary to the control of increasing the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 in the laminated region in the first embodiment, control of decreasing the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 is performed. The reason for this is that the surface of the color ink layer 71 in the laminated region is covered with the white ink layer 72, which suppresses the generation of precipitates such as metal salt crystals. Therefore, from the perspective of image quality, etc., it is preferable to reduce the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 in the laminated region compared to the non-laminated region.

[0108] <Device Operation> FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the print head used in the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment (FIG. 4(a)), the print head has two ejection port arrays (an ejection port array 41R2a and an ejection port array 41R2b) for ejecting the reaction liquid 2. The other ejection port arrays are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. By providing two ejection port arrays for the reaction liquid 2, the reaction liquid 2 for the color ink and the reaction liquid 2 for the white ink can be printed from the respective ejection port arrays.

[0109] 14 is a flowchart showing image processing in the second embodiment. Note that S1401, S1404, and S1406 to S1407 are the same as S901, S903, and S905 to S906 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] In S1402, the image processing unit 20 performs area separation processing on the color image data. The area separation processing on the color image data is processing for separating the color image data input in S1401 into image data of the laminated area and image data of the non-laminated area. As an example of the separation processing, the color image data and the white image data are each binarized into a "printing ON area" where ink is recorded and a "printing OFF area" where ink is not recorded. Then, an AND process (logical product process) is performed on each binarized image data to obtain "laminated area binary data" indicating the laminated area. An AND process is performed on the color image data and the laminated area binary data to generate (separate) image data of the laminated area. Furthermore, an AND process is performed on the color image data and the inverted data of the laminated area binary data to generate image data of the non-laminated area. In this embodiment, the separation processing on the image data into the laminated area and the non-laminated area is performed based on the two image data input in S1401, but the image data separation processing is not limited to this. For example, in S1401, color image data of the laminated area and the non-laminated area may be separated in advance and input, or the areas may be separated in the processing from S1403 onwards.

[0111] In S1403, the image processing unit 20 performs ink color separation processing. This is basically the same as S902 in the first embodiment, but one RCT data is generated for reaction liquid 1, while two RCT data are generated for reaction liquid 2. That is, RCT data corresponding to the two ejection opening arrays 41R2a and 41R2b that eject reaction liquid 2 are generated. The RCT data for the ejection opening array 41R2a is generated based on the color laminated area image data and color non-laminated area image data described above. The RCT data for the ejection opening array 41R2b is generated based on white image data.

[0112] 10(c) and 10(d) are diagrams showing an example of the recording amount of reaction liquid in the second embodiment. FIG. 10(c) shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 and the recording amount of color ink in the ejection port array 41R1. FIG. 10(d) shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 and the recording amount of color ink in the ejection port array 41R2a. The solid line 1004 in FIG. 10(d) shows the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 relative to the total recording amount of color ink in the laminated region. The dotted line 1003 shows the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 relative to the total recording amount of color ink in the non-laminated region. As can be seen from FIG. 10(d), the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 in the laminated region is set to be smaller than that in the non-laminated region. The RCT data for the ejection port array 41R2a is generated by ORing (logical summing) the RCT data generated based on the color laminated region image data and the color non-laminated region image data.

[0113] In S1405, the image processing unit 20 separates the binarized color ink data, white ink data, and RCT data into passes. Fig. 12(b) is a diagram illustrating the pass mask. Here, as in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which image printing of a unit area is performed in eight printing scans.

[0114] The reaction liquid 2 for the color inks is printed (together with the reaction liquid 1 and the color inks) from the ejection port array 41R2a during the first through fourth printing scans on the upstream side in the transport direction. The reaction liquid 2 for the white ink is printed (together with the white ink) from the ejection port array 41R2b during a total of four printing scans, from the fifth through eighth printing scans on the downstream side in the transport direction. These printing processes result in a layered image in which a white ink blocking layer is formed on the color ink layer 71. Furthermore, for color ink printing, the printing amount of the reaction liquid 2 is controlled in accordance with the relationship shown in FIG. 10(d) for both the layered and non-layered regions. This improves image quality characteristics in both the layered and non-layered regions.

[0115] In the above explanation, the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 was determined based on the relationship shown in FIG. 10(d) in accordance with the recording amount of color ink. Incidentally, as mentioned above, the thicker the shielding layer, the less precipitates tend to occur. Therefore, it is possible to correct the solid line 1004 in FIG. 10(d) in accordance with the thickness of the shielding layer (i.e., the white ink recording amount). In this case, it is advisable to perform a correction process based on the input value of the white image data for the image data of reaction liquid 2 generated in S1403 based on the color layered area image data.

[0116] In the above description, the recording volume of the reaction liquid 2 is determined based on the sum of the recording volumes of the color inks in the laminated and non-laminated regions, but this is not limiting. For example, the recording volume of the reaction liquid 2 may be determined by taking into consideration factors such as hue in addition to the sum of the recording volumes of the color inks.

[0117] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the amount of reaction liquid to be printed varies depending on whether the area to be printed is a laminated area or a non-laminated area. For example, the amount of reaction liquid 2 printed simultaneously with the color ink printing on the laminated area shown in FIG. 7(c) is controlled to be less than that on the non-laminated area. This limits the amount of reaction liquid 2 to be printed, thereby improving the color development of the printed matter.

[0118] In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the pass mask of the reaction liquid 2 was changed to control the printing amount of the reaction liquid 2 relative to the color ink for the layered configuration of FIG. 7A. However, the configuration described in the second embodiment (a configuration having two ejection port arrays for the reaction liquid 2) may also be used to control the printing amount of the reaction liquid 2 for the layered configuration of FIG. 7A. In this case, the relationship between the printing amount of the reaction liquid 2 in the layered region and the non-layered region in FIG. 10D is changed so that the printing amount in the layered region is greater than that in the non-layered region. Furthermore, the pass masks of each ejection port array are swapped between the group performed in a total of four printing scans, from the first to fourth printing scans on the upstream side in the transport direction in FIG. 12B, and the group performed in a total of four printing scans, from the fifth to eighth printing scans on the downstream side in the transport direction. These changes make it possible to adopt suitable printing control even for the layered configuration of FIG. 7A.

[0119] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, an example of a configuration having two ejection port arrays for the reaction liquid 2 was shown, but a configuration having only one ejection port array, as shown in FIG. 4A, may also be used. In this case, for data that has undergone ink color separation and binarization processing based on the color layered area image data, mask pass separation is performed using a pass mask printed in the first to fourth printing scans. On the other hand, for data that has undergone ink color separation and binarization processing based on the color non-layered area image data, mask pass separation is performed using a pass mask printed in the fifth to eighth printing scans. This can be achieved by combining these as print data for the ejection port array (one array) of the reaction liquid 2. Furthermore, even if there are more than two arrays, this can be achieved by generating image data based on a color separation table corresponding to the number of ejection port arrays in the ink color separation in S1403.

[0120] (Third embodiment) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the control of the recording amount of the reaction liquid 2 onto the color ink layer 71 in each of the laminated region and non-laminated region has been described. In the third embodiment, the control of the recording amount of the reaction liquid 1 onto the white ink layer 72 when the laminated region is as shown in FIG. 7(a) and the non-laminated region is as shown in FIG. 7(d) will be described. Note that the device configuration (FIGS. 1 to 3), the composition of the ink and the reactant, and the method of producing the ink and reaction liquid are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0121] In the second embodiment, when white ink is recorded on the recording medium 12 as a shielding layer and a color ink layer 71 is formed on top of that, the effect of differentiating the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded relative to the white ink between the laminated area and the non-laminated area is explained.

[0122] As mentioned above, reaction liquid 2 is a reaction liquid used mainly for white ink, and it aggregates white ink, which contains a higher amount of colorant than color ink. Therefore, it has sufficient aggregation properties even when color inks are laminated using the white ink layer 72 as a shielding layer to form an image. On the other hand, because it strongly aggregates the inks, if the white ink is not laminated with the color inks, especially when the amount of ink applied is small, the abrasion resistance tends to decrease.

[0123] The inventors of the present invention discovered that when recording is performed without laminating white ink, particularly when the amount of ink applied is small, the scratch resistance of the white ink can be improved by recording reaction liquid 1 simultaneously with reaction liquid 2. Furthermore, in areas where the white ink serves as a shielding layer and color inks are laminated on top of it, the amount of ink applied per area increases. Therefore, it was found that even when the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded is less than in non-laminated areas, the same level of scratch resistance is exhibited as in non-laminated areas.

[0124] In a laminated region where the white ink layer 72 serves as a shielding layer and color inks are recorded on top of it, if the white ink layer 72 has low cohesiveness, the color inks recorded on the white ink layer 72 tend to mix with the white ink, resulting in reduced color development. From the perspective of cohesiveness of the white ink, it is preferable to reduce the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded in the laminated region compared to the non-laminated region.

[0125] <Device Operation> 4(c) is a diagram showing the print head used in the third embodiment. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the print head has two nozzle arrays (a nozzle array 41R1a and a nozzle array 41R1b) for ejecting the reaction liquid 1. The other nozzle arrays are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, so a description thereof will be omitted. By providing two nozzle arrays for the reaction liquid 1, print data for the color inks and for the white ink can be printed from the respective nozzle arrays for the reaction liquid 1.

[0126] 15 is a flowchart showing image processing in the third embodiment. Note that S1501, S1504, and S1506 to S1507 are the same as S901, S903, and S905 to S906 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In S1502, the image processing unit 20 performs region separation processing on the white image data. Region separation processing on the white image data is processing for separating the white image data input in S1501 into image data of the laminated region and image data of the non-laminated region. As an example of the separation processing, the color image data and the white image data are each binarized into a "printing ON region" where ink is recorded and a "printing OFF region" where ink is not recorded. Then, an AND process (logical product process) is performed on each binarized image data to obtain "laminated region binary data" indicating the laminated region. An AND process is performed on the white image data and the laminated region binary data to generate (separate) image data of the laminated region. Furthermore, an AND process is performed on the white image data and the inverted data of the laminated region binary data to generate image data of the non-laminated region.

[0128] In S1503, the image processing unit 20 performs ink color separation processing. This is basically the same as S902 in the first embodiment, but one RCT data is generated for reaction liquid 2, while two RCT data are generated for reaction liquid 1. That is, RCT data corresponding to the two ejection port arrays 41R1a and 41R1b that eject reaction liquid 1 are generated. The RCT data for the ejection port array 41R1a is generated based on the white layered area image data and the white non-layered area image data described above. The RCT data for the ejection port array 41R1b is generated based on color image data.

[0129] 10(e) and 10(f) are diagrams showing an example of the recording amount of reaction liquid in the third embodiment. FIG. 10(e) shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 and the recording amount of white ink in the ejection port array 41R1a. FIG. 10(f) shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 and the recording amount of white ink in the ejection port array 41R2. The solid line 1006 in FIG. 10(e) shows the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 relative to the total recording amount of white ink in the laminated area. The dotted line 1005 shows the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 relative to the total recording amount of color ink in the non-laminated area. As can be seen from FIG. 10(e), the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 in the laminated area is set to be smaller than that in the non-laminated area. Note that in this embodiment, the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 relative to the total recording amount of white ink in the laminated area is set to "0" regardless of the white ink recording amount. The RCT data for the ejection port array 41R1a is generated by OR processing (logical sum processing) of the RCT data generated based on the white layered area image data and the white non-layered area image data. Note that the recording amount of the reaction liquid 1 recorded for the color ink is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0130] In S1505, the image processing unit 20 separates the binarized color ink data, white ink data, and RCT data into passes. FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating a pass mask. Here, as in the first embodiment, an example is shown in which image recording for a unit area is performed through eight print scans. White ink is recorded through a total of four print scans, from the first print scan to the fourth print scan on the upstream side in the transport direction, and color inks are recorded through a total of four print scans, from the fifth print scan to the eighth print scan. Through these printing processes, an image is recorded in which color inks are layered on top of the white ink layer 72 as a shielding layer. Furthermore, for white ink recording, the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded is controlled for each of the layered and non-layered regions according to the relationship shown in FIG. 10E. This improves the color development in the white layered region.

[0131] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the amount of reaction liquid to be printed varies depending on whether the area to be printed is a laminated area or a non-laminated area. For example, in the laminated area shown in FIG. 7(a), the amount of reaction liquid 1 printed simultaneously with the white ink is controlled to be less than that in the non-laminated area. This limits the amount of reaction liquid 1 to be printed, thereby maintaining abrasion resistance in the non-laminated area and suppressing a decrease in color development in the laminated area.

[0132] In addition, the "control of the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 for recording with white ink" shown in the third embodiment may be combined with the "control of the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 for recording with color ink" shown in the first embodiment.

[0133] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a description will be given of the control of the recording amount of the reaction liquid 1 onto the white ink layer 72 when the laminated region is as shown in Fig. 7(c) and the non-laminated region is as shown in Fig. 7(d). Note that the device configuration (Figs. 1 to 3), the composition of the ink and the reaction agent, and the method of preparing the ink and the reaction liquid are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] As described in the third embodiment above, by simultaneously recording reaction liquid 1 and reaction liquid 2, it is possible to improve the abrasion resistance of the white ink in the non-laminated area. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded to be as small as possible, it is possible to improve the abrasion resistance of the white ink in the laminated area. In the laminated area shown in FIG. 7(c), the color inks and reaction liquid have already been recorded when the white ink is recorded. In this case, by simultaneously recording a smaller amount of reaction liquid than in the non-laminated area where white ink is recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to cause the white ink to aggregate.

[0135] <Device Operation> The image processing flowchart in this embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment (FIG. 15). However, during ink color separation in S1503, a different LUT is used than that used in the third embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 10(g) is a diagram showing an example of the recording amount of reaction liquid for the ejection port array 41R1a. FIG. 10(g) shows the relationship between the reaction liquid 1 and the white ink for the ejection port array 41R1a. The solid line 1008 in FIG. 10(g) shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 and the total recording amount of white ink in the laminated area, and the dotted line 1007 shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 for the non-laminated area. Here, the recording amount relationship shown by the dotted line 1007 is the same as the recording amount relationship shown by the dotted line 1005 in FIG. 10(e) described above. On the other hand, the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 for the laminated area is set to be smaller than that for the non-laminated area.

[0137] In S1505, the image processing unit 20 separates the binarized color ink data, white ink data, and RCT data into passes. FIG. 12(d) illustrates a pass mask. Here, as in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which image recording for a unit area is performed through eight print scans. Color inks are recorded through a total of four print scans, from the first print scan to the fourth print scan on the upstream side in the transport direction, and white ink is recorded through a total of four print scans, from the fifth print scan to the eighth print scan. Through these printing processes, a layered image using white ink as a shielding layer is recorded on the color ink layer 71. Furthermore, for white ink recording, the amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded is controlled for each of the layered and non-layered regions according to the relationship shown in FIG. 10(g). This improves the abrasion resistance of the white layered region.

[0138] In the fourth embodiment, an example of a configuration having two ejection port arrays for the reaction liquid 2 (FIG. 4(b)) has been shown, but a configuration having only one ejection port array as shown in FIG. 4(a) may also be used. In this case, for example, as explained in the second embodiment, a process of separating image data into laminated regions and non-laminated regions is performed, and data for one ejection port array is generated after mask path decomposition.

[0139] From the viewpoint of preventing the deterioration of color development due to the aforementioned abrasion resistance and the cohesiveness of the white ink layer 72, it is also possible to control the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 relative to the white ink to be different for the laminated area shown in Figure 7(a) and the laminated area shown in Figure 7(c).

[0140] FIG. 10(h) shows the relationship between the white ink and the reaction liquid 1 in the ejection port array 41R1a. The solid line 1010 in FIG. 10(h) shows the relationship between the total white ink recording amount in the laminated region and the recording amount of reaction liquid 1, and the dotted line 1009 shows the relationship between the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 in the non-laminated region. Here, the recording amount relationship shown by the dotted line 1009 is the same as the solid line 1008 in FIG. 10(g). On the other hand, the recording amount relationship shown by the solid line 1010 is the same as the solid line 1006 in FIG. 10(e). The recording amount of reaction liquid 1 in the laminated region is set to be smaller than that in the non-laminated region.

[0141] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the amount of reaction liquid to be printed varies depending on whether the area to be printed is a laminated area or a non-laminated area. For example, for the laminated area shown in FIG. 7C, the amount of reaction liquid 1 printed simultaneously with the white ink is controlled to be less than that for the non-laminated area. This limits the amount of reaction liquid 1 to be printed, thereby maintaining abrasion resistance in the non-laminated area and suppressing a decrease in color development in the laminated area.

[0142] In addition, the "control of the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 for recording with white ink" shown in the fourth embodiment may be combined with the "control of the recording amount of reaction liquid 2 for recording with color ink" shown in the second embodiment.

[0143] (Fifth embodiment) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a two-layer laminated region has been described, but the laminated structure is not limited to two layers. For example, it may be a three-layer structure with a white ink layer as an intermediate layer and color ink layers above and below, or a four-layer structure or five-layer structure with a color ink layer as an intermediate layer.

[0144] In these cases, the amount of reaction liquid 2 recorded on the color ink layer can be handled by the methods described in the first and second embodiments. That is, for the color ink layer that is the uppermost layer (the layer farthest from the recording medium) in the laminated structure, the amount of reaction liquid 2 recorded on the same recording layer as the color ink is controlled to be greater in the laminated region than in the non-laminated region. Also, for the color ink layer that is an intermediate layer (a layer that is not the uppermost layer) in the laminated structure, the amount of reaction liquid 2 recorded on the same recording layer as the color ink is controlled to be less in the laminated region than in the non-laminated region.

[0145] On the other hand, the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 when recording a white ink layer can be handled in both the third and fourth embodiments. That is, for the white ink layer that is the middle layer in the laminated structure, the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded in the same recording layer as the white ink is controlled to be smaller in the laminated region than in the non-laminated region. Also, for the white ink layer that is the top layer in the laminated structure, the recording amount of reaction liquid 1 recorded in the same recording layer as the white ink is controlled to be smaller in the laminated region than in the non-laminated region.

[0146] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet recording apparatus was described using a serial printer in which the recording head moves together with the carriage as an example, but the inkjet recording apparatus may also be a line head type recording apparatus in which the recording head is fixed. Even in this type of recording apparatus, by controlling the recording amounts of reaction liquid 1 and reaction liquid 2 for the color ink layer and the white ink layer, respectively, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to obtain a recorded product with similar image characteristics.

[0147] The disclosure of this specification includes the following inkjet printing apparatus, printing method, and program. (Item 1) An inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, a recording means configured to be able to eject a first ink containing a coloring material, a second ink containing a coloring material different from that of the first ink, a first reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring material in the ink, and a second reaction liquid that is different from the first reaction liquid; a generating means for generating first recording data for the first ink based on first image data, and generating second recording data for the second ink based on second image data different from the first image data; a determination means for determining the ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second reaction liquid for each partial area of ​​the recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data; a conveying means for changing the relative position between the recording means and the recording medium; a control means for driving the recording means in synchronization with the transport of the transport means based on the ejection amount determined by the determination means, and controlling the recording scan; Equipped with The determining means determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a first determining method for a laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are laminated, and determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a second determining method different from the first determining method for a non-laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are not laminated. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by: (Item 2) the first ink is a color ink, the second ink is a white ink, the first reaction solution contains at least a polyvalent metal salt as a reactant component, The second reaction liquid contains at least a cationic polymer as a reactant component. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 1, (Item 3) the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the first ink after ejecting the second ink onto the stacked area; For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is greater than the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the second determination method. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid is ejected in the same recording scan as the first ink. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 5) For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 6) the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the second ink onto the stacked region after ejecting the first ink; For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the second determination method. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 1 or 2. (Item 7) the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid is ejected in the same recording scan as the first ink. 7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 6, (Item 8) the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the first ink after ejecting the second ink onto the stacked area; For the same ejection amount of the second ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 1 or 2. (Item 9) the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the second ink onto the stacked region after ejecting the first ink; For the same ejection amount of the second ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 1 or 2. (Item 10) the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second ink is ejected in the same printing scan. 10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 8 or 9, (Item 11) A recording method executed by an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium, comprising: The inkjet recording apparatus includes: a recording means configured to be able to eject a first ink containing a coloring material, a second ink containing a coloring material different from that of the first ink, a first reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring material in the ink, and a second reaction liquid that is different from the first reaction liquid; a conveying means for changing the relative position between the recording means and the recording medium; Equipped with The recording method includes: a generating step of generating first recording data using the first ink based on first image data, and generating second recording data using the second ink based on second image data different from the first image data; a determining step of determining the ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second ink for each partial area of ​​the recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data; a control step of driving the recording means in synchronization with the conveyance of the conveying means based on the ejection amount determined in the determination step, and controlling the recording scan; Including, In the determining step, the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid are determined by a first determining method for a laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are laminated, and the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid are determined by a second determining method different from the first determining method for a non-laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are not laminated. A recording method characterized by: (Item 12) Item 12. A program for causing a computer to execute the recording method according to Item 11.

[0148] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0149] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10 platen; 11 carriage; 12 recording medium; 15 recording head; 20 image processing unit; 201 CPU; 202 ROM; 203 RAM; 206 image input unit

Claims

1. An inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, a recording means configured to be able to eject a first ink containing a coloring material, a second ink containing a coloring material different from that of the first ink, a first reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring material in the ink, and a second reaction liquid that is different from the first reaction liquid; a generating means for generating first recording data for the first ink based on first image data, and generating second recording data for the second ink based on second image data different from the first image data; a determination means for determining the ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second reaction liquid for each partial area of ​​the recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data; a conveying means for changing the relative position between the recording means and the recording medium; a control means for driving the recording means in synchronization with the transport of the transport means based on the ejection amount determined by the determination means, and controlling the recording scan; Equipped with The determining means determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a first determining method for a laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are laminated, and determines the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid by a second determining method different from the first determining method for a non-laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are not laminated. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by:

2. the first ink is a color ink, the second ink is a white ink, the first reaction solution contains at least a polyvalent metal salt as a reactant component, The second reaction liquid contains at least a cationic polymer as a reactant component.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the first ink after ejecting the second ink onto the stacked region; For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is greater than the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the second determination method.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid is ejected in the same recording scan as the first ink.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3,

5. For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3,

6. the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the second ink onto the stacked region after ejecting the first ink; For the same ejection amount of the first ink, the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid determined by the second determination method.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

7. the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second reaction liquid is ejected in the same recording scan as the first ink.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 6,

8. the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the first ink after ejecting the second ink onto the stacked region; For the same ejection amount of the second ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

9. the control means controls the recording means and the conveying means so as to eject the second ink onto the stacked region after ejecting the first ink; For the same ejection amount of the second ink, the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the first determination method is smaller than the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid determined by the second determination method.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

10. the control means is configured to record an image on the recording medium by performing a plurality of recording scans on the same partial area, The control means controls the ejection amount of the first reaction liquid so that at least a part of the ejection amount of the second ink is ejected in the same recording scan.

10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inkjet recording head is a recording head.

11. A recording method executed by an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium, comprising: The inkjet recording apparatus includes: a recording means configured to be able to eject a first ink containing a coloring material, a second ink containing a coloring material different from that of the first ink, a first reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring material in the ink, and a second reaction liquid that is different from the first reaction liquid; a conveying means for changing the relative position between the recording means and the recording medium; Equipped with The recording method includes: a generating step of generating first recording data using the first ink based on first image data, and generating second recording data using the second ink based on second image data different from the first image data; a determining step of determining ejection amounts of the first ink, the second ink, the first reaction liquid, and the second ink for each partial area of ​​the recording medium based on the first recording data and the second recording data; a control step of driving the recording means in synchronization with the conveyance of the conveying means based on the ejection amount determined in the determination step, and controlling the recording scan; Including, In the determining step, the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid are determined by a first determining method for a laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are laminated, and the ejection amounts of the first reaction liquid and the second reaction liquid are determined by a second determining method different from the first determining method for a non-laminated region where an image recorded by the first ink and an image recorded by the second ink are not laminated. A recording method characterized by:

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the recording method according to claim 11.

Images