Inkjet printing apparatus, method of controlling inkjet printing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To achieve both image quality characteristics and image robustness.SOLUTION: An ink jet printing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to print an image on a print medium by ejecting a color ink and a reaction liquid that coagulates a color material contained in the color ink onto the print medium based on input image data, an acquisition unit configured to acquire the image data, and a determination unit configured to determine printing amounts of the color ink and the reaction liquid based on the acquired image data. The determination unit determines a recording amount of the color ink applied in a case where a recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a second amount larger than a first amount to be larger than a recording amount of the color ink applied in a case where the recording amount of the reaction liquid is the first amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for recording an image using a reaction liquid that aggregates color inks. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are inkjet recording devices that can record high-quality images by using a reaction liquid that aggregates the coloring materials in the color ink. This method of using a reaction liquid reduces the fluidity of the color ink by causing the coloring materials in the color ink to come into contact with the reaction liquid on the recording medium and aggregate. Therefore, the state of contact and aggregation between the color ink and the reaction liquid directly affects the image characteristics.

[0003] Specifically, increasing the amount of reaction liquid recorded suppresses ink bleeding and improves image quality characteristics, but because the ink film on the recording medium is composed of solid components in the color ink and reaction liquid components, there is a tendency for image robustness to decrease as the amount of reaction liquid recorded increases.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, if the recording medium is a non-absorbent recording medium such as polyvinyl chloride film, almost all of the ink and reaction liquid remain on the surface immediately after the ink dots land on the recording medium, so the impact of the amount of reaction liquid recorded on the image characteristics becomes even greater.

[0005] Because the relationship between the amount of color ink printed and the amount of reaction liquid printed varies depending on the type of recording medium, inkjet recording devices that use reaction liquid to print images typically have multiple printing modes corresponding to the type of recording medium. While users select a printing mode based on the type of recording medium they are using, the characteristics of the recording medium itself may prevent the user from obtaining satisfactory image characteristics. This is because, for example, even for the same type of recording medium, the material characteristics of the outermost surface vary depending on the manufacturing method, etc., and therefore, different manufacturers may result in different image characteristics even when the balance between reaction liquid and color ink is the same. Therefore, many inkjet recording devices that use reaction liquid are equipped with a function that allows users to adjust the amount of reaction liquid printed by themselves, allowing them to adjust the amount of reaction liquid printed to match the characteristics of the recording medium actually being used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-21986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Even if an inkjet recording device has a function that allows users to manually adjust the amount of reaction liquid to be printed, such adjustment is not easy. For example, image quality characteristics such as image graininess and bleed are relatively easy to adjust because the actual state of the image printed on the recording medium can be visually confirmed. However, image robustness, such as abrasion resistance, requires applying some kind of external force to the image printed on the recording medium, making it difficult to confirm whether the amount of reaction liquid to be printed was appropriate. As a result, adjusting the amount of reaction liquid to be printed may improve image quality characteristics but reduce image robustness. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows users to change a predetermined ratio of color ink to reaction liquid when determining the amount of color ink and reaction liquid to be printed. However, the technology in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration achieving both image quality characteristics and image robustness.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to achieve both image quality characteristics and image robustness in an inkjet recording apparatus that records images using a reaction liquid that aggregates color inks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An inkjet recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a recording means that ejects color ink and a reaction liquid that aggregates coloring materials contained in the color ink onto a recording medium based on input image data to record an image on the recording medium, an acquisition means that acquires the image data, and a determination means that determines the amount of color ink and reaction liquid to be recorded based on the acquired image data, wherein the determination means determines the amount of color ink to be applied when the amount of reaction liquid to be recorded per unit area on the recording medium is a second amount that is greater than the first amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the amount of reaction liquid and the amount of color ink to be printed so as to achieve both image quality characteristics and image robustness. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a printing control system of the inkjet printing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view of a discharge port forming substrate in a print head as viewed from the discharge port surface side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording head observed from the ejection port surface side. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method for generating print data using a dither mask and a pass mask. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a multi-pass printing method. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the software configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a recording process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the color ink recording amount and the reaction liquid recording amount. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing ink recording amounts of each ink color obtained by ink color separation of black gradation image data. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a path mask. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a reaction solution level setting process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for setting the level of the reaction liquid recording amount. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the adjustment amount for each level of the reaction liquid recording amount level. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen for automatic adjustment of color ink recording amounts. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between each reaction liquid recording amount level and a color separation table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the technology of the present disclosure according to the claims. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as solutions for the technology of the present disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Note that identical configurations will be described using the same reference numerals. Also, each process (step) in a flowchart will be denoted with an "S" at the beginning.

[0013] <<Embodiment 1>> (Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus) Fig. 1(a) is a partially exploded perspective view showing the appearance of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment to explain the internal mechanism thereof, and Fig. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal mechanism thereof.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), a recording medium 12 is transported in the -Y direction as a sub-scanning motor (not shown) is driven. A guide shaft 13 is disposed so as to extend in a direction (X direction) that intersects with the transport direction of the recording medium 12. A carriage 11 mounted with a recording head 40 disposed opposite the platen 10 is supported by the guide shaft 13 and moves back and forth (so-called reciprocating scan) along the X axis in the drawing as a result of the drive of a main scanning motor (not shown). The recording head 40 ejects ink onto the recording medium based on print data while the carriage 11 is moving and scanning. This causes an image to be recorded on the recording medium.

[0015] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 employs a so-called bidirectional recording method, in which the recording head 40 ejects ink to record on the recording medium both when moving along a forward path and when moving along a backward path. When the recording head 40 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 externally connected host computer (external device), the printing medium 12 is fed to a position where printing can be performed by the printing head 40 mounted on the carriage 11. Thereafter, the printing head 40 alternately scans a unit area on the printing medium multiple times while ejecting ink based on a printing signal, and conveys the printing medium a predetermined distance, thereby printing an image. Furthermore, the image printed on the printing medium 12 on the platen 10 is heated and fixed by being conveyed in the conveying direction and being heated to 100°C by a heating mechanism consisting of a hot air fan 14 that applies hot air to the printing medium 12.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, including the control unit 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 20 in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a gate array 204. An interface 206 connected to the control unit 20 is used to input image data from an external device 205.

[0018] The ROM 202 functions as a memory for storing programs executed by the CPU 201 for controlling the printing apparatus and processing image data, and also stores data such as dither masks and pass masks used in this embodiment, as well as threshold tables. The RAM 203 stores various data used to control the inkjet printing apparatus 100 (such as image data and print signals supplied to the print head 40). The gate array 204 supplies print signals to the print head 40 and also transfers data between the interface 206, the CPU 201, and the RAM 203.

[0019] The printhead driver 207 drives the printhead 40 to eject ink based on a print signal output from the control unit 20. The main scanning motor driver 209 drives the main scanning motor 210 based on a signal output by the control unit 20 with reference to a signal from a main scanning encoder 213, thereby transporting the carriage 11. The sub-scanning motor driver 211 drives the sub-scanning motor 212 based on a signal output by the control unit 20 with reference to a signal from a sub-scanning encoder 214, thereby transporting the print medium 12.

[0020] The gate array 204 and CPU 201 of the control unit 20 convert image data received from an external device 205 via an interface 206 into print data and store the data in RAM 203. The control unit 20 also synchronizes and drives a main scanning motor driver 209, a sub-scanning motor driver 211, and a print head driver 207 to perform main scanning of the carriage 11, printing operation of the print head 40, and transport operation of the print medium 12. This allows an image based on the print data to be printed on the print medium. The hot air fan 14 is driven by a signal output from the control unit 20 to heat the print medium. A display / operation unit 215, which serves as a user interface for the inkjet printing apparatus 100, displays a screen for setting various printing conditions, such as setting the level of reaction liquid printing volume, and accepts user operations individually specified by the user via the displayed screen. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes multiple color inks (colored inks) including cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), gray (Gy), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm). In this case, cyan and light cyan, and magenta and light magenta, have the same hue but different pigment concentrations, and are in a relationship of dark ink and light ink. Note that the configuration of the multiple colored inks described above is an example and is not limited to this.

[0021] (Recording head configuration) 3 is a diagram of the ejection port forming substrate 30 of the print head 40 used in this embodiment, observed from the ejection port side. On the ejection port forming substrate 30, an array of ejection ports for one color is formed by 1024 ejection ports 31 arranged in the Y direction at a density of 1200 per inch. Thus, in this embodiment, the direction in which the ejection ports are arranged intersects with the X-axis direction in which the print head 40 scans.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the print head 40 as viewed from the ejection port side. As shown in the figure, eight ejection port array substrates 30 are mounted in this embodiment. The first ejection port array substrate 30 has a black ejection port array 41K, the second ejection port array substrate 30 has a cyan ejection port array 41C, the third ejection port array substrate 30 has a magenta ejection port array 41M, and the fourth ejection port array substrate 30 has a yellow ejection port array 41Y. The fifth ejection port array substrate 30 has a gray ejection port array 41Gy, the sixth ejection port array substrate 30 has a light cyan ejection port array 41LC, and the seventh ejection port array substrate 30 has a light magenta ejection port array 41LM. The eighth ejection port array substrate 30 has an ejection port array 41Rct for the reaction liquid.

[0023] Thus, the recording head 40 has not only ejection ports for ejecting ink but also ejection ports for ejecting a reaction liquid. The reactive component (reactant) contained in the reaction liquid reacts with solid components, such as coloring materials and resin particles, contained in the ink to promote their aggregation. In particular, when recording on a recording medium that does not absorb liquid (such as a resin sheet), mixing the reaction liquid and ink on the recording medium promotes thickening due to aggregation of solid components, enabling good image recording with reduced beading. Note that the droplets ejected from each ejection port of the recording head used in this embodiment are approximately 4 ng, and droplets can be ejected at a maximum drive frequency of 21 kHz.

[0024] (Ink composition) Next, the composition of the ink used in this embodiment will be described. Note that, hereinafter, "(arbitrary numerical value) parts" and "(arbitrary numerical value)%" are expressed on a mass basis unless otherwise specified.

[0025] The inks used in this embodiment are broadly divided into two types: pigment inks, which contain pigment, and inks that contain no pigment or only a trace amount of pigment but contain water-soluble resin particles (also called "emulsion inks"). Both types of ink contain a water-soluble organic solvent. From the viewpoint of wettability and moisture retention of the head face surface, the water-soluble organic solvent preferably has a boiling point of 150°C or higher and 300°C or lower. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the function of a film-forming aid for resin particles and swelling solubility in a recording medium on which a resin layer is recorded, the following solvents are preferred. For example, ketone compounds such as acetone and cyclohexanone, and propylene glycol derivatives such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether are preferred. Furthermore, heterocyclic compounds having a lactam structure, such as N-methylpyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone, are particularly preferred.

[0026] From the viewpoint of ejection performance, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 3 wt% or more and 30 wt% or less. 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 whose alkylene group contains 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; and glycerin. 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, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone.

[0027] The water-soluble organic solvents listed above can be used alone or in combination. It is preferable to use deionized water as the water. In addition to the above components, surfactants, antifoaming agents, preservatives, antifungal agents, and the like can be added appropriately to the ink and emulsion ink used in this embodiment to impart desired physical properties, as needed.

[0028] - Preparation of resin particle dispersion The ink of this embodiment contains resin microparticles that adhere closely to the recording medium and the colorant, improving the abrasion resistance (fixability) of the recorded image. The resin microparticles melt when heated, and a heater is used to form a film of the resin microparticles and dry the solvent contained in the ink. In this embodiment, "resin microparticles" refers 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 of suitable resin microparticles include polyethylene resin microparticles, polypropylene resin microparticles, polyurethane resin microparticles, and styrene-butadiene resin microparticles. Core-shell resin microparticles, in which the core and shell of the resin microparticles have different polymer compositions, and resin microparticles obtained by emulsion polymerization around pre-synthesized acrylic microparticles used as seed particles to control particle size, are also suitable. Furthermore, hybrid resin particles in which acrylic resin particles and different resin particles such as urethane resin particles are chemically bonded together may also be used.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The resin particle dispersion used in this 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.

[0031] A method for adjusting the color inks and reaction liquids used in the inkjet recording apparatus will be described below.

[0032] Black ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, an anionic polymer P-1 [styrene / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid copolymer (polymerization ratio (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 aqueous solution.

[0033] 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.

[0034] (2) 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.

[0035] 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

[0036] Cyan ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, an AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 250 and a number-average molecular weight of 3000 was prepared using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials by a conventional method. The polymer was then neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 50% by mass aqueous polymer solution.

[0037] 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.

[0038] (2) Ink preparation The ink was prepared by adding the following components to the cyan dispersion 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.

[0039] 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

[0040] Magenta ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, an AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 300 and a number-average molecular weight of 2500 was prepared using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials by a conventional method. The polymer was then neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a homogeneous 50% by mass aqueous polymer solution.

[0041] 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.

[0042] (2) 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.

[0043] 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

[0044] Yellow ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, the 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 aqueous polymer solution.

[0045] 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 non-dispersed material including coarse particles, to obtain a yellow dispersion. The resulting yellow dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0046] (2) 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.

[0047] 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

[0048] Gray ink (1) Preparation of dispersion The same method for preparing the black dispersion as above.

[0049] (2) 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.

[0050] 3 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

[0051] Light cyan ink (1) Preparation of dispersion The same method as for preparing the cyan dispersion liquid was used.

[0052] (2) Ink preparation 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.

[0053] 2 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

[0054] Light magenta ink (1) Preparation of dispersion The same method as for preparing the magenta dispersion liquid was used.

[0055] (2) 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.

[0056] 3 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

[0057] Reaction solution The reaction liquid used in this embodiment contains a reactive component that reacts with the pigment contained in the ink to aggregate or gel the pigment. Specifically, the reactive component is a component that can destroy 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 by the action of ionic groups. Specifically, magnesium sulfate is used in this embodiment.

[0058] It is not necessary to use magnesium sulfate, and various water-soluble organic acids, polyvalent metal salts, water-soluble cationic resins having cationic groups, etc. can be used as the reactive component of the reaction solution. The content of the reactive component is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 70.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition contained in the reaction solution.

[0059] As for the preparation of the reaction solution, as described above, magnesium sulfate (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used, and the following components were mixed to prepare the reaction solution.

[0060] 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

[0061] (Image processing and recording methods) In this embodiment, an image is printed according to a multi-pass printing method in which an image is printed in a unit area on a printing medium by multiple scans, whereby ink and reaction liquid are ejected in each of the multiple scans based on print data that defines whether or not to eject ink and reaction liquid for each of multiple pixels.

[0062] In this embodiment, a dither pattern and a mask pattern are used to generate print data corresponding to each of multiple scans from image data. A general method for processing image data when printing an image in eight passes using a dither pattern and a mask pattern will be described below. For simplicity, the image data will be described as 8-bit data whose pixel values ​​can represent 256 gradation values ​​from 0 to 255. It is also assumed here that both the dither pattern and the mask pattern have a size corresponding to an 8-pixel x 8-pixel area, which corresponds to a unit area.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for processing image data in this embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a dither pattern. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of binary data generated by applying the dither pattern illustrated in FIG. 5(a) to image data having 64 gradation values ​​(information related to gradation values). FIG. 5(c1) to (c8) are diagrams illustrating example mask patterns corresponding to the first to eighth scans of ink or reaction liquid, respectively. That is, FIG. 5(c1) illustrates an example mask pattern corresponding to the first scan, FIG. 5(c2) illustrates an example mask pattern corresponding to the second scan, and so on for FIG. 5(c3) and beyond. In this embodiment, in each scan, a maximum of one dot is printed per pixel, with a unit pixel being 2400 dpi (dots per inch) in the X-axis direction and 1200 dpi in the Y-axis direction. Figures 5(d1) to (d8) are schematic diagrams showing print data corresponding to the first to eighth scans, which are generated by applying the mask patterns shown in Figures 5(c1) to (c8) to the binary data shown in Figure 5(b). That is, Figure 5(d1) shows print data corresponding to the first scan, which is generated by applying the data shown in Figure 5(c1) to the binary data shown in Figure 5(b), and the same applies to Figure 5(d2) and subsequent figures. In Figures 5(d1) to (d8), solid black areas indicate pixels onto which ink is ejected, and white areas indicate pixels onto which ink is not ejected.

[0064] In the patterns shown in Figures 5(c1) to (c8), a total of one dot is printed on each pixel over eight scans, but patterns in which two or more dots are printed on each pixel are also possible, and patterns can be set according to the maximum amount of ink required.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(a), the dither pattern 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 1-bit data (hereinafter also referred to as binary data) that indicates the ejection of a droplet to 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 that indicates no ejection of a droplet to that pixel. Note that the following description describes a form in which the same value of multi-value data is input to all pixel regions within a unit region, 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 all pixels is 64, the threshold for pixel 502 in the dither pattern 500 shown in FIG. 5(a) is 9 (<64), so the multi-value data corresponding to pixel 502 is converted to binary data indicating ink ejection (i.e., 1). Furthermore, the threshold for pixel 504 is 93 (≧64), so the multi-value data corresponding to pixel 504 is converted to binary data indicating no droplet ejection (i.e., 0). In this way, by using the dither pattern 500 shown in FIG. 5(a), binary image data 506 shown in FIG. 5(b) is generated from the multi-value data with a gradation value of 64 for all pixels. In FIG. 5(b), the blacked-out areas indicate pixels that eject ink, and the whited-out areas indicate pixels that do not eject ink.

[0067] 5(c1) to (c8), the mask pattern is composed of print-permitted pixels that permit droplets to be ejected and non-print-permitted pixels that do not permit droplets to be ejected. In each of FIGS. 5(c1) to (c8), the black areas represent print-permitted pixels, and the white areas represent non-print-permitted pixels.

[0068] Here, the print data corresponding to each scan is generated by taking the logical product of the input binary data and the mask pattern 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 mask pattern shown in Figure 5(c1) corresponding to the first scan to the binary data shown in Figure 5(b), the binary data is distributed, resulting in the generation of print data corresponding to the first scan shown in Figure 5(d1). Similarly, the binary data shown in Figure 5(b) is distributed to each of the second to eighth scans, resulting in the generation of print data corresponding to the second to eighth scans shown in Figures 5(d2) to (d8). An image is printed by ejecting ink and reaction liquid in each of the first to eighth scans based on the print data generated in this way.

[0070] The above-mentioned multi-pass printing method will be described in detail below. Here, we will explain the case where image data in which the gradation value of all pixels is 64 is input. In other words, when such image data is input, as described above, the printing data shown in each of Figures 5(d1) to (d8) is generated, and ink is ejected based on this printing data.

[0071] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-pass printing method employed when printing 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. In this embodiment, the pass mask is 128 pixels x 128 pixels in size, but for simplicity, an example of a pass mask of 8 pixels x 8 pixels, as shown in FIG. 5(c), is shown. The following describes a case where a print head 40 having one ejection port array is used.

[0072] The ejection ports 31 provided in the ejection port array 41 that ejects ink are divided into eight groups (printing groups) 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, and 608 along the Y-axis direction.

[0073] In the first scan, ink is ejected from the ejection ports 31 belonging to the printing group 601 onto an area 611 on the printing medium 12 based on the printing data shown in Fig. 5(d1). As a result of this first printing scan, ink is ejected onto the printing medium at the position indicated by the black symbol A in Fig. 6.

[0074] Next, the recording medium 12 is transported in the Y-axis direction relative to the recording head 40 by a distance of 1024 ejection ports / 8=128 ejection ports.

[0075] After the print medium is transported in this manner, a second print scan is performed. During the second print scan, ink is ejected from the ejection ports 31 belonging to print group 602 onto area 611 on the print medium based on the print data shown in FIG. 5(d2). Furthermore, ink is ejected from the ejection ports 31 belonging to print group 601 onto area 612 on the print medium based on the print data shown in FIG. 5(d1). As a result of this second print scan, ink is ejected onto the print medium 12 at the position indicated by the black symbol B in FIG.

[0076] Thereafter, the print scan by the print head 40 and the relative transport of the print medium 12 are alternately repeated. As a result of the repetition, after the eighth print scan, as shown by the symbol H, in the area 611 of the print medium 12, ink ejection is completed for 25% of the printable pixel area.

[0077] A general example of 8-pass printing using a print head having 1024 ejection ports in this embodiment has been described above.

[0078] (Functional configuration of inkjet recording device) 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes an acquisition unit 701, a setting unit 702, an ink color separation unit 703, a binarization unit 704, a mask path separation unit 705, a generation unit 706, and a recording control unit 707.

[0079] The acquisition unit 701 acquires image data represented by 8 bits in three RGB channels as input data. The acquisition unit 701 also acquires information on a printing mode designated by a user from among multiple printing modes predetermined for each type of printing medium. The printing mode refers to an operating mode for determining the amount of color ink and the amount of reaction liquid to be printed based on image data in accordance with the type of printing medium, and in this embodiment, there are multiple operating modes for each type of printing medium. The setting unit 702 sets a level selected by user operation from among multiple levels of reaction liquid printing volume levels. For example, the setting unit 702 prepares two levels (level 1 and level 2) in advance and sets the level selected by user operation.

[0080] The ink color separation unit 703 performs ink color separation processing on the RGB three-channel image data acquired by the acquisition unit 701, in accordance with the print mode acquired by the acquisition unit 701 and the printing amount of reaction liquid set by the setting unit 702. That is, the ink color separation unit 703 generates image data corresponding to each ejection port array from the RGB three-channel 8-bit image data, that is, 8-channel 8-bit image data corresponding to each ink of C, M, Y, K, Gy, Lc, and Lm and the reaction liquid Rct.

[0081] A binarization unit 704 converts CMYKGyLcLm multi-value data into CMYKGyLcLm binary data using a dither mask. A mask path decomposition unit 705 performs path decomposition on the image data for each color ink and reaction liquid. A generation unit 706 generates print data for driving the print head based on the image data decomposed into each scan. A print control unit 707 performs printing based on the print data.

[0082] (Printing operation by inkjet printing device) Next, details of the image processing and data processing related to print data generation in this embodiment will be described.

[0083] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of recording processing in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 8 are performed by CPU 201 loading program code stored in ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it. Some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 8 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The series of processes shown in Fig. 8 are started when a user executes printing using external device 205 and image data (image data in bitmap format with three RGB channels) included in the print job sent from the external device is input to control unit 20.

[0084] In S801, the acquisition unit 701 acquires, as input data, image data in RGB 3-channel 8-bit representation transmitted from the external device 205 and a recording mode (not shown) predetermined for each type of recording medium.

[0085] In S802, the setting unit 702 sets the reaction liquid recording volume level selected by user operation. The reaction liquid recording volume level refers to the level of the amount of reaction liquid applied per unit area on the recording medium. The reaction liquid recording volume level is set because, even if a recording mode appropriate for the type of recording medium is used, image quality characteristics may vary depending on the recording medium manufacturer, etc. The reaction liquid recording volume level can be selected from multiple levels that are pre-prepared as selection options. For example, the user selects one of Level 1 and Level 2, and the selected level is acquired as the set reaction liquid recording volume level. Here, in S801 and S802, the recording mode and the reaction liquid recording volume level are described as being input from the external device 205. However, this is not limited to this, and they can also be input from the display / operation unit 215 of the recording device 100.

[0086] In S803, the ink color separation unit 703 performs ink color separation processing on the RGB three-channel image data acquired in S801. The ink color separation unit 703 separates the RGB three-channel 8-bit image data based on a color separation table in accordance with the printing mode and reaction liquid printing volume level acquired in S801, and generates 8-bit image data for the color inks and reaction liquid corresponding to each ejection port array 41. In other words, it generates 8-bit image data (printing volume data) for black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), gray (Gy), light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), and reaction liquid (Rct). The color separation table indicates the relationship between the printing volumes of the color inks and reaction liquid, is a three-dimensional lookup table (3DLUT) for color separation, and is stored in ROM.

[0087] Here, the amount of reaction liquid to be printed is determined at a predetermined ratio to the total amount of color ink in a predetermined pixel area (600 dpi) based on the relationship shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a), for example, and converted into 8-bit image data corresponding to that printing. Figure 9(a) shows the relationship between the amount of color ink to be printed and the amount of reaction liquid to be printed. In Figure 9(a), levels 1 and 2 respectively indicate the amount of reaction liquid printed relative to the total amount of color ink printed in a predetermined area on the printing medium. Level 2, shown by the dashed line, has a printing amount 1.2 times greater than that of level 1, shown by the solid line. This shows that when the color ink printing amount (ng / 600 dpi) is in the range of 7.5 to 16.0, the rate of increase in the amount of reaction liquid printed is greater at level 2 than at level 1. In the range of 16.0 to 32.0, the printing amount is constant at levels 1 and 2, and the amount of reaction liquid printed at level 2 is greater than that at level 1. The total color ink refers to the total recording volume of all color inks used in a given pixel area. For example, if only black is used, the total color ink is the total recording volume of black, and if yellow, gray, light cyan, and light magenta are used, the total color ink is the total recording volume of yellow, gray, light cyan, and light magenta.

[0088] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, a detailed description will be given of a case where the reaction liquid recording volume level is selected and input from Level 1 or Level 2. Note that in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), with regard to the color ink recording volume, Area 1 corresponds to the range of 7.5 to 17.5, Area 2 corresponds to the range of 0 to 7.5, and Area 3 corresponds to the range of 17.5 to 35.0.

[0089] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the ratio of the reaction liquid recording volume to the total color ink in a specified pixel area. As in FIG. 9(a), level 1 corresponds to the solid line in FIG. 9(b), and level 2 corresponds to the dotted line in FIG. 9(b). It can be seen that the reaction liquid recording volume ratio is high in the color ink recording volume area indicated by the arrows (both sides) in FIG. 9(b) (hereinafter referred to as area 1). The maximum value for level 1 is approximately 0.35, and the maximum value for level 2 is approximately 0.42.

[0090] Here, the reason why the reaction liquid recording volume ratio is high in region 1 in FIG. 9(b) will be considered. Area 1 is composed of non-printed pixels where no color ink is printed and pixels where color ink is printed. When color ink adhered to the printing medium does not come into contact with the reaction liquid, the colorant components do not undergo aggregation reactions and remain in a highly fluid state, which causes uneven coalescence with adjacent color inks and reduces image graininess. Image graininess refers to the degree of dot-like shading patterns that occur during the image printing process and is easily visible in half-tone image areas. Suppressing the reduction in image graininess is important for achieving good image printing.

[0091] To improve image graininess, sufficient contact between the color ink and the reaction liquid is required, so the reaction liquid recording volume ratio is high in Region 1. In Region 2, where the color ink recording volume is less than in Region 1, the amount of adjacent color ink decreases, making it difficult for the color ink to flow, so the reaction liquid recording volume ratio decreases. In Region 3, where the color ink recording volume is greater than in Region 1, the mixing effect with the reaction liquid increases as the total color ink recording volume increases, and the same aggregation effect can be achieved without increasing the reaction liquid recording volume, so the reaction liquid recording volume ratio is expected to decrease.

[0092] (Correspondence between black gradation image data and recording amount of each color ink) FIG. 10 shows an example of the correspondence between the amount of each color ink recorded after color separation and black gradation image data when "Vinyl Chloride Sheet" is selected as the recording mode. FIG. 10(a) shows the case where Level 1 is input as the reaction liquid recording amount level, and FIG. 10(b) shows the case where Level 2 is input as the reaction liquid recording amount level. In FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the horizontal axis represents 16 levels of gradation from 0 to 15. The higher the gradation value, the higher the black density, with level 0 representing a white background on the recording medium. Regarding the 15 levels of black, the range from 2.5 to 7.5 is designated Region 1, the range from 0 to 2.5 is designated Region 2, and the range from 7.5 to 15 is designated Region 3. Region 1 can also be considered a midtone region.

[0093] In Figure 10(a), the ink recording amount for each of light cyan and light magenta is set to 0 for black gradations 9 to 15, and the ink recording amount for gray is set to 0 for black gradations 12 to 15. The ink recording amount for each of cyan, magenta, and yellow is set to 0 for black gradations 13 to 15. Furthermore, the ink recording amount for black and the total ink recording amount for colors is set to 0 for black gradations 13 to 15.

[0094] In Figure 10(b), the ink recording amounts for light cyan and light magenta are respectively used for black 10 to black 15 gradations, and the gray ink recording amount is 0 for black 4 to black 5 gradations and black 12 to black 15 gradations. The ink recording amounts for cyan, magenta, and yellow are respectively 0 for black 13 to black 15 gradations. Furthermore, for black 13 to black 15 gradations, the black ink recording amount is the same as the total color ink recording amount.

[0095] In Figure 10(b), it can be seen that the total amount of color ink (solid x line) is increased in Region 1, which is the halftone region, a specified gradation region, compared to Figure 10(a). This is because, when the amount of color ink printed is the same, the ratio of reaction liquid to color ink increases, which may result in a decrease in image robustness in Region 1.

[0096] The effect of increasing the total amount of color ink in area 1 of FIG. 10(b) when the reaction liquid recording volume level is increased will be described below. As described above, increasing the recording amount of the reaction liquid enhances the coagulation effect with the color ink and suppresses the occurrence of image graininess. Meanwhile, the content of reactive components such as the aforementioned polyvalent metal salts and cationic resins increases in the dried ink film. Because these reactive components are water-soluble, increasing their content in the ink film reduces the image's water resistance and other image robustness. Furthermore, increasing the recording amount of the reaction liquid enhances the coagulation effect with the color ink and increases the surface roughness of the ink film, which can lead to reduced abrasion resistance, such as increased susceptibility to scratches when rubbed against an object. The pigment colorant components and resin components contained in the color ink decrease in water solubility after the water and solvent components have dried, and the resin components enhance the ink film strength. Therefore, by increasing the total recording amount of color ink in Region 1, even when the recording amount of the reaction liquid is increased, the maximum reaction liquid ratio remains similar between Level 1 and Level 2, thereby suppressing a decrease in image robustness.

[0097] Furthermore, in region 2, which corresponds to a portion with a relatively small gradation, and region 3, which corresponds to a portion with a relatively large gradation, the amount of change in the amount of color ink recorded is small. This is because in regions 2 and 3, the ratio of the amount of reaction liquid recorded to the amount of color ink is lower than in region 1, and even if the level of reaction liquid is increased, this does not lead to a significant decrease in image robustness. It is preferable to adjust the amount of recording while also taking into consideration the suppression of color changes and the like caused by changes in the amount of color ink recorded.

[0098] In region 1, in the case of FIG. 10(a) (Level 1), color separation is performed primarily using gray ink, but in FIG. 10(b) (Level 2), in addition to gray ink, light cyan ink, light magenta ink, and yellow ink are also used. By reducing the amount of gray ink printed and toning the light cyan, light magenta, and yellow, image printing with less color change is achieved compared to when FIG. 10(a) is used. In other words, it can be said that the printing amounts of multiple color inks are determined so that the total printing amount of multiple color inks printed in a specified region is greater when a second amount greater than the first amount is set as the amount of reaction liquid than when a first amount is set.

[0099] Although the above describes an example of the recording amount of black gradation color ink, similar processing can be used for other hues to suppress a decrease in image robustness when the recording amount level of the reaction liquid is increased.

[0100] In S804, the binarization unit 704 executes binarization processing using a dither mask. The binarization using a dither mask is the same as the processing described with reference to Fig. 5. During these processing steps, the dither mask and pass mask stored in the ROM 202 are expanded in the RAM 203, and the image data generated in each step is also stored in the RAM 203.

[0101] In S805, the mask pass decomposition unit 705 decomposes the image data of each color ink and reaction liquid into passes. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the pass mask used in this embodiment. The reaction liquid is printed in six passes on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the color inks are printed in eight passes. This printing method selectively prints the reaction liquid in passes on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium, allowing for efficient reaction with the color inks, which is preferable for achieving good image printing. The pass mask shown in FIG. 11 also sets printable pixels 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 600 dpi.

[0102] In S806, the generation unit 706 generates print data for driving the print head based on the image data decomposed into each scan. In S807, the print control unit 707 executes print processing based on the print data generated in S806.

[0103] In this embodiment, a color separation table that determines the printing amounts of color ink and reaction liquid according to the reaction liquid printing amount level for each printing medium is stored in ROM 202. In the above, for the sake of simplicity, two reaction liquid printing amount levels are shown, but the printing amount levels are not limited to two levels.

[0104] The number of reaction liquid recording volume levels can also be changed depending on the type of recording medium. Generally, non-absorbent recording media such as vinyl chloride and low-absorbent recording media such as printing paper are more susceptible to image characteristics due to the amount of reaction liquid recorded than are recording media with high ink absorption, such as plain paper or inkjet recording media with an ink-receiving layer recorded on the surface. For recording media with a greater impact on image characteristics, it is possible to make changes such as increasing the number of color separation tables corresponding to the level of reaction liquid recording volume, compared to recording media with a smaller impact. With the above configuration, even when a user changes the level of reaction liquid recording volume to suit the recording medium, deterioration of image characteristics can be suppressed, enabling good image recording.

[0105] Non-permeable recording media include, for example, glass, plastic, film, Yupo, and other media that are not specifically designed for use with aqueous inkjet inks. Other examples include substrates such as plastic film and paper coated with plastic, which are not surface-treated for inkjet printing (i.e., do not have an ink-absorbing layer). Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Specific examples of low-permeability recording media include recording media such as printing paper used in offset printing, such as art paper and coated paper.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the reaction liquid recording volume level is increased, the color ink recording volume is automatically adjusted in consideration of changes in image characteristics that accompany an increase in the reaction liquid recording volume. In this case, if there is a dark ink and a light ink of the same hue, such as cyan and light cyan, the color ink recording volume adjustment may be performed for both, or for only one of them.

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, when the setting is made to increase the amount of reaction liquid applied, the total amount of color ink recorded is also determined to increase, thereby achieving both image quality characteristics and image robustness.

[0108] <<Embodiment 2>> In this embodiment, an aspect of the reaction liquid level setting process (S802) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 of embodiment 1 will be described in which the user's options are expanded. That is, in this embodiment, the user can select whether or not to automatically adjust the color ink recording volume, and in this respect, the user has a wider range of options for setting the reaction liquid recording volume level. Note that this embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from embodiment 1. The hardware configuration, head configuration, and ink configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the reaction liquid recording volume level setting process (S802 in Fig. 8) in this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 12 are performed by the CPU 201 loading program code stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 12 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. When the reaction liquid recording volume level setting process is executed, the flow shown in Fig. 12 starts.

[0110] In S1201, the setting unit 702 accepts the reaction liquid recording volume level selected by a user operation. The user increases or decreases the reaction liquid recording volume level relative to a default level predetermined for the recording mode. If the default level is changed by a user operation, the reaction liquid adjustment flag is set to ON. If the default level is not changed by a user operation, the reaction liquid adjustment flag is set to OFF. The reaction liquid recording volume level can be set in various ways, such as by displaying a level relative to the default level or by setting a numerical value relative to the default. In the case of level display, for example, five levels from level 1 (Lv1) to level 5 (Lv5) can be used, with level 3 being the default. In the case of numerical input, a percentage ratio relative to the default level can be set. For example, the level indicating the reaction liquid deposition volume level can be selected by the user via a UI screen displayed on the display unit of the recording device 100.

[0111] In S1202, the setting unit 702 accepts a user selection as to whether or not to automatically adjust the color ink recording volume in accordance with the reaction liquid recording volume level selected in S1201. If automatic adjustment of color ink recording volume is selected, the color ink automatic adjustment flag is set to ON. If automatic adjustment of color ink recording volume is not selected, the color ink automatic adjustment flag is set to OFF.

[0112] In S1203, the setting unit 702 determines whether the reaction liquid adjustment flag is set to ON. If the determination result indicates that the reaction liquid adjustment flag is not set to ON (set to OFF) (NO in S1203), the process proceeds to S1204. If the determination result indicates that the reaction liquid adjustment flag is set to ON (YES in S1203), the process proceeds to S1205.

[0113] In S1204, the setting unit 702 sets default reaction liquid levels. Specifically, in the above-mentioned S803, image data for each color ink and reaction liquid is generated using a default table determined for each printing mode. When the processing of S1204 is completed, the flow shown in FIG. 12 ends and the processing proceeds to S803. The processing from S803 to S807 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0114] In S1205, the setting unit 702 determines whether the color ink amount automatic adjustment flag is set to ON. If the determination result indicates that the color ink amount automatic adjustment flag is not set to ON (set to OFF) (NO in S1205), the process proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the color ink amount automatic adjustment flag is set to ON (YES in S1205), the process proceeds to S1207.

[0115] In S1206, the setting unit 702 sets a level (reaction liquid change level) for the default reaction liquid recording volume based on the reaction liquid level set in S1201.

[0116] (Reaction solution recording volume level setting screen) FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen. The reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen 1300 allows the user to select one of five levels, from level 1 (Lv1) to level 5 (Lv5), as the reaction liquid recording amount level 1301. Because the reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen 1300 allows the user to select a desired level from multiple options, it can also be considered a setting screen for setting the reaction liquid deposition amount level. Note that in FIG. 13, the default level 3 (Lv3), indicated by a bold frame, is currently selected. When the user selects a level on the reaction liquid recording amount level bar 1301, the selected level is displayed in a bold frame. For example, when level 4 (Lv4) is selected, the bold line displayed at level 3 (Lv3) is deleted, and a bold line is displayed at level 4 (Lv4).

[0117] The reaction liquid recording volume level setting screen 1300 includes an object 1302 for accepting settings for automatically adjusting the color ink recording volumes. When the setting for automatically adjusting the color ink recording volumes is accepted, the control unit 20, functioning as a display control unit, displays an automatic adjustment confirmation screen 1500 for confirming the execution of the setting process for automatically adjusting the color ink recording volumes. The reaction liquid recording volume level setting screen 1300 further includes an OK button 1303 for accepting a user operation for confirming the settings on the screen 1300.

[0118] In the above description, a reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen as shown in Fig. 13 has been used, which allows a user to select a desired level by operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen may be configured so that a user can input or change the numerical value of the amount of reagent to be actually applied. Even with such a reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen that allows a numerical value to be input or changed, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the reaction liquid recording amount level setting screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13.

[0119] (Correspondence between reaction liquid recording volume level and recording volume) 14 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between reaction liquid recording volume levels and their ratios to the default recording volume, and a table 1400 that associates each reaction liquid recording volume level with its ratio (%) to the default recording volume is stored, for example, in ROM. In this way, each of the multiple reaction liquid recording volume levels is associated with its ratio to the default recording volume, which is the standard for determining the color ink recording volume. Here, the reaction liquid level is configured to be selectable from five levels, but the number of levels and the ratio corresponding to each level can be set appropriately for each recording mode.

[0120] 12 ends, and the process proceeds to S803. In S803, the ink color separation unit 703 uses a default table to determine the printing volume of each color ink and reaction liquid, and then generates image data of the reaction liquid based on the reaction liquid printing volume level set in S1106. For example, if level 1 is selected, the ink color separation unit 703 generates image data of the reaction liquid so that the default printing volume of the reaction liquid is uniformly reduced by 20%. The processes from S804 to S807 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0121] In S1207, the setting unit 702 executes confirmation as to whether it is OK to automatically adjust the color ink recording amounts. For example, first, a color ink recording amount automatic adjustment confirmation screen (hereinafter referred to as the automatic adjustment confirmation screen) is displayed.

[0122] (Automatic adjustment confirmation screen) 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic adjustment confirmation screen. The automatic adjustment confirmation screen 1500 includes a confirmation message 1501, button explanations 1502, a "Yes" button 1503, and a "No" button 1504. The automatic adjustment confirmation screen 1500 prompts the user to confirm whether to automatically adjust the color ink recording volume to match the reaction liquid recording volume. Displaying the automatic adjustment confirmation screen 1500 provides the user with an opportunity to confirm, thereby preventing the user from making incorrect settings.

[0123] A confirmation message 1501 displays the question "Are you sure you want to automatically adjust the amount of color ink to be printed in accordance with the amount of reaction liquid to be printed?"

[0124] The button explanation 1502 is displayed below the confirmation message 1501, for example, on the first line it says "If OK, press the 'Yes' button," and on the second line it says "If you want to redo the settings, press the 'No' button."

[0125] A "Yes" button 1503 and a "No" button 1504 are displayed below the button description 1502. When either the "No" button 1504 or the "Yes" button 1503 is selected, the process proceeds to the next operation. When the "No" button 1504 is selected, the process proceeds to S1201, and the process is carried out again from the selection of the reaction solution level. When the "Yes" button 1503 is selected, the process proceeds to S1208.

[0126] In S1208, the setting unit 702 sets the type of color separation table that adjusts the color ink recording amount based on the reaction liquid level setting value in S1201.

[0127] (Correspondence between reaction liquid recording volume level, recording volume and color separation table) 16 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the color separation table and each level of the reaction liquid recording volume. Table 1600 shows that for each of the five levels of the reaction liquid recording volume, the ratio to the default recording volume is linked to the color separation table.

[0128] 16, when a low level (levels 1 and 2) is selected for the reaction liquid recording amount, it is expected that there will be little deterioration in image robustness, and therefore the default color separation table A is set. On the other hand, when a high level (levels 4 and 5) is selected for the reaction liquid recording amount, it is expected that there will be a deterioration in image robustness, and therefore tables (B and C) with increased total amounts of color ink are set for areas with high reaction liquid ratios, as explained in embodiment 1.

[0129] 12 ends, and the process proceeds to S803. In S803, the ink color separation unit 703 generates image data for each color ink and reaction liquid based on the reaction liquid recording volume levels and color separation table set in S1208. The processes from S804 to S807 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0130] As described above, this embodiment allows users to expand the options for the level of reaction liquid recording volume, enabling use in a variety of applications. For example, in actual use, it is expected that recorded prints will be subjected to post-processing such as lamination to ensure long-term storage. In this case, even if the level of reaction liquid recording volume is increased, the image surface is protected by lamination, thereby preventing the aforementioned decrease in image robustness. Furthermore, by making it possible to select automatic adjustment of color ink recording volume, unnecessary increases in color ink recording volume can be prevented, improving applicability to a variety of applications.

[0131] [Other embodiments] While the above describes an embodiment in which an image is recorded using color inks and a reaction liquid, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to an embodiment in which an image is recorded by layering a special ink, such as white ink, and a color ink. When recording an image by layering white ink and color inks on a recording medium such as a transparent film, the amount of white ink recorded is adjusted to adjust the light-blocking properties (concealing properties) of the white ink layer. This is because, as in the case of the color inks and reaction liquid described above, the amount of white ink recorded can change the contact state of the color inks layered on the white ink layer, which can affect the image characteristics. In such cases, it is possible to adjust the amount of color ink recorded to match the amount of white ink recorded.

[0132] In addition, although the inkjet recording device has been described above as being a serial printer in which the recording head moves together with the carriage, the present invention is not limited to this and may be a line head type recording device in which the recording head is fixed, as long as the recording device performs recording by scanning the recording medium relative to the recording medium.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above, we have described a case where a pass mask is used in a serial printer in which the printing of color ink and reaction liquid is shifted in the transport direction, but this is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if both are printed using a pass mask that is not shifted in the transport direction.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above, the adjustment of the reaction liquid recording amount is selected from several levels, but the adjustment of the recording amount may be configured to be input as a numerical value of the actual recording amount or as a percentage ratio to a default value.

[0135] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The program may also be provided by recording it on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0136] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples. (Configuration 1) a recording means for ejecting color ink and a reaction liquid that aggregates color materials contained in the color ink onto a recording medium based on input image data, and recording an image on the recording medium; an acquisition means for acquiring the image data; a determination means for determining the recording amounts of the color inks and the reaction liquid based on the acquired image data; and The determining means determining a recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, so that the recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a first amount is greater than the first amount; An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) The larger the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium, the larger the recording amount of the color ink is determined. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 1, (Configuration 3) The recording device further includes a receiving means for receiving a user's selection regarding the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid; the determining means makes the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) There are a plurality of levels for the recorded amount of the reaction liquid, Each of the plurality of levels is associated with a criterion for determining the recording amount of the color ink. the determining means determines the recording amounts of the color inks based on the criteria associated with the level selected by the user. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) 5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the reference is a ratio to a default recording amount. (Configuration 6) the accepting means further accepts a selection by the user of a recording mode corresponding to the type of the recording medium; the determining means makes the determination based on the recording mode related to the selection accepted by the accepting means. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 7) 7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the determining means makes the determination in a predetermined gradation region in the image data. (Configuration 8) The predetermined gradation region is a halftone region. 8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The recording medium is a low-absorbency recording medium or a non-absorbency recording medium. 9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) 10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the color ink contains a pigment as the color material. (Configuration 11) 10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the color ink is an emulsion ink that does not contain any pigment or contains only a trace amount of pigment and that contains water-soluble resin particles. (Configuration 12) 10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the color inks include dark color inks and light color inks that have the same hue but different pigment concentrations. (Configuration 13) 13. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the reaction liquid contains at least one of an organic acid, a polyvalent metal salt, and a cationic resin. (Configuration 14) The recording device further includes a display control means for displaying a setting screen for setting the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid on a display means, the accepting means accepts the selection of the user via the setting screen. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 15) A plurality of candidates for the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid are displayed on the setting screen, and the user selects a desired level from the plurality of candidates. 15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 14. (Configuration 16) the setting screen is configured to allow a user to select whether or not to make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means; when the user selects via the setting screen not to make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means, the deciding means does not make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means; 15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to configuration 14. (Configuration 17) an acquisition step of acquiring input image data; a determining step of determining the recording amounts of the color ink and the reaction liquid that aggregates the color material contained in the color ink based on the acquired image data; a recording step of ejecting the color ink and the reaction liquid onto a recording medium in a recording amount determined based on the acquired image data, thereby recording an image on the recording medium; Including, In the determining step, determining a recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, so that the recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a first amount is greater than the first amount; 10. A method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus comprising: (Configuration 18) 17. A program for causing a computer to function as the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

Claims

1. a recording means for ejecting color ink and a reaction liquid that aggregates color materials contained in the color ink onto a recording medium based on input image data, and recording an image on the recording medium; an acquisition means for acquiring the image data; a determination means for determining the recording amounts of the color inks and the reaction liquid based on the acquired image data; and The determining means determining a recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a first amount, so that the recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid is a second amount greater than the first amount is greater than the first amount; An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by:

2. The larger the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium, the larger the recording amount of the color ink is determined.

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

3. The recording device further includes a receiving means for receiving a user's selection regarding the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid; the determining means makes the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means.

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

4. There are a plurality of levels for the recorded amount of the reaction liquid, Each of the plurality of levels is associated with a criterion for determining the recording amount of the color ink. the determining means determines the recording amounts of the color inks based on the criteria associated with the level selected by the user.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3,

5. 5. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reference is a ratio to a default printing amount.

6. the accepting means further accepts a selection by the user of a recording mode corresponding to the type of the recording medium; the determining means makes the determination based on the recording mode related to the selection accepted by the accepting means.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3,

7. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determining means makes said determination in a predetermined gradation region of said image data.

8. The predetermined gradation region is a halftone region.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The recording medium is a low-absorbency recording medium or a non-absorbency recording medium.

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

10. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color ink contains a pigment as the color material.

11. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color ink is an emulsion ink that does not contain any pigment or contains only a trace amount of pigment and that contains water-soluble resin particles.

12. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color inks include dark color inks and light color inks having the same hue but different pigment concentrations.

13. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction liquid contains at least one of an organic acid, a polyvalent metal salt, and a cationic resin.

14. The recording device further includes a display control means for displaying a setting screen for setting the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid on a display means, the accepting means accepts the selection of the user via the setting screen.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3,

15. A plurality of candidates for the level of the recording amount of the reaction liquid are displayed on the setting screen, and the user selects a desired level from the plurality of candidates.

15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 14.

16. the setting screen is configured to allow a user to select whether or not to make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means; when the user selects via the setting screen not to make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means, the deciding means does not make the determination based on the level of the recorded amount of the reaction liquid related to the selection accepted by the accepting means; 15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 14.

17. an acquisition step of acquiring input image data; a determining step of determining the recording amounts of the color ink and the reaction liquid that aggregates the color material contained in the color ink based on the acquired image data; a recording step of ejecting the color ink and the reaction liquid onto a recording medium in a recording amount determined based on the acquired image data, thereby recording an image on the recording medium; Including, In the determining step, determining a recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid per unit area on the recording medium is a first amount, so that the recording amount of the color ink to be applied when the recording amount of the reaction liquid is a second amount greater than the first amount is greater than the first amount; 10. A method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus comprising:

18. A program for causing a computer to function as the inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1.

Images