Image forming apparatus, control device, image forming method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that reduces printing time when nesting. [Solution] The image forming device comprises an image forming unit (liquid ejection head) that scans a liquid ejection head in the main scanning direction to form multiple images on a recording medium (paper), a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, an image information acquisition unit that acquires multiple image information including size information of the multiple images to be formed on the recording medium, resolution information of the multiple images, and image mode information of the multiple images, an image processing unit that executes processing to determine the number of interlaces and the number of passes based on the multiple image information, and an image arrangement determination unit that determines whether to arrange the multiple images in the main scanning direction based on the resolution information, number of interlaces, and number of passes corresponding to the multiple image information, and the image forming unit forms multiple images on the recording medium based on the multiple image information, the number of interlaces, the number of passes, and the arrangement of the multiple images determined by the image arrangement determination unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control apparatus, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming system is known that includes a host device that generates print job data and an image forming device that records multiple images corresponding to the multiple print job data on a recording medium using multi-pass recording, with the multiple images aligned in the scan direction of the print head. Such an image forming system can perform nesting, in which multiple images are printed side by side in the scan direction of the print head. The image forming device stores multiple mask patterns that define pixels that allow and dot printing during each print scan of the multi-pass recording (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] For example, in the device of Patent Document 1, when placing images with different image modes, the image data is uniformly converted to 300 dpi and the dot data is uniformly converted to 1200 dpi. Devices that perform this type of processing uniformly perform multi-pass printing at 1200 dpi even for images with different image modes or resolutions. Therefore, in devices based on the prior art, nesting results in slow printing even for images that can be printed at high speed, resulting in longer printing times.

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image forming device that can prevent printing times from becoming longer when nesting multiple images with different image modes and resolutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an image forming unit that scans a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction to form multiple images on a recording medium, a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, an image information acquisition unit that acquires multiple image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information for each of the multiple images to be formed on the recording medium, an image processing unit that determines the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the multiple images based on the multiple image information, and an image arrangement determination unit that determines a first arrangement, which is the arrangement of the multiple images in the main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the multiple images, and the image forming unit forms multiple images on the recording medium based on the multiple image information, the number of interlaces, the number of passes, and the first arrangement corresponding to each of the multiple images. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention can provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a printing time from becoming long when multiple images with different image modes or resolutions are nested. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing examples of printing conditions for each print quality; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate of the ejection head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of mask patterns for each print quality. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the first scan. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the second scan. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the third scan. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the fourth scan. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a layout of multiple images by nesting. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of a layout of multiple images by nesting. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the procedure in nesting processing. [Figure 15] 10 is a second flowchart showing the procedure in the nesting process. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure in a temporary layout creation process. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of provisional layouts and diagrams showing examples of calculation of estimated printing times. [Figure 18] 10 is a table showing examples of printing conditions for each print quality; [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing combinations of multiple images that can be printed simultaneously and combinations of multiple images that cannot be printed simultaneously. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a nozzle plate of a discharge head according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of mask patterns for each print quality. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the first scan. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the second scan. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the third scan. [Figure 25]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of ejection heads and printing in the fourth scan. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first case where multiple images cannot be arranged in the same scan. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second case where multiple images cannot be arranged within the same scan. [Figure 28] FIG. 28(A) is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate of the ejection head according to Example 3, and FIG. 28(B) is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate of the ejection head according to Example 4. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third case where multiple images cannot be arranged within the same scan. [Figure 30] FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing an example of a driving waveform. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the procedure in the nesting process. [Figure 33] 10 is a fourth flowchart showing the procedure in the nesting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus, a control apparatus, an image forming method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] <Image forming device overview> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a serial inkjet recording apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a carriage 20 on which a liquid ejection head 10 is mounted. The "liquid ejection head" may be abbreviated to "ejection head." The liquid ejection head is also called a recording head. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit that scans the ejection head 10 in the main scanning direction to form multiple images on a recording medium. The image forming unit includes the ejection head.

[0010] The carriage 20 is slidably supported by a guide rod 31 and an auxiliary guide 32 that extend in the main scanning direction, and moves in the main scanning direction. The carriage 20 is capable of scanning in the main scanning direction. The guide rod 31 and the auxiliary guide 32 are supported by left and right side plates 33, 34 of the device main body. A main scanning motor 71 transmits power via a timing belt 74 to move the carriage 20.

[0011] <Discharge head> The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of ejection heads 11 to 15. When the plurality of ejection heads 11 to 15 are not to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as ejection heads 10. The ejection heads 11 and 12 eject black (K) ink (droplets). The ejection head 13 ejects cyan (C) ink. The ejection head 14 ejects magenta (M) ink. The ejection head 15 ejects yellow (Y) ink.

[0012] The ejection head 10 has a nozzle plate in which a plurality of nozzles N for ejecting droplets are formed. A plurality of nozzle rows NL are formed in the nozzle plate. Each nozzle row NL has a plurality of nozzles aligned in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction intersects with the main scanning direction. The ejection head 10 ejects droplets, for example, downward.

[0013] Each ejection head 10 may have a plurality of nozzle rows NL. The ejection head 10 may have a plurality of nozzle rows NL that eject inks of different colors. The ejection head 10 may have, for example, a nozzle row NL that ejects black (K) droplets and a nozzle row NL that ejects cyan (C) droplets. The ejection head 10 may have, for example, a nozzle row that ejects magenta (M) droplets and a nozzle row that ejects yellow (Y) droplets. Note that the ejection head 10 may have one nozzle row, or may have three or more nozzle rows.

[0014] <Head tank> The carriage 20 may be equipped with a head tank. The head tank stores ink corresponding to each color. The head tank supplies ink of each color to the ejection head 10.

[0015] <Ink cartridges> Ink cartridges 40 of each color are detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. The ink cartridges 40 communicate with the head tanks via supply tubes. The ink cartridges 40 supply ink of each color to the head tanks.

[0016] <Conveyor unit 50> The image forming apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 50 that supplies paper P below the ejection head 10. The transport unit 50 may include a transport platen 51, a sub-scanning motor (see FIG. 3) 52, and a transport roller. The transport platen 51 holds the paper P. The transport platen 51 is disposed below the carriage 20. The paper P is transported intermittently in the sub-scanning direction by the transport platen 51 and the transport roller. The sub-scanning motor 52 drives the transport platen 51 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0017] <Paper> Paper is an example of a recording medium. The recording medium may be a sheet material. The sheet material may be plain paper or glossy paper. The recording medium may be a film or an electronic substrate. The recording medium may be any medium to which droplets ejected from the ejection head can adhere.

[0018] <Maintenance and recovery mechanism> The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a maintenance and recovery mechanism 60. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 60 is arranged in a non-printing area on one side in the main scanning direction. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 60 performs maintenance operations to maintain or recover the state of the nozzles of the ejection head 10. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 60 may be equipped with a cap that caps the nozzle surface of the ejection head 10. The nozzle surface is the bottom surface of the nozzle plate, and is the surface on which the nozzles are formed.

[0019] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 60 may include a wiper member and an empty discharge receiver. The wiper member wipes the nozzle surface. The empty discharge receiver receives droplets discharged from the discharge head 10. The discharge head 10 can perform empty discharge, which discharges thickened liquid. Droplets discharged by performing empty discharge do not contribute to image formation and are received by the empty discharge receiver.

[0020] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 60 may include a carriage lock that locks the carriage 20. The image forming apparatus 100 may include a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance and recovery operation. The waste liquid tank may be located below the maintenance and recovery mechanism 60. The waste liquid tank is detachably attached to the apparatus main body.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 100 may also include an empty discharge receiver arranged in a non-printing region on the other side of the main scanning direction. The empty discharge receiver receives droplets discharged from the discharge head 10 during empty discharge. An opening is formed in the empty discharge receiver. The opening is aligned with the direction in which the nozzle rows of the discharge head 10 are aligned.

[0022] <Discharge head> The dispensing head 10 may be of the piezoelectric, thermal or electrostatic type. The piezoelectric ejection head 10 includes a piezoelectric element as a pressure generating unit (actuator) that pressurizes the ink in the ink flow path (pressure generating chamber). The piezoelectric ejection head 10 uses the piezoelectric element to deform a vibration plate that forms the wall surface of the ink flow path, thereby changing the internal volume of the ink flow path and ejecting ink.

[0023] The thermal ejection head 10 uses a heating resistor to heat the ink in the ink flow path, generating bubbles. The thermal ejection head 10 changes the pressure by generating bubbles, causing the ink to be ejected.

[0024] The electrostatic ejection head 10 includes a diaphragm and an electrode that form the wall surface of the ink flow path. The diaphragm and the electrode are arranged opposite each other, and an ink flow path is formed between the diaphragm and the electrode. The electrostatic ejection head 10 ejects ink by changing the internal volume of the flow path by deforming the diaphragm using electrostatic force generated between the diaphragm and the electrode.

[0025] <Main scanning mechanism> The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main scanning mechanism 70 that scans the carriage 20. The main scanning mechanism 70 may include a main scanning motor 71 disposed on one side in the main scanning direction, a drive pulley 72 that is rotationally driven by the main scanning motor 71, a driven pulley 73 disposed on the other side in the main scanning direction, and a timing belt 74 that is wound around the drive pulley 72 and the driven pulley 73. Note that tension is applied to the driven pulley 73 outward (in a direction away from the drive pulley 72) by a so-called tension spring.

[0026] A belt holding portion 21 is formed on the rear side of the carriage 20. The belt holding portion 21 holds a timing belt 74. The carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction in accordance with the endless movement of the timing belt 74.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an encoder sheet 37 arranged along the main scanning direction. The encoder sheet 37 has a plurality of slits formed therein. The carriage 20 is equipped with an encoder sensor 22 that can read the slits in the encoder sheet 37. The image forming apparatus can detect the position of the carriage 20 in the main scanning direction by having the encoder sensor 22 read the slits in the encoder sheet 37.

[0028] The recording medium transport mechanism transports the recording medium P intermittently in the sub-scanning direction when the carriage 20 is present in the recording area of ​​the main scanning area.

[0029] In the image forming apparatus 100, the carriage 20 is moved in the main scanning direction to intermittently feed the recording medium, while the ejection head 10 is driven to eject droplets in accordance with image information, thereby forming an image on the recording medium.

[0030] The carriage 20 is equipped with a print position deviation sensor 23. The print position deviation sensor 23 is arranged on the side of the carriage 20. The print position deviation sensor 23 detects deviations in the landing positions of droplets. The print position deviation sensor 23 reads a test pattern. The print position deviation sensor 23 has a light-emitting element such as an LED and a light-receiving element such as a reflective photosensor, and reads the test pattern formed on the recording medium P for detecting the landing position.

[0031] <Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100> Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 may include a control unit (control device) 500.

[0032] The control unit 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 that controls the entire device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 that stores fixed data such as various programs including those executed by the CPU 501, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503 that temporarily stores image data, etc. The control unit 500 also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory 504 that holds data even when the power to the control unit 500 is cut off, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 505 that processes input and output signals for image processing such as various signal processing and rearrangement of image data and for other control of the entire device.

[0033] The control unit 500 includes a print control unit 508. The print control unit 508 includes a data transfer unit and a drive signal generation unit for driving and controlling the ejection head 10. The carriage 20 includes a head driver (driver IC) 509 for driving the ejection head 10. The head driver 509 is an example of a head drive control unit. The head driver 509 can execute a head drive control method. Note that some or all of the processing executed by the head driver 509 may be executed by the control unit 500.

[0034] The control unit 500 includes a main scanning driver 510. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main scanning motor 71. The main scanning motor 71 moves and scans the carriage 20. The main scanning driver 510 controls the driving of the main scanning motor 71 to cause the carriage 20 to scan.

[0035] The control unit 500 includes a sub-scanning driver 511. The transport unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sub-scanning motor 52 that drives a transport platen 51. The sub-scanning driver 511 controls the driving of the sub-scanning motor 52 to drive the transport platen 51. The sub-scanning driver 511 can drive the transport platen 51 to transport the paper P in the sub-scanning direction.

[0036] The control unit 500 includes a cutter motor driver 512. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a cutter unit 53 that cuts the paper P after printing. The cutter unit 53 includes a cutter and a cutter motor that drives the cutter. The cutter motor driver 512 controls the driving of the cutter motor to drive the cutter and cut the paper P.

[0037] The control unit 500 is connected to an operation panel 514 for inputting and displaying information required for this device.

[0038] The control unit 500 includes a host I / F 506. The host I / F 506 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data and signals to and from a host 600. The host 600 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, an image reading device, or an imaging device. The control unit 500 is connected to the host 600 via a cable or a network. The control unit 500 receives data and signals from the host 600 via the I / F 506.

[0039] The CPU 501 of the control unit 500 reads and analyzes the print data in the receive buffer included in the I / F 506. The ASIC 505 performs necessary image processing, data rearrangement, etc. on the analyzed print data. The control unit 500 transfers the image data processed by the ASIC 505 from the print control unit 508 to the head driver 509. The host 600 includes a printer driver 601. The printer driver 601 can generate dot pattern data for outputting an image. The control unit 500 may also generate the dot pattern data.

[0040] The print control unit 508 can transfer the image data described above as serial data. The print control unit 508 outputs to the head driver 509 a transfer clock, a latch signal, a control signal, and the like, which are required for transferring this image data and confirming the transfer.

[0041] The control unit 500 includes a drive signal generation unit. The drive signal generation unit includes a D / A converter, a voltage amplifier, and a current amplifier. The drive signal generation unit performs D / A conversion on drive waveform pattern data stored in ROM. The drive waveform includes one or more drive pulses. The print control unit 508 outputs the drive waveform to a head driver 509.

[0042] The head driver 509 selects a drive pulse included in the drive waveform. The head driver 509 selects the drive pulse based on image data corresponding to one row of the ejection head 10 that is serially input. The head driver 509 supplies the selected drive pulse to the piezoelectric element. The head driver 509 drives the ejection head 10 by supplying the drive pulse to the piezoelectric element.

[0043] The head driver 509 can eject dots of different sizes by selecting some or all of the drive pulses that make up the drive waveform. Dots of different sizes include large, medium, and small droplets, for example. The head driver 509 can eject large, medium, and small droplets by selecting some or all of the waveform elements that make up the drive pulse.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a suction fan 54. The control unit 500 drives the suction fan 54 when the paper P is set, and causes the paper P and the transport platen 51 to be attracted to each other by suction.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with various sensors. The various sensors include, for example, a print position deviation sensor 23 and a paper size sensor 24. The control unit 500 can acquire various information necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 from the various sensors. The image forming apparatus 100 may be equipped with an optical sensor for detecting the position of the paper P as one of the various sensors.

[0046] <Functional configuration of control unit 500> Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. The CPU 501 executes a program stored in a storage unit such as the ROM 502 to realize the functions of an image information acquisition unit 531, an image processing unit 532, an image layout determination unit 533, a masking unit 534, a calculation unit 535, and a display control unit 536. Note that external devices and sensors connected to the control unit 500 may execute some of these functions.

[0047] <Image information acquisition unit 531> The image information acquisition unit 531 acquires multiple pieces of image information from the host 600. The multiple pieces of image information include multiple types of information regarding multiple images. The multiple pieces of image information include size information of the multiple images, resolution information of the multiple images, and image mode information.

[0048] Image size information includes the vertical length and horizontal length of the image. Image resolution information includes information related to main scanning resolution and sub-scanning resolution. Image mode information includes, for example, information related to print quality, such as "high-speed printing," "standard printing," and "high-quality printing."

[0049] <Image processing unit 532> The image processing unit 532 executes a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes based on multiple pieces of image information. The image processing unit 532 may determine the number of passes and the number of interlaces based on, for example, information related to print quality. Examples of printing conditions for each print quality will be described later.

[0050] The image processing unit 532 can perform image processing such as density correction and gradation processing of the image data as necessary. The image processing unit 532 may generate rendering data.

[0051] <Image layout determination unit 533> The image layout determination unit 533 determines whether to arrange multiple images in the main scanning direction based on the resolution information, number of interlaces, and number of passes corresponding to multiple pieces of image information. For example, in the case of a combination of multiple images with the same drive waveform frequency, an integer multiple of the resolution in the main scanning direction, and an integer multiple of the resolution in the sub-scanning direction, the image layout determination unit 533 can determine to arrange the multiple images side by side in the main scanning direction. The optimal drive waveform is selected from multiple drive waveforms based on the resolution information and image mode information included in the image information, and the number of interlaces and passes corresponding to the image information. The multiple drive waveforms include those with different compatible frequencies and compatible gradations. The image layout determination unit 533 can determine not to arrange the multiple images side by side in the main scanning direction, for example, when the drive waveform frequencies are different, or when the resolution in the main scanning direction is an integer multiple, or when the resolution in the sub-scanning direction is an integer multiple. This is because it is not possible to switch to drive waveforms with different frequencies in a single main scanning pass. Note that Figure 19 shows combinations of multiple images that can be printed simultaneously and combinations of multiple images that cannot be printed simultaneously. In FIG. 19, "Y" indicates a combination that can be printed simultaneously, and "N" indicates a combination that cannot be printed simultaneously.

[0052] The image layout determination unit 533 can determine a layout of multiple patterns (multiple types) of images (arrangement of multiple images; second arrangement) for an arrangement of multiple images (first arrangement).The image layout determination unit 533 can determine a layout (arrangement of multiple images; third arrangement) from among the multiple layout patterns that minimizes the total movement distance of the ejection head 10.

[0053] The image layout determination unit 533 may arrange multiple images with different numbers of passes in the main scanning direction in descending order of the number of passes. The image layout determination unit 533 may determine the layout so that the image with the most passes is arranged closer to the scanning start position of the ejection head 10, and the image with the fewest passes is arranged farthest from the scanning start position.

[0054] When a layout of multiple images includes a first image with an optimizable print scan pattern and a second image with a non-optimizable print scan pattern, the image placement determination unit 533 may position the second image by shifting it relative to the first image in the sub-scanning direction.

[0055] When multiple images include both monochrome and color images, the image layout determination unit 533 can determine the layout of multiple types of images so that the images formed using the head (nozzle plate) with the narrowest ejection width are arranged in order. For example, if the ejection width when printing color images is narrower than the ejection width when printing monochrome images, the layout can be determined so that the images are arranged in order from color images to monochrome images. The image layout determination unit 533 can determine the layout so that the color images are arranged closer to the scanning start position of the ejection head 10 and the monochrome images are arranged farther from the scanning start position. The "ejection width" may also be the length of the nozzle array in the sub-scanning direction. The length L12 of the nozzle array of the head that ejects ink when printing monochrome images is longer than the length L11 of the nozzle array of the head that ejects ink when printing color images (see FIG. 20).

[0056] The control unit 500 forms multiple images on the paper P based on multiple pieces of image information, the number of interlaces, the number of passes, and the layout determined by the image layout determination unit 533. The control unit 500 controls the operation of the ejection head 10 to form multiple images on the paper P.

[0057] <Masking section 534> The masking unit 534 can determine a mask pattern for realizing the determined layout. The mask pattern will be described later. The masking unit 534 generates masking data related to the mask pattern for realizing the determined layout. The masking unit 534 generates the masking data based on the layout information and the information related to the printing conditions (see FIG. 5).

[0058] <Calculation unit 535> The calculation unit 535 calculates the total movement distance of the discharge head 10 when forming a plurality of images. The image layout determination unit 533 can calculate the total movement distance of the discharge head 10 for each of a plurality of layouts. This will be described in detail later.

[0059] The calculation unit 535 calculates the printing time for a plurality of types of layouts based on the total movement distance of the ejection head 10.

[0060] <Display control unit 536> The display control unit 536 controls information displayed on, for example, the display unit. The display unit may be, for example, the display unit of the operation panel 514. The display unit may be, for example, the display unit of the host 600, or another display unit connected to the control unit 500.

[0061] The display control unit 536 can display multiple layouts on the display unit. The display control unit 536 can display the printing time required to print images of the layouts on the display unit along with the multiple layouts. When displaying multiple layouts, the display control unit 536 may also display other information related to the layouts. The other information may be information related to print quality. The display unit is an example of an information output unit that outputs information related to the arrangement of multiple types of images.

[0062] A user of the image forming apparatus 100 can visually check multiple layouts displayed on the display unit. The user can understand the multiple layouts and the printing time and select a layout to execute. The user can use, for example, the operation panel 514 to input an operation and select a layout to execute. The user may, for example, scan the input unit of the host 600 to select a layout to execute. The user may also operate another input unit connected to the control unit 500 to select a layout to execute. The input unit may, for example, be a touch panel, a button, or a keyboard.

[0063] The image layout determination unit 533 can determine the layout to be executed (image layout: fourth layout, first layout) based on the operation input by the user. The ejection head (image forming unit) 10 can form multiple images on the recording medium based on the layout determined based on the operation input.

[0064] <Examples of printing conditions for each print quality> FIG. 5 is a table showing examples of printing conditions for each print quality. Image forming apparatus 100 can perform printing at a plurality of different print qualities. Examples of print qualities include "high-speed printing," "standard printing," and "high-quality printing." Note that "high-speed printing" may be abbreviated to "high speed," "standard printing" to "standard," and "high-quality printing" to "high quality."

[0065] The example shown in Figure 5 is an example of printing conditions corresponding to a monochrome nozzle configuration. The printing conditions include "main scanning resolution," "sub-scanning resolution," "number of passes," "interlacing," and "drive waveform frequency." In "high-speed printing," the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 300, the number of passes is 1, the interlacing is 1 / 1, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. In "standard printing," the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 600, the number of passes is 1, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. In "high-quality printing," the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 600, the number of passes is 2, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz.

[0066] <Nozzle plate 16 of ejection head 10 according to Example 1> 6 is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate 16 of the ejection head 10 according to the first embodiment. The ejection head 10 includes a nozzle plate 16 in which nozzles N for ejecting liquid are formed. The nozzles N are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. The nozzles N aligned in the Y-axis direction form a nozzle row NL. The interval between the nozzles N is, for example, 84.7 μm (300 dpi).

[0067] <Mask pattern> Fig. 7 shows examples of mask patterns for each print quality, including mask patterns A1, A2, A3, and A4 for "high-quality printing," mask patterns B1, B2, B3, and B4 for "standard printing," and mask patterns C1, C2, C3, and C4 for "high-speed printing."

[0068] If the "Scan No." is "4N+1", it is the first scan. If the "Scan No." is "4N+2", it is the second scan. If the "Scan No." is "4N+3", it is the third scan. If the "Scan No." is "4N+4", it is the fourth scan.

[0069] 7, the boxes marked with "1" indicate that liquid ejection is ON, and the boxes that are left blank indicate that liquid ejection is OFF.

[0070] In the first and second scans of "standard printing," liquid ejection is turned off over the entire surface, so no ejection data is generated.

[0071] During the first, second, and third scans of "high-speed printing," liquid ejection is turned off across the entire surface, so no ejection data is generated.

[0072] In Figure 7, a 4x4 square is shown in one mask pattern. The squares arranged horizontally are "x" and the squares arranged vertically are "y". From the left, x=1, x=2, x=3, x=4. From the top, y=1, y=2, y=3, y=4.

[0073] For example, in the mask pattern A1 of the first scan of "high quality printing", liquid ejection is turned on in the squares (x,y)=(1,1), (3,1), (1,3), (3,3).

[0074] <Example of printing from the first scan> 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection head 10 and printing during the first scan. During the first scan, liquid is ejected only onto the area of ​​image G1 (image area A) where high-quality printing is performed. Liquid is not ejected onto the area of ​​image G2 (image area B) where standard printing is performed, or onto the area of ​​image G3 (image area C) where high-speed printing is performed.

[0075] In the first scan, liquid ejection is performed on the mask pattern A1, whose "scan number" is "4N+1."

[0076] The arrangement of multiple images will be described later. In the layout shown in Fig. 8, image G1 for high-quality printing, image G2 for standard printing, and image G3 for high-speed printing are arranged in this order in the main scanning direction. In the first scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of image G1 for high-quality printing, so the ejection head 10 scans only over scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A. In the first scan, the ejection head 10 does not scan over scanning width W2 corresponding to image area B or scanning width W3 corresponding to image area C. This allows the movement distance of the ejection head 10 to be shortened.

[0077] <Example of printing from the second scan> 9 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection head 10 and printing during the second scan. During the second scan, liquid is ejected only onto the area of ​​image G1 (image area A) where high-quality printing is performed. Liquid is not ejected onto the area of ​​image G2 (image area B) where standard printing is performed, or onto the area of ​​image G3 (image area C) where high-speed printing is performed.

[0078] In the second scan, liquid ejection is performed for mask pattern A2, whose "scan number" is "4N+2."

[0079] In the second scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of image G1 for high-quality printing, so the ejection head 10 scans only over scanning width W1, which corresponds to image area A. In the second scan, the ejection head 10 does not scan over scanning width W2, which corresponds to image area B, or scanning width W3, which corresponds to image area C. This allows the movement distance of the ejection head 10 to be shortened.

[0080] <Example of printing on the third scan> 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection head 10 and printing during the third scan. During the third scan, liquid is ejected onto the area of ​​image G1 (image area A) where high-quality printing is performed, and onto the area of ​​image G2 (image area B) where standard printing is performed. Liquid is not ejected onto the area of ​​image G3 (image area C) where high-speed printing is performed.

[0081] In the third scan, liquid ejection is performed on mask pattern A3 and mask pattern B3, whose "scan number" is "4N+3."

[0082] In the third scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of image G1 in high-quality printing and image area B of image G2 in normal printing, so the ejection head 10 scans over scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A and scanning width W2 corresponding to image area B. In the third scan, the ejection head 10 does not scan over scanning width W3 corresponding to image area C. This allows the movement distance of the ejection head 10 to be shortened.

[0083] <Example of printing on the 4th scan> 11 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection head 10 and printing during the fourth scan. During the fourth scan, liquid is ejected onto an area of ​​image G1 (image area A) for high-quality printing, an area of ​​image G2 (image area B) for standard printing, and an area of ​​image G3 (image area C) for high-speed printing.

[0084] In the fourth scan, liquid ejection is performed on mask pattern A4, mask pattern B4, and mask pattern C4, which have a "scan number" of "4N+4."

[0085] In the fourth scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of image G1 printed in high quality, image area B of image G2 printed in normal quality, and image area C of image G3 printed in high speed, so the ejection head 10 scans over scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A, scanning width W2 corresponding to image area B, and scanning width W3 corresponding to image area C.

[0086] <Example of printing from the 5th scan onwards> In printing from the fifth scan onwards, the ejection head 10 is scanned to form an image in the same manner as the first to fourth scans. The fifth scan is the same as the first scan, the sixth scan is the same as the second scan, the seventh scan is the same as the third scan, and the eighth scan is the same as the fourth scan.

[0087] <Example of layout depending on image size> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of the layout of multiple images GC1 to GC3 by nesting. FIG. 12(A) is example 1 of the layout of multiple images GC1 to GC3, and FIG. 12(B) is example 2 of the layout of multiple images GC1 to GC3. The example of the layout of multiple images shown in FIG. 12 is an example in which multiple images GC1 to GC3 with the same print quality are arranged. The print quality of the multiple images GC1 to GC3 is, for example, high-speed printing (600 x 300 dpi). The images GC1 to GC3 may be, for example, drawings.

[0088] The sizes of the multiple images GC1 to GC3 in the main scanning direction may be the same. The sizes of the multiple images GC1 and GC3 in the sub-scanning direction may be the same. The size of image GC2 in the sub-scanning direction may be shorter than the sizes of images GC1 and GC3 in the sub-scanning direction. The size of image GC2 in the sub-scanning direction may be 50% of the size of images GC1 and GC3 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0089] In layout example 1 of multiple images GC1 to GC3 shown in Fig. 12(A), image GC1, image GC2, and image GC3 are arranged side by side from left to right. In the main scanning direction, image GC2 is arranged between image GC1 and image GC3. In layout example 1 shown in Fig. 12(A), the scanning distance L1 of the ejection head 10 is always the same. In layout example 1, the period of scanning distance L1 is, for example, period T11.

[0090] In layout example 2 of multiple images GC1, GC3, and GC2 shown in FIG. 12(B), image GC1, image GC3, and image GC2 are arranged side by side from left to right. In the main scanning direction, image GC2 is arranged outside image GC3. "Outside" in the main scanning direction may mean, for example, being farther away from image GC1 than image GC3. Image GC3 is arranged between images GC1 and GC2. In layout example 2 shown in FIG. 12(B), the period during which the ejection head 10 scans distance L1 is period T12, which is shorter than period T11. In layout example 2, the period during which the ejection head 10 scans distance L2, which is shorter than scanning distance L1, is period T21.

[0091] The scanning time, which is the time it takes for the ejection head 10 to move once over the scanning distance L1, is, for example, ta seconds. The scanning time, which is the time it takes for the ejection head 10 to move once over the scanning distance L2, is, for example, tb seconds (tb <ta)。

[0092] When multiple images GC1 to GC3 of the same print quality are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, the image forming apparatus 100 can determine the layout so that a blank area is generated on the scanning end side. The scanning end side is a position farther from the movement start position of the ejection head 10 in the scanning direction of the ejection head 10. The image forming apparatus 100 can shorten the printing time by selecting layout example 2 shown in Fig. 12(B) rather than layout example 1 shown in Fig. 12(A) to print multiple images.

[0093] <Example of a layout that reduces margins> FIG. 13 shows a second example of a layout of multiple images GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2 using nesting. FIG. 13(A) shows a third example of a layout of multiple images GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2, and FIG. 13(B) shows a second example of a layout of multiple images GC4, GA2, GB1, and GA1. The layout example of multiple images shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which multiple images GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2 with different print quality conditions are arranged. The print quality of image GB1 is, for example, standard monochrome printing (600 × 300 dpi), 1 pass, and 1 / 2 interlace. Image GB1 may be, for example, a poster. The print quality of image GC4 is, for example, high-speed monochrome printing (600 × 300 dpi), 1 pass, and 1 / 1 interlace. Image GC4 may be, for example, a drawing. The print quality of image GA1 is, for example, high-quality color printing (600 x 600 dpi), two passes, and half interlace. Image GA1 may also be, for example, a photograph. The print quality of image GA2 is, for example, high-quality color printing (600 x 600 dpi), two passes, and half interlace. Image GA2 may also be, for example, a photograph.

[0094] The sizes of the images GB1 and GA1 in the main scanning direction may be the same. The size of image GC4 in the main scanning direction is larger than the sizes of images GB1 and GA1 in the main scanning direction. The size of image GA2 in the main scanning direction is larger than the sizes of images GB1 and GA1 in the main scanning direction and smaller than the size of image GC4 in the main scanning direction.

[0095] The sizes in the sub-scanning direction are largest in the order of images GA2, GB1, GA1, and GC4. In terms of size in the sub-scanning direction, image GA2 is the largest and image GC4 is the smallest.

[0096] 13A, the images GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2 are arranged in the order GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2 in the sub-scanning direction. In layout example 3, the left ends of the images GB1, GC4, GA1, and GA2 are aligned in the main scanning direction.

[0097] In layout example 4 of the multiple images GC4, GA2, GB1, and GA1 shown in Figure 13(B), the images are arranged in the following order in the sub-scanning direction: GC4, GA2, GB1, and GA1. In layout example 4, the orientation of image GA2 is rotated 90 degrees compared to example 3. In layout example 4, the ends of image GA2 and image GB1 that are closer to the print start position are aligned in the sub-scanning direction. In layout example 4, image GA1 is arranged farther away from the print start position than image GB1 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0098] In layout example 4, the left end positions of the multiple images GC4 and GA2 are aligned in the main scanning direction. In layout example 4, the multiple images GB1 and GA1 are arranged to the left of image GA2 in the main scanning direction. In layout example 4, the left end positions of the multiple images GB1 and GA1 are aligned in the main scanning direction.

[0099] <Nesting process procedure> 14 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the procedure of nesting processing. The nesting processing may be executed by the control unit 500 in the image forming apparatus 100, or may be executed by the host (PC) 600 connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, a case where the control unit 500 executes the nesting processing will be described.

[0100] The control unit 500 determines paper information (step S11). The paper information includes the size of the paper P on which multiple images are printed and paper type information. The control unit 500 may obtain the paper information from the host 600. The control unit 500 may obtain information regarding the size of the paper P from the paper size sensor 24.

[0101] The control unit 500 inputs image information (step S12). The image information includes information about the size of the image to be printed and information about print quality. The information about print quality may include printing conditions for each print quality. The control unit 500 inputs the image information from the host 600.

[0102] The control unit 500 determines whether nesting is enabled (step S13). If nesting is enabled (step S13; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S14. If nesting is not enabled, the control unit 500 executes the process of step S21 shown in FIG. 15. The control unit 500 may determine whether nesting is enabled based on a user's operation input. The user can input information regarding whether nesting is enabled by operating the operation panel 514. The control unit 500 may obtain information regarding whether nesting is enabled from, for example, the host 600. If the user wants to execute nesting, the user can execute an operation input to enable nesting. If the user does not want to execute nesting, the user can execute an operation input to disable nesting.

[0103] The control unit 500 creates a temporary layout (step S14). The control unit 500 can create a plurality of temporary layouts. The layout creation flow will be described later.

[0104] The control unit 500 displays the created temporary layout (step S15). The control unit 500 causes the display unit to display information about the multiple temporary layouts. The display unit may be the operation panel 514, a display unit of the host 600, or another display unit connected to the control unit 500.

[0105] The control unit 500 inputs a selection operation by the user (step S16). The user can select and input a layout to be executed from among multiple provisional layouts displayed on the display unit. For example, the operation panel 514 or the host 600 accepts the selection operation by the user. The control unit 500 inputs information related to the user's selection operation from the operation panel 514 or the host 600.

[0106] The control unit 500 determines the layout based on the selection operation by the user (step S17). After executing the process of step S17, the control unit 500 executes the process of step S21 shown in FIG.

[0107] 15 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the procedure in the nesting process. The control unit 500 inputs image data (step S21). The control unit 500 receives image data for a plurality of images from the host 600.

[0108] The control unit 500 arranges the image data (step S22). The control unit 500 arranges the image data in the image memory (for example, RAM 503) in sequence according to the determined layout information.

[0109] The control unit 500 generates masking data (step S23). The control unit 500 generates the masking data based on the layout information and the information on the printing conditions (see FIG. 3).

[0110] The control unit 500 performs gradation processing (step S24). The control unit 500 executes image processing such as density correction and gradation processing of the image data as necessary.

[0111] The control unit 500 generates rendering data (step S25). The control unit 500 converts the data sequence into data units to be discharged in one scan, and limits the discharge data using masking data. The control unit 500 generates rendering data from the masking data and the image data (after gradation processing) (step S25). Here, the rendering data becomes image data in units of one scan by the head 10.

[0112] The control unit 500 scans the ejection head 10 to print (step S26). The control unit 500 ejects ink from the ejection head 10 to form an image on the paper P. The control unit 500 transports the paper P (step S27). The control unit 500 drives the sub-scanning motor 52 to transport the paper P.

[0113] The control unit 500 determines whether printing is complete (step S28). If printing is not complete (step S28; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S26. The control unit 500 repeats the processes of steps S26 to S28 until printing is complete. If printing is complete (step S28; NO), the control unit 500 ends the process here.

[0114] <Temporary layout creation process> Next, the procedure in the temporary layout creation process will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure in the temporary layout creation process. The control unit 500 can execute the temporary layout creation process. The host (PC) 600 may also execute the temporary layout creation process. Here, a case where the control unit 500 executes the temporary layout creation process will be described.

[0115] The control unit 500 generates all possible combinations of image rotations (step S31). The control unit 500 generates multiple provisional layouts by arranging each image so that either the long side direction or the short side direction is aligned with the main scanning direction. For example, if there are six images that can be printed simultaneously, 46,080 possible combinations are possible. The control unit 500 does not have to generate all possible combinations of image rotations. The control unit 500 may set a maximum number of combinations to be generated.

[0116] The control unit 500 calculates the blank area for each of the generated temporary layouts for all combinations. The blank area is the area of ​​a blank region where no image is placed.

[0117] The control unit 500 determines whether or not the blank area has been calculated for the temporary layouts of all combinations (step S32). If the blank area has been calculated for the temporary layouts of all combinations (step S32; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S41. If the blank area has not been calculated for the temporary layouts of all combinations (step S32; NO), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S33.

[0118] The control unit 500 determines whether or not all images have been checked (step S33). If all images have been checked (step S33; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S39. If all images have not been checked (step S33; NO), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S34.

[0119] The control unit 500 adds the width of the current image to the total width of the multiple images (step S34).

[0120] The control unit 500 determines whether the total width of the multiple images is greater than the width of the paper P (step S35). If the total width of the multiple images is greater than the width of the paper P (step S35; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S39. If the total width of the multiple images is not greater than the width of the paper P (step S35; NO), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S36.

[0121] The control unit 500 adds "1" to the number of sheets loaded (step S36). The number of sheets loaded may be the number of images to be formed on the paper P (number of sheets).

[0122] The control unit 500 determines whether the maximum image height is greater than the current image height (step S37). If the maximum image height is greater than the current image height (step S37; YES), the control unit 500 returns to step S33. If the maximum image height is not greater than the current image height (step S37; NO), the control unit 500 executes the processing of step S38. The "maximum image height" is the maximum image height among the images already arranged. The "image height" is the height of the newly arranged image.

[0123] The control unit 500 updates the maximum image height with the current image height (step S38).

[0124] In step S39, the control unit 500 calculates the area of ​​the margin.

[0125] After executing the process of step S38, the control unit 500 calculates the estimated printing time (step S40).

[0126] After executing the process of step S40, the control unit 500 returns to step S32. After calculating the blank space area for all combinations (step S32; YES), the control unit 500 executes the process of step S41.

[0127] In step S41, the control unit 500 selects a temporary layout. The control unit 500 determines, from among the multiple temporary layouts, the temporary layout that has the shortest estimated printing time. The control unit 500 determines to print multiple images according to the determined temporary layout.

[0128] The control unit 500 can select a temporary layout that requires the shortest printing time. The control unit 500 may select a temporary layout that requires the smallest margins. The control unit 500 may select a temporary layout that requires the shortest printing time while maintaining the order in which the images were received. The control unit 500 may select a temporary layout that requires the smallest margins while maintaining the order in which the images were received.

[0129] <Example of estimated printing time calculation> Next, an example of calculating the estimated print time when printing according to a provisional layout will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a provisional layout, and a diagram showing an example of calculating the estimated print time. In the provisional layout example shown in Fig. 17(A), multiple images GB2, GB3, and GC5 are lined up in the main scanning direction.

[0130] The print quality of the multiple images GB2 and GB3 is, for example, standard printing (600 x 600 dpi). Images GB2 and GB3 may be, for example, drawings. The print quality of image GC5 is, for example, high-speed printing (600 x 300 dpi). Image GC5 may be, for example, a drawing.

[0131] Here we will show an example of calculating the estimated print time from the size of the image data at the time of provisional layout. White skip, which does not print or scan white pixel areas, is common, but the calculation of the estimated print time below assumes that the entire image will be printed. The calculation of the estimated print time below assumes that the width of the image will be printed or scanned.

[0132] In the example of the temporary layout shown in FIG. 17(A), the number of scans for the scan distance L31 in the period T31 is, for example, "N1". The number of scans for the scan distance L32 in the period T31 is, for example, "N2". The number of scans for the scan distance L31 in the period T32 is, for example, "M1". The number of scans for the scan distance L33 in the period T32 is, for example, "M2".

[0133] In the example of the provisional layout shown in FIG. 17(B), a plurality of images GB2, GC4, and GB3 are arranged in the main scanning direction.

[0134] In the example of the provisional layout shown in FIG. 17(B), the number of scans for the scanning distance L31 in the period T33 is, for example, "N1" + "N2". The number of scans for the scanning distance L32 in the period T34 is, for example, "M1". The number of scans for the scanning distance L33 in the period T34 is, for example, "M2". Due to the image size conditions, the period T31 = the period T33, and the period T32 = the period T34.

[0135] In the case of the example of the provisional layout shown in FIG. 17(A), the estimated printing time T17A can be calculated by the following formula (1).

[0136] T17A=(N1+M1)×ta+N2×tb+M2×tc...(1)

[0137] In the case of the example of the provisional layout shown in FIG. 17(B), the estimated printing time T17B can be calculated by the following formula (2).

[0138] T17B=(N1+N2)×ta+M1×tb+M2×tc...(2)

[0139] Note that the control unit 500 can determine areas where white skip is possible in a rendered image, and therefore can calculate a more accurate estimated printing time.

[0140] <Examples of printing conditions for each print quality> Figure 18 is a table showing examples of printing conditions for each print quality. For monochrome "high-speed printing" (e.g., drawings), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 300, the number of passes is 1, the interlacing is 1 / 1, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. For monochrome "standard printing" (e.g., posters), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 600, the number of passes is 1, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. For monochrome "high-quality printing" (e.g., photographs), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 600, the number of passes is 2, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz.

[0141] In color "high-speed printing" (e.g., drawings), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 300, the number of passes is 1, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. In color "standard printing" (e.g., posters), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 600, the number of passes is 2, the interlacing is 1 / 2, and the drive waveform frequency is 24 kHz. In color "high-quality printing" (e.g., photographs), the main scanning resolution is 600, the sub-scanning resolution is 1200, the number of passes is 2, the interlacing is 1 / 4, and the drive waveform frequency is 16 kHz.

[0142] <Combination of multiple images that can be printed at the same time> Next, we will explain combinations of multiple images that can be printed simultaneously. Figure 19 is a diagram showing combinations of multiple images that can be printed simultaneously and combinations of multiple images that cannot be printed simultaneously. "Can be printed simultaneously" means that multiple images can be lined up in the main scanning direction and formed in the same scan. "Cannot be printed simultaneously" means that multiple images cannot be lined up in the main scanning direction and formed in the same scan. In Figure 19, combinations that can be printed simultaneously are marked with "Y" and combinations that cannot be printed simultaneously are marked with "N."

[0143] Multiple images of the same print quality can be printed at the same time. Multiple monochrome images can be printed at the same time. Monochrome images can be printed at the same time as color high-speed images. Monochrome images can be printed at the same time as color standard images.

[0144] Multiple color high-speed print images can be printed simultaneously with color standard print images.

[0145] <Combination of multiple images that cannot be printed simultaneously> High-quality color print images cannot be printed simultaneously with monochrome images. High-quality color print images cannot be printed simultaneously with high-speed color print images. High-quality color print images cannot be printed simultaneously with standard color print images. The drive waveform frequency when printing high-quality color print images is 16 kHz, so they cannot be printed simultaneously with other images that have a different drive waveform frequency.

[0146] <Nozzle plate 16 of ejection head 10B according to Example 2> 20 is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate 16 of the ejection heads 11 to 15 according to Example 2. The ejection heads 12 to 15 are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction. The ejection heads 12 to 15 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. The ejection heads 12 to 15 are arranged at a different position from the ejection head 11 in the sub-scanning direction. The nozzles N of the ejection heads 12B to 15 are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the nozzles N of the ejection head 11 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0147] The spacing between multiple nozzles N in the same ejection head 10 is, for example, 84.7 μm (300 dpi). The spacing between the nozzle N of ejection head 11 that is closest to ejection head 12 and the nozzle N of ejection head 12 that is closest to ejection head 11 is, for example, 84.7 μm (300 dpi).

[0148] In the image forming apparatus 100, a monochrome image can be formed by ejecting black ink from the ejection heads 11 and 12. In the image forming apparatus 100, a color image can be formed by ejecting each color ink from the ejection heads 12 to 15. In the image forming apparatus 100, the ejection width for monochrome printing is twice that for color printing. The printing speed for monochrome printing can be twice that for color printing.

[0149] The "ejection width" may be the length of the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction. The ejection width in color printing may be, for example, the length L11 of the nozzle row of the ejection head 15. The ejection width in monochrome printing may be a length L12 including the length of the nozzle row of the ejection head 11 and the length of the nozzle row of the ejection head 12. The length of the nozzle row may be the distance between the centers of the nozzles N at both ends in the sub-scanning direction. The ejection heads 12 to 15 that eject color inks are an example of a "first head." The heads 11 and 12 that eject black ink are an example of a "second head." The nozzle row of the first head is the first nozzle row, and the nozzle row of the second head is the second nozzle row. In the image forming apparatus 100, for example, if the length of the first nozzle row is shorter than the length of the second nozzle row, the image formed using the first head can be positioned from a position closer to the scanning start position. In the image forming apparatus 100, for example, when the length of the second nozzle row is shorter than the length of the first nozzle row, the second head can be positioned closer to the scanning start position in the image formed using the second head. Note that the first nozzle row may be longer than the second nozzle row.

[0150] <Mask pattern> Fig. 21 is a diagram showing examples of mask patterns for each print quality, showing mask patterns D1, D2, D3, and D4 for color "standard printing" and mask patterns E1, E2, E3, and E4 for monochrome "standard printing."

[0151] In the first and second scans of monochrome "standard printing," liquid ejection is turned off across the entire surface, so no ejection data is generated.

[0152] The mask pattern D3 in the third scan of color "standard printing" is the same as the mask pattern E3 in the third scan of monochrome "standard printing." The mask pattern D4 in the fourth scan of color "standard printing" is the same as the mask pattern E4 in the fourth scan of monochrome "standard printing."

[0153] For example, in the mask pattern D1 for the first scan of color "standard printing," liquid ejection is turned on in the squares (x,y)=(1,1), (2,1), (3,1), (4,1), (1,3), (2,3), (3,3), and (4,3).

[0154] For example, in the mask pattern D2 of the second scan of color "standard printing," liquid ejection is turned on in the squares (x,y)=(1,2), (2,2), (3,2), (4,2), (1,4), (2,4), (3,4), and (4,4).

[0155] <Example of printing from the first scan> 22 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection heads 11 to 15 and printing during the first scan. During the first scan, liquid is ejected only onto the area of ​​image GD1 (image area A) where standard color printing is performed. Liquid is not ejected onto the area of ​​image GE1 (image area B) where standard monochrome printing is performed.

[0156] In the first scan, liquid ejection is performed on the mask pattern D1 whose "scan number" is "4N+1."

[0157] 23, a standard color print image GD1 and a standard monochrome print image GE1 are arranged in sequence in the main scanning direction. In the first scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of the standard color print image GD1, so the ejection head 10 scans only over a scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A. In the first scan, the ejection head 10 does not scan over width W2 corresponding to image area B. This allows the movement distance of the ejection head 10 to be shortened.

[0158] <Example of printing from the second scan> 23 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection heads 11 to 15 and printing during the second scan. During the second scan, liquid is ejected only onto the area of ​​image GD1 (image area A) where standard color printing is performed. Liquid is not ejected onto the area of ​​image GE1 (image area B) where standard monochrome printing is performed.

[0159] In the second scan, liquid ejection is performed on the mask pattern D2, whose "scan number" is "4N+2."

[0160] In the second scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of the standard color print image GD1, so the ejection head 10 scans only over scanning width W1, which corresponds to image area A. In the second scan, the ejection head 10 does not scan width W2, which corresponds to image area B. This allows the movement distance of the ejection head 10 to be shortened.

[0161] <Example of printing on the third scan> 24 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection heads 11 to 15 and printing during the third scan. During the third scan, liquid is ejected onto an area of ​​image GD1 (image area A) for standard color printing, and onto an area of ​​image GE1 (image area B) for standard monochrome printing.

[0162] In the third scan, liquid ejection is performed on the mask patterns D3 and E3, whose "scan number" is "4N+3."

[0163] In the third scan, the ejection head 10 scans over a scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A and a scanning width W2 corresponding to image area B to eject liquid onto image area A of the color standard print image GD1 and image area B of the monochrome standard print image GE1.

[0164] <Example of printing on the 4th scan> 25 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the ejection heads 11 to 15 and printing during the fourth scan. During the fourth scan, liquid is ejected onto an area of ​​image GD1 (image area A) for standard color printing, and onto an area of ​​image GE1 (image area B) for standard monochrome printing.

[0165] In the fourth scan, liquid ejection is performed on mask pattern D4 and mask pattern E4, whose "scan number" is "4N+4."

[0166] In the fourth scan, liquid is ejected onto image area A of the color standard print image GD1 and image area B of the monochrome standard print image GE1, so the ejection head 10 scans over a scanning width W1 corresponding to image area A and a scanning width W2 corresponding to image area B.

[0167] <Conditions for arranging (optimizing) multiple images within the same scan; Main scan resolution> Next, we will explain the conditions (main scanning resolution) under which multiple images can be arranged within the same scan. When printing multiple images, the same drive waveform is used to eject liquid. If the multiple images have the same main scanning resolution, then multiple images can be arranged within the same scan. If the main scanning resolution of an image is an integer multiple of the lowest main scanning resolution of the multiple images, then multiple images can be arranged within the same scan.

[0168] For example, suppose the multiple images include a first image and a second image. If the main scanning resolution of the first image is 600 dpi and the main scanning resolution of the second image is 1200 dpi, the first image and the second image can be arranged in the same scan. For example, if the main scanning resolution of the first image is 300 dpi and the main scanning resolution of the second image is 600 dpi, the first image and the second image can be arranged in the same scan. For example, if the main scanning resolution of the first image is 300 dpi and the main scanning resolution of the second image is 900 dpi, the first image and the second image cannot be arranged in the same scan because the main scanning resolution of the first image is 600 dpi and the main scanning resolution of the second image is 900 dpi, which is 1.5 times the minimum main scanning resolution and not an integer multiple.

[0169] <Conditions for placing (optimizing) multiple images within the same scan; sub-scan resolution> Next, we will explain the conditions under which multiple images can be arranged within the same scan (sub-scan resolution). When printing multiple images, the same drive waveform is used to eject liquid. If the multiple images have the same sub-scan resolution, multiple images can be arranged within the same scan. If the sub-scan resolution of an image is an integer multiple of the lowest sub-scan resolution of the multiple images, multiple images can be arranged within the same scan.

[0170] For example, suppose the multiple images include a first image and a second image. If the sub-scan resolution of the first image is 600 dpi and the sub-scan resolution of the second image is 1200 dpi, the first image and the second image can be arranged in the same scan. For example, if the sub-scan resolution of the first image is 300 dpi and the sub-scan resolution of the second image is 600 dpi, the first image and the second image can be arranged in the same scan. For example, if the sub-scan resolution of the first image is 300 dpi and the main-scan resolution of the second image is 900 dpi, the first image and the second image can be arranged in the same scan. For example, if the sub-scan resolution of the first image is 600 dpi and the main-scan resolution of the second image is 900 dpi, the first image and the second image cannot be arranged in the same scan because the resolution is 1.5 times the lowest main-scan resolution, not an integer multiple.

[0171] <Conditions under which multiple images cannot be placed (optimized) within the same scan (Part 1)> FIG. 26 shows a first case where multiple images cannot be arranged in the same scan. Here, an example will be given in which the main scanning resolution of the first image GF1 is 900 dpi and the main scanning resolution of the second image GF2 is 600 dpi.

[0172] The sub-scanning resolution of the first image GF1 is 600 dpi, and the sub-scanning resolution of the second image GF2 is 600 dpi. The spacing between the nozzles N of the ejection head 10 is 84.7 μm (300 dpi). In the first image GF1, the spacing between the landing positions of droplets in the main scanning direction is 28.2 μm. In the second image GF2, the spacing between the landing positions of droplets in the main scanning direction is 42.3 μm. At the boundary between the first image GF1 and the second image GF2, the spacing between the landing positions of droplets in the first image GF1 and the second image GF2 is 35.3 μm.

[0173] It is not common to switch the drive waveform for ejecting droplets between different types of drive waveforms during the same scan of the ejection head 10. For example, switching to a drive waveform with a different frequency is difficult because it affects the landing position of the droplets. Therefore, the first image GF1 and the second image GF2, whose resolutions in the main scanning direction are not an integral multiple, cannot be arranged within the same scan.

[0174] <Conditions under which multiple images cannot be placed (optimized) within the same scan (part 2)> FIG. 27 shows a second case where multiple images cannot be arranged within the same scan. Here, an example will be given in which the sub-scanning resolution of the first image GG1 is 900 dpi and the sub-scanning resolution of the second image GG2 is 600 dpi.

[0175] The sub-scanning resolution of the first image GG1 is 900 dpi, and the sub-scanning resolution of the second image GG2 is 600 dpi. The spacing between the nozzles N of the ejection head 10 is 84.7 μm (300 dpi). In the sub-scanning direction, there is a deviation between the landing positions of droplets in the first image GG1 and the landing positions of droplets in the second image GG2. Therefore, the first image GG1 and the second image GG2, whose sub-scanning resolutions are not an integer multiple, cannot be arranged within the same scan.

[0176] <Ejection head 10C according to Example 3> Next, an ejection head 10C according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 28(A) is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate 16 of the ejection head 10C according to the third embodiment. The ejection head 10C has a plurality of nozzle rows NL1 and NL2 formed therein. The nozzles N included in the plurality of nozzle rows NL1 and NL2 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction are arranged at different positions. The carriage 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be equipped with the ejection head 10C.

[0177] <Ejection head 10D according to Example 4> Next, an ejection head 10D according to Example 4 will be described. Fig. 28(B) is a bottom view showing the nozzle plate 16 of the ejection head 10D according to Example 4. The ejection head 10D has a plurality of ejection heads 12 to 15. Each of the plurality of ejection heads 12 to 15 has a nozzle row NL formed therein. The nozzles N included in the nozzle rows of the plurality of ejection heads 12 to 15 are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be equipped with the ejection head 10C.

[0178] <Conditions under which multiple images cannot be placed (optimized) within the same scan (part 3)> 29 is a diagram showing a third case where multiple images cannot be arranged within the same scan. For example, using the ejection head 10C according to the third embodiment, it is not possible to arrange and print a first image GH1 and a second image GH2 within the same scan.

[0179] The first image GH1 has a main scanning resolution of 600 dpi and a sub-scanning resolution of 600 dpi. The frequency of the drive waveform for forming the first image GH is 24 kHz. The second image GH2 has a main scanning resolution of 600 dpi and a sub-scanning resolution of 600 dpi. The frequency of the drive waveform for forming the second image GH is 24 kHz.

[0180] There are cases where it is not possible to switch from the drive waveform for forming the first image GH1 to the drive waveform for forming the second image GH2. For example, when control is required to switch the drive waveform depending on the position of nozzle N in the main scanning direction, it is not common to switch the drive waveform even if the drive waveform frequency is the same. Control to switch the drive waveform is complicated, and switching the drive waveform is not common.

[0181] For example, the control of sequentially switching the drive waveforms depending on the positions of multiple nozzle rows NL1 and NL2 within the same ejection head 10C when they approach the boundary position between the first image GH1 and the second image GH is complex and not common.

[0182] For example, even if the print quality is the same, if different drive waveforms are used, multiple images cannot be arranged within the same scan.

[0183] <Example of driving waveform> Figure 30 is a waveform diagram showing an example of a drive waveform. The frequency of drive waveform 1 shown in Figure 30(A) is, for example, 24 kHz. The frequency of drive waveform 2 shown in Figure 30(B) is, for example, 16 kHz. The frequency of drive waveform 3 shown in Figure 30(C) is, for example, 24 kHz. These drive waveforms 1 to 3 have mutually different waveforms.

[0184] In the image forming apparatus 100, the scanning speed of the carriage 20 during printing must be constant. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the scanning speeds are different, it is not possible to form an image by arranging multiple images within the same scan. For example, it is not possible to form an image by arranging multiple images within the same scan using multiple different drive waveforms 1 to 3 as shown in FIG.

[0185] <Image forming system 500B according to the second embodiment> Next, an image forming system 500B according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 31 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming system 500B according to the second embodiment. The image forming system 500B according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 31 differs from the image forming system 510 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in that image processing and data generation are performed in the host 600. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0186] The host (PC) 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 that stores fixed data such as various programs including those executed by the CPU 501, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503 that temporarily stores image data, etc. The host 600 also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory 504 that holds data even when the power to the host 600 is cut off, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 505 that processes various signal processes and image processing such as sorting of image data, as well as input / output signals for controlling the entire device.

[0187] The CPU 501 of the host 600 can execute various functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 502. The host 600 can function as an image processing unit and an image layout determination unit.

[0188] The host 600 can perform layout processing to determine the arrangement of multiple print data. The host 600 can perform image processing such as gradation processing and color correction. The host 600 can generate masking data. The host 600 can generate rendering images.

[0189] The host 600 transmits print information to the control unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100. The print information includes information about the rendering image, information about the main scanning width, and information about the sub-scanning width. The control unit 500 of the image forming apparatus 100 executes control based on the print information received from the host 600 to form an image.

[0190] <Nesting process procedure> Fig. 32 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the procedure in the nesting process. Fig. 33 is a flowchart (part 4) showing the procedure in the nesting process. The processes shown in Figs. 32 and 33 are executed by the host (PC) 600. In Figs. 32 and 33, the same step numbers are used for the same processes as those shown in Figs. 14 and 15. In addition, in the description of the processes shown in Figs. 32 and 33, the same descriptions as those in Figs. 14 and 15 may be omitted.

[0191] The host 600 inputs paper information from the image forming apparatus 100 (step S51). Next, the host 600 determines image information (print data) (step S52). The image information includes information about the image to be printed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0192] After the process of step S52, the host 600 executes the processes of steps S13 to S17. After the process of step S17, the host 600 executes the processes of steps S22 to S25 shown in FIG.

[0193] After the process of step S25, the host 600 outputs image data to the image forming apparatus 100. The host 600 outputs to the image forming apparatus 100 information necessary for printing.

[0194] The image forming apparatus 100 receives image information from the host 600 and prints it.

[0195] The image forming system 500B according to the second embodiment also has the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0196] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0197] For example, in the above embodiment, an image forming apparatus equipped with a recording head according to the present invention has been described, but the recording head according to the present invention and its control can be widely applied to devices that eject liquid, including image forming apparatuses.

[0198] In this application, a "liquid ejecting device" is a device that includes a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection unit and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. Liquid ejecting devices include not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects to which the liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid.

[0199] This "liquid ejecting device" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging items onto which liquid can be attached, as well as pre-processing devices and post-processing devices.

[0200] For example, examples of "liquid ejecting devices" include image forming devices that eject ink to form images on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices (three-dimensional modeling devices) that eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed from layers of powder in order to create a three-dimensional object (a three-dimensional model).

[0201] Furthermore, the term "liquid ejection device" is not limited to devices that use ejected liquid to visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures. For example, it may include devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves.

[0202] The above-mentioned "object onto which a liquid can adhere" means an object onto which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, an object onto which the liquid can adhere and stick, an object onto which the liquid can penetrate, etc. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic circuit boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects onto which a liquid can adhere.

[0203] The material of the "substance to which a liquid can adhere" may be any material to which a liquid can adhere, even temporarily, such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, or ceramics.

[0204] Furthermore, the pressure generating means used in the "liquid ejection head" is not limited. For example, a piezoelectric actuator (which may use a laminated piezoelectric element), a thermal actuator using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, an electrostatic actuator consisting of a vibration plate and an opposing electrode, etc. may be used.

[0205] In addition, in the present application, the terms image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, modeling, etc. are all synonymous.

[0206] Each function executed by the control unit 500 in the embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a CPU implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0207] One aspect of the present invention may be as follows.

[0208] <1> an image forming unit that scans a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction to form a plurality of images on a recording medium; a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction; an image information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that determines the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination unit that determines a first layout, which is a layout of the plurality of images in the main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; The image forming unit includes: an image forming apparatus that forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement; <2> a calculation unit that calculates a total movement distance of the liquid ejection head when forming the plurality of images, the calculation unit calculates a total movement distance of the liquid ejection head for each of a plurality of different types of the first arrangements; the image layout determination unit determines the first layout that has the shortest total movement distance from among the plurality of types of first layouts. <1> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <3> an information output unit that outputs information about a plurality of different types of first arrangements; an input unit that allows a user to input an operation; a calculation unit that calculates a printing time for each of the plurality of types of first arrangements, the information output unit displays the plurality of types of information related to the first arrangement and the printing time; The image layout determination unit determines the first layout from among the plurality of types of first layouts based on the operation input, and the image forming unit forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the first layout determined based on the operation input. <2> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . <4> the image layout determination unit determines the first layout for the plurality of images corresponding to different numbers of passes such that the plurality of images are arranged in the main scanning direction in descending order of the number of passes. <1> ~ <3> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: <5> the plurality of images includes a first image and a second image; The image layout determination unit When it is determined that the first image and the second image are not arranged side by side in the main scanning direction based on the image information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to the first image, and the image information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to the second image, the first image and the second image are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the sub-scanning direction. <1> ~ <4> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: <6> The liquid ejection head includes: a first head having a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that eject color inks are arranged; a second head having a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that eject black ink are arranged, a length of the first nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction and a length width of the second nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction are different, The image layout determination unit When the plurality of images include a mixture of black-and-white images and color images, the first arrangement is determined so that the images formed using the first head or the second head, whichever has the shorter length in the sub-scanning direction, are arranged in order in the main scanning direction, starting from the first head or the second head, out of the length of the first nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction and the length of the second nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction. <1> ~ <5> 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: <7> A control device for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that scans a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction to form a plurality of images on a recording medium, and a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, an image information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that executes a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination unit that determines a first layout, which is a layout of the plurality of images in the main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a control device that forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement. <8> an image information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of a plurality of images included in the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing step of executing a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination step of determining a first layout, which is the layout of the plurality of images in a main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a recording medium conveying step of conveying the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting a main scanning direction; an image forming step of forming a plurality of images on the recording medium by scanning the liquid ejection head in the main scanning direction, In the image forming step, an image forming method for forming the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement; <9> A program for causing a computer to execute a process for ejecting liquid from a plurality of nozzles of a liquid ejection head, The program an image information acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that executes a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination process that determines a first layout, which is the layout of the plurality of images in a main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a recording medium conveying process for conveying the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction; an image forming process for forming a plurality of images on the recording medium by scanning the liquid ejection head in the main scanning direction; In the image forming process, a program for forming the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement; [Explanation of symbols]

[0209] 100 Image forming device 10 Discharge head (liquid discharge head; image forming unit) 42 Paper (medium) 500A, 500B Image Forming System 510 control section 531 Image information acquisition unit 532 Image Processing Unit 533 Image placement determination unit 534 Masking Section 535 Arithmetic section P Paper (recording medium) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0210] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-038714

Claims

1. an image forming unit that scans a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction to form a plurality of images on a recording medium; a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction; an image information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that determines the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination unit that determines a first layout, which is a layout of the plurality of images in the main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; The image forming unit includes: an image forming apparatus that forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement;

2. a calculation unit that calculates a total movement distance of the liquid ejection head when forming the plurality of images, the calculation unit calculates a total movement distance of the liquid ejection head for each of a plurality of different types of the first arrangements; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image layout determination unit determines the first layout in which the total movement distance is shortest, from among the plurality of types of first layouts.

3. an information output unit that outputs information about a plurality of different types of the first arrangements; an input unit that allows a user to input an operation; a calculation unit that calculates a printing time for each of the plurality of types of first arrangements, the information output unit displays the plurality of types of information relating to the first arrangement and the printing time; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image layout determination unit determines the first layout from among the plurality of types of first layouts based on the operation input, and the image forming unit forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the first layout determined based on the operation input.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image layout determination unit determines the first layout for the plurality of images corresponding to different pass counts so that the plurality of images are arranged in the main scanning direction in descending order of the pass counts.

5. the plurality of images includes a first image and a second image; The image layout determination unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the first image and the second image are not arranged side by side in the main scanning direction based on the image information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to the first image, and the image information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to the second image, the first image and the second image are arranged offset from each other in the sub-scanning direction.

6. The liquid ejection head includes: a first head having a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting color inks are arranged; a second head having a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles that eject black ink are arranged, a length of the first nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction and a width of the second nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction are different, The image layout determination unit When the plurality of images include a mixture of black-and-white images and color images, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first arrangement is determined so that the images formed using the first head or the second head, whichever has the shorter length in the sub-scanning direction, are arranged in order in the main scanning direction.

7. A control device for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that scans a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction to form a plurality of images on a recording medium, and a recording medium transport unit that transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction, an image information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that executes a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination unit that determines a first layout, which is a layout of the plurality of images in the main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a control device that forms the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement;

8. an image information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of a plurality of images included in the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing step of executing a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination step of determining a first layout, which is the layout of the plurality of images in a main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a recording medium conveying step of conveying the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting a main scanning direction; an image forming step of forming a plurality of images on the recording medium by scanning the liquid ejection head in the main scanning direction, In the image forming step, an image forming method for forming the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement;

9. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for ejecting liquid from a plurality of nozzles of a liquid ejection head, The program an image information acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of pieces of image information including size information, resolution information, and image mode information of each of the plurality of images formed on the recording medium; an image processing unit that executes a process of determining the number of interlaces and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the plurality of image information; an image layout determination process for determining a first layout, which is the layout of the plurality of images in a main scanning direction, based on the resolution information, the number of interlaces, and the number of passes corresponding to each of the plurality of images; a recording medium conveying process for conveying the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction; an image forming process for forming a plurality of images on the recording medium by scanning the liquid ejection head in the main scanning direction; In the image forming process, a program for forming the plurality of images on the recording medium based on the plurality of image information, the number of interlaces corresponding to each of the plurality of images, the number of passes, and the first arrangement;

Images