Recording device, control method, and program

Abstract

It suppresses bleeding and beading of colorant inks while preventing gloss degradation and deterioration of durability. [Solution] One embodiment of the present invention is a recording device characterized by comprising: a recording means having a first row of discharge ports for discharging colorant ink arranged along a sub-scanning direction and a second row of discharge ports for discharging a reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction; and a control means that performs multi-pass recording to record an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, the control means that controls the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording the image to be greater than 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording method, and more particularly, to a technique of an inkjet recording apparatus that forms an image by a multi-pass recording method using a reaction liquid ink.

Background Art

[0002] An inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a recording head onto the recording medium is known. When forming an image on a low-permeability recording medium using this recording apparatus, since the ink hardly penetrates into the recording medium, it remains on the recording medium, and bleeding occurs between adjacent different-colorant ink droplets due to contact between the droplets. To reduce this bleeding, a technique using a reaction liquid ink (also simply referred to as a reaction liquid) that reacts with the colorant contained in the colorant ink is also known. By bringing the colorant ink and the reaction liquid ink into contact on the recording medium, aggregation of the colorant contained in the colorant ink is caused, thereby reducing bleeding. However, if the reaction liquid ink is applied more than necessary, there is a problem that over-aggregation with the colorant occurs and the gloss of the obtained recording material decreases. To address this problem, Patent Document 1 describes that the application amount of the reaction liquid ink should be appropriately changed according to the application amount of the colorant ink.

[0003] Also, in a so-called multi-pass recording method in which all pixels within a recordable area in one scan are divided into a plurality of groups and the recording of the area is completed by scanning a plurality of times, there is also a recording apparatus that controls the application order of the colorant ink and the reaction liquid ink. This control is performed to increase the probability of contact with the reaction liquid ink before bleeding occurs between the colorant ink droplets by completing the application of the reaction liquid ink in fewer scans than the plurality of scans for applying the colorant ink.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] However, simply changing the amount of reaction solution according to the amount of colorant ink used may result in the minimum amount of reaction solution necessary to suppress bleeding and beading of the colorant ink exceeding the upper limit of the reaction solution required to ensure gloss and durability.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above issues, this disclosure aims to prevent gloss deterioration and deterioration of durability while suppressing bleeding and beading of colorant inks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a recording means having a first row of discharge ports for discharging colorant ink arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second row of discharge ports for discharging a reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and performing multi-pass recording to record an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, the image is recorded in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which the image is recorded A recording device characterized by having a control means that controls the following: a first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied to the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image to be greater than 1, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image to be greater than 1 and less than the first ratio. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress bleeding and beading of colorant inks while preventing gloss degradation and deterioration of durability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the external appearance of the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A side view of the recording device body in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Diagram of the recording head in the first embodiment [Figure 4] Block diagram of the recording system in the first embodiment [Figure 5] Block diagram illustrating the flow of image data conversion processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows how multipath recording is performed in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the flow of the mask selection process in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Figure showing mask selection data in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the mask of the colorant ink in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the masks selected for each amount of colorant ink applied in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the mask of the reaction solution in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the mask selected for each amount of reaction solution applied in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the mask assignment and ink application amount in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to them alone.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of an inkjet recording device> The configuration and recording operation of the recording device 100 will be described below using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the inkjet recording device (hereinafter also referred to as the recording device or printer) in this embodiment. The recording device 100 in Figure 1 is a so-called serial scanning type printer, and records images by scanning the recording head in a scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium P. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the recording device 100 when viewed from the side. The scanning direction of the recording head will be referred to as the X direction or main scanning direction, and the transport direction of the recording medium P will be referred to as the Y direction or sub-scanning direction. Hereafter, when it is necessary to consider the orientation of these directions, a + or - will be added to clarify the orientation, but if it is not necessary to consider it, it will simply be written as the X direction and the Y direction. The direction indicated by the arrow in the figure is considered the positive direction.

[0012] First, the recording medium P is transported in the Y direction from the spool 6 holding the recording medium P by transport rollers driven via gears by a transport motor (not shown). Meanwhile, at a predetermined transport position, the carriage unit 2 is moved in the +X or -X direction along a guide shaft 8 extending in the X direction by a carriage motor (not shown). During this scanning process, based on the position signal obtained by the encoder 7, the recording head 9 (described later), which can be mounted on the carriage unit 2, is ejected from its ejection port, and recording is performed for a certain bandwidth corresponding to the arrangement range of the ejection port. In this embodiment, scanning is performed at a scanning speed of 30 inches per second, and the ejection operation is performed at a recording resolution of 1200 dpi (1 / 1200 inch interval). After recording for the aforementioned certain bandwidth, the recording medium P is transported, and recording is performed for the next bandwidth. The ejection port is also called a nozzle.

[0013] Furthermore, a carriage belt can be used to transmit the driving force from the carriage motor to the carriage unit 2. Instead of the carriage belt, other driving methods can be adopted, such as a lead screw that is rotationally driven by the carriage motor and extends in the X direction, and an engaging portion provided on the carriage unit 2 that engages with the groove of the lead screw.

[0014] The fed recording medium P is sandwiched and conveyed between the paper feed roller and the pinch roller, and is guided to the recording position (the scanning area of the recording head) on the platen 4. Usually, in the standby state, since the face surface of the recording head 9 is capped, the cap is opened prior to recording to make the recording head 9 in a scanable state. Then, when the data for one scan is accumulated in the buffer, the carriage unit 2 is scanned by the carriage motor, and recording is performed as described above.

[0015] A flexible wiring board 19 for supplying a drive pulse for driving the ejection element, a signal for head temperature control, etc. is attached to the recording head 9. The other end of the flexible wiring board 19 is connected to a control unit (not shown) having a control circuit such as a CPU that executes the control of this printer. The display panel 50 is configured so that the user can input or confirm the cancellation of the recording operation, information on the recording medium P, etc. A graphical user interface screen (referred to as a GUI screen) is displayed on the display panel 50.

[0016] A heater 10, supported by a frame (not shown), is located in the curing region, which is downstream in the Y direction from the position where the recording head 9 mounted on the carriage unit 2 reciprocates in the X direction. The heater 10 dries the liquid ink on the recording medium P using heat. The heater 10 is covered by a heater cover 11. The heater cover 11 has the function of efficiently irradiating the recording medium P with the heat from the heater 10 and also protects the heater 10. After recording by the recording head 9, the recording medium P is wound up by the take-up spool 12 to form a roll-shaped winding medium 13. Specifically, the heater 10 can be a sheathed heater or a halogen heater. The heating temperature of the heating section in the curing region is set considering the film-forming properties and productivity of water-soluble resin fine particles, as well as the heat resistance of the recording medium P. As a heating means for the heating section in the curing region, hot air blowing from above or contact-type heat conduction heater heating from below the recording medium can be used. In this embodiment, although one heating means is shown for the heating section in the curing region, two or more heating means may be provided and used in combination, as long as the temperature measured by the radiation thermometer (not shown) on the recording medium P does not exceed the set value of the heating temperature.

[0017] The recording device 100 of this embodiment can perform so-called multi-pass recording (also simply called multi-pass recording), in which an image is recorded on a predetermined area (1 / n band) on the recording medium P by scanning the recording head multiple times (n times). Multi-pass recording will be described in detail later.

[0018] <Recording head configuration> Figure 3 shows the recording head 9 in this embodiment. The recording head 9 is equipped with an ejection port row 22K for ejecting black ink (K), an ejection port row 22C for ejecting cyan ink (C), an ejection port row 22M for ejecting magenta ink (M), and an ejection port row 22Y for ejecting yellow ink (Y), all of which contain colorants. Since these black inks (K), cyan inks (C), magenta inks (M), and yellow inks (Y) each contain colorants, for simplicity, these inks will be referred to as colorant inks in the following description.

[0019] Furthermore, the recording head 9 is equipped with an ejection port row 22RCT that ejects a reactive liquid ink (RCT) that does not contain colorants. This reactive liquid ink (hereinafter also referred to as the reactive liquid) does not contain colorants, but it contains a reactive component that reacts with the colorants contained in the colorant ink, and can reduce bleeding by coming into contact with the colorant ink on the recording medium. The ejection port rows 22K, 22C, 22M, and 22Y that eject the colorant ink are located upstream of the ejection port row 22RCT in the main scanning direction (+X direction).

[0020] In each nozzle row, the nozzles are arranged along the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, on the recording head 9, these nozzle rows are arranged from left to right in the diagram in the order of nozzle rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT, in the main scanning direction (X direction) intersecting the sub-scanning direction. These nozzle rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT consist of 1280 nozzles 30, each ejecting ink, arranged in the Y direction (arrangement direction, sub-scanning direction) at a density of 1200 dpi. In this embodiment, the amount of ink ejected at one time from a single nozzle 30 is approximately 4.5 pl.

[0021] These ejection port rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT are each connected to an ink tank (not shown) that stores the corresponding ink, and ink is supplied to them. In this embodiment, the recording head 9 and the ink tank may be configured as an integral unit, or they may be configured to be separable.

[0022] The detailed compositions of the black ink (K), cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), and reaction solution (RCT) will be described later. Furthermore, water-soluble resin fine particles, which form a film upon heating to improve the abrasion resistance of the recorded material, may be included in each color of the colorant ink, or they may be included in a third ink, clear emulsion ink (Em), which does not contain colorants and is different from the colorant ink or reaction solution. In this case, the recording head 9 may be equipped with a row of discharge ports 22Em for discharging the clear emulsion ink.

[0023] <Recording System Configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a recording system in this embodiment, including the host device 312 and the control system within the recording device 100. The host device 312 is an information processing device connected to the recording device 100, such as a personal computer or a digital camera. The host device 312 includes a CPU 400, a memory 401, a storage unit 402, an input unit 403 such as a keyboard or mouse, and an interface 404 for communication with the recording device 100. The CPU 400 performs various processes according to programs stored in the memory 401. Generally, these programs are supplied from an external device such as a CD-ROM for storage in the storage unit 402, but they may also be pre-stored in the storage unit 402.

[0024] The host device 312 is connected to the recording device 100 via interface 404 and transmits image processing information to the recording device 100, including image data represented by R, G, and B in the image processing process described later, and a table for subsequent image processing (recording control information). Based on the transmitted image processing information, the recording device 100 performs image processing such as color processing and binarization, as well as correction processing of recording characteristics, as described later. The host device 312 may perform at least a part of the color processing, image processing, and correction processing.

[0025] The recording device 100 has a main control unit 300. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a CPU 301 that performs processing operations such as calculation, selection, discrimination, and control, as well as recording operations. The main control unit 300 also includes a ROM 302 that stores control programs to be executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 used as a buffer for recording data, and input / output ports 304. Memory 313 stores data such as masks, which will be described later. The input / output ports 304 are connected to various drive circuits 305, 306, 307, and 308 for the transport motor (LF motor) 309, carriage motor (CR motor) 310, recording head 9, and actuators in the heater 10. The main control unit 300 is connected to the host device 312 via an interface circuit 311.

[0026] <Recording medium> The recording device in this embodiment records images on a low-permeability recording medium that is resistant to moisture penetration. A low-permeability recording medium, as used here, is a medium that has no water absorption or absorbs very little water. Therefore, with water-based inks that do not contain organic solvents, the ink is repelled and no image can be formed. On the other hand, low-permeability recording media have excellent water resistance and weather resistance, making them suitable as a medium for forming recordings used outdoors. Typically, a recording medium having a water contact angle of 45° or more, preferably 60° or more, at 25°C is used as a low-permeability recording medium.

[0027] Low-permeability recording media include recording media in which a plastic layer is formed on the outermost surface of the substrate, or recording media in which no ink-receiving layer is formed on the substrate. Alternatively, they may be sheets, films, or banners made of glass, synthetic paper, or plastic. Examples of such plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Because these low-permeability recording media have excellent water resistance, light resistance, and abrasion resistance, they are generally used for recording materials for outdoor displays.

[0028] <Composition of ink and reaction solution> The details of each ink that makes up the ink set used in this embodiment are described below. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" refer to mass.

[0029] 1. Composition of each ink The composition of each ink will be described in detail below. The colorant inks (C, M, Y, K) and reaction solution (RCT) used in this embodiment all contain a water-soluble organic solvent. For reasons of wetting and moisturizing properties of the face surface of the recording head 9, the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably one with a boiling point of 150°C to 300°C. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of its function as a film-forming aid for resin fine particles and its swelling solubility in the recording medium on which the resin layer is formed, the following are particularly preferred. Specifically, ketone compounds such as acetone and cyclohexanone, propylene glycol derivatives such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and heterocyclic compounds having a lactam structure represented by N-methyl-pyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone are particularly preferred. From the viewpoint of discharge performance, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 3 wt% or more and 30 wt% or less. The water-soluble organic solvent can be used alone or as a mixture. Furthermore, it is desirable to use deionized water as the water. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the reaction solution (RCT) is not particularly limited, but in order to give the colorant inks (C, M, Y, K) the desired physical properties, surfactants, defoamers, preservatives, or fungicides may be added as appropriate, in addition to the aforementioned components.

[0030] Surfactants are used as penetrants to improve the penetration of ink into inkjet-specific recording media. The more surfactant added, the stronger its property of lowering the surface tension of the ink, thereby improving the wettability and penetration of the ink into the recording media.

[0031] Furthermore, the pH of each ink in this embodiment is stable on the alkaline side, with a value of 8.5 to 9.5. From the viewpoint of suppressing the dissolution and deterioration of components that come into contact with each ink in the recording device or recording head, and the decrease in the solubility of the dispersed resin in the ink, it is preferable that the pH of each ink be between 7.0 and 10.0. In addition, the colorant ink may further include a white ink (W).

[0032] 2. Reaction solution ink In this embodiment, a reaction solution is used to insolubilize some or all of the solid components of the colorant ink in order to solve image problems such as bleeding.

[0033] To insolubilize dissolved dyes, dispersed pigments, and resins, the reaction solution can be, for example, a solution containing polyvalent metal ions (e.g., magnesium nitrate, magnesium chloride, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, etc.). One type of flocculation action using such cations is the neutralization of the charge of water-soluble resin fine particles and the insolubilization of anionic soluble substances. For these purposes, a system using a low molecular weight cationic polymer flocculant can also be used.

[0034] Another reaction system that utilizes a difference in pH can be used for insolubilization. As mentioned earlier, most colorant inks used in inkjet recording are stable on the alkaline side due to the properties of their colorants, and their pH is generally around 7 to 10. From an industrial standpoint and considering the influence of the external environment, the pH is often set to around 8.5 to 9.5. To agglomerate and solidify such colorant inks, an acidic solution can be mixed in, and by changing the pH, the stable state can be disrupted and the dispersed components can be agglomerated. An acidic solution can also be used as the reaction solution for this purpose.

[0035] 3.Water-soluble resin fine particles The colorant ink used in this embodiment contains water-soluble resin microparticles. "Water-soluble resin microparticles" means polymer microparticles that exist in a dispersed state in water. Alternatively, core-shell type resin microparticles in which the polymer composition differs between the core and shell parts constituting the resin microparticles, or resin microparticles obtained by using pre-synthesized acrylic microparticles as seed particles to control the particle size and emulsion polymerization around them, may also be used. Furthermore, hybrid type resin microparticles obtained by chemically bonding different resin microparticles, such as acrylic resin microparticles and urethane resin microparticles, may also be used.

[0036] Furthermore, the water-soluble resin fine particles do not necessarily need to be included in the colorant ink; they may also be included in a third ink, clear emulsion ink (Em), which is different from the colorant ink and reaction solution and does not contain any colorant.

[0037] <Detailed ink composition> 1. Black ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, an anionic polymer P-1 [styrene / butyl acrylate / acrylic acid copolymer (polymerization ratio (by weight) = 30 / 40 / 30), acid value 202, weight-average molecular weight 6500] was prepared. This was neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with deionized water to prepare a homogeneous 10% by mass water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion.

[0038] 600 g of the above polymer solution, 100 g of carbon black, and 300 g of deionized water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time. Then, non-dispersed material containing coarse particles was removed by centrifugation to obtain a black dispersion. The resulting black dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0039] (2) Preparation of ink The ink was prepared by using the black dispersion described above and adding the following components to it to the desired concentration. After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was pressure filtered through a 2.5 μm pore size microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 2% by mass.

[0040] 20 parts of the above black dispersion. 40 parts of the above-mentioned water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-Pyrrolidone Part 5 Acetylene glycol EO adduct (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Deionized water remaining 2. Cyan ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials, an AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 250 and a number-average molecular weight of 3000 was prepared by a conventional method. This polymer was then neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with deionized water to produce a homogeneous 50% by mass water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion.

[0041] 200 g of the above polymer solution, 100 g of 15:3 CI pigment blue, and 700 g of deionized water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time. Then, non-dispersed material containing coarse particles was removed by centrifugation to obtain a cyanide dispersion. The resulting cyanide dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0042] (2) Preparation of ink The ink was prepared by using the above-mentioned cyanide dispersion and adding the following components to it to the desired concentration. After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was pressure-filtered through a 2.5 μm pore size microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 2% by mass.

[0043] 20 parts of the above cyanide dispersion. 40 parts of the above-mentioned water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-Pyrrolidone Part 5 Acetylene glycol EO adduct (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Deionized water remaining 3. Magenta ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, using benzyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as raw materials, an AB-type block polymer with an acid value of 300 and a number-average molecular weight of 2500 was prepared by a conventional method. This polymer was then neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with deionized water to produce a homogeneous 50% by mass water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion.

[0044] 100 g of the above polymer solution, 100 g of CI Pigment Red 122, and 800 g of deionized water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time. Then, non-dispersed material containing coarse particles was removed by centrifugation to obtain a magenta dispersion. The resulting magenta dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0045] (2) Preparation of ink The ink was prepared by using the magenta dispersion described above and adding the following components to it to the desired concentration. After thoroughly mixing and stirring these components, the mixture was pressure filtered through a 2.5 μm pore size microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 3% by mass.

[0046] 30 parts of the above magenta dispersion 40 parts of the above-mentioned water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.05 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-Pyrrolidone Part 5 Acetylene glycol EO adduct (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.5 parts Deionized water remaining 4. Yellow ink (1) Preparation of dispersion First, the anionic polymer P-1 was neutralized with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution and diluted with deionized water to prepare a homogeneous 10% by mass water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion.

[0047] 300 g of the above polymer solution, 100 g of CI Pigment Yellow 74, and 600 g of deionized water were mixed and mechanically stirred for a predetermined time. Then, non-dispersed material containing coarse particles was removed by centrifugation to obtain a yellow dispersion. The resulting yellow dispersion had a pigment concentration of 10% by mass.

[0048] (2) Preparation of ink The following components were mixed, thoroughly stirred to dissolve and disperse, and then pressure filtered through a 1.0 μm pore size microfilter (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) to prepare a pigment ink with a pigment concentration of 4% by mass.

[0049] 40 parts of the above yellow dispersion. 40 parts of the above-mentioned water-soluble resin fine particle dispersion Zonyl FSO-100 (DuPont fluorine-based surfactant) 0.025 parts 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts 2-Pyrrolidone Part 5 Acetylene glycol EO adduct (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1 part Deionized water remaining 5. Reaction solution The reaction solution used in this embodiment contains a reactive component that reacts with the pigment contained in the ink, causing the pigment to aggregate or gel. Specifically, this reactive component is a component that, when mixed with an ink having a pigment stably dispersed in an aqueous medium by the action of ionic groups on a recording medium or the like, can destroy the dispersion stability of the ink. In particular, glutaric acid is used in this embodiment.

[0050] Furthermore, it is not always necessary to use glutaric acid; various organic acids or polyvalent metal salts can be used as reactive components in the reaction solution, as long as they are water-soluble. The content of organic acids or polyvalent metal salts is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 70.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition contained in the reaction solution.

[0051] In this embodiment, as described above, glutaric acid (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used, and the following components were mixed to prepare the reaction solution.

[0052] Glutaric acid 2 parts 2-Pyrrolidone Part 5 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 15 parts Acetylene glycol EO adduct 0.5 parts (Manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) Ion-exchanged water, remaining portion <Image data conversion process> Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of image data conversion processing in this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the image processing procedure for converting image data, represented by 8 bits (256 gradations) for each RGB color, input to the recording device 100, into 1 bit data for each ink color and outputting it. As shown in Figure 5, the recording system consists of a host device 312 and a recording device 100.

[0053] The host device 312 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) and has an application 501 and a printer driver (not shown) for the recording device 100 in this embodiment. The application 501 performs the process of creating image data to be passed to the printer driver and the process of setting recording control information that controls recording, based on information specified by the user via a GUI screen displayed on the display of the host device 312.

[0054] Image data and recording control information processed by application 501 are passed to the printer driver during recording. The main control unit 300 of the recording device receives image data transmitted from the host device 312 on which the printer driver is installed via the interface circuit 311, and performs image processing on the received image data.

[0055] The main control unit 300 has an image processing configuration that includes a pre-processing unit 502, a post-processing unit 503, a gamma correction unit 504, a quantization unit 505, and a mask processing unit 506. Each of these units is realized by the CPU 301 of the main control unit 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or memory 313, etc. Some or all of the functions of each of these units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Each process is briefly described below.

[0056] The pre-processing unit 502 performs color gamut mapping. This process involves data conversion to map the color gamut reproduced by sRGB standard image data (R, G, B) into the color gamut reproduced by the recording device 100. Specifically, 256-level data, each represented by 8 bits for R, G, and B, is converted into 8-bit R, G, and B data (RGB values) with different color gamuts using a 3D LUT (lookup table).

[0057] The subsequent processing unit 503 converts the R, G, and B data, whose color gamut mapping was performed in the preceding processing unit 502, into 8-bit color separation data, which is a combination of inks that reproduces the color represented by this data, based on a 3D LUT for subsequent processing. In this embodiment, since four inks, C, M, Y, and K, are used as colorant inks, the subsequent processing unit 503 converts the R, G, and B data into color separation data, which is a combination of these ink colors. Here, as with the preceding processing unit 502, interpolation is used in conjunction with the 3D LUT for the conversion. Furthermore, the subsequent processing unit 503 also generates 8-bit color separation data for the reaction solution (RCT) in the ink combination. That is, the subsequent processing unit 503 converts the R, G, and B data into color separation data for C, M, Y, K, and RCT.

[0058] The γ correction unit 504 performs a conversion of the density values ​​(gradation values) for each color in the color separation data for each color obtained by the subsequent processing unit 503. Specifically, it uses a one-dimensional LUT to perform a conversion that linearly maps the color separation data to the gradation characteristics of the recording device 100.

[0059] The quantization unit 505 performs quantization processing to convert each of the 8-bit color separation data for each color, which has undergone gamma correction, into 1-bit data. In this embodiment, the dithering method is used to convert the 8-bit data of 256 gradations into 1-bit data of "1" or "0" (binarization). This makes it possible to obtain binary data indicating whether or not the recording device ejects ink.

[0060] The mask processing unit 506 uses multiple complementary masks to convert the dot arrangement of each color determined by the quantization unit 505 into recording data with recording scan timing information added. This mask processing will be explained in detail later. From the mask processing, recording data for each recording scan in multi-pass recording is generated for each of the C, M, Y, and K colors. The mask processing of the reaction solution RCT will also be explained in detail later.

[0061] The generated recording data is supplied to the drive circuit 307 at the appropriate timing during the multiple recording scans performed in multi-pass recording. The recording data input to the drive circuit 307 is then converted into drive pulses for the recording head 9, and ink is ejected from the ejection ports 30 of each color at predetermined timings. This results in ink ejection according to the recording data, and image recording is performed on the recording medium.

[0062] In the example described above, the processing from the preceding processing unit 502 onward is shown to be executed by the recording device 100, but some of the processing may be executed by the printer driver of the host device 312, etc.

[0063] <Multipath Recording> The following describes multi-pass recording. Multi-pass recording is a recording method in which a predetermined recording area (unit area) in a predetermined unit area is scanned multiple times by the recording head to complete the image in that predetermined recording area. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how multi-pass recording is performed. The recording head 9 applied to this embodiment actually has 1280 ejection ports 30, but in Figure 6, for simplification, it is assumed to have 16 ejection ports 30 and the image is recorded in four recording scans.

[0064] The discharge port 30 is divided into four discharge port groups, the 1st to the 4th discharge port groups, with each discharge port group containing four discharge ports. In multi-pass recording, a unit area is recorded by multiple scans. Masks are used as a means to divide the image data to be recorded into multiple parts. Mask 605 consists of masks 605a to 605d. Mask 605a defines the recording tolerance area for the 1st discharge port group, and similarly, masks 605b to 605d define the recording tolerance areas for the 2nd to 4th discharge port groups.

[0065] In the mask, the black areas indicate recording-permitted areas where dot recording is allowed, and the white areas indicate non-recording areas where dot recording is not allowed. The first to fourth masks, masks 605a to 605d, are complementary to each other, and when these four masks are superimposed, the recording of a region corresponding to 4 x 4 areas = 16 areas is completed. Recording regions 601 to 604 show how the image is completed by superimposing recording scans.

[0066] Each time a recording scan is completed, the recording medium is intermittently transported in the direction of the arrows in Figure 6 by the width of the ejection port group (four ejection ports in this figure). Therefore, the same recording area of ​​the recording medium (a predetermined recording area corresponding to the width of each ejection port group) is configured so that the image is completed by four recording scans. The mask processing unit 506 performs an AND operation with this mask and the binary image data obtained in the aforementioned quantization process to determine the binary recording data to be recorded in each recording pass.

[0067] In a mask, the ratio of the number of permissible recording areas in each recording scan is defined by the recording ratio (%). That is, the area corresponding to the aforementioned 16 areas is set to 100%, and the recording ratio in each recording scan is expressed as the ratio of the number of permissible areas in each recording scan. For example, masks 605a to 605d are masks in which the number of permissible recording areas in each recording scan is evenly distributed, and the recording ratio for each recording scan is 25%. When recording an image pattern in which dots are placed in all 16 areas using this mask, the amount of ink applied in each recording scan will be 4 dots.

[0068] In this embodiment, a PET film (GSP-10L) manufactured by Lintec Corporation was used as the low-permeability recording medium.

[0069] <Characteristic configuration of this embodiment> A feature of this embodiment is that by appropriately selecting the mask used in the masking process of the colorant ink performed in the masking processing unit 506, images with suppressed bleeding and beading can be recorded. The amount of colorant ink to be applied to a predetermined region is determined based on the target image data (R, G, B data) to be recorded in that predetermined region. According to this amount of colorant ink, the mask used in the masking process of the colorant ink performed in the masking processing unit 506 is appropriately selected. Then, by applying the selected mask to the colorant ink data corresponding to that predetermined region, which has been quantized by the quantization unit 505, images with suppressed bleeding and beading can be recorded. For example, if the image data of the first predetermined region and the image data of the second predetermined region are different images (for example, if the R, G, B data differ by more than a predetermined value), the masks applied will also be different. This will be explained in detail below.

[0070] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of selecting a colorant ink mask according to the amount of colorant ink to be applied (amount added) based on image data of a predetermined area. The process in Figure 7 is performed in the main control unit 300. That is, the process in Figure 7 is realized by the CPU 301 of the main control unit 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or memory 313, etc. Some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 7 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart.

[0071] In step S701, the main control unit 300 acquires image data. Here, it acquires the 8-bit R, G, and B data after the preliminary processing in the pre-processing unit 502. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0072] In S702, the main control unit 300 converts the R, G, and B data acquired in S701 into 4-bit mask selection data based on a 3D LUT for mask selection. Details of this mask selection data will be described later, but the higher the value of the mask selection data, the greater the amount of colorant ink applied. The 3D LUT for mask selection used in this step is such that, for example, the higher the RGB values, the higher the value of the converted (generated) mask selection data. Note that this is not necessarily a linear relationship, and the mask selection data is generated by referring to the LUT as appropriate. Mask selection data is generated for each predetermined area to which the mask is applied. In other words, in S702, the image data acquired in S701 is converted into mask selection data for each predetermined area. Note that the aforementioned 4 bits is just an example, and it may be converted to any number of bits. Furthermore, when generating mask selection data, it is not limited to the R, G, and B data after the pre-processing, but may also be converted or generated based on the data after post-processing by the post-processing unit 503 or the data after γ correction by the γ correction unit 504.

[0073] In step S703, the main control unit 300 performs quantization processing to convert each of the 4 bits of mask selection data into 1 bit data. In this embodiment, the 4 bits of data are converted (binarized) to 1 bit data of "1" or "0" using the dithering method. The mask processing unit 506 then performs mask processing of the colorant ink using the masks corresponding to the "1" or "0" mask selection data generated here.

[0074] The masks applied in accordance with the values ​​of the mask selection data obtained in S703 will be explained below using Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 shows three representative examples of mask selection data generated in S703 for each amount of colorant ink applied in a binary 4x4=16 area. As mentioned above, the mask selection data will vary depending on the corresponding image data.

[0075] Figure 8 shows three examples for illustrative purposes. Mask selection data 801 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively small, and the value of the mask selection data for all 16 areas is "0". Mask selection data 803 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively large, and the value of the mask selection data for all 16 areas is "1". Mask selection data 802 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively medium, and there are 8 areas where the value of the mask selection data is "0" and 8 areas where it is "1".

[0076] Figure 9 shows the colorant ink masks and the recording ratios defined by these masks in a 4x4=16 area. Figure 9(a) shows the post-print mask 901 selected in areas where the mask selection data value is "0". In other words, it is the mask selected in areas where the mask selection data value is "0" in the 16 areas. For example, the mask selection data 801 shown in Figure 8 has all areas set to "0", so as a result, the same mask as the post-print mask 901 shown in Figure 9(a) is selected. On the other hand, Figure 9(b) shows the normal mask 902 selected in areas where the mask selection data value is "1". The first mask, the post-print mask 901, and the second mask, the normal mask 902, are masks that are pre-stored in the ROM 302 or the like.

[0077] In the post-print mask 901 and the normal mask 902, the numbers within each area indicate which scan the recording will take place on. For example, the "1" in area 904 shown in Figure 9(b) indicates the area to be recorded on the first scan. Similarly, "2" indicates the area to be recorded on the second scan, "3" indicates the area to be recorded on the third scan, and "4" indicates the area to be recorded on the fourth scan. In other words, the post-print mask 901 and the normal mask 902 shown in Figure 9 are composed of four masks (masks 605a to 605d in Figure 6), similar to the mask shown in Figure 6, but in Figure 9, these four masks are shown together as one.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9(b), the standard mask 902 has four recording-permitted areas (Duty 25%) for each of the first to fourth recording scans. In contrast, as shown in Figure 9(a), the post-printing mask 901 has eight recording-permitted areas (Duty 50%) for the third and fourth recording scans, and zero for the first and second recording scans. That is, the post-printing mask 901 is a mask that completes the application of colorant ink in the last two scans. The reaction solution mask uses a mask that is recorded from the first scan, like the standard mask 902.

[0079] When using the post-printing mask 901, the probability of the colorant ink being recorded in a later scan than the reaction solution is relatively higher than when using the standard mask 902. Therefore, the post-printing mask 901 is a mask that efficiently suppresses bleeding and beading between colorant inks and does not degrade gloss or durability. However, when using the post-printing mask 901, the recording ratio for the third and fourth recording scans is higher than when using the standard mask 902. In other words, when the amount of colorant ink applied exceeds a predetermined amount, bleeding and beading due to contact between colorant inks are more likely to occur before contact with the reaction solution. Therefore, the post-printing mask 901 is used in areas where the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively small (i.e., the mask selection data is 0). On the other hand, the standard mask 902 is used in areas where the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively large (i.e., the mask selection data is 1). In other words, in the mask selection data defined in 16 areas, the area with "0" will have the value of the position corresponding to that area in the post-printing mask 901. Furthermore, the "1" area contains the value corresponding to that position in the normal mask 902. In this way, a mask containing values ​​corresponding to all areas is selected. By selecting the mask to be used in the masking process in this manner, bleeding and beading between colorant inks can be suppressed, and gloss and durability can be prevented from degrading. Note that the mask selected corresponding to the values ​​of each area in the mask selection data may be selected and applied from a pattern stored in ROM 302 or the like, or it may be one that is appropriately generated from the post-printed mask 901 and the normal mask 902.

[0080] Figure 10 shows the masks selected for each amount of colorant ink applied in 4x4=16 areas, and the recording ratios defined by these selections. Mask 1001 shown in Figure 10(a) is the mask selected by mask selection data 801 (Figure 8) when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively small. Since the mask selection data 801 has a value of "0" for all 16 areas, mask 1001 selects the post-print mask 901 in all areas. As a result, mask 1001 is essentially the same as the post-print mask 901. Mask 1003 shown in Figure 10(c) is the mask selected by mask selection data 803 (Figure 8) when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively large. Since the mask selection data 803 has a value of "1" for all areas, mask 1003 selects the normal mask 902 in all areas. As a result, mask 1003 is essentially the same as the normal mask 902.

[0081] The mask 1002 shown in Figure 10(b) is the mask selected by the mask selection data 802 (Figure 8) when the amount of colorant ink applied is moderate. The mask selection data 802 has 8 areas where the value of the mask selection data is "0" and 8 areas where the value is "1". Therefore, in mask 1002, the post-print mask 901 and the normal mask 902 are selected in exactly equal proportions.

[0082] The following describes mask 1002 in detail. As an example, let's explain the case when the target area is area 1004. The mask selected for area 1004 is the post-printed mask 901 because the value recorded in area 804 of mask selection data 802 is "0". Therefore, the value "3" recorded in area 903, which corresponds to area 1004 in pre-printed mask 901, becomes the value for area 1004 in mask 1002. Next, let's explain the case when the target area is area 1005. The mask selected for area 1005, which is adjacent to area 1004, is the normal mask 902 because the value recorded in area 805 of mask selection data 802 is "1". Therefore, the value "4" recorded in area 905, which corresponds to area 805 in normal mask 902, becomes the value for area 1005 in mask 1002. By performing the above process for all 16 areas, the mask 1002 shown in Figure 10(b) is obtained. Furthermore, the mask 1002 has two recording-permitted areas for the first and second recording scans (Duty 12.5%), and six recording areas for the third and fourth recording scans (Duty 37.5%).

[0083] Thus, when the amount of colorant ink applied is small, the post-application mask 901 is used to efficiently suppress bleeding and beading between colorant inks, preventing deterioration of gloss and durability. When the amount of colorant ink applied is large, the standard mask 902 is used to suppress bleeding and beading caused by contact between colorant inks before contact with the reaction solution. Furthermore, for intermediate amounts of colorant ink applied, a duty cycle between that of the post-application mask 901 and the standard mask 902 can be used to appropriately suppress bleeding and beading between colorant inks.

[0084] As explained above, in this embodiment, when forming an image with four recording scans, the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half and the amount of colorant ink applied in the second half are appropriately controlled. Specifically, when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively large, the total amount of colorant ink applied in the first two scans (first and second recording scans) is substantially equal to the total amount of colorant ink applied in the last two scans (third and fourth recording scans). On the other hand, when the amount of colorant ink applied is relatively small, the total amount of colorant ink applied in the last two scans is higher than the total amount of colorant ink applied in the first two scans. This recording control makes it possible to record with excellent recording quality, with less bleeding and beading.

[0085] It should be noted that the examples described above merely illustrate the types of masks used in the masking process. Whether or not colorant ink is actually applied is determined by an AND operation (masking) between the colorant ink data based on the image data and this mask, as previously mentioned. Therefore, even when using a standard mask 902, if there is a bias in the image data to be recorded, the amount of colorant ink applied will not be equal between the first two scans and the last two scans. For example, if there is recording data only in the area recorded in the first scan in Figure 9(b), the amount of colorant ink applied will not be equal between the first two scans and the last two scans. However, it is possible to mitigate the bias in the image data by combining quantization processing and masking. Therefore, even if there is some bias in the recording ratio (ideally within a Duty 10%), it is not a problem and can be said to be practically equal.

[0086] In this embodiment, multi-pass recording was explained using a 4-pass example, but it is not limited to 4 passes, and the effects of this embodiment can be obtained regardless of the number of passes. Also, although multi-pass recording is described as being complementary between multiple recording passes, it is not necessarily complementary, and dots may be thinned or increased.

[0087] For example, when recording in 5 passes, the total amount of colorant ink applied in the first 2.5 scans and the total amount of colorant ink applied in the last 2.5 scans should be varied according to the amount of colorant ink applied. Specifically, the sum of the amount of colorant ink applied in the first recording scan, the amount of colorant ink applied in the second recording scan, and half the amount of colorant ink applied in the third recording scan will be the total amount of reaction solution applied by the first scan in the example above. Also, the sum of half the amount of colorant ink applied in the third recording scan, the amount of colorant ink applied in the fourth recording scan, and the amount of colorant ink applied in the fifth recording scan will be the total amount of colorant ink applied by the second scan. Then, as explained in the 4-pass example, a mask that controls the application amounts in the first and second halves of the recording scan should be appropriately selected based on the application amounts in the image data.

[0088] In other words, in this embodiment, the recording device 100, which records an image per unit area by scanning the recording head 9 N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction, performs the following control. Assume that the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a first amount, and that the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a second amount which is greater than the first amount. In this case, when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a first amount, the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N scans that record the image is greater than 1. When the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a second amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans that record the image is greater than 1, but smaller than the first ratio. As a mask for the reaction solution, apply a mask that starts the application of the reaction solution in a pass before the pass in which the application of the colorant ink begins, or in the same pass as the pass in which the application of the colorant ink begins.

[0089] Furthermore, the recording scan in this embodiment may be a unidirectional recording scan in the +X direction as shown in Figure 3, or a bidirectional recording scan in the ±X direction. In this embodiment, since it is assumed that the reaction solution is applied to the recording medium before the colorant ink, in the case of bidirectional recording scan, it is preferable that the first recording scan be a recording scan in the +X direction.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed by recording control according to the amount of colorant ink applied. Specifically, the mask to be applied to the masking process of the colorant ink is appropriately determined according to the amount of colorant ink applied based on the image data. Then, by performing the masking process of the colorant ink using the mask determined in this way, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed.

[0091] [Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, while building upon the description in the first embodiment, the mask for the reaction solution is selected according to the amount of reaction solution applied (amount added), not just the colorant ink. Specifically, the normal mask 902 is the same mask as in the example described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the amount of colorant ink applied is small, i.e., when the amount of reaction solution applied is small, a pre-applied mask is used as the reaction solution mask. In the following description, the same content as in the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] <Characteristic Structure> This embodiment is characterized by a method for selecting the reaction solution mask. The method for selecting the colorant ink mask is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0093] Figure 8 shows three representative examples of mask selection data generated by S703 for each amount of reaction solution applied in a binary 4x4=16 area. As mentioned above, the mask selection data will vary depending on the corresponding image data.

[0094] Figure 8 shows three examples for illustrative purposes. Mask selection data 801 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small, and the value of the mask selection data in all 16 areas is "0". Mask selection data 803 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large, and the value of the mask selection data in all 16 areas is "1". Mask selection data 802 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively moderate, and there are 8 areas where the value of the mask selection data is "0" and 8 areas where it is "1".

[0095] Figures 9 and 11 show the reaction solution masks and the recording ratios defined by these masks in a 4x4=16 area. Figure 9(b) shows the normal mask 902 selected in the area where the mask selection data value is "1". On the other hand, Figure 11 shows the pre-printed mask 1101 selected in the area where the mask selection data value is "0", that is, the mask selected in the area where the mask selection data value is "0" in the 16 area. For example, in the mask selection data 801 in Figure 8, all areas are "0", so as a result, the same mask as the pre-printed mask 1101, which is the third mask shown in Figure 11, is selected. The second mask, the normal mask 902, and the third mask, the pre-printed mask 1101, are masks that are pre-stored in the ROM 302 or the like.

[0096] As shown in Figure 9(b), the standard mask 902 has four recording-permitted areas (Duty 25%) for each of the first to fourth recording scans. In contrast, as shown in Figure 11, the pre-printed mask 1101 has eight recording-permitted areas (Duty 50%) for the first and second recording scans, and zero for the third and fourth recording scans. In other words, the pre-printed mask 1101 is a mask that completes the application of the reaction solution in the first two scans.

[0097] When applying the reaction solution, using the pre-printed mask 1101 results in a relatively higher probability of the reaction solution being recorded in the previous scan compared to using the standard mask 902. Therefore, the pre-printed mask 1101 effectively suppresses bleeding between colorant inks. However, the recording ratio between the first and second recording scans is higher when using the pre-printed mask 1101 than when using the standard mask 902. In other words, when the amount of reaction solution applied exceeds a predetermined amount, beading due to contact between reaction solutions becomes more likely. Therefore, the pre-printed mask 1101 is used in areas where the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small (i.e., the mask selection data is 0). On the other hand, the standard mask 902 is used in areas where the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large (i.e., the mask selection data is 1). In other words, in the mask selection data defined in 16 areas, the area with "0" will contain the value of the position corresponding to that area in the pre-printed mask 1101. Furthermore, the "1" area contains the value corresponding to that position in the normal mask 902. In this way, a mask containing values ​​corresponding to all areas is selected. As explained above, by selecting the mask to be used in the masking process, both bleeding between colorant inks and beading between reaction solutions can be suppressed. Note that the mask selected in accordance with the values ​​of each area in the mask selection data may be selected and applied from a pattern stored in ROM 302 or the like, or it may be one that is appropriately generated from the pre-printed mask 1101 and the normal mask 902.

[0098] Figure 12 shows the masks selected for each amount of reaction solution applied in 4x4=16 areas, and the recording ratios defined by these selections. Mask 1201 shown in Figure 12(a) is the mask selected by mask selection data 801 (Figure 8) when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small. Since the mask selection data 801 has a value of "0" for all 16 areas, mask 1201 selects pre-printed mask 1101 in all areas. As a result, mask 1201 is essentially the same as pre-printed mask 1101.

[0099] The mask 1202 shown in Figure 12(b) is selected by the mask selection data 802 (Figure 8) when the amount of reaction solution applied is moderate. The mask selection data 802 consists of 8 areas where the mask selection data value is "0" and 8 areas where the value is "1". Therefore, with mask 1202, exactly half of the pre-applied mask 1101 and half of the normal mask 902 are selected.

[0100] The following describes mask 1202 in detail. As an example, let's explain the case when the target area is area 1203. The mask selected for area 1203 is pre-filled mask 1101 because the value recorded in area 804 of mask selection data 802 is "0". Therefore, the value "1" recorded in area 1102 corresponding to area 1203 in pre-filled mask 1101 becomes the value for area 1203 in mask 1202. Next, let's explain the case when the target area is area 1204. The mask selected for area 1204, which is adjacent to area 1203, is normal mask 902 because the value recorded in area 805 of mask selection data 802 is "1". Therefore, the value "4" recorded in area 905 corresponding to area 805 in normal mask 902 becomes the value for area 1204 in mask 1202. By performing the above process for all 16 areas, the mask 1202 shown in Figure 12(b) is obtained.

[0101] Mask 1202 has six recording allowance areas for the first and second recording scans (Duty 37.5%), and two recording allowance areas for the third and fourth recording scans (Duty 12.5%).

[0102] As described above, the mask used for masking the reaction solution in this embodiment is appropriately selected according to the amount of reaction solution applied based on image data. For example, when the amount of reaction solution applied is small, the pre-applied mask 1101 is used to efficiently suppress bleeding between the colorant inks. When the amount of reaction solution applied is large, the normal mask 902 is used to suppress beading caused by contact between the reaction solutions. Furthermore, for intermediate amounts of reaction solution applied, a duty cycle between the pre-applied mask 1101 and the normal mask 902 can be adopted to appropriately suppress both bleeding between the colorant inks and beading between the reaction solutions.

[0103] As explained above, in this embodiment, when recording an image with four recording scans, the amount of reaction solution applied in the first half and the amount of reaction solution applied in the second half are appropriately controlled. Specifically, when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first two scans is substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution applied in the last two scans. That is, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first and second recording scans is substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution applied in the third and fourth recording scans. On the other hand, when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first two scans is higher than the total amount of reaction solution applied in the last two scans. By controlling the recording in this way, it is possible to record with excellent recording quality with less bleed and beading. In addition to the first embodiment, the above recording control can be performed to obtain even greater effects.

[0104] To generalize and abstract the above, in this embodiment, the recording device 100, which records an image per unit area by scanning the recording head 9 N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction, performs the following control. Assume that the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a first amount, and that the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a second amount which is greater than the first amount.

[0105] In this case, when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is a first amount, the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is greater than 1. The first ratio of the amount of reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans is less than 1.

[0106] When the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area is the second amount (> the first amount), the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record the image is 1 or greater. However, this second ratio is smaller than the first ratio regarding the amount of colorant ink applied as described above. The second ratio of the amount of reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans is 1 or less, but is greater than the first ratio regarding the amount of reaction solution applied as described above. A mask is selectively applied so that the relationships described above are met.

[0107] [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, while based on the content described in the first and second embodiments, the mask used is varied according to the absorbency of the recording medium. Specifically, the normal mask 902 is the same as the mask described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the post-printing mask and pre-printing mask are varied according to the absorbency of the recording medium.

[0108] <Recording medium> In this embodiment, a low-permeability recording medium as described in the first embodiment and plain inkjet paper will be used as examples of recording media. As the low-permeability recording medium, PET film (GSP-10L) manufactured by Lintec Corporation will be used. As the plain inkjet paper, Canon Standard Plain Paper 2 (LFPS2) will be used.

[0109] When recording on highly absorbent recording media such as inkjet-specific paper or cloth / fabric materials, applying the reaction solution in advance may not effectively suppress bleeding. This is because the reaction components that should aggregate with the colorant, applied to the surface of the recording media, sink into the recording media over time. Therefore, in the case of highly absorbent recording media, compared to low-permeability recording media, it is preferable to use a gradual post-application mask for the colorant ink and a gradual pre-application mask for the reaction solution, as described later.

[0110] <Characteristic Structure> The mask selection method, a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be explained below using Figure 13. Figure 13(a) shows the gentle pre-printed mask 1301 of the reaction solution and the recording ratio defined by this pre-printed mask. The gentle pre-printed mask 1301 has 5 recording allowable areas in the first recording scan, 6 recording allowable areas in the second recording scan, 5 recording allowable areas in the third recording scan, and 0 recording allowable areas in the fourth recording scan. Therefore, compared to the pre-printed mask 1101 described in the second embodiment, it is a gentler pre-printed mask with a reduced duty cycle for the first and second recording scans. In this embodiment, when using plain inkjet paper as the recording medium, the gentle pre-printed mask 1301 is used instead of the pre-printed mask 1101 (see Figure 11) described in the second embodiment.

[0111] Figure 13(b) shows a gentle post-printing mask 1302 for colorant ink and the recording ratio defined by this post-printing mask. The gentle post-printing mask 1302 has 0 recording allowable areas in the first recording scan, 5 recording allowable areas in the second recording scan, 6 recording allowable areas in the third recording scan, and 5 recording allowable areas in the fourth recording scan. Therefore, compared to the post-printing mask 901 described in the first embodiment, this post-printing mask has a gentler shape with reduced duty cycles in the third and fourth recording scans. In this embodiment, when using plain inkjet paper as the recording medium, the gentle post-printing mask 1302 is used instead of the post-printing mask 901 described in the first embodiment. Other processing is the same as that described in the first and second embodiments.

[0112] The main control unit 300 determines which mask to use, the pre-printed mask 1101 or the lenient pre-printed mask 1301, based on information about the recording medium to be used. The information about the recording medium to be used may be specified by the user in the application 501, or by the user via the display panel 50 of the recording device 100. Alternatively, the recording device 100 may be equipped with a recording medium discrimination sensor, and the main control unit 300 may automatically acquire the information about the recording medium to be used.

[0113] The main control unit 300 determines which mask to use, the post-printing mask 901 or the lenient post-printing mask 1302, based on information about the recording medium to be used. The information about the recording medium to be used may be specified by the user in the application 501, or by the user via the display panel 50 of the recording device 100. Alternatively, the recording device 100 may be equipped with a recording medium discrimination sensor, and the main control unit 300 may automatically acquire the information about the recording medium to be used.

[0114] As explained above, in this embodiment, when using a recording medium with excellent absorbency, the total amount of colorant ink applied in the latter two scans of the four scans used to record the image is reduced compared to when using a low-permeability recording medium. In addition, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first two scans is reduced. By controlling it in this way, it becomes possible to record images with suppressed bleeding and beading, even when different types of recording media are used.

[0115] To generalize and abstract the above, in this embodiment, a first recording medium or a second recording medium with better absorption than the first recording medium is used as the recording medium for recording images. Furthermore, in the recording device 100 that records an image on a unit area of ​​the first or second recording medium by scanning the recording head 9 N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction, the following control is performed. Specifically, the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is set lower when using the second recording medium than when using the first recording medium. Also, the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is set lower when using the second recording medium than when using the first recording medium.

[0116] [Fourth Embodiment] In this embodiment, while building upon the descriptions in the first and second embodiments, the mask used is varied depending on the wettability of the recording medium. Specifically, the normal mask 902 is the same as the mask used in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the post-printing mask and pre-printing mask are varied depending on the wettability of the recording medium.

[0117] <Recording medium> In this embodiment, a recording medium that is difficult to wet (poor wettability) and a recording medium that is easy to wet (good wettability) will be described as examples. As a recording medium that is difficult to wet, Scotchcal Graphic Film (IJ1220N), an adhesive PVC film manufactured by 3M, will be used. As a recording medium that is easy to wet, PET film (GSP-10L) manufactured by Lintec Corporation will be used.

[0118] With recording media that are difficult to wet, such as PVC materials, applying the reaction solution in advance may not effectively suppress bleeding. This is because the reaction components that should aggregate with the colorant applied to the surface of the recording media undergo beading on the recording media over time, reducing the area that covers the paper surface and making it difficult for them to come into contact with the colorant ink. Therefore, with recording media that are difficult to wet, it is preferable to use a gradual post-application mask for the colorant ink and a gradual pre-application mask for the reaction solution, as described later, compared to recording media that are easy to wet.

[0119] <Characteristic Structure> The main selection of masks, which is a characteristic configuration of this embodiment, will be explained below with reference to Figure 13. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a gently applied pre-mask 1301 and a gently applied post-mask 1302 are prepared. When using adhesive PVC film as the recording medium, the gently applied pre-mask 1301 is used instead of the pre-mask 1101 described in the second embodiment, and the gently applied post-mask 1302 is used instead of the post-mask 901 described in the first embodiment.

[0120] The main control unit 300 determines which mask to use, the pre-printed mask 1101 or the lenient pre-printed mask 1301, based on information about the recording medium to be used. The information about the recording medium to be used may be specified by the user in the application 501, or by the user via the display panel 50 of the recording device 100. Alternatively, the recording device 100 may be equipped with a recording medium discrimination sensor, and the main control unit 300 may automatically acquire the information about the recording medium to be used.

[0121] The main control unit 300 determines which mask to use, the post-printing mask 901 or the lenient post-printing mask 1302, based on information about the recording medium to be used. The information about the recording medium to be used may be specified by the user in the application 501, or by the user via the display panel 50 of the recording device 100. Alternatively, the recording device 100 may be equipped with a recording medium discrimination sensor, and the main control unit 300 may automatically acquire the information about the recording medium to be used.

[0122] As explained above, in this embodiment, when using a recording medium that is less likely to wet, the total amount of colorant ink applied during the last two scans of the four scans used to record the image is reduced compared to when using a recording medium that is more likely to wet. In addition, the total amount of reaction solution applied during the first two scans is reduced. By controlling it in this way, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed, even when using different types of recording media.

[0123] To generalize and abstract the above, in this embodiment, a first recording medium or a third recording medium that is less wettable (has poorer wettability) than the first recording medium is used as the recording medium for recording images. Furthermore, in the recording device 100 that records an image on a unit area of ​​the first or third recording medium by scanning the recording head 9 N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction, the following control is performed. Specifically, the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is set lower when using the third recording medium than when using the first recording medium. Also, the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is set lower when using the third recording medium than when using the first recording medium.

[0124] [Other embodiments] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0125] [Technical Features of This Disclosure] This disclosure includes the following components: (Configuration 1) A recording means having a first row of discharge ports for dispensing colorant ink arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second row of discharge ports for dispensing reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction, A control means that performs multi-pass recording to record an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, and controls the following: when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans to record the image is made greater than 1, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans to record the image is made greater than 1 and less than the first ratio. Having, A recording device characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the application of the reaction solution is initiated in a pass prior to the pass in which the application of the colorant ink is initiated, or in the same pass in which the application of the colorant ink is initiated. (Configuration 3) The recording device according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the main scanning direction, the first discharge port row for discharging the colorant ink is provided upstream of the second discharge port row for discharging the reaction solution. (Configuration 4) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is a third amount, the third ratio of the amount of reaction solution applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image is less than 1, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is a fourth amount greater than the third amount, the fourth ratio of the amount of reaction solution applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image is 1 or less and greater than the third ratio. (Configuration 5) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein a first recording medium and a second recording medium having better absorption properties than the first recording medium can be used as the recording medium, and the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image is made lower when the second recording medium is used than when the first recording medium is used. (Configuration 6) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, with respect to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image, the amount applied when using the second recording medium is lower than the amount applied when using the first recording medium. (Configuration 7) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein a third recording medium and a fourth recording medium having worse wettability than the third recording medium can be used as the recording medium, and the amount of the colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image is made lower when the fourth recording medium is used than when the third recording medium is used. (Configuration 8) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that, with respect to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image, the amount applied when using the fourth recording medium is lower than the amount applied when using the third recording medium. (Configuration 9) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means performs the control by mask processing using a mask. (Configuration 10) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means generates mask selection data for selecting a mask to be used for the masking process based on image data to be recorded in the predetermined area, and determines a mask to be used for the masking process on the predetermined area based on the mask selection data. (Configuration 11) The recording device according to claim 10, further comprising a transport means for transporting the recording medium. (Control Method) A control method for a recording device comprising: a control means; a recording means having a first row of discharge ports for discharging colorant ink arranged along a sub-scanning direction; a second row of discharge ports for discharging a reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction; and a control means for performing multi-pass recording, which records an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, wherein the control means, when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, performs the N scans to record the image. A control method characterized by the step of controlling the following: a first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of N / 2 scans to be greater than 1; and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image to be 1 or more and less than the first ratio. A control method for a recording device having a (program) computer, control means, recording means having a first row of discharge ports for discharging colorant ink arranged along a sub-scanning direction, a second row of discharge ports for discharging a reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and control means for performing multi-pass recording to record an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, wherein when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, among the N scans for recording the image, A program for executing a control method, characterized by having a step of controlling the following: a first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of N / 2 scans to be greater than 1; and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image to be 1 or more and less than the first ratio.

Claims

1. A recording means having a first row of discharge ports arranged along the sub-scanning direction for dispensing colorant ink, and a second row of discharge ports arranged along the sub-scanning direction for dispensing reaction solution, A control means that performs multi-pass recording to record an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, and controls the following: when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a first amount, the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans to record the image is made greater than 1, and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans to record the image is made greater than 1 and less than the first ratio. Having, A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The application of the reaction solution is initiated in a pass prior to the pass in which the application of the colorant ink is initiated, or in the same pass as the pass in which the application of the colorant ink is initiated. The recording device according to feature 1.

3. In the main scanning direction, the first row of outlets for ejecting the colorant ink is located upstream of the second row of outlets for ejecting the reaction solution. The recording device according to feature 2.

4. When the amount of the colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is the third amount, the third ratio of the amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of the reaction solution applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is less than 1. When the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is a fourth amount greater than the third amount, the fourth ratio of the amount of reaction solution applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of reaction solution applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans that record the image is 1 or less and greater than the third ratio, A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. As the recording medium, it is possible to use a first recording medium and a second recording medium having better absorption properties than the first recording medium. With respect to the amount of colorant ink applied during the latter N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record the image, the amount applied when using the second recording medium is lower than when using the first recording medium. The recording device according to feature 4.

6. With respect to the amount of reaction solution applied during the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record the image, the amount applied when using the second recording medium is lower than the amount applied when using the first recording medium. The recording device according to feature 5.

7. As the recording medium, it is possible to use a third recording medium and a fourth recording medium having worse wettability than the third recording medium. With respect to the amount of colorant ink applied during the latter N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record the image, the amount applied when using the fourth recording medium is lower than when using the third recording medium. The recording device according to feature 4.

8. With respect to the amount of reaction solution applied during the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record the image, the amount applied when using the fourth recording medium is lower than when using the third recording medium. The recording device according to feature 7.

9. The control means performs the control by mask processing using a mask. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The control means is Based on the image data to be recorded in the predetermined area, mask selection data is generated for selecting a mask to be used in the masking process. Based on the mask selection data, the mask to be used for the masking process on the predetermined region is determined. The recording device according to feature 9.

11. The system further includes a transport means for transporting the recording medium, The recording device according to feature 10.

12. A control means, a recording means having a first row of discharge ports arranged along the sub-scanning direction for discharging colorant ink, and a second row of discharge ports arranged along the sub-scanning direction for discharging reaction solution, A control means for performing multipath recording, which records an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the recording means N times (where N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, A control method for a recording device having, The control means includes the step of controlling the following: when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is a first amount, the first ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording the image is made greater than 1; and when the amount of colorant ink applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region on the recording medium is a second amount greater than the first amount, the second ratio of the amount of colorant ink applied in the latter half of the N / 2 scans to the amount of colorant ink applied in the first half of the N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording the image is made greater than 1 and less than the first ratio. A control method characterized by the following:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method described in claim 12.

Images