Recording device, control method for recording device, and program

Abstract

To enable easy detection of the ejection characteristics of the recording element for the foaming accelerator. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention provides a recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foaming particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N or more unit regions, and with respect to the amount of liquid applied to each of the at least N or more unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid applied is equal and the amount of the foaming accelerator applied changes in steps, the recording head, foaming means for foaming the foaming particles, reading means for reading the characteristic detection image, wherein as a result of reading the characteristic detection image, a correspondence relationship between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid is obtained, and calculation means for calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foaming accelerator applied based on the reading result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus, a control method of the recording apparatus, and a program, and particularly relates to a technique for recording a three-dimensional image having a concavo-convex structure on a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a recording apparatus for recording a three-dimensional image, there is known one that forms a concavo-convex structure by applying a foaming accelerating liquid to the surface of a foaming sheet and irradiating it with heat, electromagnetic waves, or the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that after applying a foaming accelerating liquid that promotes foaming to the surface of a foaming sheet, an uneven structure is formed by irradiating electromagnetic waves. When forming the uneven structure, the application amount of the foaming accelerating liquid is adjusted according to the type of the pattern image so that the uneven structure reaches a desired height.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a colorless transparent liquid and a colored liquid are applied to a recording medium in consideration of the fact that the colorless transparent liquid cannot be easily detected by a sensor such as a scanner or a colorimeter even when the colorless transparent liquid is applied to the recording medium, so that the colorless transparent liquid can be read by the sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in inkjet recording heads where recording elements are arranged in the width direction of the recording medium, the ink ejection characteristics may differ for each recording element. In such cases, the amount of foaming accelerator applied to the foam layer varies for each recording element, resulting in variations in the amount of foamed particles produced. This leads to the problem that the height of the uneven surface after foaming does not reach the desired height.

[0007] Furthermore, even when a colorless and transparent liquid and a colored liquid were applied to the recording medium, it was not possible to distinguish between the ejection characteristics of the recording elements in the colorless and transparent liquid and the ejection characteristics of the colored liquid, making it difficult to detect the ejection characteristics of the recording elements in the colorless and transparent liquid.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above issues, this disclosure aims to provide a technology for detecting the ejection characteristics of a recording element of a foaming accelerator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foamed particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and with respect to the amount of liquid applied to each of the at least N unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid applied is equal, and the amount of the foaming accelerator applied changes in stages; the recording head; a foaming means for foaming the foamed particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image has been recorded by the recording head; and a reading means for reading the characteristic detection image on which the foamed particles have foamed. A recording device comprising: a reading means, wherein, as a result of reading the characteristic detection image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases; and a calculation means for calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foaming accelerator dispensed based on the reading result, wherein the calculation means calculates the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the discharge characteristics of the recording element of the foaming accelerator can be detected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view illustrating the recording medium in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the configuration of the recording head in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an image that can be submitted to the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the system configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]Sequence diagram at the time of recording service implementation in the first embodiment [Figure 7] Flowchart of the process at the time of image recording in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart of the process for calculating the correction value of the application amount of the foaming accelerating liquid in the first embodiment [Figure 9] Diagram showing the result of reading the characteristic detection image in the first embodiment [Figure 10] Diagram showing the characteristic detection image in the first embodiment [Figure 11] Diagram showing the characteristic detection image in the second embodiment [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] [Recording Medium] In this embodiment, a three-dimensional image having a convex structure is recorded on a recording medium. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the recording medium used for recording the three-dimensional image in this embodiment. The recording medium 10 has a base material 11 and a foaming layer 12 provided on the base material. The foaming layer 12 contains foaming particles 13 that foam by heat.

[0014] The base material 11 functions as a support for supporting the foaming layer 12. The type of the base material is not limited. For example, it may be paper made of ordinary natural pulp, kenaf paper, a plastic film sheet, synthetic fiber, synthetic pulp, or so-called synthetic paper or non-woven fabric obtained by making a synthetic resin film into paper-like. Here, examples of the plastic film sheet include plastic film sheets such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester.

[0015] The foamed layer 12 is provided on at least one surface of the base material 11 and contains foamed particles 13 and a binder resin 14. The foamed particles 13 are thermally expandable microcapsules having a capsule-shaped shell layer 15 containing a thermoplastic resin and a volatile material 16 encapsulated in the shell layer 15. When heat is applied to the foamed particles 13, the thermoplastic resin constituting the shell layer 15 softens. At the same time, the volume of the foamed particles 13 expands due to the vaporization of the volatile material 16 encapsulated in the shell layer 15, swelling like a balloon.

[0016] Examples of the thermoplastic resin contained in the shell layer 15 include polystyrene, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, and polymethyl methacrylate. Also, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid ester-acrylic acid copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid ester copolymer, etc. can be mentioned.

[0017] Examples of the volatile material 16 include low molecular weight hydrocarbons such as ethane, ethylene, propane, propene, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, neopentane, n-hexane, heptane, and petroleum ether. Also, chlorofluorocarbons such as CCl3F, CCl2F2, CClF3, and CClF2-CClF2 can be mentioned. Further, tetraalkylsilanes such as tetramethylsilane, trimethylethylsilane, trimethylisopropylsilane, and trimethyl-n-propylsilane can be mentioned. The volatile material preferably has a hydrocarbon with a molecular weight of 120 or less. There is no limitation on the lower limit of the molecular weight of the volatile material (hydrocarbon), but for example, 50 or more is preferable. The content of the foamed particles 13 in the foamed layer is preferably 5% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less based on the total mass of the foamed layer.

[0018] The foamed layer 12 contains a binder resin 14 to enhance adhesion to the substrate 11. The binder resin 14 plays an important role in suppressing the peeling of the foamed layer 12 from the substrate 11 when the foamed particles 13 foam up due to heating. A water-insoluble resin is used as the binder resin 14. Since the water-insoluble resin is not easily dissolved by the water in the foaming accelerator, the adhesion between the foamed layer 12 and the substrate 11 can be maintained even when the foaming accelerator is applied. Furthermore, even when an aqueous ink containing water is applied to the recording medium, the adhesion between the foamed layer 12 and the substrate 11 can be maintained for the same reason.

[0019] A water-insoluble resin refers to a resin in which 95% or more remains after immersion in 80°C hot water for 2 hours. Preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and urethane resins. More preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins without ester groups and urethane resins without ester groups, and it is even more preferably a non-water-absorbing resin. The content of the water-insoluble resin in the foam layer 12 is preferably 10% to 95% by mass, based on the total mass of the foam layer. The foam layer 12 may also contain a water-soluble resin together with the water-insoluble resin, as long as the effects of this embodiment are obtained.

[0020] The glass transition temperature of the binder resin 14 is preferably between -10°C and 30°C. By setting the glass transition temperature of the binder resin 14 within this range, the binder resin 14 can be prevented from hindering the foaming of the foam particles 13.

[0021] The mass ratio of foamed particles 13 to binder resin 14 is preferably 5:95 to 90:10. By keeping the mass ratio of foamed particles 13 to binder resin 14 within this range, both the foaming properties of the foamed particles 13 and the binding properties of the binder resin 14 to the substrate 11 can be improved. The foamed layer 12 may further contain components such as pigments, antioxidants, dyes, and surfactants, as long as they do not impair the foaming properties.

[0022] <Foaming accelerator> One example of a foam control liquid used to control the degree of foaming of foam particles is a foam accelerator that promotes foaming. In this embodiment, a foam accelerator containing a foam-promoting component that lowers the temperature at which the foam particles 13 begin to foam is used. When the foam accelerator is applied to the foam layer 12 of the recording medium 10 using methods such as inkjet ejection or roller coating, the thermoplastic resin of the shell layer 15 softens. As a result, it is presumed that the temperature at which the foam particles 13 begin to foam can be shifted to a lower temperature.

[0023] The foam-promoting component is a compound that can soften the thermoplastic resin contained in the shell layer 15 and does not have a hydroxyl group. It can be appropriately selected and used depending on the type of thermoplastic resin. Examples include 2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The boiling point of the hydroxyl-free compound that serves as the foam-promoting component is preferably higher than the temperature at which the foam layer 12 is heated. If the boiling point of the foam-promoting component is higher than the temperature at which the foam layer 12 is heated, the foam-promoting component will not vaporize even when the foam layer is heated, and will contribute to the softening of the thermoplastic resin in the shell layer 15. The content of this foam-promoting component is preferably 10% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the foam-promoting liquid.

[0024] The absolute difference (|SP1-SP2|) between the solubility parameter (SP1) of the thermoplastic resin in the shell layer 15 and the solubility parameter (SP2) of the foam-promoting component is preferably 3.5 or less. Having the absolute difference in solubility parameters within this range allows for further improvement of foaming properties in the area where the foam-promoting liquid is applied.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the absolute value of the difference between the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP1) of the thermoplastic resin of the shell layer 15 and the solubility parameter (HSP2) of the foam-promoting component (|HSP1-HSP2|) be 20 or less. Having the absolute value of the difference in Hansen solubility parameters within this range allows for further improvement of the foaming properties in the area to which the foam-promoting liquid is applied.

[0026] The solubility parameters (SP values) of the thermoplastic resin and foam-promoting component in the shell layer 15 are all calculable values. Furthermore, the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP values) of the thermoplastic resin and foam-promoting component in the shell layer 15 are all measured values ​​that can be measured and calculated by dynamic light scattering.

[0027] Furthermore, if the foam-promoting component is liquid at room temperature, the foam-promoting component itself may be used as the foam-promoting solution. In addition, the foam-promoting solution may further contain components other than the foam-promoting component. For example, it may further contain liquid components such as solvents to improve the discharge stability of the foam-promoting solution. Water and various water-soluble organic solvents can be used as solvents. It is preferable to use deionized water (ion-exchanged water). Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, and nitrogen-containing compounds.

[0028] Other components besides the liquid component include water-soluble organic compounds that are solid at 25°C, such as urea and its derivatives, trimethylolpropane, and trimethylolethane. Furthermore, various additives such as pH adjusters, defoamers, rust inhibitors, preservatives, fungicides, antioxidants, reduction inhibitors, and chelating agents may be included in the foaming accelerator as needed.

[0029] <A recording device that forms a bumpy structure to record three-dimensional images.> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the recording device 20 in this embodiment. The recording device 20 is a full-line type inkjet recording device. A recording head 21 having a width equal to the width of the recording medium 10 and a heating device 29 having a heating means are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. The recording head 21 includes a recording element array 22 in which a plurality of recording elements that eject foaming accelerator liquid (H) as droplets are arranged. Similarly, the recording head 21 includes a recording element array 23 that ejects K ink, which is a colored liquid containing a colorant, as droplets, a recording element array 24 that ejects C ink as droplets, a recording element array 25 that ejects M ink as droplets, and a recording element array 26 that ejects Y ink as droplets. In this specification, black is denoted as K, cyan as C, magenta as M, and yellow as Y.

[0030] The recording element arrays 22 to 26 are arranged so that they differ in position in the transport direction (Y direction in the figure) in which the recording medium is transported. The Y-direction position of the recording element array 22 of the foaming accelerator can be either upstream (-Y direction) or downstream (+Y direction) of the recording element arrays 23 to 26 that discharge the colored liquid. The foaming accelerator discharged by the recording element array 22 is applied to the foam layer 12 on the recording medium 10. A heating device 29 is located downstream of the recording element arrays 22 to 26 in the transport direction. The heating device 29 can be any heating method as long as it can heat the foam particles 13 in the foam layer 12 to a desired temperature. Examples include a dryer, oven, heating heater, or iron. A scanner 30 is located downstream of the heating device 29 in the transport direction. In the scanner 30, reading elements are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the x direction and are used for image reading, such as reading the image recorded on the recording medium when calculating the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied, as described later in Figure 8. The scanner 30 outputs RGB data as a color system for the color measurement results. Each RGB data set contains 8 bits of information, with a value range of 0 to 255, although it may be composed of different numbers of bits, such as 16 bits. In this specification, red is denoted as R, green as G, and blue as B.

[0031] The process of applying the foaming accelerator and colored liquid onto the recording medium 10 is also called the recording process. After applying the foaming accelerator containing foaming accelerator components onto the recording medium 10 having a foamed layer 12, the foamed layer 12 of the recording medium 10 is heated. Upon heating, the foamed particles 13 to which the foaming accelerator has been applied expand and foam, and a three-dimensional image with a clear convex structure is recorded on the recording medium 10. As the transport roller 27 rotates, the recording medium 10 is transported in the transport direction at a predetermined speed, and recording processing by the recording head 21 and heating processing by the heating device 29 are performed. The recording operation by the recording head 21 and the transport operation by the transport means (transport roller 27, etc.) are performed alternately. At the position where the recording process and heating processing are performed, the recording medium 10 is supported from below by a platen 28 made of a flat plate. This fixes the distance from the recording head 21 or heating device 29 to the recording medium 10, and maintains its smoothness.

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the recording head 21. In the recording head 21, each of the recording element rows 22 to 26 is composed of multiple recording element substrates 32. Adjacent recording element substrates 32 are arranged alternately in the Y direction so as to be continuous in the X direction with an overlap region D between them. Multiple recording elements 31 are arranged on each recording element substrate 32 at a constant pitch. Ink droplets are ejected from the recording elements 31 at a constant frequency according to the recording data onto the recording medium 10, which is transported in the +Y direction at a constant speed, and an image is recorded on the recording medium 10 with a resolution corresponding to the spacing between the recording elements 31.

[0033] <Submitted image> Figure 4 shows an example of an image that can be submitted to the recording device 20 of this embodiment. The submitted image consists of a color plate, which is data for applying a colored liquid, and a foam plate, which is data for applying a foaming liquid. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the smallest unit rectangle separated by a dashed line represents one pixel.

[0034] Fig. 4(a) shows an example of a foaming plate. The black and white shading in the foaming plate indicates, in the recording medium 10, the area to be foamed and expanded and the degree of its expansion. The foaming plate of this embodiment is grayscale data having 1-color 8-bit information, and the value range is 0 to 255, but the number of bits is not limited to 8 bits and may be any value such as 16 bits. In the foaming plate, the high-concentration area indicates the portion to be expanded in the recording medium 10. The higher the pixel concentration (lower the luminance), the greater the degree of expansion, and the lower the concentration (higher the luminance), the smaller the degree of expansion. Region 41 has a concentration M, region 42 has a concentration N, and M < N. Region 42 has a higher concentration and a greater degree of expansion. When the degree of expansion is large, the height of the convex structure becomes high, and when the degree of expansion is small, the height of the convex structure becomes low.

[0035] Thus, in the foaming plate, a shading pattern is drawn such that the area to be expanded more has a higher concentration. According to the value of each pixel, a three-dimensional structure with a desired height can be formed on the recording medium 10.

[0036] Fig. 4(b) shows an example of a colored plate. The black and white shading in the colored plate indicates, in the recording medium 10, the color for coloring. The colored plate of this embodiment is RGB data, and its type includes standard color information such as sRGB and adobe (registered trademark) RGB. In this embodiment, the image data has 8-bit information for each color, and the value range is 0 to 255, but the number of bits is not limited to 8 bits and may be any value such as 16 bits. When creating an input image in PDF or the like, it is necessary to create the foaming plate of Fig. 4(a) and the colored plate of Fig. 4(b) as separate layers.

[0037] <System Configuration> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the system in this embodiment. The system in this embodiment includes the recording device 20 shown in Fig. 2 and a personal computer (PC) 50 that functions as its host device.

[0038] The PC50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, RAM (Read Only Memory) 502, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 503. Furthermore, the PC50 includes a communication interface 504, an input device interface 505, and a display device interface 506, and each component is connected to the others via an internal bus so that they can communicate with each other. In this specification, interfaces are abbreviated as I / F.

[0039] The CPU 501 executes processing according to the programs and various data stored in the HDD 503 and RAM 502. RAM 502 is volatile storage where programs and data are temporarily stored. HDD 503 is non-volatile storage where programs and data are permanently stored.

[0040] Communication I / F 504 is the interface that manages communication between the PC 50 and external devices, and in this case controls the transmission and reception of data between the PC 50 and the recording device 20. Wired connections such as USB, IEEE 1394, and LAN (Local Area Network), as well as wireless connections such as Bluetooth® and WiFi®, can be used for data transmission and reception.

[0041] The Input Device I / F505 is an interface that controls HID (Human Interface Device) devices such as keyboards and mice, and accepts input from user input devices.

[0042] The display device interface 506 controls the display on display devices such as a display (not shown).

[0043] The recording device 20 includes a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, communication I / F 204, head controller 205, and image processing accelerator 206, and each component is connected to the others via an internal bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0044] The CPU 201 executes the processes described later, according to the programs and various data stored in the ROM 203 and RAM 202. RAM 202 is volatile storage where programs and data are temporarily stored. ROM 203 is non-volatile storage where programs used in the processes described later and data from multiple lookup tables are permanently stored.

[0045] The communication interface 204 is the interface that manages communication between the recording device 20 and external devices, and here it controls the transmission and reception of data with the PC 50. The head controller 205 controls the recording operation of the recording head 21 shown in Figure 2 based on the recorded data. Specifically, the head controller 205 is configured to read control parameters and recording data for recording by the recording head from predetermined addresses in the RAM 202. When the CPU 201 writes the control parameters and recording data to the predetermined addresses in the RAM 202, the head controller 205 starts processing, and foam-promoting liquid and colored liquid are discharged from each recording element 31 of the recording head 21. The image processing accelerator 206 is configured by hardware and performs image processing at a higher speed than the CPU 201. Specifically, the image processing accelerator 206 reads the parameters and data necessary for image processing from predetermined addresses in the RAM 202. Then, when the CPU 201 writes the aforementioned parameters and data to a predetermined address in the RAM 202, the image processing accelerator 206 is activated and the predetermined image processing is performed. Note that the image processing accelerator 206 is not necessarily required, and depending on the specifications of the recording device 20, the creation of the parameters held in the lookup table and the image processing may be performed solely by the CPU 201.

[0046] In this embodiment, the recording device 20 and the PC 50 were described as separate devices, but they may be integrated into a single system. Also, although a PC was given as an example of a host device, the host device is not limited to a PC; a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or imaging device may be used as the host device.

[0047] <Sequence of operations when recording services are performed> Figure 6 shows the sequence of operations when the recording service is performed in this embodiment. Steps S601 to S605 are processes performed in the PC 50, and steps S611 to S616 are processes performed in the recording device 20. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0048] In Figure 6, the dashed arrows indicate data transmission and reception. Processes S601 to S605 are performed by the CPU 501 of PC 50 (see Figure 5) reading and executing programs stored in the memory of PC 50. Processes S611 to S616 are performed by the CPU 201 of recording device 20 (see Figure 5) reading and executing programs stored in the memory of recording device 20. Note that the processes in Figure 6 start when power is turned on to recording device 20.

[0049] After the recording device 20 is powered on, in S611, the CPU 201 confirms that the recording device 20 is ready to record and enters a standby state where it can provide recording services.

[0050] In S601, CPU 501 executes the Recording Service Discovery. In this step, a Recording Service Discovery request is sent to the recording device 200. The Recording Service Discovery may perform a search for peripheral devices according to user operation, or it may be configured to periodically search for recording devices that are ready to provide the Recording Service. Alternatively, when PC 50 and recording device 20 are connected, the CPU 501 of PC 50 may perform a query.

[0051] When the recording device 20 receives a recording service Discovery request sent from the PC 50, in S612, the CPU 201 sends a notification to the PC 50 in response to the received request indicating that the recording device 20 is able to provide the recording service.

[0052] When PC50 receives a notification from recording device 20 indicating that it can provide recording services, in S602, CPU501 sends a request to recording device 200 for information on the recording services that recording device 20 can provide (this information is called recordable information).

[0053] When the recording device 20 receives a request for recordable information from the PC 50, the CPU 201 sends the recordable information to the PC 50 in S613 as a response to the received request.

[0054] When PC50 receives recordable information transmitted from recording device 20, in S603, CPU501 creates a user interface for creating a recording job based on the received recordable information and presents it to the user. Specifically, it creates a graphical user interface screen (GUI screen) that includes means for specifying the recording image, options for recording size and recording paper size, etc., based on the recordable information, and displays the created GUI screen on the display. The user who sees this GUI screen then inputs recording job setting information via an input device, and CPU501 accepts the input recording job setting information.

[0055] In S604, the CPU 501 creates a recording job based on the recording job setting information received in S603, and issues the created recording job, i.e., sends it to the recording device 20.

[0056] At S614, CPU201 receives the recording job sent from PC50 at S604.

[0057] In S615, CPU201 analyzes the recording job received in S614 and executes recording processing based on the analysis results. Details of the recording processing performed in this step will be described later (see Figure 7).

[0058] When the recording process performed in S615 is completed, in S616, the CPU201 sends a recording job completion notification to the PC50 indicating that the recording process has finished. After sending this recording job completion notification, the recording device 20 enters a standby state.

[0059] In S605, the CPU 501 receives a recording job completion notification sent from the recording device 20 and notifies the user that it has received the recording job completion notification.

[0060] In the above explanation, we described a communication mode in which PC 50 sends requests to recording device 20 regarding various information transmissions, and recording device 20 responds to those requests. However, the communication mode is not limited to the so-called pull-type communication mode described above, and may also be a so-called push-type communication mode in which recording device 20 proactively sends messages to one or more PC 50s present on the network.

[0061] <Process for calculating the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied> Figure 8 shows the execution sequence of the process for calculating the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied in this embodiment. Processes S801 to S804 are processes performed in PC 50, and processes S811 to S815 are processes performed in recording device 20. In Figure 8, dashed arrows indicate data transmission and reception. Furthermore, processes S801 to S804 are realized by the CPU 501 of PC 50 (see Figure 2) reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit of PC 50. Processes S811 to S815 are realized by the CPU 201 of recording device 20 (see Figure 2) reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit of recording device 20. Note that the processes in Figure 8 are started by user operation.

[0062] In step S801, the CPU 501 generates a calculation instruction to calculate the amount of foaming accelerator to be dispensed, and issues the generated calculation instruction. The calculation instruction issued in this step is transmitted to the recording device 20.

[0063] When the recording device 20 receives the instruction issued in S801, in S811 the CPU 201 performs a recording process to record an image for calculating the amount of foaming accelerator stored in ROM 203 onto the recording medium 10. Note that the image data used in this step is not limited to that stored in ROM 203; image data stored in the HDD 503 of PC 50 may also be transmitted to the recording device 20 and used.

[0064] In S812, CPU201 sends a recording completion notification to PC50 indicating that recording in S811 has been completed.

[0065] When the PC 50 receives the recording completion notification sent in S812, the CPU 501 generates a read instruction in S803 to read the image recorded on the recording medium 10 in S811 using the scanner 30, and issues the generated read instruction. The read instruction issued in this step is transmitted to the recording device 20.

[0066] In S813, after the scanner 30 enters a readable standby state, the CPU 201 executes a reading process to read an image from the scanner 30 for calculating the correction value for the amount of foam-promoting liquid applied.

[0067] In S814, the CPU201 analyzes the image read by the scanner30 in S813 to calculate a correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied, and stores the calculated correction value in the ROM203. The details of the calculation process for the correction value in this step will be described later.

[0068] In S815, the CPU201 sends a calculation completion notification to the PC50 indicating that the calculation of the added amount correction value in S814 has been completed. With the end of this step, the processing on the recording device 20 side is complete. After this, the recording device 20 enters a standby state.

[0069] When PC50 receives the calculation completion notification sent in S815, CPU501 displays a message on the display via display device I / F506 in S804 indicating that the correction value calculation process is complete. With the completion of this step, the processing on the PC50 side is finished.

[0070] In the above description, the scanner 30 was used to read an image for calculating the correction value of the amount of foaming accelerator applied, and the CPU 201 on the recording device 20 calculated the correction value. However, it is also possible to transmit the image data read by the scanner 30 to the PC 50, have the CPU 501 on the PC 50 calculate the correction value, and then transmit the calculated correction value to the recording device 20 and store it in the ROM 203.

[0071] <Correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied> Figure 10 shows an image for characteristic detection of the recording element array 22 of the foaming accelerator. Similar to the submitted image (see Figures 4(a) and 4(b)), the characteristic detection image consists of a colored plate, which is data for applying the colored liquid, and a foaming plate, which is data for applying the foaming liquid. In both Figure 10(a) and Figure 10(b), the smallest unit rectangle separated by a dashed line represents one pixel.

[0072] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show images used to calculate the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied, which are recorded on the recording medium 10 in step S811 (see Figure 8) as described above. The X direction is the direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium 10, and each of the multiple recording element rows constituting the recording head 21 is arranged so that its position in the X direction is different. The Y direction is the transport direction of the recording medium 10.

[0073] FIG. 10(a) shows, as an example of a foam plate, grayscale image data having 1-color 8-bit information, where the value range of each pixel is 0 to 255. However, the number of bits per color is not limited to 8 bits and may be 16 bits or the like. For unit regions 1002 to 1006, these regions are used to analyze the characteristics of the recording element array 22, and a foam promoting liquid is applied. Specifically, unit region 1002 is a region where the density of the grayscale data is zero and no foam promoting liquid is applied. In contrast, the density of the grayscale data in unit region 1003 is m, the density of the grayscale data in unit region 1004 is n, the density of the grayscale data in unit region 1005 is o, and the density of the grayscale data in unit region 1006 is p. Regarding the density values, since 0 < m < n < o < p, the degree of expansion is in the order of unit region 1002 < unit region 1003 < unit region 1004 < unit region 1005 < unit region 1006 and increases.

[0074] FIG. 10(b) shows, as an example of a colored plate, RGB 3-channel image data. Here, each channel has 8-bit information, that is, the value range is 0 to 255, but the number of bits is not limited and may be 16 bits or the like. Unit region 1001 is a region where a colored liquid is recorded overlapping unit regions 1002 to 1006, and an equal amount of cyan (C) ink is applied as the colored liquid. Note that the colored liquid may be magenta (M) ink, yellow (Y) ink, or black (K) ink.

[0075] In the above description, the form of 5-tone recording (recording in unit regions 1002 to 1006) has been described, but the number of tones may be any number. That is, the characteristic detection image has at least N or more (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and regarding the amount of liquid applied to each of the at least N or more unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid applied is equal, and the amount of the foam promoting liquid applied may change stepwise. After recording the characteristic detection image on the recording medium 10 and heating and expanding the foam layer by the heating device 29, the recorded characteristic detection image is read by the scanner 30.

[0076] As a result of this reading, RGB data can be obtained. When calculating the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied, the choice of which of the obtained RGB data to use depends on which ink was applied as the colored liquid. Specifically, if cyan (C) ink is applied, the R data, which is the complementary color of cyan (C), is used as the reading value of the scanner 30 to calculate the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied. If magenta (M) ink is applied as the colored liquid, the G data, which is the complementary color of magenta (M), is used as the reading value of the scanner 30. If yellow (Y) ink is applied as the colored liquid, the B data, which is the complementary color of yellow (Y), is used as the reading value of the scanner 30. If black (K) ink is applied as the colored liquid, any of the R, G, or B data may be used as the reading value of the scanner 30.

[0077] Figure 9 shows the R data readings when the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 in the recording head 21 are ideal, and the characteristic detection image is recorded on the recording medium 10, and the foam layer 12 is heated and expanded by the heating device 29 before being read by the scanner 30. The vertical axis represents the R data readings, where the density increases as it approaches 0 and decreases as it approaches 255. The horizontal axis represents each region of the unit region 1002 to 1006. Regarding the shape of the function showing the correspondence between the unit region and the readings, both the theoretical and measured values, as shown in Figure 9, have a shape that includes regions where the readings increase and regions where they decrease, and the second derivative is greater than or equal to 0 (i.e., convex downwards). Note that the shape of the function showing the correspondence between the unit region and the readings differs depending on the type of reading device; for example, if the reading device is a densitometer, the second derivative is less than or equal to 0 (i.e., convex upwards).

[0078] R1002 is the reading of the R data obtained from unit region 1002 in Figure 10. Similarly, R1003 to R1006 are the readings of the R data obtained from unit regions 1003 to 1006. The inventors of this application found that the amount of foaming particles changes depending on the amount of foaming accelerator applied to the foaming layer 12, and that the reading of the R data changes as the number of foaming particles increases. In particular, as shown in Figure 9, when the amount of foaming accelerator applied to the foaming layer 12 is changed, the concentration of the R data becomes higher in unit region 1004 than in unit region 1002, and the concentration of the R data becomes lower in unit region 1006 than in unit region 1004.

[0079] As the amount of foaming accelerator applied is increased from unit region 1002 to unit region 1004, the degree of expansion of the foamed layer 12 increases, and it is thought that the colorant from the colored liquid that had penetrated to the lower part of the foamed layer 12 moves to the upper part of the foamed layer 12, resulting in a higher concentration. Furthermore, as the amount of foaming accelerator applied is increased from unit region 1004 to unit region 1006, the degree of expansion of the foamed layer 12 increases even further, and it is thought that the concentration decreases as the surface area of ​​the foamed layer 12 increases.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, a characteristic detection image is recorded on the recording medium 10, and the recorded characteristic detection image is read by the scanner 30. Then, a correction value is calculated to correct the amount of foaming accelerator applied, based on the read value of the R data and the ideal characteristics shown in Figure 9 (i.e., the relationship between the amount of foaming accelerator applied and the R data) which are stored in the ROM 203 beforehand. Below, a specific method for calculating the correction magnification will be described.

[0081] As an example, let's consider the case where the region with the lowest reading value (i.e., the highest density) of the R data read by scanner 30 is unit region 1003, and the region with the highest density in the characteristics of Figure 9, which are pre-stored in ROM 203, is unit region 1004. If the density value of the read unit region 1003 is m, and the density value of unit region 1004 shown in Figure 9 is n, the correction factor is calculated by the ratio of the density values ​​using the following formula (1). Correction magnification = n÷m...Equation (1)

[0082] As another example, if the region with the lowest reading value (i.e., the highest density) of the R data read by scanner 30 is unit region 1005, and the characteristics of Figure 9 are pre-stored in ROM 203, the correction magnification is calculated by the following formula (2). Correction magnification = n÷o...Equation (2)

[0083] In this embodiment, the correction factor is calculated by dividing a predetermined concentration value n by the concentration value of the unit area read (e.g., m, o). The calculated correction factor is stored in the RAM 202 or ROM 203 of the recording device 20.

[0084] Regarding the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 as shown in Figure 9, if the ink ejection characteristics (ejection amount) of the recording element array 24 are less than ideal, the density of R1002 to R1006 will be lighter, and if they are more than ideal, the density of R1002 to R1006 will be higher. However, the fact that the density is highest at the reading value R1004 corresponding to the unit region 1004 remains unchanged. Therefore, in the method of this embodiment, although cyan (C) ink and foaming accelerator are applied in layers, it is possible to detect the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 and correct the amount of foaming accelerator applied, without depending on the ink ejection characteristics of the recording element array 24.

[0085] <Processing flow during image recording> Figure 7 is a flowchart of the image recording process in this embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart that includes a process to correct the amount of foaming accelerator applied, using correction values ​​calculated for the areas to which the foaming accelerator (H) and the black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks are applied. This flow is realized in the process of S615 (see Figure 6) described above, when the CPU 201 of the recording device 20 reads and executes programs and data contained in the ROM 203, etc. Note that a part of this flow may be executed by the image processing accelerator 206.

[0086] In S701, CPU201 acquires the submitted images (see Figure 4) included in the recording job received in S614 (see Figure 6). Here, we will explain the process assuming that the submitted images are acquired page by page.

[0087] In S702, CPU201 performs rendering processing on both the foam plate and the color plate of the submitted image acquired in S701. The rendering resolution at this time corresponds to the spacing between the recording elements 31 shown in Figure 3.

[0088] S703-S704 are processes performed on foamed boards.

[0089] In S703, CPU201 generates a recording signal value for applying the foaming accelerator based on the data indicated by the foaming plate. The recording signal value (H) for the foaming accelerator is 8 bits of information that specifies the amount of foaming accelerator applied to each pixel, and its value range is 0 to 255. The value indicating the smallest amount of foaming accelerator applied is "0", and the value indicating the largest amount of foaming accelerator applied is "255". In the conversion process in S703, known methods such as matrix arithmetic processing and one-dimensional lookup table processing may be used. This conversion process generates a recording signal value (H) for the foaming accelerator consisting of one element. Here, as an example, a conversion process using a one-dimensional lookup table as the conversion data will be described.

[0090] Equation (3) below shows the function 1D_LUT[Gray] of the one-dimensional lookup table. The variable Gray is the pixel value of each pixel in the foam plate. H=1D_LUT[Gray]...Formula (3)

[0091] The 1D_LUT described above consists of 256 data tables. To reduce the amount of data in the lookup tables, for example, the number of grids may be reduced from 256 to 64, and the result may be calculated by interpolation using 64 data tables. In addition to 64 grids, a suitable number of grids such as 32 grids or 16 grids may be set as appropriate. Furthermore, any known method such as one-dimensional linear interpolation may be used for the interpolation calculation method. In this embodiment, a predetermined one-dimensional lookup table is stored in the ROM 203 of the recording device 20.

[0092] In S704, CPU201 performs an application amount correction on the recorded signal value (H) of the foaming accelerator generated in S703. Based on the recorded signal value (H) of the foaming accelerator, a corrected recorded signal value (H') of the foaming accelerator is generated. The corrected recorded signal value (H') of the foaming accelerator is 8 bits of information that specifies the amount of foaming accelerator applied to each pixel, similar to the recorded signal value (H), and its value range is 0 to 255. The value indicating the smallest amount of foaming accelerator applied is "0", and the value indicating the largest amount of foaming accelerator applied is "255". Equation 4 below shows a method in which the application amount correction process multiplies the recorded signal value (H) of the foaming accelerator by a correction magnification factor. H'=H×correction magnification...Equation (4)

[0093] In this embodiment, the correction value (specifically, the correction multiplier) is calculated in S814 and stored in the RAM 202 or ROM 203 of the recording device 20.

[0094] Steps S705-S706 are processes performed on the colored version.

[0095] In S705, CPU201 performs color correction processing based on the data indicated by the color plate. The image data after color correction processing is RGB data, and at the end of this step, it is assumed to be RGB specific to the recording device 20, so-called device RGB format. In the color correction processing, known methods such as matrix calculation processing and 3D lookup table processing are used to convert it into device color image data consisting of a color signal composed of three elements. Here, an example of color correction processing using a 3D lookup table as the conversion table is described. The following equations (5) to (7) are the function 3D_LUT[R][G][B][N] of the 3D lookup table. The variables R, G, and B are input values ​​of the RGB data, respectively. The variable N is specified as one of the output R', G', and B'. Here, it is assumed that R', G', and B' are specified as 0, 1, and 2, respectively. R'=3D_LUT[R][G][B][0]...Equation (5) G'=3D_LUT[R][G][B][1]...Equation (6) B'=3D_LUT[R][G][B][2]...Equation (7)

[0096] The above 3D_LUT consists of 256 × 256 × 256 × 3 = 5,033,1648 data tables. To reduce the amount of data in the lookup tables, for example, the number of grids may be reduced from 256 to 17, and the result may be calculated by interpolation using 14,739 (= 17 × 17 × 17 × 3) data tables. In addition to 17 grids, 16 grids, 9 grids, or 8 grids may be set as appropriate. Furthermore, any known interpolation method, such as tetrahedron interpolation, may be used. In this embodiment, a predetermined 3D lookup table is stored in the ROM 203 of the recording device 20.

[0097] In S706, CPU201 generates recording signal values ​​for applying colored liquids using a 3D lookup table based on the color-corrected R', G', B' data. The recording signal value (C) specifies the amount of cyan (C) ink to be applied to each pixel. Similarly, the recording signal value (M) specifies the amount of magenta (M) ink, the recording signal value (Y) specifies the amount of yellow (Y) ink, and the recording signal value (K) specifies the amount of black (K) ink to be applied. Each color's recording signal value is 8 bits of information, with a value range of 0 to 255. The value indicating the smallest amount of colored liquid applied is "0", and the value indicating the largest amount of colored liquid applied is "255". In this embodiment, a conversion process is performed to convert to the recording signal values ​​of the colored liquids using a 3D lookup table as follows. The following equations (8) to (11) are the functions 3D_LUT[R'][G'][B'][N] of the 3D lookup table. The variables R', G', and B' are input values ​​for the R'G'B' data, respectively, and the variable N is specified as one of the C, M, Y, or K values ​​to be output. In this case, 0, 1, 2, and 3 are specified for C, M, Y, and K, respectively. C=3D_LUT[R][G][B][0]...Formula (8) M=3D_LUT[R][G][B][1]...Formula (9) Y=3D_LUT[R][G][B][2]...Equation (10) K=3D_LUT[R][G][B][3]...Equation (11)

[0098] In this embodiment, a predetermined three-dimensional lookup table is stored in the ROM 203 or the like of the recording device 20.

[0099] In step S707, the CPU 201 performs quantization processing based on the corrected recording signal value (H') of the foaming accelerator, and the recording signal values ​​(K), (C), (M), and (Y) of the colored liquid. Various quantization levels such as binarization, trinarization, and hexaquantization can be used in the quantization processing in this step. Generally, during binarization, the corrected recording signal value (H') of the foaming accelerator is converted into 1 bit data for the foaming accelerator (h). Similarly, the recording signal values ​​(K), (C), (M), and (Y) are converted into 1 bit data each for black (k), cyan (c), magenta (m), and yellow (y). This 1 bit data indicates whether or not droplets of the foaming accelerator and colored liquid are applied, that is, whether or not dots of the foaming accelerator and colored liquid are formed on the recording medium 10. For the quantization process in this step, known pseudo-intertone processing methods such as the dithermatrix method and error diffusion method are used.

[0100] In S708, the CPU 201 performs control processing for the recording head 21. Specifically, it transfers the quantized data to the head controller 205. Then, based on the quantized data, the foaming accelerator and colored liquids of each color are dispensed from the recording element 31 and applied to the recording medium 10. After the foaming accelerator and colored liquids of each color are applied to the recording medium 10 and the image is recorded, the quantized data is stored in the RAM 202 for a certain period of time.

[0101] In S709, CPU201 determines whether image recording for all pages to be printed is complete. If the result of this step is true, the series of processes shown in Figure 7 is terminated, and the process proceeds to S615 in Figure 6. On the other hand, if the result of this step is false, the process returns to S701 and continues processing for the next page.

[0102] As explained above with reference to Figures 7 to 10, this embodiment calculates a correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator added (H) and corrects the added amount using the calculated correction value to obtain an ideal expansion height. In this embodiment, the correction factor was calculated using a mathematical formula in correcting the added amount, but a method of deriving the added amount using 1D_LUT may also be adopted.

[0103] <Modified form of this embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, a method was explained in which the correction factor was calculated using equation (1) when the density of the unit region 1004 was at its highest. In contrast, in this modified example, the correction factor is calculated based on the slope between R1002 in the scanner-read R data in Figure 9 and the R data of the region with the highest density of the reading value of the R data read by the scanner 30 (any of R1003 to R1006).

[0104] For example, when the reading of the R data read by scanner 30, if the densest region is unit region 1005, the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 are less than ideal. Therefore, the slope between R1002 and R1005 will be gentler (larger in terms of slope value) than the ideal value, and let this slope value be b. If the slope value corresponding to the ideal characteristics shown in Figure 9, which is pre-stored in ROM 203, is a, the correction magnification is calculated by the following formula (12). Correction magnification = a÷b...Equation (12)

[0105] Furthermore, regarding the R data readings obtained by scanner 30, if the densest region is unit region 1003, the ink ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 of the recording head 21 are greater than ideal. Therefore, the slope between R1002 and R1003 becomes steep (the slope value is small), and this slope value is denoted as c. In this case, the correction magnification is calculated by the following equation (13). Correction magnification = a÷c...Equation (13)

[0106] Thus, in this modified example, the gradient of the density read by the scanner changes depending on the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 that ejects the foaming accelerator (H). According to the method of this modified example, although cyan (C) ink and foaming accelerator (H) are applied in layers, the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 can be detected and the amount of foaming accelerator applied can be corrected without depending on the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 24 that ejects the cyan (C) ink.

[0107] <Effects of this embodiment, etc.> Thus, in this embodiment, we have explained the case where the region with the highest concentration is used and the case where the slope of the change in the amount of foaming accelerator applied is used. Any method is acceptable as long as it utilizes the phenomenon in which the density of the characteristic detection image of a recording element array to which the colored liquid and foaming accelerator have been applied becomes denser and then dilutes as shown in Figure 9 due to the expansion of the foaming layer 12 to calculate the correction value for the amount of foaming accelerator applied.

[0108] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case was described in which the same correction value was applied to all recording elements 31 in the recording element array 22. In this embodiment, a case is described in which different correction values ​​are applied to each of the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 22.

[0109] Figure 11 is a diagram showing characteristic detection images for calculating the correction value of the amount applied to each recording element 31 in the recording element array 22. For the sake of simplicity, the unit regions 1101 to 1106 shown in Figure 11 are assumed to be the same as those described in the first embodiment (see the explanation of Figure 10). However, for unit regions 1102 to 1106, the foaming accelerator is applied over the entire X-direction of the recording medium 10 in order to calculate the correction value of each individual recording element 31.

[0110] Mark 1107 is a mark used to identify the position of each recording element 31. Since the recording element array 22 and the recording element array 24 are aligned using a known method, the recording positions of the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 22 and the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 24 coincide. Therefore, by applying cyan (C) ink, it is possible to identify the position of the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 22 that ejects the foaming accelerator (H). In overlap region D, the recording elements 31 on either the recording element substrate 32 are used. In both Figure 11(a) and Figure 11(b), the smallest unit rectangle separated by a dashed line indicates a region where the foaming accelerator is applied by one recording element 31 in the recording element array 22, and an image is recorded on the recording medium 10 using nine recording elements 31 corresponding to regions M1 to M9. Note that the number of regions is not limited to nine, but can be at least two or more, or M in total.

[0111] Then, for the R data readings read by scanner 30 at the X-direction position of region M1, the density value of the densest region among the unit regions 1102 to 1106 is calculated. Similarly, the density value of the densest region for each X-direction position in regions M2 to M9 is calculated. Next, the average value of the density values ​​calculated for each X-direction position in regions M1 to M9 is calculated. Then, the correction factor is calculated based on the average value of the density values ​​and the density value of the densest region at each X-direction position in regions M1 to M9. As a specific example, if the unit region 1103 is the densest at the X-direction position of region M1, the density value of unit region 1103 is m, so the correction factor (let's call it M1) is calculated by the following formula (14). Correction magnification M1 = Average value of density ÷ m ... Formula (14)

[0112] Similarly, correction magnifications M2 to M9 for regions M2 to M9 are also calculated. In this embodiment, the calculated correction magnifications M1 to M9 are stored in the RAM 202 or ROM 203 of the recording device 20.

[0113] Similar to the first embodiment, a method may be used to calculate the correction magnifications M1 to M9 for each position in the X direction of regions M1 to M9 using the density value n of the unit region 1004 when the ink ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 shown in Figure 9, which are stored in the ROM 203 in advance, are ideal.

[0114] In the image processing that applies the calculated correction for the amount of foaming accelerator applied, in S704 (see Figure 7), the submitted image is divided into nine sections, and the correction magnification of the recording element 31 corresponding to each divided area is applied.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the correction factor was calculated for each individual recording element 31, but a method of calculating the correction factor for each of the multiple recording elements 31 is also possible.

[0116] In this embodiment, a correction value is applied to each recording element 31 to correct the amount of foam-promoting liquid applied. This makes it possible to achieve a uniform foam height on the recording medium 10.

[0117] [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, a case was described in which the amount of colored liquid recording element array 24 added was not corrected when forming the characteristic detection image of the foaming accelerator recording element array 22 on the recording medium 10. In this embodiment, a case is described in which the amount of colored liquid recording element array 24 added is corrected in advance when forming the characteristic detection image of the foaming accelerator recording element array 22 on the recording medium 10.

[0118] The method for correcting the application amount of the coloring liquid in the recording element array 24 may be the same as the known calibration method. Specifically, a plurality of concentration values, for example, concentration value e, concentration value f, concentration value g, and concentration value h (e < f < g < h), are applied to the recording medium 10 with only the coloring liquid, and read by the scanner 30. Further, it is compared with the reading value T in the case where the ink ejection characteristics of the recording element array 24 of the coloring liquid stored in the ROM 203 in advance are ideal, and a concentration value that becomes a reading value substantially the same as T among the reading values of the concentration values e to concentration value h is calculated. Next, based on the calculated concentration value, a correction magnification of the application amount of the coloring liquid is calculated. Subsequently, when recording the characteristic detection image of the recording element array 22 of the foaming accelerator shown in FIG. 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment on the recording medium 10, the coloring liquid is applied in a state where the application amount of the coloring liquid in the recording element array 24 is corrected. Then, the recorded characteristic detection image is read by the scanner 30. As a result, the ink ejection characteristics of the recording element array 24 become an ideal state, and the reading value of the R data in the case where only the ejection characteristics of the recording element array 22 have variations can be obtained. A correction magnification of the application amount of the foaming accelerator is calculated based on the reading value of the R data read by the scanner 30, and this calculation method is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0119] When calculating the correction magnification of the application amount of the foaming accelerator for each of the recording elements 31 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, recording is performed in a state where the application amount of each of the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 24 of the coloring liquid is corrected in advance. Then, a correction magnification of the application amount is calculated for each of the recording elements 31 in the recording element array 22 of the foaming accelerator.

[0120] Thus, in the present embodiment, when recording the characteristic detection image of the recording element array 22 on the recording medium 10, the corrected coloring liquid with the application amount is applied. As a result, the effect that the correction value of the application amount of the foaming accelerator can be calculated in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0121] [Other Embodiments] In the embodiments described above, a case in which an inkjet recording head is used to apply the foam-promoting liquid was explained, but the means for applying the foam-promoting component are not limited to an inkjet recording head. It may also be applied by coating the recording medium with a roller or by other methods such as electrophotography. Furthermore, as a method for forming an uneven structure, it may be not only to apply the foam-promoting liquid to a recording medium containing foam particles, but also to apply the foam particles to the recording medium.

[0122] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described a case in which foaming particles are foamed by heating, the foaming means for foaming foaming particles is not limited to heating. The technology of this disclosure can be applied to any form in which foaming occurs due to the addition of some kind of energy, such as when light with a specific wavelength is irradiated.

[0123] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the foaming accelerator was described as having the function of lowering the temperature at which foaming particles begin to foam, but the function of the foaming accelerator is not limited to this. When the same amount of energy is applied, the function of the foaming accelerator may be to make it easier for foaming particles to foam, or it may be to increase the number of foaming particles that actually foam.

[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:

[0126] (Configuration 1) A recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foamed particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and the amount of the colored liquid applied to each of the at least N unit regions is equal, and the amount of the foaming accelerator applied changes in stages; the recording head; a foaming means for foaming the foamed particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image has been recorded by the recording head; and a reading means for reading the characteristic detection image on which the foamed particles have foamed by the foaming means. A recording device characterized by comprising: a reading means, wherein, as a result of reading the characteristic detection image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases; and a calculation means for calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foaming accelerator dispensed based on the reading result, wherein the calculation means calculates the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the shape of the function showing the correspondence relationship differs depending on the type of reading device, and is convex downwards when the second derivative is 0 or greater, or convex upwards when the second derivative is 0 or less. (Configuration 3) The recording device according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the recording head has a first recording element array that discharges the foaming accelerator liquid and a second recording element array that discharges the colored liquid, and the correction value is a value for correcting the amount of foaming accelerator liquid dispensed by the first recording element array. (Configuration 4) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a storage means, wherein the calculation means calculates the correction value based on the first concentration value and a predetermined concentration value stored in advance in the storage means. (Configuration 5) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the calculation means calculates a correction factor obtained by dividing the predetermined concentration value by the first concentration value as the correction value. (Configuration 6) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the correction value based on the difference between the first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region and the second concentration value corresponding to the second unit region to which the foaming accelerator is not applied among the at least N or more unit regions, and the slope value calculated using the amount of the foaming accelerator applied to the first unit region. (Configuration 7) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a storage means, wherein the calculation means calculates the correction value based on the slope value and an ideal slope value stored in advance in the storage means. (Configuration 8) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the calculation means calculates a correction factor obtained by dividing the ideal slope value by the slope value as the correction value. (Configuration 9) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that, for each region of each recording element when recording with M (M is 2 or more) recording elements in the first recording element array, the density value with the lowest reading value of the reading means is calculated within the at least N or more unit regions, the average value of the density values ​​calculated for each region of each recording element when recording with the M recording elements is calculated, and the correction value is calculated using the calculated average value. (Configuration 10) The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the calculation means calculates a correction magnification as the correction value, and the correction magnification is the value obtained by dividing the average value by the lowest density value calculated for each region of each recording element when recording with the M recording elements. (Configuration 11) A recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the amount of colored liquid applied to the second recording element array is corrected in advance before recording the characteristic detection image with the recording head. (Configuration 12) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the foaming accelerating liquid contains a foaming accelerating component that causes the foaming particles contained in the recording medium to foam by heat, the foaming accelerating component lowers the temperature at which the foaming particles begin to foam, and the colored liquid contains a colorant. (Configuration 13) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, further comprising a transport means for transporting the recording medium, wherein the recording operation by the recording head and the transport operation by the transport means are performed alternately. (Configuration 14) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the foaming means is a heating device having a heating means. (Control method) A recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foaming particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and with respect to the amount of liquid applied to each of the at least N unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid applied is equal and the amount of the foaming accelerator applied changes in steps, the recording head, foaming means for foaming the foaming particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image has been recorded by the recording head, and reading means for reading the characteristic detection image on which the foaming particles have foamed by the foaming means, the characteristic detection A control method for a recording device having a reading means, wherein, as a result of reading an output image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases, the control method comprising a calculation step of calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foam-promoting liquid applied based on the reading result, the calculation step of calculating the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions. A recording head for a computer (program) that discharges a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foaming particles to record a characteristic detection image, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and the amount of liquid dispensed to each of the at least N unit regions is equal for the amount of the colored liquid dispensed and the amount of foaming accelerator dispensed changes in steps, the recording head, foaming means for foaming the foaming particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image has been recorded by the recording head, and reading means for reading the characteristic detection image on which the foaming particles have foamed, the characteristic detection A control method for a recording device having a reading means, wherein, as a result of reading an image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases, the control method comprising a calculation step of calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foam-promoting liquid to be dispensed based on the reading result, the calculation step of calculating the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions, and a program for executing the control method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 20 Recording device 21 Recording head 29 Heating device 30 Scanners 201 CPU

Claims

1. A recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foaming particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and with respect to the amount of liquid dispensed to each of the at least N unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid dispensed is equal, and the amount of foaming accelerator dispensed changes in steps, A foaming means for foaming the foam particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image is recorded by the recording head, A reading means for reading the characteristic detection image formed by the foaming means, wherein, as a result of reading the characteristic detection image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases. A calculation means for calculating a correction value for correcting the amount of foaming accelerator applied based on the reading result, wherein the calculation means calculates the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions. A recording device characterized by having the following features.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the function showing the aforementioned correspondence differs depending on the type of reading device, and is convex downwards when the second derivative is 0 or greater, or convex upwards when the second derivative is 0 or less.

3. The recording head has a first recording element array that discharges the foam-promoting liquid and a second recording element array that discharges the colored liquid. The correction value is a value for correcting the amount of foam-promoting liquid dispensed by the first recording element array. The recording device according to feature 2.

4. It further possesses a means of memory, The calculation means calculates the correction value based on the first concentration value and a predetermined concentration value stored in the storage means beforehand. The recording device according to feature 3.

5. The calculation means calculates a correction factor as the correction value by dividing the predetermined concentration value by the first concentration value. The recording device according to feature 4.

6. The calculation means calculates the correction value based on the difference between the first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region and the second concentration value corresponding to the second unit region in which the foaming accelerator is not applied among the at least N unit regions, and the slope value calculated using the amount of the foaming accelerator applied to the first unit region. The recording device according to feature 5.

7. It further possesses a means of memory, The calculation means calculates the correction value based on the slope value and an ideal slope value stored in advance in the storage means. The recording device according to feature 6.

8. The calculation means calculates a correction factor as the correction value by dividing the ideal slope value by the slope value. The recording device according to feature 7.

9. When recording with M recording elements (where M is 2 or more) in the first recording element array, for each region of the recording element, the density value with the lowest reading from the reading means is calculated within the at least N or more unit regions, the average value of the density values ​​calculated for each region of the recording element when recording with the M recording elements is calculated, and the correction value is calculated using the calculated average value. The recording device according to feature 3.

10. The calculation means calculates a correction multiplier as the correction value, The correction ratio is the value obtained by dividing the average value by the lowest density value calculated for each region of each recording element when recording with the M recording elements. The recording device according to feature 9.

11. Before recording the characteristic detection image with the recording head, the amount of colored liquid applied to the second recording element array is corrected in advance. The recording device according to feature 3.

12. The foaming accelerator contains a foaming accelerator component that causes the foaming particles contained in the recording medium to foam due to heat, The foam-promoting component lowers the temperature at which the foam particles begin to foam, The aforementioned colored liquid contains a colorant, A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the features described herein.

13. The system further includes a transport means for transporting the recording medium, The recording operation by the recording head and the transport operation by the transport means are performed alternately. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the features described herein.

14. The foaming means is a heating device having a heating means. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the features described herein.

15. A recording head for recording a characteristic detection image by discharging a foaming accelerator and a colored liquid onto a recording medium containing foaming particles, wherein the characteristic detection image has at least N (N is 3 or more) unit regions, and with respect to the amount of liquid dispensed to each of the at least N unit regions, the amount of the colored liquid dispensed is equal, and the amount of foaming accelerator dispensed changes in steps, A foaming means for foaming the foam particles contained in the recording medium on which the characteristic detection image is recorded by the recording head, A reading means for reading the characteristic detection image formed by the foaming means, wherein, as a result of reading the characteristic detection image, a correspondence relationship is obtained between each of the at least N or more unit regions and the reading value of the colored liquid, and the correspondence relationship includes regions in which the reading value of the reading means increases and regions in which it decreases. A control method for a recording device having, A calculation step for calculating a correction value to correct the amount of foaming accelerator applied based on the reading result, comprising the steps of calculating the correction value based on a first concentration value corresponding to the first unit region in which the reading value of the reading means is the lowest among the at least N or more unit regions, A control method characterized by the following:

16. A program for causing a computer to perform the method described in claim 15.

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