Processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image forming operation setting method, and program

Abstract

To perform processing of more appropriately suppressing deterioration of image quality.SOLUTION: A processor includes generation means for generating operation setting data of a recording element for forming an image by dot formation operation by a plurality of recording elements aligned in a first direction, and operation for relatively moving a medium and the recording element in a second direction. The generation means determines a dot position on the basis of gradation data of each pixel of a formation object image, outputs an image for adjustment for obtaining a setting condition for complementing a dot position to an operation defect recording element and acquires a setting condition, and determines a complementation dot position on the basis of a setting condition. In the image for adjustment, a plurality of first pattern images having different arrangement ratios of the dot position is arranged in the second direction, and a plurality of second pattern images which has been subjected to complementation processing of distributing the dot position to a periphery of a breakage position where recording of the dot is inhibited at a complementation ratio of adding an off-set number relating to a setting condition to the arrangement ratio of the first pattern image is arranged in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, an image forming apparatus, an image forming operation setting method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is an image forming apparatus that forms an image by the operation of a plurality of recording elements having nozzles that eject ink to form (record) dots. As the number of recording elements increases due to requirements for higher image quality, etc., malfunctioning recording elements that cannot normally record dots are likely to occur. The presence of such malfunctioning recording elements degrades the image quality of the formed image. Conventionally, there is a technique for suppressing a decrease in image quality by performing a complementary operation by a recording element that records dots in the vicinity of the dot position of the malfunctioning recording element, particularly at adjacent positions.

[0003] Thus, simply assigning the dots that should have been recorded by the operation of the malfunctioning recording element uniformly to other alternative recording elements to record the dots may not result in an appropriate density distribution due to differences in the positions of the malfunctioning recording element and the alternative recording elements. In Patent Document 1, a test image with a changed density gradation in a state where ink ejection from some nozzles is excluded is formed by other nozzles, respectively, to identify a test image that can obtain an appropriate density gradation, and the image is corrected according to the density gradation of the test image and then operation setting data for ink ejection is generated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even within the normal range of the operating states of the respective recording elements, there are minute variations. Therefore, there is a problem that simply adjusting the density gradation of the original image data cannot appropriately avoid fine density unevenness, streaks, etc. associated with the complementation process and suppress deterioration of the image quality.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming operation setting method, and a program for more appropriately suppressing deterioration of the image quality.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes generation means for generating operation setting data related to a dot formation operation by the plurality of recording elements for forming an image by an operation of forming dots by the plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction and an operation of relatively moving a medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the generation means includes positioning means for determining a dot position at which dots are to be recorded by the plurality of recording elements based on gradation data of each pixel of an image to be formed, adjustment image output means for causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for malfunctioning recording elements set as the recording elements at which dots are not normally recorded, acquisition means for acquiring the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, and change content determination means for determining, based on the setting conditions, the dot positions related to the complementation by normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording elements, and wherein the adjustment image includes a plurality of first pattern images having different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the second direction, For the ranges that are different from each other in the first direction, the arrangement rate at the missing position corresponding to the missing recording element defined as not recording dots in advance among the first pattern images of the arrangement rate according to the range in the second direction is set to zero, and the dot positions are distributed around the missing position at a complementary rate obtained by adding the offset rate included in the setting conditions to the arrangement rate related to the missing position, including a plurality of second pattern images that have undergone the complementary process. A processing apparatus characterized by the above.

[0008] Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment image is characterized in that the first pattern image is located adjacent to at least one side of the second pattern image in the first direction.

[0009] Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second pattern image has a plurality of the missing positions at a predetermined interval in the first direction, and the complementary process is performed on each of the plurality of missing positions at the complementary rate.

[0010] Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the complementary rates in the plurality of second pattern images arranged in the first direction are determined in a random order with respect to the arrangement order of the plurality of second pattern images.

[0011] Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition means is characterized in that it acquires the setting conditions based on the difference data between the formed first pattern image and the second pattern image.

[0012] Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The adjustment image output means is characterized in that at least one of the range for varying the arrangement ratio and the range for varying the complement ratio is determined according to the type of the medium for outputting the adjustment image.

[0013] Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adjustment image output means outputs the adjustment image for each type of color of the plurality of dots.

[0014] Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of recording elements respectively belong to any one of a plurality of recording heads, and the adjustment image output means outputs the adjustment image for each recording head. This is the gist.

[0015] Further, the invention according to claim 9 is the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising operation reception means, wherein the adjustment image output means can output the first pattern image of a plurality of different patterns and the second pattern image based on the first pattern image, and outputs the adjustment image including the first pattern image of the pattern selected according to the content of the input operation received by the operation reception means and the second pattern image based on the first pattern image. This is the gist.

[0016] Further, the invention according to claim 10 is a plurality of recording elements for recording dots arranged in the first direction, moving means for relatively moving the plurality of recording elements and the medium in the second direction, a processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the same.

[0017] Further, the invention according to claim 11 is a generation step of generating operation setting data related to an operation of forming dots by a plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction and an operation of relatively moving a medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction, for forming an image by the operation of forming dots by the plurality of recording elements, wherein the generation step includes a positioning step of determining a dot position for recording dots by the plurality of recording elements based on gradation data of each pixel of an image to be formed, an adjustment image output step of causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for malfunctioning recording elements set as the recording elements for which dots cannot be normally recorded, an acquisition step of acquiring the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, a change content determination step of determining the dot positions related to the complementation by normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording elements based on the setting conditions, and the adjustment image includes a plurality of first pattern images in which the arrangement rates of the dot positions are different from each other in different ranges in the second direction, and a plurality of second pattern images in which a complementation process is performed in which, for a defective recording element defined as not recording dots in advance among the first pattern images of the arrangement rates corresponding to the ranges in the second direction in different ranges in the first direction, the arrangement rate at the missing position corresponding to the defective recording element is set to zero, and the dot positions are distributed around the missing position at a complementation rate obtained by adding an offset rate included in the setting conditions to the arrangement rate related to the missing position. An image forming operation setting method characterized by the above.

[0018] Further, the invention according to claim 12 is a computer Function as generation means for generating operation setting data related to the dot formation operation by a plurality of recording elements arranged in the first direction and the relative movement of the medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction to form an image. The generation means Position determination means for determining dot positions at which dots are to be recorded by the plurality of recording elements based on the gradation data of each pixel of the image to be formed, Adjustment image output means for causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for the malfunctioning recording elements set as the recording elements for which dots are not normally recorded, Acquisition means for acquiring the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, Change content determination means for determining the dot positions related to the complementation by the normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording elements based on the setting conditions, and The adjustment image includes a plurality of first pattern images with different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the second direction, and includes a plurality of second pattern images in which, for different ranges in the first direction, a complementation process is performed in which the dot positions are distributed around the missing positions by adding an offset rate included in the setting conditions to the arrangement rate at the missing positions where the arrangement rate of the first pattern images corresponding to the ranges in the second direction is set to zero for the missing recording elements defined in advance as those for which dots are not to be recorded. A program characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect that operation setting data for more appropriately suppressing deterioration of image quality can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 including the processing apparatus of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front is shown.

[0022] This image forming apparatus 1 is an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink from nozzles, has a line head, and is a printer that can record a color image by ejecting a plurality of colors of ink at an appropriate timing while moving a medium M relative to the line head. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a medium supply unit 10, a forming operation unit 20, a medium discharge unit 30, a control unit 40 (generation means, positioning means, adjustment image output means, acquisition means, change content determination means), and the like. In this image forming apparatus 1, based on the control by the control unit 40, the medium M stored in the medium supply unit 10 is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path to the forming operation unit 20 and moves, and after the image is recorded, it is discharged to the medium discharge unit 30.

[0023] The medium supply unit 10 sends the medium M stored inside one by one to the forming operation unit 20. Examples of the medium M include printing papers of various thicknesses, as well as various materials such as cells, films, and fabrics. Here, those that can be curved and supported on the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 are mentioned.

[0024] The medium supply unit 10 includes a supply tray 11 for storing the medium M and a feeder board 12 for conveying the medium M from the supply tray 11 to the forming operation unit 20. The supply tray 11 is a plate-like member provided so that one or a plurality of media M can be placed thereon. The supply tray 11 is provided so as to move up and down according to the amount of the medium M placed on the supply tray 11, and in the vertical movement direction, the uppermost medium M is held at a position where it is conveyed by the feeder board 12. The feeder board 12 has a conveying mechanism that drives an annular belt 123 whose inner side is supported by a plurality (for example, two) of rollers 121 and 122 to convey the medium M on the belt 123, and a supply unit that transfers the uppermost medium M placed on the supply tray 11 onto the belt 123. The feeder board 12 conveys the medium M transferred onto the belt 123 by the supply unit along the belt 123.

[0025] The forming operation unit 20 includes an image forming drum 21, a delivery unit 22, a drum heater 231, a head unit 24 (discharging operation unit), an irradiation unit 25, an imaging unit 26, a delivery unit 27, and the like.

[0026] The image forming drum 21 has a cylindrical outer shape, and carries a maximum of three media M on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and performs a conveying operation of conveying the medium M in accordance with a rotational operation with respect to the central axis of the cylinder.

[0027] The delivery unit 22 delivers the medium M delivered from the medium supply unit 10 to the image forming drum 21. The delivery unit 22 includes a swing arm unit 221 that supports one end of the medium M conveyed by the feeder board 12, a cylindrical delivery drum 222 that delivers the medium M supported by the swing arm unit 221 to the image forming drum 21, etc. The medium M on the feeder board 12 is picked up by the swing arm unit 221 and delivered to the delivery drum 222, thereby guiding the medium M in a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 and delivering it to the image forming drum 21.

[0028] The drum heater 231 is located near the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 and heats this outer peripheral surface and the medium M. Here, the drum heater 231 is provided between the position where the medium M is delivered to the image forming drum 21 by the delivery unit 22 and the image forming position on the medium M by the head unit 24 in the rotation direction of the image forming drum 21. The outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 is heated by the drum heater 231, and the medium M carried is set to an appropriate temperature. As a result, the curing speed of the ink on the medium M when the ink lands on the medium M is appropriately maintained, and a stable and high-quality image is recorded. For example, an infrared heater is used for this drum heater 231.

[0029] The head unit 24 ejects ink droplets from a plurality of nozzle openings provided on the surface (nozzle opening surface) of the head unit 24 facing the image formation target surface of the medium M, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the image formation drum 21, onto the image formation target surface of the medium M at an appropriate timing, thereby forming an image by landing the droplets on the image formation target surface of the medium M. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of head units 24 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the conveyance direction of the medium M. Here, four head units 24 are arranged side by side corresponding to each of the four colors of ink. The four head units 24 output cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink, respectively. These inks may, for example, undergo a phase change between a sol state and a gel state according to temperature and may be cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light. This type of ink is often in a gel state at room temperature and becomes a sol state when heated. Therefore, the ink is heated and maintained at an appropriate temperature inside and / or outside the head unit 24 by an ink heater 232 (see FIG. 3) to be in a sol state.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the ink ejection surface of the head unit 24. Each of the head units 24 has a plurality of recording heads 240 in the width direction (first direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction (second direction) of the medium M conveyed on the image formation drum 21, for example. The nozzles N are divided among the respective recording heads 240 in substantially equal numbers. A plurality of nozzle openings of the nozzles N are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction on the bottom surface of each recording head 240, and the arrangement ranges of the nozzle openings of the nozzles N in each recording head 240 are continuous, covering the entire image formation width of the medium M (that is, as long as they are arranged at appropriate intervals in the width direction, the positions of the nozzle openings of the nozzles N may be dispersed at a plurality of locations in the conveyance direction). Thereby, an image can be formed in a single pass by ejecting ink from the nozzle openings onto the medium M while moving (relatively moving) the medium M in the conveyance direction to record dots. That is, the head unit 24 is a line head.

[0031] The irradiation unit 25 irradiates energy rays (electromagnetic waves) of a predetermined wavelength, here ultraviolet rays in the near-ultraviolet region (with a wavelength of about 400 nm), to cure and fix the ink ejected from the head unit 24 and landing on the medium M (that is, the image formed by the dots of the ink). The irradiation unit 25 has, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED 251) that emits ultraviolet rays, and emits light and irradiates ultraviolet rays by applying a voltage to the LED 251 to allow a current to flow. The irradiation unit 25 is positioned such that it can irradiate ultraviolet rays on the ink on the medium M on the downstream side of the landing position of the ink ejected from the head unit 24 with respect to the medium M conveyed by the rotation of the image forming drum 21 and on the upstream side of the position where the medium M is delivered to the delivery unit 27.

[0032] Note that the configuration for emitting ultraviolet rays in the irradiation unit 25 is not limited to LEDs. The irradiation unit 25 may have, for example, a mercury lamp. Also, when the ink has the property of curing by receiving energy rays other than ultraviolet rays, various light sources that emit energy rays of the wavelength for curing the ink are provided instead of the above-described configuration for emitting ultraviolet rays.

[0033] The imaging unit 26 images the surface of the medium M on which ink droplets have landed from the head unit 24 and the ink has been fixed by the irradiation unit 25. The imaging unit 26 has, for example, a line sensor having a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. By performing one-dimensional imaging in the width direction on the medium M conveyed by the operation of the conveyance unit at an appropriate timing, the entire image formation range on the surface of the medium M can be imaged. The imaging unit 26 can, for example, perform imaging in each of the RGB wavelength bands, and select the image data in any of the wavelength bands or combine these image data as needed for inspection processing and setting the offset number described later.

[0034] The delivery unit 27 conveys the medium M after the image forming operation is completed and the landed ink has hardened to the medium discharge unit 30. The delivery unit 27 includes a cylindrical delivery roller 271, a plurality (for example, two) of rollers 272 and 273, and an annular belt 274 supported by the rollers 272 and 273 on the inner surface. The delivery roller 271 receives the medium M from the image forming drum 21 and guides it onto the belt 274. The delivery unit 27 conveys the medium M delivered from the delivery roller 271 onto the belt 274 together with the belt 274 that moves in a circular motion as the rollers 272 and 273 rotate, and sends it out to the medium discharge unit 30.

[0035] The medium discharge unit 30 stores the medium M sent out from the forming operation unit 20 by the delivery unit 27 until it is taken out by the user. The medium discharge unit 30 includes a plate-shaped discharge tray 31 and the like, and places the medium M after image formation on this discharge tray 31.

[0036] The control unit 40 controls the operations of the medium supply unit 10, the forming operation unit 20, and the medium discharge unit 30, and forms an image on the medium M according to the data of the image to be formed by an image formation command (job) and the settings related to the image forming operation.

[0037] Among the above-described components, the image forming drum 21, the delivery unit 22, and the delivery unit 27 constitute the moving means of the present embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition to the head unit 24, the irradiation unit 25, the imaging unit 26, and the control unit 40, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a heating unit 23, a conveyance drive unit 29, a storage unit 42 (storage means), a communication unit 51, a display unit 52, an operation reception unit 53 (operation reception means), and the like.

[0039] The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 402, etc. The CPU 401 is a hardware processor that performs various arithmetic processes. The RAM 402 provides a working memory space for the CPU 401 and stores temporary data.

[0040] The storage unit 42 includes a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and stores various setting data and programs 421, etc. The program 421 includes a processing program related to the missing data completion process described later. The setting data includes a malfunctioning nozzle list 422, offset rate data 423, etc.

[0041] The conveyance drive unit 29 operates each part that performs the conveyance operation of the medium M, such as the image forming drum 21. The conveyance drive unit 29 outputs a drive signal to each part related to the conveyance operation based on the control signal output from the control unit 40.

[0042] The heating unit 23 has an ink heater 232 in addition to the above-described drum heater 231. The ink heater 232 heats and maintains the ink supplied from an ink supply unit (such as an ink tank, not shown) and stored in the head unit 24 and sent to each nozzle N, etc. within a predetermined set temperature range to maintain a sol state with an appropriate viscosity. The temperature of the ink and the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 are measured by a temperature measuring unit (such as a thermistor, not shown), and the operation of the drum heater 231 and the ink heater 232, etc. may be controlled based on the measurement result. In the operation control, the on / off may be simply switched according to the measured value, or control processing based on a well-known technique such as PID control may be performed.

[0043] The head unit 24 includes a head driving unit 241 and nozzles N etc. The head driving unit 241 has an electromechanical conversion element P and outputs an electric signal that deforms the electromechanical conversion element P in a predetermined deformation mode, direction, and magnitude. The electromechanical conversion element P deforms an ink supply path (particularly a pressure chamber) communicating with the nozzle N by deforming according to an electric signal, and is provided corresponding to each nozzle N. The electromechanical conversion element P is, for example, a piezo element etc. The combination of the electromechanical conversion element P and the nozzle N constitutes the recording element R of the present embodiment.

[0044] The waveform of the electric signal (voltage) output from the head driving unit 241 to the electromechanical conversion element P is not particularly limited here. That is, the waveform may be a rectangular wave or a trapezoidal wave. The output timing is synchronized with, for example, the output period of a predetermined clock signal. In each output period, according to the data indicating the ejection presence or absence of each nozzle generated based on image data etc. to be formed, it is switched whether to output a waveform signal for ejecting ink to the electromechanical conversion element P for each.

[0045] The irradiation unit 25 has the LED 251 as described above, and selectively turns on the LED 251 while the area where the ink has landed on the medium M passes through the irradiation range.

[0046] The conveyance driving unit 29 has a rotary motor etc., and synchronizes and rotates the configuration related to the conveyance movement of the medium M such as the image forming drum 21 and the roller at a rotational speed corresponding to an appropriate conveyance speed of the medium M.

[0047] The communication unit 51 controls the signal exchange with the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. The communication unit 51 has, for example, a network card etc., and performs signal transmission and reception with the outside according to a predetermined communication standard. Examples of the predetermined communication standard include TCP / IP related to a LAN etc. Further, the communication unit 51 may have a predetermined connection terminal, for example, any of various USB connection terminals, and be able to directly transmit and receive data with a peripheral device via a USB cable etc.

[0048] The display unit 52 performs various displays based on the control of the control unit 40. The display unit 52 includes, for example, a liquid crystal screen and can appropriately display menus and statuses of the image forming operation. The liquid crystal display screen may be positioned overlapping a touch panel, and the control unit 40 may detect the operation content by associating the display content of the liquid crystal display screen with the detection position of the touch operation. The display screen is not limited to the liquid crystal display screen and may be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescent) screen or the like. Further, the display unit 52 may have an LED lamp or the like. The LED lamp may be used, for example, for notification operations such as the power supply state, the data transmission / reception state, and / or the occurrence of an operation abnormality.

[0049] The operation reception unit 53 receives an input operation from the outside such as a user and outputs it as an input signal to the control unit 40. The operation reception unit 53 includes, for example, a touch panel and outputs information on the detection position during the detection of a touch operation. Further, the operation reception unit 53 may have a key operation reception unit such as a numeric keypad or a push button switch.

[0050] Among the above configurations, the control unit 40 is included in at least the processing apparatus of the present embodiment, and the storage unit 42, the operation reception unit 53, etc. may be further included in the processing apparatus.

[0051] Next, generation of ejection data and missing data completion processing related to the image forming operation setting method in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a schematic flow of the ejection data generation process. Some or all of these processes may be performed by a dedicated hardware circuit, or may all be performed software-wise by a CPU.

[0052] The ejection data is generated based on the image data to be output. The image data is, for example, image data in which graphics (including character shapes, patterns, etc.) are vector-represented. This image data is first rasterized and converted into array data of RGB values (raster image data) for each pixel (step S11). This array data is further converted (color conversion) into data in which the ink color, that is, the gradation values of CMYK, are set (step S12). Adjustments such as shading correction and limitation of the total ink ejection amount are made to this image data (CMYK color image data for each color, gradation data for each pixel) (step S13), and then halftone processing is performed (step S14), and it is converted into a binary dot representation corresponding to the presence or absence of ink ejection at each conveyance position of each nozzle N (that is, the presence of ink ejection represents the distribution of dot positions) (position determination step, position determination means). When the ink ejection amount from the nozzle N can be switched in multiple steps, each position may be represented by a value of the number of steps corresponding to the number of steps (3 steps if there are two steps of large and small droplets). Thereby, the initial data of the ejection data (operation setting data) is generated.

[0053] Among the nozzles N corresponding to the ejection data determined in this way, there may be malfunctioning nozzles (malfunction recording elements) that cause malfunctions related to the ink ejection operation. If ink is ejected using this initial ejection data as it is by the nozzle N including the malfunctioning nozzle, the ink ejection from the malfunctioning nozzle is not performed normally, and an abnormality occurs in the ink ejection amount / position of the corresponding part. In particular, a region (white streak) where ink does not continuously land along the width direction position corresponding to the nozzle N is generated, and the image quality of the output image is significantly deteriorated. In order to reduce such a deterioration in image quality, a missing complementation process is performed in which the ink set to be ejected by the malfunctioning nozzle is replaced (complemented) by the surrounding nozzles (normal recording elements) (step S15).

[0054] Based on the ejection data generated and adjusted in this way, the head drive unit 241 outputs a drive signal to each electromechanical conversion element P, and the presence or absence of ink ejection from the corresponding nozzle N is controlled.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the missing data completion process of the present embodiment. The ejection data shown in FIG. 5(a) has the horizontal direction corresponding to the width direction, that is, the nozzles N are defined. The vertical direction corresponds to the conveyance direction and indicates the presence or absence of ink ejection at each nozzle N for a predetermined conveyance amount (time interval). That is, the two-dimensional matrix of the ejection data represents the dot positions in the two-dimensional plane. Here, although the lengths in the width direction and the conveyance direction are shown to be equal, these lengths may be different.

[0056] When the sixth nozzle N from the left in FIG. 5(a) is a malfunctioning nozzle, ink will not be continuously ejected normally in the area Di along the vertical direction (conveyance direction) corresponding to this nozzle N. Therefore, in the missing data completion process, it is covered by changing the setting so that the ink set to be ejected into this area Di is ejected alternately by the left and right nozzles N.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the number of dot positions initially set in the area Di is four. The normal ink landing size is wider than the interval between the nozzles N and the ink ejection interval (distance between dot positions) in the conveyance direction. Ideally, the same number of ejection settings as the number of ejection settings canceled due to malfunction should be assigned to the surrounding nozzles N, and the ejected ink from the surrounding nozzles N should completely cover the range where it should have landed due to the ink ejection by the malfunctioning nozzle. However, in reality, due to minute deviations within the normal range of the ink ejection direction from the nozzles N or variations in the landing area, the adjacent nozzles may not be able to completely cover the area Di. If white streaks or the like remain due to such an ink landing state, a significant deterioration in image quality cannot be avoided subsequently. Therefore, in the missing data completion process, a larger number (offset number per unit area, that is, offset ratio) of dot positions than the number of dots assigned to other nozzles N from the area Di is assigned.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(c), in addition to the four dot positions set in area Di, seven dot positions are assigned to the surroundings, including four dot positions corresponding to the offset number. The assignment is made such that, as in the prior art, the two adjacent positions in the width direction are preferentially allocated based on the dot positions originally set in area Di. If these positions are already set as dot positions, they can be further assigned to adjacent positions, front and rear positions in the conveyance direction, etc. When the droplet amount of the ink to be ejected can be set in multiple steps, even if a dot position has already been set as a dot position, it may be possible to change the ejection setting of the dot position with the ejection setting of a droplet amount that is not the maximum to a larger droplet amount. The assignment for the additional offset number set may be appropriately set in a well-balanced manner so as not to be biased with respect to the other set dot positions. As the criteria for setting these dot positions, a conventionally well-known method may be used.

[0059] Next, the setting of the offset number will be described. Generally, unevenness in density is greater when there are positions where ink is not ejected than when ink is ejected repeatedly at the same position, that is, the adverse effect on image quality is greater. In particular, when the density (ejection ratio within a unit area) is moderate and the ink droplets that have landed from adjacent nozzles N do not connect (or overlap) on the medium M where they are supposed to connect (or overlap), an apparently significantly unnatural image results. As described above, since the landing size of the ink droplets on the medium M is larger than the distance between the dot positions, even if there is some variation in the ejection direction or landing size of the normal nozzles N, it does not pose a problem. However, when supplementary ejection is performed by the nozzle N adjacent to one side, if the ejection direction is shifted to the side opposite to the side to be supplemented or the landing size is small, as described above, the assumed connection or overlap may not occur.

[0060] That is, the setting of the appropriate number of offsets can vary according to the degree of variations in the ejection direction, landing size, etc. These degrees can also differ depending on the type of ink, the type of medium M for image formation, etc. Furthermore, the conspicuousness of density unevenness can also differ depending on the specific type of halftone processing (such as the error diffusion method or the blue noise method). In the image forming apparatus 1, test images are formed with a plurality of patterns in which the number of offsets is changed, and the number of offsets is determined based on the formation results of the test images. In this image forming apparatus 1, a test image (adjustment image) for obtaining the conditions (setting conditions) for setting the number of offsets as needed is output, and the setting conditions are acquired based on the test image, that is, the process of determining the number of offsets is performed.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a test image. This test image includes a plurality of patch images, which are two-dimensionally arranged. In the conveyance direction, the density, that is, the magnitude of the dot recording rate (arrangement rate) (mutually different arrangement rates) is determined, and mutually different ranges are set in the conveyance direction for each arrangement rate. In the width direction, the test image has, for example, a patch image column of five columns. Among these, columns C2 and C4 show halftone images (first pattern images) with a uniform arrangement rate according to the position in the above-mentioned conveyance direction. In columns C1, C3, and C5, for these halftone images, a predetermined nozzle N is regarded as a pseudo malfunctioning nozzle and does not eject ink (the arrangement rate is set to zero), and a defective nozzle (defective recording element). For the dot position with respect to the defective nozzle (the arrangement rate at the position in the width direction corresponding to the defective nozzle (defective position)), a complementary setting (that is, a setting for distributing dot positions to the surroundings) is performed with a different offset rate according to the range in the width direction. It is an image (second pattern image). In each of the patch images related to the second pattern image, instead of one defective nozzle, a plurality (here, two are exemplified) are periodically (at a predetermined interval) set, and the same complementary setting may be performed multiple times.

[0062] Here, among the second-pattern images, the density unevenness is least noticeable in three images P21 to P23 with different arrangement ratios. In this way, from the formation (output) result of the test image, the density unevenness that is optimal for each arrangement ratio, that is, the offset number where streaks and the like are not noticeable for each density value, is specified.

[0063] As described above, each second-pattern image is arranged such that there is a first-pattern image with the same arrangement ratio for reference next to at least one of the left and right sides. Thereby, the degree of deviation of the second-pattern image from the normal output can be easily compared and judged. Also, in image formation by the line head, variations on a larger spatial scale, for example, variations for each recording head 240, often appear more prominently than the variations in the degree of variation of individual nozzles N. Therefore, it is preferable that there is a first-pattern image to be compared within the image formation range by the same recording head 240, if possible, near the second-pattern image.

[0064] Also, the range in the width direction of the second-pattern image may be in a random order with respect to the magnitude of the offset number (completion rate). Similar to the above, the variation in ink ejection characteristics between the recording heads 240 can be relatively greatly affected by the temperature distribution in the head unit 24. Generally, the temperature near the center in the width direction of the head unit 24 tends to be higher, and the temperature tends to be lower toward both ends. For many inks, when the temperature is low, the viscosity also increases, which leads to a decrease in the ejection speed and the amount of ejected liquid droplets, and also easily leads to a reduction in the landing range after landing. By arranging in a random order, such an influence can be prevented from occurring systematically and affecting the determination of the optimal offset number.

[0065] In the above description, patch images are formed for five types of dot arrangement ratios and three types of offset numbers. However, the number of levels of the patch images may be arbitrarily set. Also, when the range in which an optimal offset number is expected differs depending on the type of medium M, the type of ink, the type of halftone processing, etc., the range of the offset number (completion rate) and / or the arrangement ratio (density gradation) may be varied for each condition related to these types. These type information may be automatically determined by the control unit 40 based on information held in advance, or either one may be selected via an input operation to the operation reception unit 53 by the user or the like. Also, each patch image may be formed so as not to straddle a plurality of recording heads 240. Also, test images may be formed for each recording head 240 respectively.

[0066] The specification (acquisition of selection conditions) of the optimal offset number may be automatically performed by the imaging unit 26 imaging a test image, or the user may visually identify the formed image and input the identification result via the operation reception unit 53. When the specification is automatically performed, for the range corresponding to the missing nozzles of the adjacent first pattern image and second pattern image (the added value or average value in the case of a plurality), a difference value of the average luminance value or the chromaticity (such as lightness L*) obtained by converting this (or directly measured) is calculated, and the offset number may be specified based on the data of the difference value (difference data). Also, an optimal offset number along the user's vision may be specified based on a visual transfer function or the like.

[0067] When the nozzle N included in the formation range of the patch image already includes a malfunctioning nozzle, the malfunctioning nozzle may be defined as a missing nozzle as it is. Alternatively, when the number of malfunctioning nozzles is small, the patch images may be arranged so as to exclude the malfunctioning nozzles from the formation range of the patch image. Along with this, the intervals between a plurality of patch images in the width direction may not be equal. Alternatively, when a completely fixed test image is formed every time, drive data for outputting the test image may be stored and held in the storage unit 42 in advance.

[0068] The above test images are formed for each ink type (type of dot color), and the process of specifying the optimal offset number for each gradation value is repeated. Also, when different media M are supplied, test images are formed for each type of the media M. When the offset number (setting condition) is obtained in this way, the dot positions for compensation by the surrounding normal nozzles N (recording elements) are determined by adjusting the dot positions corresponding to the offset number by the number corresponding to the offset number instead of the dot positions set for the malfunctioning nozzles according to the offset number.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the defect compensation process called in the ejection data generation process of FIG. 4. Here, the defect compensation process will be described as being executed software-wise by the CPU 401. When the defect compensation process is called, the CPU 401 acquires information on the type of the media M (step S101). The CPU 401 acquires the malfunctioning nozzle list 422 (step S102).

[0070] The CPU 401 determines whether it is necessary to form a test image for the acquired media M and ink types and for the malfunctioning nozzles (step S103). If it is determined that it is not necessary to form a test image ( "NO" in step S103), the process of the CPU 401 proceeds to step S107.

[0071] If it is determined that it is necessary to form a test image ( "YES" in step S103), the formation range of each patch image is set based on the position information of the malfunctioning nozzles (step S104). The CPU 401 causes the head unit 24 to form a test image including the set patch images (first pattern image and second pattern image) (step S105; adjustment image output step, adjustment image output means).

[0072] The CPU 401 specifies the optimal number of offsets for each arrangement rate and each ink type (step S106; acquisition step, acquisition means). As described above, the specification of the number of offsets may be automatically performed based on imaging a test image by the imaging unit 26 and analyzing the test image, or may be performed by receiving an input operation of a specification result based on visual inspection of the test image by the user. When receiving the user's input operation, the CPU 401 may display an input screen on the display unit 52 after forming the test image and wait until the input operation is performed. The specified result is stored in the offset rate data 423. Then, the process of the CPU 401 proceeds to step S107.

[0073] When shifting to the process of step S107, the CPU 401 acquires the number of offsets corresponding to the gradation value, media type, and ink type, and sets the number of correction dots for each setting range (step S107). The CPU 401 sets the alternative dot position at the peripheral dot position for each setting range (step S108; change content determination step, change content determination means). Then, the CPU 401 ends the missing data completion process and returns the process to the ejection data generation process.

[0074] The process of specifying the number of offsets involving the formation of the above test image does not necessarily have to be performed every time an image is formed. The number of offsets once specified may be repeatedly used a plurality of times for the same ink type and the same type of medium M. The process of specifying the number of offsets may be performed, for example, when the specification of the number of offsets effective for the combination of the ink type and the type of medium M has not been performed (new ink, medium, etc.), when the number of image formation operations of a predetermined number (number of sheets) has been performed since the previous specification process, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous specification process, or when an execution command is acquired by the user's input operation. Also, in this case, the process related to the formation of the test image and the specification of the number of offsets is not limited to being performed as part of the missing data completion process. It may be performed separately from the missing data completion process.

[0075] As described above, the processing device of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 40. The control unit 40, as a generation unit, generates operation setting data related to the dot formation operation by a plurality of recording elements R arranged in the width direction for forming an image by an operation of forming dots by the plurality of recording elements R and an operation of relatively moving the medium M and the plurality of recording elements R in the conveyance direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the width direction. The control unit 40 as a generation unit further, as a positioning unit, determines dot positions at which dots are to be recorded by the plurality of recording elements R based on the gradation data of each pixel of the image to be formed, and as an adjustment image output unit, outputs a test image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing dot positions defined for malfunctioning recording elements set as recording elements R where dots are not normally recorded by the plurality of recording elements R, and as an acquisition unit, acquires the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, and as a change content determination unit, determines dot positions related to complementation by normal recording elements R other than the malfunctioning recording elements based on the setting conditions. The test image includes a plurality of first pattern images having different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the conveyance direction, and in different ranges in the width direction, with the arrangement rate at the missing position corresponding to a missing recording element (missing nozzle) defined in advance as not having dots recorded in the first pattern image having an arrangement rate corresponding to the range in the conveyance direction being set to zero, and includes a plurality of second pattern images in which a complementation process is performed to distribute dot positions around the missing position at a complementation rate obtained by adding an offset rate included in the setting conditions to the arrangement rate related to the missing position. In this way, since the appearance of unevenness and streaks according to the dot arrangement rate varies depending on the nozzle N (recording element R), by arranging these in the conveyance direction so that patch images (second pattern images) can be formed with different dot arrangement rates within the range of the same nozzle N, it is possible to appropriately specify an appropriate offset number for each arrangement rate for suppressing fine image quality degradation such as the occurrence of white streaks due to the above variation. Therefore, this processing device can generate ejection data for more appropriately suppressing image quality degradation.

[0076] In addition, the test images are arranged such that the first pattern image is positioned adjacent to at least one of the sides in the width direction of the second pattern image. By easily comparing these, it is possible to visually recognize faint white streaks or density unevenness in the second pattern image, making it easy to determine the optimal offset number. Also, in the range of widely separated nozzles N, it can be affected by large changes in ink ejection characteristics within the head unit 24, making it easy to identify local image quality degradation.

[0077] In addition, the second pattern image has a plurality of missing positions at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and for each of the plurality of missing positions, a complementary process is performed at the same complementary rate according to the position in the conveyance direction. By providing a plurality of missing positions in this way, not only unevenness at a specific location but also the tendency of the occurrence of average unevenness in the range can be obtained, so that the degree of adjustment can be optimized more.

[0078] Also, the complementary rates in a plurality of second pattern images (columns C1, C3, C5) arranged in the width direction are determined in a random order with respect to the arrangement order of the plurality of second pattern images. This reduces the influence of changes in ejection characteristics that can occur with a large period in the width direction within the head unit 24, making it easier to identify the optimal complementary rate (offset number) for each arrangement rate (density gradation).

[0079] In addition, the control unit 40, as an acquisition means, acquires setting conditions based on the difference data between the formed first pattern image and the second pattern image. By taking the difference, the difference corresponding to the presence or absence of a missing nozzle can be easily and quantitatively evaluated, so that the control unit 40 can easily identify the density unevenness due to the difference, particularly the amount and location of white streak generation.

[0080] Further, the control unit 40 determines, as adjustment image output means, at least one of the range in which the arrangement ratio is varied and the range in which the complement ratio is varied according to the type of the medium M that outputs the test image. Since the way the dots spread varies depending on the material of the medium M and the like, by forming a second pattern image with different ranges of the arrangement ratio and the complement ratio according to the type of the medium, it is not necessary to uniformly form a test image in which the arrangement ratio and the complement ratio are varied in a range wider than necessary, and ejection data that can efficiently and appropriately suppress a decrease in image quality can be obtained.

[0081] Further, the control unit 40 causes a test image to be output for each type of color of a plurality of dots as adjustment image output means. Since the way the dots spread and appear varies for each color such as ink, and the nozzles N for recording the dots also differ, by causing a test image to be output separately for each, ejection data that can suppress a decrease in the image quality of the entire color image can be obtained.

[0082] Further, the plurality of recording elements R respectively belong to any one of the plurality of recording heads 240, and the control unit 40 causes a test image to be output for each recording head 240 as adjustment image output means. In manufacturing, the variation in ejection characteristics in units of the recording head 240 tends to be larger compared to the variation factors of other characteristics. Therefore, by forming the test image so as not to span a plurality of recording heads 240, it becomes easy to judge the image quality degradation situation such as white streaks in each second pattern image. Also, by obtaining the offset number for each recording head 240, it becomes possible to output ejection data that more appropriately suppresses a decrease in image quality.

[0083] In addition, the processing device includes an operation reception unit 53. The control unit 40 can output a first pattern image of a plurality of different patterns (types of halftone processing) and a second pattern image based on the first pattern image as adjustment image output means, and outputs a test image including the first pattern image according to the pattern selected according to the content of the input operation received by the operation reception unit 53 and the second pattern image based on the first pattern image. By being able to output a test image for each pattern with different dot recording characteristics in this way, and allowing the user to select the pattern of the test image according to the image to be formed, it becomes possible to more accurately specify the offset amount appropriate for suppressing image quality degradation.

[0084] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of recording elements R that record dots arranged in the width direction, moving means for relatively moving the plurality of recording elements R and the medium M in the conveyance direction, and a control unit 40 as the above-described processing device. According to this image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the degradation of the image than in the past based on the ejection data obtained from the image data to be formed.

[0085] In addition, the image forming operation setting method of the present embodiment includes a generation step of generating operation setting data (ejection data) related to the dot formation operation by a plurality of recording elements R for forming an image by an operation of forming dots by a plurality of recording elements R arranged in the width direction and an operation of relatively moving the medium M and the plurality of recording elements R in the conveyance direction intersecting the width direction. This generation step includes a positioning step of determining dot positions for recording dots by a plurality of recording elements R based on the gradation data of each pixel of the image to be formed, an adjustment image output step of outputting a test image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for the malfunctioning recording elements set as the recording elements R where dots are not normally recorded by the plurality of recording elements, an acquisition step of acquiring the setting conditions based on the output test image, and a change content determination step of determining dot positions related to complementation by normal recording elements R other than the malfunctioning recording elements based on the setting conditions. The test image includes a plurality of first pattern images with different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the conveyance direction, and in different ranges in the width direction, with the arrangement rate at the missing position corresponding to a missing recording element (missing nozzle) that is defined as not having dots pre-recorded among the first pattern images with an arrangement rate corresponding to the range in the conveyance direction set to zero, and performs a complementing process of distributing dot positions around the missing position with a complementing rate obtained by adding an offset rate included in the above setting conditions to the arrangement rate related to the missing position. It includes a plurality of second pattern images that have undergone this process. By outputting such a test image and specifying the optimal complementing rate (offset number), according to this image formation operation setting method, it is possible to more appropriately obtain an image to be formed with reduced image quality degradation.

[0086] Also, by installing a program 421 related to the above image formation operation setting method and having the control unit 40 (CPU 401) execute it, it is possible to easily generate ejection data for forming an image with less image quality degradation than before without the need for special hardware.

[0087] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, halftone processing was used for generating ejection data according to the number of steps of binary values or ink droplet sizes, etc., but it is not limited to this. Other well-known methods such as the dither method may also be used.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, it was described assuming that the width direction, which is the arrangement direction of the nozzles N, is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium M, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to form an image in the same way even if they intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the second pattern image has been described as being adjacent to the first pattern image. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. The first pattern image is, for example, located only about one or two columns at one end, both ends, or the center in the width direction, and there may be a column of the second pattern image that is not adjacent to the first pattern image.

[0090] Also, the complement rate (offset rate) may be changed in ascending or descending order in the order of the columns of the second pattern image. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the offset rate according to the number of dot positions when performing visual determination.

[0091] Also, the column of missing nozzles in the patch image is not limited to the case of one or being periodically located at a predetermined interval. A plurality of columns may be arranged at irregular intervals.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of recording heads 240 have been described as line heads arranged in the width direction. However, it is not limited to this. The recording head 240 may be a single one. Also, the head unit 24 may be a scanning type image forming apparatus that scans the medium M. Also, the medium M does not necessarily need to be conveyed by the image forming drum 21. The medium M may be conveyed on a plane. In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus has been described as an inkjet recording apparatus having CMYK four-color inks. However, the colors of the inks may be different from these, and the number of colors may be less than or more than this. Also, the same color inks with different components, such as two types of black, may be ejectable respectively.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as an inkjet recording apparatus. However, as long as it is an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged to form dots respectively, the missing dot compensation process according to the content described in the above-described embodiment is applicable.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as performing the ejection data generation process including the missing data completion process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The substantial process may be performed by an external terminal device, and information may be exchanged with the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the ejection data generation process may be executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of electronic devices or the like.

[0095] In the above description, the storage unit 42 composed of a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory has been described as an example of a computer-readable medium storing the program 421 related to the generation control of the ejection data of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As other computer-readable media, it is possible to apply other non-volatile memories such as HDD, EEPROM, and MRAM, and portable recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD disks. Further, a carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing the data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line. In addition, the specific configurations, processing operations, and procedures shown in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Medium supply unit 11 Supply tray 12 Feeder board 121, 122 Rollers 123 Belt 20 Forming operation unit 21 Image forming drum 22 Delivery unit 221 Swing arm unit 222 Delivery drum 23 Heating unit 231 Drum heater 232 Ink heater 24 Head unit 240 Recording head 241 Head drive unit 25 Irradiation unit 26 Imaging unit 27 Delivery unit 271 Transfer roller 272, 273 Rollers 274 Belt 29 Conveyor drive unit 30 Media discharge unit 31 Discharge tray 40 Control unit 401 CPU 402 RAM 42 Storage unit 421 Program 422 List of malfunctioning nozzles 423 Offset ratio data 51 Communication unit 52 Display unit 53 Operation reception unit M Medium N Nozzle P Electromechanical conversion element R Recording element

Claims

1. Generating means for generating operation setting data related to an operation of forming dots by a plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction and an operation of relatively moving a medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction to form an image, wherein the generating means includes: Positioning means for determining a dot position at which dots are to be recorded by the plurality of recording elements based on gradation data of each pixel of an image to be formed; Adjustment image output means for causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for malfunctioning recording elements set as the recording elements for which dots cannot be normally recorded; Obtaining means for obtaining the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image; Change content determination means for determining dot positions related to the complementation by normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording elements based on the setting conditions; and the adjustment image includes: a plurality of first pattern images having different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the second direction; a plurality of second pattern images obtained by performing a complementation process of distributing dot positions around a missing position by adding an offset rate included in the setting conditions to an arrangement rate of the missing position, where the arrangement rate at the missing position corresponding to a missing recording element defined in advance as not recording dots in the first pattern images having the arrangement rate corresponding to the range in the second direction in different ranges in the first direction is set to zero; A processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment image has the first pattern image positioned adjacent to at least one side in the first direction of the second pattern image.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second pattern image has a plurality of the missing positions at a predetermined interval in the first direction, and the complementation process is performed for each of the plurality of missing positions at the complementation rate.

4. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the complementation rates in the plurality of second pattern images arranged in the first direction are defined in a random order with respect to the arrangement order of the plurality of second pattern images.

5. The acquisition means acquires the setting conditions based on the difference data between the formed first pattern image and the second pattern image. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The adjustment image output means determines at least one of the range in which the arrangement ratio varies and the range in which the complement ratio varies according to the type of the medium on which the adjustment image is output. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The adjustment image output means outputs the adjustment image for each type of color of the plurality of dots. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The plurality of recording elements respectively belong to any one of a plurality of recording heads. The adjustment image output means outputs the adjustment image for each recording head. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Comprising an operation reception means. The adjustment image output means can output the first pattern image of a plurality of different patterns and the second pattern image based on the first pattern image, and outputs the adjustment image including the first pattern image of the pattern selected according to the content of the input operation received by the operation reception means and the second pattern image based on the first pattern image. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A plurality of recording elements for recording dots arranged in the first direction. Moving means for relatively moving the plurality of recording elements and the medium in the second direction intersecting the first direction. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising.

11. Including a generation step of generating operation setting data related to the dot formation operation by the plurality of recording elements for forming an image by an operation of forming dots by the plurality of recording elements arranged in the first direction and an operation of relatively moving the medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The generation step is as follows. A positioning step of determining a dot position at which dots are to be recorded by the plurality of recording elements based on the gradation data of each pixel of the image to be formed. An adjustment image output step of causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for a malfunctioning recording element set as the recording element for which dots are not normally recorded, An acquisition step of acquiring the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, A change content determination step of determining the dot positions related to the complementation by normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording element based on the setting conditions, which has, The adjustment image, includes a plurality of first pattern images with different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the second direction, In different ranges in the first direction, for the defective recording elements defined as those for which dots are not to be recorded in advance among the first pattern images with the arrangement rate corresponding to the range in the second direction, the arrangement rate at the missing positions is set to zero, and a plurality of second pattern images are included in which a complementation process is performed to distribute the dot positions around the missing positions with a complementation rate obtained by adding an offset rate included in the setting conditions to the arrangement rate related to the missing positions, characterized in that it is an image forming operation setting method.

12. A computer is functioned as generation means for generating operation setting data related to the dot formation operation by the plurality of recording elements for forming an image by an operation of forming dots by the plurality of recording elements arranged in a first direction and an operation of relatively moving a medium and the plurality of recording elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The generation means, a positioning means for determining dot positions for recording dots by the plurality of recording elements based on the gradation data of each pixel of the image to be formed, an adjustment image output means for causing the plurality of recording elements to output an adjustment image for obtaining setting conditions for complementing the dot positions defined for a malfunctioning recording element set as the recording element for which dots are not normally recorded, an acquisition means for acquiring the setting conditions based on the output adjustment image, a change content determination means for determining the dot positions related to the complementation by normal recording elements other than the malfunctioning recording element based on the setting conditions, which has, The adjustment image, includes a plurality of first pattern images with different dot position arrangement rates in different ranges in the second direction, In ranges that are different from each other in the first direction, for a missing recording element defined as one in which dots are not pre-recorded among the first pattern images of the arrangement ratio corresponding to the range in the second direction, with the arrangement ratio at the missing position corresponding to the missing recording element set to zero, a plurality of second pattern images including a complementing process are included in which dot positions are distributed around the missing position with a complementing ratio obtained by adding an offset ratio included in the setting conditions to the arrangement ratio related to the missing position. A program characterized by the above.

Images