Recording device, recording system, and recording method

Abstract

To provide a technique that can enhance a degree of freedom of emitting light for curing ink droplets.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: a recording head having a nozzle row that discharges ink droplets cured by light emission towards a recording medium; a driving part that moves the recording head and the recording medium relatively; a plurality of emitting parts that emit the light to the recording medium; a receiving part that receives input of emission-range data representing an emission range of the light; and a control part that controls lighting-up and lighting-out of the plurality of emitting parts so that the light is emitted to the recording medium in accordance with the emission range on the basis of the emission-range data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording system, and a recording method for forming a dot pattern on a recording medium using a photocurable ink. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet printers are known that eject ultraviolet-curable ink, called UV ink, from a row of nozzles on a recording head toward a recording medium. This type of inkjet printer is equipped with an irradiator that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the recording medium to which the UV ink is attached. Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printing apparatus equipped with a UV LED unit that pre-cures UV ink that has landed on a recording medium, and then fully cures it. The aforementioned UV LED unit emits 20 mJ / cm² of UV light to the recording medium during the forward path as it moves in the scanning direction. 2 After irradiating the recording medium with ultraviolet light of the specified intensity, 200 mJ / cm² is applied to the recording medium during the return path, which moves in the opposite direction of the scanning. 2 Ultraviolet light of the following intensity is irradiated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 174510 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In the inkjet printing apparatus described above, ultraviolet light that partially cures the UV ink is irradiated onto the recording medium at a uniform light intensity, and ultraviolet light that fully cures the UV ink is also irradiated onto the recording medium at a uniform light intensity. Therefore, ultraviolet light is also irradiated onto areas of the recording medium where the UV ink has not yet landed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The recording device of the present invention is A recording head having a row of nozzles that eject ink droplets that harden upon light irradiation toward a recording medium, A drive unit that moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other, A plurality of irradiation units that irradiate the recording medium with the light, A receiving unit that receives input of irradiation range data representing the irradiation range of the aforementioned light, The system includes a control unit that controls the turning on and off of the plurality of irradiation units so that the recording medium is irradiated with light according to the irradiation range based on the irradiation range data. 、 The receiving unit receives input of image data that realizes a dot pattern derived from the ink droplets. The irradiation range data has multiple pixels with the same resolution as the image data, and has irradiation state information that represents the irradiation state of the light in units of the pixels. The control unit, Based on the image data, the operation of the drive unit and the ejection of the ink droplets by the recording head are controlled so that the pattern is formed on the recording medium. Based on the illumination range data having the plurality of pixels, lighting control data converted from the illumination range data is generated in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of illumination units, and the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of illumination units are controlled according to the lighting control data. It has the characteristics of having such characteristics. Furthermore, the recording system of the present invention has an embodiment that comprises the recording device and a host device that outputs the irradiation range data to the receiving unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the recording method of the present invention is A recording head having a row of nozzles that eject ink droplets that harden upon light irradiation toward a recording medium, A drive unit that moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other, A recording method using a plurality of irradiating units that irradiate the recording medium with the light, A receiving step for receiving input of irradiation range data representing the irradiation range of the aforementioned light, The process includes an irradiation step in which, based on the irradiation range data, the recording medium is illuminated with light according to the irradiation range, and the plurality of irradiation units are turned on and off in such a way that the light is irradiated to the recording medium according to the irradiation range. fruit, In the aforementioned receiving process, image data that realizes a dot pattern derived from the ink droplets is received as input. The irradiation range data has multiple pixels with the same resolution as the image data, and has irradiation state information that represents the irradiation state of the light in units of the pixels. In the irradiation step, Based on the image data, the drive unit moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other so that the pattern is formed on the recording medium, and ejects the ink droplets from the recording head. Based on the illumination range data having the plurality of pixels, lighting control data converted from the illumination range data is generated in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of illumination units, and the plurality of illumination units are turned on and off according to the lighting control data. , has the characteristics of.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram schematically showing an example of a recording system including a recording device and a host device. [Figure 2] A diagram schematically illustrating the nozzle surface of a recording head and the light emitting surface of an irradiation unit together with a virtual nozzle array. [Figure 3] A plan view for schematically explaining an example of the operation of a recording device. [Figure 4] A diagram schematically showing an example of the data flow in a recording system. [Figure 5] A diagram schematically showing examples of the structures of various data. [Figure 6] A diagram schematically showing an example of the drive of an irradiation unit. [Figure 7] A flowchart schematically showing an example of print control processing. [Figure 8] A flowchart schematically showing an example of command data transmission processing.

[0023] A flowchart schematically showing another example of print control processing. [Figure 10] A diagram schematically showing an example of changing the irradiation range according to the amount of ink used. [Figure 11] A diagram schematically showing an example of changing the irradiation intensity according to the amount of ink used.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and not all of the features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

[0009] (1) Outline of the technology included in the present invention: First, an overview of the technology included in the present invention will be described with reference to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 11. Note that the figures in this application are schematic examples, and the magnification in each direction shown in these figures may differ, and the figures may not be consistent. Of course, the elements of this technology are not limited to the specific examples indicated by the reference numerals. In the "Overview of the Technology Included in the Present Invention," the text in parentheses indicates supplementary explanation of the preceding word.

[0010] [Aspect 1] A recording device 1 according to one aspect of this technology, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a recording head 30, a drive unit 50, a plurality of irradiation units 41, a reception unit (e.g., a communication I / F 22), and a control unit (e.g., a controller 10). The recording head 30 has a nozzle row 33 that ejects ink droplets 37 that harden upon irradiation with light LT1 toward a recording medium ME0. The drive unit 50 moves the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other. The plurality of irradiation units 41 irradiate the recording medium ME0 with the light LT1. The reception unit (22) receives irradiation range data DA3 representing the irradiation range AR0 of the light LT1. Based on the irradiation range data DA3, the control unit (10) controls the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of irradiation units 41 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0.

[0011] In the above embodiment, multiple irradiation units 41 are turned on or off based on irradiation range data DA3 representing the irradiation range AR0 of light LT1, thereby irradiating the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a recording device that can increase the degree of freedom in irradiating light to cure ink droplets.

[0012] Here, light includes ultraviolet light (abbreviated as UV), visible light, and so on. A nozzle refers to a small hole from which ink droplets are ejected, and a nozzle row refers to a series of nozzles arranged in a row. Moving the recording head relative to the recording medium means changing the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the recording medium. Moving the recording head relative to the recording medium includes moving the recording head without moving the recording medium, moving the recording medium without moving the recording head, and moving both the recording head and the recording medium. Furthermore, the above-mentioned supplementary statement also applies in the following embodiments.

[0013] [Aspect 2] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the drive unit 50 may be capable of moving the plurality of irradiation units 41 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other in a scanning direction D1 that intersects with the irradiation unit alignment direction D5 in which the plurality of irradiation units 41 are lined up. When the plurality of irradiation units 41 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1, the control unit (10) may control the on-off timing and off-off timing for each of the plurality of irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation range data DA3 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. In the above case, when the multiple irradiation units 41 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1, each irradiation unit 41 lights up or turns off at a timing based on the irradiation range data DA3. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a suitable recording device that increases the degree of freedom in irradiating light to cure ink droplets.

[0014] Here, moving multiple irradiation units and the recording medium relative to each other means changing the relative positional relationship between the multiple irradiation units and the recording medium. Moving multiple irradiation units and the recording medium relative to each other includes moving multiple irradiation units without moving the recording medium, moving the recording medium without moving the multiple irradiation units, and moving both the multiple irradiation units and the recording medium. Furthermore, the above-mentioned supplementary statement also applies in the following embodiments.

[0015] [Aspect 3] As illustrated in Figure 2, the plurality of nozzles 34 included in the nozzle row 33 may be arranged in a nozzle alignment direction D4 that intersects the scanning direction D1. When the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1, the plurality of irradiation units 41 and the recording medium ME0 may also move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1. This embodiment can provide a more suitable recording apparatus that increases the degree of freedom in irradiating light to cure ink droplets.

[0016] [Aspect 4] As illustrated in Figure 4, the receiving unit (22) may receive input image data DA2 that realizes a pattern of dots DT0 derived from the ink droplets 37. As illustrated in Figure 5, the irradiation range data DA3 may have a plurality of pixels PX1 with the same resolution as the image data DA2, and may have irradiation state information (e.g., pixel value V3) that represents the irradiation state of the light LT1 in units of pixels PX1. The control unit (10) may control the operation of the drive unit 50 and the ejection of the ink droplets 37 by the recording head 30 based on the image data DA2 so that the pattern is formed on the recording medium ME0. The control unit (10) may generate lighting control data DA4 converted from the irradiation range data DA3 to match the arrangement of the plurality of irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation range data DA3 having the plurality of pixels PX1. The control unit (10) may control the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of irradiation units 41 according to the lighting control data DA4. In the above case, the irradiation range data DA3 can be handled according to the existing command system, just like the image data DA2 having multiple pixels PX1. Therefore, the above embodiment makes it easier to handle the irradiation range data. Here, the image data may be halftone data representing the dot formation state for each pixel, or multi-tone data representing the amount of ink used for each pixel. The aforementioned halftone data may be binary data representing the presence or absence of dot formation, or multi-level data with fewer gradations than the aforementioned multi-tone data, such as quaternary data. The number of gradations of the illumination range data may be the same as the number of gradations of the image data, or it may be different from the number of gradations of the image data. These additional statements also apply to the following embodiments.

[0017] [Aspect 5] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 11, the irradiation range data DA3 may represent the irradiation intensity of the light LT1 (e.g., pixel value V3) in addition to the irradiation range AR0. The control unit (10) may control the intensity of the light LT1 irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 by the plurality of irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation intensity (V3) represented by the irradiation range data DA3. In the above case, the light LT1 irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 by the multiple irradiation units 41 has an intensity based on the irradiation intensity (V3) represented by the irradiation range data DA3. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a recording device that can further increase the degree of freedom in irradiating light to cure ink droplets.

[0018] [Aspect 6] As illustrated in Figure 9, the receiving unit (22) may receive either a first setting MD1, which adjusts the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of illumination units 41 to match the illumination range AR0, or a second setting MD2, which irradiates the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0 with the light LT1. When the first setting MD1 is received, the control unit (10) may control the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of illumination units 41 based on the illumination range data DA3 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the illumination range AR0. Furthermore, when the second setting MD2 is received, the control unit (10) may control the lighting of the plurality of illumination units 41 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0. In the above case, it is possible to select whether to adjust the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple illumination units 41 to match the illumination range AR0, or to illuminate the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0 with light LT1. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a recording device that improves convenience. Here, "first," "second," ... in this application are terms used to identify each component included in a group of similar components, and do not imply any order. This supplementary statement also applies to the following embodiments.

[0019] [Aspect 7] Incidentally, a recording system SY1 according to one aspect of this technology comprises a recording device 1 and a host device HO1 that outputs the irradiation range data DA3 to the receiving unit (22), as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4. This aspect provides a recording system that can increase the degree of freedom in irradiating light to cure ink droplets.

[0020] [Aspect 8] As illustrated in Figure 8, the host device HO1 may acquire the original image data DA5 having a plurality of pixels PX1, in which the amount of ink 36 used to form the ink droplets 37 is expressed in units of the pixels PX1. As illustrated in Figure 10, the host device HO1 may generate the irradiation range data DA3 in which the irradiation range AR0 is changed according to the amount of ink 36 used, based on the amount of ink 36 used expressed in units of the pixels PX1. In the above case, the illumination range AR0 of the light LT1 changes according to the amount of ink 36 used, expressed in units of pixels PX1. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a suitable example for setting the illumination range AR0 of the light LT1 in the host device HO1.

[0021] [Aspect 9] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 11, the irradiation range data DA3 may have multiple pixels PX1, and in addition to the irradiation range AR0, the irradiation intensity (V3) of the light LT1 may be expressed in units of the pixels PX1. The control unit (10) may control the intensity of the light LT1 irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 by the multiple irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation intensity (V3) expressed in units of the pixels PX1 in the irradiation range data DA3. As illustrated in Figure 8, the host device HO1 may acquire the original image data DA5 having multiple pixels PX1, in which the amount of ink 36 used to become the ink droplets 37 is expressed in units of the pixels PX1. As illustrated in Figure 11, the control unit (10) may generate the irradiation range data DA3 in which the irradiation intensity (V3) of the light LT1 is changed according to the amount of ink 36 used, based on the amount of ink 36 used expressed in units of the pixels PX1. In the above case, the irradiation intensity (V3) of light LT1 changes according to the amount of ink 36 used, expressed in units of pixel PX1. Therefore, the above embodiment can provide a suitable example for setting the light irradiation intensity in a host device.

[0022] [Aspect 10] Incidentally, one aspect of the present technology is a recording method that uses the recording head 30, the drive unit 50, and the plurality of irradiation units 41. This recording method includes the following steps, as illustrated in Figure 7, etc. (A1) Reception step ST1 which receives input of irradiation range data DA3 representing the irradiation range AR0 of the light LT1. (A2) Irradiation step ST2, based on the irradiation range data DA3, to turn on and off the plurality of irradiation units 41 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. The above embodiment can provide a recording method that allows for increased flexibility in irradiating ink droplets with light to cure them.

[0023] Furthermore, this technology is applicable to a system including the recording device described above, a control method for the system, a control program for the recording device described above, a control program for the system described above, a computer-readable medium on which any of the control programs described above are recorded, and so on. The recording device described above may also consist of multiple distributed parts.

[0024] (2) Specific examples of recording devices: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a recording system SY1 that includes a recording device 1 which uses UV ink as an ink that hardens upon irradiation with light LT1. Here, ultraviolet light, abbreviated as UV, is an example of light LT1. The ink is assumed to contain a liquid that does not contain colorants. The recording system SY1 shown in Figure 1 includes the recording device 1 and the host device HO1. Note that the recording system SY1 may include additional elements not shown in Figure 1, and the recording device 1 may include additional elements not shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the nozzle surface 30a of the recording head 30 and the light-emitting surface 40a of the irradiation unit 40 together with a UV nozzle row 43. The UV nozzle row 43 refers to a virtual nozzle row in which the multiple irradiation parts 41 of the irradiation unit 40 are treated as a virtual nozzle row. Figure 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating the operation of the recording device 1. Figure 4 schematically illustrates the data flow in the recording system SY1. Figure 5 schematically illustrates the structure of various data.

[0025] The recording device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a serial printer, a type of UV inkjet printer, and includes a controller 10, RAM 21, communication I / F 22, storage unit 23, recording head 30, irradiation unit 40, drive unit 50, etc. Here, RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, and I / F is an abbreviation for Interface. Controller 10 is an example of a control unit. Communication I / F 22 is an example of a reception unit. Controller 10, RAM 21, communication I / F 22, and storage unit 23 are connected to a bus and are able to input and output information to each other.

[0026] The controller 10 comprises a CPU 11, an image processing unit 12, a drive signal transmission unit 14, a light intensity control unit 15, etc. Here, CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. Based on image data DA2 acquired from the host device HO1 via the communication I / F 22, the controller 10 controls the main scan and sub scan by the drive unit 50, and the ejection of ink droplets 37 by the recording head 30. The controller 10 also controls the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple irradiation units 41 of the irradiation unit 40 shown in Figures 2 and 3 based on lighting control data DA4 converted from irradiation range data DA3 acquired from the host device HO1 via the communication I / F 22. The controller 10 can be configured with an SoC, etc. Here, SoC is an abbreviation for System on a Chip. The CPU 11 is a device that primarily performs information processing and control in the recording device 1.

[0027] The image processing unit 12 outputs the image data DA2 stored in the RAM 21 as a buffer to the drive signal transmission unit 14. In this specific example, the image data DA2 is assumed to be halftone data representing the formation state of dots DT0 on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The halftone data may be binary data representing the presence or absence of dot formation, or it may be multi-level data with three or more levels that can handle dots of different sizes, such as small, medium, and large. For example, binary data can be set to correspond 1 to dot formation and 0 to no dot. For example, quaternary data that can be represented by 2 bits for each pixel can be set to correspond 3 to large dot formation, 2 to medium dot formation, 1 to small dot formation, and 0 to no dot.

[0028] Furthermore, the image processing unit 12 may include a resolution conversion unit, a color conversion unit, and a halftone processing unit, and the halftone processing unit may generate the image data DA2. In this case, the resolution conversion unit converts the resolution of the input image from the host device HO1 or the like to a set resolution. The input image may, for example, have two pixels each containing R, G, and B. 8 Tone and 2 16It is represented by RGB data having integer values ​​of gradation. Here, R means red, G means green, and B means blue. The color conversion unit refers to a color conversion lookup table that defines the correspondence between the gradation values ​​of R, G, and B and the gradation values ​​of C, M, Y, and K, and applies the RGB data of the set resolution to each pixel using C, M, Y, and K. 8 Tone and 2 16 The data is converted into ink quantity data having integer values ​​for each tone. Here, C represents cyan, M represents magenta, Y represents yellow, and K represents black. The ink quantity data represents the amount of ink 36 used for each pixel. The halftone processing unit reduces the number of tone levels in the tone values ​​by performing a predetermined halftone process on the tone values ​​of each pixel constituting the ink quantity data, such as dithering, error diffusion, or density pattern, and generates image data DA2.

[0029] Furthermore, the image processing unit 12 generates lighting control data DA4 by reducing the resolution of the irradiation range data DA3 stored in the RAM 21 as a buffer to match the arrangement of the multiple irradiation units 41, and outputs it to the light intensity control unit 15. As will be described in detail later, the irradiation range data DA3 has a resolution that matches the arrangement of the multiple UV nozzles 44 included in the virtual UV nozzle row 43, and represents the irradiation state of light LT1 on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The irradiation range data DA3 may be binary data representing on or off, or it may be multi-level data with three or more levels that can handle different irradiation intensities such as strong, medium, and weak illumination. For example, binary data can be data where 1 corresponds to on and 0 corresponds to off. For example, quaternary data that can be represented by 2 bits for each pixel can be data where 3 corresponds to strong irradiation intensity, 2 to medium irradiation intensity, 1 to weak irradiation intensity, and 0 to off.

[0030] The drive signal transmission unit 14 generates and outputs a drive signal SG1 corresponding to the voltage signal applied to the drive element 32 of the recording head 30 to the drive circuit 31 of the recording head 30 from the image data DA2. For example, if the image data DA2 is "dot formation", the drive signal transmission unit 14 outputs a drive signal SG1 that ejects ink droplets for dot formation. Also, if the image data DA2 is quaternary data, the drive signal transmission unit 14 outputs a drive signal SG1 that ejects ink droplets for large dots if the image data DA2 is "large dot formation", a drive signal SG1 that ejects ink droplets for medium dots if the image data DA2 is "medium dot formation", and a drive signal SG1 that ejects ink droplets for small dots if the image data DA2 is "small dot formation".

[0031] The light intensity control unit 15 controls the turning on and off of each irradiation unit 41 included in the irradiation unit 40, and controls the irradiation intensity when changing the irradiation intensity of each irradiation unit 41 during illumination. For example, if the illumination control data DA4 is "on", the light intensity control unit 15 outputs a drive signal SG2 to turn on the irradiation unit 41. Also, if the illumination control data DA4 is quadrivalent data, the drive signal transmission unit 14 outputs a drive signal SG2 to turn on the irradiation unit 41 at a high irradiation intensity if the illumination control data DA4 is "high irradiation intensity", outputs a drive signal SG2 to turn on the irradiation unit 41 at a medium irradiation intensity if the illumination control data DA4 is "medium irradiation intensity", and outputs a drive signal SG2 to turn on the irradiation unit 41 at a low irradiation intensity if the illumination control data DA4 is "low irradiation intensity".

[0032] Each of the above parts 11 to 15 may be composed of an ASIC, and may directly read the data to be processed from RAM 21 or directly write the processed data to RAM 21. Here, ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1-3, the irradiation unit 40 has a plurality of irradiation units 41 arranged along the irradiation unit alignment direction D5 and is mounted together with the recording head 30 on a carriage 52 that reciprocates along the scanning direction D1. The irradiation unit alignment direction D5 is a direction that intersects the scanning direction D1, for example, a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction D1. The irradiation unit alignment direction D5 may coincide with the feed direction D3 as shown in Figure 3, or it may be offset from the feed direction D3 by a range of less than 90°. Each irradiation unit 41 is positioned on an emitting surface 40a facing the platen 58 in the irradiation unit 40 and irradiates the recording medium ME0 on the platen 58 with light LT1 that hardens the ink droplets 37. As a result, the ink droplets 37 that have landed on the recording medium ME0 harden. Each irradiation unit 41 is equipped with a light source that emits light LT1 from the emitting surface 40a. The light source in this specific example emits UV with a peak wavelength of 360-420 nm, for example, around 395 nm. While LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are preferred as the light source, metal halide lamps and the like can also be used.

[0034] The drive unit 50 controlled by the controller 10 includes a carriage drive unit 51 and a roller drive unit 55. The drive unit 50 moves the carriage 52 back and forth along the scanning direction D1 by the carriage drive unit 51, and moves the recording medium ME0 along the transport path 59 in the feed direction D3 by the roller drive unit 55. Therefore, the drive unit 50 moves the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other in the scanning direction D1 during the main scan, and moves the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other in the feed direction D3 during the sub-scan. In addition, the drive unit 50 moves the multiple illumination units 41 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other in the scanning direction D1 during the main scan, and moves the multiple illumination units 41 and the recording medium ME0 relative to each other in the feed direction D3 during the sub-scan. When the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1, the multiple illumination units 41 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1. The feed direction D3 is the direction that intersects the scanning direction D1, for example, the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction D1. In Figure 1, the feed direction D3 is to the right, the left side is called the upstream side, and the right side is called the downstream side. As shown in Figure 3, the carriage drive unit 51 performs a main scan in accordance with the control of the controller 10, moving the carriage 52 in the forward direction D11 along the scanning direction D1, and in the reverse direction D12 opposite to the forward direction D11. Note that the scanning direction D1 is a general term for the forward direction D11 and the reverse direction D12. The roller drive unit 55 includes a transport roller pair 56 and a paper discharge roller pair 57. The roller drive unit 55 performs a sub-scan in accordance with the control of the controller 10, by rotating the drive transport roller of the transport roller pair 56 and the drive paper discharge roller of the paper discharge roller pair 57 to send the recording medium ME0 in the feed direction D3. The recording medium ME0 is the material that holds the printed image, and is made of paper, resin, metal, etc. The material of the recording medium ME0 is not particularly limited and can be various materials such as resin, metal, or paper. The shape of the recording medium ME0 is also not particularly limited and can be various shapes such as rectangle or roll, and it may also be three-dimensional.

[0035] The carriage 52 is equipped with a recording head 30 and an illumination unit 40. The carriage 52 may also be equipped with an ink cartridge 35 that supplies ink 36, which is ejected as ink droplets 37, to the recording head 30. Of course, the ink 36 may also be supplied to the recording head 30 via a tube from an ink cartridge 35 installed outside the carriage 52. The carriage 52, on which the recording head 30 and the illumination unit 40 are provided, is fixed to an endless belt (not shown) and is movable in the forward direction D11 and the return direction D12 along a guide 53. The guide 53 is a long member whose longitudinal direction is oriented in the scanning direction D1. The carriage drive unit 51 is composed of a servo motor and moves the carriage 52 in the forward direction D11 and the return direction D12 according to commands from the controller 10.

[0036] During sub-scanning, the transport roller pair 56 located upstream of the recording head 30 moves the nipped recording medium ME0 toward the recording head 30 by the rotation of the drive transport roller. During sub-scanning, the paper discharge roller pair 57 located downstream of the recording head 30 moves the nipped recording medium ME0 toward a paper discharge tray (not shown) by the rotation of the drive paper discharge roller. The roller drive unit 55 is composed of a servo motor and operates the transport roller pair 56 and the paper discharge roller pair 57 according to commands from the controller 10, moving the recording medium ME0 toward the feed direction D3.

[0037] The platen 58 is located below the transport path 59 and supports the recording medium ME0 by contacting it in the transport path 59. The recording head 30, controlled by the controller 10, ejects ink droplets 37 toward the recording medium ME0 supported by the platen 58, thereby adhering ink 36 to the recording medium ME0. Multiple irradiation units 41, controlled by the controller 10, irradiate the ink 36 adhering to the recording medium ME0 with light LT1, thereby curing the ink 36 adhering to the recording medium ME0.

[0038] The recording head 30 has a plurality of nozzles 34 on its nozzle surface 30a that eject ink droplets 37, and performs printing by ejecting ink droplets 37 onto the recording medium ME0 on the platen 58. The nozzle surface 30a is the ejection surface for the ink droplets 37. The recording head 30 includes a drive circuit 31, a drive element 32, etc. The drive circuit 31 applies a voltage signal to the drive element 32 according to a drive signal SG1 input from the drive signal transmission unit 14. The drive element 32 can be a piezoelectric element that applies pressure to the ink 36 in a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle 34, a drive element that generates bubbles in the pressure chamber by heat to eject ink droplets 37 from the nozzle 34, etc. Ink 36 is supplied to the pressure chamber of the recording head 30 from an ink cartridge 35. The combination of ink cartridge 35 and nozzle row 33 is provided according to the color of the ink 36. The ink 36 in the pressure chamber is ejected as ink droplets 37 from the nozzle 34 toward the recording medium ME0 by the drive element 32. As a result, ink droplets 37 dots are formed on the recording medium ME0. Dots according to the image data DA2 are formed as the recording head 30 moves in the scanning direction D1, and the recording medium ME0 is repeatedly fed in the feed direction D3 for one sub-scan, thereby forming the image IM0 on the recording medium ME0.

[0039] RAM21 is a large-capacity, volatile semiconductor memory that stores recorded data DA1, etc., received from the host device HO1 or other memory (not shown). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, recorded data DA1 includes image data DA2 and irradiation range data DA3. Communication I / F22 is connected to the host device HO1 by wire or wireless connection and inputs and outputs information to the host device HO1. Communication I / F22, which receives recorded data DA1, is an example of a receiving unit that accepts input of irradiation range data DA3, which represents the irradiation range AR0 of optical LT1. The host device HO1 includes computers such as personal computers and tablet terminals, mobile phones such as smartphones, digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc. Storage unit 23 stores firmware, etc. Storage unit 23 can use non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, magnetic storage devices such as hard disks, etc.

[0040] The recording head 30 shown in FIG. 2 has a plurality of nozzle arrays 33 on the nozzle surface 30a, each of which includes a plurality of nozzles 34 arranged at a predetermined nozzle pitch in the nozzle arrangement direction D4. Each nozzle array 33 discharges ink droplets 37 that are cured by irradiation with light LT1 toward the recording medium ME0. The nozzle arrangement direction D4 shown in FIG. 3 is orthogonal to the scanning direction D1, but the nozzle arrangement direction D4 may intersect obliquely without being orthogonal to the scanning direction D1. In other words, the nozzle arrangement direction D4 may coincide with the feeding direction D3 as shown in FIG. 3, or may be offset within a range of less than 90° from the feeding direction D3. The plurality of nozzles 34 included in each nozzle array 33 may be arranged in a single row, or may be arranged in a staggered pattern, i.e., in two rows

[0041] The plurality of nozzle arrays 33 shown in FIG. 2 include a nozzle array 33C for discharging ink droplets 37 of C, a nozzle array 33M for discharging ink droplets 37 of M, a nozzle array 33Y for discharging ink droplets 37 of Y, and a nozzle array 33K for discharging ink droplets 37 of K. On the nozzle surface 30a, the nozzle array 33C, the nozzle array 33M, the nozzle array 33Y, and the nozzle array 33K are arranged in the scanning direction D1

[0042] The ink 36 supplied to each nozzle 34 contains a polymerizable compound and a photoinitiator. The inks 36 of C, M, Y, and K contain colorants. It is also possible to use a colorless ink that does not contain a colorant as at least a part of the ink 36

[0043] The polymerizable compound polymerizes by the action of the photoinitiator to cure the ink 36. For the polymerizable compound, various (meth)acrylate monomers, various (meth)acrylate oligomers, various vinyl monomers, various vinyl ether monomers, etc. can be used, and vinyl ether group-containing (meth)acrylic acid esters (referred to as monomer A) represented by the following general formula (1) can be used CH2=CR 1 -COOR 2 -O-CH=CH-R 3…(1) However, R 1 R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, 2 R is a divalent organic residue with 2 to 20 carbon atoms. 3 This is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic residue having 1 to 11 carbon atoms. Various monomers disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-195889 can be used for monomer A. The polymerizable compound content in ink 36 can be, for example, about 60 to 95% by mass.

[0044] A photopolymerization initiator initiates the polymerization reaction of a polymerizable compound upon irradiation with UV light. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include alkylphenone-based, acylphosphine-based, titanocene-based, and thioxanthone-based initiators. The photopolymerization initiator content in ink 36 can be, for example, approximately 9-14% by mass.

[0045] The colorants can include inorganic pigments and organic pigments. Inorganic pigments can include carbon black, metal oxides such as iron oxide and titanium oxide, and organic pigments such as monoazo pigments and disazo pigments, polycyclic condensed pigments such as phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, perinone pigments, and anthraquinone pigments, lake pigments such as dyed lake pigments, and fluorescent pigments. The average particle size of the pigment as determined by dynamic light scattering can be, for example, about 30 to 2000 nm. One type of colorant may be added to the ink 36, or two or more types may be added. The colorant content in the ink 36 can be, for example, about 1.5 to 6% by mass.

[0046] Furthermore, ink 36 may contain additives such as surfactants (also called dispersants or leveling agents), polymerization inhibitors, polymerization accelerators, penetration accelerators, and wetting agents, as needed.

[0047] The irradiation unit 40 shown in Figure 2 has a plurality of irradiation units 41 on its light-emitting surface 40a, arranged at predetermined pitch intervals in the irradiation unit alignment direction D5. The number of irradiation units 41 is less than the number of nozzles 34 included in one nozzle row 33. As a result, the pitch of the irradiation units 41 in the irradiation unit 40 is wider than the pitch of the nozzles 34 in the nozzle row 33. The irradiation unit alignment direction D5 shown in Figure 2 coincides with the nozzle alignment direction D4, but the irradiation unit alignment direction D5 may be offset from the nozzle alignment direction D4 as long as it intersects with the scanning direction D1. Each irradiation unit 41 is controlled by the light intensity control unit 15 shown in Figure 1 and irradiates UV light as light LT1 for curing the ink 36 toward the recording medium ME0. When the light intensity control unit 15 changes the irradiation intensity of light LT1, it can change the irradiation intensity of light LT1 by, for example, changing the current flowing through the irradiation units 41.

[0048] When the light intensity control unit 15 supplies a DC current to the irradiation unit 41, it can change the irradiation intensity of light LT1 by changing the value of the DC current. Therefore, the light intensity control unit 15 should set the aforementioned current value to "high" when increasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1, set the aforementioned current value to "medium" which is smaller than "high" when increasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1, and set the aforementioned current value to "low" which is smaller than "medium" when decreasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1. Of course, when turning off the irradiation unit 41, the light intensity control unit 15 should set the aforementioned current value to "0", which is smaller than "low". Furthermore, when the light intensity control unit 15 supplies pulsed current to the irradiation unit 41, it can change the irradiation intensity of light LT1 by changing the pulse width in which the current flows within the pulsed current. Therefore, the light intensity control unit 15 can set the pulse width to "large" when increasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1, set the pulse width to "medium" (smaller than "large") when increasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1, and set the pulse width to "small" (smaller than "medium") when decreasing the irradiation intensity of light LT1. Of course, when turning off the irradiation unit 41, the light intensity control unit 15 can set the pulse width to "0" (smaller than "small").

[0049] The recording device 1 shown in Figure 3, for example, deposits ink droplets 37 onto the recording medium ME0 in units of band B0, and irradiates the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 in units of band B0. The order in which the image IM0 formed by the ink droplets 37 is formed and the order in which the light LT1 is irradiated is in the order of the sub-scanning direction D2, such as band B1, band B2, band B3, ... Here, the sub-scanning direction D2 is the direction opposite to the feed direction D3, and is the direction in which the recording head 30 moves relative to the recording medium ME0 during sub-scanning. The sub-scanning direction D2 is the direction that intersects the scanning direction D1, for example, the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction D1.

[0050] The irradiation unit 40 shown in Figure 3 is positioned toward the redundancy direction D12 from the recording head 30. In this case, during the main scan when the carriage 52 moves toward the forward direction D11, the recording device 1 may irradiate the band B0 with light LT1 from the irradiation unit 40 while ejecting ink droplets 37 from the recording head 30 toward the band B0. When the ink droplets 37 land on the band B0, dots DT0 of the ink droplets 37 are formed. When light LT1 is irradiated onto the dots DT0 formed on the band B0, the dots DT0, i.e., the ink droplets 37, harden. As a result, a pattern of hardened dots DT0 is formed on the band B0 as an image IM0. Furthermore, the recording device 1 may pre-curse the dot DT0 by reducing the irradiation intensity of the light LT1 during the main scan in which the carriage 52 moves in the forward direction D11. Subsequently, the recording device 1 may fully cure the ink droplet 37 by increasing the irradiation intensity of the light LT1 during the main scan in which the carriage 52 moves in the reverse direction D12.

[0051] When the recording device 1 forms a pattern of hardened dots DT0 on band B1, the controller 10 causes the roller drive unit 55 to transport the recording medium ME0 in the feed direction D3, aligning it with the position of band B1. After the recording medium ME0 has been transported, the controller 10 moves the carriage 52 in the forward direction D11 to the carriage drive unit 51, ejects ink droplets 37 from the recording head 30 toward band B1, and irradiates band B1 with light LT1 from the irradiation unit 40. After this, the controller 10 moves the carriage 52 in the reverse direction D12 to the carriage drive unit 51, and irradiates band B1 with light LT1 from the irradiation unit 40 as needed.

[0052] When a pattern of hardened dots DT0 is formed on band B1, the controller 10 causes the roller drive unit 55 to transport the recording medium ME0 in the sub-scanning direction D2 to match the position of band B2. The amount of recording medium ME0 transported at this time is the length of band B0 in the sub-scanning direction D2. Note that if no ink droplets 37 are ejected from the recording head 30, the transport of the recording medium ME0 in the transport direction D3 and the movement of the carriage 52 in the scanning direction D1 may occur simultaneously. After transporting the recording medium ME0, the controller 10 causes the carriage drive unit 51 to move the carriage 52 in the forward direction D11, causing the recording head 30 to eject ink droplets 37 toward band B2, and irradiating band B2 with light LT1 from the irradiation unit 40. After this, the controller 10 causes the carriage drive unit 51 to move the carriage 52 in the return direction D12, and irradiates band B2 with light LT1 from the irradiation unit 40 as needed.

[0053] The controller 10 then repeatedly performs a series of controls, including transporting the recording medium ME0 to the roller drive unit 55 for the length of band B0, and performing a combination of main scanning in the forward direction D11 and main scanning in the return direction D12. As a result, a pattern of hardened dots DT0 is formed as an image IM0 across the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0.

[0054] By the way, ink droplet ejection and UV irradiation are separate concepts. While existing printers have a standardized mechanism for transferring print data, they lack a mechanism for transferring the UV irradiation range. Therefore, in existing printers, the UV irradiation range is fixed and controlled by the printer itself. As a result, the following can occur in existing printers. A. If the UV irradiation area is insufficient, the ink may remain uncured. B. Prioritizing the avoidance of ink curing failure by widening the UV irradiation area results in wasted power. C. To avoid wasting power, complex control is required that takes into account the height difference between the ink droplet ejection nozzle and the UV irradiation unit, which increases the cost of the printer. D. In order to simplify the control and avoid ink curing failures, a UV irradiation path is created, which slows down the printing process. E. Due to differences in curing properties depending on the ink, image quality may be reduced. When adjusting the curing properties of different inks to match, the consumption of organic solvents increases, leading to higher ink costs. G. The more complex the recording process, the more susceptible it becomes to the aforementioned effects, which can hinder image quality improvement. H. It may not always be possible to adjust the curing degree of the ink to the user's preference.

[0055] In this specific example, the host device HO1 generates irradiation range data DA3 representing the irradiation range AR0 of the light LT1 that cures the ink droplet 37, and the recording device 1 irradiates the recording medium ME0 with the light LT1 aligned to the irradiation range AR0 based on the irradiation range data DA3. This increases the degree of freedom in irradiating the ink droplet 37 with the light LT1 that cures it.

[0056] Furthermore, in this specific example, as shown in the lower part of Figure 2, the resolution of the irradiation range data DA3 is matched to the resolution of the image data DA2 by considering the multiple irradiation units 41 as a virtual UV nozzle row 43. The UV nozzle row 43 is assumed to have virtual UV nozzles 44 arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction D4 at intervals of a predetermined nozzle pitch. As described above, this specific example eliminates the need for a dedicated control command system to notify the recording device 1 of the irradiation range AR0 of light LT1 from the host device HO1.

[0057] The host device HO1 shown in Figure 4 generates recording data DA1, which includes the irradiation range data DA3 in addition to the image data DA2, in order to set the irradiation range AR0 shown in Figure 5, and transmits it to the recording device 1. The host device HO1 includes a processor (CPU101), semiconductor memory (ROM102), semiconductor memory (RAM103), storage device (104), input device (105), display device (106), interface (I / F107), etc. These elements are electrically connected, enabling them to input and output information to each other.

[0058] The storage device 104 stores an OS (not shown), a driver program that implements the driver layer LA2, an application program that implements the application layer LA1, and the like. Here, OS is an abbreviation for operating system. The driver program is a control program for controlling the recording device 1 and is sometimes called a printer driver. The storage device 104 is a computer-readable medium on which the control program is recorded. The control program may also be recorded on an external computer-readable recording medium. The control program enables the host device HO1 to implement the function of controlling the recording device 1. The CPU 101 performs the processing to control the recording device 1 by executing the control program read from the storage device 104 into the RAM 103.

[0059] The input device 105 can include a pointing device, a hard key including a keyboard, a touch panel attached to the surface of the display panel, etc. The display device 106 can include a liquid crystal display panel, etc. I / F 107 is connected to the communication I / F 22 of the recording device 1 and communicates with the communication I / F 22 according to a predetermined communication standard. For example, the host device HO1 transmits command data DA0, etc. to the recording device 1 via I / F 107.

[0060] The driver layer LA2 receives the original image data DA5 and irradiation range data DA3 from the application layer LA1, generates command data DA0 including the recording data DA1, and transmits it to the recording device 1. As shown in Figure 5, the source image data DA5 has multiple pixels PX1, and each pixel PX1 has a multi-level pixel value V5, for example, 256 levels. The pixel value V5 represents the amount of ink 36 used to form ink droplets 37, and is represented by an integer value from 0 to 255, for example. That is, the source image data DA5 represents the amount of ink 36 used in units of pixels PX1, and the color image IM0 formed on the recording medium ME0 is represented by the pixel value V5 of each pixel PX1. The source image data DA5 includes, for example, source image data representing the image of C, source image data representing the image of M, source image data representing the image of Y, and source image data representing the image of K. In this case, the larger the pixel value V5, the more ink 36 is used. The application layer LA1 generates the source image data DA5 in response to user operations and passes it to the driver layer LA2.

[0061] The illumination range data DA3 has multiple pixels PX1 with the same resolution as the original image data DA5, and each pixel PX1 has a pixel value V3, for example, with 4 levels of grayscale. The pixel value V3 is an example of illumination state information representing the illumination state of light LT1, and is represented, for example, as an integer value from 0 to 3. When the pixel value V3 has 4 levels of grayscale, for example, V3=0 represents off, V3=1 represents low illumination intensity, V3=2 represents medium illumination intensity, and V3=3 represents high illumination intensity. The pixel value V3 of the illumination range data DA3 combined with the original image data DA5 may have the same number of levels of grayscale as the pixel value V5 of the original image data DA5, for example, 256 levels of grayscale, or it may have 2 levels of grayscale. When the pixel value V3 has 2 levels of grayscale, for example, V3=0 represents off, and V3=1 represents on. The application layer LA1 sets the irradiation range AR0 of the light LT1 in response to user input, generates irradiation range data DA3, and passes the irradiation range data DA3 to the driver layer LA2. The application layer LA1 sets the irradiation range AR0 to an area that is a predetermined amount wider than the area where ink 36 is used in the original image data DA5. The application layer LA1 may also accept an operation from the user to set or change the irradiation range AR0, and set the irradiation range AR0 in response to the accepted operation.

[0062] The driver layer LA2 receives the original image data DA5 and the irradiation area data DA3 from the application layer LA1. The driver layer LA2 generates image data DA2 representing the pattern of the dot DT0 from the original image data DA5, and combines the image data DA2 and the irradiation area data DA3 to generate the recorded data DA1. Image data DA2 has multiple pixels PX1, each pixel PX1 having, for example, a pixel value V2 with four levels of grayscale. The arrangement of the multiple pixels PX1 in image data DA2 is aligned with the arrangement of multiple nozzles 34 in the nozzle row 33 in the sub-scanning direction D2, or in other words, the feed direction D3. The pixel value V2 represents the formation state of dots DT0 generated from ink droplets 37, and is represented, for example, as an integer value from 0 to 3. When the pixel value V2 has four levels of grayscale, for example, V2=0 represents no dot, V2=1 represents small dot formation, V2=2 represents medium dot formation, and V2=3 represents large dot formation. When the pixel value V2 has two levels of grayscale, for example, V2=0 represents no dot, and V2=1 represents dot formation. In other words, image data DA2 represents the formation state of dots DT0 in units of pixels PX1, and the dot DT0 pattern corresponding to image IM0 is realized on the recording medium ME0. Image data DA2 includes, for example, image data representing image C, image data representing image M, image data representing image Y, and image data representing image K. Therefore, image data DA2 represents the resulting color image IM0 with the pixel value V2 of each pixel PX1. The driver layer LA2 generates image data DA2 by performing halftone processing on the original image data DA5 to reduce the number of gradations.

[0063] Furthermore, the original image data DA5 and image data DA2 may have different resolutions. In this case, the driver layer LA2 should convert the resolution of the original image data DA5 to match the resolution of image data DA2.

[0064] The irradiation range data DA3 has multiple pixels PX1 with the same resolution as the image data DA2, and each pixel PX1 has a pixel value V3 that represents the irradiation state of light LT1. The arrangement of the multiple pixels PX1 in the irradiation range data DA3 is aligned with the arrangement of multiple UV nozzles 44 in the hypothetical UV nozzle row 43 shown in Figure 2, in the sub-scanning direction D2, or in other words, in the feed direction D3. If the pixel value V3 has four levels, for example, V3=0 represents off, V3=1 represents low irradiation intensity, V3=2 represents medium irradiation intensity, and V3=3 represents high irradiation intensity. In this case, in addition to the irradiation range AR0, the irradiation range data DA3 represents the irradiation intensity of light LT1 in units of pixels PX1 using the pixel value V3.

[0065] Furthermore, the illumination range data DA3 in the application layer LA1 and the illumination range data DA3 in the driver layer LA2 may have different numbers of grayscale levels for the pixel value V3. In this case, the driver layer LA2 can perform halftone processing to reduce the number of grayscale levels for the illumination range data DA3 received from the application layer LA1. Furthermore, the irradiation range data DA3 in the application layer LA1 and the irradiation range data DA3 in the driver layer LA2 may have different resolutions. In this case, the driver layer LA2 only needs to convert the resolution of the irradiation range data DA3 received from the application layer LA1.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the driver layer LA2 generates command data DA0 to instruct the recording device 1 to perform recording based on recording data DA1, which is a combination of image data DA2 and irradiation range data DA3. For each band B0, the driver layer LA2 assigns nozzle data for C, M, Y, and K respectively from the image data DA2, and UV nozzle data from the irradiation range data DA3, according to the position of band B0. Figure 4 shows that CMYK nozzle data and UV nozzle data are assigned to pass 1 for recording band B1, CMYK nozzle data and UV nozzle data are assigned to pass 2 for recording band B2, and CMYK nozzle data and UV nozzle data are assigned to subsequent passes. In this way, the driver layer LA2 generates command data DA0, which includes image data DA2 and irradiation range data DA3, and transmits it to the recording device 1.

[0067] The communication interface 22 of recording device 1 receives command data DA0 from host device HO1 and stores the command data DA0 in RAM 21, which acts as a buffer. The image processing unit 12 of the controller 10 outputs image data DA2 in units of band B0 to the drive signal transmission unit 14. The drive signal transmission unit 14 generates a drive signal SG1 from the image data DA2 and outputs it to the drive circuit 31 of the recording head 30.

[0068] Furthermore, the controller 10 generates lighting control data DA4 in the image processing unit 12 by reducing the resolution of the illumination range data DA3 stored in the RAM 21 to match the arrangement of the multiple illumination units 41, and outputs it to the light intensity control unit 15. Note that the resolution of the lighting control data DA4 in the sub-scanning direction D2, or in other words, the feed direction D3, is matched to the pitch of the illumination units 41 and is lower than the resolution of the illumination range data DA3. The resolution of the lighting control data DA4 in the scanning direction D1 is set to fit within the speed at which the illumination units 41 are turned on and turned off during the main scan, and is lower than the resolution of the illumination range data DA3.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the lighting control data DA4 has a number of pixels PX2 that is fewer than the number of pixels PX1 in the illumination range data DA3, and each pixel PX2 has a pixel value V4, for example, with 4 levels of grayscale. The pixel value V4 is an example of illumination state information that represents the illumination state of light LT1 in units of the illumination unit 41, and is represented, for example, by an integer value from 0 to 3. The arrangement of the multiple pixels PX2 in the lighting control data DA4 is aligned with the arrangement of the multiple illumination units 41 in the illumination unit 40 shown in Figure 2, in the sub-scanning direction D2, or in other words, in the feed direction D3. When the pixel value V4 has 4 levels of grayscale, for example, V4=0 represents the off state of the corresponding illumination unit 41, V4=1 represents the weak illumination intensity of the corresponding illumination unit 41, V4=2 represents the medium illumination intensity of the corresponding illumination unit 41, and V4=3 represents the strong illumination intensity of the corresponding illumination unit 41. In this case, the lighting control data DA4 represents the illumination intensity of light LT1 in units of pixels PX2 using the pixel value V4. If the pixel value V4 is two-tone, for example, V4=0 represents the corresponding illumination unit 41 being off, and V4=1 represents the corresponding illumination unit 41 being on. The controller 10 generates lighting control data DA4, which is converted from the illumination range data DA3 having multiple pixels PX1, to match the positions of multiple illumination units 41.

[0070] The method for converting from irradiation range data DA3 to lighting control data DA4 is not particularly limited, but can be done, for example, as follows. For each pixel PX2 in the lighting control data DA4, the number of corresponding pixels PX1 is set to Npx1. The controller 10 can select a pixel of interest from among the multiple pixels PX2 included in the lighting control data DA4, and set the pixel value V4 of the pixel of interest to the largest pixel value V3 among the Npx1 pixels PX1 corresponding to that pixel of interest. If the pixel value V4 is two-tone, the controller 10 can set the pixel value V4 of the pixel of interest to 1 if any of the Npx1 pixels PX1 corresponding to the pixel of interest have a pixel value V3=1 indicating that it is lit. In this case, the controller 10 should set the pixel value V4 of the pixel of interest to 0 if all of the Npx1 pixels PX1 corresponding to the pixel of interest have a pixel value V3=0 indicating that it is off.

[0071] The light intensity control unit 15 of the controller 10 controls the on-time and off-time for each of the multiple illumination units 41 so that light LT1 with an illumination intensity corresponding to the pixel value V4 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the illumination range AR0, according to the lighting control data DA4.

[0072] Figure 6 schematically illustrates how the light intensity control unit 15 drives the irradiation unit 41 during a main scan in the forward direction D11. During a main scan in the forward direction D11, the controller 10 causes the recording head 30 to eject ink droplets 37 from nozzle rows 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33K toward the recording medium ME0 on the platen 58. The ink droplets 37 that land on the recording medium ME0 become dots DT0.

[0073] Timing t1 shows an example where the light intensity control unit 15 controls the illumination unit 41 when the pixel value V4 of the lighting control data DA4 is 0. In this case, the light intensity control unit 15 turns off the illumination unit 41. Another timing t2 shows an example where the light intensity control unit 15 controls the illumination unit 41 when the pixel value V4 of the lighting control data DA4 is 1. In this case, the light intensity control unit 15 causes the illumination unit 41 to irradiate the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 of low illumination intensity. Note that the timing when the pixel value V4 of the pixel PX2 to which control is applied in the main scan changes from 0 to 1 or more is the lighting timing. Conversely, the timing when the pixel value V4 of the pixel PX2 to which control is applied in the main scan changes from 1 or more to 0 is the turning-off timing. Another timing t3 shows an example where the light intensity control unit 15 controls the irradiation unit 41 when the pixel value V4 of the lighting control data DA4 is 2. In this case, the light intensity control unit 15 causes the irradiation unit 41 to irradiate the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 at the irradiation intensity. Another timing t4 shows an example where the light intensity control unit 15 controls the irradiation unit 41 when the pixel value V4 of the lighting control data DA4 is 3. In this case, the light intensity control unit 15 causes the irradiation unit 41 to irradiate the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 of high irradiation intensity.

[0074] (3) Specific examples of processing performed by the recording device: Figure 7 schematically illustrates the print control process performed by the controller 10 shown in Figure 1. The print control process shown in Figure 7 starts when the communication I / F 22 receives command data DA0 from the host device HO1. Therefore, the reception of command data DA0 corresponds to the reception process ST1, which accepts the input of irradiation range data DA3. Steps S102 to S112 correspond to the irradiation process ST2, which turns on and off multiple irradiation units 41. Hereafter, the term "step" may be omitted, and the step number may be indicated in parentheses.

[0075] When the print control process starts, the controller 10 causes the roller drive unit 55 to transport the recording medium ME0 in the feed direction D3, aligning it with the position of the band B0 to be recorded (S102). Next, the controller 10, in the image processing unit 12, converts the illumination range data DA3 for one pass into lighting control data DA4 with a resolution that matches the arrangement of the multiple illumination units 41 (S104).

[0076] Then, the controller 10 starts the main scan in the forward direction D11 (S106). When the main scan in the forward direction D11 starts, the controller 10 controls the ink droplet ejection of the recording head 30 based on the image data DA2 for one pass, and controls the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple illumination units 41 according to the lighting control data DA4 for one pass (S108). In S108, the nozzle row 33 ejects ink droplets 37 that harden upon irradiation with light LT1 toward the recording medium ME0 so that the pattern of dots DT0 shown in the image data DA2 is formed in the band B0. In S108, the multiple illumination units 41 light up or extinguish according to the lighting control data DA4, and when lit, they irradiate the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 of the irradiation intensity shown in the lighting control data DA4. As a result, the ink droplets 37 that land on the recording medium ME0 harden, and the pattern of hardened dots DT0 is formed in the band B0. As described above, when the plurality of irradiation units 41 and the recording medium ME0 move relative to each other in the scanning direction D1, the controller 10 controls the on-off timing for each of the plurality of irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation range data DA3 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. The controller 10 also controls the intensity of the light LT1 irradiated onto the storage medium by the plurality of irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation intensity represented by the irradiation range data DA3.

[0077] When the main scan in the forward direction D11 is completed, the controller 10 performs a main scan in the return direction D12 (S110). During the main scan in the return direction D12, the controller 10 may turn off all the illumination units 41, or it may turn on multiple illumination units 41 in the illumination range AR0 according to the lighting control data DA4.

[0078] The controller 10 repeats the processing from S102 to S110 if there is data for the next pass in the command data DA0, and terminates the print control process if there is no data for the next pass in the command data DA0. As described above, the controller 10 controls the operation of the drive unit 50 and the ejection of ink droplets 37 by the recording head 30 so that the pattern of dots DT0 shown in the image data DA2 is formed on the recording medium ME0, based on the image data DA2. The controller 10 also controls the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple illumination units 41 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 according to the illumination range AR0, based on the illumination range data DA3.

[0079] In this specific example, multiple irradiation units 41 are turned on and off based on irradiation range data DA3 representing the irradiation range AR0 of light LT1, thereby irradiating the recording medium ME0 with light LT1 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. Furthermore, the intensity of the light LT1 irradiated onto the storage medium by the multiple irradiation units 41 is based on the irradiation intensity represented by the irradiation range data DA3. The user can freely set the irradiation range AR0 in the application layer LA1 by using the host device HO1. This results in various advantages. In addition, in this specific example, a dedicated control command system for notifying the recording device 1 of the irradiation range AR0 of light LT1 from the host device HO1 is not required. In this specific example, by treating the irradiation range AR0 as a virtual UV nozzle array 43, the formation of the dot pattern DT0 and the irradiation of light LT1 by each irradiation unit 41 can be synchronized while maintaining the existing control command system. Therefore, this specific example increases the degree of freedom in irradiating the ink droplet 37 with light LT1 to cure it.

[0080] Furthermore, since it is possible to set when and at what intensity to irradiate the irradiation area AR0 with light LT1, this technology can be applied to a variety of uses, as shown in the following example. A. Choose whether or not to irradiate UV light on paths without images. B. Adjusting the UV irradiation range by varying the amount and ratio of each ink to be ejected. C. Without curing the ink droplets that have landed on the recording medium, another ink droplet is ejected from the recording head and placed on top, and then cured by UV irradiation. D. Performing UV irradiation only on an entire page of a recording medium without ejecting ink droplets from the recording head, or ejecting ink droplets from the recording head toward the recording medium without UV irradiation. For example, ejecting ink droplets from the recording head toward the recording medium on an entire page of a recording medium without UV irradiation, then placing a film on the recording medium and curing the ink droplets. E. Controlling the UV irradiation intensity by lowering the irradiation intensity if the ink density is low, or increasing the irradiation intensity if the ink density is high. For example, if some of the irradiation units malfunction, taking workarounds such as using the non-malfunctioning irradiation units for irradiation or increasing the irradiation intensity of the non-malfunctioning irradiation units. F. Combining multiple types of UV lamps with different wavelength characteristics so that each provides the appropriate illuminance.

[0081] (4) Variations: Various modifications of this invention are conceivable. For example, the recording device to which this technology can be applied is not limited to a serial recording device in which the recording head 30 and the illumination unit 40 reciprocate along the scanning direction D1, but may also be a line recording device in which the recording head 30 and the illumination unit 40 are provided over almost the entire width of the recording medium ME0. The ink color combinations are not limited to C, M, Y, and K, and may include white, orange, green, colorless, light cyan at a lower concentration than C, light magenta at a lower concentration than M, dark yellow at a higher concentration than Y, light black at a lower concentration than K, etc. Of course, this technology can also be applied when the recording device 1 does not use some of the C, M, Y, and K inks.

[0082] In the embodiment described above, the recording medium ME0 did not move in the scanning direction D1 during the main scan, but the recording head 30 moved. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. During the main scan, the recording medium ME0 may move in the scanning direction D1 without the recording head 30 moving, or both the recording head 30 and the recording medium ME0 may move in the scanning direction D1. In the embodiment described above, the recording head 30 did not move in the sub-scanning direction D2 during sub-scanning, but the recording medium ME0 did not move. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. During sub-scanning, the recording medium ME0 may not move in the sub-scanning direction D2, but the recording head 30 may move, or both the recording medium ME0 and the recording head 30 may move in the sub-scanning direction D2. Printing onto the recording medium ME0 can be controlled so that light LT1 is irradiated onto the ink droplets 37 that have landed on the recording medium ME0, and is not limited to printing in units of band B0 as shown in Figure 3.

[0083] The image data DA2 received by the recording device 1 from the host device HO1 is not limited to halftone data representing the formation state of the dot DT0, but may also be multi-tone data representing the amount of ink 36 used. If the image data DA2 received from the host device HO1 is multi-tone data, the recording device 1 can control the ejection of the ink droplet 37 by generating image data representing the formation state of the dot DT0 by performing halftone processing on the multi-tone data to reduce the number of gradations. Multiple pixels of the irradiation range data DA3 received by the recording device 1 from the host device HO1 may be arranged to match the arrangement of multiple irradiation units 41. In this case, the recording device 1 can control the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple irradiation units 41 by using the irradiation range data DA3 as lighting control data DA4.

[0084] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, a process may be performed to switch between a first setting MD1, which adjusts the lighting and extinguishing of multiple illumination units 41 to match the illumination range AR0, and a second setting MD2, which illuminates the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0 with light LT1. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the command data transmission process performed by the host device HO1 shown in Figures 1 and 4. When the user activates the application layer LA1, which issues instructions to the driver layer LA2, the command data transmission process begins. Figure 9 schematically illustrates the print control process performed by the controller 10 of the recording device 1 shown in Figure 1. Compared to the process shown in Figure 7, the process shown in Figure 9 includes the addition of processes S302 to S304. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the irradiation mode indicating the irradiation settings of the multiple irradiation units 41 includes the UV image usage mode as the first setting MD1 and the overall irradiation mode as the second setting MD2. The irradiation mode may also include a third setting or the like, which is different from the first setting MD1 and the second setting MD2. The following explanation will also refer to Figures 4 and 5 as appropriate.

[0085] When the command data transmission process begins, the driver layer LA2 of the host device HO1 accepts whether to set the irradiation mode to UV image usage mode or overall irradiation mode by receiving user input or instructions from the application layer LA1 (S202). The application layer LA1 of the host device HO1 also accepts user input and generates the original image data DA5 shown in Figures 4 and 5 (S204). The application layer LA1 determines whether the irradiation mode is UV image usage mode or not (S206), and if the irradiation mode is UV image usage mode, it generates irradiation range data DA3 (S208) and proceeds to S210. In S208, the application layer LA1 may generate the irradiation range data DA3 by accepting user input, or it may generate the irradiation range data DA3 so that a pattern of cured dots DT0 is formed on the recording medium ME0 based on the original image data DA5. If the irradiation mode is overall irradiation mode, the application layer LA1 proceeds to S210.

[0086] In S210, the application layer LA1 passes the original image data DA5 and irradiation range data DA3 to the driver layer LA2, and the driver layer LA2 generates image data DA2 based on the original image data DA5. As described above, the driver layer LA2 can generate image data DA2 by performing halftone processing on the original image data DA5 to reduce the number of gradations. After generating image data DA2, the driver layer LA2 generates command data DA0 which includes recording data DA1 containing image data DA2 and irradiation range data DA3, as well as information indicating the irradiation mode (S212). After generating command data DA0, the driver layer LA2 transmits command data DA0 to the recording device 1 (S214), and terminates the command data transmission process.

[0087] The print control process shown in Figure 9 begins when the communication interface 22 receives command data DA0, which contains information representing the irradiation mode, from the host device HO1. Therefore, the communication interface 22 that receives command data DA0, which contains information representing the irradiation mode, is an example of a reception unit that accepts either the first setting MD1 or the second setting MD2. When the print control process starts, the controller 10 causes the roller drive unit 55 to transport the recording medium ME0 in the feed direction D3 to the position of the band B0 to be recorded (S102). Next, the controller 10 determines whether the irradiation mode is the UV image usage mode (S302). If the irradiation mode is the UV image usage mode, the controller 10 proceeds to S104, where the image processing unit 12 converts the irradiation range data DA3 for one pass into lighting control data DA4 according to the arrangement of the multiple irradiation units 41. On the other hand, if the irradiation mode is the overall irradiation mode, the controller 10 proceeds to S304, where the image processing unit 12 generates lighting control data DA4 that keeps all irradiation units 41 constantly lit. This lighting control data DA4 is data that irradiates the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0 with light LT1. If the pixel value V4 of the lighting control data DA4 is quaternary data, the controller 10 may set the pixel value V4 to 3, which indicates a strong irradiation intensity.

[0088] After processing in S104 or S304, the controller 10 starts the main scan in the forward direction D11 (S106). When the main scan in the forward direction D11 starts, the controller 10 controls the ink droplet ejection of the recording head 30 based on the image data DA2 for one pass, and controls the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple illumination units 41 according to the lighting control data DA4 for one pass (S108). When the main scan in the forward direction D11 is completed, the controller 10 performs the main scan in the return direction D12 (S110). If there is data for the next pass in the command data DA0, the controller 10 returns to processing in S102, and if there is no data for the next pass in the command data DA0, it terminates the print control processing (S112). As described above, when the UV image usage mode is accepted, the controller 10 controls the on / off switching of the multiple irradiation units 41 based on the irradiation range data DA3 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the recording medium ME0 in accordance with the irradiation range AR0. Furthermore, when the overall irradiation mode is accepted, the controller 10 controls the on / off switching of the multiple irradiation units 41 so that the light LT1 is irradiated onto the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0.

[0089] In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is possible to select whether to adjust the on / off state of the multiple illumination units 41 to match the illumination range AR0, or to illuminate the entire recording range AR1 of the recording medium ME0 with light LT1. Therefore, the example shown in Figures 8 and 9 can improve convenience. Furthermore, when the irradiation range data generation process S208 shown in Figure 8 is automatically generated based on the original image data DA5, the user can easily set the irradiation range AR0 of the light LT1 using the host device HO1. A preferred example is described below.

[0090] Figure 10 schematically shows an example in which the host device HO1 changes the irradiation range AR0 according to the amount of ink 36 used in the irradiation range data generation process S208 in Figure 8. The process shown in Figure 10 may be performed by the application layer LA1 or by the driver layer LA2. The original image data DA5 shown in Figure 10 has a pixel value V5 of 0 to 255 for each pixel PX1. Here, the amount of ink 36 used increases as the pixel value V5 increases. In the original image data DA5, a pixel value V5=0 indicates a pixel that does not use ink 36, a pixel value V5=255 indicates a pixel that uses the most ink 36, and a pixel value V5=64 indicates a pixel that uses less ink 36 than a pixel with a pixel value V5=255. The illumination range data DA3 shown in Figure 10 has a pixel value V3 of 0 to 1 for each pixel PX1.

[0091] Here, the first width of the illumination range AR0 when the amount of ink 36 used is the first amount is made narrower than the second width of the illumination range AR0 when the amount of ink 36 used is greater than the first amount. For example, pixel values ​​V5 = 1 to 100 are applied to the first amount of use, and pixel values ​​V5 = 201 to 255 are applied to the second amount of use, with 1 pixel being applied to the first width and 3 pixels being applied to the second width. When the host device HO1 acquires the original image data DA5, it generates illumination range data DA3 that shows an illumination range AR0 wider by the number of pixels representing the first or second width from the pixel PX1 that uses ink 36 in the original image data DA5. The illumination range AR0 shown in Figure 10 is 1 pixel wider outward from the pixel PX1 with pixel value V5 = 64, and 3 pixels wider outward from the pixel PX1 with pixel value V5 = 255. As described above, the host device HO1 generates illumination range data DA3 in which the illumination range AR0 is changed according to the amount of ink 36 used, expressed in units of pixel PX1. As a preferred example, the host device HO1 makes the width of the illumination range AR0 based on the pixel where the amount of ink 36 used is the first amount narrower than the width of the illumination range AR0 based on the pixel where the amount of ink 36 used is the second amount.

[0092] When the controller 10 of the recording device 1 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the multiple illumination units 41 according to the generated illumination range data DA3, light LT1 is irradiated onto the illumination range AR0, which changes according to the amount of ink 36 used. In the preferred example described above, the area of ​​the first ink usage (relatively small amount) within the irradiation range AR0 is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the second ink usage (relatively large amount). In this case, the ink droplets 37 that land on the recording medium ME0 can be cured efficiently.

[0093] Figure 11 schematically shows an example in which the host device HO1 changes the irradiation intensity of light LT1, for example, the pixel value V3, according to the amount of ink 36 used in the irradiation range data generation process S208 in Figure 8. The process shown in Figure 11 may be performed by the application layer LA1 or by the driver layer LA2. The original image data DA5 shown in Figure 11 also has a pixel value V5 of 0 to 255 for each pixel PX1. Here, it is assumed that the amount of ink 36 used increases as the pixel value V5 increases. The illumination range data DA3 shown in Figure 11 has a pixel value V3 of 0 to 3 for each pixel PX1.

[0094] Here, the first irradiation intensity, which is the irradiation intensity when the amount of ink 36 used is the first amount, is set to be weaker than the second irradiation intensity, which is the irradiation intensity when the amount of ink 36 used is greater than the first amount. For example, pixel values ​​V5 = 1 to 100 are assigned to the first amount, pixel values ​​V5 = 201 to 255 are assigned to the second amount, V3 = 1, which indicates a weak irradiation intensity, is assigned to the first irradiation intensity, and V3 = 3, which indicates a strong irradiation intensity, is assigned to the second irradiation intensity. When the host device HO1 acquires the original image data DA5, it generates irradiation range data DA3 that shows an irradiation range AR0 that is one pixel wider than the pixel PX1 that uses ink 36 in the original image data DA5. Here, the host device HO1 sets the pixel value V3 of the irradiation range data DA3 to 1 for pixels with pixel values ​​V5 from 1 to 100 and their adjacent pixels. Furthermore, the host device HO1 sets the pixel value V3 of the illumination range data DA3 to 3 for pixels with a pixel value V5 of 201 to 255 and their adjacent pixels. As described above, the host device HO1 generates irradiation range data DA3 in which the pixel value V3, which indicates the irradiation intensity of light LT1, is changed according to the amount of ink 36 used, based on the amount of ink 36 used, expressed in units of pixel PX1. As a preferred example, the host device HO1 converts pixels with a first amount of ink 36 usage into pixels that indicate a first irradiation intensity in the irradiation range data DA3, and converts pixels with a second amount of ink 36 usage into pixels that indicate a second irradiation intensity in the irradiation range data DA3.

[0095] According to the generated irradiation range data DA3, the controller 10 of the recording device 1 controls the intensity of the light LT1 irradiated onto the storage medium by the multiple irradiation units 41, and light LT1 with an irradiation intensity that changes according to the amount of ink 36 used is irradiated onto the irradiation range AR0. In the preferred example described above, the irradiation intensity in the irradiation range AR0 is set lower for areas with a relatively small amount of ink 36 (first usage) than for areas with a relatively large amount of ink 36 (second usage). In this case, the ink droplets 37 that land on the recording medium ME0 can be cured efficiently.

[0096] Furthermore, the host device HO1 may combine the process of changing the irradiation range AR0 according to the amount of ink 36 used, as shown in Figure 10, and the process of changing the irradiation intensity of light LT1 according to the amount of ink 36 used, as shown in Figure 11. For example, when the host device HO1 generates irradiation range data DA3 based on the original image data DA5 shown in Figure 10, it may set the pixel value V3 of pixels whose pixel value V5 is between 201 and 255, and pixels that are in a second wide area outside of those pixels, to 3.

[0097] (5) Conclusion: As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide technologies that increase the degree of freedom in irradiating ink droplets with light to cure them, in various embodiments. Of course, even a technology consisting only of the constituent elements of an independent claim can obtain the basic functions and effects described above. Furthermore, configurations obtained by substituting or changing the combinations of each configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned examples, configurations obtained by substituting or changing the combinations of each configuration disclosed in the prior art and the above-mentioned examples, etc., are also possible. The present invention also includes these configurations, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1...Recording device, 10...Controller, 12...Image processing unit, 14...Drive signal transmission unit, 15...Light intensity control unit, 22...Communication I / F (example of reception unit), 30...Recording head, 30a...Nozzle surface, 33...Nozzle row, 34...Nozzle, 36...Ink, 37...Ink droplet, 40...Irradiation unit, 40a...Emitting surface, 41...Irradiation unit, 43...UV nozzle row, 44...UV nozzle, 50...Drive unit, AR0...Irradiation range, AR1...Recording range, D1...Scanning direction, D2...Sub-scanning direction, D3...Feed direction, D4...Nozzle parallel D5...Direction of illumination area alignment, D11...Forward direction, D12...Return direction, DA0...Command data, DA1...Recording data, DA2...Image data, DA3...Irradiation range data, DA4...Lighting control data, DA5...Original image data, DT0...Dot, HO1...Host device, IM0...Image, LT1...Light, MD1...First setting, MD2...Second setting, ME0...Recording medium, PX1,PX2...Pixel, ST1...Reception process, ST2...Irradiation process, SY1...Recording system, V2,V3,V4,V5...Pixel value.

Claims

1. A recording head having a row of nozzles that eject ink droplets that harden upon light irradiation toward a recording medium, A drive unit that moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other, A plurality of irradiation units that irradiate the recording medium with the light, A receiving unit that receives input of irradiation range data representing the irradiation range of the aforementioned light, The system includes a control unit that controls the switching on and off of the plurality of irradiation units so that the light is irradiated onto the recording medium in accordance with the irradiation range, based on the irradiation range data, The receiving unit receives input of image data that realizes a dot pattern derived from the ink droplets. The irradiation range data has multiple pixels with the same resolution as the image data, and has irradiation state information that represents the irradiation state of the light in units of the pixels. The control unit, Based on the image data, the operation of the drive unit and the ejection of the ink droplets by the recording head are controlled so that the pattern is formed on the recording medium. A recording device that generates lighting control data converted from the illumination range data, which has a plurality of pixels, in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of illumination units, and controls the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of illumination units according to the lighting control data.

2. The drive unit is capable of moving the plurality of irradiation units and the recording medium relative to each other in a scanning direction that intersects with the direction in which the plurality of irradiation units are arranged. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the plurality of irradiation units and the recording medium move relative to each other in the scanning direction, the control unit controls the on-time and off-time for each of the plurality of irradiation units based on the irradiation range data so that the recording medium is irradiated with light in accordance with the irradiation range.

3. The multiple nozzles included in the nozzle row are arranged in a nozzle arrangement direction intersecting the scanning direction, The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the recording head and the recording medium move relative to each other in the scanning direction, the plurality of illuminating units and the recording medium move relative to each other in the scanning direction.

4. The irradiation range data represents the irradiation range in addition to the irradiation intensity of the light. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit controls the intensity of the light irradiated onto the recording medium by the plurality of irradiation units based on the irradiation intensity represented by the irradiation range data.

5. The receiving unit receives either a first setting, which adjusts the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of illumination units to match the illumination range, or a second setting, which illuminates the entire recording range of the recording medium with light. When the first setting is received, the control unit controls the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of irradiation units based on the irradiation range data so that the light is irradiated onto the recording medium in accordance with the irradiation range. Furthermore, the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the second setting is received, the control unit controls the lighting of the plurality of illumination units so that the light is irradiated over the entire recording range of the recording medium.

6. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A recording system comprising a host device that outputs the irradiation range data to the reception unit.

7. The aforementioned host device, The original image data having multiple pixels is obtained, and the amount of ink used to form the ink droplets is expressed in units of the pixels. The recording system according to claim 6, which generates irradiation range data in which the irradiation range is changed according to the amount of ink used, based on the amount of ink used expressed in units of the pixels.

8. The irradiation range data has multiple pixels, and in addition to the irradiation range, it represents the irradiation intensity of the light in units of the pixels. The control unit controls the intensity of the light irradiated onto the recording medium by the plurality of irradiation units based on the irradiation intensity expressed in the pixel units in the irradiation range data. The aforementioned host device, The original image data having the plurality of pixels is obtained, and the amount of ink used to form the ink droplets is expressed in units of the pixels. The recording system according to claim 6, which generates irradiation range data in which the irradiation intensity of the light is changed according to the amount of ink used, based on the amount of ink used expressed in units of the pixels.

9. A recording head having a row of nozzles that eject ink droplets that harden upon light irradiation toward a recording medium, A drive unit that moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other, A recording method using a plurality of irradiation units that irradiate the recording medium with the light, A receiving step for receiving input of irradiation range data representing the irradiation range of the aforementioned light, The process includes, based on the irradiation range data, turning on and off the plurality of irradiation units so that the light is irradiated onto the recording medium in accordance with the irradiation range, In the aforementioned receiving process, image data that realizes a dot pattern derived from the ink droplets is received as input. The irradiation range data has multiple pixels with the same resolution as the image data, and has irradiation state information that represents the irradiation state of the light in units of the pixels. In the irradiation step, Based on the image data, the drive unit moves the recording head and the recording medium relative to each other so that the pattern is formed on the recording medium, and ejects the ink droplets from the recording head. A recording method comprising generating lighting control data converted from the illumination range data, which has a plurality of pixels, in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of illumination units, and turning on and off the plurality of illumination units according to the lighting control data.

Images