Recording device and recording method

Abstract

To record an image with suppressed bleed and beading.SOLUTION: A recording apparatus performs control so that out of N scans for recording an image in a predetermined region on a print medium, the recording apparatus makes different a total application amount of reactive liquid to be recorded by first half N / 2 scans and a total application amount of the reactive liquid to be recorded by second half N / 2 scans, between a case where an application amount of the reactive liquid per unit area which corresponds to the predetermined region is a first amount and a case where the application amount of the reactive liquid per unit area is a second amount larger than the first amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for recording an image by performing a plurality of recording scans on a unit area using a reaction liquid.

Background Art

[0002] An inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink from a recording head is known. In such a recording apparatus, when forming an image on a low-permeability recording medium, since the ink hardly penetrates into the recording medium, the ink remains on the recording medium, and bleeding (hereinafter referred to as bleed) occurs between adjacent different-colorant ink droplets due to contact between the droplets. To reduce this bleed, a technique using a reaction liquid ink (hereinafter also referred to as a reaction liquid) that reacts with the colorant contained in the colorant ink is known. That is, by bringing the colorant ink and the reaction liquid into contact on the recording medium, aggregation of the colorant contained in the colorant ink is caused, thereby reducing bleed. However, if the reaction liquid is applied more than necessary, over-aggregation with the colorant occurs, and the gloss of the resulting recorded matter decreases. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for appropriately changing the application amount of the reaction liquid according to the application amount of the colorant ink.

[0003] In addition, in an inkjet recording apparatus, a so-called multi-pass recording method is known in which all pixels within a recordable area in one scan are divided into a plurality of groups, and recording of the area is completed by performing a plurality of scans. In multi-pass recording, there is also a recording apparatus that controls the application order of the colorant ink and the reaction liquid. By completing the application of the reaction liquid in fewer scans than the plurality of scans for applying the colorant ink, the probability of contacting the reaction liquid before bleeding occurs between the colorant ink droplets can be increased.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] However, as the amount of colorant ink dispensed increases, the amount of reaction solution dispensed also increases, which may cause the boundaries between adjacent reaction solution droplets to merge, resulting in a condition known as beading. When beading occurs, the image quality deteriorates significantly.

[0006] This disclosure aims to record images with suppressed bleeding and beading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along a sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and records an image in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, and is characterized in that it has a control means for controlling the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium to differ depending on whether the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area is a first amount or a second amount which is greater than the first amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the external appearance of the recording device. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the main body of the recording device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the recording head. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a recording system, including a host device and a control system within the recording device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the flow of image data conversion processing. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically illustrates the process of performing multipath recording. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process for selecting the mask pattern of the reaction solution. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of mask selection data. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the recording mask for the reaction solution and the recording ratio. [Figure 10] This figure shows the mask pattern of the reaction solution and the recording ratio. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a gradual pre-recording mask and the recording ratio. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a recording head. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the assignment of mask patterns and the amount of ink applied per unit area. [Figure 14] This diagram schematically illustrates the process of performing multipath recording. [Figure 15] This figure shows the recording ratio for each recording scan based on reaction solution data. [Figure 16] This figure shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle based on reaction solution data. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of mask selection based on reaction solution data. [Figure 18] This figure shows the recording ratio for each recording scan based on reaction solution data. [Figure 19] This figure shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle based on reaction solution data. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution of the present disclosure. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] <<First Embodiment>> First, the basic configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Thereafter, a detailed configuration for recording an image with suppressed bleeding and beading as described above will be described.

[0012] (1) Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a recording apparatus or a printer) according to this embodiment. The recording apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 is a so-called serial scanning type printer, which scans a recording head in the X direction (scanning direction) orthogonal to the Y direction (transport direction) of the recording medium P to record an image. FIG. 2 is a side view of the main body of the recording apparatus 100.

[0013] Using FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 and the outline of the operation during recording will be described. First, the recording medium P is transported in the Y direction from a spool 6 that holds the recording medium P by a transport roller driven by a transport motor (not shown) via a gear. On the other hand, at a predetermined transport position, a carriage unit 2 is reciprocally scanned (reciprocally moved) along a guide shaft 8 extending in the X direction by a carriage motor (not shown). Then, in the process of this scanning, a discharge operation is performed from the discharge port of a recording head 9 (described later) that can be attached to the carriage unit 2 at a timing based on a position signal obtained by an encoder 7, and recording for a certain bandwidth corresponding to the arrangement range of the discharge ports is performed. In this embodiment, the scanning is performed at a scanning speed of 30 inches per second, and the discharge operation is performed at a recording resolution of 1200 dpi (interval of 1 / 1200 inch). Thereafter, the recording medium P is transported, and recording is further performed for the next bandwidth.

[0014] A carriage belt can be used to transmit the driving force from the carriage motor to the carriage unit 2. Alternatively, other drive systems can be used, such as a system comprising a lead screw rotated by the carriage motor and extending in the X direction, and an engaging portion provided on the carriage unit 2 that engages with the groove of the lead screw.

[0015] The fed recording medium P is held and transported by the feed roller and pinch roller and guided to the recording position (scanning area of ​​the recording head) on the platen 4. Normally, in the idle state, the face of the recording head 9 is capped, so prior to recording, the cap is opened to make the recording head 9 (carriage unit 2) scannable. After that, once data for one scan has been accumulated in the buffer, the carriage motor causes the carriage unit 2 to scan and recording is performed as described above.

[0016] A flexible wiring board 19 is attached to the recording head 9 to supply drive pulses for ejection and signals for head temperature control. The other end of the flexible wiring board 19 is connected to a control unit (not shown) equipped with a control circuit such as a CPU that performs control of the printer. The UI screen 50 is configured to allow the user to input or confirm information such as stopping the recording operation or information about the recording medium P.

[0017] A heater 10, supported by a frame (not shown), is positioned in the curing region, which is located downstream in the sub-scanning direction Y from the position where the recording head 9 mounted on the carriage unit 2 reciprocates in the main scanning direction X. The heater 10 dries the liquid ink on the recording medium P using heat. The heater 10 is covered by a heater cover 11. The heater cover 11 serves to efficiently irradiate the recording medium P with the heat from the heater 10 and to protect the heater 10. After recording by the recording head 9, the recording medium P is wound up by the take-up spool 12 to form a roll-shaped winding medium 13. Specifically, the heater 10 can be a sheathed heater or a halogen heater. The heating temperature of the heating section in the curing region is set considering the film-forming properties and productivity of water-soluble resin fine particles, as well as the heat resistance of the recording medium P. As a heating means for the heating section in the curing region, hot air blowing from above or contact-type heat conduction heater heating from below the recording medium can be used. In this embodiment, the heating means for the heating section in the curing region is shown as being provided in one location. However, as long as the temperature measured by the radiation thermometer (not shown) on the recording medium P does not exceed the set value of the heating temperature, two or more heating means may be provided and used in combination.

[0018] In the recording device 100 of this embodiment, so-called multi-path recording can be performed, in which an image is recorded on a predetermined area (1 / n band) on the recording medium P by scanning the recording head multiple times (n times). This multi-path recording will be described in detail later.

[0019] (2) Recording head configuration Figure 3 shows a recording head 9 according to this embodiment. The recording head 9 is equipped with an ejection port row 22K for ejecting black ink (K), an ejection port row 22C for ejecting cyan ink (C), an ejection port row 22M for ejecting magenta ink (M), and an ejection port row 22Y for ejecting yellow ink (Y), all of which contain colorants. Since these black inks (K), cyan inks (C), magenta inks (M), and yellow inks (Y) each contain colorants, for simplicity, these inks will be referred to as colorant inks in the following description.

[0020] Furthermore, the recording head 9 is equipped with a series of 22 ejection ports for ejecting a reactive liquid ink (RCT) that does not contain colorants. This reactive liquid ink (hereinafter also referred to as the reactive liquid) does not contain colorants, but it contains reactive components that react with the colorants contained in the colorant ink, and by coming into contact with the colorant ink on the recording medium, it can reduce bleeding.

[0021] In each nozzle row, the nozzles are arranged along the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, on the recording head 9, these nozzle rows are arranged from left to right in the order of nozzle rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT in the main scanning direction (X direction) intersecting the sub-scanning direction. Each of these nozzle rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT consists of 1280 nozzles 30, each ejecting ink, arranged in the Y direction (arrangement direction, sub-scanning direction) at a density of 1200 dpi. In this embodiment, the amount of ink ejected at one time from a single nozzle 30 is approximately 4.5 pl.

[0022] These ejection port rows 22K, 22C, 22M, 22Y, and 22RCT are each connected to an ink tank (not shown) that stores the corresponding ink, and ink is supplied to it. In this embodiment, the recording head 9 and the ink tank may be configured as an integrated unit, or they may be configured to be separable.

[0023] The detailed compositions of the black ink (K), cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), and reaction solution (RCT) will be described later. Furthermore, water-soluble resin fine particles, which form a film upon heating to improve the abrasion resistance of the recorded material, may be included in each color of the colorant ink, or they may be included in a third ink, clear emulsion ink (Em), which does not contain colorants and is different from the colorant ink or reaction solution. In this case, the recording head 9 may be equipped with a row of ejection ports 22Em for ejecting the clear emulsion ink.

[0024] (3) Recording system configuration Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a recording system in this embodiment, including the host device 312 and the control system within the recording device 100. The host device 312 is an information processing device connected to the recording device 100, such as a personal computer or a digital camera. The host device 312 includes a CPU 400, a memory 401, a storage unit 402, an input unit 403 such as a keyboard or mouse, and an interface 404 for communication with the recording device 100. The CPU 400 performs various processes according to programs stored in the memory 401. These programs are supplied from an external device such as a CD-ROM for storage in the storage unit 402. Programs may also be pre-stored in the storage unit 402.

[0025] The host device 312 is connected to the recording device 100 via interface 404 and transmits image processing information to the recording device 100, including image data represented by R, G, and B in the image processing process described later, and a table for subsequent image processing (recording control information). Based on the transmitted image processing information, the recording device 100 performs image processing such as color processing and binarization, as well as correction processing of recording characteristics, as described later. The host device 312 may perform at least a part of the color processing, image processing, and correction processing.

[0026] The recording device 100 has a main control unit 300. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a CPU 301 that performs processing operations such as calculation, selection, discrimination, and control, as well as recording operations. The main control unit 300 also includes a ROM 302 for storing control programs to be executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 used as a buffer for recording data, and input / output ports 304. The memory 313 stores mask patterns, which will be described later. The input / output ports 304 are connected to the drive circuits 305, 306, 307, and 308 for the transport motor (LF motor) 309, carriage motor (CR motor) 310, recording head 9, and actuators in the heater 10. The main control unit 300 is connected to the host device 312 via an interface circuit 311.

[0027] (4) Recording media The recording device in this embodiment records on a low-permeability recording medium that is resistant to moisture penetration. A low-permeability recording medium, as used here, is a medium that has no water absorption or absorbs very little water. Therefore, with water-based inks that do not contain organic solvents, the ink is repelled and no image can be formed. On the other hand, low-permeability recording media have excellent water resistance and weather resistance, making them suitable as a medium for forming recordings used outdoors. Typically, a recording medium having a water contact angle of 45° or more, preferably 60° or more, at 25°C is used as a low-permeability recording medium.

[0028] Low-permeability recording media include recording media in which a plastic layer is formed on the outermost surface of the substrate, or recording media in which no ink-receiving layer is formed on the substrate. Alternatively, they may be sheets, films, or banners made of glass, Yupo, or plastic. Examples of such plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Because these low-permeability recording media have excellent water resistance, light resistance, and abrasion resistance, they are generally used for recording materials for outdoor displays.

[0029] (5) Ink composition (Ink composition overview) The details of each ink that makes up the ink set used in this embodiment are described below. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" refer to mass.

[0030] (5-1) Composition of each ink The composition of each ink will be described in detail below. The colorant inks (C, M, Y, K) and reaction solution (RCT) used in this embodiment all contain a water-soluble organic solvent. For reasons of wetting and moisturizing properties of the face surface of the recording head 9, the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably one with a boiling point of 150°C to 300°C. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of its function as a film-forming aid for resin fine particles and its swelling solubility in the recording medium on which the resin layer is formed, the following are particularly preferred. Specifically, ketone compounds such as acetone and cyclohexanone, propylene glycol derivatives such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and heterocyclic compounds having a lactam structure represented by N-methyl-pyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone are particularly preferred. From the viewpoint of discharge performance, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 3 wt% or more and 30 wt% or less. The water-soluble organic solvent can be used alone or as a mixture. Furthermore, it is desirable to use deionized water as the water. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the reaction solution (RCT) is not particularly limited, but in order to give the colorant inks (C, M, Y, K) the desired physical properties, surfactants, defoamers, preservatives, or fungicides may be added as appropriate in addition to the above-mentioned components.

[0031] Surfactants are used as penetrants to improve the penetration of ink into inkjet-specific recording media. The more surfactant added, the stronger its property of lowering the surface tension of the ink, thereby improving the wettability and penetration of the ink into the recording media.

[0032] Furthermore, the pH of each ink in this embodiment is stable on the alkaline side, with a value of 8.5 to 9.5. From the viewpoint of suppressing the dissolution and deterioration of components that come into contact with each ink in the recording device or recording head, and the decrease in the solubility of the dispersed resin in the ink, it is preferable that the pH of each ink be between 7.0 and 10.0. In addition, the colorant ink may include white ink (W).

[0033] (5-2) Reaction solution In this embodiment, a reaction solution is used to insolubilize some or all of the solid components of the colorant ink in order to solve image problems such as bleeding.

[0034] To insolubilize dissolved dyes, dispersed pigments, and resins, the reaction solution may include, for example, a solution containing polyvalent metal ions (e.g., magnesium nitrate, magnesium chloride, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, etc.). As one type of cationic flocculation, a system using a low molecular weight cationic polymer flocculant can also be used for the purpose of neutralizing the charge of water-soluble resin fine particles and insolubilizing anionic soluble substances.

[0035] Another reaction system that utilizes a difference in pH can be used to insolubilize components using a reaction solution. As mentioned earlier, most colorant inks used in inkjet recording are stable on the alkaline side due to the properties of their colorants, and their pH is generally around 7 to 10. From an industrial standpoint and considering the influence of the external environment, the pH is often set to around 8.5 to 9.5. To agglomerate and solidify such colorant inks, an acidic solution can be mixed in, and by changing the pH, the stable state can be disrupted and the dispersed components can be agglomerated. An acidic solution can also be used as the reaction solution for this purpose.

[0036] (5-3) Water-soluble resin fine particles The colorant ink used in this embodiment contains water-soluble resin fine particles. In this embodiment, "water-soluble resin fine particles" means polymer fine particles that exist in a dispersed state in water. Alternatively, core-shell type resin fine particles in which the polymer composition differs between the core and shell parts constituting the resin fine particles, or resin fine particles obtained by using pre-synthesized acrylic fine particles as seed particles to control the particle size and emulsion polymerization around them, may also be used. Furthermore, hybrid type resin fine particles in which different resin fine particles, such as acrylic resin fine particles and urethane resin fine particles, are chemically bonded may also be used.

[0037] Furthermore, the water-soluble resin fine particles do not necessarily need to be included in the colorant ink; they may also be included in a third ink, clear emulsion ink (Em), which is different from the colorant ink and reaction solution and does not contain colorants.

[0038] (6) Image processing Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of the image data conversion process in this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the image processing procedure for converting image data, represented by 8 bits (256 gradations) for each RGB color, input to the recording device 100, into 1 bit data for each ink color and outputting it. This recording system consists of a host device 312 and a recording device (printer) 100.

[0039] The host device 312 is, for example, a personal computer (PC) and has an application J1 and a printer driver (not shown) for the recording device 100 in this embodiment. The application J1 performs the process of creating image data to be passed to the printer driver based on information specified by the user on the UI screen of the host device 312, and the process of setting recording control information that controls recording.

[0040] The image data and recording control information processed by application J1 are passed to the printer driver during recording. The main control unit 300 of the recording device performs image processing on the image data transferred from the host device 312 on which the printer driver is installed, via the interface circuit 311.

[0041] The main control unit 300 has an image processing configuration that includes a pre-processing unit J2, a post-processing unit J3, a gamma correction unit J4, a quantization unit J5, and a mask processing unit J6. Each of these units is realized by the CPU 301 of the main control unit 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or memory 313, etc. Some or all of the functions of each of these units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. Each process is briefly described below.

[0042] The preceding processing unit J2 performs color gamut mapping. This process involves data conversion to map the color gamut reproduced by sRGB standard image data (R, G, B) into the color gamut reproduced by the recording device 100. Specifically, 256-level data, each represented by 8 bits for R, G, and B, is converted into 8-bit R, G, and B data (RGB values) with different color gamuts using a 3D LUT (Lookup Table).

[0043] The subsequent processing unit J3 converts the R, G, and B data, whose color gamut mapping was performed in the preceding processing unit J2, into 8-bit color separation data, which is a combination of inks that reproduces the color represented by this data, based on a 3D LUT for subsequent processing. In this embodiment, since four inks, C, M, Y, and K, are used as colorant inks, the subsequent processing unit J3 converts the R, G, and B data into color separation data, which is a combination of these ink colors. Here, as with the preceding processing unit J2, interpolation is used in conjunction with the 3D LUT for the conversion. Furthermore, the subsequent processing unit J3 also generates 8-bit color separation data for the reaction solution (RCT) in the ink combination. That is, the subsequent processing unit J3 converts the R, G, and B data into color separation data for C, M, Y, K, and RCT.

[0044] The γ correction unit J4 performs a conversion of the density values ​​(gradation values) for each color in the color separation data for each color obtained by the subsequent processing unit J3. Specifically, it uses a one-dimensional LUT to perform a conversion that linearly maps the color separation data to the gradation characteristics of the recording device 100.

[0045] The quantization unit J5 performs quantization processing to convert each of the 8-bit color separation data for each color, which has undergone gamma correction, into 1-bit data. In this embodiment, the dithering method is used to convert the 8-bit data of 256 gradations into 1-bit data of "1" or "0" (binarization). This makes it possible to obtain binary data indicating whether or not the recording device ejects ink.

[0046] The mask processing unit J6 uses multiple complementary mask patterns to convert the dot arrangement of each color determined by the quantization unit J5 into recording data that includes timing information for the recording scan. This mask processing will be explained in detail later. From the mask processing, recording data for each recording scan in multi-pass recording is generated for each of the C, M, Y, and K colors. The mask processing for the reaction solution RCT will also be explained in detail later.

[0047] The generated recording data is supplied to the drive circuit 307 at the appropriate timing during the multiple recording scans performed in multi-pass recording. The recording data input to the drive circuit 307 is then converted into drive pulses for the recording head 9, and ink is ejected from the ejection ports 30 of each color at predetermined timings. This results in ink ejection according to the recording data, and the image is recorded on the recording medium.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 5, the preceding processing unit J2 and subsequent units are implemented in the recording device 100, but some of the processing units may be executed in the printer driver of the host device 312, for example.

[0049] (7) Multipath recording Next, multi-pass recording will be explained. Multi-pass recording is a recording method in which a predetermined recording area (unit area) in a predetermined unit area is scanned multiple times by the recording head to complete the image in that predetermined recording area. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how multi-pass recording is performed. The recording head 9 applied to this embodiment actually has 1280 ejection ports 30, but in Figure 6, for the sake of illustration simplicity, it is shown as having 16 ejection ports 30, and the image is recorded in four recording scans.

[0050] The discharge port 30 is divided into four nozzle groups, the first to the fourth nozzle groups, with each nozzle group containing four nozzles. In multi-pass recording, a unit area is recorded by multiple scans. A mask is used as a means to divide the image data to be recorded into multiple parts. Mask pattern P2 consists of mask patterns P2a to P2d, each defining the recording allowable area for the first to fourth nozzle groups.

[0051] In the mask pattern, the black areas indicate recording-permitted areas where dot recording is allowed, and the white areas indicate non-recording areas where dot recording is not allowed. The first to fourth mask patterns P2a to P2d are complementary to each other, and when these four mask patterns are superimposed, the recording of areas corresponding to 4 x 4 areas = 16 areas is completed. Each recording area shown in I1 to I4 illustrates how the image is completed by superimposing recording scans.

[0052] Each time a recording scan is completed, the recording medium is intermittently transported in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6 by the width of the nozzle group (four nozzles in this figure). Therefore, the same recording area of ​​the recording medium (a predetermined recording area corresponding to the width of each nozzle group) is configured so that the image is completed in four recording scans. The mask processing unit J6 performs an AND operation with this mask pattern and the binary image data obtained in the quantization process described above to determine the binary recording data to be recorded in each recording pass.

[0053] In a mask pattern, the ratio of the number of recordable areas in each recording scan is defined by the recording ratio (%). That is, the area corresponding to the aforementioned 16 areas is set to 100%, and the recording ratio in each recording scan is expressed as the ratio of the number of recordable areas in each recording scan. For example, mask patterns P2a to P2d are mask patterns in which the number of recordable areas in each recording scan is evenly distributed, and the recording ratio for each recording scan is 25%. When recording an image pattern in which dots are placed in all 16 areas using this mask pattern, the amount of ink applied in each recording scan will be 4 dots.

[0054] The above describes the basic configuration of the recording device 100 in this embodiment. The following describes the detailed configuration for recording images with suppressed bleeding and beading.

[0055] <Selection of a mask pattern based on the amount of reaction solution injected (amount applied) using image data> (Recording medium) In this embodiment, as described above, a low-permeability recording medium is used as the recording medium. Specifically, in this embodiment, Scotchcal Graphic Film (IJ1220N), an adhesive PVC film manufactured by 3M, is used as the low-permeability recording medium.

[0056] (Selection of mask pattern) This embodiment describes an example of recording an image with suppressed bleeding and beading by appropriately selecting a mask pattern used for masking the reaction solution (RCT) in the mask processing unit J6. In this embodiment, the amount of reaction solution applied to a predetermined region is determined based on the target image data (R, G, B data) to be recorded in that predetermined region. According to this amount of reaction solution, an appropriate mask pattern is selected for masking the reaction solution (RCT) in the mask processing unit J6. Then, by applying the selected mask pattern to the RCT data corresponding to that predetermined region, which has been quantized by the quantization unit J5, an image with suppressed bleeding and beading is recorded. For example, if the image data of the first predetermined region and the image data of the second predetermined region are different (for example, if the R, G, B data differ by more than a predetermined value), the mask patterns applied will also be different. This will be explained in detail below.

[0057] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of selecting a mask pattern for a predetermined region of reaction solution based on the amount of reaction solution injected (amount applied) in that predetermined region, according to the image data of that region. The process in Figure 7 is performed in the main control unit 300. That is, the process in Figure 7 is realized by the CPU 301 of the main control unit 300 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or memory 313, etc. Some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 7 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. In addition, the symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart (the same applies in this specification).

[0058] In S701, the main control unit 300 acquires image data. Here, it acquires 8-bit R, G, and B data after the preliminary processing in the pre-processing unit J2. In S702, the main control unit 300 generates data (hereinafter referred to as mask selection data) for selecting the mask to be used in the reaction solution (RCT) data in the mask processing unit J6, based on the image data acquired in S701. Specifically, in S702, the main control unit 300 converts the acquired R, G, and B data into 4-bit mask selection data MP based on a 3D LUT for mask selection. Details of the mask selection data MP will be described later, but the higher the value of the mask selection data MP, the greater the amount of reaction solution applied. The 3D LUT for mask selection is such that, for example, the higher the RGB values, the higher the value of the converted (generated) mask selection data MP. In other words, the higher the RGB values, the greater the amount of colorant ink used, and accordingly, the mask selection data MP is generated so that the amount of reaction solution also increases. Furthermore, the relationship is not necessarily linear, and mask selection data MP is generated by referring to the LUT as appropriate. Mask selection data MP is generated for each predetermined region to which the mask is applied. In other words, S702 converts the image data acquired in S701 into mask selection data MP for each predetermined region. Note that 4 bits is just an example, and it may be converted to any number of bits. Also, when generating mask selection data, it is not limited to R, G, and B data after the pre-processing stage, but can also be based on RCT data after post-processing by the post-processing unit J3 or after γ correction by the γ correction unit J4.

[0059] In S703, the main control unit 300 performs quantization processing to convert each of the 4-bit mask selection data MP into 1-bit data. In this embodiment, the dithering method is used to convert (binarize) the 4-bit data into 1-bit data of "1" or "0". Using the mask patterns corresponding to the generated "1" or "0" mask selection data MP, the mask processing unit J6 performs mask processing on the reaction solution RCT. The mask patterns applied in accordance with the values ​​of the mask selection data MP obtained in S703 will be explained below with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0060] Figure 8 shows three representative examples of mask selection data MP generated by S703 for each amount of reaction solution applied in a binary 4x4=16 area. As mentioned above, the mask selection data MP will be different depending on the corresponding image data. Figure 8 shows three examples for illustrative purposes. In Figure 8, mask selection data MP11 is an example of mask selection data MP when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small (in this case, not applied). In mask selection data MP11, the value of mask selection data MP for all 16 areas is "0". Mask selection data MP13 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large (in this case, applied to all predetermined areas). In mask selection data MP13, the value of mask selection data MP for all 16 areas is "1". Mask selection data MP12 is an example of mask selection data when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively medium. The mask selection data MP12 consists of 8 areas where the value of the mask selection data MP is "0" and 8 areas where the value is "1".

[0061] Figure 9 shows the recording masks for the reaction solution in 4x4=16 areas, and the recording ratios defined by these recording masks. Figure 9(a) is the pre-set recording mask (also called the first mask) selected in areas where the value of the mask selection data MP is "0". In other words, it is the recording mask selected in areas where the value of the mask selection data MP is "0" in the 16 areas. For example, in Figure 8, the mask selection data MP11 is "0" in all areas, so as a result, the same mask pattern as the first mask M1 in Figure 9(a) is selected. On the other hand, Figure 9(b) is the normal recording mask (also called the second mask) selected in areas where the value of the mask selection data MP is "1". This first mask M1 and second mask M2 are masks that are pre-stored in ROM 302 or the like.

[0062] In the first mask M1 and the second mask M2, the numbers within each area indicate which scan the recording will take place on. For example, the "1" in area A1 of Figure 9(b) indicates the area recorded on the first scan. Similarly, "2" indicates the area recorded on the second scan, "3" indicates the area recorded on the third scan, and "4" indicates the area recorded on the fourth scan. In other words, the first mask M1 and the second mask M2 shown in Figure 9 are composed of four mask patterns (P2a to P2d in Figure 6), similar to the mask shown in Figure 6, but in Figure 9, these four mask patterns are combined into a single image.

[0063] The standard recording mask (second mask) M2 has four recording-permitted areas (Duty 25%) for each of the first to fourth recording scans. In contrast, the pre-printed recording mask (first mask) M1 has eight recording-permitted areas (Duty 50%) for the first and second recording scans, and zero for the third and fourth recording scans. In other words, the pre-printed recording mask M1 is a mask that completes the application of the reaction solution in the first two scans.

[0064] When using the pre-printed recording mask M1, the probability of the reaction solution being recorded in the previous scan is relatively higher than when using the standard recording mask M2. Therefore, the pre-printed recording mask M1 is an effective mask for suppressing bleeding between colorant inks. However, when using the pre-printed recording mask M1, the recording ratio between the first and second recording scans is higher than when using the standard recording mask M2. In other words, when the amount of reaction solution applied exceeds a predetermined amount, beading due to contact between reaction solutions is more likely to occur. Therefore, the pre-printed recording mask M1 is used in areas where the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small (i.e., the mask selection data MP is 0). On the other hand, the standard recording mask M2 is used in areas where the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large (i.e., the mask selection data MP is 1). In other words, of the 16 areas defined by the mask selection data MP, the area with "0" will contain the value of the position corresponding to that area in the pre-printed recording mask M1. Also, the area with "1" will contain the value of the position corresponding to that area in the standard recording mask M2. In this way, a mask pattern containing values ​​corresponding to all areas is selected. By selecting the mask pattern to be used in the masking process in this manner, both bleeding between colorant inks and beading between reaction solutions can be suppressed. The mask pattern selected corresponding to the values ​​of each area in the mask selection data MP may be a pattern stored in ROM302 or the like, or one appropriately generated from the pre-printed recording mask M1 and the normal recording mask M2 may be applied.

[0065] Figure 10 shows the mask patterns selected for each amount of reaction solution applied in 4x4=16 areas, and the recording ratios defined by these patterns. Mask pattern M11 shown in Figure 10(a) is the mask pattern selected by mask selection data MP11 (Figure 8) when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small. Since the value of mask selection data MP11 is "0" for all 16 areas, mask pattern M11 selects the pre-recorded mask M1 in all areas. As a result, mask pattern M11 is essentially the same as the pre-recorded mask M1. Mask pattern M13 shown in Figure 10(c) is the mask pattern selected by mask selection data MP13 (Figure 8) when the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large. Since the value of mask selection data MP13 is "1" for all areas, mask pattern M13 selects the normal recording mask M2 in all areas. As a result, mask pattern M13 is essentially the same as the normal recording mask M2.

[0066] The mask pattern M12 shown in Figure 10(b) is the mask selected by the mask selection data MP12 (Figure 8) when the amount of reaction solution applied is moderate. The mask selection data MP12 has 8 areas where the value of the mask selection data MP is "0" and 8 areas where it is "1". Therefore, in mask pattern M12, the pre-recorded mask M1 and the normal recording mask M2 are selected in exactly equal proportions. The mask pattern M12 will be explained in detail. Let's explain the example where the target area is A2. The mask selected in area A2 is the pre-recorded mask M1 because the value written in area A4 of the mask selection data MP12 is "0". Thus, the value "1" written in area A6, which corresponds to area A2 in the pre-recorded mask M1, becomes the value for area A2 in mask pattern M12. Next, let's explain the case where the target area is A3. The mask selected in area A3, which is next to area A2, is the normal recording mask M2 because the value written in area A5 of the mask selection data MP12 is "1". Therefore, the value "4" written in area A7, which corresponds to area A5 in the normal recording mask M2, becomes the value in area A3 of mask pattern M12. By doing this for all 16 areas, the mask pattern M12 shown in Figure 10(b) is obtained.

[0067] The mask pattern M12 has six recording-permitted areas (Duty 37.5%) for the first and second recording scans, and two recording-permitted areas (Duty 12.5%) for the third and fourth recording scans. In this embodiment, the mask pattern used for masking the reaction solution is appropriately selected according to the amount of reaction solution applied based on the image data. For example, when the amount of reaction solution applied is small, the pre-printed recording mask M1 is used to efficiently suppress bleeding between the colorant inks. On the other hand, when the amount of reaction solution applied is large, the normal recording mask M2 is used to suppress beading caused by contact between the reaction solutions. Furthermore, for reaction solution amounts in between, by adopting a Duty between the pre-printed recording mask M1 and the normal recording mask M2, both bleeding between the colorant inks and beading between the reaction solutions can be appropriately suppressed.

[0068] As described above, when recording an image with four recording scans, if the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively large, the total amount of reaction solution applied recorded in the first two scans will be substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution applied in the last two scans. That is, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first and second recording scans will be substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution applied in the third and fourth recording scans. On the other hand, if the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first two scans will be higher than the total amount of reaction solution applied in the last two scans. By controlling the recording in this way, it becomes possible to record with excellent recording quality, with less bleed and beading.

[0069] The examples described above merely illustrate the types of mask patterns used in the masking process. Whether or not the reaction solution is actually applied is determined by an AND operation (masking) between the RCT data of the reaction solution based on the image data and this mask pattern, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, even when using the standard recording mask M2, if there is a bias in the image data being recorded, the amount of reaction solution applied will not be equal between the first two scans and the last two scans. For example, if there is recording data only in the area recorded in the first scan in Figure 9(b), the amount of reaction solution applied will not be equal between the first two scans and the last two scans. However, it is possible to mitigate the bias in the image data by combining quantization processing and the mask pattern. Therefore, even if there is some bias in the recording ratio (ideally within a Duty 10%), it is not a problem and can be said to be practically equal.

[0070] In this embodiment, multi-pass recording was described using a 4-pass example, but it is not limited to 4 passes, and the effects of this embodiment can be obtained regardless of the number of passes. Also, although multi-pass recording was described as being complementary between multiple recording passes, it is not necessarily complementary, and dots may be thinned or increased.

[0071] For example, when recording in 5 passes, the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first 2.5 scans and the total amount of reaction solution applied in the last 2.5 scans should be varied according to the amount of reaction solution applied. Specifically, the sum of the amount of reaction solution applied in the first recording scan, the amount of reaction solution applied in the second recording scan, and half the amount of reaction solution applied in the third recording scan will be the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first half of the scans in the example above. Also, the sum of half the amount of reaction solution applied in the third recording scan, the amount of reaction solution applied in the fourth recording scan, and the amount of reaction solution applied in the fifth recording scan will be the total amount of reaction solution applied in the second half of the scans. Then, as explained in the 4-pass example, a mask pattern that controls the application amounts in the first half and the second half of the recording scans should be appropriately selected based on the application amounts in the image data.

[0072] In other words, this embodiment performs the following control in a recording device 100 that records an image per unit area by scanning the recording head 9 N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction. It is assumed that there are two cases: one in which the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area is a first amount, and another in which the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area is a second amount, which is greater than the first amount. The total amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans and the total amount of reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans are made to differ depending on whether the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area is the first amount or the second amount. Specifically, when the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area is the first amount, a mask pattern is applied that makes the total amount of reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans higher than the total amount of reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans. On the other hand, when the amount of reaction solution applied per unit area is the second amount, a mask pattern is applied that makes the total amount of reaction solution applied recorded in the first N / 2 scans substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution applied recorded in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0073] Furthermore, the recording scan in this embodiment may be a unidirectional recording scan in the +X direction as shown in Figure 3, or a bidirectional recording scan in the ±X direction. In this embodiment, since it is assumed that the reaction solution is applied to the recording medium before the colorant ink, in the case of bidirectional recording scan, it is preferable that the first recording scan be a recording scan in the +X direction.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed by recording control according to the amount of reaction solution applied. Specifically, the mask pattern to be applied to the masking of the reaction solution is appropriately determined according to the amount of reaction solution applied based on the image data. Then, by performing the masking of the reaction solution using the mask pattern determined in this way, it is possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed.

[0075] <<Second Embodiment>> In this embodiment, while based on the example described in the first embodiment, an example is described in which the mask used is different depending on the absorbency of the recording medium. Specifically, the normal recording mask M2 is the same mask as in the example described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the pre-printed recording mask is different depending on the absorbency of the recording medium.

[0076] (Recording medium) In this embodiment, a low-permeability recording medium as described in the first embodiment and plain inkjet paper will be used as examples of recording media. As the low-permeability recording medium, Scotchcal Graphic Film (IJ1220N), an adhesive PVC film manufactured by 3M, will be used. As the plain inkjet paper, Canon Standard Plain Paper 2 (LFM-PPS2) will be used.

[0077] With highly absorbent recording media such as inkjet-specific paper or cloth / fabric materials, applying the reaction solution beforehand may not effectively suppress bleeding. This is because the reaction components that should aggregate with the colorant on the surface of the recording media sink into the recording media over time. Therefore, with highly absorbent recording media, it is preferable to use a gentle pre-printed recording mask, as described later, compared to low-permeability recording media.

[0078] (Selection of mask pattern) Figure 11 shows the reaction solution's gentle pre-printed recording mask (also called the third mask) and the recording ratio defined by it. The gentle pre-printed recording mask M3 has 5 recording allowable areas in the first recording scan, 6 recording allowable areas in the second recording scan, 5 recording allowable areas in the third recording scan, and 0 recording allowable areas in the fourth recording scan. Therefore, compared to the pre-printed recording mask M1 described in the first embodiment, it is a gentler pre-printed recording mask with reduced duty cycles for the first and second recording scans. In this embodiment, when using plain inkjet paper as the recording medium, the gentle pre-printed recording mask M3 (third mask) is used instead of the pre-printed recording mask M1 (first mask) described in the first embodiment. Other processing is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0079] The main control unit 300 determines which mask pattern to use, the pre-printed recording mask M1 or the gradual pre-printed recording mask M3, by acquiring information about the recording medium to be used. The information about the recording medium to be used may be specified by the user in application J1, or by the user on the UI screen 50 of the recording device 100. Alternatively, the recording device 100 may be equipped with a recording medium discrimination sensor, and the main control unit 300 may automatically acquire information about the recording medium to be used.

[0080] As explained above, in this embodiment, when using a recording medium with excellent absorbency, the total amount of reaction solution applied during the first two of the four scans used to record the image is reduced compared to when using a low-permeability recording medium. By controlling it in this way, it becomes possible to record images with suppressed bleeding and beading, even when using different types of recording media.

[0081] <<Third Embodiment>> In this embodiment, an example is described in which the recording head is equipped with multiple reaction solution nozzle rows. When multiple reaction solution nozzle rows are provided, the same effect as in the example described in the first embodiment can be obtained by applying a different mask pattern to each nozzle row.

[0082] (Recording medium) In this embodiment, as the low-permeability recording medium, Scotchcal Graphic Film (IJ1220N), an adhesive PVC film manufactured by 3M, is used, as in the example described in the first embodiment.

[0083] (Selection of mask pattern) Figure 12 shows an example of a recording head 90 used in this embodiment in place of the recording head 9 described in the first embodiment. The recording head 90 has three rows of nozzles for ejecting reaction solution (RCT), which are referred to as RCT1, RCT2, and RCT3 (hereinafter referred to as R1, R2, and R3) for distinction. The nozzle rows are arranged in the order of 23K, 23C, 23M, 23Y, 23R1, 23R2, and 23R3 from left to right in the X direction. These nozzle rows consist of 1280 ejection ports 30 for ejecting each ink, arranged in the Y direction (arrangement direction) at a density of 1200 dpi.

[0084] In this embodiment, the subsequent processing unit J3 also generates color separation data for the nozzle rows R1, R2, and R3 of the reaction solution. That is, color separation data is generated to be assigned to each nozzle row of the reaction solution. Then, according to the data generated by the subsequent processing unit J3, the amount of ink to be applied to each nozzle row R1, R2, and R3 of the reaction solution is determined.

[0085] Figure 13 illustrates the assignment of mask patterns to each nozzle row and the amount of ink applied per unit area. Figure 13(a) shows the case where the amount of reaction solution applied is relatively small (total amount of reaction solution applied is 2%). Figure 13(b) shows the case where the amount of reaction solution applied is larger than in Figure 13(a) (total amount of reaction solution applied is 20%). Figure 13(c) shows the case where the amount of reaction solution applied is larger than in Figure 13(b) (total amount of reaction solution applied is 40%).

[0086] A mask pattern is assigned to each nozzle row of the reaction solution. In the example in Figure 13, the pre-printed recording mask M1 is assigned to nozzle row R1 of the reaction solution, and the normal recording mask M2 is assigned to nozzle rows R2 and R3. In Figure 13(a), the entire 2% reaction solution is applied using nozzle row R1, i.e., the pre-printed recording mask M1. This effectively suppresses bleeding between the colorant inks by positioning the reaction solution in a pre-printed relationship relative to the colorant ink.

[0087] On the other hand, in the case of Figure 13(c), 20% of the total 40% of the reaction solution is supplied, and this is controlled to be supplied by nozzle rows R2 and R3, respectively. In other words, the entire amount of reaction solution is supplied using the normal recording mask M2. This suppresses beading between the reaction solutions.

[0088] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 13(b), of the total 20% reaction solution supply, 10% is supplied by nozzle row R1, and the remaining 5% each is supplied by nozzle rows R2 and R3, respectively. This effectively suppresses both bleeding between the colorant inks and beading between the reaction solutions.

[0089] As described above, when the amount of reaction solution dispensed is relatively small, the amount of reaction solution dispensed by nozzle row R1 is controlled to be higher than the total amount of reaction solution dispensed by nozzle row R2 and R3. When the amount of reaction solution dispensed is relatively large, the total amount of reaction solution dispensed by nozzle row R2 and R3 is controlled to be higher than that of nozzle row R1. Furthermore, when recording an image with four recording scans, a mask pattern is applied to nozzle row R1 configured such that the total amount of reaction solution dispensed in the first two scans is higher than the total amount of reaction solution dispensed in the last two scans. On the other hand, a mask pattern is applied to nozzle row R2 and R3 configured such that the total amount of reaction solution dispensed in the first two scans is substantially equal to the total amount of reaction solution dispensed in the last two scans. This recording control makes it possible to record images with bleed and beading suppressed, even when multiple nozzle rows for dispensed reaction solution are provided.

[0090] In this embodiment, the case where there are three rows of nozzles for applying the reaction solution was described as an example, but the same method can be applied to cases with multiple rows. For example, there may be two rows of nozzles. In this case, a pre-printed recording mask can be applied to one row of nozzles, and a normal recording mask can be applied to the other row of nozzles.

[0091] Furthermore, this embodiment may also perform unidirectional recording or bidirectional recording, similar to the example described in the first embodiment. Also, although the example in Figure 13 describes an example in which the pre-printed recording mask M1 is applied to nozzle row R1 and the normal recording mask M2 is applied to nozzle rows R2 and R3, the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the mask to be applied may be changed as appropriate, such as applying the pre-printed recording mask M1 to nozzle row R3 and the normal recording mask M2 to nozzle rows R1 and R2.

[0092] <<Fourth Embodiment>> This embodiment describes an example in which the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained by using a mask pattern that matches the data after quantization. That is, in previous embodiments, examples were described in which a mask pattern was selectively applied from multiple masks. For example, in the first embodiment, an example was described in which a mask pattern was selectively applied from two types of masks: a pre-printed recording mask and a normal recording mask. In this embodiment, an example is described in which a single type of mask pattern that matches the data after quantization is used. Even in this case, it is possible to record an image with bleed and beading suppressed. In this embodiment, a quantization process is used in which dots are periodically formed in a unit region, such as the dithering method.

[0093] Furthermore, if the recording duty cycle (grayscale value) of the image data is high, streaks can occur at the boundaries of images with different recording scan counts (i.e., the areas recorded by the nozzles at the ends of the nozzle row) due to ink flow caused by differences in ink volume. Streaks can also occur due to misalignment of the paper during transport. This can also occur when using a reaction solution. Therefore, streaks can be reduced by reducing the number of recordings by the nozzles at the ends compared to the central part. In this embodiment, it is possible to change the recording ratio (discharge ratio) for each nozzle in the nozzle row according to the recording duty cycle of the reaction solution, thereby reducing streaks.

[0094] (Recording medium) In this embodiment, as the low-permeability recording medium, Scotchcal Graphic Film (IJ1220N), an adhesive PVC film manufactured by 3M, is used, as in the example described in the first embodiment.

[0095] (Multipath recording) Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the multi-pass recording process in this embodiment. The recording head 9 applied to this embodiment actually has 1280 discharge ports 30, but for the sake of illustration simplification, Figure 14 is shown as having 16 discharge ports 30, from nozzles N1 to N16, and the image is recorded in four recording scans.

[0096] The discharge port 30 is divided into four nozzle groups, the first to the fourth nozzle groups, with each nozzle group containing four nozzles. In multi-pass recording, a unit area is recorded by multiple scans. A mask is used as a means to divide the image data to be recorded into multiple parts. The mask pattern P3 consists of mask patterns P3a to P3d, each defining the recording allowable area for the first to fourth nozzle groups. The size of the mask patterns P3a to P3d in this embodiment (i.e., the size of the unit area) is 4 × 8, unlike the example described in Figure 6.

[0097] As described in the first embodiment, in the mask pattern, the black areas indicate recording-permitted areas where dot recording is allowed, and the white areas indicate non-recording areas where dot recording is not allowed. The first to fourth mask patterns P3a to P3d are complementary to each other, and when these four mask patterns are superimposed, the recording of areas corresponding to 4 × 8 areas = 32 areas is completed. Each recording area shown in I11 to I14 shows how the image is completed by superimposing recording scans.

[0098] Each time a recording scan is completed, the recording medium is intermittently transported in the direction of the arrow in Figure 14 by the width of the nozzle group (four nozzles in this figure). Therefore, the same recording area of ​​the recording medium (a predetermined recording area corresponding to the width of each nozzle group) is configured so that the image is completed by four recording scans. The mask processing unit J6 performs an AND operation with this mask pattern and the binary image data obtained in the quantization process described above to determine the binary recording data to be recorded in each recording pass.

[0099] In the mask pattern, the ratio of the number of recordable areas in each recording scan is defined by the recording ratio (%). That is, the area corresponding to the aforementioned 32 areas is set to 100%, and the recording ratio in each recording scan is expressed as the ratio of the number of recordable areas in each recording scan. For example, mask patterns P3a to P3d include a portion of mask patterns in which the number of recordable areas in each recording scan is evenly distributed. Specifically, the recording ratio of the first recording scan and the recording ratio of the fourth recording scan are 16%, making it an evenly distributed mask pattern. Also, the recording ratio of the second recording scan and the recording ratio of the third recording scan are 34%, making it an evenly distributed mask pattern. In this embodiment, processing using one type of mask pattern will be explained as shown in Figure 14. Note that the mask pattern shown in Figure 14 is a mask pattern corresponding to the position where dots are formed in the quantization process.

[0100] □Figure 15 shows the recording ratio for each recording scan using reaction solution data with the mask pattern shown in Figure 14. In Figure 15, G1 represents pixels recorded in the first recording scan, G2 represents pixels recorded in the second recording scan, G3 represents pixels recorded in the third recording scan, and G4 represents pixels recorded in the fourth recording scan.

[0101] Figure 15(a) shows an example where Rct image data with a Duty 25% (8 out of 32 pixels are ejected) that has been binarized by the quantization unit J5 is input. Using the mask pattern in Figure 14, 4 pixels are ejected in the first recording scan, 4 pixels are ejected in the second recording scan, and none are ejected in the third and fourth recording scans. In other words, pixels are ejected only in the first and second recording scans, and an equal number of pixels are ejected in each of the first and second recording scans. That is, the mask pattern in Figure 14 is configured such that the positions where dots are turned ON during the quantization process in the case of a Duty 25% correspond to the areas where recording is permitted in the first and second recording scans. Since dots are not turned ON in the areas where recording is permitted in the third and fourth recording scans, recording is not performed in the third and fourth recording scans as a result.

[0102] Figure 15(b) shows an example where Rct image data with a 75% duty cycle (24 out of 32 pixels ejected) that has been binarized by the quantization unit J5 is input. Using the mask pattern in Figure 14, 4 pixels are ejected in the first recording scan, 8 pixels in the second recording scan, 8 pixels in the third recording scan, and 4 pixels in the fourth recording scan. In other words, pixels are ejected in all four recording scans. Also, the number of pixels ejected in each recording scan is not equal.

[0103] Figure 16 shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle based on reaction solution data. Figure 16 shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle in the example shown in Figure 15. Figure 16(a) shows an example where Rct image data with a Duty 25% that has been binarized by the quantization unit J5 is input. It can be seen that discharge is evenly distributed from nozzles N1 to N8. On the other hand, Figure 16(b) shows an example where Rct image data with a Duty 75% that has been binarized by the quantization unit J5 is input. It can be seen that discharge is unevenly distributed from nozzles N1 to N16. In addition, the nozzles at the ends of the nozzle row discharge fewer particles than the nozzles in the center of the nozzle row. Here, nozzles at the ends of the nozzle row refer to nozzles at the ends of the nozzle row, such as nozzle N1 or nozzle N16. Also, nozzles in the center of the nozzle row refer to nozzles in the center of the nozzle row, such as nozzle N8 or nozzle N9. As explained in the first embodiment, in the case of Figure 16(a), where the amount of reaction solution dispensed is relatively small, the total amount of reaction solution dispensed recorded in the first two scans is higher than the total amount of reaction solution dispensed recorded in the last two scans. Also, in the case of Figure 16(b), where the amount of reaction solution dispensed is relatively large, the total amount of reaction solution dispensed recorded in the first two scans and the total amount of reaction solution dispensed recorded in the last two scans are substantially equal.

[0104] Furthermore, the difference between the amount applied to the nozzle tip and the amount applied to the nozzle center during the first two scans in Figure 16(a) is different from the difference between the amount applied to the nozzle tip and the amount applied to the nozzle center during the first two scans in Figure 16(b). In Figure 16(a), the amount applied to the nozzle tip and the amount applied to the nozzle center during the first two scans are equal. In Figure 16(b), the amount applied to the nozzle tip during the first two scans is less than the amount applied to the nozzle center.

[0105] However, the shape of the mask pattern, the number of records by duty cycle, and the number of nozzles discharged, as described in this embodiment, are not limited to those described herein. As described above, according to this embodiment, by appropriately controlling the relationship between the quantized data and the pixels of the mask pattern, it becomes possible to record images with suppressed bleeding and beading by controlling the recording according to the amount of reaction solution applied. Furthermore, it becomes possible to reduce surface irregularities that occur at the boundaries of images with different recording scan counts.

[0106] <<Fifth Embodiment>> In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which multiple mask patterns are selectively used according to the recording duty cycle to obtain the same effect as the example described in the fourth embodiment.

[0107] (Selection of mask pattern) Figure 17 shows an example of mask selection based on reaction solution data. Figure 17(a) is a flowchart showing the process for selecting a mask pattern to be applied to the image data of the reaction solution. The process in Figure 17(a) is performed in the main control unit 300. Figure 17(b) is a table showing the mask selection value MPS corresponding to each pixel of the image data of the reaction solution. For example, it shows an example where pixels with pixel values ​​between 0 and 63 are assigned an MPS value of "1". Here, the MPS value is attribute data that indicates which mask pattern to use from among multiple types of mask patterns. Figure 17(c) shows an example of image data of the reaction solution. Here, a partial excerpt of 4x4 pixel image data is shown as an example. In S1701, the main control unit 300 acquires image data. The acquired image data is 8-bit γ-corrected RCT data by the γ correction unit J4. That is, RCT data in which each pixel contains an 8-bit value is acquired as shown in Figure 17(c). In S1702, the main control unit 300 generates mask selection attribute data. Specifically, the main control unit 300 sets an MPS value for the acquired image data based on Figure 17(b). Figure 17(c) shows an example where a corresponding MPS value is set for each pixel of the image data. For example, if the image data has 8 bits and is "16", an MPS value of "1" is set. Here, a 4x4 pixel image data is shown as an example, but an MPS value will be assigned to all pixels of the target RCT data. In other words, a process is performed to generate mask selection attribute data (MPS value) from the image data of the reaction solution.

[0108] (Multipath recording) Figure 18 shows the recording ratio per recording scan based on reaction solution data. Figure 18 schematically illustrates how multi-pass recording is performed based on the MPS value set in Figure 17. Figure 18(a) is an example of an image where the MPS value is set to "1", and mask pattern P5 is selected. As shown in the figure, mask pattern P5 is a mask pattern in which recording is completed only in the first and second recording scans, and no recording is performed in the third and fourth recording scans. By using this mask pattern, recording is performed only in the first and second recording scans.

[0109] Figure 18(b) shows an example of an image with the MPS value set to "2," and mask pattern P6 is selected. Mask pattern P6 is a mask pattern in which the recording ratio is evenly distributed from the first recording scan to the fourth recording scan. By using this mask pattern, recording is performed from the first recording scan to the fourth recording scan.

[0110] Figure 18(c) shows an example of an image with an MPS value set to "3," and mask pattern P7 is selected. Mask pattern P7 is configured such that the recording ratio is higher for the second and third recording scans than for the first and fourth recording scans. By using this mask pattern, recording occurs from the first to the fourth recording scans.

[0111] Figure 19 shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle based on reaction solution data. Figure 19 shows the discharge ratio for each nozzle in the example shown in Figure 18. Figure 19(a) shows an example where Rct image data of an image with an MPS value set to "1" is input. In this case, it can be seen that discharge is evenly distributed from nozzles N1 to N8. Figure 19(b) shows an example where Rct image data of an image with an MPS value set to "2" is input. In this case, it can be seen that discharge is evenly distributed from nozzles N1 to N16. Figure 19(c) shows an example where Rct image data of an image with an MPS value set to "3" is input. In this case, it can be seen that discharge is unevenly distributed from nozzles N1 to N16. In the nozzle row, the number of discharges is lower at the ends of the nozzles than at the center.

[0112] However, the shape of the mask pattern, the number of records by duty cycle, and the number of nozzles discharged, as described in this embodiment, are not limited to those described herein.

[0113] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to record images with suppressed bleeding and beading by controlling the recording according to the amount of reaction solution applied. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the unevenness that occurs at the boundary between images with different recording scan counts.

[0114] <<Other Embodiments>> The embodiments described above can be combined and applied as appropriate. For example, in the third embodiment, as described in the second embodiment, the pre-printed recording mask M1 may be replaced with a less stringent pre-printed recording mask M3 depending on the type of recording medium.

[0115] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0116] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of recording devices and recording methods.

[0117] <Configuration 1> A recording device having a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, A recording device characterized by having a control means for controlling the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in a predetermined area on the recording medium, and the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans, to differ depending on whether the amount of the reaction solution applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined area is a first amount or a second amount greater than the first amount.

[0118] <Configuration 2> The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the first amount, The recording device according to configuration 1, characterized in that, in the N scans for recording an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied recorded in the first N / 2 scans is controlled to be greater than the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0119] <Structure 3> The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the N scans for recording an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied recorded in the first N / 2 scans is controlled to be equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied recorded in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0120] <Structure 4> The recording device is capable of recording an image on a first recording medium, or on a second recording medium having higher absorption of the colorant ink and the reaction solution than the first recording medium. The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the first amount, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the second recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined area on the second recording medium is controlled to be less than when the first recording medium is used.

[0121] <Composition 5> The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to configuration 4, characterized in that, in both the first recording medium and the second recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in a predetermined area on the recording medium is controlled to be equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0122] <Composition 6> A recording device having a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row and a third nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row, the second nozzle row, and the third nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, When the amount of the reaction solution applied to the predetermined region is the first amount, the amount of the reaction solution applied by the second nozzle row is controlled to be higher than that applied by the third nozzle row. When the amount of the reaction solution applied to the predetermined region is a second amount greater than the first amount, the amount of the reaction solution applied by the third nozzle row is controlled to be higher than that applied by the second nozzle row. A recording device characterized by having a control means for controlling the amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded on the recording medium, such that the amount of the reaction solution applied in the second nozzle row and the third nozzle row are different for the second nozzle row and the amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0123] <Composition 7> The recording apparatus according to configuration 6, characterized in that the control means controls the second nozzle row so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded in the predetermined area on the recording medium is greater than the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0124] <Structure 8> The recording apparatus according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the control means controls the third nozzle row so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded in the predetermined area on the recording medium is equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

[0125] <Composition 9> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means performs the control by mask processing using a mask pattern.

[0126] <Composition 10> The recording apparatus according to configuration 9, characterized in that the control means performs the masking process using a first mask defined to complete recording in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in the predetermined region, and a second mask defined to complete recording in N scans of the N scans.

[0127] <Composition 11> The control means is The amount of the reaction solution to be applied is determined from the image data of the target to be recorded in the predetermined area. Based on the amount of reaction solution applied as determined above, mask selection data for selecting the mask pattern to be used in the masking process is determined. The recording device according to configuration 10, characterized in that, based on the mask selection data, the mask pattern used for the masking process on the predetermined area is determined from either the first mask or the second mask.

[0128] <Composition 12> The recording device according to configuration 11, characterized in that the control means determines a mask pattern obtained by determining a value corresponding to the value of the target area in the mask selection data from the values ​​of the same area as the target area among the first mask and the second mask, and determines this mask pattern to be used for the masking process on the predetermined area.

[0129] <Composition 13> The control means is The difference between the amount applied at the nozzle ends and the amount applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row when recording the first amount applied on the recording medium, A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the difference between the amount applied at the nozzle ends and the amount applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row when recording the first half of the amount applied in the second amount on the recording medium is controlled to be different.

[0130] <Composition 14> The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the first amount, The recording device according to configuration 13, characterized in that the amount of the first half of the amount of the nozzles to be applied is controlled so that the amount of the nozzles to be applied at the nozzle ends and the amount of the nozzles to be applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row are equal when the amount of the first half of the amount of the nozzles to be applied is recorded on the recording medium.

[0131] <Composition 15> The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to configuration 13, characterized in that when recording the amount applied in the first half onto the recording medium, the amount applied at the nozzle ends in the nozzle row is controlled to be less than the amount applied at the center of the nozzle.

[0132] <Composition 16> A recording method comprising a first nozzle row having nozzles for ejecting colorant ink arranged along a sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row having nozzles for ejecting a reaction solution arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, A recording method characterized by having a step of controlling the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined region on the recording medium, so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans differs depending on whether the amount of the reaction solution applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region is a first amount or a second amount greater than the first amount.

Claims

1. A recording device having a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, A recording device characterized by having a control means for controlling the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined region on the recording medium, and the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans, to differ depending on whether the amount of the reaction solution applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region is a first amount or a second amount greater than the first amount.

2. When the amount of the reaction solution supplied is the first amount, the control means The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied recorded in the first N / 2 scans is greater than the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

3. The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, of the N scans performed to record an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied recorded in the first N / 2 scans is controlled to be equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the second N / 2 scans.

4. The recording device is capable of recording an image on a first recording medium, or on a second recording medium having higher absorption of the colorant ink and the reaction solution than the first recording medium. When the amount of the reaction solution supplied is the first amount, the control means The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the second recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined area on the second recording medium is controlled to be less than when the first recording medium is used.

5. The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that, in both the first recording medium and the second recording medium, the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans for recording an image in the predetermined area on the recording medium is controlled to be equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

6. A recording device having a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row and a third nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row, the second nozzle row, and the third nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, When the amount of the reaction solution applied to the predetermined region is the first amount, the amount of the reaction solution applied by the second nozzle row is controlled to be higher than that applied by the third nozzle row. When the amount of the reaction solution applied to the predetermined region is a second amount greater than the first amount, the amount of the reaction solution applied by the third nozzle row is controlled to be higher than that applied by the second nozzle row. A recording device characterized by having a control means for controlling the second nozzle row and the third nozzle row to differ between the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded on the predetermined area on the recording medium, and the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means controls the second nozzle row so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded on the predetermined area on the recording medium is greater than the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

8. The recording apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control means controls the third nozzle row so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in which an image is recorded in the predetermined area on the recording medium is equal to the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans.

9. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means performs the control by mask processing using a mask pattern.

10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control means performs the masking process using a first mask defined to complete recording in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans in the predetermined region, and a second mask defined to complete recording in N scans of the N scans.

11. The control means is The amount of the reaction solution to be applied is determined from the image data of the target to be recorded in the predetermined area. Based on the amount of reaction solution applied as determined above, mask selection data for selecting the mask pattern to be used in the masking process is determined. The recording device according to claim 10, characterized in that, based on the mask selection data, the mask pattern used for the masking process on the predetermined area is determined from either the first mask or the second mask.

12. The recording device according to claim 11, characterized in that the control means determines a mask pattern obtained by determining a value corresponding to the value of the target area in the mask selection data from the values ​​of the same area as the target area among the first mask and the second mask, and uses this mask pattern as the mask pattern to be used for the masking process on the predetermined area.

13. The control means is The difference between the amount applied at the nozzle ends and the amount applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row when recording the first amount applied on the recording medium, The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the difference between the amount applied at the nozzle ends and the amount applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row when recording the first half of the amount applied in the second amount on the recording medium is controlled to be different.

14. When the amount of the reaction solution supplied is the first amount, the control means The recording device according to claim 13, characterized in that the amount of the first half of the amount of the nozzles to be applied is controlled so that the amount of the nozzles to be applied at the nozzle ends and the amount of the nozzles to be applied at the center of the nozzles in the nozzle row are equal when the amount of the first half of the amount of the nozzles to be applied is recorded on the recording medium.

15. The control means, when the amount of reaction solution supplied is the second amount, The recording device according to claim 13, characterized in that when recording the amount applied in the first half onto the recording medium, the amount applied at the nozzle ends in the nozzle row is controlled to be less than the amount applied at the center of the nozzle.

16. A recording method comprising a first nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting colorant ink are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and a second nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting reaction solution are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, wherein an image is recorded in a predetermined area on a recording medium by scanning the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) in a main scanning direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction, A recording method characterized by having a step of controlling the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the first N / 2 scans of the N scans used to record an image in the predetermined region on the recording medium, so that the total amount of the reaction solution applied in the latter N / 2 scans differs depending on whether the amount of the reaction solution applied per unit area corresponding to the predetermined region is a first amount or a second amount greater than the first amount.

Images