JPH02238952A - Recording device and cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a recording image having excellent color reproducibility by enabling recording matching to the characteristic of recording material. CONSTITUTION:Image density signals Y0, M0, C0 are fed from an image input section to a color correcting section 20 where they are subjected to color processing of masking, URC.black production and outputted as image density signals Y1, M1, C1. Then the image density signals are subjected to gamma correction at a gamma correction circuit 21 functionable as a gradation correcting circuit. Thereafter, the image density signals Y2, C2, K2 are binary coded through a binary coding circuit 22. Binary coded image density signal Y3 is fed to a recording head 24a while image density signals M3, C3, K3 are temporally stored in buffers 23a-23c and subsequently fed to heads 27-29 in order to form a multi-colored image on a recording paper. When an image subjected to gradation correction matching to the characteristic of the recording paper is recorded, an output image having improved gradation reproducibility can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device and a cartridge for recording an image on a recording material using, for example, an inkjet method. [Prior Art] Conventionally, in this type of apparatus, ink is ejected from ink ejection ports formed in a recording head based on an image signal.
Recording is performed by depositing ink droplets on the recording material. This recording method is used, for example, in printers, facsimile machines, and copying machines. Further, as for the configuration, for example, there is a serial print method in which the print head is mounted on a carriage that moves along the recording paper and is operated in the width direction of the recording paper, and a serial print method in which the print head is mounted on a carriage that moves along the recording paper. There is a line print method that uses a multi-head with one line of ink ejection orifices arranged on a board to scan in the feeding direction of the recording paper. A feature is that full-color printing is possible by arranging multiple print heads with different ink colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The method of ejecting ink requires a heating element (converter from electricity to thermal energy) near the ejection port.
A method using an electric/thermal energy converter that locally heats the ink and causes a pressure change by applying an electric signal to this heating element and ejecting the ink from the ejection port, or a method using an electric/thermal energy converter such as a piezoelectric element. /There is a method using a mechanical converter. Here, FIG. 11 shows the configuration of a color recording device using an inkjet method of serial printing method. A recording head 64a that discharges yellow (Y) color ink, a recording head 64b that discharges magenta (M) color ink, a recording head 64c that discharges cyan (C) color ink,
Recording heads 64d that eject black (K) color ink are installed on each carriage 65.
The carriage 65 moves left and right along a guide shaft 66 in accordance with an encoder 67. The recording paper 69 is
The recording head is kept parallel to the ink ejection orifice surface by conveyance rollers 68 installed above and below. Ink droplets adhere to the recording paper 69 in the order of yellow Y, magenta M1 cyan C1 black K, forming a multicolor image. [
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Conventionally, color recording devices using an inkjet method have been unable to record appropriate images when the ink demand characteristics of recording paper change. For example, if you set the ink ejection amount, ink density, image processing parameters for recorded image data, etc. to obtain an appropriate image on coated paper specifically for inkjet, and then record on plain paper under the same conditions as those settings, the ink absorption characteristics Due to this difference, the diameter of recorded dots on plain paper is smaller than that on coated paper, which results in a lower area coverage ratio with ink and lower image density. In addition to the recording paper 69 that is viewed using reflected light, in the case of recording materials such as OHP transparency that view recorded images using transmitted light, the image density will be reduced by half compared to paper. Even if you use ink that shows a standard reflection density of about 1.5 when recorded on inkjet coated paper, the reflection density will be about 1.2 on plain paper.
It decreases to . Furthermore, when recording with an ink similar to the transparency, the transmission density is approximately 0. It drops to 7. OH
In order to use it for the purpose of projecting images such as P, a transmission density of -1.0 to 1.5 is required to obtain a good image. To achieve this density, it is necessary to increase the dye density of the ink. Furthermore, ink bleeding and color reproducibility vary depending on the characteristics of the recording material, such as special coated paper, plain paper, transparency, etc., which has the disadvantage of disrupting gradation characteristics and color balance. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional examples, and its purpose is to achieve good color reproducibility with gradation characteristics and image density by performing recording appropriate to the characteristics of the recording material. The object of the present invention is to provide a recording device capable of producing excellent recorded images and a cartridge for use with the recording device. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, a recording device according to the present invention uses a coloring material having characteristics according to the properties of the recording material, and uses a coloring material based on image forming information. A recording apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, the apparatus comprising: an input means for inputting information regarding the coloring material; a correction means for correcting input image formation information based on the information input by the input means; and a forming means for forming an image on the recording material based on the image forming information corrected by the means. Further, the cartridge according to the present invention is a cartridge for the coloring material used in a recording device that uses a coloring material having characteristics according to the properties of the recording material and forms an image on the recording material based on image forming information. The apparatus is characterized in that it has means for inputting information regarding the coloring material to the recording device. [Operation] According to the above configuration, the input means inputs information regarding the coloring material having characteristics according to the properties of the recording material, and the correction means corrects the input image formation information based on the information input by this input means. However, the forming means forms an image on the recording material based on the image forming information corrected by the correcting means. Further, information regarding the coloring material is input to a recording device that forms an image on the recording material based on the image forming information using a coloring material having characteristics corresponding to the properties of the recording material. [Embodiments] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that an inkjet type recording device is used as the recording device according to the present invention. First Example> First, the first example will be explained. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an inkjet color recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "printing apparatus"). FIG. In FIGS. 1 and 2, l indicates the recording device of the first embodiment. Reference numeral 2 denotes an image input section which optically reads image data from a document image using a COD (not shown), performs photoelectric conversion on the image data, and inputs the image data. To explain the processing of the image input unit 2 in more detail, the read image data is color separated into R, G, and B, undergoes processing such as shading correction, and undergoes various corrections. obtain. 3 indicates a CPU that controls the entire recording apparatus 1 based on various programs in the ROM 4. This CPU
In S, 4 is a control program. Error handling program. Then, according to the flowchart in Figure 5, CPU3
ROM that stores programs, etc. for operating
5 is an RA used as a work area for various programs in ROM4 and a temporary save area during error processing.
It shows M. 6 are color components C and M obtained by the image input section 2. It shows an image signal processing unit that performs Y signal processing, and the configuration of this image signal processing unit 6 will be described later.
Further, numeral 7 indicates an operation unit for performing operations such as starting printing. This operation section 7 has a simple display function such as error messages. 8 indicates an ink cartridge detection unit that detects a mark indicating the type in order to identify the type of the ink cartridge in the set state; 9
10 indicates a recording unit which forms an image by discharging ink onto a recording material using recording heads of four colors of Y, M, C, and BK, and 10 indicates an address signal inside the recording apparatus l. Control signal. It shows the bus line that transmits data. In Fig. 2, reference numeral 11 indicates an ink cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge") used in the first embodiment. Recess l indicating the type of ink color
3, and a tube-shaped ink supply port 14 is arranged at the bottom. Further, a marking 12 indicating the type of cartridge is written on the front left side of the cartridge 11. This marking l2 can indicate up to six types of cartridges by coloring the three marks differently. When the cartridge 11 is attached to the main body of the recording apparatus 1, an optical sensor 15 is attached so that the marking 12 can be read as shown in FIG. Here, the optical sensor 15 is included in the ink cartridge detection section 8 and functions to identify the type of cartridge. Although not shown, the ink cartridge detection section 8 also detects the color of ink and whether or not the cartridge 11 is attached. The cartridge 11 contains ink having an ink concentration and composition suitable for the characteristics of the recording paper. The number of markings 12 to be marked (up to three) is set depending on the ink characteristics suitable for the recording paper.
When this cartridge l1 is set in the recording apparatus 1, the optical sensor 15 of the ink cartridge detection section 8 installed in the main body of the recording apparatus 1 detects the number of markings 12, and from the detection signal, the CPU 3 detects the number of marks in the marking 12. Identify the type. Incidentally, the recesses 13 can be provided both above and below the opening 11a, and the combination of the upper and lower recesses can prevent ink cartridges of different ink colors from being erroneously inserted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the image signal processing section 6. In the figure, 20 is the color component Y, M, C obtained by the image input section 2.
The image density signals Yo, Mo. Masking for Go,
This shows a color correction circuit that performs UCR (undercolor removal) and black generation, and the output from this color correction circuit 20 is an image density signal Y+M.
＋． Cr, Kt. 21 is an image density signal Y @ l M Ir C t output from the color correction circuit 20
*K, using a gamma (hereinafter referred to as "γ") correction table to be described later.The output from this γ correction circuit 21 is the image density signal Yx. PA*
, Cz, Kg. 22 is an image density signal Y.2 outputted from the γ correction circuit 2l. ,M. , Cm, Kg using a dither method or the like, and the output from this binarizing circuit 22 is an image density signal Ys . Ms, Cs
, Ks. Reference numerals 238 to 23c indicate buffers for temporarily storing the image density signals Ms, Cs, and Ks output from the binarization circuit 22, respectively. These buffers 23a to 23c are used to store the image density signal Ys in the recording section 9 at the subsequent stage.
After the image density signal Ms Cs . is outputted, the image density signal Ms Cs . The data are output to the recording section 9 in the order of Ks.
248 to 24d are image density signals Ys, Ms, Cs
．． A recording head for recording that discharges ink of each color according to Ks is shown. As explained above, in the first embodiment, the γ correction table is used as the image forming condition. Here, to describe the operation, image density signals Yo, Me . Co is first input to the color correction section 20. In this color correction section 20, the image density signal Yo. Mo. Co is masking. UCR/black generation color processing is performed, followed by yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and so on. New black (K) image density signal Y + ,' M rC. , Kl. These image density signals Y+, Mt. Ct. K
t is γ-corrected in a γ-correction circuit 21 that functions as a gradation correction circuit. In this way, image density signals Y, . Ml, Cz. Km is binarized by the binarization circuit 22. The yellow (Y) image density signal Y after this binarization is sent as is to the recording head 24a.
Also magenta (M). Image density signals Ms, Cs . Ks are temporarily stored in the buffers 23a to 23c, respectively, and then sent to the recording heads 27 to 29 after a certain period of delay to form a multicolor image on recording paper (not shown). Here, Fig. 4 (a
). (b) is a diagram illustrating a γ characteristic curve and a γ correction curve according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4(b), 20
0 is the gamma correction curve for inkjet coated paper, 20
1 shows a γ correction curve for plain paper, and 202 shows a γ correction curve for °transparency. These γ correction curves 200 to 202 are set so that the γ characteristic curve 100 showing the relationship between the input image density signal level and the output image density shown in FIG. 4(a) shows a linear relationship, for example. , for inkjet coated paper,
As shown in the γ correction curve 200, the output image density signal level is set lower as the input image density signal level becomes higher. In the case of plain paper, the input and output of image density signal levels have a nearly 1:1 relationship. Furthermore, in the case of transparency, the output image density signal level is set higher than the input image density signal level. The above three γ
The difference in the correction curves is that the lower the ink reception bleed rate, the higher the output level is set relative to the input level of the image density signal. Here, transparency has the lowest acceptance rate. The above γ correction curves 200 to 202 are stored in a ROM (not shown) as a γ correction table in the γ correction curve circuit 21, respectively. Next, recording processing according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the recording operation of the CPU 3. First, when the recording start key is pressed on the operation unit 7, the CPU 3 detects this press (step S1), and then the ink cartridge detection unit 8 detects whether the plurality of cartridges for each ink color are installed correctly. A determination is made (step S2). Here, a negative determination is made when a cartridge other than the correct ink color is installed or when the cartridge is not set. If correct installation cannot be confirmed in the determination in step S2, an error message is displayed on the display section (not shown) of the operation section 7 before the process ends (step S3). Further, when the CPU 3 confirms that the installation is correct in step S2, the CPU 3 detects the marking state of the cartridge using the optical sensor l5 of the ink cartridge detection unit 8 (step S4), and identifies the type of cartridge from this detection signal. (Step S5). The γ correction circuit 21 selects and sets an appropriate γ correction table based on this recognition result (step S6). For example, when cartridge l1 is installed and it is identified from the detected marking 12 as a cartridge for inkjet coated paper,
In the following processing system, the γ correction curve 2 shown in FIG. 4(b)
The γ correction table 00 will be selected and set. In this way, in the recording apparatus 1, a processing system is established that performs optimal gradation correction on the recording paper used, that is, coated paper exclusively for inkjet. Next, the original image for 1 lines is read by the image input section 2, and the image density signal Y. of color components is read. ,C. , M0 is created (
Step S7). This image density signal Yo. Co. M
e is output to the above-mentioned image signal processing unit 6, color correction (masking, υCR, black generation) is performed in the color correction circuit 20, and then γ correction is performed in the γ correction circuit 21 using the γ correction table that has already been set. Then, binarization processing is performed in the binarization circuit 22 (step S8). In this way, final image density signals Ys, Mm, Cs, and Ks are generated, and these signals are sequentially output to each of the recording heads 248 to 24d of the recording section 9. The recording heads 24a to 24d record one line of output image on recording paper (not shown) at a density that reproduces the set gradation (step S9). When this recording process is finished, the above steps 37 to S9 are executed.
This process is continued until all recording of the original image read by the image input unit 2 is completed (step SIO). As explained above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain an output image with improved gradation reproducibility by recording an image that has undergone appropriate gradation correction that matches the characteristics of the recording paper. can. It should be noted that by adding a process of checking whether the cartridge types match in step S5, it is possible to provide an output image with a more appropriate gradation. Second Example> Next, a second example will be described. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the structure of the cartridge 27 used in the second embodiment. This cartridge 27 is formed into a box shape similar to the first embodiment described above, and has an opening 27a on the front surface.
A concave portion 28 indicating the type of ink color is provided at the top, and a tube-shaped ink supply port 30 is provided at the bottom. Further, an identification key portion 29 consisting of three recesses indicating the type of cartridge is provided on the left side of the opening 27a.
This identification key portion 29 represents the cartridge type identification means described in the first embodiment. Here, the identification key portion 29 is used in the same manner as the marking used in the first embodiment, regarding the relationship between the number and arrangement of recesses. Further, the cartridge 27 contains ink having a density and composition suitable for the characteristics of the recording paper used in the recording apparatus. The identification key portion 29 indicating the type of cartridge is provided with a different number of recesses depending on the characteristics of the ink. Incidentally, the recesses 28 may be provided both above and below the opening 27a, and even in this case, it is possible to prevent a cartridge of a particular ink color from being mistakenly inserted. Second, the method of attaching each type of cartridge according to the embodiment will be explained. Figure 7(a). (b). (c) is a second diagram illustrating the mounting state of each type of cartridge according to the embodiment.
Although not shown, the recording device 1 of the second embodiment includes an image input unit 2, a CPU 3'', and an RO storing a program etc. according to the flowchart of FIG. 8, as in the first embodiment.
M4゜RAM5', image signal processing section 6゜, operation section 7
It consists of an ink cartridge detection section 8.degree., a recording section 9.degree., and a bus line 10'. In the ink cartridge detection section 8', the above-mentioned cartridge 27
As shown in the shape, the type of cartridge can be identified from the number and arrangement of recesses in the identification key part 29.
Therefore, Fig. 7(a). (b). In (c), 31
．． 41 and 51 indicate cartridges manufactured by type in the same manner as the cartridge 27 according to the second embodiment. Each cartridge has a recess (32, 42
．． 52), an identification key part (33, 43.53), and an ink supply port (34, 44.54), respectively. In the case of the cartridge 31, one identification key part 33 is provided in the upper part, in the case of the cartridge 41, one identification key part 43 is provided in the middle and the lower part, and in the case of the cartridge 51, one identification key part 33 is provided in the lower part. A book identification key part 53 is provided. The mounting portion of the cartridge to be attached to the recording device l° is shown in FIG. 7(a). (b). As shown in (C), type detection switches 36 to 38 for detecting the type of cartridge and a switch 35 for detecting the presence or absence of a cartridge are provided. For example, when installing a cartridge, the hollow needle 39 for supplying ink to the main body of the recording apparatus is inserted into the ink supply port. Here, switches 36 to 38
is a push button type, and once it is pushed in, it is locked and turns on. Also, if a switch other than the locked switch is pressed among the switches in the ON state, the lock is released and the switch is switched to the OFF state. Further, the switch 35 that detects the presence or absence of a cartridge does not have a locking mechanism, and when the pressed state is released, the switch 35 is turned off.
It becomes FF state. For example, since the cartridge 31 is provided with only one recess that indicates the type of cartridge, the type detection switches 37 and 38 are pushed in and locked and are in the ON state, and the switch 36 is in the OFF state. In addition, if the cartridge 31 is present, switch 3
5 is pushed in and is in the ON state. If the ink is empty and the cartridge 3l is removed, the switch 35 is turned off and it is determined that the cartridge 3l is empty. At this time, the type detection switches 37 and 38 remain locked, so they remain in the ON state. If the cartridge to be replaced is of the same type as the previous cartridge 31, that is, if it has the same recess as the identification key part 33, the ON or OFF states of the switches 36 to 38 will not change, and only the switch 35 will change. It becomes ON state. or the type of cartridge to be replaced is different from the previous cartridge 31,
For example, in the case of cartridge 41, cartridge 41
At the same time that the type detection switch 36 is installed, the unlocked type detection switch 36 is pushed in and locked, turning on. By switching the type detection switch 36 to the ON state,
The type detection switches 37 and 38 are respectively unlocked and turned OFF. Also, the switch 35 is turned off after installation.
It becomes N state. Therefore, when the power of the recording apparatus 1° is on, when cartridges are replaced, it is possible to determine whether the types of cartridges are the same or different before and after replacement. Similarly, when replacing the cartridge 4l with the cartridge 51, when the cartridge 4l is removed, only the type detection switch 36 is turned on, and when a new cartridge 5l is installed, the type detection switch 36 is turned on. 37 is newly turned ON, and the type detection switch 36 is temporarily unlocked, but then turned ON again. Next, a recording method according to the second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the recording operation including the supply operation when replacing the ink cartridge according to the second embodiment. First, steps 81 to S6 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment are executed, and it is determined whether the cartridge has been converted (step SIOI). If it is determined that the cartridge needs to be replaced, the cartridge information inside the recording device 1 is initialized from a memory such as the RAM 5. After this, when the presence/absence switch of the cartridge is detected, it is assumed that the cartridge has been replaced, and the type is identified, and whether or not it is the same type as the previously installed cartridge is determined (
Step S104. In step S105), if cartridges of the same type are confirmed in this determination, a gamma correction table corresponding to the new cartridge type is set in a gamma correction circuit (not shown) (step S10S), and after this, the inside of the cartridge is An ink rotation operation is performed (step S107). Here, a pump is supplied to the ink supply system using a cap member installed at the home position of the recording head (not shown) so as to face the ejection port of the recording head. A means is provided to pressurize the ink and push the ink out of the ejection port, or to rotate the ink by suctioning the ink from the ejection port of the recording head through the cap member, and to replace the ink cartridge to improve the ink supply system. Make sure to remove any air bubbles that may have gotten inside. If it is determined in step S105 that the cartridge has been replaced with a different type of cartridge than the cartridge before replacement, an ink rotation operation is performed in step 8108. Step S107 is step S10
When only the ink rotation operation in step 8 is used, the inside of the recording head,
This is provided for the purpose of increasing the number of ink rotation operations or the ink rotation operation time since the ink inside the ink supply system cannot be sufficiently replaced with new ink. In this way, the process returns to step Slot and checks whether the cartridge is replaced again. If the image recording process from step 87 to step SIO described in FIG. 5 is to be performed without performing the exchange process in step SIO1, the process proceeds to step S102. As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the cartridge is replaced with a different type, it is possible to prevent color mixing with the ink before replacement inside the ink supply system. Now, in the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 8 above, when the cartridge is replaced, the ink rotation operation is performed twice, but for example, after the cartridge identification in step S104 is completed, the cartridge is The ink rotation operation may be set differently depending on the determination result of whether they are the same or not. Third Example> Next, a third example will be described. The above 1. In the second embodiment, a means for selecting a γ correction curve (γ correction table) serving as an image processing parameter was shown as an image forming issue, but color correction conditions (masking, UCR, black generation ) may be selected. Figure 9 is a chromaticity diagram of the L*a*b* color system showing (C) the color reproduction range of inkjet coated paper and plain paper. In Figure 9, the color reproduction range of inkjet coated paper and plain paper is shown, and the wider the area surrounded by each hexagon, the wider the color reproduction range. Compared to inkjet coated paper, plain paper has been shown to have a narrower color reproduction range due to differences in ink absorption depth, bleeding, background color, etc. Therefore, specific values for masking coefficients etc. are used depending on the recording paper. Furthermore, when transparency is used as recording paper, ink with a high dye concentration is used to improve the density of the transmitted image. Here, we record on special coated paper and the reflection density/intensity is approximately 2.
．． The image is recorded using ink with a high density of 0 to obtain a transmission density of approximately 1.1. Figure lO shows the difference in hue depending on the dye concentration of the ink.
*a*b* color system chromaticity diagram. In the figure, when the dye concentration of each color is increased, the hue shifts in the direction shown by the arrow. This also makes it clear that color balance will be disrupted unless the masking coefficient is matched to the recording paper and ink dye density. Furthermore, compared to inkjet-specific coated paper, which requires a large amount of ink, plain paper accepts less ink, and inkjet transparency paper has extremely low ink demand. Therefore, in the case of plain paper or transparency paper, it is necessary to increase the UCR amount to reduce the amount of ink adhesion in the color mixing area, rather than coated paper for inkjet use. In the second embodiment, the masking coefficient is determined so that the color difference between the chromaticity of the original image and the chromaticity of the recorded image is minimized, and a plurality of coefficients are prepared based on the relationship between the ink used and the recording paper. For example, the UCR amount is set to 60% for inkjet coated paper, 80% for plain paper, and 90% for transparency, and parameters are set so that recording paper that accepts a small amount of ink has a large UCR amount. As described above, according to the third embodiment, an appropriate masking coefficient, UCR, and black production amount that is suitable for the recording paper is determined based on the masking coefficient, UCR, and black generation amount that have a plurality of parameters, according to the detected content according to the type of cartridge. Improved color reproducibility by automatically selecting and setting the amount of black generation.
It is possible to limit the amount of ink adhesion. Also, among the image processing parameters as image forming conditions, the first. Image quality can be improved by optimizing at least one parameter of the γ correction table according to the second embodiment or the masking and UCR/black generation parameters according to the third embodiment, but it is necessary to record all of the above image processing parameters. Image quality can be further improved by choosing a paper that is suitable for the paper. The image processing parameters may be selected by the configuration of the cartridge, or may be made manually by the user. Fourth Example> Next, a fourth example will be described. According to the first to third embodiments, when transparency is used as recording paper, a method of using ink with high dye concentration is mentioned in order to improve image density. However, increasing the dye concentration of the ink increases the viscosity of the ink, and depending on the method of ejecting the ink, it may not be possible to increase the dye concentration too much due to the ejection characteristics. In this fourth embodiment, as a result of detecting and identifying the type of cartridge, if the corresponding recording paper is transparent, the dye density is not increased, and the amount of adhered ink is set to be large, so that the image can be imaged. Increase concentration. In this case, by operating the print head twice, ink will be applied twice to the same print location. Therefore, when overlapping printing is performed twice using dye densities that give a reflection density of approximately 1.7 for a solid image recorded on inkjet coated paper and a transmission density of approximately 0.8 for transparency, the transparency The transmission density of the above recorded image can be increased to approximately 1.5. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when high image density is required, by improving the transmission density without setting the dye density high, it is possible to perform printing that matches the characteristics of the recording paper. Similar to the first embodiment, a good output image can be obtained. Also, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, overlapping recording is not limited to two times, but three times.
It is possible to do it more than once. Fifth Example> Next, a fifth example will be described. This fifth embodiment will be explained using a bubble-type inkjet recording device. In the printing apparatus of this fifth embodiment, an electric wire comprising a heating resistor or the like is provided in the printing head used in the printing apparatus of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, corresponding to each of the ink ejection orifices.
A thermal converter is provided, and bubbles (
A bubble jet recording head is used to grow bubbles (bubble) and use the extrusion force to eject ink, forming flying ink droplets and recording dots on recording paper. In this case, tone correction using bias temperature can be performed in addition to the means using the γ correction table to improve image density, which serves as a tone correction means. In order to obtain a stable recording dot system in the bubble jet recording head described above, it is necessary to maintain the recording head within a predetermined temperature range. Therefore, a temperature control means such as a heating means such as a heater, a cooling means such as a fan, and a temperature sensor are provided at or near the recording head. Furthermore, the bias temperature of the recording head is set, and the temperature adjustment means such as the heating means and cooling means are controlled based on this set temperature. For example, when the recording head drive voltage is constant, bubble growth becomes smaller when the recording head bias temperature is lower. In this case, the ink ejection amount and ejection speed become smaller, the ink droplets become smaller, and a smaller recording dot diameter is obtained. Also, if the bias of the recording head is high, the bubble growth will be large. In this case, since the ink ejection amount and ejection speed become large, the ink droplets become large and a large recording dot diameter is obtained. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a plurality of bias temperature values (for example, three types of 40'C, 45'C, 50'C, etc.) are stored in advance in a ROM (not shown), etc., and the bias temperature values are set according to the type of ink cartridge. Automatically select and set the appropriate bias temperature according to the detected content. As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain a highly reproducible output image with improved image density through appropriate gradation correction even in a bubble-shaped recording device, as in each of the above-described embodiments. can. <Sixth Example> Next, a sixth example will be described. This sixth embodiment will be explained using a piezoelectric inkjet recording device. In the recording apparatus of this sixth embodiment, the electric/mechanical conversion action of a piezoelectric element is used in the recording head used in the recording apparatus of each of the above-mentioned embodiments to generate ejection by instantaneous pressure waves generated by contractile force. It uses a recording head that ejects ink from the outlet. In this case, gradation correction and image density can be improved by changing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. For example, when the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is lowered, the pressure wave becomes smaller and the ejected ink droplets become smaller. Furthermore, when the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is increased, the pressure wave becomes larger, and therefore the ejected ink droplet also becomes larger. In the sixth embodiment, a plurality of applied voltage values to the piezoelectric element are stored in advance in a ROM (not shown) or the like, and an appropriate applied voltage is automatically selected and set according to the detected content depending on the type of cartridge. As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain a highly reproducible output image with improved image density through appropriate gradation correction even in the piezoelectric type recording device, as in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. can. Now, when the recording methods of the six embodiments described above are used for proofreading the printing plate, it is necessary to use an ink that matches the characteristics of the printing process ink, and the black ink must also have a reddish tinge. It varies depending on the purpose of use, such as blackish black or blueish black. To solve this problem, it is possible to always obtain a good image by providing an identification means in the ink cartridge and changing the image forming conditions based on the identification result. The image forming conditions include gradation correction. Examples include settings for image processing parameters such as color masking and UCR, settings for multiple printing or single printing for the same printing area, and ink ejection conditions. Further, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, the characteristics of the coloring material are detected by providing a marking or a key for identifying the type of the cartridge to identify the type of the cartridge, and the characteristics of the coloring material are detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the recording apparatus itself may be provided with a hardware switch to perform image signal processing suitable for the recording paper. It is also possible to let the user choose. In this case, the detection signal of the switch may be detected at the time of cartridge type identification in the flowcharts explained in FIGS. 5 and 8. Also, when replacing the cartridge, it is recommended to change the switch. Furthermore, instead of a means of identifying the type of cartridge,
Supply cassettes for recording paper may be provided for each type of paper, and the recording apparatus main body may identify the type of supply cassette from the detection signal of the set supply cassette. In this way, the image signal processing suitable for the recording paper described in the first to sixth embodiments may be selected from the type of supply cassette. Even in this manner, the same functions and effects as in the first to sixth embodiments described above can be obtained. Alternatively, image signal processing suitable for the recording paper may be performed using software instead of using hardware switches. For example, an computer that performs recording operations in response to instructions from a host computer? In the case of a jet printer or facsimile device, etc., a command that tells the characteristics of the recording paper is determined, and image forming conditions such as the above-mentioned gradation correction are set according to this command.
All you have to do is record according to the recording paper. By using software processing in this way, it is possible to reduce costs. Now, in each of the above embodiments, ink was used as the coloring material, but the present invention is not limited to this, and toner, other coloring materials, and dyes may be used. [Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform recording that is suitable for the characteristics of the recording material, thereby making it possible to provide a good recorded image with excellent color reproducibility.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the mounting positional relationship between an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge detection section of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the image signal processing section 6, and FIG. 4(a). (b) is a diagram explaining the γ characteristic curve and the γ correction curve according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the recording operation of the CPU 3, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the cartridge 27 used in the second embodiment. External perspective view showing the configuration, Fig. 7(a). (b) and (c) are diagrams explaining the installation state of each type of cartridge according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining the recording operation including the supply operation when replacing the ink cartridge according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a chromaticity diagram of the L*a*b* color system showing (C) the color reproduction range of inkjet coated paper and plain paper. Figure 10 shows the difference in hue depending on the dye concentration of the ink. Figure 11 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the main parts of a conventional color recording device using an inkjet method of serial printing.

Claims (14)

[Claims] (1) A recording device that forms an image on a recording material based on image formation information using a coloring material having characteristics corresponding to the properties of the recording material, an input means for inputting information regarding the coloring material; It is characterized by comprising a correction means for correcting input image formation information based on information inputted by the input means, and a formation means for forming an image on the recording material based on the image formation information corrected by the correction means. recording device. (2) A cartridge for the coloring material used in a recording device that forms an image on the recording material based on image forming information using a coloring material that has characteristics according to the properties of the recording material, the recording device A cartridge characterized in that it has means for inputting information regarding the coloring material into the cartridge. (3) The input means includes identification means for identifying the type of coloring material cartridge that supplies the coloring material, and the identification result of the identification means is used as information regarding the coloring material. Recording device as described in section. (4) The recording device further includes a detection means for detecting replacement of the colorant cartridge, a comparison means for comparing types of colorant cartridges before and after replacement when detected by the detection means; 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising supply recovery operation means for increasing the supply recovery operation of said cartridge when the comparison results are different. (5) The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input means includes a switch input means for inputting information regarding the coloring material from a switch. (6) The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input means includes external input means for inputting characteristic information of the coloring material from an external device. (7) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction means performs the correction using at least one correction table among gradation correction, masking, and undercolor removal. (8) The correction means includes a selection means for selecting one of multiple recording and single recording for the same recording portion of the recording material based on the input information. Recording device as described in section. (9) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the forming means is a means using a bubble jet recording method. (10) The correction means includes a temperature adjustment means that adjusts the temperature of the ink based on the input information, and an ejection means that ejects the ink based on the temperature adjusted by the temperature adjustment means. 10. The recording device according to claim 9. (11) The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the temperature adjustment is performed using a table of bias temperature values. (12) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the forming means is a recording means using a piezoelectric element. (13) The correction means includes a pressure wave adjustment means that adjusts pressure waves for the coloring material based on the input information, and a discharge means that discharges the coloring material based on the pressure waves adjusted by the pressure wave adjustment means. 13. The recording device according to claim 12, comprising: (14) The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pressure wave adjustment is performed using a table of applied voltage values.