JPH08108574A - Image output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent easily the generation of bleeding and to conduct high quality printing without making printing drive complex and without lowering printing speed. CONSTITUTION: When printing data are supplied from a host computer as external equipment to an input I/F part 2, the data are analyzed in an input data analysing part 3 to be sorted into printing data, printing control data, filter data, etc. The filter data are stored in a filter data storing part 4, and the printing data and the printing control data are supplied to an output processing part 5. Next, in the output processing part 5, the logical product of the printing data supplied from the input data analysing part 3 and the filter data stored in the filter data storing part 4 is obtained, and the results are written in an output buffer 7. A printing head 9 conducts printing by ejecting ink onto a sheet on the basis of the printing data of the output buffer 7. As a result, the printing is conducted on the sheet in 50% density of the printing data supplied from the host computer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output device for recording a dot matrix image by scanning a recording head, for example, a multi-noise, multi-color ink jet head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ink jet printers that output characters or images by ejecting or ejecting ink droplets onto recording paper or the like are capable of outputting on plain paper and have a sound output. Is quiet and inexpensive, and has been attracting attention. Also, in color inkjet printers, cyan, magenta, yellow,
It is common to use black ink, and an area gradation method is used by combining these four color inks to express intermediate colors other than the four basic colors.

However, unlike a copying machine using toner or the like, in a color ink jet printer, problems peculiar to the ink often cause image quality defects. For example, when expressing green, blue, and red other than the four colors of ink called secondary colors, two colors of ink are overlaid and printed. At this time, before the ink is dried, bleeding occurs on the boundary line between the secondary colors.

Therefore, in order to prevent the above-mentioned bleeding, it is desired to improve the paper that absorbs the ink droplet liquid quickly. However, even if the paper is improved, there is a problem that the cost of the paper is increased. Also,
If a quick-drying ink having a composition different from that of a normal ink is used, a high-quality color image can be obtained when overprinted. However, when characters are printed with black ink or the like, there arises a problem that the color develops poorly and only colors close to black become burnt. On the contrary, when the slow-drying ink is used, the characters are clearly printed, but bleeding occurs along the fibers of the paper, which causes a problem that the image quality is deteriorated.

Further, in the conventional ink jet printer, there is a problem caused by an increase in the density of the printed image. The higher the ink density,
The amount of ink that permeates the paper increases, which causes a problem that the paper undulates or the ink permeates to the back of the paper.

In order to solve such a problem, many methods have been disclosed in which staggered printing is performed while scanning the same band several times. In addition, JP-A-3-69272
As a method for adjusting the density, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-242242 discloses a color adjusting method using a test chart in a color image forming apparatus. This is a method in which a single-color chromatic chart of yellow, magenta, and cyan and an achromatic color chart in which three colors of ink are mixed are printed for each density, and the one that matches the reference chart prepared in advance is used. It is what you specify.

[0007]

However, the conventional image output apparatus described above has a problem that the printing speed becomes slow because the printing driving method becomes complicated. Also,
In the density correction by the density chart comparison described above, it is necessary to print the test chart, which is troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to easily prevent the occurrence of bleeding without complicating the printing drive and without slowing the printing speed, and it is possible to print with high quality. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention according to claim 1, a receiving means for downloading N × M filter data for thinning out print data from an external device, and the filter. A storage unit for storing data, a recording head having a plurality of nozzles for recording the print data on a recording medium, and an output for adjusting the output of the storage head based on the filter data stored in the storage unit. And an adjusting unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of nozzles are divided into a predetermined number and the recording head is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the filter data is divided by the dividing means. And a filter data assigning unit that assigns to each of the plurality of blocks.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the output adjusting means takes a logical product of the file data and the print data and outputs the logical product as the output of the recording head.

[0012]

According to the present invention, N × M filter data for thinning out print data is downloaded from the external device by the receiving means, and the filter data is stored in the storage means. Then, based on the filter data stored in the storage means, the output adjusting means adjusts the output of the storage head. This makes it easy to prevent bleeding without complicating the printing drive and without slowing the printing speed.
It is possible to print with high quality.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A. Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image output apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is an image output apparatus according to the present embodiment, which has the following constituent elements. An input I / F unit 2 is connected to an external device such as a host computer. This input I
The / F unit 2 operates as an interface for exchanging data with an external device, and supplies the received input data to the input data analysis unit 3. The input data includes filter data, which will be described later, which is sent together with the data to be printed by the host computer which is an external device.
When receiving data via the input I / F unit 2, the download font is downloaded to the printer.
The print data is received in the same manner as the print data is sent to the image output apparatus 1.

The input data analysis unit 3 analyzes the input data, classifies the input data into print data, print control data, filter data, etc., and supplies the filter data to the filter data storage unit 4. , Print data and print control data are supplied to the output processing unit 5. Specifically, it is determined whether the input data is print data itself or a control language for controlling printing.
When it is recognized as the filter data, the following data is supplied to the filter data storage unit 4 as the filter data. The filter data is ANDed with the print data.
By (logical product) processing, it is used for thinning out print data. The details of the filter data will be described later. The filter data storage unit 4 stores the above-mentioned downloaded filter data.

Next, the output processing unit 5 outputs the data based on the print data supplied from the input data analysis unit 3 and the filter data stored in the filter data storage unit 4 while performing an AND process on both. Write to buffer 7.
That is, the output processing unit 5 determines whether or not head division is designated, selects which nozzle to use, and determines the current specifications of the print head 9, the number of divisions, the number of spaces between nozzle colors, and the like. Is supplied to the nozzle selection unit 6, the filter data in the filter data storage unit 4 is processed for each divided head, and the data is written in the output buffer 7. When the print head 9 is divided and printed, the nozzle selection unit 6 selects a nozzle to be used for printing and determines an effective nozzle based on the current print head specifications, the number of divisions, the number of spaces between nozzle colors, and the like. To do.

The output buffer 7 holds the contents of the input image converted into the output format for printing, that is, the print data ANDed with the filter data. A head controller 8 drives the print head 9 while reading the print data from the output buffer 7. The print head 9 actually ejects ink onto the paper based on the print data read from the output buffer 7 by the head controller 8 to print. A motor control unit 10 drives a carriage on which the print head 9 is mounted.

The structure of the print head 9 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the print head 9 has 32 nozzles in one block (K0, K1, K2, K).
3), 128 nozzles N0 to N1 arranged vertically
It is composed of 27. Here, each color (Y,
(M, C, K) It is assumed that the head has 128 nozzles, and only the black print head will be described as an example. When printing with normal image quality, printing is performed with all nozzles N0 to N127, that is, all blocks K0 to K3. On the other hand, when printing with high image quality, the print nozzle 9 is divided into four, and the nozzles are selected so that 32 nozzles are used for each block. Each block is indicated by K0 to K3, and the paper feeding direction is the direction of arrow A.

Next, the filter data will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of downloaded filter data. In the figure, 12 is filter data, and the filter data 12 can be represented by N dots × M dots. The size of the filter may be any size, but is preferably within the vertical width of the print head 9. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter data 12 is 8 × 8. In FIG. 3, a white portion indicates a portion where the print data is turned off, while a shaded portion indicates a portion where the print data is turned on. That is, by taking the logical product of the print data and the filter data 12, only the shaded areas are valid and printed.

In FIG. 3, of the 64 dots in total, 1 out of every 2 dots is in the off state, so that printing is performed at a density of 50%. The output processing unit 5 does not need a complicated circuit configuration because it only needs to take the logical product of the filter data 12 and the print data regardless of the type of the filter data 12. Further, since the density can be lowered by increasing the number of OFF dots of the filter data 12 and can be increased by decreasing the number of OFF dots, complicated control is not required. As described above, by downloading the filter data 12, the degree of freedom in setting the density can be easily improved.

Next, nozzle division by the nozzle selection unit 6,
And assigning multiple download filters. As described above, the print nozzle 9 is used for each color 12
It consists of an 8-nozzle head, and when printing with normal image quality, printing is performed with all nozzles and all blocks, while
When high quality printing is requested, the print nozzle 9 is set to 4
It is divided and printing is performed using 32 nozzles per block. The nozzle selection unit 6 determines an effective nozzle based on the information about the head, the number of divided blocks, and the like supplied from the output processing unit 5. The output processing unit 5 normally performs processing in units of one band, but the information of one band, the number of print nozzles, and the pointer to the image change depending on how many nozzles print in one scan.

In FIG. 2, since there are 128 nozzles and four divisions, one band has 32 nozzles, an image is printed in units of 32 lines, and the paper feed amount is 32 nozzles width. The output processing unit 5 assigns filter data 12a to 12d as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D to each block. The filter data 12a to 12d shown in FIG. 3 are used for printing with normal quality, and the filter data 12a to 12d shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. Used for quality printing. For example, the block K0 shown in FIG. 2 has the filter data 12a shown in FIG. 4A, the block K1 has the filter data 12b shown in FIG. 4B, and the block K2 has the filter data shown in FIG. 4C. 12
The filter data 12d shown in FIG. 4D is assigned to block c and block K3. Also at this time, the output processing unit 5 does not need a complicated circuit configuration because it only has to take the logical product of the filter data 12a to 12d and the print data.

B. Operation of Embodiment Next, the operation of the above-described embodiment will be described. (A) Draft printing First, draft printing will be described. When print data is supplied from the host computer as an external device to the input I / F unit 2, the input data analysis unit 3 analyzes the print data, and print data, print control data,
It is sorted into the filter data 12 and the like. The filter data 12 is stored in the filter data storage unit 4, and the print data and the print control data are supplied to the output processing unit 5. In this case, for example, the filter data 12 shown in FIG. 3 is used. Next, in the output processing unit 5, the logical product of the print data supplied from the input data analysis unit 3 and the filter data 12 shown in FIG. 3 stored in the filter data storage unit 4 is calculated, and the result is obtained. Write to the output buffer 7.

Therefore, in the output processing section, the print data is converted so that only one dot is effective for every two dots. In the nozzle selection unit 6, as nozzles used for printing,
All the nozzles N0 to N127 of the print nozzle 9 shown in FIG. 2 are determined as effective nozzles. Then, the head controller 8 drives the print head 9 while reading out the print data from the output buffer 7, and ejects ink onto the paper to print. As a result, the paper is printed with a density of 50% of the print data supplied from the host computer. Furthermore, since printing is performed on the paper for each dot, it is possible to prevent bleeding between dots and save ink consumption.

(B) Normal Printing Next, normal printing will be described. When print data is supplied from the host computer as an external device to the input I / F unit 2, the input data analysis unit 3 analyzes the print data and classifies the print data into print data, print control data, and the like. In this normal printing, since the logical product with the filter data 12 is not performed, the filter data 12 does not exist. Next, in the output processing unit 5, the print data supplied from the input data analysis unit 3 is written in the output buffer 7 as it is.

Therefore, in the output processing section, all of the print data is valid. In the nozzle selection section 6, all the nozzles N of the print nozzles 9 shown in FIG.
0 to N127 are determined as effective nozzles. Then, the head controller 8 drives the print head 9 while reading out the print data from the output buffer 7, and ejects ink onto the paper to print. As a result, the paper is printed with a density of 100% of the print data supplied from the host computer. Although this normal printing does not have high image quality as compared with high image quality printing to be described later, since the logical product operation with the filter data 12 is not performed, there is an advantage that the printing speed is high.

(C) High Quality Printing Next, the case of printing with high quality by dividing the print nozzle 9 will be described. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of this embodiment. Print data is input from the host computer as an external device I / F unit 2
When supplied to the input data analysis unit 3, the print data is analyzed and classified into print data, print control data, filter data, and the like. The filter data is stored in the filter data storage unit 4, and the print data and the print control data are supplied to the output processing unit 5. In this case, as the filter data, for example, FIG. 4A to FIG.
The one shown in is used. Next, in the output processing unit 5, the print data supplied from the input data analysis unit 3,
While performing AND processing with the filter data 12a to 12d stored in the filter data storage unit 4, the result is written in the output buffer 7.

In this case, first, in the block K0 of the print nozzle 9, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first band B0 is printed. At this time, in the block K0, printing is performed based on the result of the AND process of the filter data 12a (the same as in FIG. 4A) shown in FIG. 5B and the print data. Here, for example, paying attention to the upper left corner of the paper, the uppermost dot is printed by the nozzle N31, and the dot two lower than that is printed by the nozzle N29. Although not shown for other dots, the filter data 12a shown in FIG. 5B is turned on (hatched portion).
It goes without saying that the printing is performed based on the part. Here, for example, paying attention to the 4 dots in the upper left corner of the paper, at this point, the upper left corner of the 4 dots is printed as (1) th.

Next, when the printing of the print nozzle 9 shifts to the right end of the paper, that is, the band B by the block K0.
When the printing of 0 is completed, the paper moves by 32 dots (one block) in the upward direction of the drawing, and the print nozzle 9 returns to the left end. As a result, the positional relationship between the print nozzle 9 and the paper is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, printing is performed by the print nozzles 9. At this time, when attention is paid to the block K1, in the block K1,
Printing is performed based on the result of the AND processing of the filter data 12b (the same as in FIG. 4B) shown in FIG. 6B and the print data. Here, for example, paying attention to the four dots in the upper left corner of the paper, the lower right dot of the uppermost dot printed by the nozzle N31 is printed (2) th by the nozzle N62. Block K
It goes without saying that even with 0, printing is performed by the same processing as described above.

Next, when the printing of the print nozzle 9 moves to the right end of the paper, that is, when the printing of the bands B0 and B1 by the blocks K0 and K1 is completed, the paper for 32 dots (one block), as shown in the drawing. And the print nozzle 9 returns to the left end. As a result, the positional relationship between the print nozzle 9 and the paper is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, printing is performed by the print nozzle 9. At this time, focusing on the block K2, the filter data 12 shown in FIG.
Printing is performed based on the result of the AND processing of c (the same as in FIG. 4C) and print data. here,
For example, focusing on the four dots in the upper left corner of the paper, the nozzle N
The dot on the right side of the dot at the upper left corner printed at 31 is printed (3) th by the nozzle N95.
It goes without saying that the blocks K0 and K1 are also printed by the same process as described above.

Next, when the printing of the print nozzle 9 moves to the right end of the paper, that is, when the printing of the bands B0, B1, B2 by the blocks K0, K1, K2 is completed, the paper for 32 dots (one block). , While moving upward in the drawing, the print nozzle 9 returns to the left end. As a result,
The positional relationship between the print nozzle 9 and the paper is as shown in FIG. Subsequently, printing is performed by the print nozzles 9. At this time, when attention is paid to the block K3, in the block K3, the filter data 12d shown in FIG. 8B (the same as the filter data 12d shown in FIG. 4D) is obtained. Printing is performed based on the result of the AND processing with the print data.
Here, for example, focusing on the 4 dots in the upper left corner of the paper,
The dot immediately below the dot in the upper left corner printed by the nozzle N31 is printed by the nozzle N126 at the (4) th position. It goes without saying that the blocks K0, K1 and K2 are also printed by the same process as described above.

Not only the above-mentioned four dots at the left corner, but also for any arbitrary dot, the dots adjacent to it are printed for each band in the same manner as described above, so that bleeding between dots is prevented. it can. Further, in the above-described embodiment, only the print nozzle for black (K) has been described. However, in Y, M, and C color printing as well, bleeding between colors can be prevented by using the filter data.

As described above, in this embodiment, the filter data for thinning the print data is downloaded together with the print data from the print data supply side such as the host computer, and the print data is printed by the print nozzle 9 by the downloaded filter data. Is controlled, it is possible to easily prevent the occurrence of bleeding without complicating the printing drive and without slowing the printing speed, and it is possible to print with high quality.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention, bleeding can be easily prevented and printing can be performed with high quality without complicating the printing drive and without slowing the printing speed. Benefits are obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a print head of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of downloaded filter data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing filter data used for high-quality printing in which printing nozzles of this embodiment are divided and printed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation when printing with high image quality by dividing the print nozzles of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation when printing with high image quality by dividing the print nozzles of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation when printing with high image quality by dividing the print nozzles of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation when printing with high image quality by dividing the print nozzles of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image Output Device 2 Input I / F Unit (Reception Unit) 3 Input Data Analysis Unit 4 Filter Data Storage Unit (Storage Unit) 5 Output Processing Unit (Output Adjustment Unit, Filter Data Allocation Unit) 6 Nozzle Selection Unit (Division Unit) 7 Output Buffer 8 Head Control Unit 9 Print Head (Recording Head) 10 Motor Control Unit 12, 12a to 12d Filter Data

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI Technical indication location B41J 2/01 H04N 1/23 101 C 1/46 B41J 3/04 101 A 101 Z H04N 1/46 Z

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An N for thinning out print data from an external device.
A receiving unit that downloads × M filter data, a storage unit that stores the filter data, a recording head that has a plurality of nozzles and records the print data on a recording medium, and the recording unit that is stored in the storage unit. An image output apparatus comprising: an output adjusting unit that adjusts an output of the storage head based on filter data. 2. A dividing unit that divides the plurality of nozzles by a predetermined number to divide the recording head into a plurality of blocks, and the filter data in each of the plurality of blocks divided by the dividing unit. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter data assigning unit that assigns. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output adjusting unit calculates a logical product of the file data and the print data and outputs the logical product as the output of the recording head.