JP2003140270A - Method and device and image recording - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for image recording which can obtain an image of high picture quality, free of deterioration in picture quality due to an aberration, error, etc., of an optical system for image recording using two-dimensionally arrayed light sources. SOLUTION: When an image formed by a group of the light sources which are arrayed two-dimensionally is recorded on a recording medium, the position of image recording by the light source group on the recording medium is moved in a direction including at least one component of the two-dimensional array directions of the light source group during the recording and respective pixels of the light source group are modulated according to the recorded image while the difference between the actual position of an image of the two-dimensionally arrayed light sources on the recording medium and an ideal position of the two-dimensionally arrayed light sources is taken into consideration to record the image on the recording medium.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technical field of image recording using a two-dimensional array light source such as a combination of a two-dimensional spatial modulation element and a light source, and more specifically, to image recording using a two-dimensional array light source. In the above, the present invention relates to an image recording method and an image recording apparatus capable of correcting aberration of an optical system and errors of various optical systems without using a zoom lens and a plurality of imaging optical systems.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In digital image exposure used in various printers, a laser beam is deflected in a main scanning direction, and a recording medium and an optical system are relatively moved in a sub scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The mainstream is so-called laser beam scanning exposure (raster scan), in which the recording medium is two-dimensionally exposed by a laser beam modulated according to a recorded image by moving the laser beam.

On the other hand, in recent years, a two-dimensional pixel array such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as LCD), a digital micromirror device (hereinafter, referred to as DMD), which has been used as a display means in a display, a monitor or the like. Various digital image recording apparatuses using a spatial light modulation element having are proposed. In this image recording apparatus, basically, the image formed by the spatial light modulator is projected / formed on the recording medium to expose the recording medium,
Record the image.

FIG. 20 shows an outline of image recording disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,049,901 and European Patent No. 0992350A1 as an example of image recording using DMD. As is well known, the DMD 100 is configured by arranging a large number of mirrors 102, and the light emitted from a light source (not shown) and reflected by the on (image recording state) mirror 102 is an imaging optical system. An image is recorded by forming an image on the recording medium Pt by 104.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the recording medium P
t is conveyed in the scanning direction (the arrow direction in the figure) that matches the one pixel array direction of the DMD 106 (the arrangement direction of the mirrors 102a to 102c in the figure). In FIG. 20A, the mirror 102a of the DMD 100 is on and the other mirrors 102 are off, and only the light reflected by the mirror 102a forms an image on the recording medium Pt, and this position (black coating) The image is recorded at (position).

The recording medium Pt is conveyed to the mirror 102a.
When the position where the image is recorded is moved by, the mirror 102a is correspondingly moved as shown in FIG.
Is turned off and only the mirror 102b is turned on, an image is recorded at the same position on the recording medium Pt, and when the recording medium Pt is further conveyed, as shown in FIG. Is turned off, only the mirror 102c is turned on, and the image is recorded at the same position. That is,
In this image recording method, the image display by the DMD 100 is switched according to the conveyance of the recording medium Pt, and the DMD
A display image on 100 is moved (shifted) in the scanning direction to follow / still the image on the conveyed recording medium Pt, and two-dimensional image recording is performed by multiple exposure by a plurality of mirrors 102.

[0007]

By the way, an optical system including such a light source and a spatial modulation element, or a light source arranged two-dimensionally (hereinafter, these are referred to as a two-dimensional array light source).
In an image recording apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium and projects / images the image on a recording medium, the resolution of the image to be recorded depends on the resolution (pixel pitch) of the two-dimensional array light source and the magnification of the imaging optical system. Will be decided.

Therefore, when there is a deviation from the design value in the resolution of the two-dimensional array light source or the magnification of the optical system, the resolution of the recorded image will be different from the design value. Is uncorrectable. Such an error in resolution is caused by a speed error in main scanning or sub-scanning, a dimensional error in a recording medium or mechanical parts due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, and
In the case of a drum scanner, the same occurs when there is an error in the diameter of the drum. In addition, 2 projected on the recording medium
The image of the two-dimensional array light source is the distortion aberration (barrel type,
It will be distorted due to the bobbin type. Therefore, an error occurs in the position of each pixel, and as a result, unevenness in the image, blurring of the edge portion, and the like occur, which deteriorates the image quality. Further, such image distortion is a problem that similarly occurs when there is image distortion due to a recording medium held on a position, or when irregularity is recognized in the array of the two-dimensional array light source.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. An optical system in which a light source and a two-dimensional spatial modulation element such as a DMD are combined, and a two-dimensionally arranged point light source is used. In an image recording using a two-dimensional array light source such as an optical system for forming an image by means of an image recording method and an image recording, it is possible to obtain a high quality image without deterioration of the image quality due to aberrations and errors of the optical system. Provide a device.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the image recording method of the present invention is such that an image formed by a light source group arranged two-dimensionally is recorded on a recording medium during recording. , Moving the image recording position on the recording medium by the light source group in a direction including at least one component of the two-dimensional array direction of the light source group, and corresponding to this movement, actually on the recording medium. In consideration of the difference between the image position of the two-dimensional array light source and the ideal position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium, each pixel of the light source group is modulated according to the recorded image, There is provided an image recording method characterized by recording an image.

The image recording apparatus of the present invention further comprises a two-dimensional array light source having two-dimensionally arrayed recording pixels, and an image recording position on the recording medium by the two-dimensional array light source during recording. A moving unit that moves in a direction including at least one component of the recording pixel array direction of the two-dimensional array light source, and an actual two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium corresponding to the movement of the image recording position by the moving unit. And a modulation unit that modulates each recording pixel of the two-dimensional array light source in accordance with a recorded image in consideration of a difference between an image position and an ideal position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium. An image recording device is provided.

In the present invention as described above, the modulating means is provided with a difference between a preset image position of the actual two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium and an ideal position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium. It is preferable that the modulation is performed by using a function indicating, and that the function changes with time, and further, the modulation means maps the image by the two-dimensional array light source onto a recording medium, or ,
The modulation is preferably performed by mapping a pattern to be recorded on the recording medium onto a two-dimensional array light source.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The image recording method and image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the image recording apparatus of the present invention for carrying out the image recording method of the present invention.
The image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
Is a recording pixel (light source group) arranged two-dimensionally.
As a two-dimensional array light source having a two-dimensional array light source, a two-dimensional array light source in which a two-dimensional spatial light modulator and a light source for illuminating the two-dimensional spatial light modulator are combined is used. drum)
By arranging the projection light from the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt by using and, the recording medium Pt is two-dimensionally exposed to record an image.

The recording apparatus 10 as described above basically has a light source (not shown) for emitting illumination light, a digital micromirror device 12 (hereinafter referred to as DMD 12) which is a two-dimensional spatial light modulator, and a collimator. Lens 14,
The optical deflector 16, the focusing lens 18, the sub-scanning drive system 20, the external drum 22 (hereinafter referred to as the drum 22), and the control means (not shown) for these are configured. A recording medium Pt is wound around the outer surface of the drum 22 and is held / fixed by a known means.

As a light source, a sufficient amount of light (illumination light)
Any light source that emits light according to the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the target recording medium Pt can be used as long as it can emit light. For example, if the recording medium Pt is a normal PS plate (conventional PS plate) that can be exposed to ultraviolet light, an ultrahigh pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, or the like may be used. Further, when the recording medium Pt is a heat mode recording medium having sensitivity to infrared light (heat), an infrared broad area laser diode (LD) or the like may be used. Other than these, a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or the like can be used depending on the recording medium Pt.

As is well known, the DMD 12 is a two-dimensional spatial light modulation element in which rectangular micromirrors that can rotate (swing) about a predetermined rotation axis by a predetermined angle are arranged two-dimensionally. By electrically rotating the micromirror,
The light is modulated for each micromirror (= pixel) to turn exposure on / off. In the recording device 10 of the illustrated example,
As an example, when the pixel interval is 17 μm, 1024 pixels × 1
A 280 pixel DMD 12 is used. Further, the rotation direction of the drum 22 (direction of arrow R in the figure) and the DMD 12 described later
The respective members are arranged so that one of the pixel row directions of the above is optically coincident with each other, and the axis line of the drum 22 and the other pixel row direction are optically coincident with each other. Hereinafter, the pixel column direction of the DMD 12 (the arrow Y direction in the drawing) opposite to the rotation of the drum 22 is the main scanning direction, and the right direction (the arrow X direction in the drawing) of the axial direction of the drum is the sub-scanning direction.

As described above, in the illustrated example, the DMD
A two-dimensional array light source is configured by combining 12 and the light source. Here, in the present invention, the two-dimensional spatial light modulator constituting the two-dimensional array light source is DMD1.
Besides 2, the liquid crystal shutter array in which liquid crystal shutters are two-dimensionally arranged, PLZT type, EO type, AO type, GLV type, etc. can be used. Further, in the present invention, the two-dimensional array light source is not limited to a combination of such a light source and a spatial light modulator. For example, an array light source in which point light sources such as LEDs are two-dimensionally arranged, a CRT or a backlight LC
A self-luminous display such as D (liquid crystal display) may be used as the two-dimensional array light source. However, as the two-dimensional array light source, the one in which the DMD 12 and the light source are combined is most preferable in terms of the modulation speed and the light utilization efficiency.

The collimator lens 14 makes the image-bearing light reflected by the DMD 12 incident on the optical deflector 16 as parallel light.

The light deflector 16 deflects the light incident through the collimator lens 14 in the substantially rotating direction of the drum 22 to generate DM as shown in FIG.
The incident position (image recording position) of the projection light on the recording medium Pt by D12 is set to DMD12 on the recording medium Pt to be main-scanned.
It is a follower that follows the projection light from. That is, the light deflector 16 basically deflects the projection light from the DMD 12 carrying an image in the drum rotation direction in synchronization with the rotation of the drum 22, thereby rotating the projection light. And is stopped at a fixed position on the recording medium Pt for a predetermined recording time (exposure time). In the following description, the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt is used.
Of the projection light of the frame F, and one image recording by the frame F stopped on the recording medium Pt by the deflection of the optical deflector 16
Record the frame. Therefore, one frame has a size of one screen (a range in which the DMD 12 can be exposed at one time) on the recording medium Pt by the DMD 12.

Here, in the present invention, the image recording position on the recording medium Pt is moved in a direction including at least one of the pixel arrangement directions of the two-dimensional array light source during image recording (exposure). In the recording device 10, the DMD 1
The optical system is configured such that the pixel arrangement direction of 2 and the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are optically matched, and in a preferred mode, the optical system is stationary on the recording medium Pt.
By providing a relative speed difference between the main scanning and the sub-scanning and the following of the frame F during image recording of the frame, both components in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as both main and sub components). The coma F (the incident position of the projection light from the DMD 12) is moved in a direction including. Hereinafter, the movement of the frame F during the recording of one frame is referred to as “shifting the frame F”.

In the recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, as a more preferable aspect, the optical deflector 16 which is the following means also serves as the moving means for shifting the frame F. Therefore, the deflection direction of the optical deflector 16 has a slight angle with respect to the rotation direction (main scanning direction), which allows the main / sub scanning to follow the frame F by itself. Has a relative speed difference. This point will be described in detail later.

The optical deflector 16 is a galvanometer mirror,
Polygon mirror, piezo system, lens drum 22
Various types such as an optical deflector that shifts in the rotation direction of the can be used. In the recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, a galvanometer mirror (hereinafter referred to as a galvanometer mirror) is used as a suitable example.

The focusing lens 18 is used for the optical deflector 1.
The projection light of the DMD 12 deflected by the
The image is formed at a predetermined position on the recording medium Pt that is wound around 2.

The drum 22 has a recording medium Pt on its outer surface.
Is a cylinder which is held / fixed by a known method in a state of being wound, and which rotates about an axis in a direction indicated by an arrow R opposite to the main scanning direction. As a result, the DMD 12 (two-dimensional array light source) and the recording medium Pt relatively move in the main scanning direction (that is, main scanning is performed). In the present invention, the target recording medium Pt is not particularly limited, and may be a light-sensitive material or a heat-sensitive material, and may have a film shape or a plate shape.

From the light source to DMD 12, collimator lens 1
4, the optical deflector 16, and the optical system reaching the focusing lens 18 are integrally unitized, and are moved at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction (the arrow X direction in the drawing) by the sub-scanning drive system 20. As a result, the DMD 12 and the recording medium Pt relatively move in the sub scanning direction (that is, the sub scanning is performed). The sub-scanning drive system 20 is a known one used in so-called drum scanners and the like. For example, a drive source (not shown), a movable table 20a on which a unitized optical system is mounted, and this movable table 20a To move,
The moving shaft 20b extends in the sub-scanning direction.

In the present invention, the means for holding the recording medium Pt and performing the main scanning and the sub-scanning is not limited to the (external) drum 22 as shown in the drawing, and the recording medium Pt can be used even in a flat bed. It may be an internal drum that holds the inside.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the recording timing control of the recording apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the light source 24,
The optical system such as the DMD 12 and the optical deflector 16 (the collimator lens 14 and the focusing lens 18 are omitted in FIG. 2) is integrally configured, and at least during image recording,
The sub-scanning drive system 20 continuously moves in the sub-scanning direction X at a constant speed.

As described above, during recording of the image, the recording medium P is
While the drum 22 holding t rotates, the optical deflector 1
6 is a frame F (projection light from the DMD 12)
By deflecting in the substantially main scanning direction in synchronization with the rotation of 2, the frame F is kept stationary on the recording medium Pt for a predetermined recording time and one frame is recorded. Further, during image recording, the optical system unit is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scanning drive system 20. A main scanning position detector 26 is provided on the drum 22 to control the timing, and
The sub-scanning drive system 20 is provided with a sub-scanning position detector 28 that detects the sub-scanning position. Main scanning position detector 26
For example, a rotary encoder that detects the rotational position of the drum 22 can be used.

The DMD 12 is connected to a modulation signal generator 30 which supplies image data for one frame (on / off of each micromirror). The modulation signal generator 30 includes
The image signal is input, and the DMD 1 is detected based on the detection signals from the main scanning position detector 26 and the sub scanning position detector 28.
The image signal to be sent to 2 is switched. In addition, the optical deflector 1
An optical deflector driver 32 is connected to 6. The optical deflector driver 32 drives the optical deflector 16 based on the detection signals of the main scanning position detector 26 and the sub scanning position detector 28, and causes the projection light from the DMD 12 to match the relative movement of the recording medium Pt. To deflect.

In the recording apparatus 10 as described above, the image of one frame which is statically recorded on the recording medium Pt by being followed by the optical deflector 16 as described above is recorded on the recording medium P.
Images are recorded so as to be arranged two-dimensionally in the image recording area of t.

Here, in image recording, the drum 22 is rotated once while the sub-scanning is stopped to form one row of one frame image by the DMD 12 in the main scanning direction (Y direction), and then the sub-scanning drive system 20. Recording is performed by moving the DMD 12 (optical system) in the sub-scanning direction by the size of one frame in the sub-scanning direction and repeating image recording for one row in the main scanning direction again. An image may be recorded by arranging the frames F on the entire surface of the medium Pt (in this case, the sub-scanning speed is 0). However, in the illustrated example, in order to reduce the recording time for one image and to reduce the load on the sub-scanning drive system 20, as a preferable mode, image recording is performed while continuously performing sub-scanning as described above. Go and drum 22
The frames F are arranged in a spiral pattern on the recording medium Pt that is wound around, and image recording is performed on the entire surface.

That is, in the recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, at the time when the drum 22 makes one revolution, the frame F to be recorded and the previously recorded frame F and the sub-frame F are recorded according to the rotation speed (main scanning speed) of the drum 22. The sub-scanning speed by the sub-scanning drive system 20 is set so as to be adjacent to each other in the scanning direction. As a result, spiral image recording is performed on the recording medium Pt wound on the drum 22, and the frames F are arranged in a stepwise manner in the main scanning direction as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. Then, image recording is performed on the entire surface of the recording medium Pt. In FIG. 3, the lower part shows the recording at the first rotation of the drum 22, the upper part shows the recording at the second rotation, and Ldr shows the length of one round of the drum 22. This recording method is described in Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 00-316622.

Here, in the recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, as described above, the projection light of the DMD 12 is deflected in the main scanning direction by the optical deflector 16 in synchronization with the rotation of the drum 22, thereby recording medium. The frame F is stopped on Pt and one frame is recorded. However, when image recording is performed while continuously performing sub-scanning, the optical deflector 16 moves in the main scanning direction.
Even if the frame F can be stopped by the deflection due to, the position of the frame F on the recording medium Pt moves in the sub-scanning direction, and the image is blurred. Therefore, in the recording device 10,
According to the positional deviation of the frame F due to the sub-scanning, the deflection direction is tilted in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the main scanning direction, and the frame F is more preferably kept stationary on the recording medium Pt during recording of one frame. Is preferred.

Here, as for the angle of the deflection direction with respect to the main scanning direction (direction of arrow Y), after recording one frame, the frame F to be recorded next has a pixel pitch in the sub-scanning direction (recording medium P).
It is preferable to set to move in the sub-scanning direction by an integral multiple of (pixel pitch on t). In particular, an integer multiple of the pixel pitch is Ny, the number of pixels in the main scanning direction for one frame is Nimg-y, and the pixel pitch in the main scanning direction for one frame is Pim.
gy When the pixel pitch of one frame in the sub-scanning direction is Pimg-x, it is preferable that the angle ψ of the deflection direction with respect to the main scanning direction satisfies the following formula. tan ψ = (Ny × Pimg-x) / (Nimg-y × Pimg-y
) Regarding this image recording method, Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 01-116470.

As described above, in the recording device 10,
Image recording of one frame is performed in a state in which the frame F (projection light of the DMD 12) follows the movement of the recording medium Pt and basically remains stationary on the recording medium Pt for a predetermined recording (exposure) time. Here, the recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example is according to the present invention, and includes a frame F for main scanning, sub scanning, and stillness.
By giving a relative speed difference with the follower of
As conceptually shown in FIG. 4, during recording of one frame, the image recording position on the recording medium Pt, that is, the position of the frame F is shifted in the direction including both the main and sub-components (direction of arrow V). Also, when the pixel (mirror) of the DMD 12 is positioned on the recording medium Pt at the position where the image should be recorded, the pixel is turned on in accordance with the image to be recorded in one frame together with the shift of the frame F. Then, the display image by the DMD 12 is modulated. In other words, the frame F for stillness corresponding to the main scanning and the sub-scanning of the recording medium Pt and the optical system.
Is caused to have a relative speed difference, and accordingly, each pixel of the DMD 12 is modulated in accordance with an image to be recorded. In the present invention, by having such a configuration, it is possible to correct the resolution in image recording using the two-dimensional array light source.

The recording apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The operation of image recording at 0 (invention) will be described. Figure 5
FIG. 5A conceptually shows a part of the frame F formed by the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt, and FIG. 5B conceptually shows an example of the resolution of an image recorded on the recording medium Pt. both,
One square has one pixel, that is, one pixel of the frame F on the recording medium Pt (resolution of the DMD 12) is different from one pixel of the target image (resolution of recording). Each pixel of the frame F on Pt and the recorded image have the relationship shown in FIG.

In this example, the pixel (mirror) of the DMD 12 whose center is included in the recorded image is turned on to record the image. That is, for example, if the image to be recorded is the image indicated by the thick frame in FIGS. 5B and 5C, D indicated by the crosshatch in which the center indicated by the black dot is included in the image recording area.
The pixel of MD12 is turned on. Here, the pixel whose center is included in the image recording area is changed by the shift of the frame F in the direction including both the main and sub components during the recording of one frame. In the present invention, the image is recorded by switching, that is, modulating the image displayed by the DMD 12 accordingly.

5A and 5B by a part of the frame F (projection light of the DMD 12) by the DMD 12 shown in FIG. 5A.
An example of the recording of the image indicated by the thick frame in (B) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. In this example,
As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, during recording of one frame, three pixels in the main scanning direction (arrow Y direction), one pixel in the sub scanning direction (arrow X direction), and a frame F are recorded. Shift. That is, the image is recorded by shifting the frame F in the main scanning direction: the sub scanning direction = 3: 1. In this example, as an example, the actual moving direction of the frame F is opposite to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the recording of one frame, the recording time (exposure time) is equally time-divided, and the display image of the DMD 12 is changed nine times, that is, the modulation is performed nine times.

As an example, recording of one frame is started from the state shown in FIG. In this state, the pixels a-3 and b-3 of the DMD 12 are displayed in the area of the recorded image indicated by the thick frame.
And the centers of c-1 to c-3 are included, the pixel is turned on and an image is recorded as shown by a cross hatch.

As described above, the recording medium Pt held on the drum 22 is rotated in the direction opposite to the main scanning direction. Further, the frame F is deflected in the same direction by the optical deflector 16 so that it is basically followed / still by the recording medium Pt, and is shifted in the direction containing both the main and sub components at the ratio of 3: 1. ing. 1/9 of the recording time for one frame has passed, that is, 3/9 pixels in the main scanning direction (arrow Y direction),
When the frame F is shifted by 1/9 pixel in the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow X) (hereinafter, simply "the frame F is shifted by a predetermined amount"), as shown in FIG.
2 is modulated and the image (projected image) is switched. That is, since the center of the pixel a-3 included in the recording start state deviates from the recording image area, only this pixel is turned off from the state shown in FIG. 6A.

When the frame F is further shifted by a predetermined amount, FIG.
As shown in (C), the DMD 12 is modulated to turn off the pixel c-1 whose center is out of the recorded image area and turn on the pixels d-2 and 3 whose center is newly entered in the recorded image area. . When the frame F is further shifted by a predetermined amount, the result shown in FIG.
As shown in (D), the DMD 12 is modulated, and the pixel c-2 decentered from the recorded image area is turned off.

Thereafter, similarly, FIG. 7E to FIG.
As shown in (I), every time the frame F shifts by a predetermined amount, the DMD 12 is modulated, the pixel whose center is out of the recording image area is off, and the pixel whose center is in the recording image area is o.
n to record the image. Finally, when the frame F is shifted by a predetermined amount from the state shown in FIG. 8 (I) to reach the state shown in FIG. 9, the frame F is shifted by 3 pixels in the main scanning direction and by 1 pixel in the sub scanning direction. That is, the recording of one frame is completed, all the pixels are turned off, and the pixels are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction according to the movement of the recording medium Pt (rotation of the drum 22) and the state of the optical deflector 16. Image recording of the next frame is started.

That is, in the recording of one frame shown in FIGS. 6A to 9, the recording is performed so that the areas shown by the cross hatches in FIGS. 6A to 8I overlap, that is, The image is recorded as conceptually shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the image recording method of the present invention, the image recording is performed up to an area slightly exceeding the ideal resolution of the target recording image, but the recording is performed in the target image recording area. Since the amount of recording (exposure) in the protruding portion is concentrated, there is no problem in terms of image quality.

In the conventional image recording using a two-dimensional array light source, one pixel of the two-dimensional array light source (DM in the illustrated example is used.
Only a resolution that is an integral multiple of one pixel of the projection light of D12) can be expressed. Therefore, if there is an error in the pitch of the DMD 12 (two-dimensional array light source), an error in the imaging optical system from the design value, an error in the diameter of the drum 22, an error in the main scanning or sub-scanning speed, and When dimensional errors occur in the recording medium Pt and mechanical parts due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, the resolution of the recorded image reflects these errors and differs from the design value. Was there. Further, in order to correct these, it is necessary to prepare a zoom lens and an image forming optical system for correction.

On the other hand, as is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the coma F (projection light of the two-dimensional array light source) is recorded in the image recording using the two-dimensional array light source utilizing the DMD 12 or the like. By shifting (moving) in the direction including the main and sub amount components and modulating the two-dimensional array light source according to the image to be recorded, image recording similar to so-called scanning exposure can be performed. That is, according to the present invention,
Regardless of the resolution of the two-dimensional array light source, by modulating each pixel of the two-dimensional array light source according to the target resolution and image, it is possible to record an image at any resolution without using a zoom lens or the like. It can be carried out. Therefore, it is necessary to know in advance the error of the imaging optical system, the pitch error of the DMD 12, the dimensional error of the recording medium Pt and the mechanical parts due to the fluctuation of the temperature / humidity, and the like. By knowing (calculating) the imaging position of each pixel of the DMD 12 on the medium Pt and performing modulation according to the image of the target resolution as described above, a high-quality image that does not cause a resolution error can be obtained. Obtainable. Furthermore, by performing such modulation in accordance with the shift of the frames according to the image of the target resolution, it is possible to record the image of any resolution, that is, the resolution conversion can be easily performed.

Further, according to the present invention in which the image is recorded by shifting the coma by the DMD 12 (two-dimensional array light source) as described above, not only the error of the resolution described above but also the optical system (mainly the focusing lens 18) is used. It is also possible to correct the image quality deterioration due to the distortion aberration of the above (hereinafter, also referred to as the correction of the distortion aberration).

As is well known, since the lens has distortion aberration (pincushion type, barrel type, etc.), the coma imaged on the recording medium Pt is also distorted accordingly. Therefore, when images are formed by arranging such coma as shown in FIG. 3, there are areas where no coma (image) is projected and areas where a plurality of coma overlaps depending on the distortion due to the distortion aberration. As a result, streaky unevenness or the like occurs in the image.
On the other hand, according to the present invention in which the frame is scanned by the DMD 12 to perform exposure, the distortion aberration can be corrected by finding the state of the distortion aberration of the optical system in advance and modulating each pixel of the DMD 12 accordingly. Corrected and proper images can be recorded.

For example, in recording one frame, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), 3 represented by a, b and c
The same 3-pixel key-type image as described above is recorded at the location. At this time, the frame F by the DMD 12 is
It is assumed that an image is formed on the recording medium Pt with distortion due to the focusing lens 18 as shown in (B) (pincushion type in the illustrated example). On the other hand, the image at the position a in FIG. 11A is the DMD 12 shown in FIG.
The image at the same position b is recorded in the area indicated by the circle a of the frame F, and the image at the same position c is recorded in the area indicated by the same circle c. As shown in FIG. 11B, at position b and position c, the image is distorted due to distortion.

The distortion of the coma F due to such an aberration is known in advance, and the DMD 12 is modulated accordingly. As a specific example, by previously understanding the distortion of the coma F due to the distortion aberration, and taking this into consideration,
It is possible to know the position on the recording medium Pt of each pixel (center thereof) of the DMD 12 at each modulation (the position where the above-mentioned frame is shifted by a predetermined amount) according to the shift of the frame. Therefore, according to this, as in the previous example, by turning on the pixels of the DMD 12 whose center is included in the image to be recorded, it is possible to record an appropriate image in which the distortion is corrected.

As an example, similarly to the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 10, the frame F is shifted in the main scanning direction: the sub scanning direction = 3: 1, and one frame is formed by evenly modulating 9 times. Record. At this time, if the image shown in FIG. 11 is recorded, the position a in FIG.
The image recording of FIG. 12 is as shown in FIG. 12A, that is, it is similar to the recording shown in FIGS. Needless to say, the recording at each position in FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 6 (A) to FIG. 8 (I) in order from the top.

On the other hand, the position b of the coma F has a slight distortion due to the distortion, and the position c of the coma F has a larger distortion. However, as mentioned above,
In this example, since this distortion is known in advance, it is possible to find the position of each pixel of the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt at each modulation in consideration of this distortion, and accordingly, the coma At each modulation position shifted by a predetermined amount, the pixel in which the center of the frame F is included in the image to be recorded is turned on. Therefore, the modulation of each pixel of the DMD 12 at the position b is as shown in FIG. 12 (B), while the modulation of each pixel of the DMD 12 at the position c is as shown in FIG. 12 (C).

In the image recording shown in FIG. 12, DM
When only the turned-on pixels of D12 are extracted, they become as shown in (A), (B) and (C) of FIG. 13. Therefore, the key type image at each position of a, b and c becomes
As shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C. That is, according to the present invention, by utilizing the frame shift, as in the previous example, although there is some protrusion that does not cause a problem in image quality, as shown in FIG. 14, the optical system has it. It is possible to record an appropriate image with the distortion aberration corrected.

Thereafter, the DMD 12 while shifting the frame F
When modulating each pixel of the (two-dimensional array light source), an error of the image recording / imaging optical system, a pitch error of the DMD 12 and the like are known in advance, and a modulation method in which an error of the resolution due to the error is added is shown in FIG. An example will be described with reference to. Further, FIG. 16 shows an example of a control block diagram for executing this modulation method.

As shown in the upper left part of FIG. 15, the DMD
In the pixel array direction of 12, the i-th pixel in one direction and the j-th pixel in the other direction are defined as pixel (i, j).
In the illustrated example, i is the sub-scanning direction (X direction).
And j corresponds to the main scanning direction (Y direction). Further, the pixel pitch of the DMD 12 in the main scanning direction is Δy, and the pixel pitch of the sub scanning direction is Δx. Therefore, (i * Δx, j
* Δy) gives the center position (x) of this pixel (i, j)
_i , y _j ) can be obtained.

The function indicating the shift amount in the sub-scanning direction is Fx,
The function indicating the shift amount in the main scanning direction is Fy. this
According to the DMD1 at time t during the recording of one frame.
2 center position (x) of the pixel (i, j)_i, Y_j) Throw
The position on the image is (Fx (x _i, Y_j, T), Fy (x
_i, Y_j, T)). Below this position
To the image center position (X_i, Y_j). 16 shown in FIG.
In the lock diagram, these functions correspond to Fx and Fy.
Using a shift amount determination LUT (lookup table)
Image center position (X_i, Y_j) Is getting.

In the present invention, the functions Fx and Fy (determination LUT) take into consideration not only the shift amount of the frame F but also the previously found pitch error of the DMD 12, the dimensional error of the mechanical parts due to temperature fluctuation, and the like. To set. As a result, in image recording using a two-dimensional array light source,
It is possible to record an image with an appropriate resolution with the resolution error corrected. Alternatively, the functions Fx and Fy are
As described above, it is possible to record a high-quality image in which the distortion aberration is corrected by previously knowing the distortion aberration of the focusing lens 18 and the like and making a decision by taking this into consideration. Further, in the present invention, it is needless to say that image recording is preferably performed so as to correct both such a resolution error and distortion.
Is based on the knowledge of both resolution error and distortion,
It may be determined in consideration of this.

The dimensions of the recording medium Pt due to temperature fluctuations and the like may change with time, that is, the error in resolution and the like may also change with time. Therefore, the functions Fx and Fy may be changed (changed) over time. This change of the function may be performed according to the measurement result of the environmental greenhouse degree or the like, may be performed according to a preset sequence, or both may be used together.

On the other hand, in the output resolution of the image to be recorded, the pixel pitch in the main scanning direction is ΔY and the pixel pitch in the sub scanning direction is ΔX. As described above, the center position (x _i , y _j ) of the pixel (i, j) of the DMD 12 becomes the image center position (X _i , Y _j ) on the projected image. Therefore, by dividing the image center position by the pixel pitch, it is possible to know at which pixel on the bitmap of the recorded image the image center position is located (round [(X _i / ΔX)], round [(Y _j
/ ΔY)]) corresponds to on pixel (m _on , n _on ) _on the image bitmap of the image to be recorded, if DMD 12 is modulated to turn on pixel (i, j),
Image recording as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9 can be performed. In the above equation, "round" indicates rounding. Further, in the present example, as an example, in the image bitmap, m corresponds to the sub-scanning direction and n corresponds to the main scanning direction.

Here, in image recording using a two-dimensional array light source such as the recording device 10, shading occurs due to variations in the projected image size of each pixel, variations in light intensity, position errors, and the like. . For example, in the case of printed matter, the shading causes variations in the reproduced half-tone (locality depending on the position of the area ratio), which is a problem in image quality, and correction is necessary. Normally, the shading correction is performed by correcting the light intensity of each pixel, but according to the recording method of the present invention in which the frame F is shifted and recording is performed,
Shading can be corrected by direct correction of the area ratio instead of intensity correction.

A position obtained by dividing the image center position by the pixel pitch ((X _i / ΔX, Y _j / ΔY), which will be referred to as a DMD image hereinafter), and an on-pixel (m
_on , n _on ), the absolute value of the difference in the corresponding direction indicates the deviation of the central position between the DMD image and the on pixel. Therefore, this absolute value is compared with a threshold Thr (a positive number) that is appropriately set for each of the main and sub, and when the absolute value in both the main and sub directions is less than or equal to the threshold Thr, the pixel of the DMD 12 ( By controlling the modulation so that i, j) is turned on, the area ratio of the recorded image can be controlled. _{That, | (X i / ΔX)} -m on | ≦ Thr m | (Y j / ΔY) -n on | when satisfying ≦ Thr _n together, pixels of DMD 12 (i, j) to o
The area ratio of the recorded image can be controlled by controlling the modulation so as to control the area.

The threshold value may be appropriately determined according to the shading of the optical system. For example, Thr _m = Th
If r _n = 0.5, the standard image recording without the correction described above is performed, that is, the DMD image (X _i / Δ
X, Y _j / ΔY) is the on pixel (m
_In this example, the pixel (i, j) of the DMD 12 is turned on when it exists in _on , n _on ). On the other hand, Thr _m = Th
If r _n = 0.6, even if the DMD image deviates from the on pixel of the image bitmap by 0.1 pixel, the pixel remains on.
Therefore, the area ratio can be increased. On the contrary, Thr _m =
In the case of Thr _n = 0.4, unless the DMD image is present in a region smaller by 0.1 pixel than the on pixel of the image bitmap, that pixel is not turned on, and the area ratio is reduced. Further, when Thr _m and Thr _n are set to different values, the area ratio can be controlled in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction (vertical and horizontal of the image).

In this modulation method, the image from the DMD 12 (two-dimensional array light source) is mapped onto the recording medium Pt, and the image pattern to be recorded on the recording medium Pt is compared with each pixel image position of the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt. The on / off of each pixel of the DMD 12 is determined by doing so, but the present invention is not limited to this, and conversely, the pattern to be recorded on the recording medium Pt is mapped to the two-dimensional array light source to turn on / off of each pixel of the DMD 12. / Off may be determined.

FIG. 17 shows the DMD 12 on the recording medium Pt in the image recording shown in FIGS.
The concept of the movement of each pixel (mirror) is shown. As described above, in this example, when printing one frame, the main scanning direction is:
Sub-scanning direction = 1 pixel: Shifting the frame F by 3 pixels,
Since the modulation of the times is equally time-divisionally performed, each pixel of the DMD 12 moves as shown by the arrow, and the modulation is performed at the position of the point, for example. Pixel position Pix of one pixel indicated by an arrow
At this pixel position Pix, three pixels (mirrors of the DMD 12) are recorded in the image recording of one frame.
It travels from end to end in the main scanning direction at equal intervals in the sub-scanning direction, and each is modulated three times at equal intervals, that is, in phase. That is, in this example, 1
At the pixel position at the start of recording a frame, an image of 9 pixels of 3 × 3 is uniformly recorded in the main × sub-scanning direction per pixel. Therefore, the resolution of the DMD 12 is 9 pixels.
Image recording is performed with a resolution equivalent to double (3 times in one direction). In the present invention, this makes it possible to correct the distortion aberration as described above and the resolution error due to the temperature fluctuation and the like.

Here, in the recording apparatus 10 of the present invention,
In such a shift of the frame F in the recording of one frame, the shift direction and amount are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined according to the resolution of the image to be recorded and the like.
The direction and amount of shift may be fixed, variable, or settable as appropriate. further,
In the illustrated example, the frame F is shifted in the reverse direction with respect to the main / sub scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the frame F is moved in the forward direction with respect to the main / sub scanning direction. May be shifted, or may be forward in the main scanning direction and reverse in the sub scanning direction.

Here, the pixels of the DMD 12 (pixel pitch)
In units of A direction and B direction,
It is preferable to move by one pixel or more. Particularly, the number of shift pixels in the A direction and the B direction is set such that one is an integer of 1 and the other is an integer of 2 or more, or an integer of 1 or more which is relatively prime, and the larger number of shift pixels is squared evenly. It is preferable to divide the process. Alternatively, after satisfying the above conditions,
When the resolution change ratio in the A direction corresponding to the target resolution change ratio is a and the change ratio in the B direction is b,
In the recording of one frame, the number of pixels is b in the A direction and less than that in the B direction, or a pixel is A pixels in the B direction.
In the direction, it is also preferable to shift the coma F by the number of pixels smaller than that and further perform a × b times of modulation evenly in time division. Even in this case, it is preferable that the number of shift pixels in the A direction and the B direction is one and one is an integer of 2 or more, or an integer of 1 or more, which is relatively prime.

By satisfying the above conditions, the DMD 12
The recording resolution of FIG.
It is possible to preferably carry out image recording in which the resolution and the distortion aberration are corrected as shown in FIG. Note that either the A direction or the B direction in the above conditions may be the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction.

A method of shifting the frame F (projection light) as described above, that is, a method of providing a relative speed difference between the main / sub scanning and the tracking of the frame F during recording of one frame is as follows. There is no particular limitation, and various methods can be used. For example,
Method using the optical deflector 12, main scanning speed (drum 22
Peripheral velocity) and the follow-up of the frame F for stationary, a method of making a difference between the sub-scanning speed and the follow-up speed in the sub-scanning direction by the optical deflector, and the recording medium Pt (in the illustrated example, Examples thereof include a method of moving the drum 22), a method of moving the optical system, and a method of combining these.

As described above, in the recording device 10,
In a preferred mode, the optical deflector 16 which is a follower of the frame F in recording one frame is configured to shift (move) the frame F.
It also serves as a means. Therefore, DM by the optical deflector 16
The deflection direction of the projection light of D12 is slightly tilted in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the main scanning direction. As a result, a relative speed difference is imparted to the frame F following the recording medium Pt with respect to the main scanning and the sub-scanning, and the frame F is shifted in the direction including both the main and sub components during recording of one frame.

Here, the deflection direction and the like by the optical deflector 16 may be determined as follows according to the desired shift amount and direction, or the angle ψ and the like, for example.

If the peripheral speed of the drum 22, that is, the main scanning speed is Vy, a position Y (in the main scanning direction (arrow Y direction)) at one point on the recording medium Pt at a certain time t in the recording of one frame is performed. t) becomes “Y (t) = − Vy * t” as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the deflection speed of the optical deflector 16 (galvano mirror in the illustrated example) on the recording medium Pt is Vy ′, there is a certain pixel (pixel of the DMD 12) on the recording medium Pt in one frame recording. Position Y ′ (t) in the main scanning direction at time t
Is "Y '(t) =-Vy' * t" as shown in FIG.
Becomes In the illustrated example, since the optical deflector 16 is a galvanometer mirror, the optical deflector 16 swings in the opposite direction after the recording time T has passed, and the position is indicated by the alternate long and short dash line.

If the recording time for one frame is T,
The shift amount in the main scanning direction in the above-described recording of one frame can be represented by the difference ΔY between the two. That is, ΔY = Y ′ (T) −Y (T) ΔY = −Vy ′ * T − (− Vy * T) Vy ′ = Vy− (ΔY / T)

On the other hand, in recording one frame, the recording medium P
The position of one point on t in the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow X) at a certain time t does not move. On the other hand, the sub-scanning drive system 20
Is Vx, the position X (t) in the sub-scanning direction of a pixel at a certain time t due to the sub-scanning speed.
As shown in FIG. 18B, “X (t) = Vx *
t ”. Further, when the moving speed of a certain pixel in the sub-scanning direction by the optical deflector 16 is Vx ', a position X'of the certain pixel in the sub-scanning direction at a certain time t due to this is Vx'.
(T) is “X ′ (t) = Vx ′ *” as shown in FIG.
t ”.

Similarly, assuming that the recording time for one frame is T,
The shift amount in the sub-scanning direction in the above-described recording of one frame can be represented by the difference ΔX between the two. That is, ΔX = X ′ (T) −X (T) ΔX = Vx * t−Vx ′ * t Vx ′ = Vx− (ΔX / T)

When viewed from the optical system (DMD12),
A certain point on the recording medium Pt is determined by the sub-scanning speed Vx and the peripheral speed Vy of the drum 22. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8 (C), in the recording of one frame with the recording time of T, the amount of shift is changed from the point determined by Vx * T and Vy * T depending on the main scanning speed and the sub-scanning speed. The optical deflector 16 may be set so that the light is deflected toward a position shifted by ΔX and ΔY.

Here, the angle formed by the main scanning direction and the deflection direction of the optical deflector 16 is θ, and the deflection speed of the optical deflector 16 is Vg.
Then, “Vx ′ = Vg * sin θ” and “Vy ′ = Vg * c”
Therefore, tan θ = (Vx ′ / Vy ′) = [Vx− (ΔX / T)] / [Vy− (ΔY / T)] = (Vx * T−ΔX) / ([Vy * T−ΔY) Becomes That is, the optical deflector 16 is designed to satisfy this.
By setting the angle, the main scanning speed (rotational speed of the drum 22), the sub-scanning speed, and the like, it is possible to shift the frame F including both the target main and sub components in the recording of one frame.

Here, as described above, the shift direction of the frame F may be forward or reverse with respect to the main / sub-scanning direction. Therefore, ΔX and ΔY are positive /
It can be either negative, that is, tan θ = (Vx * T ± ΔX) /, depending on the direction of shift of the frame F.
The angle of the light changer 16 may be set so as to satisfy ([Vy * T ± ΔY).

A method of shifting the frame F deflected by the optical deflector 16 in image recording in which one frame is recorded (exposure) by keeping the frame F stationary on the recording medium Pt by such follow-up scanning, The method of tilting the optical deflector 16 is not limited to this, and various methods can be used.

For example, by using an image rotation element such as a Dove prism, the projection light deflected by the optical deflector 16 is incident on the image rotation element, and the rotation angle of the image rotation element is adjusted to deflect the projection light. The frame F may be shifted by changing (rotating) the direction. FIG. 19 summarizes the relationship between the rotation angles (0 °, 90 °, 180 °, and 270 °) of the Dove prism, the image rotator prism, and the Pechan prism and the state of the optical path change of the incident light, that is, the shift state of the coma F. Indicate. Even if three mirrors are combined, the projection light can be shifted (rotated) like the image rotator prism.

Further, the optical deflector 16 is mounted on a goniometer stage having a rotation axis which is optically coincident with the optical axis of the focusing lens 18, and the optical deflector 16 is rotated by adjusting the angle of the goniometer stage. Alternatively, the frame F may be shifted by adjusting the deflection direction of the projection light. Further, instead of this goniometer stage, a regulating member such as a pin is provided at a position corresponding to the center of rotation of the goniometer stage to regulate the rotation of the optical deflector 16 and to move the optical deflector 16 away from the regulating member. By pushing and pulling, the optical deflector 16
The frame F may be shifted by adjusting the rotation.

Although the image recording method and apparatus of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course it is okay.

For example, the above example is an image recording apparatus for performing follow-up scanning for recording an image of one frame by deflecting the projection light of the two-dimensional array light source and keeping the projection light (frame) on the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this,
For example, as shown in FIG. 20 described above, by moving (shifting) an image in a two-dimensional array light source, the projection light of the two-dimensional array light source is stopped on the recording material to perform multiple exposure. , Can be suitably used. At this time, as an example, the shift of the same image from the most upstream pixel row to the most downstream pixel row in the main scanning direction of the two-dimensional array light source is regarded as one frame in the above-mentioned example, and one frame is similarly processed. It is only necessary to move the frame in the direction including the components in both the main and sub directions during the image recording.

Further, in the illustrated example, the projection light of the two-dimensional array light source is shifted in the direction including both the main and sub components of the two-dimensional array light source, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the main /
The projection light may be shifted only in one sub-direction, and the resolution may be arbitrarily set only in this direction.

[0084]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a combination of a light source and a spatial modulation element such as a DMD, a light source in which point light sources such as LEDs are two-dimensionally arranged,
In image recording using a two-dimensional array light source having two-dimensionally arranged optical recording elements, a resolution error caused by an error in the optical system from a design value, and distortion of the optical system No image distortion due to aberration, etc.
A high quality image can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing image recording timing control of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining image recording by the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram for explaining projection light by a DMD, FIG. 5B is a recording image, and FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

6A to 6C are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

7 (D) to (F) are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

8 (G) to (I) are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view conceptually showing an image by the image recording performed in FIGS. 6 to 9.

11A is a recorded image, and FIG. 11B is a distorted D.
It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating each projection light by MD.

12A to 12C are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

13A to 13C are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording according to the present invention.

14A to 14C are views conceptually showing an image by the image recording performed in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an example of a procedure of a modulation method of the present invention in which modulation is performed using a function.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a control block diagram for performing a modulation method using a function.

FIG. 17 is a diagram conceptually showing image recording in FIGS. 6 to 9.

18A to 18C are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a method of moving projection light in image recording of the present invention.

20A to 20C are conceptual diagrams for explaining image recording using a conventional two-dimensional array light source.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 (Image) recording device 12 DMD 14 Collimator lens 16 Optical deflector 18 Focusing lens 20 Sub-scan drive system 22 (External) Drum 24 light sources 26 Main scanning position detector 28 Sub-scanning position detector 30 Modulation signal generator 32 Optical deflector driver Pt recording medium

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Daisuke Nakatani             798 Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture             Shishi Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Sunagawa             798 Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture             Shishi Film Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C162 AE28 AF53 FA09                 2H106 AA41 AA71 BH00

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. When recording an image formed by a two-dimensionally arranged light source group on a recording medium, the image recording position of the light source group on the recording medium is recorded during recording. The two-dimensional array light source is moved in a direction including at least one component of the two-dimensional array direction, and in response to this movement, the actual image position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium and the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium. The image recording method is characterized in that each pixel of the light source group is modulated in accordance with a recorded image, and the image is recorded on the recording medium in consideration of the ideal position difference. 2. A two-dimensional array light source having recording pixels arranged two-dimensionally, and an image recording position on the recording medium by the two-dimensional array light source during recording, the recording pixel array of the two-dimensional array light source. A moving unit that moves in a direction including at least one component of the direction, and an actual image position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium and the recording medium on the recording medium corresponding to the movement of the image recording position by the moving unit. The image recording apparatus, further comprising: a modulator that modulates each recording pixel of the two-dimensional array light source in accordance with the recorded image, taking into consideration the ideal difference in position of the two-dimensional array light source. 3. The modulation means indicates a difference between a preset image position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium and an ideal position of the two-dimensional array light source on the recording medium. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the modulation is performed using a function. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the function changes with time. 5. The modulation means performs the modulation by mapping an image formed by the two-dimensional array light source onto a recording medium, or by mapping a pattern to be recorded on the recording medium onto the two-dimensional array light source. Item 5. The image processing device according to any one of items 2 to 4.