JP2008221729A - Recording apparatus and registration adjustment method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform registration adjustment corresponding to such a recording medium when recording is performed on a recording medium curved unevenly in a scanning direction of a recording head.
The two set by the user so as to record a test pattern constituted by recording in forward scanning and recording in backward scanning at two or more positions including a concave portion and a convex portion of a recording medium. Information on each of the above positions is received. Control is performed so that a plurality of test patterns are recorded at each position in the received information by changing the recording timing in the backward scanning with reference to the recording in the forward scanning. The recording timing when the best test pattern selected from the plurality of test patterns is recorded is stored, and the image is adjusted by reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing. Let's record.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording by reciprocating a recording head and a registration adjustment method for the recording apparatus.

  For example, as information output devices in personal computers, word processors, facsimiles, and the like, printers that record information such as desired characters and images on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or film are widely used. Various methods are known as printer recording methods, but the inkjet method has attracted particular attention in recent years because it allows non-contact recording on recording media such as paper, is easy to color, and is quiet. Yes.

  As an inkjet printer, a serial recording printer in which a recording head is mounted on a carriage and performs recording while reciprocating the recording head in a direction crossing the feeding direction of the recording medium is generally used. Among them, in order to improve the recording speed, a recording method called reciprocal recording or bidirectional recording, in which ink is ejected from the recording head in both the forward path and the backward path of the reciprocating scanning, is often used. . Furthermore, in recent years, in order to further improve the recording speed, a recording head called a multi-nozzle head in which a large number of nozzles as recording elements are arranged in an integrated manner tends to be employed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the moving speed (scanning speed) of the recording head and the landing position of the ink droplet. Consider the case where the recording head 5 mounted on a carriage (not shown) is moving at a scanning speed V in the direction indicated by A in the figure.

  The distance between the recording head 5 and the recording medium 1 is d. When the recording head 5 ejects the ink droplet 303 toward the recording medium 1 at the position indicated by reference numeral 307 in the drawing at the ejection speed Vd, the ink droplet 303 flies in a speed and direction obtained by combining the scanning speed V and the ejection speed Vd. To do. In this case, the landing position of the ink droplet 303 on the recording medium 1 is deviated by a distance indicated by δ in the direction indicated by A with respect to the position indicated by 307 where the recording head 5 actually ejects the ink droplet 303, as shown in the figure. 306.

  When performing reciprocal recording, if the direction indicated by A is the scanning direction in the forward path of the recording head 5, the scanning direction in the backward path is the direction indicated by B, which is the opposite direction to A. Here, when ink is ejected at a position indicated by 307 in the return path, the ink droplet 303 is landed at a position indicated by 310 that is shifted from the position indicated by 307 in the opposite direction to the forward landing position 306 by a distance δ. As a result, even if ink droplets are ejected at the same position in the forward path and the backward path, the landing position is shifted on the recording medium by a distance from 306 to 310, that is, 2 × δ.

  In general, an ink jet printer ejects ink droplets in an area where a recording head moves at a constant speed. For this reason, in order to eliminate the deviation of the landing position in the reciprocating recording, the registration adjustment is performed so that the discharge position in the return path corresponding to the discharge position 307 in the forward path becomes a position indicated by 313 in the drawing. Hereafter, cash register adjustment is performed.

  As a conventional technique for performing registration adjustment in reciprocating recording, there is a technique for performing registration adjustment by recording a linear pattern perpendicular to the reciprocating scanning direction or a linear pattern parallel to the reciprocating scanning direction in the forward path and the backward path (for example, patents). Reference 1).

  Hereinafter, the registration adjustment performed by recording the conventional linear pattern in the forward path and the backward path will be described with reference to FIG.

  5A and 5B show recording data for recording in the forward path and recording data for recording in the backward path, respectively. Further, bidirectional recording is performed by transporting a recording medium for each recording on the forward path or recording on the return path.

  (A) to (e) in FIG. 5 are linear patterns as test patterns, which are recorded by shifting the ejection timing in the recording in the return path with reference to the recording in the outward path. Here, the scanning position on the recording medium in the recording in the forward path and the recording in the backward path is different by the conveyance amount of the recording medium. In FIG. 5, the recording pattern for which normal registration adjustment has been performed is (c), which is a straight line perpendicular to the reciprocating scanning direction.

  That is, one straight line pattern is formed by alternately recording 8 dot straight lines that are perpendicular to the reciprocating scanning direction every 4 dots. By determining whether or not the straight lines recorded by the scanning in each direction of each linear pattern are shifted by shifting the discharge timing of the recording in the backward path with respect to the recording in the forward path, and shifting the linear pattern. Adjust cash register.

  Similarly, referring to FIG. 6, a registration adjustment performed by recording a conventional line pattern in the forward path and the backward path will be described.

  6A and 6B show recording data for recording in the forward path and recording data for recording in the backward path, respectively. In addition, the recording in the forward path and the recording in the backward path are performed without transporting the recording medium to form one line-shaped pattern, and then the bidirectional recording is performed by transporting the recording medium.

  6 (a) to 6 (e) are line patterns as test patterns, which are recorded by shifting the ejection timing in the return pass recording with reference to the forward pass recording. Here, the scanning position on the recording medium in the forward recording and the backward recording is the same. In FIG. 6, the recording pattern in which the normal registration adjustment has been performed is (c), and there is no linear portion that is not recorded in the direction perpendicular to the reciprocating scanning direction, which is a uniform band-like line in the reciprocating scanning direction. ing.

  That is, a 100% solid image is formed by recording 50% of blocks of the number of nozzles of the recording head × 4 pixels so that the recording in the forward pass and the return pass are in a complementary relationship. A plurality of the line-shaped patterns are recorded by shifting the ejection timing of the recording in the backward path with respect to the recording in the forward path, and it is determined whether or not the lines recorded by the scanning in each direction of each line-shaped pattern are uniform. To adjust the cash register.

  5 and 6, after the test pattern recording is completed, the user selects a pattern having the smallest or most uniform linear deviation from a plurality of patterns and inputs the selection result to the recording apparatus. To do. Thereafter, the printing apparatus corrects the ejection timing in the backward direction corresponding to the selection result.

  On the other hand, the recording medium may be curved and uneven in the scanning direction of the recording head. For example, the recording medium may swell due to ink recorded on the recording medium, causing waving (cockling), and the distance from the nozzle of the recording head to the opposing recording medium (inter-paper distance) may not be constant.

  A technique for performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording on such a curved recording medium is disclosed. For example, there is one that performs recording by correcting the ink landing position on the surface of the recording medium by controlling the ink ejection timing based on the displacement information relating to the displacement of the recording medium from the reference value of the inter-paper distance (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

  Hereinafter, the conventional registration adjustment based on the distance between sheets will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows a paper interval signal by a paper interval sensor that detects the interval between papers mounted on a carriage that drives the recording head in the scanning direction. (B) is an encoder detection signal by an encoder provided extending in the scanning direction of the carriage. (C) is a heater drive timing signal for setting the ink discharge timing of the recording head based on the position of the carriage obtained by the encoder.

  The inter-paper signal is n = 0 when the inter-paper distance is the maximum (reference value), and n increases stepwise up to 3 as it decreases. The value of n varies depending on the displacement information that is the difference between the detected inter-paper distance and the reference value. The latch signal generated in accordance with the detection signal from the encoder is delayed by four times by time T + nt (n = 0, 1, 2, 3) depending on the value of n, thereby generating the heater drive timing signal (C).

As described above, by changing the delay time of the ejection timing of the ink droplets corresponding to the displacement from the reference value of the inter-paper distance, the deviation of the ink droplets from the originally intended landing position can be corrected.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-081190 JP-A-11-240146

  However, providing the paper gap sensor in the printing apparatus increases the cost of the printing apparatus and makes the user bear the cost. Even if a paper gap sensor is mounted, accurate ink ejection timing is not always obtained due to the accuracy of the paper gap sensor.

  On the other hand, in a recording apparatus without a paper gap sensor, there is a method of predicting the degree of cockling from the discharge amount and correcting the ink discharge timing according to the prediction result. However, since the ejection angle from the recording head differs depending on the individual recording head, accurate prediction is not always possible, and accurate correction of the ink ejection timing may not be possible.

  Further, when the recording head scans, it may come into contact with the recording medium by cockling, and the recorded image may be soiled or the recording head may be damaged. For this reason, there is a recording apparatus that prevents the recording medium from contacting the recording head by previously pressing the recording medium in a direction opposite to the recording head at a predetermined period. However, the distance between the recording medium and the recording head may not be constant in the manufacturing process of the recording head and the recording apparatus, and the degree of curvature of the recording medium is not constant. Adjustment may be insufficient.

  Further, the above method of selecting the best pattern by forming a test pattern by recording in the forward path and the return path without specifying the recording position in the recording medium, corresponds to a recording medium curved in an uneven shape in the scanning direction of the recording head. The cash register cannot be adjusted.

  Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and provides a recording apparatus and a registration adjustment method capable of performing registration adjustment corresponding to a recording medium curved in an uneven shape in the scanning direction of the recording head.

  The present invention for solving the above problems is a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged, the scanning means for reciprocally scanning the recording head, and the recording Pattern recording means for recording a plurality of patterns corresponding to a relative recording position shift amount at different recording timings, while scanning in each direction of reciprocation of the head, and one pattern from the plurality of recorded patterns A plurality of patterns are formed by the pattern recording unit at at least two points where the distance between the selection unit to select and the recording head and the recording medium is different, and the recording is performed based on a pattern selected from the plurality of patterns. Recording control means for setting a recording timing of the head and recording an image on a recording medium at the recording timing; Characterized in that it has.

Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes an input unit for inputting recording information and recording control information, and a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged. A recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium that is reciprocally scanned in a direction crossing the arrangement direction of the recording elements and curved in an uneven manner with respect to the reciprocating scanning direction of the recording head,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. Setting accepting means for accepting information of each of the two or more positions set by the user using the input means to record the position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received by the setting receiving unit by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan based on the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. First recording control means for
Selection input means for selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
Storage means for storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input by the selection input means is recorded;
Second recording control means for performing image recording by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the storage means;
It is a recording device characterized by having.

Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes: a receiving unit that is connected to a host device and receives recording information and recording control information from the host device; and a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged. A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium curved in a concave and convex shape with respect to a reciprocating scanning direction of the recording head by reciprocally scanning the recording head in a direction intersecting an arrangement direction of the plurality of recording elements. ,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. Setting accepting means for accepting, via the receiving means, information on each of the two or more positions set by the user using the host device to record in a position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received by the setting receiving unit by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan based on the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. First recording control means for
Selection input means for selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
Storage means for storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input by the selection input means is recorded;
Second recording control means for performing image recording by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the storage means;
It is a recording device characterized by having.

Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that, based on the recording information and the recording control information, a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording elements. A registration adjustment method for a recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium that is reciprocally scanned and curved unevenly with respect to the reciprocating scanning direction of the recording head,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. A setting accepting step for accepting information on each of the two or more positions set by the user to record in a position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received in the setting reception step by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan on the basis of the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. A first recording control step,
A selection input step of selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
A storage step of storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input in the selection input step is recorded in a memory of the recording device;
A second recording control step of recording an image by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the memory;
A registration adjustment method characterized by comprising:

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the recording apparatus and registration adjustment method which can perform the registration adjustment corresponding to the recording medium curved to the unevenness | corrugation in the scanning direction of the recording head.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In this specification, “recording” not only forms significant information such as characters and graphics, but also forms images, patterns, patterns, etc. on a wide variety of recording media, regardless of significance, or It also represents the case where the medium is processed. It does not matter whether it has been made obvious so that humans can perceive it visually.

  “Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.

  The term “ink” should be broadly interpreted in the same way as the definition of “recording”. When applied to a recording medium, the “ink” forms an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like, or processes the recording medium. It represents a liquid that can be subjected to the treatment. Examples of the ink treatment include solidification or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium.

<Overview>
The registration adjustment method of the recording apparatus in each embodiment of the present invention adjusts the position of the recording dot formed in the reverse scanning with respect to the position of the recording dot formed in the scanning in one direction when performing bidirectional recording. To do. Specifically, a plurality of linear patterns perpendicular to the reciprocating scanning direction or a plurality of strips (lines) parallel to the reciprocating scanning direction are formed of recording dots whose recording positions are slightly shifted in the scanning direction with respect to the reference recording dots. Record the pattern. At this time, these test patterns are recorded at least in the positions of the concave and convex portions of the recording medium. Then, the best pattern, that is, a straight line pattern that is a straight line or a uniform belt-like pattern is selected at each of the positions of the concave portion and the convex portion. Then, a registration adjustment value at the position of the concave portion and the convex portion is calculated from these selection results, a variable curve is set from the information about the registration adjustment value and the position of the concave portion and the convex portion, and recording is performed on the recording medium. A registration adjustment value corresponding to the position is calculated. Then, ejection timing correction corresponding to the registration adjustment value obtained as described above is performed. In this correction, the ejection timing is adjusted so that recording can be performed at a position corresponding to the registration adjustment value when recording is performed in the other scanning direction opposite to the one scanning direction when recording the reference recording dot. This is done by correcting.

  In the embodiments described below, a printer that is an ink jet recording apparatus will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a host 100 as an information processing apparatus is realized as a personal computer, for example. The host 100 includes a CPU 10, a RAM 11, a storage unit 13, an input unit 12 such as a keyboard and a graphical user interface (GUI), and an interface 14 for communication with the printer 200. The CPU 10 executes various processes according to the program stored in the storage unit 13. In particular, image processing such as color processing and quantization processing, and further correction processing of recording characteristics are executed. These programs are stored in the storage unit 13 or supplied from an external connection device. The host 100 is connected to a printer 200 as a recording device via an interface, and sends recording data subjected to image processing as recording information and a recording position as recording control information to the printer 200 for recording. be able to.

<Printer configuration>
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the mechanical configuration of the printer 200 described above.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording medium such as paper or a plastic sheet. When a plurality of sheets are stacked on a cassette or the like, they are separated and supplied one by one by a paper feed roller (not shown) during recording. An arrow A in the figure is arranged at a timing according to the scanning of the recording head by a first conveying roller pair 3 and a second conveying roller pair 4 which are arranged at a predetermined interval and are driven by respective stepping motors (not shown). It is conveyed by a predetermined amount in the direction.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes an ink jet recording head for performing recording by ejecting ink onto the recording medium 1 such as normal recording and test pattern recording. Ink is supplied to the recording head from an ink cartridge (not shown) in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself. The recording head 5 ejects ink from the ink ejection port by being driven according to the ejection signal. More specifically, an electrothermal conversion element as a recording element is provided in an ink flow path corresponding to each ink discharge port arranged in the recording head. Bubbles are generated in the ink using the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal conversion element, and the ink is ejected by the pressure of the bubbles. The recording head 5 is mounted on the carriage 6. The driving force of the carriage motor 23 is transmitted to the carriage 6 via the belt 7 and the pulleys 8a and 8b, so that the carriage 6 can reciprocate along the guide shaft 9 and the recording head can be scanned. Become.

  In the configuration described above, the recording head 5 performs recording by ejecting ink onto the recording medium 1 in accordance with the ejection signal while scanning in the arrow B direction (main scanning direction) in the figure, which is a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the ejection ports. Recording can be performed by forming ink dots on the medium 1. The recording head 5 moves to the home position as necessary, and performs a recovery operation by the discharge recovery device, thereby preventing or eliminating clogging of the discharge ports. The conveyance roller pairs 3 and 4 are driven in synchronization with the scanning of the recording head 5, and the recording medium 1 is conveyed by one line in the arrow A direction (sub-scanning direction). By repeating this operation, an image or the like can be recorded on the recording medium 1.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the printer 200 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, as a control component of the printer 200, a control unit 20, an interface 21, an operation panel 22, a position sensor 30 for detecting the position of a recording medium, a driver 27 for driving each motor, and a recording There is a driver 28 for driving the head 5. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 20a such as a microprocessor. Furthermore, a ROM 20c that stores a control program for the CPU 20a and various data, a memory (RAM) 20b that is used as a work area for the CPU 20a and that stores various data such as recording data and registration adjustment values, and the like. As each motor, there are a carriage driving motor 23, a feed roller driving motor 24, a first conveying roller pair driving motor 25, and a second conveying roller pair driving motor 26.

  In the above configuration, the control unit 20 performs processing for inputting / outputting data such as recording data to / from the host 100 via the interface 21 and various information (for example, character pitch, character type, etc.) input from the operation panel 22. ). In addition, the control unit 20 outputs ON / OFF signals for driving the motors 23 to 26 via the interface 21, and outputs ejection signals and the like to the driver 28 for ejecting ink in the recording head. Control the drive.

<Registration adjustment value setting method>
Next, a registration adjustment value setting method and a correction method based on the registration adjustment value in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of processing for setting a registration adjustment value performed in the printer 200.

  First, in step S110, a registration adjustment value setting instruction from the user performed on the operation panel 20 of the printer 200 is received. Here, as the registration adjustment mode, settings such as the type of test pattern and the position where the test pattern is recorded are accepted. The instruction may be input from the input unit 12 of the host 100 and the printer 200 may receive the instruction. Each position for recording the test pattern is set to two or more positions including the concave portion and the convex portion of the recording medium 1. In step S120, the printer 200 is caused to record a test pattern for setting a registration adjustment value.

  Details of the test pattern data are shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, D11 and D12 are recording data when the test pattern is recorded by bidirectional recording. D11 is recording data when printing is performed by scanning in the forward direction (forward scanning), and D12 is recording data when recording is performed by scanning (return scanning) in the backward direction. Each pattern is configured by partial recording based on D11 in forward scanning and partial recording based on D12 in backward scanning.

  The details of the test pattern recorded using the recording data of FIG. 16 are shown in FIG. First, the pattern P1 is recorded using some or all of the nozzles of the recording head. The pattern P1 is recorded by first scanning the recording head in the forward direction and recording it repeatedly, for example, nine times using the recording data D11, then transporting the recording medium and scanning the recording head in the backward direction. For example, recording is repeated 9 times using the data D12. Note that when recording is performed based on the recording data D12, recording is performed at a timing earlier than a predetermined ejection timing (a reference timing when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the backward direction).

  Next, the recording medium is conveyed and the pattern P2 is recorded. The pattern P2 is recorded under the same conditions as when the pattern P1 is recorded, except that when the recording head is scanned in the backward direction, recording is performed at a later timing than when the pattern P1 is recorded. To do.

  Thereafter, this is repeated, and patterns P3, P4, and P5 are recorded while gradually shifting the recording timing in the backward direction to a later timing.

  Details of the recording position of this test pattern are shown in FIG.

  The dots P1 to P5 are formed so as to form dots at a position 310 that is the convex portion of the recording medium 1 where the distance between the recording head 5 and the recording medium 1 is the shortest and a position 311 that is the concave portion of the recording medium 1 that is the longest. Record. Specifically, when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the direction A corresponding to the forward direction, ink is ejected from the recording head 5 at the ejection positions K and I. Further, when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the B direction in the figure corresponding to the return path direction, the ink is ejected with the ejection positions L and J as the reference positions and the timings shifted from the positions as described above. Discharge. By forming a plurality of patterns with different timings while performing reciprocal scanning of the recording head, it is possible to acquire a relative recording position shift amount in the forward direction and the backward direction of the recording head.

  Note that the recording medium 1 used here is curved in a concavo-convex shape with a constant period so as not to contact the recording head 5. For this reason, the timing for ejecting ink may be set in accordance with the cycle. As the setting method, for example, using the operation panel 22 of the printer 200, the end portion of the recording medium 1 in the scanning direction of the recording head 5 so that the recording position of the test pattern corresponds to the concave portion and the convex portion of the recording medium 1. There is a method to input the distance from Further, the setting can be performed using the input unit 12 of the host 100 instead of using the operation panel 22 of the printer 200. Further, the position 310 that is the convex portion of the recording medium 1 where the distance between the recording head 5 and the recording medium 1 is the shortest becomes the convex portion of the recording medium due to the platen configuration (shape) of the recording apparatus, even if it is obtained by gap detection. The position may be a predicted position. When predicted based on gap detection or platen, there is a possibility that the position where dots are formed differs from the position where the distance between the recording head 5 and the recording medium 1 is actually the shortest. However, since the dot is formed in the vicinity of the position where the distance becomes the shortest although the accuracy is lowered, the present invention can be applied. The same applies to the concave portion position 311 of the recording medium 1 where the distance between the recording head 5 and the recording medium 1 is the longest. That is, it is only necessary to form dots at two points where the distance between the discharge port surface of the recording head 5 and the surface of the recording medium 1 is different between the vicinity of the concave portion and the convex portion of the recording medium.

  In step S130, from among the patterns P1 to P5 in FIG. 17 recorded at positions 310 and 311 in FIG. 18, a pattern in which the deviation between the straight line recorded in the forward path and the straight line recorded in the return path appears to be the smallest visually. Are selected for each position by the user. In the case of FIG. 17, P2 is the most appropriate pattern.

  In step S140, the input of the pattern selected by the user through the operation panel 22 of the printer 200 is received. As a result, the registration adjustment values at the positions 310 and 311 are determined. The registration adjustment value determined here is expressed, for example, as an amount of time deviation from the reference timing in the backward direction. This deviation amount can be expressed as the number of seconds or as a predetermined number of operation clocks.

  In step S150, on the basis of the registration adjustment values at the determined positions 310 and 311, for example, a registration adjustment formula that becomes a variable curve as shown in FIG. 12 is calculated so that the registration adjustment value according to the recording position is obtained.

  In step S160, the registration adjustment formula is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 20b of the printer 200, and the process ends.

<Register adjustment method>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the CPU 20a during registration adjustment performed during the printing operation of the printer 200.

  First, in step S210, a recording data recording operation instruction from the GUI of the host 100 or a recording data recording operation instruction from the operation panel 20 of the printer 200 is received by the user.

  In step S220, the registration adjustment formula stored in the RAM 20b of the printer 200 is acquired.

  Next, in step S230, a correction corresponding to the registration adjustment formula obtained in step S220 is applied to the ejection timing when printing is performed in the scanning direction opposite to the scanning direction in which the reference recording dot is recorded at each printing position. . Then, the recording operation of the recording data for which the recording operation instruction is given in step S210 is executed, and the process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the scanning direction for recording the reference recording dot is the forward direction, and the scanning direction for adjusting the recording dot position with respect to the reference recording dot is the return direction, and the recording direction is the previous recording direction. The recording dots are used as a reference, but the reverse is also acceptable. Further, although the recording data D11 in FIG. 16 is the recording data in the forward direction and the recording data D12 is the recording data in the backward direction, the recording data D12 may be the recording data in the forward direction and the recording data D11 may be recording data in the backward direction.

  Furthermore, although the test pattern is configured by repeating the recording of a straight line perpendicular to the scanning direction of the recording head twice by the recording data D11 and D12, the test pattern may be configured by repeating twice or more times. Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the recording data D11 and D12 are configured to correspond to 14 dots × 16 dots, but the size may be smaller or larger, and the ratio of the vertical and horizontal sizes may be different. I do not care.

  Further, in step S120 of FIG. 8, test pattern recording was performed at two locations of the concave portion and the convex portion of the recording medium 1, and the registration adjustment formula was calculated based on the registration adjustment values according to the respective recording positions. However, a test pattern may be recorded at three or more recording positions, and the registration adjustment formula may be calculated based on the registration adjustment value at each recording position.

  As described above, in this embodiment, at least two or more recording positions, a test pattern is recorded corresponding to the irregularities of a certain period of the recording medium 1, and the registration adjustment at each recording position is performed by this test pattern. A value was set. Then, by calculating a registration adjustment formula based on each registration adjustment value, a registration adjustment value corresponding to the recording position in the recording medium was set. As a result, it is possible to perform an appropriate registration adjustment when using a recording medium curved in unevenness, and to reduce the deviation of the ink landing position during reciprocal recording.

  In the first embodiment, the recording medium is transported for each recording in the forward path or the recording in the backward path, and the test pattern is recorded by the bidirectional recording. However, the recording in the forward path and the recording in the backward path as in the present embodiment. The test pattern may be recorded without carrying the recording medium. Hereinafter, a test pattern recording method that does not involve conveyance of the recording medium in this embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, there are a linear pattern and a belt-like pattern as patterns formed when recording a test pattern not accompanied by conveyance. Details of the linear test pattern data are shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, D1 and D2 are recording data when the test pattern is reciprocally recorded, D1 is recording data when scanning and recording in the forward direction, and D2 is recording data when scanning and recording in the backward direction. is there. Each pattern is constituted by partial recording based on D1 in forward scanning and partial recording based on D2 in backward scanning.

  FIG. 10 shows details of the test pattern recorded using the recording data of FIG. First, the pattern P11 is recorded using some or all of the nozzles of the recording head. For the recording of the pattern P11, first, the recording head is scanned in the forward direction and recorded repeatedly, for example, nine times using the recording data D1, and then the recording head is scanned in the backward direction without conveying the recording medium. For example, recording is repeated 9 times using the recording data D2. Note that when recording is performed based on the recording data D2, recording is performed at a timing earlier than a predetermined ejection timing (a reference timing when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the backward direction).

  Next, the recording medium is conveyed and the pattern P12 is recorded. The pattern P12 is recorded under the same conditions as when the pattern P11 is recorded, except that when the recording head is scanned in the backward direction, recording is performed at a later timing than when the pattern P11 is recorded. To do.

  Thereafter, this is repeated, and patterns P13, P14, and P15 are recorded while gradually shifting the recording timing in the backward direction to a later timing.

  Next, details of the strip-shaped test pattern data are shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 19, D21 and D22 are recording data when the test pattern is reciprocally recorded, D21 is recording data when scanning and recording in the forward direction, and D22 is recording data when scanning and recording in the backward direction. is there. Each pattern is constituted by partial recording based on D21 in the forward scanning and partial recording based on D22 in the backward scanning.

  FIG. 20 shows details of the test pattern recorded using the recording data of FIG. First, the pattern P21 is recorded using some or all of the nozzles of the recording head. The recording of the pattern P21 is performed by first scanning the recording head in the forward direction and recording the recording data D21 repeatedly, for example, nine times. Subsequently, the recording head is scanned in the backward direction without conveying the recording medium. For example, recording is repeated 9 times using D22. When recording is performed based on the recording data D22, recording is performed at a timing earlier than a predetermined ejection timing (a timing that is a reference when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the backward direction).

  Next, the recording medium is conveyed and the pattern P22 is recorded. The pattern P22 is recorded under the same conditions as when the pattern P21 is recorded, except that when recording is performed by scanning the recording head in the backward direction, recording is performed at a later timing than when the pattern P21 is recorded. To do.

  Thereafter, this is repeated, and patterns P23, P24, and P25 are recorded while gradually shifting the recording timing in the backward direction to a later timing.

  10 and 20 recorded in this way, there are patterns in which the deviation between the straight line recorded in the forward path and the straight line recorded in the return path is the smallest and the most uniform pattern appears. The registration adjustment value is selected. Since the configuration and operational effects other than the test pattern are the same as those in the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the scan speed (scanning speed) of the recording head 5 is constant has been described. However, as in the present embodiment, the scan speed of the recording head may be changed, and correction may be performed using a registration adjustment formula corresponding to the changed scan speed. Hereinafter, a method for performing registration adjustment by performing correction using the registration adjustment formula corresponding to the changing scan speed in this embodiment will be described.

<Register adjustment method>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the CPU 20a during registration adjustment performed during the printing operation of the printer 200.

  Steps S210 and S220 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S330, the registration adjustment formula acquired in step S220 is corrected in accordance with the scan speed of the recording head 5 when recording the recording data received in step S210. This correction is performed using a correction value given in advance for each scan speed stored in the RAM 20b of the printer 200. For example, the changed scan speed is set to V2 with respect to the default scan speed V1. When the scan speed is V1, the registration adjustment formula acquired in S220 can be used as it is, and thus no correction is performed. However, when the scan speed is V2, the registration adjustment formula given in advance is corrected. Correction is performed using the value Ar1. The correction value Ar1 represents a discharge timing (a portion corresponding to a shortened discharge timing) that decreases as the scan speed increases from V1 to V2. When the registration adjustment formula is expressed in seconds, the shortening is expressed in seconds. When the registration adjustment formula is expressed in clocks, the reduction is expressed in clocks.

  Next, in step S340, correction corresponding to the registration adjustment formula in which the ejection timing is corrected in step S330 when recording in the scanning direction opposite to the scanning direction in which the reference recording dot is recorded at each recording position is applied. . Then, the recording operation of the recording data for which the recording operation instruction is given in step S210 is executed, and the process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, when the scan speed changes, the registration adjustment formula can be corrected in accordance with the scan speed to perform recording. Since the configuration and operational effects other than the registration adjustment type information correction method are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In this embodiment, the scanning speed is controlled, the test pattern is recorded by the recording head 5 at different scanning speeds, and the registration adjustment value information is determined for each different scanning speed.

  First, a method for determining a registration adjustment value in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of the registration adjustment formula determination process performed in the printer 200.

  Step S110 is the same as that in FIG. In the subsequent step S420, the test pattern set of FIG. 10 is recorded on the same page or a plurality of pages at a plurality of different predetermined scanning speeds as a pattern for determining the registration adjustment value.

  In step S430, the user selects a pattern having the smallest linear deviation for each scan speed from the patterns of FIG. 10 recorded at each scan speed. In step S440, the selection input is accepted by the operation panel 22 of the printer 200. Thus, the registration adjustment value corresponding to the selected pattern is determined at each scan speed, and in step S450, a registration adjustment formula for each scan speed is calculated from the determined registration adjustment value for each scan speed.

  In step S460, the registration adjustment formulas are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 20b of the printer 200 for each scan speed, and the process ends.

<Register adjustment method>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the CPU 20a during registration adjustment performed during the printing operation of the printer 200.

  Step S210 is common to FIG. 11 in the first embodiment, but at this time, an instruction for the scan speed is also received.

  In step S520, a registration adjustment formula corresponding to the scan speed received in step S210 is acquired.

  Next, in step S530, the ejection timing at the time of recording in the scanning direction opposite to the recording direction for recording the reference recording dot at each recording position is corrected in accordance with the registration adjustment formula acquired in step S520. . Then, the recording operation of the recording data for which the recording operation instruction is given in step S210 is executed, and the process is terminated.

  Since the configuration and operational effects other than the registration adjustment type acquisition and registration adjustment processing method are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the registration adjustment formula associated with each scan speed is determined, and the recording operation can be performed using the determined registration adjustment formula.

  In the present embodiment, according to the amount of deviation between the position of the recording medium in the printer 200 used as a reference when recording the test pattern and calculating the registration adjustment formula, and the position of the recording medium when recording based on the recording data Correct the registration adjustment formula.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the CPU 20a during registration adjustment performed during the printing operation of the printer 200.

  Steps S210 and S220 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S630, the position information of the recording medium with respect to the scanning direction of the recording head in the printer 200 when recording using the recording data detected by the position sensor 30 is acquired.

  In step S640, the deviation of the recording medium position acquired in step S630 and the recording medium position acquired when the test pattern is recorded to set the registration adjustment formula with respect to the scanning direction of the recording head. Accordingly, the registration adjustment formula is corrected. Note that the position of the recording medium acquired when the test pattern is recorded is stored in the RAM 20b which is also a position storage means.

  Next, in step S650, correction corresponding to the registration adjustment formula in which the ejection timing is corrected in step S640 when recording in the scanning direction opposite to the scanning direction in which the reference recording dot is recorded at each recording position is applied. . Then, the recording operation of the recording data for which the recording operation instruction is given in step S210 is executed, and the process is terminated.

  Each of the above-described embodiments includes a means for generating thermal energy to cause ink discharge, particularly among inkjet recording methods, and uses a method for causing a change in the state of ink by the thermal energy, thereby providing high density recording. And high definition can be achieved.

  Further, a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus can be used. As such a recording head, either a configuration satisfying the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used.

  In addition to the cartridge type recording head in which the ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself, it is attached to the apparatus main body, so that electrical connection with the apparatus main body and supply of ink from the apparatus main body are possible. A replaceable chip-type recording head that can be used may be used.

  In addition, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary means, etc. to the configuration of the recording apparatus described above, since the recording operation can be further stabilized. Specifically, there are a capping unit for the recording head, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suction unit, an electrothermal converter, a heating element different from this, or a preheating unit using a combination thereof. In addition, it is effective to provide a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording in order to perform stable recording.

  In addition, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to a recording mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but at least of a multi-color of different colors or a full color by mixing colors by configuring a recording head integrally or by combining a plurality of recording heads. A device with one can also be provided.

  Further, as a form of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, as well as a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function, in addition to an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a computer, which is provided integrally or separately. It may take the form of

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the recording system corresponding to the Example of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a mechanism of a main part of the printer corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printer corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a moving speed of a recording head of a printer and a landing position of an ink droplet. It is a figure which shows the linear pattern for demonstrating the registration adjustment in the conventional reciprocating recording. It is a figure which shows the line-like pattern for demonstrating the registration adjustment in the conventional reciprocating recording. It is a figure for demonstrating the registration adjustment based on the distance between conventional paper. 6 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of a registration adjustment type setting process corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing test pattern recording data used when setting a registration adjustment value, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern formed on a recording medium for setting a registration adjustment value according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of a registration adjustment process corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration adjustment formula that calculates a registration adjustment value corresponding to a recording position of a recording medium, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of a process of correcting a registration adjustment value according to a scan speed, corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of processing for setting a registration adjustment formula for each scan speed, corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of registration adjustment processing for each scan speed corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing test pattern recording data used when setting a registration adjustment value, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern formed on a recording medium for setting a registration adjustment value according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a recording position and a result in a recording direction at a position of the recording medium on a recording medium curved in unevenness, corresponding to an example of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of test pattern recording data used when setting a registration adjustment value according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern formed on a recording medium for setting a registration adjustment value according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart corresponding to an example of a registration adjustment process corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording medium 5 Recording head 6 Carriage 20 Control part 20a CPU
20b RAM
22 Operation panel 200 Printer

Claims (8)

A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a recording head in which a plurality of recording elements are arranged,
Scanning means for reciprocally scanning the recording head;
Pattern recording means for recording while scanning in the respective reciprocal directions of the recording head, and recording a plurality of patterns corresponding to the relative recording position deviation amount at different recording timings;
Selecting means for selecting one pattern from the plurality of recorded patterns;
A plurality of patterns are formed by the pattern recording means at at least two points where the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is different, and the recording timing of the recording head is set based on a pattern selected from the plurality of patterns. Recording control means for recording an image on a recording medium at the recording timing;
A recording apparatus comprising: Input means for inputting recording information and recording control information; and a recording head for arranging a plurality of recording elements; and reciprocatingly scanning the recording head in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording elements. A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium curved in an uneven shape with respect to a reciprocating scanning direction of a recording head,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. Setting accepting means for accepting information of each of the two or more positions set by the user using the input means to record the position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received by the setting receiving unit by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan based on the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. First recording control means for
Selection input means for selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
Storage means for storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input by the selection input means is recorded;
Second recording control means for performing image recording by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the storage means;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording medium transporting means;
3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first recording control unit controls the conveying unit to convey the recording medium between the recording in the forward scanning and the recording in the backward scanning. .   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a correcting unit that corrects a recording timing stored in the storage unit in accordance with a scanning speed of the recording head. A scanning speed control means for controlling the recording head to scan at a plurality of predetermined different scanning speeds;
The first recording control means controls to form the plurality of test patterns at each of the plurality of different scanning speeds;
The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection input unit selectively inputs a test pattern for each of the two or more positions at each of the plurality of different scanning speeds by a user. Detecting means for detecting the position of the recording medium with respect to the scanning direction of the recording head during recording;
Position storage means for storing the position of the recording medium detected by the detection means when the test pattern is recorded under the control of the first recording control means;
The recording timing stored in the storage means is determined from the position of the recording medium detected by the detection means when the image is recorded on the recording medium and the position of the recording medium stored in the position storage means. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a correcting unit that corrects the recording apparatus. A receiving unit connected to the host device for receiving recording information and recording control information from the host device; and a recording head for arranging a plurality of recording elements, wherein the recording head is arranged in the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording elements A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium curved in a concave-convex shape with respect to a reciprocating scanning direction of the recording head by reciprocating scanning in a direction intersecting with the recording head,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. Setting accepting means for accepting, via the receiving means, information on each of the two or more positions set by the user using the host device to record in a position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received by the setting receiving unit by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan based on the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. First recording control means for
Selection input means for selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
Storage means for storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input by the selection input means is recorded;
Second recording control means for performing image recording by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the storage means;
A recording apparatus comprising: Based on the recording information and the recording control information, the recording head in which the plurality of recording elements are arranged is reciprocated in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording elements so as to be uneven with respect to the reciprocating scanning direction of the recording head. A registration adjustment method for a recording apparatus for recording an image on a curved recording medium,
A test pattern composed of partial recording in forward scanning and partial recording in backward scanning to a position corresponding to the recording position in forward scanning includes two or more test patterns including concave and convex portions of the recording medium. A setting accepting step for accepting information on each of the two or more positions set by the user to record in a position;
Control to record a plurality of test patterns at each position in the information received in the setting reception step by changing the recording timing in the other scan of the reciprocating scan on the basis of the recording in the one scan of the reciprocating scan. A first recording control step,
A selection input step of selecting and inputting the best test pattern from the plurality of test patterns;
A storage step of storing the recording timing when the test pattern selected and input in the selection input step is recorded in a memory of the recording device;
A second recording control step of recording an image by performing registration adjustment in reciprocal recording corresponding to the curvature of the recording medium based on the recording timing stored in the memory;
A registration adjustment method characterized by comprising:

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