JPH06217048A - Image supply device, image output device, image supply/ output device controller, image forming system including those devices and controller, image output method, and production of ink jet recording object - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To print as desired the 2nd image data (logogram mark) on a recording medium of the cloth, etc., where the 1st image data (basic image), i.e., the original recording subject is printed in an image forming system of a printing system, etc. CONSTITUTION:An image supply device of a system is provided with a means which designates a pattern, the size, the recording position, the colors, etc., for the 2nd image data on a logogram mark, etc. Meanwhile the controller of an image output device is provided with the 2nd control means (520B, 520C, 520D-520F) which perform the recording control of the 2nd image data after acceptance of the preceding designation in addition to a 1st control means which performs the recording control of the 1st image data. Thus the 2nd image data are controlled independently of the 1st image data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a method for producing an ink jet recorded matter, and the recorded matter. The present invention also relates to an image output device having an image repeat function for repeatedly recording the same image image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In outputting an image, it may be desired to record other image data on a recording medium in addition to the original image data to be recorded (first image data). For example, in the field of textile printing, in which an image is printed on a cloth, a maker or designer brand (logo mark) or the like is repeatedly printed on the edge of the cloth.

In conventional image output devices such as prints, image data input from an external device such as a host computer is output as it is, or is temporarily stored in a built-in buffer memory or the like and then output as an image. is there.
In the latter case, the buffer memory is used in order to match the data transfer rate sent from the host computer with the image output rate in the printer or the like. In addition, with the advent of page printers such as laser beam printers, in order to expand print data expressed in a page description language into pixel data, an image memory for storing the expanded image is provided for one page or The number of models built into printers is increasing for several pages.

Further, recently, there is a case in which a certain basic image is repeatedly output as a special image and is output so as to have a geometrical arrangement on an output medium. For example, when printing a large area image such as wallpaper or cloth that is composed of repeating certain images with such a printer,
In the conventional printer, the entire image data in which the geometrical image is arranged must be created by the host computer or the like, and the large-capacity data created in this way must be transmitted from the host computer to the printer. At this time, if the printer device does not have a buffer memory for image data, in order to match the transfer speed of the image data from the host computer with the printing speed of the printer device, calculation of this large amount of image data is performed. Is required to be performed faster than the printing speed of the printer device, or to be calculated in advance, or to adjust the printing speed of the printer to the data transfer speed from the host computer.

Further, there is an image forming apparatus having an image repeat function for repeatedly printing the same image image.
Regarding this image repeat function, FIG. 55 and FIG.
This will be described using 6. In FIG. 55, reference numeral 761 is a document on which an image to be image-repeated is recorded. In this example, “A” in area 711 is image-repeated. FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an example of an image repeat of the area 711 of the original 761. FIG. 56A shows the area 711 of FIG. 55 read and printed on the area 712 of the recording medium 771. After printing the area 712, the printer does not feed the paper, and again reads the area 711 of the original 761 and prints it on the area 713 of the recording medium 771 as shown in FIG. 56 (b). Area 713
After printing, the printer reads the area 711 of the original document 761 without feeding the paper and prints it on the area 714 of the recording medium 771 as shown in FIG. 56 (c).

By the above operation, it is possible to obtain an image in which the same image image is printed three times as shown in FIG. 56 (c). In this way, the image repeat function is realized by reading the same area multiple times and printing at different positions.

[0007]

Next, let us consider a case where the second image data such as a logo mark is recorded on the image data of this embodiment in an overlapping manner. In this case, it is conceivable to previously superimpose the second image data on the first image data and record the second image data. However, prior to the recording of the first image data, predetermined image processing, for example, the head is performed. Shading correction, γ
When processing such as correction and UCR conversion is performed, the second image data is also affected by the processing, and when the second image data is as desired, for example, when the second image data is characters or the like. Clear recording may not be performed.

If it is desired to repeatedly print the basic first image on the recording medium in various forms (this is often the case in the textile printing field), the second image is used.
The first position to print the image data (logo mark)
The second image data such as a logo mark may not be printed at a desired position due to the restriction of the image repeating pattern. Also, when transferring a large amount of image data to a printer for printing, Since it takes a long time to transfer, the occupation time for the print processing in the host computer becomes long. Further, if all such large-capacity image data is stored in the buffer memory built in the printer, there is a problem that the capacity of the buffer memory becomes enormous. Furthermore, when the geometric repetitive image data as described above is created by an external device such as a host computer, the time required to create the image data cannot be ignored. Furthermore, in the conventional image repeat function, the same image is simply printed repeatedly, and it is not possible to change the repeated image pattern.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of applying a change such as rotation to an image when the same image is repeatedly recorded in image repeat.

Another object of the present invention is to enable desired second image data to be recorded as desired on a recording medium on which the first image data, which is the original recording object, is recorded. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image output apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently outputting geometrically repeated image data.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image output device and an image forming apparatus capable of outputting a large amount of image data with a small memory capacity and reducing the processing of the image data in an external device that generates the image data. It is to provide a device.

[0014]

Therefore, an image output apparatus of the present invention is an image output apparatus for inputting and outputting image data from an external device, and a storage means for storing the image data from the external device. An instruction means for instructing an output format of the image data stored in the storage means, and a control means for repeatedly outputting the image data stored in the storage means in accordance with the output format instructed by the instruction means. Is characterized by.

Here, the control means may repeatedly output the image data including the rotated image data in accordance with the output format.

The instructing means may instruct an output format of the image data stored in the storage means and a shift amount when repeatedly outputting the image data, and the control means may control the output format and the output format. It is possible to shift the position of the image data according to the shift amount and repeatedly output the image data.

The image output method of the present invention is an image output method of inputting and outputting image data from an external device, and a step of inputting and storing image data from the external device,
It is characterized by including a step of instructing an output format of the stored image data and a step of repeatedly outputting the stored image data according to the instructed output format.

Further, the image output method of the present invention is a method for outputting image data to be printed, and comprises a mode for outputting the entire image data to be printed and a plurality of image data of a predetermined size arranged. In order to print the image data, it has a mode for outputting the image data of the predetermined size, and together with a command for instructing in which mode printing is to be performed, the entire image data or the image of the predetermined size is selected according to the mode. It is characterized by outputting any of the data.

Here, in the mode for outputting the image data of the predetermined size, the image data of the predetermined size is output together with the command for instructing the arrangement pattern of the image data of the predetermined size, and the image of the predetermined size is output. In the data output mode, the image data of the predetermined size is output together with the command for instructing the predetermined size, or in the mode of outputting the image data of the predetermined size, the image data of the predetermined size is repeated. It is possible to output the image data of the predetermined size together with the power count.

The method for producing the ink-jet recorded product of the present invention includes the steps of inputting and storing image data from an external device, instructing the output format of the stored image data, and storing in accordance with the instructed output format. The present invention is characterized by including a step of repeatedly outputting the image data stored in the inkjet recording head, and a step of applying ink to the recording medium by the inkjet recording head.

In addition, the method for producing the ink jet recorded product of the present invention comprises the steps of image-processing the first image data, the step of specifying the second image data, and the first image-processed image based on the specification. The method is characterized by including a step of combining the second image data that is not image-processed with the image data, and a step of applying the combined image data to an inkjet recording head and applying ink to the recording medium.

Further, the method is characterized by further comprising the step of generating the first image data by repeatedly outputting the basic image data.

Here, the step of image-processing the first image data is characterized in that the boundary portion when it is repeatedly output is corrected in the basic image data.

In the above manufacturing method, the recording medium may be a woven cloth.

Further, the method further comprises a step of applying ink to the recording medium to perform recording after the recording is performed, and washing the recording medium after recording after the step of fixing the ink. The method may further include a treatment step, or a pretreatment step of adding a pretreatment agent to the recording medium before recording by ejecting ink from the recording head.

Further, the recording head is a recording head for ejecting ink by utilizing heat energy, and is an ink jet recording head provided with a heat energy converter for generating heat energy applied to the ink. The recording head can cause the ink to change its state by the thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter, and eject the ink from the ejection port based on the state change.

Further, the present invention is a recorded matter recorded by any of the above-mentioned manufacturing methods.

In the image supply device for supplying the image data to the image output device for recording on the recording medium, the second image data different from the first image data to be the original recording target is used as the second image data. It is characterized by further comprising a designating unit for designating the second image data to be recorded on the recording medium on which the first image data is recorded.

Here, the designating means may designate at least one of the pattern, size, recording position and recording color of the second image data.
Also, the second image data can be a logo mark.

The control device for the image output apparatus of the present invention is
First control means for causing the recording head of the image output device to perform image recording in response to the supply of the first image data supplied from the image supply device; and a designation relating to the second image data. , Based on the accepted designation,
A second control means for causing the recording head to record the second image data on a recording medium on which the first image data is recorded.

Here, the first control means has means for performing image processing prior to sending the first image data to the recording head, and the second control means has undergone the image processing. The first image data may be received, the second image data may be added to the recording head based on the designation, and the second image data may be supplied to the recording head, and the second control unit may further include the second image data. In the overlapping part, the first
The image data may be blanked.

The image output apparatus of the present invention is characterized by including such a control apparatus and a recording head for recording on a recording medium.

Here, a plurality of recording heads can be provided corresponding to recording agents having different color tones.

Further, the recording head may be an ink jet recording head which uses ink as the recording agent and ejects the ink, and further, the ink is filmed as energy used for ejecting the ink from the head. It may have an element that generates thermal energy that causes boiling.

Further, the image forming system of the present invention includes the image supply device and the image output device.

The system can be a textile printing system for printing on cloth.

[0037]

The image supply device is provided with means for designating the pattern, size, recording position, color, etc. of the second image data such as a logo mark, while the controller of the image output device is provided with the recording of the first image data. In addition to the first control means for controlling, by providing the second control means for receiving the designation and controlling the recording of the second image data,
That is, since the second image data is managed independently of the first image data, the second image data is managed as desired at the repetition cycle desired by the operator regardless of the repetition cycle of the first image or the type of the repetition pattern. 2 image data can be inserted. In addition, immediately before the first image data is sent to the head, that is, after the required image processing, the designated range is blanked, and the second image data is inserted into the designated range. Image data is unaffected by various transformations and can be printed as desired (eg sharp).

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] A textile printing system as a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below in the following procedure.

(1) Overall system (FIGS. 1 to 2) (2) Host computer (FIGS. 3 to 12) (2.1) Configuration (2.2) Operation (3) Printer (FIGS. 13 to 30) (3.1) Description of printing mechanism (3.2) Description of device configuration (3.3) Print pattern of basic image (3.4) Download of conversion data and parameters (4) Other configuration example (Fig. 31) -FIG. 35) (5) Others (1) Overall system FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a textile printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The host computer H serves as a data supply device that supplies original image data for printing and other control commands to a printer P that prints (hereinafter also referred to as printing) on a printing medium such as cloth. Using this host computer H, it is possible to make desired corrections to the original image created by the designer and read by the scanner S, and set the required parameters for the printer P to perform printing. The host computer H can also be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 1016 such as Ethernet (by XEROX) to enable communication with other systems.
In addition, the printer P notifies the host computer H of its status and the like. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 for the host computer H and FIG. 13 for the printer P.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a printing process procedure that can be performed using this system. The processing contents performed in each step are as follows, for example.

Original image creating step This is a step in which the MS1 designer creates an original image, that is, a basic image which is a basic unit of a repeated image on a cloth as a recording medium, by using an appropriate means. For the creation, required parts of the host computer H described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, for example, input means and display means may be used.

Original image input step MS3 Step of reading the original image created in the original creating step MS1 into the host computer H using the scanner S, or reading the original image data stored in the external storage of the host computer H, or This is a step of receiving original image data from the LAN 16.

Original image correction step MS5 The printing system in this example allows selection of various repeating patterns for the basic image, as will be described later with reference to FIG. Image misalignment or color tone discontinuity may occur. This step is a step of receiving the selection of the repeating pattern and correcting the discontinuity at the boundary portion of the repeating pattern according to the selection.
As a mode of the correction, the designer or the operator may use the mouse or other input means while referring to the screen of the display device of the host computer H, and the automatic correction is performed by the image processing of the host computer H itself. It may be one.

Special Color Designating Step MS7 In the printer P according to this example, basically, yellow (Y),
Printing is performed using magenta (M) and cyan (C), or even black (BK) ink. In printing, colors other than these, for example, metallic colors such as gold and silver, and clear red (R) are used. , Green (G), Blue (B), etc. may be desired. Therefore, in the printer P of this example, it is possible to perform printing using inks of these special colors (hereinafter referred to as special colors), and
In this step, the spot color is designated.

Color palette data creation step In MS9 design, the designer creates an original image while selecting a color from standard color patches. The reproducibility of the color when printing the selected color greatly affects the productivity of the printing system. Therefore, in this step, data for determining the mixing ratio of Y, M, C, or the special color for favorably reproducing the selected standard color is generated.

Logo input step MS11 In the case of a piece of cloth, a logo mark of a designer, a brand of a maker or the like is often printed on the end portion. In this step, such a logo mark is designated and its color, size and position are designated.

Cloth size specifying step MS13 The width, length, etc. of the cloth to be printed are specified. As a result, the scanning amount of the recording head in the printer P in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, the number of repetitions of the original image pattern, etc. are determined.

Original image magnification designation step MS15 Variable magnification at the time of printing the original image (for example, 100%, 2
00%, 400%, etc.) is set.

Cloth type designating step MS17 cloth has various types such as natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool and synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic, and has different characteristics relating to printing. It is considered that this is due to the elasticity of the cloth, but when the feed amounts at the time of printing are made equal, the appearance of streaks occurring at the boundary portion for each main scan differs. Therefore, in this step, the type of cloth for printing is input so that the printer P can be used to set an appropriate feed amount.

Maximum ink ejection amount setting step MS19 Even when the same amount of ink is ejected onto the cloth, the image density reproduced on the cloth differs depending on the cloth type. The amount of ink that can be ejected also differs depending on the configuration of the fixing system in the printer P and the like. Therefore, in this step, the maximum ink ejection amount is designated according to the cloth type, the configuration of the fixing system of the printer P, and the like.

Print Mode Designating Step MS21 It is designated whether high-speed printing or normal printing is to be performed by the printer P, or whether one dot is to be printed once or a plurality of times. . Furthermore, when printing is interrupted, control is performed so that the patterns continue before and after the interruption, or whether new printing is started regardless of the pattern continuity. You can also

Head shading mode designation step
When a recording head having a plurality of ejection ports is used in the MS23 printer P, the ejection amount or the ejection direction of the head may vary depending on the ejection port of the head due to manufacturing variations, usage conditions thereafter, and the like. Therefore, in order to correct this, a process (head shading) for correcting the drive signal for each ejection port to make the ejection amount constant may be performed. In this step, the timing of such head shading can be designated.

Printing Step MS25 Printing is executed by the printer P based on the designations made above.

If it is unnecessary to specify the above, the step may be deleted or skipped. Moreover, you may add the step which performs other designation | designated etc. as needed.

(2) Host Computer (2.1) Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the entire system centering on the configuration of the host computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 1011 is a CPU for executing control of the entire information processing system, and 1013 is a CPU 101.
1 stores a program to be executed by 1 and is used as a work area at the time of execution. A main memory 1014 transfers data between the main memory 1013 and various devices constituting the system without the CPU 1011. DMA controller (Direct Memory A)
access controller (hereinafter referred to as DMAC). 1015 is a LAN interface between the LAN 1016 and this system, and 1017 is a ROM, S
It is an input / output device (hereinafter referred to as I / O) having a RAM, an RS232C system interface, and the like. I / O
Various external devices can be connected to 1017. 101
Reference numerals 8 and 1019 denote a hard disk device and a floppy disk device as external storage devices, respectively.
Reference numeral 0 is a disk interface for signal connection between the hard disk device 1018 or the floppy disk device 1019 and this system. Reference numeral 1022 denotes a scanner / printer interface for signal connection between the printer P and the scanner S and the host computer H, which can be of the GPIB specification.
Reference numeral 1023 is a keyboard for inputting various kinds of character information, control information, and the like, 1024 is a mouse as a pointing device, and 1025 is a key interface for performing signal connection between the keyboard 1023 and the mouse 1024 and this system. Reference numeral 1026 denotes a display device such as a CRT whose display is controlled by the interface 1027. Reference numeral 1012 is a system bus composed of a data bus, a control bus, and an address bus for connecting signals between the above-mentioned devices.

(2.2) Operation In the system described above in which various devices are connected, the designer or operator operates while corresponding to various information displayed on the display screen of the CRT 26. That is, external devices connected to the LAN 1016, I / O 1017, hard disk 1018, floppy disk 1019, scanner S, keyboard 1023, characters and image information supplied from the mouse 1024, and the like.
Operation information related to system operation stored in the main memory 1013 is displayed on the display screen of the CRT 1026,
The designer or operator, while looking at this display, designates various information and performs an instruction operation for the system.

Among the steps shown in FIG. 2,
Some details of the processing according to the main part of this embodiment performed using the system shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the spot color designation processing procedure in FIG. This procedure is a palette conversion created from the host computer H as a palette conversion table (a table showing a mixing ratio of Y, M, C, BK, and a spot color) in the printer P for the palette data sent to the printer P by the host computer H. A table is output, and when this procedure is activated, first, step SS7.
At -1, it is determined whether or not the use of the special color is instructed. If a negative determination is made here, this procedure is immediately ended, but if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step SS7-3, and the information about the current special color in the printer P is displayed on the CRT.
26 is displayed. In this process, for example, the applicant of the present invention proposes that the recording head of the printer has a means (pattern cutting) for presenting its own information so that the printer body can recognize the information from the means. The invention disclosed in JP-A-2-187343 and the like can be used. The means for presenting the information may be an EPROM, a DIP switch, or the like. To apply to this example, the information may be the ink color used by the recording head, and the printer P may read the information and notify the CPU 11 of the host computer H. The operator sees the information displayed on the CRT 26 to know whether or not the recording head for the special color is currently used and the special color currently used, and then the step SS7.
In -5, it is possible to perform a key operation or the like as to whether or not a desired spot color is included (that is, whether or not it is acceptable at present). Then, when a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step SS7-7, and a message prompting the mounting of the recording head of the desired color is displayed,
According to the mounting, the process returns to step SS7-3.

When the instruction to the effect that the print head currently used by the printer P is sufficient is given in step SS7-5,
In step SS7-51, a palette command that specifies a color combination is specified. This is, for example, when using three colors of C, M, and Y for printing, when using BK, when using special colors S1 and S2 in addition to the three colors of C, M, and Y, and further using special colors S3 and S4. The case can be designated by using numerical values of "3", "4", "6", and "8", respectively.

In response to this, in step SS7-53, for example, the palette conversion table stored in advance in the storage device (main memory 1013, external storage devices 1018, 1019, etc.) is read, and the operator makes appropriate corrections as necessary. And set the mixing amount of each color (step S
S7-55), and sends the table data together with the palette command to the printer P (step SS7-5).
7). The palette conversion table may be, for example, one shown in FIGS.

As the processing circuit on the printer P side for this procedure, those described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19 can be used.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a detailed processing procedure of the color palette data generation step MS9 in FIG.

In this procedure, first, in step SS9-1, the standard color patch of the color selected by the designer is read. For this purpose, the scanner S can be used,
Alternatively, the reading means provided in the printer P described later can be used. Next, in step SS9-3,
Based on the code corresponding to the standard color patch, first, palette conversion data including a spot color is calculated by a palette conversion table that is set in advance to match the printer P, and image formation is performed according to the calculated data including the spot color. ,
This is printed in the form of color patches in step SS9-5.

Next, in step SS9-7, the color patch printed by the printer P is read, and the color data is compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-1. If the difference between the two is less than the predetermined value, the color palette conversion data at that time is adopted and set in the printer P in step SS9-11, while if it is the predetermined value or more, in step SS9-13. The palette data is corrected based on the above difference, the process returns to step SS9-5, and the process is repeated until a positive determination is made in step SS9-9. Although the case where the special colors S1, S2, S3 and S4 are used in the special color processing procedure shown in FIG. 4 has been described, the palette created by the operator for each of the cases of using the special colors S1, S2, S3 and S4. The conversion table can be modified based on the data obtained in this procedure. According to this embodiment, a color patch, that is, a combination of a plurality of inks including a spot color corresponding to the color code selected by the designer can be appropriately selected.

FIG. 10 shows another example of the detailed processing procedure of the color palette data generating step.

Also in this procedure, the standard color patch is first read in step SS9-21 similar to step SS9-1. Next, in this procedure, a plurality of types of color palette conversion data are prepared in step SS9-23, and a plurality of color patches are printed for them. Next, in step SS9-25, the plurality of color patches are read, and in step SS9-27, the color data obtained from these are compared with the color data obtained in step SS9-21. Then, in step SS9-29, the one closest to the color data obtained in step SS9-21, that is, the one with the best color reproducibility, is selected, and the color palette conversion data is adopted and set in the printer P.

The plurality of color palette conversion data prepared in step SS9-23 may be such that the ink mixing amount is changed by a predetermined amount for all color recording heads, or the data obtained in step SS9-21 is used. It is also possible to select a predetermined range centered on the data, or centered on the data set by the operator in the procedure of FIG. 4, and gradually change the ink mixing amount within that range. In this procedure, as compared with the procedure of FIG. 9, the process of performing correction and reprinting can be omitted, so that the process of generating color palette conversion data can be performed at high speed.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the logo input processing procedure in FIG.

In this procedure, first, in step SS11-1, the operator is inquired whether or not to put a logo on the cloth, and if a positive determination is made, in step SS11-3 the designation of the color of the logo to be printed is accepted. . The designation of this color can be made by selecting from eight colors of C, M, Y, BK and special colors S1, S2, S3 or S4.

Next, in step SS11-5, selection designation from a plurality of types of logos prepared in advance for the printer P described later is accepted. This can be a designation to select one of four types, for example.

In step SS11-7, the size designation of the logo to be printed is accepted in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the sub scanning direction (Y direction) of printing. This is, for example, a maximum of 512 per pixel in the X direction.
Up to 8 pixels can be specified up to the pixel in the Y direction in units of the recording width (band) of one main scan of the recording head.

In step SS11-9, the main scanning direction (X
Accept the specification of the logo print start position in the direction). For this, for example, up to 512 pixels can be designated in units of one pixel.

At step SS11-11, an input for designating the logo start position in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction) by designating the pitch (repetition interval) between the logos is accepted. This is, for example, a maximum of 25 per band.
Up to 6 bands can be specified. In addition,
Information may be presented to the operator so that the designated value does not become less than the size in the Y direction designated in step SS11-7.

For each of the above designations, step SS11-
At 13, the host computer H sets the logo information in the printer P. The data format for this is, for example, “<WLOGO>, <color>, <pattern>, <X0>, <
Y0>, <L0>, <L1> ”, where <WLOGO> is an identification code for causing the printer P to recognize that the data that follows is logo information, and <color> is a color. This is data for setting, and 1 bit is assigned to each of the above 8 colors, and it can be a 1-byte signal that can output / mask the color by turning it on / off.
rn> is data for setting a logo pattern, and can be a 2-bit signal for selecting one from four types. <X0>, <Y0>, <L0> and <L1>
Are the X-direction logo size, Y-direction logo size,
This is data for setting the X-direction logo start position and the Y-direction logo repeating interval, and an example of correspondence between these and the logo output format is shown in FIG.

Further, a case where a repeating pattern of the basic image 300 as shown in FIG. 24 (B) is selected and a pattern as shown in FIG. 46 is printed on the cloth will be exemplified. In FIG. 46, the portion surrounded by the broken line is the basic image 300.

First, as shown in FIG. 47 (A), when the patterns of one temperature image 300A and the basic image 300B consecutive thereto are misaligned, the basic image 300
Some blocks on A (BL1-BL in the figure)
3), that is, dividing into a plurality of image elements to be processed, and moving for each block (block BL2 in the figure).
Processing for ensuring the continuity of the pattern as shown in FIG.

FIG. 48 shows an example of a procedure in which the designer or operator uses the mouse 1024 or other input means while referring to the screen of the display 1026 of the host computer H to perform the processing.

First, in FIG. 48, step SS5-1.
Then, the original image (basic image) input in step MS3 above
24 is received, and the basic image 300A and the basic image portion continuous with the basic image 300A are displayed in step SS5-3 in response to the selection. Here, the display as shown in FIG. 47A is made based on the selection of the pattern shown in FIG.

Next, in step SS5-5, if it is determined that the operator who has seen the display is allowed to input the instruction indicating that the continuity of the pattern has already been secured, the instruction input is permitted. The process ends. On the other hand, if NO, the process proceeds to step SS5-7, and the basic image is divided into some blocks so that the deviation can be easily corrected. As a way of dividing, for example, the pattern elements may be grouped together so that the operator can refer to the screen and make the correction most easily. Next, in step SS5-9, a block in which discontinuity has occurred (block B in FIG. 47A).
The movement process for L2) is performed. The required processing is performed on all the blocks, and if the continuity is secured as shown in FIG. 7B, the processing is terminated via step SS5-11 for giving an instruction input to the effect.

The correction process is performed by the operator's operation while referring to the screen, and the host computer H
It can also be done automatically by. In this case, for example, the steps after step SS5-7 in FIG.
Can be rewritten as

In FIG. 49, SS5-13 is the processing for extracting the contour for the pattern element of the basic image. This process may include a process of performing contour detection using a known image process such as Laplacian and gradient, and further a process of binarizing data obtained by these.

Next, in step SS5-15, the continuous area of the pattern is judged based on the obtained contour data and divided into blocks. Then, in step SS5-17, movement / correction for each block is performed based on the contour data.

In order to correct the positional displacement of the pattern at the boundary portion of the repeated basic image, in addition to dividing into blocks or moving for each block as described above, FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), part 300Al in the basic image 300A may be deleted.
In this case, for example, step SS5- in FIG.
After 7 can be rewritten as shown in FIG. 51 (A) or (B), for example.

That is, FIG. 51 accompanying the operation of the operator.
In the procedure of (A), in step SS5-21, the entire basic image is moved while observing the continuity of the pattern, the correction amount is corrected to a position where it is allowed, and then step SS
At 5-23, the input of the decision is waited for and the unnecessary area is deleted. On the other hand, in the procedure of FIG. 51B performed by the automatic processing of the host computer, after the contour extraction similar to that of step SS5-13 of FIG. 50 is performed in step SS5-25, the contour is extracted in step SS5-27. Based on the data, the entire basic image is moved to delete the unnecessary area until the displacement amount becomes less than the predetermined value.

The processing for correcting the pattern displacement is performed by moving the block or moving the entire basic image as described above, and by enlarging / reducing the image for each pattern element (or block). It may be a variable magnification or a single variable magnification. Further, instead of performing only one of these corrections, any one may be selected as needed. Furthermore, the mode that involves the operation of the operator,
It is also possible to select one of the modes in which automatic correction is performed by the computer.

Next, description will be given of the correction processing in the case where the color tone shift occurs at the repeated basic image boundary portion. This is a basic image 300 as shown in FIG.
With respect to the patterns A and 300B, in the original image data, the solid line B and the color tone deviation as shown by (B) in the figure are corrected by adding the gradation as shown by the broken line C and (C) in FIG. is there.

FIG. 53 shows an example of such a correction processing procedure. In this procedure, first, in step SS5-31, the pixel data group in the boundary portion is read, and in step SS5-33, each pixel is averaged by the peripheral pixel data. That is, the pixel data and the data of the eight pixels around it are added,
The value obtained by dividing this by the number of pixels 9 is taken as the value of the pixel. It is assumed that the pixel data group obtained as a result is the data shown in FIG. 52 (B), for example.

Next, the pixel data is corrected by, for example, replacing the pixel data group on the side of the basic image 300B with graduation in the direction away from the boundary. This is, for example,

[0091]

[Formula 1] Bnm = {Anm / Bnm + (1-Anm / Bnm) × X} × Bnm Where Bnm
And Anm are the pixel data to be processed on the basic image 300B side and the corresponding pixel data on the boundary portion on the basic image 300A side, respectively. In addition, X is a numerical value for adding graduation, and for example, a value that increases from “0” to “1” by “0.2” from the boundary as shown in FIG. 52 (C). can do. The pixel group obtained as a result of such processing is as shown in FIG. 6C, and the deviation of the color tone is corrected as shown by the broken line C in FIG.

Note that this procedure can be started only when the color tone deviation between the pixels of the basic images 300A and 300B at the boundary is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that is, when the color tone deviation is severe.

By the way, in addition to the color tone deviation occurring at the boundary of the basic image, when the designer cuts and pastes the pattern elements to create the basic image, it also occurs at the cut and pasted part, which is black. It is read as a line or a gray area (a portion where R, G, and B signal values are substantially equal).

FIG. 54 shows an example of such a gray area correction processing procedure. In this procedure, first, step SS5-41.
At, a gray area is extracted from the read image data. Next, in step SS5-43, the target portion of this processing is extracted. This extraction can be performed according to the selection from the basic image that becomes the operator. That is, this is for designating a portion that is not the original design.

Then, in step SS5-45, it is determined whether or not the extracted gray area is included in the processing target portion. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SS5-47, and the peripheral elements of the gray area are selected. The average value is calculated and replaced with the average value in step SS5-49.

This procedure can be performed not only for the gray area described above but also for the basic image boundary portion. In this case, the boundary part is also extracted as a processing target in step SS5-43, and
It is possible to perform the processing of step SS5-47 and subsequent steps on this portion. Also, step SS5-49
It is also possible to perform the correction with the graduation as shown in FIG. Further, in the case where the image elements are misaligned due to the cutting and pasting, the procedure as shown in FIG. 48 can be adopted to correct this.

Note that the above-described various procedures relating to the positional deviation, the color tone deviation, and the gray area correction are merely examples, and other processing can be added as necessary. Of course, either one can be skipped or deleted if unnecessary.

In the above, the case where the correction is performed on the repetition of the basic image as shown in FIG. 24B has been exemplified, but the repetition patterns shown in FIGS. It goes without saying that it can also be applied.

The structure of the printer P corresponding to this procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

(3) Printer (3.1) Description of Printing Mechanism The operation of a serial type ink jet recording apparatus as a printer P applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 13, the carriage 1 includes a recording head 2a for color corresponding to four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (BK).
2b, 2c and 2d are mounted, and the guide shaft 3 supports the carriage 1 for moving guide. Although illustration is omitted for simplification, up to four special color heads can be mounted on the carriage 1 in this example, and a mechanism related thereto is also arranged. Each head may be detachably attached to the carriage 1 individually or in units of several heads.

A part of the belt 4 which is an endless belt is fixedly connected to the carriage 1, and a carriage drive motor 5 (motor driver 2 which is a pulse motor).
(Driven by 3) is attached to a gear attached to the drive shaft of (3). Therefore, this carriage drive motor 23
The belt 4 stretched around the drive shaft is fed by driving the carriage 1. As a result, the carriage 1 scans the recording surface of the recording medium along the guide shaft 3. Further, a conveyance roller 7 that conveys the recording medium 6 (recording paper, cloth, etc.), and a guide roller 8 that guides the recording medium 6
A and 8B and a recording medium carrying motor 9 are provided.

Further, each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c, 2
The d and special color recording heads are provided with 256 ejection ports for ejecting ink droplets toward the recording medium 6 at a density of 400 DPI (dots / inch), for example. A corresponding ink tank 1 is provided for each of the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d (and further for the spot color head).
Supply tubes 12a, 12b, 12 from 1a, 11b, 11c, 11d (and further special color ink tanks)
Ink is supplied via c and 12d (and also the supply tube for the special color). The head drivers 24a, 24b, 24c, 24 are connected to the energy generating means (not shown) provided in the liquid passages communicating with the discharge ports.
An ink ejection signal is selectively supplied from d (and a special color driver) via the flexible cables 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (and a special color flexible cable).

Further, each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d and the like include head heaters 14a, 14b, 14c, 1
4d (14b.14c, 14d etc. are not shown) and temperature detecting means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d (15b, 15).
c, 15d etc. are provided, and the detection signals from the temperature detecting means 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d etc. are inputted to the control circuit 16 having a CPU. Based on this signal, the control circuit 16 passes through the driver 17 and the power supply 18 to the head heaters 14a, 14b, 14c,
Control heating in 14d, etc.

The capping means 20 contacts the ejection opening surface of each of the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d during non-recording,
It is intended to suppress the drying and the mixing of foreign matter, or to remove the foreign matter. Specifically, at the time of non-recording, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d move to positions facing the capping means 20. Then, the capping means 20 is driven forward by the cap driver 25 to bring the elastic member 44 into pressure contact with the ejection port surface for capping. Of course, capping means for the spot color head, which is omitted in the figure, is also provided.

The clogging prevention means 31 is used for the recording head 2
The a, 2b, 2c, and 2d receive the ejected ink when performing the idle ejection operation. This clogging prevention means 31
Is a liquid receiving member 32 that faces the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, etc., and absorbs and receives the ink that has been ejected in idle.
And is arranged between the capping means 20 and the recording start position. The liquid receiving member 32 and the liquid holding member 45 are made of sponge-like porous material,
Alternatively, a plastic sintered body or the like is effective.

A solenoid valve 61 for discharging water and an air pump driver 62 are connected to the capping means 20,
Under the control of the control circuit 16, the cleaning water discharge nozzle and the air injection nozzle, which are arranged in the capping means 20, are driven.

FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the recording head of this embodiment. The same elements as those shown in FIG. 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
Also in this figure, the configuration related to the special color heads 2S1 to 2S4 is omitted.

In FIG. 14, the recording start detection sensor 34
The capping means detection sensor 36 is for detecting the position of each recording head 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The blank discharge position detection sensor 35 detects the reference position of the blank discharge operation performed while the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d move in the scanning direction.

Further, reference numeral 108 denotes a head characteristic measuring means which can be used not only for head shading (step MS23 in FIG. 2) but also for color palette data creation (step MS9). The head shading test pattern and color recorded by the head. It has a conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which the patch is printed and a reading means for reading the information. As this head characteristic measuring means, for example, the one shown in FIG. 31 of JP-A-4-18358 filed by the present applicant can be used.

Next, the ink jet recording operation will be described.

First of all, in the standby state, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are capping means 20 in this case.
Are capped by. Then, the control circuit 16
When a print signal is input to, the motor 5 is driven by the motor driver 23 and the carriage 1 starts moving. Along with this movement, when each recording head is detected by the blank ejection position detection sensor 35, blank ejection of ink is performed for a predetermined time on the clogging prevention means 31. Then, after that, the carriage 1 moves again in the direction of the arrow D, and when it is detected by the recording start detection sensor 34, the recording heads 2a, 2b, 2
Each of the ejection openings such as c and 2d is selectively driven. As a result, ink droplets are ejected, and image recording is performed on the recording width portion p of the recording medium 6 in a dot matrix pattern. In this way, when printing is performed with a predetermined width (determined by the nozzle interval in the vertical direction of the print head and its number), the carriage 1 moves to the position on the right end side in the drawing (the number of pulses given to the motor 5 is counted. However, after detecting this, a pulse corresponding to the width of the print head arrangement is applied so that the print head 2a at the rear end of the carriage 1 crosses the print medium. After that, the carriage 1 is reversed, driven in the direction of arrow E to return to the idle ejection position, and the recording medium 6 is conveyed in the direction of arrow F by the width of the recording width portion p or more, and the above-described operation is performed again. Repeated.

(3.2) Description of Device Configuration Next, the configuration of this device will be described. 15 and 16 show the configuration of the ink jet printer of the embodiment and the configuration example of its operation unit, and FIGS. 17 to 19 show an example of the internal configuration of the control board 102 of FIG. 15 along the data flow. It is shown in the figure.

Image data for printing is sent from the host computer H via the interface (here, GPIB) to the control board 102 having the control circuit 16 and the like in FIG. The device for sending the image data is not particularly limited, and the transfer mode is transfer via a network,
It may be offline via a magnetic tape or the like. The control board 102 includes a CPU 102A, a ROM 102B storing various programs, a RAM 102C having various register areas and work areas, and FIGS.
It is composed of other parts shown in other parts and controls the entire device. 10
An operation / display unit 3 has an operation unit for the operator to give a desired instruction to the printer P and a display for displaying a message to the operator. Reference numeral 104 denotes a cloth conveyer including a motor and the like for conveying a recording medium such as cloth to be printed. Reference numeral 105 denotes a driver unit input / output unit for driving various motors (indicated by "M" at the end) and various solenoids (indicated by "SOL") shown in FIG. Reference numeral 107 denotes a relay board for supplying a drive signal to each head, and for receiving information on each head (information such as presence / absence of mounting and color presented by the head) and supplying the information to the control board 102. The information is transferred to the host computer H as described above.

Now, when the information of the image data to be printed is received from the host computer H, the image data is GPI.
The image is stored in the image memory 505 via the B interface 501 and the frame memory controller 504 (see FIG. 17).
reference). The image memory of the embodiment has a capacity of 124 Mbytes, and has an A1 size of 8-bit palette data. That is, 8 bits are assigned to each pixel. 503 is D for speeding up memory transfer
It is an MA controller. When the transfer from the host computer H is completed, printing can be started after a predetermined process.

Before and after the explanation, the host computer connected to the printing apparatus of the embodiment transfers the image data as a raster image. Since each recording head has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles arranged in the vertical direction, the arrangement of image data must be converted so as to match the recording heads. This data conversion is performed by the raster @BJ conversion controller 5
Perform at 06. Then, the data converted by the raster @BJ conversion controller 506 is supplied to the palette conversion controller 508 through the expansion function of the next expansion controller 507 for scaling the image data. The data up to the expansion controller 507 is the data sent from the host computer, and in this embodiment is an 8-bit palette signal. Then, this pallet data (8 bits) is commonly passed to and processed by a processing unit (described below) for each recording head.

In the following, in the case of eight recording heads,
That is, the description will be made assuming that a head that stores specific colors S1 to S4 in addition to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is provided.

Now, the palette conversion controller 508 is operated by the host computer H from FIG. 4 or FIG. 9 or FIG.
The conversion table memory 509 stores the palette data and the corresponding color conversion table input by processing such as 0.
Supply to.

In the case of an 8-bit palette, there are 256 kinds of reproducible color types from 0 to 255.
The tables shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are expanded in the table memory 509 corresponding to each color.

As a concrete circuit configuration, the palette conversion table memory 509 fulfills its function by writing the conversion data in the address position for the palette data. That is, when the palette data is actually supplied as an address, the memory is accessed in the read mode. The palette conversion controller 508 manages the palette conversion table memory 509 and interfaces the control board 102 and the palette conversion table memory 509. Regarding the spot color, a circuit for setting the spot color mixing amount (a circuit for multiplying the output by 0 to 1) is inserted between the HS system including the HS conversion controller 510 and the HS conversion table memory 511 at the next stage, and the setting is performed. The amount can be variable. In that case,
Following the transmission of the data as shown in FIG. 8, the data for making it variable may be transmitted and set in those circuits.

The HS conversion controller 510 and the HS conversion table memory 511 are. Head characteristic measuring means 108
Based on the data measured by, the variation of the print density or the ejection direction corresponding to each ejection port of each head is corrected. For example, data with a low density (low ejection rate) is converted to darker data, and a port with high density (high ejection rate) is converted to lighter data, and a medium density ejection port is converted. In that case, the process of flowing it as it is is performed.

The next γ conversion controller 512 and γ conversion table memory 513 are table conversions for increasing or decreasing the overall density for each color. For example, when nothing is done, it is a linear table, that is, 0 output for 0 input, 100 output for 100 input, 210 output for 210 input, and 255 output for 255 output.

The binarization controller 514 in the next stage has a pseudo gradation function, inputs 8-bit gradation data, and outputs binarized 1-bit pseudo gradation data. is there. Although there are a dither matrix, an error diffusion method, and the like for converting multi-valued data into binary data, these are adopted also in the embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted, but in any case, the unit What is necessary is just to express gradation by the number of dots per area.

The binarized data is stored in the connection memory 515 and then used for driving each recording head. Then, the binary data output from each connection memory is output as C, M, Y, BK, S1 to S4. Since the same processing is performed on the binarized signals of the respective colors, the binary data C will be focused here and described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the drawing shows the configuration for the recording color cyan, and each color has the same configuration. Note that FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a stage subsequent to the connection memory 515 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The binarized signal C is sent to the sequential multi-scan generator (hereinafter SMS generator) 5
22 is output to the pattern generator 51.
In some cases, the test printing of the device alone is performed by the 7, 518, so the data is supplied to the selector 519. Of course, this switching is controlled by the CPU of the control board 102, and the operator operates the operation unit 103.
When a predetermined operation is performed on (see FIG. 15),
The data from the binary pattern controller 517 is selected for test printing. Therefore, normally, the data from the binarization controller 514 (connection memory 516) is selected.

The SMS controller 522 prevents unevenness in image density due to variations in the ejection amount or ejection direction of each nozzle. Multi-scan is proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-79858. The connection memory 524 is a buffer memory that corrects the physical position of the head interval, and temporarily inputs the image data here and outputs the image data at a timing according to the physical position of the head. Therefore, the connection memory 524 has a different capacity for each recording color. Whether to prioritize image quality by performing multi-scan, that is, ejecting ink from a plurality of ejection ports for one pixel, or prioritizing high speed without performing such multi-scan, It can be designated in step MS21 of FIG.

After performing such data processing, data is sent to the head via the head relay board 107.

By the way, conventionally, data for palette conversion, HS conversion, and γ conversion has been fixedly held in a memory provided in the main body of the apparatus. Therefore, it may not match the image data to be output, and an image of sufficient quality may not be obtained. Therefore, in the present embodiment, these conversion data can be input from the outside and are stored in each conversion table memory. For example, palette conversion data as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is downloaded to the conversion table memory 509. That is, the conversion table memories 509, 511, and 513 of the embodiment are all composed of RAM. The data for palette conversion and γ conversion is sent from the host computer H. Further, the data for HS conversion is input from an external head characteristic measuring instrument 108 (see FIG. 15) so that the data consistent with the state of the head can always be obtained. In order to obtain the head characteristic of each recording color by the head characteristic measuring device 108, test printing (recording with uniform predetermined halftone density) is performed with each recording head. Then, the density distribution corresponding to the recording width is measured. The state of the head is the dispersion of the ejection states of a plurality of nozzles included in the head, or how much the density of the image printed by the head is different from the desired density.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the abnormal output and the like until the conversion parameter is input, the output is set to 0 even if the data is input as shown in FIG. 20, and the printing is executed. I was not allowed to. The same applies to γ conversion and the like.

FIG. 21 shows the logo input section 520 shown in FIG.
The configuration example of FIG. 11 is shown, and the host computer H is configured corresponding to the processing procedure of FIG.

<Color>, <pattern>, <X0 transmitted from the host computer H in the above procedure.
>, <Y0>, <L0>, and <L1> data are stored in the CPU provided on the control board 102 of the printer P.
102A sets it in the register 520A. The controller 520B is configured using a counter or the like,
A signal (for example, an address signal) for controlling the feeding of the recording head in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the feeding of the cloth 6 in the sub scanning direction (Y direction) is received, and is defined by L0 and L1 (see FIG. 12). Allow the logo to be formed for the position.
In addition, the X stored in the register 520A from that position
The blanking processing circuit 520C of the binarized image data 516 is controlled to blank the range defined by 0 and Y0, that is, the logo printing range. The blanking processing circuit 520C receives the control signal and deactivates the image data in the range.

The controller 520B has a register 520A.
Based on the pattern stored in, the logo memory 520D storing the logo to be printed is specified. In this example, four types of logo patterns are provided, that is, four logo memories are provided. Each logo memory 520D has four in this example.
It is configured by using two M-bit ROMs, and the maximum value of X0 (512 pixels) and the maximum value of Y0 that can be specified (the number of ejection openings of the print head 256 × 8 bands = 204)
It corresponds to the maximum size determined by 8 pixels).

FIGS. 22A and 22B show two ROMs (ROMA, R) for the image output range of the logo and the logo memory.
The correspondence with the OMB space is shown, and the hatched area is the portion that is not output because it exceeds the specified X0, Y0.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, one pixel in the ROM is composed of 8 bits, and on / off data for one color of the pixel is assigned to each bit.

The data read from the logo memory 520D designated by the controller 520B is supplied to the logo sending circuit 520E. The logo sending circuit is composed of a selector and the like, and the logo color designation data (color) stored in the register 520A for the pixel data shown in FIG.
Only the data of the color designated by is validated and supplied to the data transmission circuit 520F. The data sending circuit 520F, which can be configured using an OR circuit, sends the data for printing the logo of the specified pattern in the specified color to the blanked area, and the image data in the other areas. 516 is passed as it is and supplied to the SMS generator of the next stage.

In this example, since the logo data is managed independently of the basic image data, the repetition cycle of the basic image and that shown in FIG.
The desired logo data can be inserted at the repetition cycle desired by the operator regardless of the type of the repetition pattern as shown in FIG. Also, immediately before sending the basic image data to the head,
That is, after the binarization, the specified range is blanked and the logo is inserted there, so the logo mark is not affected by various conversions, and this can be achieved as desired (for example, sharply).
You can print. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, since a space of 1 byte (8 bits) for one pixel is configured by allocating each color to each bit, the memory usage efficiency is improved.

The contents of the logo memory may be read by the CPU of the host computer H or the printer P and displayed on the CRT 1026 of the host computer H or the operation / display unit of the printer P.

Although the logo memory is the ROM in this example, it may be constituted by a memory such as RAM and EPROM so that the contents can be rewritten by the host computer H. In this case, the host computer H can make the logo data into a file, store it in the external storage with a management number, and access it appropriately. Also,
When the RAM is used, it may be backed up by a battery or the like to save the stored contents even when the power is turned off, or the logo data may be transferred from the host computer H and expanded in the storage area as needed. Good.

Furthermore, the number of logo memories, that is, the types of patterns of logo data is not limited to the above four.

In addition, in the printer P according to the present example, a mode in which the ejection operation is performed twice or more for one pixel such as multi-scan can be selected, but if high image quality is not required for the logo, Can also be controlled, for example, so that the second and subsequent ejection operations are not performed. In this case, for example, a gate circuit or the like for deactivating the logo data may be added to the data transmission circuit 520F of FIG. 21 so as not to perform the second and subsequent ejection operations according to the mode.

(3.3) Print pattern of basic image When inputting image data of a basic image, the host computer H sends the input image size (X _in , Y _in ) to the printer P in the form of command and parameter. . As a result, the CPU 102A of the printer P secures an input area in the image memory 505 and stores the input image size in a predetermined parameter storage unit of the RAM 102C. Next, when the host computer H sequentially transmits the image data to the printer P,
The printer P receives this image data and stores it in the image memory 505 via the FM controller 504. on the other hand,
The host computer H sends the output format of the image data to the printer P. As a result, the printer P stores the image output format in the parameter storage unit of the RAM 102C. Here, the output type as shown in FIG. 24 is handled as the image output format.

24A to 24E are diagrams showing the image output format in this embodiment.

FIG. 24A shows a format in which the basic image 300 is printed out so as to be periodically repeated in the X direction (feeding direction of the carriage 1) and the Y direction (feeding direction of the recording medium 6) as shown in the figure. (Type 1) is shown. FIG. 24B shows a predetermined offset amount (shift amount) Δ for every other basic image 300 in the X direction when the basic image 300 is repeatedly printed.
A format that prints out by shifting y in the Y direction (Type 2)
Is shown. 24C is similar to the type 2 (FIG. 24B) described above, a format in which every other basic image 300 is shifted in the Y direction by a predetermined offset amount Δx and is printed out. (Type 3) is shown. In FIG. 24D, the basic image 300 is rotated (in FIG.
After 0 degree), a format (type 4) is shown in which, as in type 2 (FIG. 24 (B)), the print amount is shifted in the Y direction by the offset amount (offset “0” in FIG. 24 (D)). . Finally, in (E) of FIG. 24, after rotating the basic image 300 (90 degrees in FIG. 24E), the offset amount in the X direction (see (E) of FIG. )
Represents a format (type 5) in which the print output is performed by shifting by "0").

As the parameters for designating the output format output from the host computer H, in addition to the parameters described above, output types such as types 1 to 5, basic image sizes (X _b , Y _b ), total output image sizes ( X _OUT , Y
_OUT ), the X-direction offset amount Δx, the Y-direction offset amount Δy, and the rotation amount (here, in 90 ° units). These parameters are set under the following conditions.

X _in × Y _in ≦ capacity of the memory 505, X _b ≦
X _in , Y _b ≦ Y _in , X _OUT ≧ X _b , Y _OUT ≧ Y _b ,
Δx ≦ X _b , Δy ≦ Y _b , and so on.

The host computer H sends an image data print command to the printer P in step MS25 of FIG. 2, whereby the printer P starts the printing operation.

More specifically, the CPU 102A controls the read timing of the memory 505 of the address control unit provided in the FM controller 504, the activation timing of the motor driver 23, and the activation timing of the head driver 24, so that the recording medium can be used. The printing timing on a certain cloth 28 is controlled. The address control unit sequentially reads the image data from the memory 505 according to the parameters set in the parameter storage unit and outputs the image data to the head driver 24.
As a result, the head driver 24 forms a drive signal for the recording heads 2a to 2d or the spot color head in accordance with the image data and outputs the drive signal to each recording head. In this way, each recording head is driven by the drive signal, and ink droplets are ejected onto the cloth 6 to print an image corresponding to the image data.

On the other hand, the motor driver 23 feeds the cloth 6 to a printable position by driving the carry motor 9, and rotates the carriage motor 5 in a predetermined direction to move the carriage 1 in the D direction for recording. (Figure 1
3). After printing one scan in this way,
Next, the carriage motor 5 is rotated in the reverse direction to move the carriage 1 in the E direction and return to the home position, and the cloth 6 is moved by the width of the recorded one scan in the Y direction, or at the time of multi-scan. The transport motor 9 is rotated to move in the Y direction by an amount less than that. In the above timing, one reciprocation of the carriage 1 is a basic cycle, and the print operation speed of the recording head serves as a reference for the print timing.

In this way, the printer P repeatedly executes the above-mentioned operation to obtain the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ), when the printing of the image of the size designated by ( _{OUT OUT} ) is completed, the operation of the mode driver, head driver, FM controller 504, etc. is stopped to end the print mode, and again from the host computer H and the operation display unit 103. Will wait for input.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the parameter storage section and address control section of this embodiment.

In FIG. 25, each of 830 to 836 indicates a storage unit such as a register in the parameter storage unit, and the register 830 stores the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ), the basic image size (X _b , Y _b ) in the register 831, the number of times (N _x , N _y ) in the X and Y directions for repeatedly outputting the basic image in the register 832,
Output type for register 833 and X for register 834
The direction offset amount Δx, the Y direction offset amount Δy are stored in the register 835, and the rotation amount R is stored in the register 836.

Note that N _x = INT (X _OUT / X _B ), N
_y = INT (Y _OUT / Y _b ). However, INT
(A) indicates that when the number a is a decimal, the first decimal place of the number a is rounded up to an integer. For example, IN
T (1.2) = 2.

These registers are connected to each section of the address control section according to the output format of the input image data (specifically, they are used as reference values for the comparator described below).

In FIG. 25, 837 is an X address generator A, which is an address (XADR) of the basic image 300 in the X direction.
A) is counting. 838 is a Y address generator A
Address of the basic image 300 in the Y direction (YADRA)
Is counting. Reference numerals 839 and 840 denote an X address generator B and a Y address generator B, respectively, like the image output types 2 and 3 (FIGS. 24B and 24C) described above.
The X-direction address (XADRB) of the basic image 300 shifted in the X- or Y-direction and the Y-direction address (YADR
B) is counting. These address generators 837
Each of .about.840 mainly comprises a counter for actually outputting an address and a comparator for comparing whether or not the address exceeds the size of the basic image or the size of the entire image.

Reference numeral 841 denotes the X direction and Y of the basic image 300.
A block counter that counts the number of repetitions in each direction.
It mainly consists of a counter and a comparator. A selector 842 selects either one of the X-direction address (XADRA) and the X-address shifted in the X direction (XADRB). Similarly, the address in the Y direction (YADR
A) and the Y address shifted in the Y direction (YADRB)
Is a selector for selecting. Reference numeral 844 denotes a timing generator, which is an address (XAD
Based on R) and (YADR), various read signals (CS, ADR, RAS, CAS, WE, etc.) of the memory unit 9 and various timing signals (IN, OUT, VE, PE).
Etc.) is output.

Here, the memory 505 is constructed by using one or more commercially available D-RAM (dynamic RAM) modules. In the read signal of the memory section, CS is a chip select signal for selecting a module, ADR is a signal in which a row address (YADR) and a column address (XADR) are temporally assigned, RAS is a row address strobe signal, and CAS is The column address strobe signal WE is a write enable (write enable) signal, and the timing of these signals is shown in detail in FIG.

In the above various timing signals, IN is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit that temporarily holds image input data, OUT is a latch timing signal of a latch circuit that temporarily holds image output data, and VE is 1
A video enable signal indicating valid image data for each raster, and PE is a page enable signal indicating a valid raster in one page (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

Next, the operation of each unit of the address control unit in the case of the type 1 image output shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

When a print start is instructed from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103, the CPU 102A outputs a START signal to the address control unit to clear both the X address generator A837 and the Y address generator A838 (( (XADRA) and (YADRA) are both set to "0"), and these address generators 837 and 838 are made operable, and the timing generator 844 and block counter 841 are also made operable.

Of the output reference timing signals 500 (the image output clock CLK, the raster synchronizing signal HSYNC, the start signal START, etc.), the START signal becomes high level (enable), and the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC.
When C rises, as shown in FIG. 26, the timing generator 844 sets both the VE signal and the PE signal to the high level (enable). Further, while both the VE signal and the HSYNC signal are at the high level, the signals RAS, CAS, ADR, WE, and OUT are output to the memory 505 in synchronization with CLK as shown in FIG. It is read. Further, while the VE signal and the PE signal are both at the high level, the read position and the output position of the image data are determined by controlling the address read from the memory 505.

Next, address control in the address controller will be described.

The output of the X address generator A837 is cleared to "0" when the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC goes high, and its output (XADR is synchronized with the rising edge of CLK.
A) is incremented by 1 and the count value becomes "X
_{When b} "(the length of the basic image size in the X direction) is reached, a ripple carry signal (XARC) is output to the block counter 41 and the output address (XADRA) is cleared to" 0 "(timing T1 in FIG. 26). T3), that is, this carry signal (XARC) is "X _b " of the basic image size stored in the basic image size register 831.
And the output value of the counter that counts CLK by a comparator (not shown).

During this operation, the block counter 841
The selector 842 selects the address signal (XADRA) from the X address generator A837, and the selector 843 selects Y.
Address signal from address generator A838 (YADR
The selection signals XSEL and YSEL are both output at a high level so as to select A). Then, the X address generator 8
When the carry signal (XARC) from 37 is received, the block count X in the X direction is incremented by 1, and when it becomes equal to the number of repetitions N _{x in} the X direction (timing T3), the Y address generator A838 is incremented by 1. YC
The NT signal is output, and the XEND signal indicating that the output of the image data for one raster in the X direction is completed is set to 1 (enable).

During this period, the timing generator 844 receives the address signal (XADR) from the selector 842 and the address signal (YADR) from the selector 843.
An address signal ADR of the memory 505 and a chip select signal CS are created, and signals such as RAS, CAS, WE, ADR, CS, and OUT are output to the memory 505 in synchronization with the output reference timing signal 500 to read image data. It is carried out. Then, when the XEND signal input from the block counter 841 becomes "1", the VE signal is set to a low level (disenable) (timing T3), and each signal is output to temporarily stop the reading of the image data from the memory section. To stop. Here, when the VE signal becomes low level, counting of the X address generator 837, the Y address generator 838, and the block counter 841 is also stopped.

Next, when the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, which is the head of the next raster, rises, the above operation is repeated and the Y address generator A838 is successively counted up. In this way, the printing process of each raster is performed, and the Y address generator A83
When the value of the Y address (YADRA) output from 8 coincides with the basic image size in the Y direction length "Y _b" (timing T5 to T7), the Y-address generator 838, carry signal a (YARC) block counter It is output to 841 and the signal (YADRA) is cleared to "0".

Upon receiving the carry signal (YARC) from the Y address generator 838, the block counter 841
The block count Y in the Y direction is incremented by 1, and it is checked whether or not this value is equal to the number of repetitions N _y, and when it is equal, YEN is informed that the reading in the Y direction is completed.
The D signal is set to high level (enable) (timing T7). When the YEND signal becomes 1, the timing generator 844 sets both the VE and PE signals to the low level (disenable), stops the output of each signal, and completes the image reading for one unit of cloth. When the PE signal goes low, the counting operations of the X address generator A837, Y address generator A838 and block counter 841 are also stopped.

The number of times of repetition N _y may be sent from the host computer H together with a command, or may be calculated in accordance with the step MS13 (FIG. 2), and may be set by the operation / display unit 103. Good.

Next, type 2 shown in FIG.
The operation of the address control unit in the case of image output of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

The basic operation of this timing diagram is shown in FIG.
6 is the same as the case of the type 1 image output, except that the operation of the Y address generator B840 is enabled and the selector 843 selects.

Specifically, the block counter 841 is
By switching the selector 843 between the high level and the low level by the selection signal YSEL in synchronization with the block count of the block counter 841 in the X direction, the signal (YADRA) from the Y address generator A838 and the signal from the Y address generator B840. The difference is that (YADRB) is switched and the Y address YADR is switched for each block.

Further, the Y address generator B840 is not cleared to "0" at the rising edge of the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, but is offset at this timing by the offset amount Δy in the Y direction.
Is loaded. Further, the Y address generator B840 is
The length "Y _b " of the basic image size in the Y direction is compared with the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840, and (YA
When DRB) becomes equal to "Y _b ", it is cleared to "0". At this time, the carry signal YBRC is not output, and the block counter 841 is operated by the X address generator A83.
The carry signal (YARC) from 7 increments the block counter Y.

This timing is shown in detail in FIG. 27. For example, when printing the first one scan of the basic image 300 portion shown in FIG.
For the Y address (YADR) input to 4, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A838 is selected to be "0".
And then the right image area (offset part)
When printing the first one scan of, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840 is selected and set to "Δy". Similarly, in the third image area (there is no offset), the Y address (YADR) returns to “0”, and in the next offset area, “Δy” again.
Becomes

Next, in the second scan for printing these image areas, the output (YADRA) of the Y address generator A838 is selected to be "1" in the image area where the Y address (YADR) is not offset, In the offset area, the output (YADRB) of the Y address generator B840 is selected and becomes “Δy + 1”.

After outputting the line 301 in FIG. 24B, the output of the Y address generator B840 (YADR
Since B) is equal to the basic image size “Y _b ”,
It is cleared to "0".

The type 3 shown in FIG.
In the case of, the difference is that the offset is in the Y direction in the case of type 2, whereas the offset is in the X direction in type 3. Therefore, in the type 2 described above, the selector 843 selects the output of the Y address generator A 838 and the output of the Y address generator B 840 to generate the Y address (YADR).
Was devised to form the selector, but in this type 3, the selector 84
2 is an X address generator A 837 and an X address generator B
Select any of the 839 outputs to select the X address (XAD
Control to output as R) is required.

Specifically, the block counter 841 switches the selection signal XSEL of the selector 842 between high level and low level in synchronization with the Y count value of the block counter 841 to output the address (XADRA) output from the X address generator A837. ) And the X address generator B8
The timing generation unit 844 switches the address (XADRB) output from 39 by each block (XADR).
Output to. Further, the X address generator B839 is
Instead of being cleared to "0" at the rising edge of YNC, the offset amount "Δx" in the X direction is loaded at this timing. Further, the X address generator B839 outputs the width "X _b " of the basic image size in the X direction and its output (XADRB).
When (XADRB) exceeds " _Xb ", the ripple carry (XBRC) is not output and the X address generator B839 is cleared to "0". The block counter 841 increments the value of the block counter X with a carry (XARC) from the X address generator A 837.

[0177] Type 4 and Type 5, the ratio between the vertical "Y _b" the horizontal "X _b" of the basic image size is beautifully useful for geometrically when an integer. Especially when X _b = Y _b (basic image is a square), it is possible to arrange them in a grid pattern neatly, and it is relatively easy in terms of configuration, and when XADR and YADR are exchanged,
The count direction (down / up count) of the address generators 837 to 840 can be realized according to the rotation amount R.

When the basic image is rotated, not only the address control but also the rotation processing section can be inserted like a pipeline. Further, by the address control, before the image data is actually output, for example, the basic image is set to 90
By creating and storing the rotated images for each basic image in the image memory, the image data including these rotated images can be output more easily and at high speed.

The block counter 841 counts the blocks of the basic image to obtain the total output image size (X
_OUT , Y _OUT ) is output, but it is not limited to this. In particular, X _OUT, Y _OUT are each X _b, if not a multiple of Y _b is the only count in the block X _OUT, Y _OUT
Cannot be specified. Therefore, the remaining pixels X _r = X _OUT −
N _x × X _b , where N _x = INT (X _OUT / X _b ) −
It is possible to introduce 1 and determine whether X _OUT has been reached by comparing the number of iterations N _x with a predetermined number or by comparing the residual pixel X _r with a predetermined value. This also applies to the Y direction.

When the printing speed of the recording head is slow and the image output clock is slow, the above-mentioned address formation can be realized by software processing such as CPU. In particular, by software, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of FIG. 25 with software by using a part of the memory as a counter.

In this embodiment, the arrangement of the image data to be output to the print head is performed in a raster format, and the image data array depending on the print head is changed by the raster @BJ conversion controller 506 (FIG. 17). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the image data stored in the memory 505 and the arrangement of the image data output to the recording head may be the same. You may make it match with the head array of a recording head at the time of outputting to a driver.

In the mechanical construction of the printer P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the print head having a print range of width H _y in the Y direction is actually scanned in the X direction to output an image. I have to.

In such a case, the FM controller 50
A counter (and a comparator) that counts the Y address generator 838 and the Y address generator B840 in the Y direction of the address control unit of 4 by H _y and a counter (and a comparator) that counts its ripple carry. It is also possible to realize it in a stage configuration.

In addition, the width of H _{y in} the Y direction and X in the X direction
It is also possible to read out and print an image in _OUT units (called band units). At this time, Y in the above Y direction
It is not necessary to use the upper counter of the address generator A 838 and the Y address generator B 840, and the lower counter (H _y
It is also possible to configure only with a counter for. Specifically, every time an image is output in band units, the CPU 10
The 2A may load a specified address in the Y direction (Y address of the first image data of the band unit to be printed next time) into the counter for H _y , and count up from there.

(3.4) Download of conversion data and parameters Various parameters set in the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103 for downloading each conversion data described above into the conversion table via each conversion controller. Is stored in the corresponding predetermined register, the apparatus of the present embodiment processes according to the flowchart of FIG. The operation will be described below. A program for performing the same process is stored in the ROM 102B provided in the control board 102 and is executed by the CPU 102A.

First, when the system is powered on,
The printer P is initialized in step SP1. This initialization processing includes conversion tables 509 and 51 for each recording color.
The initialization process of 1 and 513 is also included.

Then, in the next step SP2, it is determined whether or not a test print instruction is received from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103, and if it is determined that the instruction is received, the test print is performed in step SP3.
In this case, as described above, the selector 519 for each recording color outputs an instruction signal to select the data from the binary PG controller 517, and the printing process is performed.

If there is no instruction from the host computer H or the operation / display unit 103, the process proceeds to step SP4, it is determined whether data is received via the GPIB interface 501, and the reception is awaited. When the data is received, the process proceeds to step SP4, and it is determined whether the received data is image data or each conversion table data or parameter. Incidentally, the judgment as to whether or not the image data is made is made by interpreting the control command located at the head of the received data. In particular, in the case of conversion table data or parameters, identification data indicating which recording color of which conversion data the data to be sent subsequently is for, or which control parameter is used is added. It

If it is determined that the received data is image data, the process proceeds to step SP6 and print processing based on the image quality is executed.

If it is determined that the conversion table data and parameters are used, the process proceeds to step SP7,
By interpreting the control command, it is determined which recording color is which conversion table or which parameter is a parameter. In step SP8, the received data is converted through the corresponding conversion controller or CPU based on the determination result. Or register.

The information set by the host computer H and the operation / display unit 103 and the like are stored in the operation / display unit 103.
Can also be displayed on the display of. FIG. 30 shows an example of the display. Although the printed length of the cloth 6, the total length of the cloth, the feeding amount of the cloth, and the like are displayed on the display device 103D in the figure, they are set using the host computer H or the operation buttons of the main operation / display unit. Of course, various parameters and modes can also be displayed. In FIG. 30, 103E is various error lamps. Reference numerals 103A and 103B denote a stop button and an emergency stop button, respectively, which can be used to enable selection of a stop mode that protects continuity of print output and a stop mode that does not protect the continuity of print output, respectively.

(4) Other Configuration Examples In the above embodiments, the host computer H is the printer P.
The image data converted into color palette data is supplied to the printer P, and the printer P performs printing using C, M, Y, BK and the special colors S1 to S4 based on the color palette conversion table. An example in which the host computer H supplies image data to the printer P as R, G, B brightness data will be described.

In this example, a configuration similar to that of the system described above can be adopted, but the image memory 505 in FIG. 17 is represented by R, G, B luminance data instead of palette image data. The stored image data is stored, and the configuration of FIG. 18 is replaced with that shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 shows C, M, and
An example of an image processing unit for converting signals of Y and BK or generating special color signals of S1 to S4 will be shown.

In this example, the host computer H is
The color image data is sent to the printer P as R, G, B, the printer P receives the image data R, G, B through the interface, and the CPU 102A is an image data processing unit arranged on the control board 102 and records it. By adjusting the timings of the head driver 24, the motor driver 23, etc., and controlling them, the cloth C
A color image is formed and output by applying inks of magenta M, yellow Y, black BK or spot colors S1 to S4.

In FIG. 31, for the image data (luminance data) R, G, and B supplied from the controllers 504, 506, and 507 from the memory 505, the input correction unit 632 determines the spectral characteristics and dynamic range of the input image. In consideration of the above, conversion to standard luminance data R ′, G ′, B ′ (for example, R, G, B of NTSC system of color television) is performed, and the density conversion unit 633 converts the standard luminance data R ′. , G ′, B ′ are converted into density data C, M, Y by using a non-linear conversion such as logarithmic conversion. The undercolor removal unit 634 and the black generation unit 635 perform undercolor removal and black generation from the density data C, M, Y, the UCR amount β, and the smear amount σ as in the following calculation example.

[0197]

## EQU00002 ## C (1) = C-.beta..times.MIN (C, M, Y) M (1) = M-.beta..times.MIN (C, M, Y) Y (1) = Y-.beta..times.MIN (C , M, Y) K (1) = σ × MIN (C, M, Y) Next, the masking unit 636 removes the undercolor C (1),
The unnecessary absorption characteristics of ink are corrected for M (1) and Y (1) by the following calculation example.

[0198]

## EQU00003 ## C (2) = A11.times.C (1) + A12.times.M (1) + A13.times.Y (1) M (2) = A21.times.C (1) + A22.times.M (1) + A23.times.Y (1) Y (2) = A31 * C (1) + A32 * M (1) + A33 * Y (1) where Aij (ij = 1 to 3) is a masking coefficient.

Next, the γ conversion unit 641 uses C (2), M
C (3), M (3), Y (3), K (3) in which the output gamma is adjusted for (2), Y (2), and BK (1), respectively.
(C (3), M (3), Y (3), BK
(3) Correction is performed so that it becomes linear with the image density output with ink corresponding to each signal).

Here, since the recording head is a binary recording means which has only two states, that is, whether or not ink is ejected, it is 2
The binarization processing unit 642 is a multilevel data C (3), M
19 (3), Y (3), and K (3) are binarized and converted into C ', M', Y ', and BK' so as to form pseudo gradations, respectively, and shown in FIG. Output to the circuit section.

Further, in this example, in accordance with the spot color instruction given from the CPU 102A, predetermined R, G, B ranges on the chromaticity diagram (R ', G', given by the input correction unit 632,
A color detection unit 631 for generating an instruction to print by replacing B ′) with the spot colors S1 to S4 is provided. The instruction is signal S
Is supplied to the γ conversion unit 637, and the γ conversion unit 631 outputs appropriate spot color signals S1 (3) to S4 (3), which are further binarized by the binarization processing unit 638 to obtain the signal S1 ′.
~ S4 'is generated.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a spot color designation processing procedure performed by the host computer H for the configuration of FIG. As a general rule, this procedure is a process of designating a desired chromaticity range of three colors of R, G, and B to determine a desired range in the chromaticity diagram, and replacing a color included in the range with a desired spot color.

Also in this procedure, the same processing of steps SS7-1 to SS7-7 as shown in FIG. 4 is preceded, and when the recording head of the desired color is mounted, step SS7-11 is executed. , CRT 26 determines whether or not to directly specify the color in the original image data. If an affirmative determination is made here, the designation is prompted in step SS7-13, and if it is determined in step SS7-15 that the designation has been input, then in step SS7-17 the R, G, and B colors Wait for specification of conversion width to spot color. In the designation, the minimum value (min) and the maximum value (max) of the conversion width are designated for each color of R, G and B. Next, in step SS7-19, a desired spot color is selected. For example, if there are four special colors S1 to S4, it can be designated by the numerical value assigned to each color.

When the conversion range and the spot color are designated in this way, the designation is made to the printer P in step SS7-21. The format of the command used for this instruction is, for example, “<Rmin>, <Rmax>, <Gmin>, <Gmax>, <Bmin following identification code <WCOLOR>.
>, <Bmax>, <byte> ”. This means that Rmin ≤ R ≤ Rmax, Gmin <G <Gmax, Bmin <B <Bmax. For data, "<by
It is an instruction to use a special color indicated by te> ”.

If a negative decision is made in step SS7-11, the operation proceeds to step SS7-23, and the CRT adopted in the computer having the color graphic function.
It is determined whether or not the color for conversion is specified in the color sample table on the screen. If a positive determination is made here, step SS7-2
In step 5, the designation is urged, and then the process proceeds to step SS7-15 to perform the same process as described above.

On the other hand, if a negative decision is made in step SS7-23, the operation proceeds to step SS7-27, it is decided whether or not color information related to conversion is designated by a key, and if a positive decision is made. To that effect, step SS7-15
Move to. When a negative determination is made in step SS7-27, the spot color currently used by the printer P is used as it is, and the processing is ended.

The circuit of the color detecting section 631 of the printer P for the above-mentioned designation processing on the host computer H side is as follows.
The one shown in FIG. 33 can be adopted.

In FIG. 33, the above-mentioned data sent from the host computer H can be constituted by the CPU 102A using a register, a comparator, etc., a comparison circuit 641.
Is set to. When the R ', G', and B'signals are input from the input correction unit 632, the comparison circuit 641 compares these signals with the set values, and if they are within the designated range, it is "0", otherwise. If so, a signal α that becomes “1” is generated. The signal α is supplied to the density conversion unit 633 and the spot color signal generation circuit 643. If α = 0, the density conversion unit 633 does not generate C, M, Y signals for the R ′, G ′, B ′.

The R ', G', and B'signals are also supplied to the luminance signal generation circuit 645. The luminance signal generation circuit 645 calculates (R '+ G' + B ') / 3, for example, and supplies it to the spot color signal generation circuit 643 so that the density is reproduced well even in the range where the spot color is replaced. Also, the selector 64
7 is C according to the data designated by the above <byte>
It is switched by the PU 102A and instructs the spot color signal generation circuit 643 to use the spot color. Therefore, when the α output from the comparison circuit 641 is “0”, the spot color signal generation circuit 643 has the density corresponding to the luminance signal supplied from the luminance signal generation circuit 645 and is designated by the selector 647. Data S is generated.

When it is desired to mix the special color with C, M, Y, etc., the above-mentioned <byte is used in this example.
> Data is increased, and the comparison circuit 641 generates data for determining the respective mixing ratios between α = 0 which indicates only the use of the spot color and α = 1 which uses only C, M, Y and the like. You can do it like this.

FIG. 34 shows still another example of the spot color designation processing procedure performed by the host computer H. This process is a process for designating a specific area on the original image data and printing the range with a desired spot color.

Also in this procedure, the above-mentioned step SS7 is executed.
-1 to SS7-9 are placed in front. When the special color recording head to be used is mounted, step S
In S7-41, input of coordinate data indicating a desired area on the original image is prompted. When the input is determined in step SS7-43, the spot color is selected in step SS7-45, and the printer P is notified of the area data and the spot color designation data in step SS7-47. The command format at that time is, for example, <WARE
Following the identification code of A>, if the above area is a triangular area, “<X ₁ >, <Y ₁ >, <X ₂ >, <Y ₂ >, <X ₃ ＞, ＜ Y ₃ ＞,
<Byte> ”, where“ <byte> ”is the designation data of the spot color as described above.

As the processing circuit on the printer P side for this procedure, the color detection section in FIG. 31 can be used as the area detection section, and the area detection section shown in FIG. 35 can be used.

In FIG. 35, the data relating to the above area sent from the host computer H is set by the CPU 102A in the area signal generating circuit 651 which can be constructed by using a register, a comparator and the like. When the image address is input from the CPU bus, the area signal generation circuit 651 compares it with various set values, and if it is within the specified range, it becomes "0", and otherwise it becomes "1". The signal α is generated, and the density conversion unit 633 and the spot color signal generation circuit 64 are generated.
3 and supply. The density conversion unit 633 does not generate C, M, and Y signals when α = 0. The area signal generation circuit 651 may be configured to generate data for determining the ratio of the mixture of C, M, Y and the like and the spot color.

The configurations of the spot color signal generation circuit 653, the luminance signal generation circuit 655 and the selector 657 are the same as those of the respective units 643, 645 and 647 in FIG. 33, and the spot color signal generation circuit 653 includes an area signal generation circuit 651. When the output α is "0", the spot color data S designated by the selector 657 is generated with the density corresponding to the luminance signal supplied from the luminance signal generation circuit 655.

The spot color designation procedure described with reference to FIGS. 4, 32, and 34 should be activated in accordance with the configuration of the printer P, that is, based on the information presented by the printer P, for example. Alternatively, if the printer P has a circuit that can handle any of the procedures, it is possible to activate one of them according to the operator's desire.

In each of the above embodiments, "special feature"
And Y, M, which are usually used in color printers.
C is a metal color that cannot be reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, and vivid colors such as R, G, B, violet, and orange are used, and these colors are expressed by a dedicated head.
In addition to these, the special colors referred to in the present invention mean that even if reproducible or easy to reproduce by mixing Y, M, C, etc., since the frequency of use is high, the amount of the recording agent of the color used for mixing is limited. In the case of a large amount, it may be a color used for the purpose of suppressing the amount used. Further, it may be a color represented by a mixture of Y, M or C and a spot color, or a mixture of spot color recording agents.

Regarding the processing for faithfully reproducing the color selected by the designer, the procedure of generating color palette data has been described in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, but as in the embodiments of FIG. 31 and thereafter. When the host computer H sends the R, G, B luminance signals to the printer P, good color reproduction is performed by the correction shown in FIG. 9 or the selection shown in FIG. Let R,
The G and B signals may be transmitted.

(5) Others The image output apparatus (printer) according to the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording method, and various recording methods can be adopted. When the ink jet recording method is adopted, the ink In a recording head and a recording device of a system that includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) that generates heat energy as energy used for ejecting, and causes the ink to change state by the heat energy. It has an excellent effect. This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
It can be applied to any of the continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and film boiling is caused on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal in a one-to-one correspondence
It is effective because bubbles can be formed inside. Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape, because the bubble growth and contraction are immediately and appropriately performed, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise on the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the discharge port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
The structure using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration corresponding to the ejection portion is disclosed in JP-A-59-138461. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be surely and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads or a configuration as one recording head integrally formed.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main body of the apparatus, or the electrical connection to the main body of the apparatus or the ink from the main body of the apparatus by being attached to the main body of the apparatus. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, as the constitution of the recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, heating is performed by using a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressure or suction unit for the recording head, an electrothermal converter or a heating element other than this, or a combination thereof. Examples thereof include a preliminary heating unit for performing the discharge and a preliminary discharge unit for performing discharge different from the recording.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. Or, in the inkjet system, it is common to control the temperature of the ink itself within the range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range. Sometimes, a liquid ink may be used. In addition, the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as the energy of the state change of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or in order to prevent the evaporation of the ink, it is solidified and heated in the standing state. You may use the ink liquefied by. In any case, by applying thermal energy such as ink that is liquefied by applying thermal energy according to the recording signal and liquid ink is ejected, or that begins to solidify when it reaches the recording medium. The present invention can be applied to the case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time is used. In this case, the ink is
JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-7
As described in Japanese Patent No. 1260, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or the through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, other than the one used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function are provided. It may be a form or the like.

Next, for the ink-jet printing cloth, (1) the ink should be able to develop a sufficient density of color.

(2) The dyeing rate of ink is high.

(3) The ink dries quickly on the cloth.

(4) The occurrence of irregular ink bleeding on the cloth is small.

(5) Excellent transportability in the apparatus.

Performance such as is required. In order to satisfy these required performances, the fabric may be pre-treated in advance if necessary. For example, JP-A-62-5
3492 discloses a fabric having an ink receiving layer, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-46589 proposes a fabric containing a reduction inhibitor or an alkaline substance. Examples of such pretreatment include a treatment in which the cloth is made to contain a substance selected from alkaline substances, water-soluble polymers, synthetic polymers, water-soluble metal salts, urea and thiourea.

Examples of the alkaline substance include alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide,
Examples thereof include amines such as moji, di and triethanolamine, and carbonic acid or alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Furthermore, there are organic acid metal salts such as calcium acetate and barium acetate, and ammonia and ammonia compounds. In addition, sodium trichloroacetate which becomes an alkaline substance under steaming and drying may be used. Particularly preferred alkaline substances are sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate used for dyeing reactive dyes.

As the water-soluble polymer, starch substances such as corn and wheat, cellulosic substances such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, gum arabic,
Locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum,
Examples include polysaccharides such as tamarind seeds, protein substances such as gelatin and casein, and natural water-soluble polymers such as tannin-based substances and lignin-based substances.

Examples of synthetic polymers include polyvinyl alcohol compounds, polyethylene oxazo compounds, acrylic acid water-soluble polymers, maleic anhydride water-soluble polymers, and the like. Of these, polysaccharide polymers and cellulosic polymers are preferable.

Examples of the water-soluble metal salt include compounds having a pH of 4 to 10 which produce typical ionic crystals, such as halogen compounds of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. As typical examples of such compounds, for example, in the case of alkali metals, NaCl, Na ₂
SO ₄ , KCl, CH ₃ COONa and the like,
Further, as the alkaline earth metal, CaCl ₂ and M
Examples include gCl _{2 and the} like. Of these, salts of Na, K and Ca are preferable.

The method of incorporating the above substances and the like into the cloth in the pretreatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a dipping method, a pad method, a coating method and a spraying method which are usually performed.

Further, the printing ink applied to the ink-jet printing cloth merely adheres to the cloth when it is applied to the cloth. Therefore, the reaction fixing step (dyeing step) of the dye to the fiber is subsequently performed. Is preferred. Such a reaction fixing step may be a conventionally known method, for example, a steaming method, an HT steaming method, a thermofix method, an alkali pad steam method, an alkali blotch steam method when a cloth which has been previously alkali-treated is not used. , Alkaline shock method, alkaline cold fix method, etc.

Further, the unreacted dye and the substance used for the pretreatment can be removed by washing after the above reaction fixing step according to a conventionally known method. In addition, it is preferable to use a conventional fixing treatment together with this cleaning.

[Second Embodiment] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the main basic structure of a printer which is an embodiment of the image output apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 36, reference numeral 201 denotes an external device such as a host computer, which outputs image data and various commands to the printer 202 of the embodiment. This printer 2
The main configuration of 02 is an interface unit 203 that controls communication with the external device 201 such as data and commands.
And a control unit 204 that controls the operation of the entire printer 202.
(Mainly CPU and program ROM, work RAM,
A display / operation unit 205 for interfacing with an operator) and a peripheral circuit such as an I / O port)
(Including display unit such as LCD and operation unit such as key switch)
And a memory unit 209 (D-RAM for storing image data).
And a semiconductor memory such as S-RAM), and the memory unit 2
Memory control unit 206 for controlling read / write to 09
(Mainly, a parameter storage unit 207 that stores parameters from the display / operation unit 205, and an address control unit 20 that generates read and write addresses of the memory unit 209.
8), a motor drive unit 210 for controlling the drive of various motors, a carriage motor 211 that is a drive source for moving the carriage unit 214, and a drive for moving a recording medium 228 such as paper. Transport motor 2 that is the source
12 and a recording head unit 215 for ejecting recording ink
And a head driving unit 213 for driving the recording head unit 215 according to an image signal.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the main part of the recording section of the printer 202 of this embodiment.

The cartridge 220 including the recording head portion 215 is removably mounted on the carriage unit 214, and the arrow X indicates in response to the rotation of the carriage motor 211.
It reciprocates in 1 (right direction) and X2 (left direction). The carriage unit 214 includes a columnar carriage shaft 22.
3 and the carriage support base 224, and the sliding direction (X1, X2) thereof is defined. The carriage motor 211 can move the carriage unit 214 in both directions by rotating in the forward and reverse directions of the arrows R1 and R2. The timing belt 222 includes two pulleys 22.
5, 226, and a part thereof is fixed to the carriage unit 214. And one pulley 225
Is attached to the rotary shaft of the carriage motor 211, the carriage unit 214 is conveyed according to the rotation of the carriage motor 211.

Reference numeral 221 denotes an encoder for detecting the position of the carriage unit 214.
By reading the encoder 221, it is possible to know where the carriage unit 214 is located by an encoder sensor (not shown) in the unit 14. The carriage unit 2 is attached to the end of X2 (left direction).
There is a home position (hereinafter referred to as HP) which is a standby position of 14, and an HP sensor (not shown) which is a reading means is provided in the vicinity of this HP, and this HP sensor is composed of a sensor such as a photo interrupter. , It is detected whether or not the carriage unit 214 is located on this HP. Reference numeral 227 denotes a conveyance roller for conveying a recording medium such as a sheet, which is attached to the rotation shaft of the conveyance motor 212 and is in contact with the recording medium sheet 228.
The cable 229 is for sending an image signal to the recording head portion 215 in the cartridge 220 via the carriage unit 214. In addition, the printer 202 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a recording medium supply device (not shown).

Next, the operation of the printer 202 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 to 37 will be described.

First, when the printer 202 is turned on, the control unit 204 controls the internal RAM and I / O unit (not shown), the memory control unit 206, the memory unit 209, the display / operation unit 205, the interface unit 203, etc. Also, various hardware is initially checked and initialized, and the mechanical unit is initialized. Specifically, the transport motor 21
2. By operating the carriage motor 211, the recovery system motor (not shown), etc., the paper 228 stopped due to a paper jam (jam) or the like is discharged to the outside of the apparatus, the carriage unit 214 is moved to HP, Recovery system mechanism (recording head unit 215 for preventing clogging of the recording head unit 215)
The peripheral mechanism) is operated to perform forced ejection and suction of ink.

Next, the control unit 204 enables (enables) the interface with the external device 201 for the interface unit 203, and displays "RE" on the display / operation unit 205.
A message indicating that the operation is ready, such as "ADY", is displayed. In this state, the control unit 204
Is in a state of having an input from the external device 201 and an input from the display / operation unit 205, and is monitoring whether various errors have occurred.

When there is a key input from the display / operation unit 205, the control unit 204 displays / displays according to these various inputs.
Data input processing from the operation unit is performed by instructing the display of the operation unit 205 or setting of various parameters (storing in the work RAM or storing in the parameter storage unit 207). In addition, when there is an input from the external device 201 via the interface unit 203, the control unit 204 determines whether the input is a command or image data, and if it is a command, various settings corresponding to it are performed. In addition to processing, if it is image data, the memory control unit 2
06 is set to the input mode, and the input image data is instructed to be stored in the memory unit 209.

For example, whether to repeatedly output the image data from the external device 201 or output the entire image data to be printed as in the conventional case is instructed by the command from the external device 201.

More specifically, when inputting image data, the external device 201 sends the input image size (X _in , Y _in ) to the printer 202 in the command and parameter format. As a result, the printer 202 secures an input area in the memory unit 209, and stores the input image size in the work RAM of the control unit 204 and the parameter storage unit 207.
Next, the external device 201 sequentially transmits the image data to the printer 202, and the printer 202 receives the image data and stores it in the memory unit 209 via the memory control unit 206. When the input of the image data of the predetermined size is completed in this way, the external device 201 transmits the output format of the image data to the printer 202. This allows the printer 202
Stores the image output format in the work RAM of the control unit 204 and the parameter storage unit 207. Here, as in the first embodiment described above, the output type as shown in FIG. 24 is handled as the image output format.

Since the print pattern of the basic image is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, its explanation is omitted. The internal configuration of the memory control unit 206 is the same as that of FIG. 25 of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. 7
A reader unit 10 reads an image of a document and converts it into image data. 711 is a memory unit, and the reader unit 71
The original image data read by 0 is stored. 71
A write counter unit 2 determines a storage address for storing image data in the memory unit 711. 713
Is a memory control unit and controls the write counter unit 712 and the read counter unit 714. Reference numeral 714 denotes a read counter unit, which is used by the printer unit 71 from the memory unit 711.
5, the read address of the data when sending the image data to 5 is determined. A printer unit 715 includes a memory unit 7
Recording of the image data read from 11 on the recording medium is executed. Reference numeral 716 denotes a setting unit, which designates an image area in the document to be image-repeated, a recording position of the image to be image-repeated on a recording sheet, and a repeating method (rotation,
Mirror image etc.) etc.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the reader unit 710 according to this embodiment. Reference numeral 780 denotes a CCD unit, which includes a CCD as a reading element, a light source lens, and the like. The CCD unit 780 scans the reader main scanning rail 782, reads one line of the document, moves one line on the reader sub-scanning rail, and reads the next line. The document is read by repeating this.

FIG. 40 shows a printer section 715 according to this embodiment.
2 is a schematic configuration diagram of FIG. The printer unit 715 of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment has an inkjet recording head. Recording heads 901 to 904 of four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (hereinafter, C, M, Y, Bk) scan a printer main scanning rail 793 by a main scanning motor 792 to form a recording sheet as a recording medium. 720
The image for one line read by the reader unit 781 is recorded. After the recording of one line is completed, the recording sheet 720
Is conveyed by one line in the sub-scanning direction by the paper feed motor 791. Images are recorded by repeating this operation.

In the above configuration, the setting section 716 makes the following designations. First, an area of the original image for image repeat is designated. As this specification method,
As shown in (a) of FIG. 41, a point P (x ₁ , y ₁ ) and a point Q
By designating two points of (x ₂ , y ₂ ), the area within the rectangle formed by these two points becomes the designated area. 101 is a designated area.

Next, the image repeat expansion start position is designated. This is done by designating the point Q (x ₃ , y ₃ ) as shown in FIG. 41 (b).
The image repeat is started from the position of this point Q. Further, the number of times of image repeat is designated. This is designated by the number of times in the main scanning direction and the number of times in the sub scanning direction. For example, in (b) of FIG. 41, the repeat position of the area 1 in the case of designating three times in the main scanning direction and one time in the sub-scanning direction is the dotted rectangles 102, 103, 1
Shown at 04.

Finally, the image repeat method is designated. Here, the 90 ° rotation, the mirror image, and the like are designated by, for example, the menu screen and the select button. Then, the above setting information is stored in the memory control unit 713.

When the present image forming apparatus is started after the above settings are made, the original image data is first read by the reader unit 7.
It is read by 10 and stored in the memory 711. Here, the write counter 712 executes storage in the memory 711 while converting serial format data from the reader unit 710 into raster format data.

Subsequently, when reading the image data of the memory unit 711, the memory control unit 713 controls the read counter 714 to perform image repeat of the addressing, and the image data read by this addressing is sent to the printer unit 715. To print. At the designated execution position of the image repeat, the address of the read counter of the image data from the memory 711 is set to the address of the image area for image repeat. The read counter 714 is provided with an x counter and a y counter, and an address is designated by the x coordinate and the y coordinate based on the current values of these counters. Therefore, at this time, by operating the x counter and the y counter, the image
A read address is generated so that it can be rotated or read as a mirror image. For example, if the x counter and the y counter are exchanged and the x counter is set to the down counter, image data rotated by 90 ° can be obtained. If only the x counter is a down counter, a mirror image can be obtained.

FIG. 42 shows a print example in which the image image is repeated by rotating the image 90 °. Area 1 in FIG. 42 (a) is an image image in a state without rotation. The area 2 in FIG. 42B stores the image of the area 1 in the memory 71.
It is a state of printing read out by addressing so as to rotate by 90 ° when reading from 1. Area 3 in FIG. 42 (c) is a printing mode in which the image in area 1 is read out by addressing so as to rotate 180 °.

FIG. 43 shows a printing example in which an image image is image-repeated as a mirror image. Area 1 in FIG. 43 (a) is an original image image. Area (2) of FIG. 43 (b) is a printing state when the image of area (1) is read from the memory 711 by addressing so that it becomes a mirror image. Area 3 in FIG. 43 (c) is a print mode read from the memory 711 as in area 1.

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, in the image repeat, by changing the addressing of the read from the memory 711 every time the image repeat is repeated, it is possible to realize a varied image repeat function.

Although the image forming apparatus having the ink jet type recording head has been described in the above-mentioned third embodiment, the invention is not limited to this. For example, it is applicable to a page printer such as a laser beam printer. Is also possible.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment repeats an image from a computer. A memory 711 stores the image data sent from the host computer 740. Reference numeral 742 denotes a printer unit, which in the fourth embodiment prints by serial scanning,
For example, it is a printer having an ink jet recording head as in the third embodiment. The line memory 741 prints in one scan in the printer unit 742 described above.
It is a line of memory. The image data in the memory 711 is stored in the line memory 74 under the control of the read counter 714.
Read to 1. When the image data for one line is accumulated in the line memory 741, the printer unit 742
The data is transferred to, and the recording operation is performed by the printer unit 742.

By the same operation as in the third embodiment, the image area for image repeat, the position to start the development of the image repeat, the number of repeats, and the repeat method are set and stored in the memory controller 713.

For example, in the case of performing image repeat (rotate by 90 ° and repeat) as shown in FIG. 42 (c), the image of area 1 is transferred to the line memory 741 and is continuously rotated by 90 °. Then, the read counter 714 is controlled so that The control of the read counter 714 is executed by operating the x counter and the y counter as described in the third embodiment. In this way, the image image is rotated by 90 ° and transferred to the line memory 741, and when the data for one line is accumulated, the printing operation is started. If the writing and reading to and from the line memory 741 are performed independently, the image data of the next line can be written to the line memory 741 while being read from the line memory 741 and being printed.
No. 2 is always printing, and printing speed can be increased.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, only the line memory 751 for storing image data for one line is provided, and the host computer 740
It is an example of performing image repeat of the image image from.
When printing an image as shown in FIG.
The image of area 1 in (a) is written from the host computer 740 to the line memory 751, the same image is transferred from the host computer 740, and the write counter 712 is written.
It is written in the line memory 751 while being rotated by 90 ° under the address control. Hereinafter, the image data for one line is written in the line memory 741 while being rotated by 90 °, and the printing operation is started when the image data for one line is accumulated. Therefore, for example, when the image repeat is repeated three times on one line as shown in (c) of FIG. 42, it is necessary to transmit the repeated image data three times.

Further, normally, the communication speed of the image data from the host computer 740 is sufficiently slower than the writing speed to the line memory 751. Therefore, one pixel data by one transmission is assigned to a plurality of addresses in the line memory. Can be stored. Therefore, the host computer 74
While the repeat image is transmitted once from 0, it is possible to execute writing to a plurality of places of the line memory 751 according to the pattern of the image repeat by the address control of the write counter 712. According to such a method, the line memory 741 can be transmitted by transmitting image data once.
It is possible to store image data for one line.

The present invention is particularly effective in a recording apparatus having an inkjet recording head for recording by forming flying droplets by utilizing thermal energy among the inkjet recording methods. .

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the image data of the size for one scan is repeated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also applicable to a graphic or the like which requires a plurality of scans. Image repeat can be performed by the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments. However, in the fifth embodiment, the host computer needs to transmit the image data a plurality of times as necessary.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. The present invention also provides a system or device,
It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program for implementing the present invention.

Further, it goes without saying that the third to fifth embodiments can be applied to printing similar to that of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the second image data is managed independently of the first image data. Instead, the second image data can be inserted as desired at the repetition cycle desired by the operator.

As described above, the geometric repetitive image data can be efficiently output.

Further, there is an effect that a large amount of image data can be output with a small memory capacity and the processing of the image data in an external device that generates the image data can be reduced.

[0277]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the same image is repeatedly recorded in the image repeat, there is an effect that a change such as rotation can be easily added to the image.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently output geometrically repeated image data.

According to the present invention, the desired second image data can be recorded as desired on the recording medium on which the first image data, which is the original recording target, is recorded.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image output apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently outputting geometrical repetitive image data.

Further, it is possible to realize an image output apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of outputting a large amount of image data with a small memory capacity and reducing the processing of image data in an external device which generates the image data.

In addition, according to the present invention, the image supply device is provided with means for designating the pattern, size, recording position, color and the like relating to the second image data such as a logo mark, while the image output device control device is provided. In addition to the first control means for performing the recording control for the first image data, the second control means for receiving the designation and performing the recording control for the second image data is provided, that is, Since the second image data is managed independently of the first image data, the second image can be reproduced as desired at the repetition cycle desired by the operator regardless of the repetition cycle of the first image and the type of the repetition pattern. You can insert data. Further, immediately before sending the first image data to the head, that is, after the necessary image processing, the designated range is blanked and the second image data is inserted there. Image data is unaffected by various transformations and can be printed as desired (eg sharp).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a textile printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a printing processing procedure in the printing system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system focusing on the configuration of a host computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a spot color designation processing procedure in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a palette conversion table created by the procedure of FIG.

6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a palette conversion table created by the procedure of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a palette conversion table created by the procedure of FIG.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a palette conversion table created by the procedure of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a color palette data generation procedure in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of another color palette data generation procedure.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of a logo input processing procedure in FIG.

12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of correspondence between data designated in FIG. 11 and a logo print format.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a schematic mechanical configuration of a printer applied to this embodiment.

14 is a plan view of a recording unit of the printer of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the printer shown in FIG.

16 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a part of the internal configuration of the control board in FIG. 15 focusing on the flow of data.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the control board.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the control board.

20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining data set in each memory shown in FIG. 18 in order to prevent abnormal output until a conversion parameter is input.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a logo input unit in FIG.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the output range of the logo image and the space of the logo memory.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure for one pixel in the logo memory.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a repeating pattern of a basic image on a recording medium.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a parameter storage unit and an address control unit.

FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit during image output (type 1) by the printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the output timing of each signal of the memory control unit at the time of image output (type 2) by the printer of this embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of actual image output by the printer of this example.

29 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting conversion data and parameters in each memory and each unit register shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a main part of an operation / display unit in the printer.

31 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main part of the control board in FIG. 15 centering on the flow of data.

32 is a flowchart showing an example of a spot color designation processing procedure that can be adopted by the host computer for the configuration of FIG. 31. FIG.

33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color detection unit in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing another example of the spot color designation processing procedure.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an area detection unit arranged in place of the color detection unit in FIG. 31 for the processing.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a printer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a main-part perspective view showing the configuration around the recording unit of the printer of the second embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reader unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing various setting methods for image repeat by the setting unit.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a state where image repeat is performed by rotating by 90 °.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a state in which mirror image conversion is performed and image repeat is executed.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image formed by adopting one of the repeating patterns of the basic image.

[Fig. 47] Fig. 47 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the basic image positional deviation correction processing included in the correction processing.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of a positional deviation correction procedure.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing another example of positional deviation correction.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the position shift processing.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing two examples of the positional deviation correction procedure.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of color misregistration correction processing included in the correction processing.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing an example of color misregistration correction processing included in the correction processing.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of a gray area correction processing procedure included in the correction processing.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a designated state of an image area for image repeat.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an execution state of image repeat according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 6 cloth 300 basic image 505 image memory 508 palette conversion table 509 C conversion table 510 HS conversion table 512 γ conversion table 514 binarization controller 515, 524 connection memory 520 logo input unit 631 color detection unit 643, 653 special color signal generation circuit 1011 CPU

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Office reference number FI Technical display location B41J 2/05 2/505 5/30 Z 8703-2C 21/00 Z 8703-2C 29/38 Z 9113-2C B41M 5/00 A 8808-2H D06B 11/00 A H04N 1/23 101 Z 9186-5C 9012-2C B41J 3/04 103 B 9211-2C 3/10 101 Z (72) Inventor Tanaami Hideyuki Tokyo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. An image output device for inputting and outputting image data from an external device, comprising: storage means for storing image data from the external device; and an output format of the image data stored in the storage means. An image output device comprising: an instruction unit for instructing; and a control unit for repeatedly outputting the image data stored in the storage unit according to the output format instructed by the instruction unit. 2. The image output device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit repeatedly outputs the image data including the rotated image data according to the output format. 3. The instructing means instructs an output format of the image data stored in the storage means and an amount of shift when repeatedly outputting the image data, and the control means controls the output format and the output format. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the image data is shifted according to the shift amount and repeatedly output. 4. An image output method for inputting and outputting image data from an external device, the method comprising inputting and storing image data from the external device, and instructing an output format of the stored image data. An image output method comprising: a step; and a step of repeatedly outputting the image data stored according to the instructed output format. 5. A method of outputting image data to be printed, comprising: a mode of outputting the entire image data to be printed; and a method of printing image data in which a plurality of image data of a predetermined size are arranged. Has a mode for outputting the image data of the predetermined size, and outputs either the entire image data or the image data of the predetermined size together with a command for instructing in which mode printing is to be performed. An image data output method characterized by the above. 6. The image data output method according to claim 5, wherein, in the mode of outputting the image data of the predetermined size, the predetermined size is set together with a command instructing an array pattern of the image data of the predetermined size. An image data output method comprising outputting the image data of. 7. The image data output method according to claim 5, wherein in the mode of outputting the image data of the predetermined size, the image data of the predetermined size is output together with a command instructing the predetermined size. An image data output method characterized by the above. 8. The image data output method according to claim 5, wherein, in the mode of outputting the image data of the predetermined size, the image data of the predetermined size together with the number of times the image data of the predetermined size should be repeated. A method for outputting image data, comprising: 9. A step of inputting and storing image data from an external device, a step of instructing an output format of the stored image data, and a repetitive inkjet recording of the image data stored in accordance with the instructed output format. A method for producing an inkjet recorded product, which comprises a step of outputting to a head and a step of applying ink to a recording medium by an inkjet recording head. 10. The recording medium is woven cloth.
The method for producing an ink jet recorded matter according to 1. 11. The ink jet recorded matter according to claim 9, further comprising a step of applying ink to the recording medium to perform recording and then fixing the ink on the recording medium. Manufacturing method. 12. After the step of fixing the ink,
The method for producing an ink jet recorded matter according to claim 11, further comprising a step of cleaning the recorded recording medium. 13. The inkjet according to claim 9, further comprising a pretreatment step of adding a pretreatment agent to the recording medium before recording by ejecting ink from the recording head. How to make recorded materials. 14. The recording head is a recording head which ejects ink by utilizing thermal energy, and is an ink jet recording head which is provided with a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy applied to the ink. Item 14. A method for producing an inkjet recorded product according to any one of Items 9 to 13. 15. The recording head causes a state change in ink by the thermal energy applied by the thermal energy converter, and ejects the ink from an ejection port based on the state change. 14. The method for producing an inkjet recorded product according to 14. 16. A recorded matter recorded by the manufacturing method according to claim 9. 17. An image supply device for supplying image data to an image output device for recording on a recording medium, wherein second image data different from the first image data to be originally recorded is generated. An image supply apparatus comprising: a specifying unit that specifies the second image data to be recorded on a recording medium on which the first image data is recorded. 18. The image supply apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the designation unit designates at least one of a pattern, a size, a recording position and a recording color of the second image data. 19. The image supply device according to claim 17, wherein the second image data is a logo mark. 20. An image output device for performing recording on a recording medium, wherein the first image data is supplied in response to the supply of the first image data supplied from the image supply device according to any one of claims 17 to 19. First control means for causing the recording head of the image output device to perform image recording, and recording for receiving the designation relating to the second image data and recording the first image data based on the received designation A control device for an image output device, comprising: a second control means for causing the recording head to record the second image data on a medium. 21. The first control means has means for performing image processing prior to sending the first image data to the recording head, and the second control means has been subjected to the image processing. 21. The image output device control apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first image data is received, the second image data is added based on the designation, and the second image data is supplied to the recording head. 22. The image output apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the second control means has means for blanking the first image data in a portion where the second image data is overlapped. Control device. 23. An image output device, comprising: the image output device control device according to claim 20; and a recording head for recording on a recording medium. 24. The image output device according to claim 23, wherein a plurality of the recording heads are provided corresponding to recording agents having different color tones. 25. The image output apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the recording head is an ink jet recording head that uses ink as the recording material and ejects the ink. 26. The image output according to claim 25, wherein the ink jet recording head has an element that generates thermal energy that causes film boiling in the ink as energy used for ejecting the ink. apparatus. 27. An image forming system comprising the image supply device according to any one of claims 17 to 19 and the image output device according to any one of claims 23 to 26. 28. The image forming system according to claim 27, wherein an image is formed on a cloth as a recording medium. 29. A step of performing image processing on the first image data, a step of performing designation regarding the second image data, and a step of performing image processing on the image processed first image data based on the designation. 1. A method for producing an inkjet recorded product, comprising: a step of combining image data; and a step of applying the combined image data to an inkjet recording head to apply ink to a recording medium. 30. The recording medium is woven cloth.
9. The method for producing an inkjet recorded article according to item 9. 31. The ink jet recorded matter according to claim 29, further comprising a step of applying ink to the recording medium to perform recording and then fixing the ink on the recording medium. Manufacturing method. 32. After the step of fixing the ink,
32. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 31, further comprising a step of cleaning the recording medium on which recording has been performed. 33. The inkjet according to claim 29, further comprising a pretreatment step of adding a pretreatment agent to the recording medium before recording by ejecting ink from the recording head. How to make recorded materials. 34. The recording head is a recording head that ejects ink by utilizing thermal energy, and is an inkjet recording head that includes a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. Item 34. A method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to any one of Items 29 to 33. 35. The recording head causes a state change in ink by heat energy applied by the heat energy converter, and ejects ink from an ejection port based on the state change. 34. A method for producing an inkjet recorded product according to 34. 36. A recorded matter recorded by the method according to any one of claims 29 to 35. 37. The manufacturing method according to claim 29, further comprising repeatedly outputting the basic image data to obtain the first image.
A method for producing an inkjet recorded article, which comprises a step of generating image data of. 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the step of performing image processing on the first image data is repeated to correct the boundary portion in the basic image data when the image is output. How to make recorded materials.