JPH0882976A - Multicolor image recorder and its recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a small-sized and inexpensive multicolor image recorder capable of obtaining an accurate image obtained by superposing colors with little color slippage. CONSTITUTION: The attaching error correction values of CCD sensors 71 and 72 are previously stored in a non-volatile memory 22 and the displacing amount of recording paper 2 is calculated by a CPU 161 based on the position of a timing mark detected by the CCD sensors 71 and 72 and the attaching error correction value stored in the memory 22. Based on the calculated displacing amount, the position of the image recorded on the recording paper 2 is controlled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multicolor image recording apparatus for repeatedly recording a plurality of images of different colors on the same recording paper by superposing it on each other. The present invention relates to a multicolor image recording apparatus that optically reads a control mark or the like and controls the image recording position for each color of an image to be recorded of a plurality of colors while performing image recording.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multicolor image recording apparatus and a multicolor image recording method for repeatedly forming images of different colors on the same recording paper have been known as a thermal transfer printer or electrostatic It has been put to practical use in type color plotters and printing devices.

In these devices and methods, when multi-color recording is performed, if the positions of superposed images do not exactly match each other, color misregistration occurs and the image quality of the formed image remarkably deteriorates. Such color misregistration occurs when the recording paper is reciprocated, when the recording paper is skewed or meandering, or when the recording paper itself expands or contracts due to the influence of ambient temperature or humidity. In particular, it becomes remarkable when forming a large-screen image, and cannot be ignored.

Therefore, conventionally, in order to eliminate the influence of skew or meandering of the recording paper and the expansion and contraction of the recording paper itself due to the influence of ambient temperature and humidity, the end portion of the recording paper is not printed before multicolor recording. A method in which a tracking index is formed along one or both edges, and then the recording paper is reciprocally moved a number of times corresponding to a plurality of colors to be recorded, and images are formed in an overlapping manner based on the detection of the tracking index by an optical sensor or the like. It has been known.

However, although color misregistration can be prevented by such a method, an extra time is required to form a tracking index when recording an image, which results in a long recording time for image formation. There was a problem that

Therefore, without increasing the recording time,
As means for removing the influence of expansion and contraction of the recording paper itself, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3870 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-5087.
Japanese Patent No. 4 is disclosed.

According to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3870, a tracking index is formed along one side or both edges of the edge of the recording paper at the same time as the image recording of the first color. In the image recording of the second and subsequent colors, the X-direction (paper transport direction) interval of the tracking index is measured based on the tracking index detection means, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is recorded at the timing based on the measured interval. Thus, even if the recording paper expands and contracts in the X direction, color misregistration is prevented.

According to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-50874, a tracking index is formed along both side edges of the edge of the recording paper at the same time as the image recording of the first color. In the image recording of the second and subsequent colors, the tracking index detecting means measures the Y-direction (vertical direction with respect to the recording paper conveyance direction) interval of the tracking index,
The image signal is controlled so that the pixel signal in the image area of the one-line image area is increased when the recording paper is extended, and the pixel signal in the one-line image area is decreased when the recording paper is contracted. By doing so, even if the recording paper expands and contracts in the Y direction, color misregistration is prevented.

On the other hand, as a means for removing the influence of the above-mentioned skew or meandering of the recording paper, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-52
Japanese Patent No. 753 is disclosed. According to this means, tracking indexes are formed on both side edges of the recording paper at equal intervals along the recording paper conveyance direction at the same time as the image recording of the first color.
Then, in the image recording of the second color and thereafter, when the tracking index detection positions of both ends are different in the Y direction based on the tracking index measurement result, the recording head is displaced in the Y direction, and the tracking index detection timing of both ends is changed. When they are different, the position of the recording head is displaced in the θ direction,
Aligns multicolor images. As a result, it is possible to realize high-quality multi-color printing without color misregistration even if the recording paper skews or meanders.

Further, in the color recording apparatus constructed as described above, since the tracking index is optically read and the recording head is controlled, it is actually recorded that the tracking index has a defect or uneven density. Although the paper does not meander or expand or contract, the position of the image shifts, causing a color shift.

The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-50874 discloses that
A means for preventing color shift even if the tracking index has a defect or uneven density is disclosed. According to this means, the recording paper detection means detects the deviation amount of the Y-direction position of the recording from the reference position at a constant cycle, and the Y-direction image position formed on the recording paper is controlled in one control based on the detection information. By controlling the recording paper in the direction in which the recording paper is displaced by the minimum control amount, it is possible to realize high-quality multicolor printing without color displacement.

[0012]

However, in the apparatus configured as described above, the tracking index is formed along one or both edges of the edge of the recording paper at the same time as the image recording of the first color, and the second index is formed. In the image recording after the color, since the tracking index detecting unit detects the tracking index and creates an image based on the detection result, the tracking index detecting unit has a mechanical mounting error with respect to the design value. In such a case, a color shift corresponding to the error will occur.

For example, if the tracking index detecting means measures the interval of the tracking index in the X direction and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is recorded at a timing based on the interval, the image is tracked in the recording paper conveyance direction. Although it expands and contracts in accordance with the interval of the index for use, the first color image and the second color image are color-shifted over the entire surface of the recording paper only by the magnitude of the mechanical attachment error of the tracking index detecting means. . Similarly, the interval of the tracking index in the Y direction (the direction perpendicular to the recording paper conveyance direction) is measured, and if the recording paper is stretched, the pixel signal of the image area of one line is increased to increase the recording paper. If the paper is contracted, even if the image signal is controlled so as to reduce the pixel signal of one line, if there is a mechanical attachment error of the tracking index detection means, the paper is not expanded or contracted, The pixel shift in the image area of one line may be increased or decreased, or the printing may be performed with a width different from the actual width, resulting in color misregistration. Similarly, when the positions of the recording heads are displaced in the Y direction and the θ direction of the tracking indexes on both ends based on the tracking index measurement results, the first color image is also aligned. In the image of the second color, the color shift occurs over the entire surface of the recording paper by the size of the mechanical attachment error of the tracking index detecting means.

Therefore, in order to improve the color superposition accuracy,
It is necessary to have a mounting accuracy higher than the color overlay accuracy of the multicolor image to be created, and if a high degree of color misalignment accuracy is required, a mechanical mounting adjustment mechanism for a more advanced tracking index detection means is also required, There is a problem that the device is large and expensive in price.

Further, according to this method, when the tracking index is normal and the skew or meandering of the recording paper is large during the detection of the tracking index, the position control cannot follow and the color shift occurs. There was a problem that is caused. At this time, if the detection period of the tracking index is shortened, the position control can follow the skew or meandering of the recording paper, but as the detection period is shortened, the defects and density unevenness of the tracking index that can be dealt with can be coped with. Becomes smaller.

Further, the detection cycle of the tracking index in the X direction is determined by the interval of the timing mark portion in the tracking index. However, when there is a defect or uneven density in the tracking index, when controlling in the θ direction, if the interval between the timing marks is narrower than the displacement range of the recording head in the θ direction, which timing mark on the image The interval between the timing mark portions must be wider than the displacement range of the recording head in the θ direction because it becomes impossible to identify whether the portion is being measured. Therefore, the minimum distance between the timing mark portions is several millimeters, which is the displacement range of the recording head in the θ direction. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to reduce the detection cycle of the tracking index in the X direction,
One detection is the limit while feeding the recording paper several millimeters. From this, it is possible to control the image position formed on the recording paper based on the detection information of the tracking index as described above in the direction in which the recording paper is deviated by the minimum control amount in one control. If applied, the position control can follow if the amount of skew or meandering in the θ direction that occurs while the paper is being conveyed, which is the minimum interval between the timing mark parts, is not equivalent to the minimum control amount of the recording head. Without it, color shift will occur. In other words, in an apparatus in which a skew or meander of the recording paper of about 100 μm occurs while feeding the recording paper by several millimeters which may occur in electrostatic recording under bad conditions, in order to follow the color misregistration control, Since the minimum control amount of the head must be about 100 μm, the color misalignment accuracy in the θ direction cannot be better than 100 μm.

The skew or meandering of the recording paper generally depends on the paper conveying speed, and the skew or meandering of the recording paper increases as the paper conveying speed increases. Further, when the paper is repeatedly conveyed, the skew or meander becomes larger as the conveyance and rewinding of the recording paper are repeated. The skew or meandering of the recording paper also depends on the mechanical accuracy of the paper transporting device, and a highly accurate paper transporting device and adjusting mechanism are required to reduce the skewing or meandering of the recording paper. is there.

As described above, even if the tracking index has a defect or uneven density, the problem that the position of the image shifts and the color shift occurs even though the recording paper does not meander or expand or contract, In addition, if the color overlay accuracy is to be improved, a high-precision paper transport device and an adjusting mechanism with less skew or meandering of the recording paper are required accordingly, which makes the device large and expensive. There was a problem that it would become.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a multi-color image recording apparatus and a multi-color image recording method capable of obtaining a highly accurate color-superimposed image with little color shift, and being small in size and inexpensive. With the goal.

[0020]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an image recording means for recording images of different colors on a same recording medium by repeatedly superimposing each color, and the image recording means for recording on the recording medium. Tracing index forming means for forming a chasing index on the recording medium at the same time as the image recording of the first color, and forming on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having a tracking index detecting means for detecting the tracking index thus detected, a storage means for storing a mounting error correction value of the tracking index detecting means and a tracking index detecting means for detecting the error. The displacement amount of the recording medium based on the position of the tracking index and the mounting error correction value stored in the storage means. And a recording amount control unit for controlling an image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording unit based on the displacement amount calculated by the displacement amount calculating unit. There is.

Further, in the present invention, the displacement amount calculation means calculates at least one displacement amount in the conveyance direction, the width direction, and the rotation direction of the recording medium, and the storage means is the displacement amount calculation means. The attachment error correction value of the tracking index detection means corresponding to the calculated displacement amount is stored.

Further, according to the present invention, image recording means for repeatedly superposing and recording images of different colors on the same recording medium for each color, and the first color on the recording medium by the image recording means. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the recording medium simultaneously with image recording,
In a multicolor image recording apparatus having a tracking index detecting unit for detecting a tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording unit, the recording The first step of recording a test pattern on the medium in which the tracking index detection means has a mounting error set to zero, and the mounting error of the tracking index detection means on the test pattern recorded in the first step. The first step of recording the corresponding test pattern, and the first and second steps
The third step of controlling the image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording means based on the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means according to the positional deviation of the test pattern recorded in the step of. ing.

[0023]

As a result, according to the present invention, the attachment error correction value of the tracking index detecting means is stored in advance in the storing means, and the position of the tracking index detected by the tracking index detecting means and the storing means are stored. The displacement amount calculating unit calculates the displacement amount of the recording medium based on the stored attachment error correction value, and the image recording unit can control the image position recorded on the recording medium based on the calculated displacement amount. Therefore, even if there is a large mechanical mounting error of the detection means, color deviation can be suppressed within the detection resolution range of the tracking index detection means, and the accuracy of the mounting portion of the tracking index detection means is high. The required mechanical adjustment mechanism can be dispensed with.

Further, according to the present invention, the displacement amount calculating means calculates the displacement amount of at least one of the conveying direction, the width direction and the rotating direction of the recording medium, and the storage means is calculated by the displacement amount calculating means. Since the mounting error correction value of the tracking index detection unit corresponding to the displacement amount is stored, it is possible to check all effects such as skew and meandering of the recording medium, and expansion and contraction of the recording medium due to changes in ambient temperature and humidity. Can be dealt with.

Further, according to the present invention, first, a test pattern in which the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means is set to zero is recorded on the recording medium, and the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means is recorded on the test pattern. So that the image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording unit can be controlled based on the mounting error of the tracking index detection unit according to the positional deviation of these recorded test patterns. Therefore, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superimposition with less color misregistration by an easy operation without requiring special knowledge or technology for adjusting the attachment error of the tracking index detection means.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a color electrostatic plotter of a multicolor image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In this case, the color electrostatic plotter in the figure forms a color image by superimposing four colors of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a paper feed unit in which a recording paper 2 on which an image is recorded is wound in a roll shape. The recording paper 2 delivered from the paper feed unit 1 is driven by a drive roller 3 according to a predetermined conveyance path. It is conveyed back and forth, and is wound around the intermediate winding unit 4 for image printing of each color, and is discharged from the paper discharge unit 6 via the automatic cross cutter 5 that cuts a predetermined length when all multicolor printing is completed. It has become.

A sensor 7 for detecting a tracking index (TM) described later by the reflected light from the recording paper 2, an encoder 8 for detecting the movement amount of the recording paper 2, a recording head 91, and A latent image forming unit 9 including a pad roller 92, a plurality of color developing heads 10K, 10
A developing unit 10 having C, 10M and 10Y, and a waste liquid suction roller 11 for sucking the waste liquid of the developer are arranged.

In this case, the latent image forming section 9 forms a predetermined recording dot on the recording paper 2 in a state where the recording paper 2 is pressed against the surface of the recording head 91 by the pad roller 92. Here, the recording head 91 has the same length dimension as the width dimension of the recording paper 2 as shown in FIG. 2, one end of which is rotatably supported around the rotation support point 93, and the other of which is the other. The stepping motors 121 and 122 are provided at the ends of the recording paper 2 by the stepping motor 121.
In the Y direction, and the stepping motor 122 enables the movement in the θ direction.
Although the movement of the stepping motor 122 is a direct movement, the recording head 91 is rotationally moved.
When the recording head 91 corresponds to A0 paper and has a length of about 940 mm, the movement width of the recording head 91 in the θ direction corresponding to the skew of the paper may be several millimeters.
The movement of the recording head 91 with respect to the movement of 22 can be regarded as a linear correspondence. Further, at both ends of the recording head 91, sensors 7 for detecting tracking indexes formed along the recording paper feed direction at both ends of the recording paper 2 described later.
CCD sensors 71 and 72 are arranged as.

The developing section 10 forms a color image by superimposing, for example, four colors, so that the developing heads for black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are used. 10K, 10C, 10M, 10
Has Y. In this case, since the first color may be basically any color upon image recording, the developing heads 10K, 10C, 10M and 10Y are not limited to the arrangement shown in the drawings, but for convenience of description. From the latent image forming portion 9 side, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) developing heads 10K, 10C, 10M, 1
They are arranged in the order of 0Y.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a control circuit for correcting the color shift of such a color electrostatic block. in this case,
Reference numerals 71 and 72 denote CCD sensors for detecting the tracking indexes formed along the recording paper feed direction at both ends of the recording paper 2 described above. The tracking index here is a timing mark portion that is formed at substantially equal intervals and serves as a measured portion in the transport direction (X direction), and is formed along both ends of the recording paper 2 and a measured portion in the Y direction. It consists of the edge mark part.

Then, the detection output of the timing mark portion detected by the CCD sensors 71 and 72 is given to the timing mark detection circuits 131 and 132, and
Y-direction position (edge position) L of the left edge mark part in the tracking index CURR and Y on the right edge mark
Directional position (edge position) R The detection output of CURR is given to the edge detection circuits 191 and 192.

In this case, the detection resolution of the CCD sensors 71 and 72 is preferably higher than the resolution of image recording,
For example, when the image recording resolution is 400 DPI and the pixel interval is 63.5 μm, and the detection resolution of the CCD sensors 71 and 72 is 800 DPI and the pixel interval is 31.8 μm, color shift control of about half a dot is possible. It is possible to form an image in which the color shift is not noticeable.

The timing mark detection circuit 131 has an X direction.
Detection output from the CCD sensor 71 that serves as a reference for the orientation print position
Timing mark detection output TM when receiving force Supplement A
It is given to the positive circuit 16. Also, the timing mark detection circuit
131 and 132 are detections from the CCD sensors 71 and 72
When the output is received, the timing mark detection output T
M A, TM B is output and these timing mark inspections are performed.
Output TM A, TM B is the timing mark deviation detection time
Give to road 14.

This timing mark deviation detection circuit 14
Is the timing mark detection output TM A and TM Deviation of B
The amount of deviation ENB A, ENB
B is given to the counters 151 and 152.

These counters 151 and 152 are each provided with a shift amount ENB provided by the timing mark shift detection circuit 14. A, ENB The pulse output ENC of the encoder 8 according to B is counted, and each count value is given to the correction circuit 16. Encoder 8 here
Is for detecting the amount of movement of the recording paper 2 as described above.

On the other hand, the edge detection circuits 191, 192 are
When the detection outputs from the CCD sensors 71 and 72 are received, the edge detection output EG is received. A, EG B is output, and these edge detection outputs EG A, EG B is the correction circuit 16
Give to.

Further, the pulse output ENC of the encoder 8
Is given to the counter 18, and the count value of the counter 18 is sent to the correction circuit 16. Correction circuit 16
Has a CPU 161, and the CPU 161 controls color misregistration correction. In addition, the correction circuit 16
An operation panel 21 is connected to the. This operation panel 2
1, the correction value for correcting the mechanical attachment error value of the CCD sensors 71, 72, the maximum control amount of correction, and the correction condition can be input. Further, a non-volatile memory 22 is connected to the correction circuit 16. This memory 22
The correction value for correcting the mechanical attachment error of the CCD sensors 71 and 72, the maximum control amount of the correction, the correction condition, and the like can be stored and read.

Then, in the correction circuit 16 as described above, based on the count values of the counters 151 and 152, a mechanical attachment error correction value in the θ direction of the CCD sensors 71 and 72 read from the nonvolatile memory 22 is obtained. Correction calculation is performed by the CPU 161 based on the maximum control amount, and an output equivalent to the deviation amount, which is the calculation result, is given to the θ stepping motor drive circuit 17 while synchronizing with the counter 18.
Further, the timing mark detection output TM from the timing mark detection circuit 131 A correction calculation is performed by the CPU 161 using the mechanical attachment error correction value in the X direction of the CCD sensor 71 (CCD sensor that detects the timing mark serving as the reference of the X direction position) read from the non-volatile memory 22 by A. The calculation result is given to the X-direction print position correction circuit 23, and the edge detection circuits 191, 1
Based on the input signal from 92, the Y direction correction value and the maximum control amount for correcting the mechanical mounting error in the Y direction of the CCD sensors 71, 72 stored in the non-volatile memory 22 are fetched, and the CPU 161 calculates the correction. The calculation result is given to the Y stepping motor drive circuit 19 while synchronizing with the counter 18. further,
The correction circuit 16 uses the CC stored in the non-volatile memory 22.
A width direction correction value for correcting a mechanical mounting error in the width direction of the D sensors 71 and 72 is read, correction calculation is performed by the CPU 161, and an output equivalent to the deviation amount which is the calculation result is given to the print width correction circuit 24. I am also doing so.

When the θ stepping motor drive circuit 17 receives the output of the correction circuit 16, it drives the stepping motor 122 that moves the recording head 91 in the θ direction. In addition, the Y stepping motor drive circuit 20
When the output of the correction circuit 16 is received, the stepping motor 121 that moves the recording head 91 in the Y direction is driven.

In this case, the stepping motors 121, 1
22 is the CCD sensor 7 for one drive pulse.
It is preferable to realize the same amount of head movement as the detection resolution of 1,72. For example, the resolution of image recording is 400DP
I, the pixel interval is 63.5 μm, the CCD sensor 71,
72 detection resolution is 800 DPI, pixel spacing is 31.8
μm, the stepping motors 121, 12
Head movement amount for one drive pulse of 2 is 31.8 μm
Then, it becomes possible to control the color misregistration of about half a dot, and it is possible to realize image formation in which the color misregistration is not noticeable.

The X-direction print position correction circuit 23 receives the output of the correction circuit 16 and outputs a print control signal to a print head drive circuit (not shown) at the timing when the timing mark is corrected in the X direction.

The print width correction circuit 24 receives the output of the correction circuit 16 and outputs an instruction to increase / decrease the image signal of the image area of the image area of one line to a recording head control circuit (not shown).

Next, the operation of the color electrostatic plotter configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the process of forming the tracking index at the same time as the formation of the recording image of the first color and then rewinding the recording paper will be described with reference to FIG.

In this case, in step 401, the recording head 91 is set to the initial position, and the recording paper 2 on which nothing is printed is fed from the paper feeding unit 1 in the paper ejection direction.
Then, in step 402, the image data of the tracking index created in the plotter and the image data of the first color are processed so as to be suitable for the recording head 91, and are recorded via the recording head 91 by the recording controller (not shown). It is applied on the paper 2.

When the latent image of the tracking index is formed in the latent image forming section 4 in this way, the recording sheet 2 is further wound in the intermediate winding section 4 while advancing in the sheet discharge direction, and converted into image data. The developing solution comes in contact with the corresponding color developing head, in this case, the black (K) developing head 10K,
After the unnecessary developer is sucked up by the waste liquid sucking unit 11, it is dried to form a tracking index and a first-color image along the recording paper feed direction at both ends of the recording paper 2. When printing of the tracking index and the image of the first color is completed, the recording paper 2
Rewinding of the sheet to the sheet feeding unit 1 is started.

When the recording paper 2 is thus rewound,
In step 404, the CCD sensors 71 and 72 are recording paper.
2 Formed at approximately equal intervals along the recording paper feed direction at both edges
The timing mark part TM of the tracking index
Edge of tracking index as well as detecting each
The current left edge amount L of the recording paper 2 from the mark part CURR
And right edge amount R Detect CURR. CC like this
Tracking index and note by D sensor 71, 72
Left edge amount L of recording paper 2 CURR and right edge amount R CU
RR is detected every time the timing mark portion TM appears.
Done. Then, the CCD sensor 71, 72
The detection output of the minging mark TM is the timing mark detection.
Timing mark detection provided to circuits 131 and 132
Output TM A, TM B is a timing mark deviation detection circuit
Given to 14. Then, the timing mark deviation detection
Timing mark detection output TM in circuit 14 A, TM B
The apparent deviation of is detected and given to the correction circuit 16.
It

By the way, when there is no mechanical mounting error of the CCD sensor, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, after the timing mark TM is detected by the CCD sensor 71 on the left side, the timing mark TM is detected by the CCD sensor 72 on the right side. If there is a deviation before the detection, the detection output TM output from the timing marks 131 and 132 shown in FIG. A and TM A deviation occurs in the rising edge of B, and the deviation amount ENB is detected by the timing mark deviation detection circuit 14. A is output and provided to the counter 151, and the counter 151 causes the timing mark deviation detection circuit 1
Deviation amount ENB given by 4 The pulse output ENC of the encoder according to A is counted, and this count value is given to the correction circuit 16.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, after the timing mark TM is detected by the CCD sensor 72 on the right side,
If there is a deviation before the timing mark TM is detected by the CCD sensor 71 on the left side, the timing mark detection output TM output from the timing mark detection circuits 131 and 132 as shown in FIG. A and TM As a result, the timing mark shift detection circuit 14 shifts the shift amount EN. B is output and supplied to the counter 152, and the counter 152 supplies the deviation amount ENB supplied from the timing mark deviation detection circuit 14.
The pulse output ENC of the encoder 8 according to B is counted, and this count value is given to the correction circuit 16.

On the other hand, when there is a mechanical mounting error of the CCD sensor, for example, as shown in FIG.
If the CD sensor 71 has a mechanical mounting error in the X direction by the mounting error amount x1, the CCD sensors 71, 72,
From the positional relationship between the recording head 91 and the recording paper, the above-described FIG.
Similarly, there is a deviation from the timing mark TM detected by the right CCD sensor 72 to the timing mark TM detected by the left CCD sensor 71, and the deviation amount ENB detected by the timing mark deviation detection circuit 14 is detected. B is counted by the counter 152, and this count value is given to the correction circuit 16. However, this deviation amount is an apparent deviation amount obtained by adding the mounting error amount x1 to the actual deviation amount x2, and θ
Includes directional reading error.

Therefore, in step 405, the correction circuit 16
The CPU 161 therein calculates an actual displacement amount x2 by removing the mounting error amount x1 from the apparent displacement amount. Note that the attachment error amount x1 is measured in advance by a method described later, and input from the operation panel 21 to be stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Next, in step 406, the CPU 161 continuously calculates the maximum control amount in the θ direction based on the calculated shift amount x2. When the tracking index has a defect or uneven density, the counters 151 and 152 are appropriately sent undefined values for which the CCD sensors 71 and 72 have not read the timing marks. Therefore, if correction control is directly performed on such a value, there arises a problem that the position of the image shifts and the color shift occurs even though the recording paper does not meander or skew. Here, an example of the θ direction control amount with respect to the shift amount x2 will be described with reference to FIG. The paper transport speed during rewinding of the recording paper can be set to be several times faster than during printing. The skew or meandering of the recording paper generally depends on the paper transport speed,
The higher the paper transport speed, the greater the skew or meandering of the recording paper. Therefore, the maximum control amount during the rewinding of the recording paper is set to 3 here, which is larger than that during the printing. Further, during rewinding of the recording paper, not so precise control is necessary. Therefore, if the calculated deviation amount is attenuated and controlled, the motor does not move with a slight meandering, which is advantageous for the life of the motor. FIG. 5 shows an example of the correction control value in which the absolute value of the calculated shift amount x2 is decreased by 2 and the correction control amount is determined within a range not exceeding the maximum control amount of 3. By determining the maximum control amount in this way, even if the tracking index has a defect or uneven density, the amount of movement of the recording head by one control is 3, and a normal tracking index was measured. If you can, follow immediately.

Based on the correction control amount calculated in this way, the state of deviation is judged in step 407. Then, the output from the correction circuit 16 according to this deviation state is given to the θ stepping motor drive circuit, and the θ stepping motor 122 is driven. In this case, step 4
If it is determined at 07 that the left TM precedent is determined as shown in FIG. 7, the recording head 91 moves the rotation support point 9 to the recording head 91 at step 408.
A clockwise movement in the θ direction around 3 is performed, and the inclination of the recording head 91 with respect to the timing mark TM of the recording paper 2 is corrected. If it is determined in step 407 that the right TM precedent is determined as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, step 40
At 9, the recording head 91 is moved counterclockwise in the θ direction around the rotation support point 93, and the inclination of the recording head 91 with respect to the timing mark TM of the recording paper 2 is corrected.

Then, in step 410, the left edge amount L of the edge mark portion detected by the CCD sensors 71 and 72 is L. CURR and right edge amount R The CURR is sent to the correction circuit 16, and the CPU 161 performs the Y-direction mounting error correction calculation.

If it is determined in step 406 that there is no deviation in the θ direction, the process proceeds to step 410 and the CPU 1
The Y-direction mounting error correction calculation by 61 is performed. Here, when there is no mechanical mounting error in the CCD sensors 71 and 72, if image formation is performed so that the central portion of the recording paper 2 and the central portion of the recording head 91 are aligned, the recording paper 2
And the amount of displacement of the recording head 91 is L CURR and R CU
Although there is a difference in RR, if there is a mechanical mounting error in the CCD sensors 71 and 72, it is necessary to make a correction accordingly.

FIG. 12 shows CCD sensors 71, 72, recording head 91, when the left CCD sensor 71 has a mechanical attachment error in the Y direction by an attachment error amount y1.
The positional relationship of the recording paper 2 is shown. In this case, the measured left edge amount L Since CURR includes the mounting error y1, the actual displacement amount y2 between the recording paper 2 and the recording head 91 is y2 = | (L CURR-y1) -R CURR | Regarding the mounting error amount y1,
It is measured in advance by a method described below and input from the operation panel 21 to be stored in the non-volatile memory.

Next, based on the calculated shift amount y2, the CPU 161 continuously calculates the maximum control amount in the Y direction in step 411. The maximum control amount in the Y direction may be handled in the same manner as in the θ direction, but generally, the skew or the meandering of the recording paper is smaller in the Y direction than in the θ direction, so the maximum control amount is set to be small. You may.

Based on the correction control amount calculated in this way, in step 412, the deviation state is judged. Then, the output from the correction circuit 16 according to this state of deviation is given to the Y stepping motor drive circuit, and the Y stepping motor 121 is driven. In this case, step 4
If it is determined in step 12 that the recording sheet is to the right, the recording head 91 moves to the right by an amount corresponding to y2 to correct the color misregistration in the Y direction in step 413. Also,
If it is determined in step 412 that the recording paper is on the left side as shown in FIG. 12, the recording head 91 is moved leftward by an amount corresponding to y2 to correct the color misregistration in the Y direction in step 414. become.

In this way, when the printing of the tracking index on the recording paper 2 is completed and the recording paper 2 is rewound, the electrostatic head 9 for the recording paper 2 is performed together with the rewinding.
The corrections of 1 in the θ direction and Y direction are performed respectively.

In this case, by rewinding the recording paper 2, the encoder 8 outputs a pulse output E corresponding to the movement amount of the recording paper 2.
NC is output and sent to the counter 18, and the count value of the counter 18 is sent to the CPU 16.

Then, in step 415, when the CPU 16 detects from the count value of the counter 18 a predetermined distance before the print start position of the timing mark TM, the rewinding speed of the recording paper 2 is reduced, and in step 416, CC
When the D sensor 71 detects the leading position of the timing mark TM, in step 417, the rewinding of the recording paper 2 is stopped.

As a result, by the time the recording paper 2 is stopped at the initial position, the θ direction of the recording head 91 relative to the recording paper 2 and the Y direction.
The respective directions are corrected, and the process proceeds to step 418 to prepare for the next image printing.

Next, description will be given with reference to FIG. 6 showing the steps of the recorded image of the second and subsequent colors. First, in step 501, conveyance of the recording paper 2 from the paper supply unit 1 in the paper discharge direction for printing is started. In this case, the recording head 91 is corrected to a position in the θ direction and a position in the Y direction according to the posture of the recording paper 2 by the rewinding process of the recording paper 2 shown in FIG. 4 described above. If the image to be printed is not the final color, the recording paper 2 is taken up by the intermediate take-up unit 4, and if the image to be printed is the final color, it is conveyed to the cutter unit 5 and cut and discharged. Become.

When the recording paper 2 starts to be conveyed in the paper discharge direction,
In the same way as when rewinding the recording paper 2, in step 502,
The CCD sensors 71 and 72 detect the timing mark portion of the tracking index, respectively, and detect the current left edge amount L of the recording paper 2 from the edge mark portion of the tracking index. CURR and right edge amount R Detect CURR.

Then, in the same way as when the recording paper 2 is rewound as described above, in steps 503 to 507, the θ direction mounting error of the CCD sensors 71 and 72 is corrected by the detection output of the left and right timing marks, and the θ stepping is performed. The motor 122 is driven, the recording head 91 moves around the rotation support point 93, and the inclination of the recording head 91 with respect to the timing mark TM of the recording paper 2 is corrected.

In this case, since the recording paper 2 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the rewinding direction, the left T
In the case of M preceding, in step 506, the recording paper head 91
Is moved counterclockwise around the rotation support point 93 in the θ direction, and in the case of right TM advance, the recording head 91 is moved clockwise around the rotation support point 93 in the θ direction in step 507. Then, the inclination of the recording head 91 with respect to the recording paper 2 is corrected.

Further, as in the case of rewinding the recording paper 2 described above, in steps 508 to 512, the CCD sensor 7 is detected by the left and right edge mark detection outputs.
1, Y-direction mounting error correction is performed, Y-stepping motor 121 is driven, and Y-direction color misregistration is corrected.

As described above, after the CCD sensor 71, 72 detects the timing mark portion and the edge mark portion of the tracking index, the position control is performed by the movement of the recording head. Since the movement control of the recording head is not performed from the start of conveyance to the tracking index detection, the recording head 91 is slightly displaced from the predetermined position. Therefore, if the tracking index can be detected by an amount corresponding to several to several tens of timing mark portions before printing the image area, accurate color misregistration control can be performed during printing. . The maximum control amount during paper feeding before printing is calculated in step 5
In step 04 and step 509, if it is set to 5 which is larger than that during printing as shown in FIG. 5 or during rewinding of the recording paper 2, it is possible to control the color misregistration in a short distance. Waste paper can be reduced.

The recording head 91, which is controlled to move during paper feeding before printing, performs maximum control when printing of the image area starts, as compared with rewinding of the recording paper 2 or paper feeding before printing. Set the amount small to 2. As a result, even if there is a defect or uneven density in the tracking index, the amount of movement of the recording head in one control is 2, and when a normal tracking index is measured, it can be immediately followed. Further, here, since the absolute value of the calculated deviation amount is controlled by being decreased by 1, the motor does not move even with a slight meandering, which is advantageous for the life of the motor, and the waveform due to the phase delay of the control with respect to the measurement is used. It is also possible to prevent correction of misaligned colors.

As described above, when the deviation of the recording paper is calculated, the position of the image to be recorded in the deviation direction of the recording paper is controlled by the control amount equal to or less than the preset maximum control amount. If there is some deficiency or density unevenness in the use index, it is possible to minimize the problem that the position of the image shifts and the color shift occurs even though the recording paper does not meander or skew. Further, since the maximum control amount is set by changing the state of the image recording sequence or the conveyance speed of the recording paper, the accuracy of color misregistration when the tracking index is normally printed is not deteriorated. , It is possible to minimize the color shift when the tracking index has some deficiency or density unevenness.

In this way, the θ direction of the recording head and the Y direction
The movement in the direction is performed, but further continues, Y for printing
Correction is performed according to the expansion and contraction of the recording paper 2 in the X-direction and the X-direction.

In this case, in step 513, it is determined whether the print width is corrected. Then, if the print width is to be corrected, the process proceeds to step 514 to perform the correction calculation of the width mounting error, and in step 515, it is determined whether the recording paper width is increased,
If the recording paper width is increased, the one-line image data is increased in step 516, and if the recording paper width is decreased, the one-line image data is decreased in step 517.

The steps 514 to 517 will be specifically described. For example, as shown in FIG.
When the sensor 71 has a mechanical mounting error, the mounting error in the width direction is corrected. In this case, there is a mounting error of the CCD sensor of y1 and the measured width is actually wider by y1. Therefore, the mounting error correction in the width direction is performed accordingly. At this time, the CPU 161 reads the mechanical mounting error correction value in the width direction of the CCD sensor 71 from the nonvolatile memory 22, performs correction calculation, and outputs a control signal to a print width correction circuit (not shown).

As a correction for expansion and contraction of the recording paper 2 in the Y direction, the image signal of the image area for one line is increased or decreased. For example, about 14000 corresponding to the A0 width.
For dot 1 line data (400 DPI),
Before correction, the number of dummy data copies of the data of adjacent dots is added in advance at equal intervals, and the CCD sensor 7
The information on the interval between the edge marks is obtained from the sum of the left and right edge amounts of the edge mark signals detected from Nos. 1 and 72. Then, when the interval between the edge marks is widened, the dummy data is increased and dummy data corresponding to the number is added to the image signal of the image area for one line at equal intervals and the dummy data for one line is added. Increase the image signal in the image area,
When the interval between the edge marks is narrow, the dummy data is reduced and the image signal in the image area for one line is reduced.

Next, as a correction for expansion and contraction of the recording paper 2 in the X direction, the print timing is changed according to the detection of the timing mark. Here, the reference of the printing position in the X direction is the timing mark on the left side, which is the rotation support point 93 side of the recording head 91. The left timing mark is detected from the CCD sensor 71 via the timing mark detection circuit 131, and its output signal is the correction circuit 1.
6 and the X-direction print position correction is performed in step 518.

For example, when the CCD sensor 71 has a mechanical mounting error as shown in FIG. 10, the mounting error in the X direction is also corrected. In this case, CC of x1 only
Since there is a mounting error of the D sensor, the print timing is changed only at the timing corresponding to the distance x1. At this time, the CPU 161 reads the mechanical mounting error correction value x1 of the CCD sensor 71 in the X direction from the non-volatile memory 22, performs the correction calculation, and the X-direction print position correction circuit 23.
Give the output to. The X-direction print position correction circuit 23 outputs a print control signal to a print head drive circuit (not shown) at the timing when the timing mark is corrected in the X direction.

The correction of color misregistration is completed in the above steps. Then, after the image data of a predetermined color is processed so as to be suitable for the recording head 91, it is applied to the recording paper 2 via the recording head 91 by a recording controller (not shown) in step 519. Further, the developing head 10 of a predetermined color corresponding to the image data is brought into contact with the recording paper 2, and the developing solution is attached thereto. A color image is formed.

Then, the process proceeds to step 520, where the final TM
Until the final TM is detected, it is judged whether or not it is detected, and the steps of the color misregistration correction and the image formation described above are repeated to form the image of a predetermined color.

Thereafter, in step 520, when the formation of the image of the predetermined color is completed and the final TM is detected, step 521
Then, it is determined whether the printing of the final color is completed. If it is determined that the color is not the final color, the process proceeds to step 522 and the recording paper 2
After being rewound and the preparation for printing the next color is completed, the image formation of another predetermined color is performed by the same process as described above. If it is determined to be the final color, in step 523,
The recording paper 2 is cut and discharged, and the image formation is completed.

Therefore, according to such an embodiment, CC
The mounting error correction values of the D sensors 71 and 72 are stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 22, and the CCD sensors 71 and 72 are stored.
The displacement amount of the recording paper 2 is calculated by the CPU 161 based on the position of the timing mark detected by and the mounting error correction value stored in the non-volatile memory 22, and the displacement amount of the recording paper 2 is calculated on the recording paper 2 based on the calculated displacement amount. Since the position of the recorded image is controlled, the CCD sensor 7
Even when there is a large mechanical attachment error between the CCD sensors 71 and 72, the color misregistration can be suppressed within the detection resolution range of the CCD sensors 71 and 72.
It is possible to eliminate the need for a mechanical adjustment mechanism that requires precision in the mounting portion of 2, and to provide a small-sized and inexpensive multicolor image recording apparatus.

Further, since it is possible to deal with all influences such as skew and meandering of the recording paper 2 and expansion and contraction of the recording paper 2 due to changes in ambient temperature and humidity, it is possible to always realize highly accurate color superposition. it can.

In the above embodiment, the number of color misregistration correction means is set to four directions of the Y direction, the X direction, the θ direction and the width direction, and the detection means for detecting the tracking index is detected for these four directions. When the number N is 2, the number of mechanical attachment error correction values of the detecting means stored in the nonvolatile memory is 2N,
That is, the four directions of the Y direction, the X direction, the θ direction, and the width direction are set, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Also,
Among the mounting errors that occur when mounting the detecting means for detecting the tracking index, the two-dimensional mounting error on the surface parallel to the recording paper 2 has a great effect on the tracking index detection error. When the number of detecting means for detecting the tracking index is N, it is sufficient to store the mechanical attachment error correction value of the detecting means of 2N or less for any parameter in the non-volatile memory and perform the correction. Can be obtained. For example, the attachment error correction values in the X direction and the Y direction may be stored in the non-volatile memory for the detection unit that detects each tracking index. Further, if the detecting means for detecting the tracking index detects only the data in one direction, the mechanical attachment error correction value of the detecting means in only the one direction may be stored in the non-volatile memory. In this way, by setting the number of mechanical attachment error correction values of the detection means stored in the non-volatile memory to 2N or less, it is possible to minimize the required capacity of the non-volatile memory, and the cost is low. It is possible to provide a recording device with less deviation.

Here, by using a non-volatile memory element such as a floppy disk or a ROM as the memory, it can be attached to and detached from the main body, which is suitable for adjustment at the time of shipment. On the other hand, the mechanical attachment error correction value of the CCD sensor stored in the non-volatile memory is determined by storing a test pattern having data capable of determining the attachment error correction value in the memory and printing it. It can be done easily. For example, when the test pattern shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the memory and the color misregistration is adjusted, the mechanical attachment error correction values are all set to zero, the tracking index 121 and the scale 122 are black, and the color misregistration is performed. The color patch 123 for recognition is printed in cyan, and each color patch 123 is printed on a film with little expansion and contraction, for example, an electrostatic recording film. In this case, the color patch 123 is a color mark with fixed coordinates for recognizing the color shift amount.

When the CCD sensor has no mechanical mounting error, the test pattern shown in FIG. 13 is printed, and the color misregistration correction function causes the Y direction, the X direction, and the θ direction.
By performing the color misregistration correction in the direction and the width direction, an image in which the color patch 123 matches the center of the black scale 122 can be obtained even if the paper is skewed. However, when the test pattern shown in FIG. 13 is printed when the CCD sensor has a mechanical mounting error, color shift uniformly occurs according to the mounting error of the CCD sensor, and the color patch 123
Is shifted from the center of the black scale 122 and is printed at a position corresponding to the mounting error of the CCD sensor. Therefore, by reading the coordinates of the color patch 123 on the test pattern, the attachment error value of the CCD sensor to be corrected can be determined.

Here, the Y coordinate of the upper part of the test pattern in FIG. 13 indicates the Y direction mounting error value, and the sum of the left and right W coordinates of the interruption indicates the width direction mounting error value.
Then, the X coordinate at the left end of the lower stage indicates the X-direction mounting error value. The difference between the θ coordinate at the right end and the X coordinate at the left end of the lower row indicates the θ direction mounting error value.

Therefore, by inputting the correction value of the mechanical attachment error determined by using the above-mentioned test pattern by the input means and storing the attachment error correction value in the non-volatile memory, the special adjustment of the attachment error is performed. Accurate color overlay can be achieved with easy operation without requiring special knowledge or skills.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the CCD sensor is used as the detecting means for the tracking index, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a reflection type photosensor may be arranged in any row. Further, the position to be arranged is not limited to being fixed to the recording head as long as it can detect the index. Further, in the above-described embodiments, the electrostatic recording method is used for all, but the invention can be similarly applied to other arbitrary recording methods, for example, the thermal transfer method.

Although the above description has been given based on the embodiments, the specification of the present invention includes the following inventions. (1) Image recording means for repeatedly overlapping and recording images of different colors on the same recording medium, and simultaneously recording the first color image on the recording medium by the image recording means. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the medium, and for tracking index detecting the tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having index detection means, storage means for storing the attachment error correction value of the tracking index detection means, the position of the tracking index detected by the tracking index detection means, and the storage means. Displacement amount calculating means for calculating the displacement amount of the recording medium based on the mounting error correction value stored in Multi-color image recording apparatus characterized by comprising an image recording position controlling means for controlling the image position to be recorded on the recording medium by the image recording means based on the displacement amount calculated by the amount-calculating means.

By doing so, even if the mechanical attachment error of the tracking index detection means is large, the color shift can be suppressed only by the detection resolution of the detection means, and moreover, the mounting portion of the detection means is Since a precise mechanical adjustment mechanism is not required, a compact and inexpensive multicolor image recording device can be realized.

(1-1) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (1) above, a maximum control amount storage means is further provided,
The storage position control means is an image recorded on the recording medium by the image recording means based on the displacement amount detected by the displacement amount detection means, which is equal to or less than the maximum control amount stored in the maximum control amount storage means. It controls the position.

By doing so, when the deviation of the recording paper is calculated, the position of the image to be printed is controlled in the deviation direction of the recording paper with a control amount equal to or less than the preset maximum control amount. If the tracking index has some loss or uneven density, the problem that the position of the image shifts and the color shift occurs although the recording paper does not meander or skew actually can be minimized.

(1-2) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (1-1) above, the maximum control amount is configured so that the control amount used when recording an image on the recording medium is minimized. There is.

By doing so, color misregistration accuracy when the tracking index is normally printed is not deteriorated, and color misregistration when the tracking index has some deficiency or density unevenness is minimized. Can be suppressed.

(1-3) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (1-1) above, there is provided a means for reciprocating the recording paper along a predetermined conveying path, and the maximum control amount is the reciprocation. The control amount is configured to increase as the transportation speed of transportation increases.

Even in this case, the same effect as (1-2) can be expected. (2) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (1) above, the displacement amount calculating means is a conveyance direction of the recording medium,
At least one displacement amount in the width direction and the rotation direction is calculated, and the storage unit stores the attachment error correction value of the tracking index detection unit corresponding to the displacement amount calculated by the displacement amount calculation unit. There is.

By doing so, it is possible to realize accurate color superposition, which can deal with all the influences such as skew or meandering of the recording medium, and expansion and contraction of the recording paper itself due to the influence of ambient temperature and humidity.

(3) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, a second storage means for storing image information corresponding to the test pattern for measuring the error correction value is provided. ing.

In this way, by using the test pattern for measuring the error correction value stored in the second storage means, no special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error is required, and the operation can be performed easily and accurately. A high color overlap can be realized.

(4) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (3), the second storage means is composed of a removable or portable recording medium. By doing so, the recording medium can be attached to and detached from the main body, and a situation suitable for adjustment at the time of shipping can be obtained.

(5) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (4) above, a floppy disk is used as the recording medium. Even in this case, the same effect as (4) described above can be expected.

(6) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (4) above, a nonvolatile memory element is used as the recording medium. Even in this case, the same effect as (4) described above can be expected.

(7) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in any of (1) to (6), the input means for inputting the error correction value and the input correction value for the first correction And means for storing in the storage means.

By doing so, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superimposition with easy operation without requiring special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error. (8) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the multicolor image recording apparatus further includes means for reciprocating the recording paper along a predetermined conveyance path, and the image recording means includes The latent images of the image corresponding to the tracking index and the image corresponding to the first color recorded image are recorded in the same color during the same conveyance of the recording paper.

By doing so, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superposition for the recorded images of the second and subsequent colors. (9) Image recording means for repeatedly overlapping and recording images of different colors on the same recording medium, and simultaneously recording the image of the first color on the recording medium by the image recording means. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the medium, and for tracking index for detecting the tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having index detecting means, a first step of recording a test pattern on the recording medium in which an attachment error of the tracking index detecting means is set to zero; A first step of recording a test pattern on the test pattern according to the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means, and And a third position for controlling the image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording unit based on the mounting error of the tracking index detecting unit according to the positional deviation of the test pattern recorded in the second step. A multicolor image recording method comprising the steps of:

In this way, since no special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error is required, it is possible to realize precise color superimposition by an easy operation. (10) In the multicolor image recording method described in (9), the color used for development in the first step and the color used for development in the second step are different colors. By doing so, it is possible to accurately check the color shift according to the mounting error of the CCD sensor.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a recording medium is reciprocated to form a multiple image, even if the mechanical attachment error of the tracking index detecting means is large, A color shift can be suppressed only by the detection resolution, and since a precise mechanical adjustment mechanism is not required in the mounting portion of the detection means, a compact and inexpensive multicolor image recording device can be realized. Further, since it is possible to cope with all the influences such as skew or meandering of the recording medium and expansion and contraction of the recording paper itself due to the influence of ambient temperature and humidity, it is possible to always realize highly accurate color superposition. Further, since no special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error is required, precise color superposition can be realized by an easy operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a color electrostatic plotter of a multicolor printing apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording head used in one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a color misregistration control circuit of a color electrostatic plotter used in one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Paper feeding part, 2 ... Recording paper, 3 ... Drive roller, 4 ... Intermediate winding part, 5 ... Auto cross cutter, 6 ... Paper discharge part, 7 ...
Sensor, 71, 72 ... CCD sensor, 8 ... encoder,
Reference numeral 9 ... Latent image forming portion, 91 ... Recording head, 92 ... Pad roller, 93 ... Recording head rotation support point, 10 ... Developing portion, 1
1 ... Waste liquid sucking section, 121 ... Y stepping motor,
122 ... θ stepping motor, 131, 132 ... Timing mark detection circuit, 14 ... Timing mark deviation detection circuit, 151, 152 ... Counter, 16 ... Correction circuit,
161 ... CPU, 17 ... θ stepping motor drive circuit, 18 ... Counter, 191, 192 ... Edge detection circuit, 20 ... Y stepping motor drive circuit, 21 ... Operation panel, 22 ... Addition memory, 23 ... X direction print position correction Circuit, 24 ... Print width correction circuit, 122 ... Scale, 12
3 ... patch.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 27, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, according to the present invention, image recording means for repeatedly superposing and recording images of different colors on the same recording medium for each color, and the first color on the recording medium by the image recording means. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the recording medium simultaneously with image recording,
In a multicolor image recording apparatus having a tracking index detecting unit for detecting a tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording unit, the recording The first step of recording a test pattern on the medium in which the tracking index detection means has a mounting error set to zero, and the mounting error of the tracking index detection means on the test pattern recorded in the first step. The second step of recording the corresponding test pattern, and the first and second steps
The third step of controlling the image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording means based on the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means according to the positional deviation of the test pattern recorded in the step of. ing.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, FIG. 3 shows such a color electrostatic processor.
7 illustrates a control circuit for correcting color misregistration of a printer . in this case,
Reference numerals 71 and 72 denote CCD sensors for detecting the tracking indexes formed along the recording paper feed direction at both ends of the recording paper 2 described above. The tracking index here is a timing mark portion that is formed at substantially equal intervals and serves as a measured portion in the transport direction (X direction), and is formed along both ends of the recording paper 2 and a measured portion in the Y direction. It consists of the edge mark part.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0097

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0097] (3) In the above-described (1) or (2) multi-color image recording apparatus according to store image information corresponding to the measurement test pattern of said error correction value Tesutopata
It has a memory means.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0098

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In this way, by using the test pattern for measuring the error correction value stored in the test pattern storage means, it is easy to operate and highly accurate without requiring special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error. Color overlapping can be realized.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0099

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

(4) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in (3) above, the test pattern storage means is composed of a removable or portable recording medium. By doing so, the recording medium can be attached to and detached from the main body, and a situation suitable for adjustment at the time of shipping can be obtained.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0102

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0102] (7) In the multi-color image recording apparatus according to any one of the aforementioned (1) (6), input means for inputting said error correction value, the input correction value before crisis < and means for storing in the storage means.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0103

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

By doing so, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superimposition with easy operation without requiring special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error. (8) In the multicolor image recording apparatus described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the multicolor image recording apparatus further includes means for reciprocating the recording paper along a predetermined conveyance path, and the image recording means includes wherein an image corresponding to the tracking index images corresponding to the recorded image of the first color recording with the same color in the same conveyance of the recording paper. By doing so, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superposition for the recorded images of the second and subsequent colors.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0104

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

By doing so, it is possible to realize highly accurate color superposition for the recorded images of the second and subsequent colors. (9) Image recording means for repeatedly overlapping and recording images of different colors on the same recording medium, and simultaneously recording the image of the first color on the recording medium by the image recording means. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the medium, and for tracking index detecting the tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having index detecting means, a first step of recording a test pattern on the recording medium in which an attachment error of the tracking index detecting means is set to zero, and a step of recording the test pattern in the first step. a second step of the recording the test pattern in response to mounting error of tracking index detecting means on the test pattern, these first And a third position for controlling the image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording unit based on the mounting error of the tracking index detecting unit according to the positional deviation of the test pattern recorded in the second step. A multicolor image recording method comprising the steps of:

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0105

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In this way, since no special knowledge or technique for adjusting the attachment error is required, it is possible to realize precise color superimposition by an easy operation. (10) In the multi-color image recording method of the above (9) wherein, the colors used in recording in a first step, the color used in the recording <br/> in a second step, to a different color It has a feature. By doing so, it is possible to accurately check the color shift according to the mounting error of the CCD sensor.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 6]

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image recording unit for repeatedly recording images of different colors on the same recording medium in an overlapping manner for each color, and at the same time as recording the first color image on the recording medium by the image recording unit. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the recording medium, and detecting the tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having a tracking index detecting means, a storage means for storing a mounting error correction value of the tracking index detecting means, a position of the tracking index detected by the tracking index detecting means, and the Displacement amount calculation means for calculating the displacement amount of the recording medium based on the mounting error correction value stored in the storage means; An image recording position control unit for controlling an image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording unit based on the displacement amount calculated by the displacement amount calculation unit. apparatus. 2. The displacement amount calculation means calculates at least one displacement amount in the conveyance direction, the width direction, and the rotation direction of the recording medium, and the storage means calculates the displacement calculated by the displacement amount calculation means. 2. The multicolor image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an attachment error correction value of the tracking index detecting means corresponding to the amount is stored. 3. An image recording unit for repeatedly recording images of different colors on the same recording medium in an overlapping manner for each color, and at the same time as recording the image of the first color on the recording medium by the image recording unit. Tracking index forming means for forming a tracking index on the recording medium, and detecting the tracking index formed on the recording medium in the image recording of the second and subsequent colors on the recording medium by the image recording means. In a multicolor image recording apparatus having a tracking index detecting means, a test pattern in which the mounting error of the tracking index detecting means is set to zero is recorded on the recording medium.
And a first step of recording a test pattern on the test pattern recorded in the first step according to an attachment error of the tracking index detecting means, and a recording in the first and second steps. A third step of controlling an image position recorded on the recording medium by the image recording means on the basis of an attachment error of the tracking index detecting means according to a positional deviation of the generated test pattern. Multicolor image recording method.