CN100446975C - Printing device, printing method, image processing device, and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new printing device, printing program, printing method, image processing device, image processing program, image processing method and recording medium for recording the program. The device can eliminate or hardly noticeable streaks. Using the printing device 100 equipped with a print head 200 having a plurality of nozzles, the density of each pixel area obtained by dividing the multi-gradation image data into pixel areas is obtained, and the dots in the pixel area are calculated from the total density value. Constitute a centralized configuration of pixels. As a result, the streak phenomenon caused by the flying deflection phenomenon and the like is eliminated or hardly noticeable, and the image quality of the printed matter can be reliably improved.

Description

Printing device, printing method, image processing device, and image processing method

technical field

The present invention relates to a printing device such as a facsimile device, a copying machine, a printer of an OA machine, and the like, and particularly relates to a so-called inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet inkjet system for printing predetermined characters or images on a printing paper (recording material). A printing device, a printing program, a printing method, an image processing device, an image processing program, an image processing method, and a storage medium storing the above-mentioned program are suitable for ink-based printing processing.

Background technique

Next, a printing device, particularly an inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as an "inkjet printer") will be described.

Inkjet printers are generally cheap and can easily obtain high-quality color prints. Therefore, with the spread of personal computers and digital cameras, they have spread not only in offices but to general users.

Inkjet printers like this generally move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the printing medium (paper) by integrating a moving body called a carriage (carriage) having an ink cartridge and a print head. While running, the nozzles of the print head spray (jet) liquid ink particles on the printing medium (paper) in dots, thereby drawing predetermined characters or images on the printing medium to complete the desired printed matter. In addition, by providing four-color (yellow, magenta, and cyan) ink cartridges including black (black) and print heads for each color in the carriage, not only black and white printing but also full-color printing (more Yes, in addition to these colors, 6-color, 7-color, or 8-color color printing such as light cyan or light magenta has also been put into practical use).

Also, in an inkjet printer of the type in which printing is performed while the print head on the carriage reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, it is necessary to reciprocate the print head in order to print clearly on a whole page. It runs dozens of times or even more than a hundred times. Compared with other types of printing devices, such as laser printers using electrophotographic technology such as copiers, it has the disadvantage of taking a lot of time.

Correspondingly, a type inkjet printer equipped with a long printing head having the same (or longer) size as the printing paper width without using a carriage can realize that the printing head does not have to move in the width direction of the printing paper, that is, The so-called one-scan (one-pass) printing can therefore achieve the same high-speed printing as the aforementioned laser printer. In addition, since the carriage on which the print head is mounted and the drive system to move it are not required, the following advantages can be realized: the size and weight of the printer frame can be reduced, and the quietness can also be greatly improved. In addition, the inkjet printer of the former type is generally referred to as a "multi-pass printer", and the inkjet printer of the latter type is referred to as a "line head printer".

However, the print head, which is indispensable in such an inkjet printer, is formed by arranging fine nozzles with a diameter of about 10 to 70 μm in a row at regular intervals and arranging multiple rows in the printing direction. Therefore, the ink ejection direction of some nozzles may be inclined due to manufacturing errors, or the position of the nozzles may be arranged at a position deviated from the ideal position. As a result, the image dots formed by these nozzles on the printing medium The drop position will also deviate from the ideal position, which will produce the so-called "flight deflection phenomenon". In addition, due to the variation characteristics of the nozzles, if the variation is large, the amount of ink may be too much or too little compared to the ideal amount.

As a result, a so-called "streak phenomenon (streak)" occurs in the portion printed using the defective nozzle, and printing quality is significantly lowered. In addition, if the "flying deflection phenomenon" occurs, the distance between the dots ejected by adjacent nozzles will also be uneven, and the part where the distance between adjacent dots is longer than normal will produce "white stripes (for printing) When the paper is white)", while the distance between adjacent image points is shorter than normal, "deep stripes" will be produced. Also, if the value of the ink volume deviates from the ideal value, the nozzles with a large amount of ink will have dark streaks, and the nozzles with a small amount of ink will have white streaks.

In particular, this streaking phenomenon is more prone to "line head printers" with fixed print heads or printing media (1-pass printing) than the "multi-pass printers" (serial printers) described above. Occurrence (in multi-pass printers, there is a technique to make the streak phenomenon inconspicuous by using the print head to go back and forth multiple times).

For this reason, in order to prevent printing defects caused by the above-mentioned "streak phenomenon", improvements in the manufacturing technology and design of the print head are required, and the research and development of the so-called hardware part has been paid attention to. Provides 100% "streak-free" printheads.

Therefore, in addition to the improvement of the hardware part as mentioned above, there is a technology to reduce this "streak phenomenon" by using the printing control as shown below, that is, the so-called software method.

For example, in the following patent document 1, etc., when quantizing multi-gray-scale images, after implementing error diffusion processing, dithering is performed so that the image points are concentrated in the low and medium density parts of the multi-gray-scale images, On the other hand, in the high-density portion, the dots are scattered and generated around the concentrated dots, thereby forming an image without blanks especially in the high-density portion.

However, in the aforementioned prior art, although the streaking phenomenon can be reduced in the high-density portion, it is generally difficult to reduce the streaking phenomenon in the middle-density portion or the low-density portion where the streaking phenomenon is conspicuous. In addition, since the concentration of dots in the middle-density part or the low-density part is very conspicuous, the effect of graininess may be conspicuous and the image quality may be degraded.

In addition, in the dithering process, since the density value of the input image is generally set to be started/stopped by the threshold value of the dithering matrix, sometimes the input density value and the output density value are inconsistent, and there will be special gradation. The characteristics of poor grayscale reproducibility.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-177722.

Contents of the invention

Here, the present invention is researched in order to effectively solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide a new type of printing device and printing program that can solve the streaking phenomenon caused by the flight deflection phenomenon, or can make the streaking phenomenon basically inconspicuous. , a printing method, an image processing device, an image processing program, an image processing method, and a storage medium storing the foregoing program.

(mode 1)

A printing device according to mode 1 for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized in that it includes: image data acquisition means for acquiring M grayscale image data, where M≥3; The obtained image data is divided into a plurality of pixel areas; the pixel area concentration value calculation means calculates the concentration value of each pixel in the plurality of pixel areas divided by the image data division means Aggregate; The pixel area picture point constitutes a table storage mechanism, and it is stored with the pixel area picture point composition table, and this pixel area picture point forms a table and represents the described pixel area calculated by this pixel area concentration value calculation mechanism The total density value and the pixel configuration corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; the pixel configuration calculation mechanism, which calculates the pixel configuration in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel configuration table. Composition; Image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism, it is stored with the image point arrangement sequence table that represents the arrangement order of the image point that is arranged in the described pixel area; Image point arrangement mechanism, it according to this image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism According to the arrangement order of the dots shown in the dot arrangement sequence table, the dot composition calculated by the dot composition calculation mechanism is arranged in the pixel area; a means for synthesizing the respective pixel areas in which dots are arranged to generate print data; and a printing means for performing printing based on the print data generated by the print data generating means.

That is, the present invention is an invention comprising dividing multi-gradation image data into pixel regions, calculating the total density value of each pixel region, and calculating the dots in the pixel region from the total density value. And perform pixel configuration. In this way, streaking phenomena such as white streaks or dark streaks caused by the flight deflection phenomenon can be particularly eliminated, or the streaking phenomenon can be made substantially inconspicuous.

In addition, since the size of the pixel area can be freely set (smaller) by using the division process, it is possible to obtain printed matter with high-quality images.

Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

In addition, "M gray scale (wherein M≥3)" refers to the so-called multi-valued pixel value related to brightness and density, such as 8-bit 256 gray scale (in the following "printing device") ", methods related to "printing program", methods related to "printing method", methods related to "image processing device", methods related to "image processing program", methods related to "image processing method" and methods related to "storage The same applies to the descriptions in items such as “storage medium for the aforementioned program” and the best mode for carrying out the invention).

(method 2)

The printing device of mode 2 is the printing device described in mode 1, and it is characterized in that, the pixel composition calculating mechanism calculates the actual number of pixels of each pixel size, wherein the pixel size is based on the diameter of the pixel differentiated.

Thus, the size of each image point diameter can be calculated as the L (large) number, M (middle) number, and S (small) number for example, to calculate the image point composition in the pixel area, so it is possible to carry out Accurate handling.

(mode 3)

The printing device of mode 3 is the printing device described in mode 1, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage means indicates that the dot disposition order is within the pixel area Prioritize the arrangement of dots starting from dots with larger dot diameters.

In this way, since the dots are preferably arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel area to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

(mode 4)

The printing device of mode 4 is the printing device described in mode 1, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage means indicates that the dot disposition order is within the pixel area The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape.

In this way, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

(mode 5)

The printing device of mode 5 is the printing device described in mode 1, characterized in that the dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means indicates that the dot arrangement order is from the pixel area Pixels closer to the center start to arrange dots toward the surrounding parts.

In this way, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

In addition, the "center" in "starting from the pixels close to the center of the pixel area toward the surrounding part" refers to the "central part" of the pixel area, which means the method of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part. to configure.

(mode 6)

The printing device of mode 6 is the printing device described in mode 1, characterized in that the dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means indicates that the dot arrangement order is across a plurality of the pixels. pixel area, and pixels are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, since it is indicated that the image points are arranged in the order of crossing a plurality of pixel areas and starting from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, the image points are arranged, so it is not from the center or Instead of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part, and concentrating pixels from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and use the optimal pixel arrangement according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of streaking, etc. sequence table so that accurate processing can be implemented.

(mode 7)

The printing apparatus according to aspect 7 is the printing apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the dot arrangement order table storage means has two or more dot arrangement order tables each having a different dot arrangement order, and the dot arrangement order table The pixel arrangement mechanism selects and utilizes any one of the pixel arrangement sequence tables stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism.

This makes it possible to select and use an optimal dot arrangement sequence table according to the target image quality, scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., and perform accurate processing.

In addition, "selecting any one of the dot arrangement order table" means that it is possible to consider a method of avoiding the streak phenomenon by deforming the shape of the "concentrated dots" such as graininess. Furthermore, specifically, it is also possible to consider which dot arrangement order table to use in consideration of landing position accuracy, printing resolution, and the like.

The printing device of mode 8 is the printing device described in any one of modes 1 to 7, characterized in that the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table storage means represents each Constituent ratio of the pixel size corresponding to the total density value.

In this way, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon, and if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality.

In addition, the composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value may be variable.

(mode 9)

The printing apparatus according to aspect 9 is the printing apparatus described in aspect 8, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means is less than or equal to a predetermined density value, the printing apparatus is characterized in that The composition ratio of each dot size in the pixel area dot composition table of the pixel area dot composition table storage means is set such that the total of dots below a predetermined size is larger than the total of dots above a predetermined size.

In this way, when the total density value of the pixel area is smaller than the predetermined density, since the total of the dots below the predetermined size is set larger than the total of the dots above the predetermined size, when the total density value is small, the Concentrated dots are formed around dots with a predetermined size or smaller, so that graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, thereby improving image quality in low-density areas. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

(mode 10)

The printing apparatus of aspect 10 is the printing apparatus described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein when the dot arranging mechanism arranges dots according to the dot arrangement order table, it uses the The central part of the pixel area is the center, and its arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle before being arranged.

By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the periodic occurrence that causes image quality to be lowered, and therefore it is possible to achieve an improvement in image quality especially in the same-density portion.

(mode 11)

The printing device of aspect 11 is the printing device described in any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data acquired by the image data acquiring means is composed of multiple In the case of image data consisting of two colors, the print data generating mechanism sets a predetermined screen angle in the pixel areas of each color and then synthesizes the pixel areas of each color to generate print data.

In this way, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, it is possible to avoid the moiré phenomenon (interference fringes) between dots of different colors.

(mode 12)

The printing apparatus of aspect 12 is the printing apparatus described in any one of aspects 1 to 11, and is characterized in that it is an inkjet printer that performs printing in the following manner, namely: a carriage integrally provided with an ink cartridge and a print head The mobile body moves back and forth on the printing medium in the direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction (left and right direction), and ejects the particles of liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the printing head.

In this way, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated by ejecting liquid ink particles in dots using an inkjet printer.

(mode 13)

The printing program of mode 13 is characterized in that the computer has the functions of the following mechanisms: an image data acquisition mechanism, which acquires M grayscale image data, where M≥3; an image data division mechanism, which uses the image data acquisition mechanism The obtained image data is divided for each pixel area; the pixel area density value total calculation means calculates the total density value of each pixel in the pixel area divided by the image data division means The pixel area pixel composition table storage mechanism stores the pixel area pixel composition table, and the pixel area pixel composition table represents the total of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value calculation mechanism Concentration value, and the dot composition corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; the dot composition calculation mechanism, which calculates the composition of the dots arranged in the pixel area according to the dot composition table of the pixel area Image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism, it stores the image point arrangement sequence table that represents the arrangement order of the image point that is arranged in the described pixel area; Image point arrangement mechanism, it according to this image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism The arrangement order of the dots shown in the dot arrangement sequence table is to arrange the dot composition calculated by the dot composition calculation mechanism in the pixel area; The respective pixel areas in which the dots are arranged are synthesized to generate print data; and a printing unit that performs printing based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit. In this way, like the aforementioned method 1, the streak phenomenon such as white streaks or deep streaks caused by the flight deflection phenomenon can be eliminated, or the streak phenomenon can be basically inconspicuous, and the size of the pixel area can be freely set due to the use of division processing ( smaller), so you can get prints with high-quality images. Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

In addition, most of the printing devices currently on the market, such as inkjet printers, have a computer system composed of a central processing unit (CPU), storage devices (RAM, ROM), input and output devices, etc., because the computer system can be used The above-mentioned mechanisms are realized by software, which is economical and easy to realize compared with the method of realizing the above-mentioned mechanisms by manufacturing dedicated hardware. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 14)

The printing program according to aspect 14 is the printing program according to aspect 13, wherein the dot configuration calculating means calculates the actual number of dots for each dot size classified by the diameter of the dot.

Thus, the size of each image point diameter can be calculated as the L (large) number, M (middle) number, and S (small) number for example, to calculate the image point composition in the pixel area, so it is possible to carry out Accurate handling.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 15)

The printing program of mode 15 is the printing program described in mode 13, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is within the pixel area Prioritize the arrangement of dots starting from dots with larger dot diameters.

In this way, as in the method 3, since the dots are preferentially arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel region to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 16)

The printing program of mode 16 is the printing program described in mode 13, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is within the pixel area The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape.

In this way, as in mode 4, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 17)

The printing program of mode 17 is the printing program described in mode 13, characterized in that the dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot arrangement order is from the pixel area Pixels closer to the center start to arrange dots toward the surrounding parts.

In this way, like mode 5, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

In addition, the "center" in "starting from the pixels close to the center of the pixel area toward the surrounding part" refers to the "central part" of the pixel area, which means the method of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part. to configure.

In addition, as with the thirteenth method, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 18)

The printing program of mode 18 is the printing program described in mode 13, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is across a plurality of said dots. pixel area, and pixels are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, the same as mode 6, since it is indicated that the image point arrangement sequence is to dispose image points across a plurality of said pixel areas and from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, Therefore, instead of concentrating the image points from the center or the central part toward the peripheral part, but concentrating the image points from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and utilize the most suitable image according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon. Optimum pixel configuration sequence table, so that accurate processing can be implemented.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 19)

The printing program according to aspect 19 is the printing program according to aspect 13, wherein the dot arrangement order table storage means has two or more dot arrangement order tables with different dot arrangement orders, and the dot arrangement order table The pixel arrangement mechanism selects and utilizes any one of the pixel arrangement sequence tables stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism.

In this way, as in the mode 7, since the optimum dot arrangement order table can be selected and used according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., accurate processing can be performed.

In addition, "selecting any one of the dot arrangement order table" means that it is possible to consider a method of avoiding the streak phenomenon by deforming the shape of the "concentrated dots" such as graininess. Furthermore, specifically, it is also possible to consider which dot arrangement order table to use in consideration of landing position accuracy, printing resolution, and the like.

In addition, as with the thirteenth method, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 20)

The printing program of mode 20 is the printing program described in any one of modes 13 to 19, characterized in that, the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table storage means and the total density The composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the value.

In this way, like method 8, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon, and if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality. improve.

In addition, the composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value may be variable.

In addition, as with the thirteenth method, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 21)

The printing program of mode 21 is the printing program described in mode 20, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means is less than or equal to a predetermined density value, the printing program The composition ratio of each dot size in the pixel area dot composition table of the pixel area dot composition table storage means is set such that the total of dots below a predetermined size is larger than the total of dots above a predetermined size.

In this way, like mode 9, when the total density value of the pixel area is smaller than the predetermined density, since the total of the dots below the predetermined size is set larger than the total of the dots above the predetermined size, when the total density value is small Since concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or less at this time, the occurrence of graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, and the image quality of low-density areas can be improved. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 22)

The printing program of mode 22 is the printing program described in any one of modes 13 to 21, characterized in that when the dot arranging mechanism arranges dots according to the dot arranging sequence table, The central part of the pixel area is used as the center, and its arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle before being arranged.

In this way, as in the case 10, periodic occurrences that lead to image quality degradation can be eliminated, and thus the image quality can be improved especially at the same density portion.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 23)

The printing program of mode 23 is the printing program described in any one of modes 13 to 22, characterized in that when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit is obtained by In the case of image data composed of a plurality of colors, the print data generating means sets a predetermined screen angle in the pixel area of each color and then synthesizes the pixel area of each color to generate print data.

In this way, as in method 11, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, it is possible to avoid the moire phenomenon (interference fringes) between pixels of different colors.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 24)

The printing program of mode 24 is the printing program described in any one of modes 13 to 23, which is characterized in that it functions as an inkjet printer that performs printing by integrally having an ink cartridge and a print head. The moving body of the carriage moves back and forth along the paper feeding direction on the printing medium along the left and right, and sprays the particles of the liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the printing head.

In this way, as in the twelfth aspect, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated by ejecting liquid ink particles into dots using an inkjet printer.

In addition, as in method 13, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 25)

The computer-readable storage medium of aspect 25 is characterized in that it is a computer-readable storage medium storing the printing program described in any one of aspects 13-24.

In this way, by using a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, FD, or semiconductor chip, it is possible to easily and accurately provide the information described in any one of the above-mentioned aspects 13 to 24 in response to needs such as users. printing process.

(mode 26)

The printing method according to aspect 26 is characterized by comprising: an image data acquisition step of acquiring M grayscale (M≥3) image data; and a step of dividing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition step into a plurality of pixel regions. Image data segmentation step; calculate the total pixel area density value calculation step of the total density value of each pixel in the plurality of pixel areas divided by the image data segmentation step; The total density value of the pixel area calculated in the area density value summing step and the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area are stored in the pixel area dot configuration table Step; According to this pixel region pixel composition table, calculate the pixel composition calculation step of the composition of the pixel arranged in the pixel region; store the arrangement sequence representing the pixel arranged in the pixel region The pixel configuration sequence table storage step of the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table; according to the configuration sequence of the pixels represented in the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table storage step, the pixel configuration calculation step will be calculated by the The dot configuration step in which dots are arranged in the pixel area; the print data generation step in which the pixel areas in which dots are arranged in the dot configuration step are synthesized to generate print data; and The print data generated in the print data generating step is subjected to a printing step of printing.

Like this, like aforementioned mode 1, can eliminate the stripe phenomena such as white stripe or deep stripe caused by flight deflection phenomenon, or make stripe phenomenon substantially not obvious, and can set the size of pixel area freely (more small), so high-quality image prints can be obtained. Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

(mode 27)

The printing method according to aspect 27 is the printing method according to aspect 26, wherein the dot configuration calculation step calculates the actual number of dots for each dot size distinguished by the diameter of the dot.

In this way, the same as in mode 2, the size of the diameter of each image point, such as being specified as L (large), M (medium), and S (small), can be used to calculate the image point composition in the pixel area. , so it can be processed accurately.

(mode 28)

The printing method of mode 28 is the printing method described in mode 26, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage step indicates that the dot disposition order is within the pixel area Prioritize the arrangement of dots starting from dots with larger dot diameters.

In this way, as in the method 3, since the dots are preferentially arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel region to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

(mode 29)

The printing method of form 29 is the printing method described in form 26, characterized in that the dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage step indicates that the dot arrangement order is within the pixel area The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape.

In this way, as in mode 4, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

(mode 30)

The printing method of mode 30 is the printing method described in mode 26, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage step indicates that the dot disposition order is from the pixel area Pixels closer to the center start to arrange dots toward the surrounding parts.

In this way, like mode 5, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

In addition, the "center" in "starting from the pixels close to the center of the pixel area toward the surrounding part" refers to the "central part" of the pixel area, which means the method of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part. to configure.

(mode 31)

The printing method of mode 31 is the printing method described in mode 26, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storing step indicates that the dot arrangement order is across a plurality of said dots. pixel area, and pixels are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, like mode 6, since it is indicated that the arrangement order of the image points is to dispose the image points across a plurality of said pixel areas and from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, Therefore, instead of concentrating the image points from the center or the central part toward the peripheral part, but concentrating the image points from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and utilize the most suitable image according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon. Optimum pixel configuration sequence table, so that accurate processing can be implemented.

(mode 32)

The printing method of mode 32 is the printing method described in mode 26, characterized in that the step of storing the dot arrangement order table has two or more dot arrangement order tables with different dot arrangement orders, and the dot arrangement order table In the pixel configuration step, any one of the pixel configuration sequence tables stored in the pixel configuration sequence table storage step is selected.

In this way, as in the mode 7, since the optimum dot arrangement order table can be selected and used according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., accurate processing can be performed.

In addition, "selecting any one of the dot arrangement order table" means that it is possible to consider a method of avoiding the streak phenomenon by deforming the shape of the "concentrated dots" such as graininess. Furthermore, specifically, it is also possible to consider which dot arrangement order table to use in consideration of landing position accuracy, printing resolution, and the like.

(mode 33)

The printing method of mode 33 is the printing method described in any one of modes 26 to 32, characterized in that the pixel area dot configuration table in the pixel area dot configuration table storage step and the total density The composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the value.

In this way, like method 8, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon. In addition, if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality. improve.

In addition, the composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value may be variable.

(mode 34)

The printing method of mode 34 is the printing method of mode 33, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value calculation step is below a predetermined density value, the In the pixel area dot configuration table storage step, the composition ratio of each dot size in the pixel area dot configuration table is set such that the total of dots with a predetermined size or less is larger than the total of dots with a predetermined size or more.

In this way, as in mode 9, when the total density value of the pixel area is below the predetermined density, since the total of the dots below the predetermined size is set larger than the total of the dots above the predetermined size, when the total density value is small At this time, concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or less, so the occurrence of graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, thereby improving the image quality of low-density areas. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

(mode 35)

The printing method of mode 35 is the printing method described in any one of modes 26 to 34, characterized in that when the dot arranging step arranges the dots according to the dot disposition sequence table, The central part of the pixel area is used as the center, and its arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle before being arranged.

In this way, as in the case 10, periodic occurrences that lead to image quality degradation can be eliminated, and thus the image quality can be improved especially at the same density portion.

(mode 36)

The printing method of mode 36 is the printing method described in any one of modes 26 to 35, characterized in that when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data obtained in the image data obtaining step is obtained by In the case of image data composed of a plurality of colors, the print data generation step is to set a predetermined screen angle in the pixel area of each color and then combine the pixel areas of each color to generate print data.

In this way, as in method 11, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, it is possible to avoid the moire phenomenon (interference fringes) between pixels of different colors.

(mode 37)

The printing method of mode 37 is the printing method described in any one of modes 26 to 36, which is characterized in that it is a printing method used by an inkjet printer that performs printing by integrating The movable body of the ink cartridge and the carriage of the print head ejects the particles of the liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the print head while reciprocating left and right on the printing medium in the feeding direction.

In this way, as in the twelfth aspect, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated by ejecting liquid ink particles into dots using an inkjet printer.

(mode 38)

The image processing device according to aspect 38 is characterized by comprising: image data acquisition means for acquiring M grayscale level (M≥3) image data; and dividing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means into a plurality of pixel areas an image data division mechanism; a pixel region density value total calculation mechanism that calculates the total density value of each pixel in the plurality of pixel regions divided by the image data division mechanism; The total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means, and the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area A table storage mechanism; a dot composition calculation mechanism that calculates the composition of the dots arranged in the pixel area according to the dot composition table of the pixel area; stores the dots representing the dots arranged in the pixel area The pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism of the pixel configuration sequence table of the configuration sequence; according to the configuration sequence of the pixel shown in the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism, the computing mechanism will be formed by the pixels The calculated dots constitute dot arranging means arranged in the pixel area; and print data generating means combine the pixel areas in which dots are arranged by the dot arranging means to generate print data.

In this way, streaking phenomena such as white streaks or dark streaks caused by the flight deflection phenomenon can be particularly eliminated, or the streaking phenomenon can be made substantially inconspicuous. In addition, since the size of the pixel area can be freely set (smaller) by using the division process, it is possible to obtain printed matter with high-quality images. Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

(mode 39)

The image processing device of mode 39 is the image processing device described in mode 38, characterized in that, the pixel configuration calculation mechanism calculates the actual number of pixels for each pixel size, wherein the pixel size is based on the pixel size The diameter is distinguished.

Thus, the size of each image point diameter can be calculated as the L (large) number, M (middle) number, and S (small) number for example, to calculate the image point composition in the pixel area, so it is possible to carry out Accurate handling.

(mode 40)

The image processing device according to aspect 40 is the image processing device according to aspect 38, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means indicates that the pixel arrangement sequence is In the area, the pixels with larger pixel diameters are preferentially arranged.

In this way, since the dots are preferably arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel area to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

(mode 41)

The image processing device according to aspect 41 is the image processing device according to aspect 38, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means indicates that the pixel arrangement sequence is The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape in the area.

In this way, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

(mode 42)

The image processing device according to aspect 42 is the image processing device according to aspect 38, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means indicates that the pixel arrangement sequence is from the pixel Pixels near the center of the area begin to arrange pixels toward the surrounding parts.

In this way, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

(mode 43)

The image processing device according to aspect 43 is the image processing device according to aspect 38, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means indicates that the pixel arrangement sequence is across a plurality of The plurality of pixel areas are arranged and dots are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, since it is indicated that the image points are arranged in the order of crossing a plurality of pixel areas and starting from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, the image points are arranged, so it is not from the center or Instead of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part, and concentrating pixels from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and use the optimal pixel arrangement according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of streaking, etc. Sequence table, so that accurate processing can be implemented.

(mode 44)

The image processing device according to aspect 44 is the image processing device according to aspect 39, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means has two or more pixel arrangement sequence tables with different pixel arrangement sequences, and The pixel arrangement mechanism selects and utilizes any one of the image point arrangement sequence tables stored in the image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism.

This makes it possible to select and use an optimal dot arrangement sequence table according to the target image quality, scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., and perform accurate processing.

(mode 45)

The image processing device of mode 45 is the image processing device described in any one of modes 38 to 44, characterized in that the pixel area dot configuration table representation of the pixel area dot configuration table storage means is the same as The composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value.

In this way, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon, and if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality.

In addition, the composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value may be variable.

(mode 46)

The image processing apparatus of aspect 46 is the image processing apparatus described in aspect 45, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means is less than or equal to a predetermined density value The composition ratio of each pixel size of the pixel area pixel configuration table of the pixel area pixel configuration table storage mechanism is set as: the total of the pixels below the predetermined size is larger than the total of the pixels above the predetermined size .

In this way, when the total density value of the pixel area is below the predetermined density, the total of the dots with the predetermined size or less is set larger than the total of the dots with the predetermined size or more. Concentrated dots are formed around dots with a predetermined size or smaller, so that graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, thereby improving image quality in low-density areas. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

(mode 47)

The image processing apparatus of aspect 47 is the image processing apparatus described in any one of aspects 39 to 46, wherein when the dot arranging means arranges the dots according to the dot arranging order table, it is Taking the central part of the pixel area as the center, the arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle and then arranged.

By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the periodic occurrence that causes image quality to be lowered, and therefore it is possible to achieve an improvement in image quality especially in the same-density portion.

(mode 48)

The image processing apparatus of aspect 48 is the image processing apparatus described in any one of aspects 38 to 47, characterized in that when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data acquired by the image data acquisition means In the case of image data composed of a plurality of colors, the print data generating means sets a predetermined screen angle in the pixel area of each color and then synthesizes the pixel area of each color to generate print data.

In this way, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, it is possible to avoid the moiré phenomenon (interference fringes) between dots of different colors.

(mode 49)

The image processing apparatus of aspect 49 is the image processing apparatus described in any one of aspects 38 to 48, which is characterized in that it is an inkjet printer that performs printing by integrally having an ink cartridge and a printer. The moving body of the carriage of the head ejects the particles of the liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the printing head while reciprocating left and right on the printing medium on the paper feeding side.

In this way, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated by ejecting liquid ink particles in dots using an inkjet printer.

(mode 50)

The image processing program of aspect 50 is characterized in that it causes the computer to execute the function of the following means: an image data acquisition means for acquiring M grayscale level (M≥3) image data; and the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means An image data division means for dividing into a plurality of pixel areas; a pixel area density value total calculation means for calculating the sum of the density values of each pixel in the plurality of pixel areas divided by the image data division means ; store the pixel area dot composition table representing the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation mechanism and the pixel structure corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area The pixel area pixel composition table storage mechanism; calculate the pixel composition calculation mechanism for the configuration of the pixels arranged in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel composition table; The image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism of the image point arrangement sequence table of the image point arrangement sequence table in the pixel area; according to the image point arrangement order shown in the image point arrangement sequence table of the image point arrangement order table storage mechanism, will be determined by The dot configuration calculated by the dot configuration calculation unit constitutes a dot arranging unit arranged in the pixel area; the pixel areas in which dots are arranged by the dot arranging unit are synthesized to generate printing data a print data generating unit; and a printing unit that performs printing based on the print data generated by the print data generating unit.

In this way, like the aforementioned method 38, the streak phenomenon such as white streaks or deep streaks caused by the flight deflection phenomenon can be eliminated, or the streak phenomenon can be basically inconspicuous, and the size of the pixel area can be freely set due to the use of division processing ( smaller), so you can get prints with high-quality images. Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

In addition, most of the printing devices currently on the market, such as inkjet printers, have a computer system composed of a central processing unit (CPU), storage devices (RAM, ROM), input and output devices, etc., because the computer system can be used The above-mentioned mechanisms are realized by software, which is economical and easy to realize compared with the method of realizing the above-mentioned mechanisms by manufacturing dedicated hardware. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 51)

The image processing program according to aspect 51 is the image processing program according to aspect 50, wherein the dot configuration calculating means calculates the actual number of dots for each dot size classified by the diameter of the dot.

Thus, the same as mode 39, the size of each image point diameter can be calculated as L (big) number, M (middle) number, and S (small) number for example, to calculate the image point in the pixel area. composition, so accurate processing can be performed.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 52)

The image processing program of mode 52 is the image processing program described in mode 50, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is In the area, the pixels with larger pixel diameters are preferentially arranged.

In this way, similar to the method 40, since the dots are preferentially arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel area to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 53)

The image processing program of mode 53 is the image processing program described in mode 50, characterized in that, the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape in the area.

In this way, like the way 41, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 54)

The image processing program of mode 54 is the image processing program described in mode 50, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage mechanism indicates that the dot disposition order is from the pixel Pixels near the center of the area begin to arrange pixels toward the surrounding portion.

In this way, like the mode 42, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

In addition, the "center" in "starting from the pixels close to the center of the pixel area toward the surrounding part" refers to the "central part" of the pixel area, which means the method of concentrating pixels from the central part toward the surrounding part. to configure.

In addition, as in method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 55)

The image processing program of aspect 55 is the image processing program described in aspect 50, characterized in that the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means indicates that the pixel arrangement sequence is across a plurality of The plurality of pixel areas are arranged and dots are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, the same as mode 43, because the image point arrangement order is to straddle a plurality of said pixel areas and start from the predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas to configure the image point towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, Therefore, instead of concentrating the image points from the center or the central part toward the peripheral part, but concentrating the image points from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and utilize the most suitable image according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon. Optimum pixel configuration sequence table, so that accurate processing can be implemented.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 56)

The image processing program of aspect 56 is the image processing program described in aspect 50, wherein the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means has two or more pixel arrangement sequence tables with different pixel arrangement sequences, and The pixel arrangement mechanism selects and utilizes any one of the image point arrangement sequence tables stored in the image point arrangement sequence table storage mechanism.

In this way, as in the mode 44, since the optimal dot arrangement order table can be selected and used according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., accurate processing can be performed.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 57)

The image processing program of mode 57 is the image processing program described in any one of modes 50 to 56, characterized in that, the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table storage unit expresses the same The composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value.

In this way, the same as method 45, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon; in addition, if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality. improve.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 58)

The image processing program of aspect 58 is the image processing program described in aspect 57, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means is equal to or less than a predetermined density value The composition ratio of each pixel size in the pixel area dot configuration table of the pixel area dot configuration table storage means is set such that the total of dots with a predetermined size or less is larger than the total of dots with a predetermined size or more.

In this way, like mode 46, when the total density value of the pixel area is smaller than the predetermined density, since the total of the dots below the predetermined size is set larger than the total of the dots above the predetermined size, when the total density value is small Since concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or less at this time, the occurrence of graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, and the image quality of low-density areas can be improved. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 59)

The image processing program of mode 59 is the image processing program described in any one of modes 50 to 58, characterized in that when the dot arranging mechanism arranges dots according to the dot arranging order table, it is Taking the central part of the pixel area as the center, the arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle and then arranged.

In this way, similar to the mode 47, periodic occurrences that cause image quality degradation can be eliminated, and thus the image quality can be improved particularly at the same density portion.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 60)

The image processing program of aspect 60 is the image processing program described in any one of aspects 50 to 59, characterized in that when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data acquired by the image data acquiring means In the case of image data composed of a plurality of colors, the print data generating means sets a predetermined screen angle in the pixel area of each color and then synthesizes the pixel area of each color to generate print data.

In this way, as in the method 48, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, moiré phenomenon (interference fringes) between pixels of different colors can be avoided.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 61)

The image processing program of mode 61 is the image processing program described in any one of modes 50 to 60, which is characterized in that it functions as an inkjet printer that performs printing by integrally having an ink cartridge and a printer. The moving body of the carriage of the head ejects the particles of the liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the print head while moving back and forth on the printing medium along the paper feeding direction from the left to the right.

In this way, similar to the method 49, by using an inkjet type printer to discharge liquid ink particles into dots, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated.

In addition, like the method 50, since the above-mentioned mechanisms can be realized by software using the computer systems of most of the printing devices currently on the market, it is easier to implement the above-mentioned mechanisms than the method of manufacturing dedicated hardware to realize the above-mentioned mechanisms. Economical and easy to implement. What's more, by rewriting part of the program, it is easy to implement version upgrades such as function changes and improvements.

(mode 62)

The computer-readable storage medium of aspect 62 is characterized in that it is a computer-readable storage medium storing the image processing program described in any one of aspects 50-61.

In this way, by using a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, FD, or semiconductor chip, it is possible to easily and accurately provide the information described in any one of the above-mentioned aspects 13 to 24 in response to needs such as users. image processing program.

(mode 63)

The image processing method of mode 63 is characterized by comprising: an image data acquisition step of acquiring M gray scale (M≥3) image data; and dividing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition step into a plurality of pixel regions The image data segmentation step; calculate the total pixel area density value calculation step of the total density value of each pixel in the plurality of pixel areas divided by the image data segmentation step; The total density value of the pixel area calculated in the pixel area density value summing step, and the pixel area dot configuration table corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area pixel area dot configuration table Storing step: According to the dot composition table of the pixel area, the pixel composition calculation step of calculating the configuration of the dots arranged in the pixel area; storing the configuration representing the dots arranged in the pixel area The image point configuration sequence table storage step of the image point configuration sequence table of order; According to the configuration order of the image point represented in the image point configuration sequence table of the image point configuration sequence table storage step, the image point will be formed by the calculation step of calculation a dot arranging step in which the dots formed are arranged in the pixel area; and a print data generating step in which the pixel areas in which dots are arranged in the dot arranging step are synthesized to generate print data.

Like this, like aforementioned mode 38, can eliminate the stripe phenomena such as white stripe or deep stripe caused by flying deflection phenomenon, or make stripe phenomenon not obvious substantially, and because use segmentation processing can freely set the size of pixel area (more small), so high-quality image prints can be obtained. Furthermore, since it is easy to make the input density value coincide with the output density value, excellent gradation reproducibility can be exhibited especially in gradation images.

(mode 64)

The image processing method of aspect 64 is the image processing method described in aspect 63, characterized in that the dot configuration calculation step calculates the actual number of dots for each dot size distinguished by the diameter of the dot.

Like this, the same as mode 39, can calculate the image point composition in this pixel area to the size of each image point diameter, such as being specified as L (large) number, M (middle) number, S (small) number , so it can be processed accurately.

(mode 65)

The image processing method of mode 65 is the image processing method described in mode 63, characterized in that the pixel arrangement order table stored in the pixel arrangement order table storage step indicates that the pixel arrangement order is In the area, the pixels with larger pixel diameters are preferentially arranged.

In this way, similar to the method 40, since the dots are preferentially arranged from the dots with larger dot diameters in the pixel area to concentrate the dots, the streak phenomenon can be made inconspicuous.

(mode 66)

The image processing method of mode 66 is the image processing method described in mode 63, characterized in that the pixel arrangement sequence table stored in the pixel arrangement sequence table storage step indicates that the pixel arrangement order is The pixels are arranged in a roughly elliptical shape in the area.

In this way, like the way 41, since the pixel points in the pixel area are concentrated in a roughly elliptical shape, the streak phenomenon is less obvious.

(mode 67)

The image processing method of mode 67 is the image processing method described in mode 63, characterized in that the pixel arrangement order table stored in the pixel arrangement order table storage step indicates that the pixel arrangement order is from the pixel Pixels near the center of the area begin to arrange pixels toward the surrounding parts.

In this way, like the mode 42, since the dots are sequentially arranged from the pixels close to the center in the pixel area toward the peripheral part, the dots are concentrated in the central part, thereby making the streak phenomenon less conspicuous.

(mode 68)

The image processing method of mode 68 is the image processing method described in mode 63, characterized in that the dot disposition order table stored in the dot disposition order table storage step indicates that the order of dot arrangement is across a plurality of The plurality of pixel areas are arranged and dots are arranged from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas toward the surrounding portion of the predetermined position.

In this way, the same as mode 43, because the image point arrangement order is to straddle a plurality of said pixel areas and start from the predetermined position in the plurality of pixel areas to configure the image point towards the surrounding part of the predetermined position, Therefore, instead of concentrating the image points from the center or the central part toward the peripheral part, but concentrating the image points from an arbitrary position, it is possible to select and utilize the most suitable image according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon. Optimum pixel configuration sequence table, so that accurate processing can be implemented.

(mode 69)

The image processing method of mode 69 is the image processing method described in mode 63, wherein the step of storing the pixel arrangement sequence table has two or more pixel arrangement sequence tables with different pixel arrangement sequences, and In the pixel configuration step, select any one of the pixel configuration sequence tables stored in the pixel configuration sequence table storage step.

In this way, as in the mode 44, since the optimal dot arrangement order table can be selected and used according to the target image quality or the scale (size) of the streak phenomenon, etc., accurate processing can be performed.

(mode 70)

The image processing method of mode 70 is the image processing method described in any one of modes 63 to 69, characterized in that the pixel area dot configuration table representation in the pixel area dot configuration table storage step is the same as The composition ratio of each pixel size corresponding to the total density value.

In this way, the same as method 45, for example, when the streak phenomenon is very conspicuous, the large pixel can be preferentially selected to alleviate the streak phenomenon; in addition, if the streak phenomenon is not very conspicuous, the small pixel can be preferentially selected to improve the image quality. improve.

(mode 71)

The image processing method of mode 71 is the image processing method of mode 70, characterized in that when the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value sum calculation step is below a predetermined density value, In the pixel region dot composition table storage step, the composition ratio of each dot size in the pixel region dot composition table is set such that the total of dots with a predetermined size or less is larger than the total of dots with a predetermined size or more.

In this way, like mode 46, when the total density value of the pixel area is smaller than the predetermined density, since the total of the dots below the predetermined size is set larger than the total of the dots above the predetermined size, when the total density value is small Since concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or less at this time, the occurrence of graininess, which causes image quality degradation, can be suppressed, and the image quality of low-density areas can be improved. Here, if concentrated dots are formed centering on dots with a predetermined size or more instead of dots with a predetermined size or less, the granularity will deteriorate, and the overall image quality will also deteriorate.

(mode 72)

The image processing method of mode 72 is the image processing method described in any one of modes 63 to 71, characterized in that when the pixel arranging step arranges pixels according to the pixel arrangement order table, it is Taking the central part of the pixel area as the center, the arrangement position is irregularly rotated to a predetermined angle and then arranged.

In this way, similar to the mode 47, periodic occurrences that cause image quality degradation can be eliminated, and thus the image quality can be improved particularly at the same density portion.

(mode 73)

The image processing method of mode 73 is the image processing method described in any one of modes 63 to 72, characterized in that when the M grayscale (M≥3) image data obtained in the image data obtaining step In the case of image data composed of a plurality of colors, the print data generation step is to combine the pixel regions of each color to generate print data after setting a predetermined screen angle in the pixel region of each color.

In this way, as in the method 48, since the screen angle is set for each color, for example, when printing a color image, moiré phenomenon (interference fringes) between pixels of different colors can be avoided.

(mode 74)

The image processing method of mode 74 is the image processing method described in any one of modes 63 to 73, which is characterized in that it is an image processing method used by an inkjet printer that performs printing as follows: The moving body integrally having the carriage of the ink cartridge and the print head ejects particles of liquid ink into dots from the nozzles of the print head while reciprocating left and right in the paper feeding direction on the printing medium.

In this way, similar to the method 49, by using an inkjet type printer to discharge liquid ink particles into dots, the streaking phenomenon can be alleviated.

Description of drawings:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer system for realizing the printing apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged bottom view showing the structure of the print head according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged side view showing the structure of the print head according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an ideal dot pattern in which no flying deflection occurs.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a dot pattern formed by a flying deflection phenomenon of one nozzle.

Fig. 7 is a dot type table specifying the relationship between dot type and density.

8 is a diagram showing a representative example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density value of a pixel area and a dot.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density value (0 to 2112) of the pixel area and the dot.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density values (2176 to 4736) of the pixel area and the dots.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density value (4800 to 7360) of the pixel area and the dot.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density value (7424 to 9984) of the pixel area and the dot.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density value (10048 to 12608) of the pixel area and the dot.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density values (12672 to 15232) of a pixel area and dots.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a matrix example of a pixel area dot configuration table showing the relationship between the total density values (15296 to 16320) of a pixel area and dots.

16(A) is a diagram showing an example of a dot arrangement order table, and (B) is a diagram showing a pixel region where dots are actually arranged according to the dot arrangement order table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a dot arrangement sequence table.

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method of obtaining the center position of a pixel area.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an actual pixel calculation method.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an actual pixel arrangement example based on the pixel arrangement sequence table.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of actual dot arrangement based on the dot arrangement sequence table.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of actual dot arrangement based on the dot arrangement order table.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an actual pixel arrangement example based on the pixel arrangement order table.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of actual dot arrangement based on the dot arrangement sequence table.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of actual dot arrangement based on the dot arrangement sequence table.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of actual dot arrangement based on the dot arrangement sequence table.

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a pixel area related to cyan when the screen angle is set to 15°.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a yellow pixel area when the screen angle is set to 30°.

Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a black pixel area when the screen angle is set to 45°.

Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a magenta pixel area when the screen angle is set to 75°.

Fig. 32 is a diagram showing a dot configuration table per unit area when there are multiple types of predetermined pixel regions.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a dot arrangement sequence table in an embodiment in the case where dots do not concentrate at the center of a predetermined pixel area.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a dot arrangement sequence table in which a plurality of pixel regions shown in FIG. 33 are assembled.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing concentrated pixels in FIG. 33 .

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a difference in printing methods between a multi-pass inkjet printer and a line head inkjet printer.

Fig. 37 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the structure of the print head.

FIG. 38 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a computer-readable storage medium storing a program related to the present invention.

Among the figure: 100-printing device, 200-print head, 300-dot type table, 400(400a, 400b)-pixel area dot composition table, 500(500a, 500b)-dot configuration sequence table, 10- Image data acquisition mechanism, 12-image data segmentation mechanism, 14-pixel area concentration value total calculation mechanism, 16-pixel composition table storage mechanism, 18-pixel composition calculation mechanism, 20-pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism, 22-pixel configuration mechanism, 24-printing data generation mechanism, 26-printing mechanism, 60-CPU, 62-RAM, 64-ROM, 66-interface, 70-storage device, 72-output device, 74-input device, 50 - black nozzle module, 52 - yellow nozzle module, 54 - magenta nozzle module, 56 - cyan nozzle module, S - printing medium (paper), N - nozzle, R - storage medium.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 31 show embodiments of a printing device 100, printing program, printing method, image processing device, image processing program, image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the printing device 100 is mainly composed of: an image data acquisition unit 10 for acquiring multivalued image data; and an image data division unit for dividing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 10 into pixel regions. 12; Calculate the total pixel area density value calculation mechanism 14 of the total density value of each pixel in the pixel area divided by the image data segmentation mechanism 12; store the total density value of the pixel area The total density value of the pixel area calculated by the calculation unit 14 and the pixel area dot configuration table 400 representing the dot configuration corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area are stored in the pixel area dot configuration table. Mechanism 16; According to this pixel region dot composition table 400, calculate the dot composition calculation mechanism 18 of the composition of the dot arranged in the said pixel region; The pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism 20 of the pixel configuration sequence table 500 of the configuration sequence; according to the pixel configuration sequence shown in the pixel configuration sequence table 500 of the pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism 20, the configuration sequence will be determined by the described The pixel configuration calculated by the pixel configuration calculation mechanism 18 constitutes the pixel configuration mechanism 22 arranged in the pixel region; the pixel regions in which pixels are configured by the pixel configuration mechanism 22 are synthesized to generate a printed image. The printing data generating means 24 for data; the inkjet printing means 26 for printing based on the printing data generated by the printing data generating means 24 ; and the print head 200 used by the printing means 26 .

First, the print head 200 applicable to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 shows a partially enlarged bottom view of the mechanism of the print head 200, and FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the print head 200 is a long strip structure extending in the paper width direction of printing paper used in a so-called line head type printer, and consists of a black nozzle module 50, a yellow nozzle module 52, a magenta The four types of nozzle modules 50, 52, 54, and 56, the nozzle module 54 and the cyan nozzle module 56, are stacked and arranged integrally in the paper feeding direction (sub-scanning direction), and the black nozzle module 50 is composed of a plurality of The nozzles N of black (K) ink are arranged in a straight line in the main scanning direction, and the yellow nozzle module 52 is composed of a plurality of nozzles N dedicated to ejecting yellow (Y) ink arranged in a straight line in the same main scanning direction. The magenta nozzle module 54 is composed of a plurality of nozzles N dedicated to ejecting magenta (M) ink arranged in a straight line in the same main scanning direction, and the cyan nozzle module 56 is composed of a plurality of nozzles N dedicated to ejecting cyan (C) ink. ) Ink nozzles N are arranged in a straight line in the same main scanning direction. In addition, in the case of a print head for black and white, only the black (K) nozzle module is used, or in the case of a print head for high-quality images, the use of nozzle modules dedicated to ejecting ink such as light magenta and dark cyan is increased. In the case of 6-color or 7-color ink. Also, since the number of nozzles included in one nozzle module varies depending on its resolution, the number of nozzles is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of the so-called multi-pass type described later, approximately "180" or so, and in the case of a line print head, it is about one thousand or several hundreds.

Next, Fig. 4 is a diagram of a black nozzle module 50 in the four nozzle modules 50, 52, 54, 56 seen from the side, showing the following state: the sixth nozzle N6 from the left produces a flight deflection phenomenon On the other hand, ink is ejected in an oblique direction from the nozzle 6, and dots are printed (ink drops) in the vicinity of the normal nozzle N7 next to it.

Therefore, if printing is performed using this black nozzle module 50, compared with the situation (ideal dot pattern) in which any dot is printed at a predetermined printing position as shown in FIG. , as shown in Figure 6, for example, the sixth nozzle N6 from the left produces a flight deflection phenomenon, and as a result, the printing position of its image point and the target printing position are shifted and printed to the normal nozzle N7 next to it by a distance a.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, in order to facilitate the understanding of the flight deflection phenomenon, only one nozzle has the flight deflection phenomenon. As will be described later, in the actual print head, generally In other words, flight deflection phenomenon will occur to some extent. In addition, the characteristics of the print head 200 are fixed to some extent during the manufacturing stage, and it is considered that it is difficult to change after manufacturing except for ejection failure such as ink clogging.

Furthermore, the dot patterns in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are examples in which only one size of dots is used to illustrate the flying deflection phenomenon for ease of understanding, but it is well known that due to the dot size and combination, i.e. its Even in the same flight deflection amount, the degree of stripe phenomenon will vary greatly for some concentrations. In other words, generally speaking, the streak phenomenon is known to have a property that it is difficult to appear in a part with high or low density, but it is easy to appear in a medium density. In addition, because the color of the ink also makes a difference, it is easy to appear in dark colors such as black, but it is not easy to appear in light colors such as yellow, light cyan, and light magenta.

Next, the image data acquiring unit 10 provides a function of acquiring, via a network or the like, the image data for printing sent from a print instructing device (not shown) such as a computer (PC) or a print server connected to the printing device 10 . Multi-valued (M-value) color image data, or directly read from an image (data) reading device such as a scanner or CD-ROM drive not shown in the figure to obtain image data. In addition, it also plays the following role at the same time, that is, if the obtained multi-valued color image data is not multi-valued RGB data, such as the respective grayscale (brightness value) of each color (R, G, B) in each pixel ) are image data represented by 8 bits (bit) and 256 gray scales respectively, color conversion processing is performed on it, and converted into multi-valued CMYK (in the case of 4 colors) data corresponding to each ink of the aforementioned print head 200 .

Next, the image data dividing means 12 provides the function of dividing the image data acquired by the image data acquiring means 10 into a plurality of areas for each predetermined pixel area.

Here, the division size of the pixel area divided by the image data division mechanism 12 is not particularly limited. The smaller the division size, the smaller the impact on the image quality, and the printed product with high image quality can be obtained. Here, it can be considered that the amount of information processing becomes very large and the processing time is increased, and the scale of visual fringes may not completely avoid these, so it can be considered that, for example, at about 8×8 pixels (pixel) (in the case of color image data , for each color) size is the most appropriate.

Thus, for example, when the image data obtained by the image data obtaining mechanism 10 is 720×720 pixels, it is divided into “225 ((720×720)/(8×8))” pixel regions . In addition, the division size of the pixel area performed by the image data division unit 12 is not limited to one type as long as it is a size that can be configured in the pixel area dot configuration table 400 as described later. Instead, multiple types can be used at the same time.

Next, the pixel area density value total calculating means 14 provides a function of calculating the sum of the density values of each pixel in each pixel area divided by the image data dividing means 12 . That is, for example, as mentioned above, the number of pixels in each pixel area is "64 (8 x 8)" pixels, and the respective density values are represented by 8-bit (bit) 256 (0-255) gray levels, Then, by summing up the density values of all the pixels, the total density value of the pixel area is calculated in the range of "0 (0x64)" to "16320 (256x64)". In addition, as described above, when the image data is color image data, the total density value of the pixel area is calculated for each color.

Next, the pixel area dot composition table storage means 16 stores at least one or more total density values representing the total density value of each pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means 14 and the total density value of the pixel area. The pixel area dot composition table 400 corresponding to the dot composition, read out the predetermined pixel area dot composition table 400 as needed, and use it.

8 to 15 are diagrams showing an example of the pixel area dot configuration table 400 . FIG. 8 shows a representative example of the pixel area dot configuration table 400a, and FIGS. 9 to 15 each show a detailed example of the pixel area dot configuration table 400b.

That is, the pixel area dot composition table 400 specifies the set pixel ratio to be set in the pixel area based on the total density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area, and specifies the ratio corresponding to the setting. Pixel ratio: the number of pixels actually configured, the type of pixels (pixel size) and the total number of pixels.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the pixel area dot composition table (pixel area 8×8, 4 gray scales) 400a is represented as follows: when the average density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is When "0 (8 bits, 256 gray levels)", the total pixel value in the pixel area is "0", and the pixel ratio, actual number of pixels, and total number of actual pixels are all "0" ", and when the average concentration value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is "30 (same as 8 bits (bit), 256 gray levels)", the total pixel value in the pixel area is "1920(30×64)", set the pixel ratio as "0" for L size pixels (large pixels), "0" for M size pixels (medium pixels), The ratio of S size pixels (small pixels) is "1", the actual number of pixels is "0" for L size pixels and M size pixels, "23" for only S size pixels, and its image The total number of points is also "23". That is, as described above, when the average density value of each image cell is "30", the total density in the pixel area is represented by only 23 S-sized dots.

In addition, as shown in the figure, when the average density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is "70 (same as 8 bits (bit), 256 gray levels)", the pixel area in the pixel area The total pixel value of the . is "1", the actual number of pixels is "0" for the L size, "18" for the M size, and "17" for the S size, and the total number of pixels is "35". That is, as described above, when the average density value of each image cell is "70", there are 18 M-size dots and 17 S-size dots approximately equal to the number of the M-size dots, a total of 35. pixel to represent the total density in the pixel area.

Also, similarly, when the average concentration value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is "125 (same as 8 bits (bit), 256 gray levels)", the total pixels in the pixel area The value is "8000(125×64)", and the set pixel ratio is "1" for L size pixels, "1" for M size pixels, and "1" for S size pixels , the actual number of pixels is "16" for the L size, "15" for the M size, and "16" for the S size. That is, as mentioned above, when the average density value of each image unit is "125", the set pixel ratio and actual pixel number of each pixel in L, M, and S sizes are approximately equal , the total density in the pixel area is represented by these dots of each size.

Then, each unit pixel in the case where each pixel concentration value in the pixel area is represented by 8 bits (bit) and 256 gray levels when the pixel area dot composition table 400b of FIGS. 9 to 15 is represented The average density value of the entire pattern is from "0" to "255". In this way, when the density value of each pixel in the pixel area is represented by 8 bits (bit) and 256 gray levels, it can be One of them must be chosen mechanically.

What Fig. 7 shows is the relationship between the pixel size of each pixel in the pixel area and the density value (8 bits (bit), 256 gray scales), assuming that the pixel type includes "no pixel" in There are 4 types in the table (dot type numbers "0" to "3"), and the dot size and density value of each dot type are shown in the table. That is, when the dot type number is "0", the dot size is "no dot", and its density value is "0", and when the dot type number is "1", the dot size is "S size (small dot) ", and its concentration value is "85". In addition, when the dot type number is "2", the dot size is "M size (middle dot)", and its density value is "170", and when the dot type number is "3", the dot size is "L size ( Large pixel)", its density value is "255".

Therefore, as shown in the pixel area pixel configuration table 400a of FIG. 8, when the average density value of each unit pixel is "30" and the total density value of the pixel area is "1920", by using 23 density For the "S-size dot" whose value is "85", the total density value of the S-size dot is "1955 (85×23)", and the total density value of the pixel area can be displayed approximately correctly.

In addition, as shown in the figure, when the average density value of each unit pixel is "125", the total density value of the pixel area is "8000". dot", 15 M size dots with a density value of "170", 16 L size dots with a density value of "255", the total density value of the S size dots is "1360(85×16)", The total density value of the M size pixel is "2550 (170×15)", the total density value of the L size pixel is "4080 (255×16)", and their total density value is "7990". The total concentration value (8000) can be displayed roughly correctly.

Next, the dot configuration calculating means 18 provides a function of calculating the configuration of dots arranged in the pixel area based on the pixel area dot configuration table 400 . That is, for example, when the total density value of each pixel in each pixel area is "4100", referring to the pixel area dot configuration table 400b in Fig. 10, since the average density value indicated by the arrow (*1) Since the total density value of the item whose value is "64" is the closest to the actual density total value, the composition ratio of the set pixels and the actual number of pixels are obtained according to this item. As a result, when the total density value of each pixel in each pixel area is "4100", since the composition ratio of the dots is L size dot "0":M size dot "1":S size dot Point "1", therefore, a configuration is calculated in which 16 M-size dots and 16 S-size dots (total dot density value = "4080") are arranged in the pixel area.

In addition, when the total density value of each pixel in each pixel area is "10500", referring to the pixel area dot configuration table 400b in Fig. 13, since the average density value shown by the arrow (*2) in the figure Since the total density value of the item whose value is "164" is the closest to the actual density total value, the composition ratio of the set pixels and the actual number of pixels are obtained according to this item. As a result, when the total density value of each pixel in each pixel area is "10500", since the composition ratio of the dots is "2" of L size dots: "2" of M size dots: "2" of S size dots, Point "1", so the following configuration is calculated: 22 L-size dots, 23 M-size dots, and 11 S-size dots (total dot density value = "10455") are arranged in the pixel within the area.

In addition, when the density value of each pixel in the pixel area is represented by 8 bits (bit) and 256 gray levels, the maximum density value is as shown by the arrow (*3) in the figure. The total density value of the item whose value is "255" is "16320", and since its dot composition ratio is L size dot "1":M size dot "0":S size dot "0", it is calculated All the pixels are composed of L size dots.

In addition, in the tables after FIG. 9, the total concentration values are only displayed in a dispersed manner, but needless to say, interpolation calculation is not required if the total concentration value table itself is more detailed. That is, it is not necessary to select the actual number of pixels whose total density value is the closest to the total value of the actual density, but can directly refer to the actual number of pixels from the table. Therefore, in order to obtain the composition ratio of the set pixels and the actual number of pixels, except In addition to the aforementioned method of "selecting the closest actual number of pixels", there is also a method of "directly referring to the actual number of pixels from the table".

Next, the dot arrangement sequence table storage mechanism 20 constitutes as follows: store at least one kind of dot arrangement order table 500 representing the arrangement order of dots arranged in the pixel area, and can be read out and utilized as required Pixel configuration sequence table 500 .

Then, the dot configuration mechanism 22 provides the following functions: according to the configuration sequence of the dots shown in the dot configuration sequence table 500 of the dot configuration sequence table storage mechanism 20, the dot configuration calculation mechanism 18 calculated by the dot configuration The pixel configuration is arranged in the pixel area.

In this embodiment, the pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism 20 stores two kinds of pixel arrangement sequence tables 500a and 500b as shown in FIG. 16(A) and FIG. One or both of the arrangement order tables 500a and 500b are read out and used for each unit area.

That is, each component of the dot arrangement sequence table 500a shown in FIG. 16(A) corresponds to each pixel in the unit area, and the numbers in each component indicate the dot arrangement order. Therefore, the dot configuration mechanism 22 configures 16 L-size dots, 15 M-size dots, and 15 S-size dots according to the dot disposition order table 500a of this FIG. 16(A) (dot composition ratio "1": "1": "1"), as a result, as shown in Figure (B), the pixels are arranged in an ellipse inclined obliquely to the right with the central part of the pixel area as the center. In addition, when arranging dots according to the numbers in the dot arrangement order table 500a, the dot arranging unit 22 arranges the dots of L size with the largest density value first.

On the other hand, each component of the dot arrangement sequence table 500b shown in FIG. 17 also corresponds to each pixel in the unit area, and the numbers in each component also indicate the arrangement order of each dot. Therefore, the dot configuration mechanism 22 configures 16 L-size dots, 15 M-size dots, and 15 S-size dots according to the dot disposition order table 500b of this FIG. ": "1"), as a result, although not shown in particular, the dots are arranged in a spiral pattern centered on the center of the pixel area.

In addition, regarding the arrangement order of the above-mentioned dots, the dots are arranged around the central part of the pixel area, but the "central part" mentioned here refers to the central position of the pixel area or the position closest to the central position.

Next, referring to Fig. 18, a method of obtaining the center position of the pixel area will be described.

As shown in the figure, assuming a pixel area of 8 pixels × 8 pixels, each pixel a[i, j] in the pixel area is assumed to be a vector (i, j) (a[i, j]=( i, j)), then the vector from the pixel a[0,0] in the upper left corner of the pixel area to the pixel a[7,7] in the lower right corner of the pixel area is expressed as from (0,0) to (7, 7). Here, i in (i, j) is a real number, and j is an imaginary number.

Thus, when the vector value of each pixel in the pixel area is obtained, the center of the pixel area can be obtained by the following equation (1).

(Formula 1)

$\stackrel{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&Right\; Arrow;</span>}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; A</span>}}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\frac{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 1</span>}}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; N</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&times;</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; m</span>}}\underset{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; i</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 0</span>}}{\overset{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; N</span>}}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&Sigma;</span>}}}\underset{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; j</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 0</span>}}{\overset{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; m</span>}}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&Sigma;</span>}}}\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; a</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; [</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; i</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; ,</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; j</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; ]</span>$

Here, substituting N=8, M=8, i=0~7, j=0~7 in formula (1), then

Center position={(0,0)+(1,0)+...+(7,7)}/(8×8)

＝(3.5, 3.5)

Therefore, it can be seen that the center position (3.5, 3.5) is the center position of the above-mentioned upper left corner a(0,0) and lower right corner a(7,7), which is the center of the pixel area.

Next, the print data generating unit 24 provides the following functions: to synthesize the pixel regions on which dots are arranged by the dot arranging unit 22 to generate print data, and to transmit the generated print data to the printing unit 26 .

The printing mechanism 26 is an inkjet printer that moves the nozzle modules 50, 52, Each of the nozzles 54 and 56 ejects ink into dots to form a predetermined image composed of a plurality of dots on the printing bond S. As shown in FIG. In addition to the above-mentioned printing head 200, the printing mechanism 26 has an unillustrated head feeding mechanism (multi-pass type) for reciprocating the printing head 200 on the printing medium S in its width direction. Known components such as an unillustrated paper feed mechanism that moves the printing medium S, and an unillustrated print control mechanism that controls ink ejection from the print head 200 based on the printing data.

In addition, the pixel region dot configuration table 400 shown in FIGS. 8 to 15 is created using Excel (registered trademark), a spreadsheet calculation software of Microsoft Corporation. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the actual dot calculation method, and dot types are set so that the total value of various dot sizes does not exceed the total number of pixels in the pixel area.

An example of the calculation method in FIG. 19 is shown below.

B4(=RL)=ROUND(A4*$B$3/($B$2*$B$3+$C$2*$C$3+$D$2*$D$3), 0)

C4(=RM)=IF($C$2*$C$3+$D$2*$D$3>0,

ROUND((A4·B4*$B$2)*$C$3/($C$2*$C$3+$D$2*$D$3), 0), 0)

D4(=RS)=IF(ROUND((A5·B5*$B$2·C5*$C$2)/$D$2, 0)<0,

    0, ROUND((A5·B5*$B$2·C5*$C$2)/$D$2, 0))

dL: L pixel density value (=255)

dM: M pixel density value (=170)

dS: S pixel density value (=85)

rL: L pixel composition ratio (input value)

rM: M pixel composition ratio (input value)

rS: S pixel composition ratio (input value)

LU: Total density value (calculated value) of the pixel area

RL: the actual number of pixels of L pixels (output value)

RM: the actual number of pixels of M pixels (output value)

RS: the actual number of pixels of S pixels (output value)

$: absolute reference

Here, the printing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, which is constituted as described above, implements the functions of the following mechanisms by software: for various controls and the image data acquisition mechanism 10, the image data division mechanism 12, the pixel area density Value total calculation unit 14, pixel area dot composition table storage unit 16, dot composition calculation unit 18, dot arrangement sequence table storage unit 20, dot arrangement unit 22, printing data generation unit 24, printing unit 26, etc. Its hardware structure is shown in Figure 2, in the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60 as the central calculation processing unit that is responsible for various control and calculation processing, RAM (Random Access Memory) 62 that constitutes the main storage device (Main Storage), as the read The ROM (Read Only Memory) 64 of the dedicated storage device is connected by various internal and external buses 68 composed of a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus and an ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture) bus, etc., and the bus 68 is connected through an input and output interface (I/F) 66, external storage device (Secondary Storage) 70 connected to HDD (Hard Disk Drive), output device 72 such as printing device 20, CRT, LCD monitor, etc., operation panel or mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. input device 74, and a network L for communicating with a print instruction device not shown in the figure, and the like.

Then, if the power is turned on, system programs such as BIOS stored in ROM 64 or the like are installed in storage devices through storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), or through communication networks such as the Internet. Various special-purpose computer programs in 70 are all loaded in RAM62, and according to the commands indicated by the programs loaded in RAM62, CPU60 drives each resource to perform predetermined control and calculation processing, so that the above-mentioned various resources can be realized based on software. respective functions of the institution.

Next, mainly referring to the flowchart of FIG. 20 , the flow of printing processing by the printing apparatus 100 realized using the above configuration will be described.

In addition, the print head 200 used to print dots as mentioned above can generally print dots of so-called multiple colors such as 4 colors and 6 colors at almost the same time, but in the following example, it is provided to facilitate understanding and description. Pixels of each color are printed (black and white image) by the print head 200 of one color (monochrome).

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, after the power is turned on, if the printing apparatus 100 completes the predetermined initial operation for printing processing, it moves to the first step S100. In the case that the printing instruction terminal is connected, after the image data acquiring mechanism 10 acquires multi-valued (256 gray scale) image data, transfer to the following step S102, and the acquired image data is divided by the image data dividing mechanism 12 Divided into multiple pixel regions. For example, if the obtained image data is 720×720 pixels and the divided pixel area is 8×8 pixel in size, then the image data is divided into 225 pixel areas.

Then, if the image data is divided into a plurality of pixel areas as described above, then move to the next step S104, read in the predetermined pixel area dot composition table 400 stored by the dot composition table storage mechanism 16 , and continue to move to the next step S106, read in the pixel arrangement sequence table 500 that is also stored (saved) by the pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism 20.

Then, after selecting a predetermined pixel region to be processed by the next judgment step S108, the process proceeds to the next step S110, and the pixel region concentration value total calculation mechanism 14 sums up the pixel region to be processed. After the density values of all the pixels in the pixel area are calculated, the total density value of the pixel area is calculated, and then the process proceeds to the next step S112.

In step S112, the dot composition calculation unit 18 calculates the dot types and dots arranged in the pixel region from the total density value of the pixel region according to the predetermined dot composition table 400 in the pixel region. its number. For example, if the total density value of the pixel area is "9800", since the average density value shown by the arrow (*4) in Figure 12 is the closest to the total density value (9792) of the item "153", According to this item, the dot composition ratio, dot type and number of dots in the pixel area are calculated. According to the item indicated by the arrow (*4) in Fig. 12, the dot composition ratio in the pixel area is set as L size dot "2":M size dot "2":S size dot "1" ”, the actual number of pixels is “21” for L size, “21” for M size, and “10” for S size, and the total number of pixels is “52”.

Then, if the image point type and the number corresponding to the predetermined pixel area are calculated, then move to the next step S114, and the image point configuration mechanism 22 is configured according to the predetermined image point that has been read in in the aforementioned step S106. In the sequence table 500, these pixels are arranged in the pixel area.

FIG. 21 to FIG. 27 are diagrams showing an arrangement example of pixels in this step S114. In addition, the dot arrangement sequence table 500 used here is one in which the dots are concentrated and arranged in an ellipse obliquely to the right with the central part of the pixel area as the center as shown in FIG. 16(A). Pixel configuration sequence table 500a.

First, Fig. 21 shows that the total density value is "1920", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "0": M size dot "0": S size dot "1", and the actual number of dots is L size dot A diagram of an example of dot arrangement in the case of dot "0", M size dot "0", and S size dot "23". An ellipse extending obliquely to the right.

Figure 22 shows that the total density value is "4480", the pixel composition ratio is L size pixel "0": M size pixel "1": S size pixel "1", and the actual number of pixels is L size pixel " 0", M-size dots "18", and S-size dots "17" are examples of pixel arrangement, where 18 M-size dots and 17 S-size dots are prioritized and concentrated from the M-size dots They are arranged in an elliptical shape centered on the central portion of the pixel area and extending obliquely to the right.

In addition, Fig. 23 shows that the total density value is "6400", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "0": M size dot "2": S size dot "1", and the actual number of dots is L size A diagram of an example of dot arrangement in the case of pixel "0", M size dot "30", and S size dot "15", where 30 M size dots and 15 S size dots are divided Priority and concentration are arranged in the shape of an ellipse centered on the central part of the pixel area and extending obliquely to the right.

In addition, Fig. 24 shows that the total density value is "8000", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "1": M size dot "1": S size dot "1", and the actual number of dots is L size Diagram of pixel arrangement example in the case of “16” pixels, “15” M size pixels, and “16” S size pixels, 16 L size pixels, 15 M size pixels, and 16 S size pixels The dots are arranged in an elliptical shape centered on the central part of the pixel area and extending obliquely to the right from the L size dots with priority. That is, in the example of FIG. 24, it is arranged so that the density is the highest in the central part of the pixel area, and the density becomes lighter as it expands toward the peripheral part of the ellipse.

In addition, Fig. 25 shows that the total density value is "11840", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "1":M size dot "1":S size dot "0", the actual number of dots is L size dot A diagram of an example of dot arrangement in the case of "28" dots, "28" M size dots, and "0" S size dots, where 28 L size dots and 28 M size dots are shifted from L size dots to Priority and concentration are arranged in the shape of an ellipse centered on the central part of the pixel area and extending obliquely to the right.

Furthermore, Fig. 26 shows that the total density value is "14080", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "2": M size dot "1": S size dot "1", and the actual number of dots is L size Diagram of an example of pixel arrangement in the case of "41" pixels, "21" M size pixels, and "1" S size pixel, 41 L size dots, 21 M size dots, and 1 S size dot The dots are arranged in an elliptical shape centered on the central part of the pixel area and extending obliquely to the right from the L size dots with priority.

In addition, Fig. 27 shows that the total density value is "15744", the dot composition ratio is L size dot "1":M size dot "0":S size dot "0", the actual number of dots is L size dot In the diagram of the dot arrangement example in the case of dot "62", M-size dot "0", and S-size dot "0", 62 L-size dots are collectively arranged around the central part of the pixel area, An ellipse extending obliquely to the right.

Below, return to the flow process of Fig. 20 again, after finishing the dot configuration processing of corresponding predetermined pixel area like this, return to step S108 again, judge whether to have next unprocessed pixel area, if have (yes), Then repeat the processing from step S110 to step S114, and when it is judged that there is no unprocessed pixel region (No), move to step S116, and these all pixel regions are synthesized by the print data generating mechanism 24 , after creating print data with a predetermined dot size set for each pixel, the process proceeds to the final step S118, where the printing mechanism 26 executes printing using the print head 20, and all processing ends.

As described above, the printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment divides multi-gradation image data into pixel areas, obtains the total density value of each pixel area, and calculates the density value in the pixel area from the total density value. The dot structure is arranged from the large dots first and concentrated in the center of the pixel area. In this way, even if there is a deviation of the dot typing caused by the flying deflection phenomenon in the pixel area, the The phenomenon is not obvious, eliminate the streak phenomenon such as white streaks or dark streaks, or make it basically inconspicuous.

For example, as shown in Figure 24, when the flying deflection phenomenon occurs in the fourth row from the left, if the density value of the original pixel is directly converted to the image point, there will be stripes such as white stripes or dark stripes nearby. As a result, the image quality is significantly deteriorated, but by arranging pixels preferentially from large pixels in the central part of the pixel area as shown in the figure, even if some typographical deviations occur, the repetition between the pixels The part also absorbs this type deviation, so that streaking such as white or dark streaks near it can be avoided, or the occurrence of this can be greatly suppressed.

In addition, as mentioned above, the total density value in each pixel area after the dots are arranged is approximately equal to the original total density value, so that the input density value and the output density value are easily consistent, so that it is possible to avoid changes due to density changes. The degradation of the image quality caused by it, especially in the layered image, can also play an excellent grayscale reproducibility.

Furthermore, since the size of the pixel area can be freely set (smaller) by the division process, the pixel area can no longer be conspicuous, and a printed matter with high image quality can be obtained.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pixel area division processing of the image data is performed after the image data read-in processing in step S100 as shown in FIG. It is performed after the read-in process, or after the read-in process of the dot arrangement order table in step S106.

In addition, during the image point arrangement performed by the image point arrangement mechanism 22, if the predetermined image point arrangement is set to be irregularly rotated by a certain angle, such as 90 ° * I (integer of 0 or more) to be configured, Since periodicity between pixel areas can be eliminated, an improvement in image quality can be achieved particularly in the same density portion.

In addition, when compositing each pixel area by the print data generating unit 24, similarly to this, each pixel area may be rotated irregularly at a certain angle, for example, 90°×I (integer of 0 or greater) and arranged. , the same effect can also be obtained.

Furthermore, like color image data, in the case of printing multiple colors in one pixel area, for example, in the case of four colors of CMYK dots, if each color is screened as shown in FIGS. 28 to 31 If the angle is staggered by 15°, cyan is 15°, yellow is 30°, black is 45°, and magenta is 75°, it can avoid the moiré phenomenon when printing color images, etc., so that high-quality color prints can be obtained.

In addition, the technology itself of distinguishing the dot size in one printed matter as described above is a conventionally known technology, and it is widely used especially when pursuing a printed matter with a high balance between printing speed and printing quality. That is, while achieving high image quality by reducing the pixel size, the miniaturization of the pixel size brings about high performance requirements for mechanical precision, or the formation of a roughly covered (beta) image with a small pixel size need to print more pixels. Here, printing speed and image quality are achieved with a high balance using the dot-size-differentiated printing technology of reducing the dot size of highly detailed image parts and increasing the dot size of substantially covering image parts.

As a method of realizing the printing technology of distinguishing the dot size, for example, in the printing head 200, a piezoelectric actuator (piezo actuator) is used, and the ejection of ink is controlled by changing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator. quantity can be easily achieved.

In addition, as the size of the dots printed by the print head 200 in the present invention and in general, as shown in FIG. There are 4 types of patterns, but the size of the image point is not limited to this, and there can be at least 2 types of patterns other than "no image point", and the more the patterns, the better.

In addition, the image data acquisition mechanism 10 in this embodiment, the image data division mechanism 12, the pixel area concentration value total calculation mechanism 14, the pixel area dot composition table 400, the pixel area dot composition table storage mechanism 16, Dot composition calculation unit 18, dot arrangement order table 500, dot arrangement order table storage unit 20, dot arrangement unit 22, print data generation unit 24, printing unit 26, and print head 200 respectively correspond to methods for solving problems Image data acquisition means, image data division means, pixel area density value total calculation means, pixel area dot configuration table, pixel area dot configuration table in printing apparatuses such as the mode 1 described in the column of (Content of the Invention) Storage mechanism, pixel composition calculation mechanism, pixel configuration sequence table, pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism, pixel configuration mechanism, printing data generation mechanism, printing mechanism, print head.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that basically the existing print head 200 and printing mechanism 26 are not changed, but the dots are arranged intensively based on the total density value in the pixel area, so for the print head 200 and printing mechanism 26 does not require special preparation of special facilities, and the print head 200 and the printing mechanism 26 (printer) of the conventional inkjet method can be utilized as they are.

Therefore, if the printing head 200 and the printing mechanism 26 are separated from the printing device 100 of the present invention, their functions can be realized only by a general information processing device (image processing device) such as a computer.

In addition, needless to say, the present invention is not only for the flight deflection phenomenon, but also for the same result as the flight deflection phenomenon caused when the ejection direction of the ink is vertical (normal) and the position of the nozzle is deviated from the normal position. can also be applied. Furthermore, it is also applicable to troubles such as failure to discharge ink from a specific nozzle due to ink clogging or the like.

Furthermore, the dot configuration table per unit area in the case where there are multiple types of predetermined pixel regions may be a table as shown in FIG. 32 .

The table shown in FIG. 32 specifies the size of each pixel in the pixel area (L=large, M=medium, S=small) based on the total density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area. The bit ratio is set, and the number of pixels actually arranged according to the set pixel ratio (actual number of pixels) and the total number of pixels are specified specifically.

For example, this table is an example in the case where the predetermined pixel area is 4×4=16 pixels, and the average density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is “0 (8 bits, 256 grays). In the case of "degree level)", it means that the total density value in the pixel area is "0", the pixel ratio, the actual number of pixels, and the total number of pixels are all "0", but when the pixel area in the pixel area When the average density value of each pixel (pixel) is "30", it means that the total density value in the pixel area is "480", and the ratio of the set dot ratio is "0" for L size dots , the ratio of M size pixels is "0", the ratio of S size pixels is "1", the actual number of pixels is "0" for both L size pixels and M size pixels, and only S size pixels are "0". 6". That is, when the average density value of each unit pixel is "30", it means that only 6 dots are used to represent the total density in the pixel area.

In addition, similarly, when the average density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is "70", it means that the total density value in the pixel area is "1120", and the set pixel ratio The ratio of L size pixels is "0", the ratio of M size pixels is "1", and the ratio of S size pixels is "1". The actual number of pixels is "0" for L size pixels, and "0" for M size pixels. The dots are "4", and the S size dots are "5", and it also indicates that the total number of dots is "9". That is, when the average density value of each unit pixel is "70", it means that the total density in the pixel area is represented by nine dots.

In this way, when the average density value of each pixel (pixel) in the pixel area is "0, 30, 70, 100, 125, 185, 220, 246", the total value in the pixel area is calculated. Concentration value, its set pixel ratio, the actual number of pixels, and the total number of pixels.

Also, for example, when the pixel area is composed of two types of 16 pixels and 64 pixels, N-valuation is performed using the table shown in FIG. 8 and the table shown in FIG. 32 .

Next, referring to FIG. 33 to FIG. 35 , an embodiment in the case where the center of the predetermined pixel area does not concentrate pixels will be described.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a dot arrangement sequence table in an embodiment in the case where dots do not concentrate at the center of a predetermined pixel area.

The dot arrangement order table storage mechanism is constituted as follows: at least one dot arrangement order table representing the arrangement order of dots arranged in the pixel area is stored, and a predetermined dot arrangement order table can be read and used as required.

The dot arranging unit 22 provides the function of providing the dot configuration calculated by the dot configuration calculating unit to the pixel area according to the dot arrangement order shown in the dot arrangement order table. In this embodiment, the pixel arrangement sequence table storage means stores two types of pixel arrangement sequence tables shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 , and these two tables can be read out and used separately for each pixel area.

That is, each component of the pixel arrangement sequence table corresponds to each pixel in the pixel area, and the numbers in each component indicate the arrangement sequence of the pixel. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 33, arrangement orders 1 to 4 are arranged at the four corners, and the last arrangement order 25 is arranged at the center of the pixel area. Therefore, there is no concentration of dots in the center of the pixel area, which is a different table than the previous embodiments. In addition, in the case of FIG. 34, a concentrated pixel is formed by aggregating a plurality of pixel areas shown in FIG. 33. That is, (B) is a table in which four (A) are arranged. As a result of the above, as shown in FIG. 35 , four concentrated pixels are shown in the center of the predetermined pixel area and the part other than the pixel center.

In addition, the printing device 100 of the present invention is not limited to an inkjet printer with a line printhead, but can also be applied to a multi-pass inkjet printer. If it is an inkjet printer with a line printhead, even Even if the flight deflection phenomenon occurs, it is possible to obtain high-quality printed matter with basically no obvious white stripes or deep stripes. In addition, if it is a multi-pass type inkjet printer, since the number of reciprocating operations can be reduced, it can achieve better printing than the current one. There is higher speed printing. For example, when a desired image quality can be achieved with one printing, the printing time can be shortened to 1/K compared to the case of printing with K round-trip printing.

Fig. 36 is a diagram showing respective printing methods performed by a line head inkjet printer and a multi-pass inkjet printer.

As shown in the same figure (A), when the width direction of the rectangular printing paper S is the main scanning direction of the image data, and the longitudinal direction is the sub-scanning direction of the image data, an inkjet printer with a line printing head, as shown in the figure As shown in (B), the print head 200 has a length equivalent to the paper width of the printing paper S. By fixing the print head 200 and moving the printing paper S in the sub-scanning direction relative to the print head 200 1 pass (action) to complete printing. In addition, the printing paper S may be fixed like a so-called flat bed scanner, and printing may be performed while moving the print head 200 side in its sub-scanning direction, or moving both sides in opposite directions. On the other hand, in a multi-pass inkjet printer, as shown in FIG. Printing is performed by moving the printing paper S in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined distance each time while reciprocating in the main scanning direction. Therefore, in the case of the latter multi-pass type inkjet printer, it has the disadvantage of increasing the printing time compared with the former inkjet printer of the line type printhead, because it can make the printhead 200 Repeatedly positioned at any position can correspond to a certain extent for the reduction of the above-mentioned streak phenomenon, especially the white streak phenomenon.

In addition, in this embodiment, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink into dots was taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a print head that uses a printing mechanism arranged in a row. Other printing devices, such as thermal transfer printers or thermal printers, are called barcode print head printers, laser printers, etc.

Furthermore, in Fig. 3, each nozzle module 50, 52, 54, 56 provided for each color of the print head 200 is in the form of a continuous linear nozzle N in the length direction of the print head 200, but it may also be As shown in FIG. 37, these nozzle modules 50, 52, 54, 56 are composed of a plurality of short nozzle units 50a, 50b, . . . before and after. In particular, if each nozzle module 50, 52, 54, 56 is composed of a plurality of short nozzle units 50a, 50b, . Yield.

In addition, each mechanism for realizing the printing apparatus 100 of the present invention as described above can be realized by software using a computer system installed in any known printing apparatus. This computer program is loaded into printed matter in a state stored in a semiconductor ROM in advance, and besides being distributed via a network such as the Internet, it may also be provided as shown in FIG. The recording medium R is easily provided to desired users and the like.

Claims (15)

1. A printing device, characterized in that it has: An image data acquisition mechanism, which acquires M grayscale image data, where M≥3; an image data division means that divides the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means into a plurality of pixel regions; A pixel area density value total calculation means, which calculates the sum of the density values of each pixel in the plurality of pixel areas divided by the image data division means; A pixel area dot composition table storage means stores a pixel area dot composition table indicating the total density of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means value, and the image point corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; A pixel configuration calculation mechanism, which calculates the configuration of the pixels arranged in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel configuration table; A pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism, which stores a pixel arrangement sequence table representing the arrangement sequence of the pixels arranged in the pixel area; A pixel configuration mechanism, which arranges the pixel configuration calculated by the pixel configuration calculation mechanism on the pixel according to the configuration sequence of the pixels shown in the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism. within the area; a print data generating unit that synthesizes the respective pixel areas in which dots are arranged by the dot arranging unit to generate print data; and A printing unit performs printing based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The pixel constitutes a calculation mechanism, which calculates the actual number of pixels according to the size of each pixel divided according to the diameter of the pixel. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means expresses the dot arrangement order in such a way that dots with larger diameters are preferentially arranged in the pixel area. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means expresses the dot arrangement order in such a manner that the dots are arranged in a substantially elliptical shape in the pixel region. 5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means expresses the arrangement order of dots in such a manner that dots are arranged from a pixel near the center of the pixel area toward a peripheral portion. 6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The dot arrangement order table stored in the dot arrangement order table storage means is arranged across the plurality of pixel regions from a predetermined position in the plurality of pixel regions toward the periphery of the predetermined position The way of pixels, which means the arrangement order of pixels. 7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism has two or more pixel configuration sequence tables with different pixel configuration sequences respectively, and the pixel configuration mechanism stores the image point configuration from the pixel configuration sequence table storage mechanism. Choose to use any one in the sequence table. 8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The pixel area dot composition table of the pixel area dot composition table storage means indicates the composition ratio of each dot size corresponding to the total density value. 9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein: When the total density value of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation unit is below the specified density value, the pixel area dot composition table of the pixel area dot composition table storage unit is The composition ratio of each dot size is set such that the total of dots having a predetermined size or less is larger than the sum of dots having a predetermined size or more. 10. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: When arranging dots according to the dot arranging order table, the dot arranging mechanism rotates the dots at the central part of the pixel region irregularly to a predetermined angle before arranging them. 11. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: In the print data generation unit, when the M grayscale image data obtained by the image data acquisition unit is image data composed of multiple colors, where M≥3, a predetermined pixel area is set for each color. After the screen angle, the pixel areas of the respective colors are synthesized to generate print data. 12. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It is an inkjet printer that prints in the following manner: a moving body that is integrally equipped with a carriage of an ink cartridge and a print head moves back and forth on the printing medium in a direction perpendicular to the direction of paper feeding, and moves from the direction of the print head. The nozzles eject liquid ink droplets into dots. 13. A printing method, characterized in that it has: An image data obtaining step, which obtains M grayscale image data, wherein M≥3; an image data dividing step of dividing the image data obtained in the image data obtaining step for each pixel area; a pixel area density value total calculation step, which calculates the total density value of each pixel in the pixel area divided by the image data division step; A pixel area dot composition table storing step, which stores a pixel area dot composition table indicating the total density of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation step value, and the image point corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; A pixel composition calculation step, which calculates the composition of the pixels arranged in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel composition table; A pixel arrangement sequence table storage step, which stores a pixel arrangement sequence table representing the arrangement sequence of the pixels arranged in the pixel area; A pixel arrangement step, which arranges the pixel configuration calculated by the pixel configuration calculation step in the pixel according to the arrangement sequence of the pixels shown in the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table storing step within the area; a print data generating step of synthesizing the respective pixel areas in which dots are arranged in the dot arranging step to generate print data; and A printing step of performing printing based on the print data generated in the print data generating step. 14. An image processing device, characterized in that it has: An image data acquisition mechanism, which acquires M grayscale image data, where M≥3; an image data division means that divides the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means for each pixel region; a pixel area density value total calculation means, which calculates the total density value of each pixel in the pixel area divided by the image data division means; A pixel area dot composition table storage means stores a pixel area dot composition table indicating the total density of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation means value, and the image point corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; A pixel configuration calculation mechanism, which calculates the configuration of the pixels arranged in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel configuration table; A pixel arrangement sequence table storage mechanism, which stores a pixel arrangement sequence table representing the arrangement sequence of the pixels arranged in the pixel area; A dot arrangement mechanism, which is arranged on the image according to the dot composition calculated by the dot composition calculation mechanism according to the dot disposition order shown in the dot disposition order table of the dot disposition order table storage mechanism. within the prime region; and A print data generation unit that synthesizes the respective pixel areas in which dots are arranged by the dot arrangement unit to generate print data. 15. An image processing method, characterized in that it has: An image data obtaining step, which obtains M grayscale image data, wherein M≥3; an image data dividing step of dividing the image data obtained in the image data obtaining step for each pixel region; a pixel area density value total calculation step, which calculates the total density value of each pixel in the pixel area divided by the image data division step; A pixel area dot composition table storing step, which stores a pixel area dot composition table indicating the total density of the pixel area calculated by the pixel area density value total calculation step value, and the image point corresponding to the total density value of the pixel area; A pixel composition calculation step, which calculates the composition of the pixels arranged in the pixel area according to the pixel area pixel composition table; A pixel arrangement sequence table storage step, which stores a pixel arrangement sequence table representing the arrangement sequence of the pixels arranged in the pixel area; A pixel configuration step, which is arranged in the image according to the pixel configuration calculated by the pixel configuration calculation step according to the configuration sequence of the pixels shown in the pixel configuration sequence table of the pixel configuration sequence table storage step. within the prime region; and A print data generating step of synthesizing the respective pixel areas in which dots are arranged in the dot arranging step to generate print data.

Images