JPH09277601A - Multiple element printer and adjusting method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image having stable recording quality even when errors present in the carrying speed of a recording medium and the mounting accuracy of a recording head by a method wherein the recording medium is shifted by a distance between a specified number of dots in every one recording run of the recording heat to the direction of its recording line. SOLUTION: By driving a scanning motor 3 with a controlling part 9, a recording head 1 is shifted to its main scanning direction under the condition that the recording head is guided by a shaft 2 and ink is delivered during the shifting of the recording head so as to perform an one-time image recording. When the one-time image recording comes to an end, the controlling part 9 drives a carrying motor 8 so as to advance a recording medium 5 by the distance between P dots (in which N=P+1) as a certain distance to the sub- scanning direction of the recording head. Then, the recording head 1 is sent back to its initial position so as to perform the second-time image recording again. Afterwards, the shifting action of the recording medium by P dots after the one-time image recording is repeated until the recording of the whole information data comes to an end. Accordingly, an image having stable recording quality can be obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-element printer and a method for adjusting a multi-element printer in which recording is performed by relatively moving a recording head provided with a plurality of storage elements and a recording medium in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a recording apparatus that performs recording by moving a recording head and a recording medium relative to each other, factors that affect recording quality are the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium and the positional accuracy of a plurality of recording elements arranged in the recording head. Can be mentioned.

In such a recording head, it is possible to obtain good recording quality by arranging the recording elements at a high density, but in reality, there is a limitation in increasing the recording element density. Therefore, the feeding direction of the recording medium (called the sub-scanning direction)
A plurality of recording elements are arranged at intervals of an integral multiple of the recording resolution, and scanning is performed a plurality of times in the moving direction of the recording head (referred to as the main scanning direction) and feeding of the recording medium in the minimum resolution unit in the sub-scanning direction. By doing so, high-density recording is realized. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of recording elements and the recording operation thereof in a conventional recording head, where the recording element spacing is k =
4 (dots) and the number of recording elements is N = 5 as an example. Each time the print head is scanned in the main scanning direction, the recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction by one dot.
In the case of this example, the recording pixels are generated at the minimum resolution unit, that is, at 1-dot intervals in four main scans (t = 4). When the fourth main scan (t = 4) is completed, then {(n-1) k +
The recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction by 1} dots (t = 5), and the dots are fed again in the sub-scanning direction one dot at a time.
That is, high-density recording is performed by repeating the operation from t = 1 to t = 4.

However, in reality, each print element has a minute print position variation in the sub-scanning direction. This variation may be caused by the displacement of the arrangement of the recording elements themselves, or the displacement may occur when the pixels are formed on the recording medium. In the sub-scanning direction, at the junction of the continuous recording area of one recording element and the continuous recording area of another recording element, the variation of the recording position becomes noticeable, resulting in deterioration of the recording quality. There are cases. Further, the feed amount in the sub-scanning direction is also mixed with 1 dot feed and {(N-1) k + 1} dot feed. Since the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium varies depending on the feed amount in the sub-scanning direction, when two or more types of feed amounts in the sub-scanning direction are mixed, the difference in the conveyance precision affects the recording quality, Will be lowered.

Therefore, an interlaced recording method has been proposed in order to reduce such variations in recording elements and differences in conveyance accuracy. An interlace recording method is described in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,198,642. The interlaced recording method is a method in which the relationship between the distance k between recording elements and the number n is specified and the recording medium is fed at a constant pitch in the sub-scanning direction. As a condition at this time, interlace recording can be realized by setting k and n to be relatively prime and setting the feed pitch to n. FIG.
Reference numeral 0 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the interlace recording method, and shows a case where the interval between recording elements is k = 4, the number is n = 5, and the paper feed pitch in the sub-scanning direction is n = 5. In the figure, L is a recording line, which is the fourth main scan (t =
4) That is, effective interlaced recording is performed from the 13th recording line onward.

By adopting the above-described recording method, the recording elements for recording the adjacent lines are made different from each other to reduce the disturbance of the recording quality due to the variation of the recording elements, and the variation of the conveyance accuracy of the entire recording area is made uniform. It has become. However, it is very difficult to improve the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium, and even if the interlaced recording is performed, the recording quality may be deteriorated depending on the conveyance accuracy. FIG.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a problem in the conventional interlace recording method. This figure shows the case where interlaced recording is performed using the recording head that performs the operation shown in FIG. 20, and is an example in which the resolution of the driving source of the motor or the like is poor and therefore the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium is poor. . (−α) for the case where the feeding amount of the recording medium is n dots
If there is an error, the feed amount for one time becomes short, so the first interlaced recording line is completed in the fourth main scan (t = 4), but actually the 16th line and the 17th line are completed. There is a gap between the line and the line, and streaks occur, which deteriorates the recording quality. After that, this streak appears every 5 lines. In the above example, the feed amount error in the minus direction was taken up, but even if an error occurs in the plus direction, it also appears as a streak.

The same applies to the mounting accuracy of the recording head. When the recording head is attached with a certain inclination with respect to the sub-scanning direction, the actual recording element interval in the sub-scanning direction is reduced with respect to the feed amount of the recording medium. Therefore, as a result, the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium becomes the same as when an error occurs in the positive direction,
After all, it appears as streaks in the image.

[0008]

Since the conventional multi-element printer is constructed as described above, the resolution of the drive source of the motor or the like is poor even when interlaced recording is performed, and therefore the recording medium conveyance accuracy is high. However, when the recording head quality is not good, or when the mounting accuracy of the recording head is not good, streaks appear in the recorded image and the recording quality is disturbed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. Firstly, even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head, the influence on the recorded image is affected. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-element printer in which an image having stable recording quality can be obtained without the occurrence of the problem. Secondly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for adjusting a multi-element printer, which can easily perform an adjustment for obtaining a good image quality.

[0010]

In a multi-element printer according to the present invention, N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium are k in the feed direction of the recording medium (provided that k and N are mutually prime. Is a positive integer), the recording heads are arranged at dot intervals, a first driving unit that drives the recording medium in the feeding direction, and the recording head travels in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. Second driving means for driving, data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording on the surface of the recording medium, and a first recording element in the recording elements based on the information data. A recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements so that the Nth recording element alternately records odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same recording line to the recording head. The recording element drive signal generating means for applying the force, and the first recording medium for moving the recording medium by a distance of P (where N = P + 1) dots for each recording traveling of the recording head in the recording line direction. And a control means for controlling the driving means.

Further, a multiple element printer according to the next invention is a recording head in which the dot diameters of the first recording element and the Nth recording element are adjustable according to the value of the recording element drive signal. And a dot diameter setting means for setting the value of the printing element drive signal.

Further, a multi-element printer according to the next invention comprises storage means for storing the values of a plurality of printing element drive signals, and input means for designating the values of the printing element drive signals stored in the storage means. And a dot diameter setting means for setting the value of the recording element drive signal according to the designation of the input means.

Further, in the multi-element printer according to the next invention, when there is a storage means for storing the values of a plurality of recording element drive signals and a recording instruction to the recording medium, a predetermined number of recording lines are recorded. , And dot diameter setting means for setting different values of the recording element drive signal stored in the storage means.

A multi-element printer according to the next invention has N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. Is a mutually positive positive integer) recording heads arranged at dot intervals, first driving means for driving the recording medium in the feeding direction, and a recording line orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. Direction driving means, a data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording on the surface of the recording medium, a first driving means in the recording element based on the information data. A recording element drive signal that drives each of the recording elements such that the recording element and the Nth recording element alternately record odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same line in the feed direction. A recording element driving signal generating means for outputting to the recording head, the recording head for each one feeding operation to the feeding direction of the recording medium P (where, N =
Control means for controlling the second drive means so as to move by a distance of (P + 1) dots.

Further, in the multi-element printer according to the next invention, instead of the intermediate transfer medium which moves in the feeding direction of the recording medium by the distance of P dots each time the recording head travels, and the surface of the recording medium, A recording head in which a recording element for recording dots is arranged on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium, and the dots recorded on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium by pressing the surface of the intermediate transfer medium onto the recording medium are recorded on the recording medium. And a transfer means for transferring.

A multi-element printer according to the next invention has N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of the recording medium in the feeding direction of the recording medium, k (where k and N are relatively prime to each other). A first driving means for driving the recording medium in the feeding direction, and a second driving unit for moving the recording head in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. Drive means of
Data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording on the surface of the recording medium, and recording for outputting a recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements based on the information data to the recording head Element driving signal generating means, dot diameter adjusting means for adjusting the size of the dot diameter recorded by the first recording element and the Nth recording element in the recording element, and the recording head in the recording line direction. And a control means for controlling the first driving means so as to move the recording medium by a distance of N dots for each one of the recording runs.

In the multiple element printer according to the next invention, the dot diameter adjusting means adjusts the size of the dot diameter recorded by the first recording element and the Nth recording element, and the second diameter adjusting means adjusts the second recording element. The size of the dot diameter recorded by the recording element and the (N-1) th recording element is also adjusted.

In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer according to the next invention, N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of the recording medium are k in the feed direction of the recording medium (where k and N are relatively prime). The recording heads are arranged at a positive integer) dot interval such that P (where N = P + 1) is applied to the recording medium for each recording run in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the recording head. In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer, wherein information is recorded by moving the recording head in the recording line direction while moving by a dot distance, a first recording element and an Nth recording element among the recording elements are provided. A recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each of the recording elements such that odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots are recorded alternately on substantially the same recording line; and the first recording element. And an adjustment step of adjusting the dot size of the N-th recording element.

Further, in a method for adjusting a multi-element printer according to the next invention, N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium are k in the feed direction of the recording medium (where k and N are relatively prime to each other). A positive integer) dot spacing, and the recording medium is moved by a distance of N dots for each recording run in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the recording head. In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer, which travels the recording head in the recording line direction to record information, a recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each of the recording elements, and the first recording element. And an adjustment step of adjusting the dot size of the Nth recording element.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1. A multi-element printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a multi-element printer according to the first embodiment. FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1 is an inkjet head as a recording element group in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink as a recording element are installed (hereinafter referred to as a recording head), and 2 is an arrow A when supporting the recording head 1 and moving it. In a direction (hereinafter referred to as the main scanning direction), 3 is a scanning motor as a second driving means for moving the recording head 1, and 4 is a driving of the scanning motor 3 with respect to the recording head 1. A drive belt 5 for transmitting force, 5 is a recording medium, 6 and 7 are rollers for supporting the recording medium 5 and conveying it in the direction of arrow B (hereinafter referred to as the sub-scanning direction), 8
Drives a roller 6 to convey the recording medium 5
A conveying motor as a driving unit of 9 is a control unit for driving the recording head 1 based on information data representing an image or character information and controlling the scanning motor 3 and the conveying motor 8.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. N nozzles for ejecting ink to the recording medium 5 are arranged in the recording head 1 as recording elements along the sub-scanning direction. Any method may be used for ejecting ink, for example, an electro-mechanical conversion element such as a piezoelectric element or an electro-thermal conversion element that applies pressure with vapor that heats ink is used to generate ink to generate ink. There is a method of ejecting. The control unit 9 generates a drive signal for actually driving each nozzle in the recording head 1 based on information data representing image and character information, outputs the driving signal to the recording head 1, and outputs ink to the recording medium 5. A recording image is formed by discharging. At this time, the scanning motor 3 and the recording head 1 are connected by the drive belt 4, and when the control unit 9 drives the scanning motor 3, the recording head 1 is guided by the shaft 2 and ejects ink to perform main scanning. Direction, and image recording is performed once. When one image recording is completed, the controller 9 then drives the carry motor 8 to advance the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction by a certain distance (P dots), and returns the recording head 1 to the initial position. Then, the ink is ejected while moving the recording head 1 again to perform the second image recording. After that, the operation of feeding the recording medium a fixed distance (P dots) after one image recording is repeated until recording of all information data is completed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the recording head according to the present invention, showing the arrangement of the nozzles. In FIG. 2, 10a to 10f indicate the respective nozzles. When the distance between adjacent nozzles is k (dots) and the number of nozzles is N, the following relationship is satisfied between k, N and the above-described one-time feed amount P of the recording medium 5. And (1) k and P are positive integers that are relatively prime. (2) N = P + 1 In the first embodiment, k = 4 (dots), P =
An example case of 5 (dots) and N = 6 will be described.

Next, the structure of the control unit 9 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the control unit 9 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a data generation circuit having a storage unit for storing information data representing an image or character information, 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a processing unit for selecting information data matching the arrangement of nozzles in the recording head 1 from the data generation circuit 11 and reading it as data 16 and outputting recording data 16a to 16f corresponding to each of the nozzles 10a to 10f. Processing circuit, 13 is a nozzle drive circuit as signal generating means for generating drive signals 17a to 17f for actually driving the nozzles 10a to 10f based on the print data 16a to 16f, and 14 is a processing circuit 12 and nozzle drive. A recording element drive signal generating means composed of a circuit 13, 15 controls the scanning motor 3 and the conveyance motor 8, and a data generating circuit 11
And a management unit as a control means for activating the processing circuit 12, 18 is a activating signal for activating the data generating circuit, and 19 is an instruction for which nozzle the ink is to be output. Is an instruction signal for.

Next, the operation of the control unit 9 will be described with reference to the drawings. When the information data is input, it is stored in the data generation circuit 11. When the management unit 15 outputs the activation signal 18 to the data generation circuit 11, the data generation circuit 11 sequentially reads the information data corresponding to the pixels for one line to be recorded by each of the nozzles 10a to 10f in the recording head 1. , Data 16 is output to the processing circuit 12.
When the data 16 is input to the processing circuit 12, the data 16 is distributed to each nozzle, and when the instruction signal 19 from the management unit is input, the print data 16a to 16f are output to the nozzle drive circuit 13. Recorded data 16a-1
6f is data representing only whether or not to eject ink, and outputs "1" when ejecting ink and "0" when not ejecting ink. Here, the instruction signal 19 is a 6-bit signal, and the least significant bit is the nozzle 10a.
The most significant bit corresponds to the nozzle 10f. The print data corresponding to the data 16 is output to the nozzle in which "1" is described in the instruction signal 19, and the print data in which ink is not ejected for one line to the nozzle in which "0" is described. Is output. The print data 16a corresponding to the nozzle 10a always outputs "0" for even-numbered pixels, and the print data 16f corresponding to the nozzle 10f always outputs "0" for odd-numbered pixels. To do. When the print data 16a to 16f are input to the nozzle drive circuit 13, drive signals 17a to 17f for actually driving the respective nozzles are generated according to the data values and output to the nozzles 10a to 10f.

The management unit 15 outputs a start signal 18 to the data generating circuit 11, then operates the scanning motor 3,
The recording head 1 is moved in the main scanning direction. Management unit 15
Detects the amount of movement of the recording head 1 in the main scanning direction by monitoring the rotation angle of the scanning motor 3,
Is moved to a position where dots are first formed on the recording medium 5, the management unit 15 outputs a start signal 19 to the processing circuit 12 so that the recording data 16a to 16f are output to the nozzle drive circuit 13. Output to the processing circuit 12. The nozzle drive circuit 13 generates drive signals 17a to 17f for actually driving the nozzles 10a to 10f in accordance with the print data output from the processing circuit 12, and outputs the drive signals 17a to 17f to the print head 1 so that each of the nozzles outputs 1 signal. Record the line once. Next, the management unit 14 drives the carry motor 8 to move the recording medium 5 by 5 lines in the sub-scanning direction, returns the recording head 1 to the initial position, and repeats the above-described recording operation.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the recording operation of the multi-element printer according to the first embodiment. In FIG.
The number of nozzles is N = 6, d represents a recording pixel recorded by each nozzle, and t represents the number of scans. The distance between adjacent nozzles is k = 4 (dots), and the feed pitch of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction is P = 5.
(Dot). In the sub-scanning direction, a recording pixel adjacent to one recording pixel is always printed by a different nozzle, and the same printing result as when interlaced printing is obtained. Here, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle record the same line, but as described above, the first nozzle does not record the even-numbered pixels, and the sixth nozzle does not record the odd-numbered pixels. Since the second pixel is not recorded, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle alternately perform recording, as indicated by the recording lines L = 21 and 26 in FIG. Further, since the area actually effective as the recording area is the line after L = 17, the recording data of each nozzle is controlled by the instruction signal 19 so that the pixels are not recorded on the recording lines before that. By doing so, image recording is performed only in the effective recording area.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation for preventing the occurrence of streaks in the multi-element printer according to the first embodiment, and the printing result when an error occurs in the feed amount of the printing medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction. Is shown. When the actual feed amount is smaller than the regular feed amount P by α, a remarkable streak appears between the recording lines of L = 20 and L = 21 in the conventional interlaced recording. For example, in the recording line of L = 21, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle alternately record pixels, so that no gap is generated between the lines, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of significant streaks. . The same can be said when the actual feed amount is larger than the feed amount P of the recording medium 5, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of streaks.

By configuring the multi-element printer as described above, it is possible to prevent streaks from occurring even when there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium 5 or the mounting accuracy of the recording head 1.
The effect does not appear on the recorded image, and there is an effect that an image with stable recording quality can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, k = 4 (dots),
Although the recording head in the case of P = 5 (dots) and N = 6 has been taken as an example, the values of k, N, and P may be any values as long as the above relationships are satisfied. Further, it goes without saying that the configuration of this multi-element printer can be applied to color. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an inkjet head that ejects ink as the recording element group has been described as an example, but a thermal head may be used and the recording medium 5 may be used.
On the other hand, any type of printing element group may be used as long as it can form pixels.

Embodiment 2 FIG. A multi-element printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 6 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG.
13a is a nozzle 10a based on print data 16a to 16f.
Drive signals 21a to 21 for actually driving 10f to 10f
When f is generated, the nozzle drive circuit that changes and outputs the voltage values of the drive signals 21a and 21f according to the input set value, 14a is a recording element drive signal generation that includes the processing circuit 12 and the nozzle drive circuit 13a. Means 20 is a dot diameter setting circuit that outputs a set value for changing the voltage values of the drive signals 21a and 21f output by the nozzle drive circuit 13a.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. After the information data is input to the data generation circuit 11, the processing circuit 1
2 to the nozzle drive circuit 13a print data 16a to 16f
The operation up to outputting is the same as in the first embodiment.
When the print data 16a to 16f are input to the nozzle drive circuit 13a, drive signals 21a to 21f for actually driving the respective nozzles are generated according to the data value,
Output to the nozzles 10a to 10f. At this time, the nozzle drive circuit 13a is given a set value according to the value of the variable resistor provided in the dot diameter setting circuit 20, for example, and the drive signal 21a of the nozzle 10a and the nozzle 10 are based on the given set value.
The voltage value of the drive signal 21f of the f
21e and output it differently. Nozzle drive circuit 13a
When the drive signals 21a to 21f output from the print heads are input to the print head, the nozzles 10a to 10f eject ink according to the voltage values of the drive signals corresponding to the nozzles 10a to 10f, and print pixels on the print medium 5. At this time, the drive signal 21a
And 21f are different from the voltage values of other drive signals, the dot diameter size recorded by the nozzles 10a and 10f is recorded differently from the dot diameter size recorded by the other nozzles. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Next, the adjusting operation for changing the dot diameter will be described. FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the recording operation of the multi-element printer according to the above, and shows the result when recording is performed by changing the dot diameter when there is an error in the feed amount of the recording medium. Figure 7
(A) shows the case where the actual feed amount is shorter than the regular feed amount P by α. In this case, since the distance between the recording lines L = 20 and L = 22 is wide, the nozzles 10a and 10
By making the dot diameter size where f is recorded alternately larger than the dot diameter size recorded by other nozzles, the occurrence of streaks can be prevented more effectively. FIG.
(B) is a case where the actual feed amount is longer than the regular feed amount P by α. In this case, since the interval between the recording lines of L = 20 and L = 22 becomes narrower, the dot diameter size that the nozzles 10a and 10f alternately record is smaller than the dot diameter size that the other nozzles record. By doing so, the generation of streaks can be prevented more effectively. When actually adjusting the dot diameter size, the setting value is changed while recording the information data for image quality adjustment, and the adjustment of the dot diameter size is finished when the streak does not occur.

By configuring the multi-element printer as described above, in the multi-element printer, it becomes possible to suppress the generation of streaks due to the feeding error of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction, and a high quality recorded image can be obtained. effective.

Embodiment 3. A multi-element printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 8 is a block diagram showing a control unit in a multiple element printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 8, 13b is a drive signal 23a for actually driving the nozzles 10a to 10f based on the print data 16a to 16f.
No. 23f, a nozzle drive circuit that changes and outputs the voltage values of the drive signals 23a and 23f according to the input set value, and 14b is a recording element drive signal including the processing circuit 12 and the nozzle drive circuit 13b. Generating means, 24
Is an input unit for designating the dot diameter size, 25 is a storage unit for storing a plurality of the set values, and other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. After the information data is input to the data generation circuit 11, the processing circuit 1
2 to the nozzle drive circuit 13b print data 16a to 16f
The operation up to outputting is the same as in the first embodiment.
When the print data 16a to 16f are input to the nozzle drive circuit 13b, drive signals 23a to 23f for actually driving the respective nozzles are generated according to the data value,
Output to the nozzles 10a to 10f. At this time, the nozzle drive circuit 13b is given a set value from the management unit 15, and the drive signal 23a for the nozzle 10a is based on the given set value.
And the voltage value of the drive signal 23f of the nozzle 10f is output differently from the other drive signals 23b to 23e. When the drive signals 23a to 23f output from the nozzle drive circuit 13b are input to the recording head, the nozzles 10a to 10f eject ink in accordance with the voltage values of the drive signals corresponding to the nozzles 10a to 10f, thereby forming pixels on the recording medium. Record. At this time, if the voltage values of the drive signals 23a and 23f are different from the voltage values of the other drive signals, the size of the dot diameter recorded by the nozzles 10a and 10f is different from the size of the dot diameter recorded by the other nozzles. Will be recorded.

The input unit 24 may have a simple structure such as a DIP switch that can input a numerical value from the outside, and the input unit 24 can input a numerical value that specifies the dot diameter size to be obtained.
Set to. Here, when the numerical value "0" is specified,
Means output without changing the dot diameter size. At the time of recording operation, the management unit 15 first reads the information of the input unit 24. The storage unit 25 is a non-volatile memory,
A plurality of set values for changing the dot diameter size are stored therein. The management unit 15 reads the set value from the storage unit 25 based on the value of the input unit 24 and sets it in the nozzle drive circuit 13b. Other operations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

By configuring the multi-element printer as described above, in the multi-element printer, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of streaks due to the feeding error of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction and obtain a high-quality recorded image. At the same time, there is an effect that the adjustment work for preventing the occurrence of streaks can be easily performed.

Fourth Embodiment A method for adjusting a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an adjusting method for a multi-element printer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and steps S1 to S12 describe the contents of each step. The configuration of the multi-element printer and the configuration of the control unit are the same as those in the third embodiment.

Next, the adjustment operation of the multi-element printer by test printing will be described with reference to the drawings. When a test printing instruction is given from an operation panel (not shown), image data for the test printing is written as test data in the data generating circuit 11 (step S1), and a recording medium is fed (step S2). ). Next, the first set value of the dot diameter size is read from the storage unit 25 (step S3) and set in the nozzle drive circuit 13b (step S).
4).

Next, in steps S5 to S8, the operation of recording the test data on the recording medium 5 is performed. This image recording operation is the same as that in the third embodiment. When it is determined in step S8 that the recording of the predetermined number of lines has been completed, the recording medium 5 is fed by a fixed amount in order to record the next test data (step S9). Next, in step S10, it is determined whether the test printing is completed. Since there are multiple set values for the dot diameter size, it is determined whether or not recording with all the set values has been completed in this end determination,
If there is a set value that has not been printed yet, the next set value is read from the storage unit 25 (step S12), and the steps from S4 to S8 from the setting to the nozzle drive circuit 13b until the printing of the predetermined number of lines is completed. repeat. When it is determined in step S10 that the recording with all the set values is completed, the recording medium 5 is ejected (step S11) and the test printing is completed.

When the multi-element printer is adjusted by the method as described above, a plurality of test print samples having different dot diameters can be obtained on one recording medium 5 by one operation. In addition, since the set value of the dot diameter size is set in the order of the numerical values specified in the input unit 24, the number of the sample having the best image quality is input from the plurality of obtained test print samples. If specified in the section 24, good recording can always be performed at the time of actual image recording, and the work of adjusting the recording quality can be performed more efficiently, so that an image with good recording quality can be easily obtained. It is effective.

Embodiment 5 FIG. A multi-element printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a recording head of a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Dxy represents a nozzle, and the recording head is provided with nozzles D11 to D66. The interval between adjacent nozzles in the sub-scanning direction is k (dots), the interval between adjacent nozzles in the main scanning direction is j (dots), the number of nozzles in the sub-scanning direction is N, and the number of nozzles in the main scanning direction is Nozzles are arranged in a matrix with the number M. Further, when one feed amount of the recording medium 5 is P (dots) and one nozzle ejects ink onto the recording medium 5 to form a pixel, one pixel is formed and then the next pixel is formed. Until the recording head moves in the main scanning direction by Q
(Dot). At this time, k, j, N, M, P, Q
Shall satisfy the following relationship. (1) k and P are positive integers that are relatively prime. (2) N = P + 1 (3) j and Q are positive integers that are relatively prime. (4) M = Q + 1 The relationship between k and j, N and M, and P and Q may be the same or different. In the fifth embodiment, k = j = 4 (dots), P = Q = 5
(Dot) and N = M = 6 will be described as an example. The configuration of the multi-element printer other than the configuration of the recording head and the operation of the control unit is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. Image recording is performed by moving the recording head in the main scanning direction while ejecting ink onto the recording medium 5 based on information data representing image and character information. The print head 1 moves at a constant speed in a continuous operation. At this time, the print head is moved by Q = 5 dots between the time when one nozzle forms one pixel and the time when the next pixel is formed. The scanning motor 3 is driven at such a speed that it moves. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining the recording operation of the multi-element printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
16 illustrates a printing result in the main scanning direction when a printing operation is performed by the printing head according to the fifth embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the recording operation of the nozzle groups of one row in the main scanning direction of the nozzles D16 to D66 in FIG. As described above, the number of nozzles is N = M = 6, d represents a recording pixel recorded by each nozzle, and T represents the number of ink ejections in main scanning.
The distance between adjacent nozzles is j = 4 (dots),
The distance for moving the recording head in the main scanning direction from the formation of one pixel by one nozzle to the formation of the next pixel is Q = 5 (dots). Similar to the recording operation in the sub-scanning direction described above, pixels are also formed in the main scanning direction. Here, similarly to the recording in the sub-scanning direction, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle also record the same position in the main scanning direction in the main scanning direction. The positions of m = 5, 10, 15, ... Shown in FIG. 11A correspond to that, but similar to the recording method in the sub-scanning direction described above, for the recording positions of m = 5 and m = 10, In other words, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle are printed alternately. As shown in FIG. 10B, when a nozzle group having one row in the main scanning direction prints odd-numbered lines in the entire printing area, the first nozzle in the main scanning direction, that is, the nozzle of FIG. Controlling the processing circuit so that printing is performed by the nozzle of x = 1 in Dxy, and when printing an even-numbered line, the sixth nozzle, that is, the nozzle of x = 6 in the nozzle Dxy of FIG. Thus, the first nozzle and the sixth nozzle in the main scanning direction can alternately print at the same position.

By configuring the multi-element printer as described above, the printing speed in one main scan can be shortened, and a high-speed printing apparatus can be obtained. Further, since the same printing operation as in the sub-scanning direction is performed in the main scanning direction, even if there is an error in the moving speed of the print head, the continuity of print pixels in the main scanning direction is not impaired, and streak It is possible to prevent the occurrence, and there is an effect that a stable image with high recording quality can be obtained. In the fifth embodiment, j
= 4 (dots), Q = 5 (dots), M = 6, the recording head is taken as an example, but any values of j, M, and Q may be used as long as they satisfy the above relationship. Absent. It goes without saying that this multi-element printer can also be applied to color.

Embodiment 6 FIG. A multi-element printer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a multiple element printer according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, in which 1 is a recording head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink as recording elements, and 26 is a recording pixel formed by the recording head 1. A recording roller serving as an intermediate transfer medium, 27 conveys the recording medium 31, and a transfer roller is a transfer means for transferring the pixels formed on the recording roller 26 to the recording medium, and 28 feeds the recording medium 31. For supplying the recording medium 31, a discharge roller for discharging the recording medium 31, a cleaning unit 30 for absorbing the ink remaining on the recording roller, a recording medium 31 and an image or a character 32. This is a control unit for driving the recording head 1 based on information data representing information to eject ink, and to relatively move the recording roller 26 and the recording head 1.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. The recording head 1 is provided with N nozzles as recording elements for ejecting ink onto a recording medium. Any method may be used for ejecting the ink, and for example, an electro-mechanical conversion element such as a piezoelectric element or an electro-thermal conversion element that applies pressure with heated vapor of ink is used to generate pressure There is a method of ejecting. Control unit 3
2 generates a drive signal for actually driving each nozzle in the recording head 1 based on information data representing image and character information, outputs the driving signal to the recording head 1, and causes the ink to appear on the surface of the recording roller 26. A recording image is formed by discharging. When the control unit 32 drives a scanning motor (not shown) for moving the recording head 1, the recording head 1 moves in the direction C (main scanning direction) shown in the drawing while ejecting ink, and performs one image recording. I do. When one image recording is completed, the control unit 32 then drives a conveyance motor (not shown) for rotating the recording roller 26 to move the recording roller 26 to a constant distance (P dot) on the circumference. The recording head 1 is returned to the initial position by rotating it in the direction D in the figure by a corresponding angle. Then, the ink is ejected while moving the recording head 1 again to perform the second image recording. After that, the operation of rotating the recording roller by an angle corresponding to a constant distance (P dot) on the circumference after one image recording is repeated until recording of all information data is completed.

Structure of recording head 1 and recording roller 2
The recording method on the surface of No. 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment,
A recording image similar to that in the first embodiment is formed on the surface of the recording roller 26.

The recording medium 31 includes paper feed rollers 28a and 28b.
The sheet is fed by and is conveyed between the recording roller 26 and the transfer roller 27. The conveyed recording medium 31 is conveyed by the recording roller 26 and the transfer roller 27 in the arrow E direction at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the recording roller 26 and at the same P dot feed pitch in synchronization with the recording roller 26. It At this time, the recording pixels formed on the recording roller 26 by the pressure of the transfer roller 27 are transferred to the recording medium 31 to form the final recording pixels 33, and the discharge rollers 29a and 29a.
discharged by b. A portion of the surface of the recording roller 26 on which recording pixels have been transferred to the recording medium 31 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 30, and the recording head 1 forms pixels again.

In the sixth embodiment, ink is ejected onto the surface of the recording roller 26 to form a recording pixel once, and then the recording pixel is transferred to the recording medium 31 by pressing the transfer roller 27. Even when the ink having the poor adsorption property is used, there is an effect that the image can be surely recorded on the recording medium 31 by the pressing force. As a result, there is an effect that a large number of ink options can be obtained for obtaining a higher quality recorded image. In the sixth embodiment, the recording head 1 has the recording elements arranged in one row, but the recording head 1 is not limited to this, and the recording elements are arranged in a matrix. You can use one.

Embodiment 7 FIG. A multi-element printer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 13 is a block diagram showing a recording head 34 of a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 13, 34 is a recording head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink as recording elements, and 35a to 35e are respective nozzles as recording elements.

When performing interlaced recording, the distance k (dot) between adjacent nozzles and the number N of nozzles are used.
The following relations must be met between and. (1) k and P are positive integers that are relatively prime. In the seventh embodiment, a case where k = 4 (dots) and N = 5 will be described as an example.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a multi-element printer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 indicate the same or corresponding parts, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 12c denotes the data generation circuit 11 to the recording head 3
4 is a processing circuit as a processing unit for selecting information data according to the arrangement of the nozzles in No. 4 and reading as data 16 and outputting recording data 44a to 44e corresponding to each of the nozzles 35a to 35e, and 13c is the recording data 44a. Nozzle drive circuit for generating drive signals 45a to 45e for actually driving the nozzles 35a to 35e on the basis of .about.44e, 14c is a recording element drive signal generating means composed of the processing circuit 12c and the nozzle drive circuit 13c, and 39 is drive. With respect to the signals 45a to 45e, an adjusting circuit as a dod diameter adjusting means that changes the voltage values of the drive signals 45a and 45e according to the input set value and outputs the output signals 46a to 46e to the nozzles 35a to 35e. Reference numeral 15c controls the scanning motor 3 and the conveyance motor 8, and the data generation circuit 11 and the processing circuit 13c. On the other hand, 18c is a start signal for starting the data generation circuit, and 19c is an instruction signal for instructing which nozzle the ink is to be output to. is there.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. When the information data is input, it is stored in the data generation circuit 11. When the management unit 15c outputs the activation signal 18c to the data generation circuit 11, the data generation circuit 11 sequentially reads the information data corresponding to the pixels of one line to be recorded by each of the nozzles 35a to 35e in the recording head 34. , Data 16 is output to the processing circuit 12c. When the data 16 is input to the processing circuit 12c, the data is distributed to each nozzle, and the management unit 15c
When the instruction signal 19c is input from the nozzle drive circuit 1
The recording data 44a to 44e are output to 3c. The print data 44a to 44e are data indicating only whether or not to eject ink, and output "1" when ejecting ink and "0" when not ejecting ink. Here, the instruction signal 19c is a 5-bit signal, the least significant bit is the nozzle 35a, and the most significant bit is the nozzle 35e.
It corresponds to. The print data corresponding to the data 16 is output to the nozzle in which "1" is described in the instruction signal 19c, and the print data in which ink is not ejected for one line to the nozzle in which "0" is described. Is output.
When the print data 44a to 44e are input to the nozzle drive circuit 13c, drive signals 45a to 45e for actually driving the respective nozzles are generated and output according to the data value.

The adjustment circuit 39 is given an adjustment value from the outside by, for example, a variable resistor. Drive signal 45a
When 45 to 45e are input to the adjustment circuit 39, the drive signal 45a for the nozzle 35a and the nozzle 35 are generated based on the given adjustment value.
The voltage value of the drive signal 45e of the output signal 46a is changed, and the other drive signals 45b to 45d have the same voltage value as the output signal 46a.
Output as ~ 46e. When the output signals 46a to 46e output from the adjusting circuit 39 are input to the recording head 34, the nozzles 35a to 35e eject ink in accordance with the voltage values of the drive signals corresponding to the nozzles 35a to 35e, thereby forming pixels on the recording medium. Record. At this time, if the voltage values of the output signals 46a and 46e are different from the voltage values of the other output signals, the size of the dot diameter recorded by the nozzles 35a and 35e is different from the size of the dot diameter recorded by the other nozzles. It is recorded in different sizes.

The management section 15c outputs a start signal 18c to the data generating circuit 11 and then operates the scanning motor 3 to move the recording head 34 in a fixed direction (main scanning direction). The management unit 15c detects the amount of movement of the recording head 34 in the main scanning direction by monitoring the rotation angle of the scanning motor 3, and when the recording head 34 moves to the position where dots are first formed on the recording medium. First, the management unit 15c outputs an instruction signal 19c to the processing circuit 12c so that the processing circuit 12c outputs the print data 44a to 44e to the nozzle driving circuit 13c. In the nozzle drive circuit 13c, according to the print data output from the processing circuit 12c,
By generating drive signals 45a to 45e for actually driving the nozzles 35a to 35e and outputting them to the recording head 34, each nozzle performs recording for one line once. Next, the management unit 15c drives the carry motor 8 to move the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction by N = 5 lines, return the recording head 34 to the initial position, and repeat the recording operation described above.

By performing the above recording operation, interlaced recording as shown in FIG. 20 can be performed. However, in such interlaced recording, if there is an error in the feed amount of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, the continuity of the recording pixels in the sub-scanning direction is lost, causing streaks and degrading the recording quality. FIG. 15A shows a recording example in which the actual feed amount is smaller by α than the feed amount N (= 5 lines) of the regular recording medium, and the pixel recorded by the first nozzle And continuity between the pixel recorded by the fifth nozzle and the pixel recorded by the fifth nozzle is impaired. FIG. 15B shows printing when the dot diameter size of the pixels printed by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle is set larger than the dot diameter sizes printed by the other nozzles by giving adjustment values. This is an example, and by increasing the dot diameter size, the occurrence of streaks is effectively prevented.

FIG. 16A shows the feed amount N of the regular recording medium.
A recording example in which the actual feed amount is longer by β than (= 5 lines) is shown. In this case, the interval between the pixel recorded by the first nozzle and the pixel recorded by the fifth nozzle is On the contrary, it becomes narrower and the continuity of the recording pixels in the sub-scanning direction is impaired. FIG. 16B shows printing when the dot diameter size of the pixels printed by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle is set smaller than the dot diameter size printed by other nozzles by giving an adjustment value. An example is shown. In this case, the generation of streaks is prevented by reducing the dot diameter size. When actually adjusting the dot diameter size, the setting value is changed while recording the information data for image quality adjustment, and the adjustment of the dot diameter size is finished when the streak does not occur.

By configuring the multi-element printer for performing interlaced recording as described above, even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head 34, streaks are prevented from occurring and the recorded image is affected. The effect that a stable recording quality image can be obtained without appearing. In the seventh embodiment, the recording head in the case of k = 4 (dots) and N = 5 is taken as an example, but the values of k and N may be any values as long as they satisfy the above relationship. It goes without saying that this multi-element printer can also be applied to color. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, an inkjet head that ejects ink as the recording element group has been described as an example, but a recording element group using a thermal head may be used.

Embodiment 8 FIG. Hereinafter, a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple element printer according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 17, 49
Changes the voltage values of the drive signals 45a and 45e in response to the input first set value with respect to the drive signals 45a to 45e, and drives the drive signal 4 in accordance with the input second set value.
The output signals 50a to 5 by changing the voltage values of 5b and 45d.
This is an adjusting circuit as a dod diameter adjusting means for outputting 06e to the nozzles 35a to 35e, and the other configuration is the same as that of the seventh embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the drawings. The operation from the storage of the information data in the data generation circuit 11 to the generation and output of the drive signals 45a to 45e by the nozzle drive circuit 13c is the same as in the seventh embodiment.

Two kinds of adjustment values are given to the adjustment circuit 49 from the outside by, for example, a variable resistor, as a first set value and a second set value. The drive signals 45a-
When 45e is input to the adjustment circuit 49, the first
The drive signal 45a of the nozzle 35a and the voltage value of the drive signal 45e of the nozzle 35e are changed on the basis of the setting value of No. 35, and the drive signal 45b of the nozzle 35b and the nozzle 35 on the basis of the second setting value.
The voltage value of the d drive signal 45d is changed, and the other drive signals are output as output signals 50a to 50e with the same voltage value. Output signal 50a output from the adjusting circuit 49
When ~ 50e is input to the recording head 34, the nozzle 35
In a to 35e, ink is ejected according to the voltage value of the drive signal corresponding to each, and pixels are recorded on the recording medium.
At this time, when the voltage values of the output signals 50a, 50b, 50d, and 50e are different from the voltage values of the other output signals, the size of the dot diameter recorded by the nozzles 35a, 35b, 35d, and 35e is different from that of the other nozzles. It is recorded with a size different from the size of the recorded dot diameter. The nozzle 35a and the nozzle 35e have the same dot diameter size.
b and the nozzle 35d have the same dot diameter size different from the above size. Other operations for recording images are
The same operation as in the seventh embodiment is performed.

By performing the above recording operation, interlaced recording as shown in FIG. 20 can be performed. However, in the interlaced recording shown in FIG. 20, if there is an error in the feed amount of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, the continuity of the recording pixels in the sub-scanning direction is lost, causing streaks and degrading the recording quality. FIG. 18A is a recording example in which the actual feed amount is smaller by α than the feed amount N (= 5 lines) of the regular recording medium. Pixels recorded by the first nozzle And continuity between the pixel recorded by the fifth nozzle and the pixel recorded by the fifth nozzle is impaired. FIG. 18 (b)
Increases the dot diameter size of the pixels recorded by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle, and further increases the dot diameter size of the pixels recorded by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle.
This is a recording example in which the dot diameter sizes of the pixels recorded by the second nozzle and the fourth nozzle are made smaller conversely. First
If the size of the dot diameter of the pixel recorded by the 5th nozzle and the 5th nozzle is increased, the portion that overlaps with the pixel adjacent thereto increases, and it may become a new generation source of streaks. Therefore, by adjusting the sizes of the dot diameters of adjacent pixels in the opposite directions, it is possible to more effectively prevent the occurrence of streaks.

Regular recording medium feed amount N (= 5 lines)
In contrast, if the actual feed amount is larger by α,
Perform the reverse operation of the above adjustment. That is, the size of the dot diameter of the pixels printed by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle is reduced, and the second nozzle adjacent to the pixels printed by the first nozzle and the fifth nozzle is By increasing the dot diameter size of the pixel printed by the fourth nozzle, on the contrary, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of streaks.

By constructing the multi-element printer for performing the interlaced recording as described above, even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium 5 or the mounting accuracy of the recording head 34, streaks are prevented from occurring and the recorded image shows This has the effect of suppressing the influence and obtaining an image with more stable recording quality.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, the multi-element printer is configured such that N recording elements are provided in the recording head in the feeding direction of the recording medium by k (where k and N are relatively prime to each other). (Integer) arranged at dot intervals, and the control means moves the recording medium in the feeding direction of the recording medium by a distance of P (where N = P + 1) dots for each recording run of the recording head in the recording line direction, Based on the information data, the first recording element and the Nth recording element among the recording elements alternately record the odd-numbered dots and the even-numbered dots on the substantially same recording line by the recording-element drive signal generation means. By outputting the recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements to the recording head in this way, the multi-element printer does not generate stripes even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head. This prevents the influence of the recorded image on the recorded image and produces an image with stable recording quality.

Further, according to the following invention, in the multi-element printer, the recording head is capable of adjusting the dot diameters of the first recording element and the Nth recording element according to the value of the recording element drive signal, When the value of the recording element drive signal is set by the dot diameter setting means, the first recording element and the Nth recording element alternate odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same recording line. In addition to the effect of printing, by appropriately setting the dot diameters of the 1st printing element and the Nth printing element, the effect of suppressing the generation of streaks due to the feeding error of the printing medium in the sub-scanning direction is more effective. As a result, a high quality recorded image can be obtained.

According to the following invention, the multi-element printer specifies the values of a plurality of recording element drive signals stored in the storage means by the input means, and the dot diameter setting means responds to the designation of the input means. By setting the value of the recording element drive signal, it becomes possible to selectively set different setting values of the dot diameter size, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of streaks due to the feeding error of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, This has the effect that adjustment work that prevents streaking can be performed easily.

According to the following invention, the multi-element printer stores the values of a plurality of recording element drive signals in the storage means, and the dot diameter setting means sets a predetermined number when there is a recording instruction to the recording medium. By setting different values of the recording element drive signal stored in the storage means each time the recording line is recorded, the test data is recorded only in a certain width in one dot diameter size while changing the dot diameter size. Since the test printing can be performed, the work of adjusting the recording quality can be performed more efficiently, and an image of good recording quality can be easily obtained.

Further, according to the following invention, in the multi-element printer, N recording elements in the recording head are k in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium (where k and N are relatively prime). (Positive integer) dots are arranged, and the control unit moves the recording head in the feeding direction of the recording medium by a distance of P (where N = P + 1) dots for each feeding operation in the feeding direction of the recording medium. The first recording element and the Nth recording element among the recording elements alternate odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on the substantially same line in the feeding direction based on the information data by the recording element drive signal generation means. When a recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements is output to the recording head so as to perform recording on the recording head, the multi-element printer can detect an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head. Prevent the occurrence of streaks, the recorded image an effect of image recording quality with the influence it can be suppressed stably obtained.

According to the following invention, in the multi-element printer, the intermediate transfer medium moves in the feeding direction of the recording medium by the distance of P dots every time the recording head travels, and the recording head moves to the recording medium. If the dots are recorded on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium instead of the surface, and the dots recorded on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium are transferred to the recording medium by pressing the surface of the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium by the transfer unit, Even when an ink having a poor adsorption property to the recording medium is used, there is an effect that an image can be surely recorded on the recording medium by the pressing force, and there is an effect that there are many ink options for obtaining a higher quality recorded image. Play.

Further, according to the following invention, the multi-element printer is configured such that N recording elements are provided in the recording head in the feeding direction of the recording medium by k (where k and N are positive integers which are coprime) dot intervals. And the control means controls the first driving means so as to move the recording medium by a distance of N dots for each recording run of the recording head in the recording line direction. A recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements is output to the recording head by the generating means based on the information data, and the first diameter and the Nth recording element in the recording elements are output by the dot diameter adjusting means. If you adjust the size of the dot diameter recorded by, even in a multi-element printer that performs interlaced recording,
Even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head, streaks are prevented from occurring, and the effect on the recorded image is suppressed, and an image with stable recording quality is obtained.

Further, according to the next invention, in the multi-element printer, the dot diameter adjusting means includes the first recording element and the N-th recording element.
If the size of the dot diameter printed by the second printing element is adjusted and the size of the dot diameter printed by the second printing element and the (N-1) th printing element is also adjusted, The change in the dot diameter size of the pixels recorded by the Nth and Nth recording elements can be changed in the opposite direction, and the occurrence of streaks can be suppressed more reliably, and a higher quality recorded image can be obtained. There is an effect that can be.

Further, according to the next invention, the method for adjusting the multi-element printer uses the method N for recording dots on the surface of the recording medium.
K recording elements in the feeding direction of the recording medium (where k and N
Is a prime integer that is relatively prime to each other, and the recording medium is set to P (however, for each recording run in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the recording head).
(N = P + 1) In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer that moves a recording head in a recording line direction to record information by moving a dot distance, the first recording element in the recording elements and the Nth recording element A recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each of the recording elements such that the elements alternately record odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same recording line, and the first recording element and the Nth recording element. If the adjustment step for adjusting the dot size of the th recording element is provided, the first recording element and the Nth recording element alternate odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same recording line. In addition to the effect of recording on the first recording element, by appropriately setting the dot diameters of the first recording element and the Nth recording element, it is possible to suppress the generation of streaks due to the feeding error of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. Is increased, an effect of high-quality recording image can be obtained.

Furthermore, according to the following invention, the method for adjusting a multi-element printer uses the method N for recording dots on the surface of the recording medium.
K recording elements in the feeding direction of the recording medium (where k and N
Printheads arranged at dot intervals that are relatively prime to each other by moving the print medium by a distance of N dots for each print run in the print line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the printhead. In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer that travels a head in a recording line direction to record information, a recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each recording element, a first recording element and an Nth recording element. By providing an adjustment process for adjusting the dot size of the element, even in a multi-element printer that performs interlaced recording, occurrence of streaks is suppressed even if there is an error in the conveyance accuracy of the recording medium or the mounting accuracy of the recording head. However, the effect on the recorded image is suppressed, and an image having stable recording quality is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple element printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a recording head according to Embodiment 1 of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a recording operation of the multi-element printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a streak generation preventing operation of the multi-element printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation of a multi-element printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a control unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing a test print according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a recording head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation of a multi-element printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple element printer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a recording head according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple element printer according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation of a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation of another mode of the multi-element printer according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple element printer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. .

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a recording operation of a multi-element printer according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a recording operation of a conventional multi-element printer by minute feeding.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conventional interlace recording operation.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a problem in a conventional interlace recording operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 34 recording heads, 3 scanning motors (second driving means), 8 conveyance motors (first driving means), 10a to 1
0f, 35a to 35e Nozzles (printing elements), 12 processing circuits, 13 nozzle driving circuits, 14 printing element driving signal generating means, 15 management section (control means), 20 dodd diameter setting circuit (dod diameter setting means), 24 inputs Part, 25
Storage unit, 26 Recording roller (intermediate transfer medium), 27
Transfer roller (transfer means) 39, 49 adjusting circuit (dot diameter adjusting means).

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A recording head in which N recording elements for recording dots on a surface of a recording medium are arranged at a dot interval of k (where k and N are relatively prime integers) in the feeding direction of the recording medium. A first driving means for driving the recording medium in the feeding direction, a second driving means for moving the recording head in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium, and a surface of the recording medium. Data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording, and the first recording element and the Nth recording element in the recording elements based on the information data are arranged on substantially the same recording line. A recording element drive signal generating means for outputting to the recording head a recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements so as to alternately record odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots; Control means for controlling the first drive means so as to move the recording medium by a distance of P (where N = P + 1) dots for each recording run in the recording line direction. Characteristic multi-element printer. 2. A recording head in which the dot diameters of the first recording element and the Nth recording element are adjustable according to the value of the recording element drive signal, and dots for setting the value of the recording element drive signal. The multi-element printer according to claim 1, further comprising a diameter setting unit. 3. Storage means for storing the values of a plurality of printing element drive signals, input means for designating the values of the printing element drive signals stored in the storage means, and the printing according to the designation of the input means. The multi-element printer according to claim 2, further comprising dot diameter setting means for setting a value of the element drive signal. 4. A storage means for storing the values of a plurality of recording element drive signals, and a recording instruction to a recording medium, each time a predetermined number of recording lines are recorded, the different storage means stored in the storage means. The multi-element printer according to claim 2, further comprising dot diameter setting means for setting a value of the recording element drive signal. 5. N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium are k (where k and N are relatively prime integers) dots in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. Recording heads arranged at intervals; first driving means for driving the recording medium in the feeding direction; and second driving means for moving the recording head in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium. A data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording on the surface of the recording medium; and a first recording element and an Nth recording element in the recording element based on the information data. A recording element drive signal that outputs a recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements to the recording head so as to alternately record odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same line in the feed direction. Signal generation means, and the recording head is moved to P for each one feeding operation of the recording medium in the feeding direction.
(However, N = P + 1) A control means for controlling the second drive means so as to move the dot distance, a multi-element printer. 6. An intermediate transfer medium that moves in the feed direction of the recording medium by a distance of P dots each time the recording head travels, and dots are recorded on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium instead of on the surface of the recording medium. A recording head on which a recording element for
6. A transfer unit configured to press the surface of the intermediate transfer medium against the recording medium to transfer the dots recorded on the surface of the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium. Multi-element printer. 7. A recording head in which N recording elements for recording dots on a surface of a recording medium are arranged at a dot interval of k (where k and N are relatively prime integers) in the feeding direction of the recording medium. A first driving means for driving the recording medium in the feeding direction, a second driving means for moving the recording head in a recording line direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording medium, and a surface of the recording medium. Data generating means for outputting information data stored in advance for recording on the recording head, and recording element drive signal generating means for outputting a recording element drive signal for driving each of the recording elements based on the information data to the recording head. A dot diameter adjusting means for adjusting the size of the dot diameter recorded by the first recording element and the Nth recording element in the recording element, and once in the recording line direction of the recording head. And a control means for controlling the first driving means so as to move the recording medium by a distance of N dots for each recording run. 8. The dot diameter adjusting means adjusts the sizes of the dot diameters recorded by the first recording element and the Nth recording element, and the second recording element and the (N-1) th recording element.
8. The multi-element printer according to claim 7, wherein the size of the dot diameter printed by the th printing element is also adjusted. 9. A recording head in which N recording elements for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium are arranged at a dot interval of k (where k and N are coprime integers) in the feeding direction of the recording medium. The recording medium is moved by a distance of P (where N = P + 1) dots for each recording run in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the recording head, and the recording head is recorded. In a method for adjusting a multi-element printer that travels in a line direction to record information, in a recording element, a first recording element and an Nth recording element are odd-numbered dots and even-numbered dots on substantially the same recording line. A recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each of the recording elements so as to alternately record the th dot, and an adjustment for adjusting the dot sizes of the first recording element and the Nth recording element And a method for adjusting a multi-element printer, the method comprising: 10. An N for recording dots on the surface of a recording medium.
K recording elements in the feeding direction of the recording medium (however, k
And N are positive integers which are coprime to each other and are arranged at intervals of N dots in the recording medium for each recording run in the recording line direction orthogonal to the feed direction of the recording head. In a method of adjusting a multi-element printer for moving information by moving the recording head in the recording line direction by moving a distance, a recording step of recording a predetermined number of lines by each of the recording elements; An adjusting method for a multi-element printer, comprising: an adjusting unit for adjusting a dot size of the Nth recording element and the Nth recording element.