JPH11180013A - Recording test device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control the relative deflection of an ink attainable position through digitization by storing first data showing a plurality of parallel straight lines and second data showing a plurality of parallel straight lines expanded every predetermined dimension, performing recording operation, and setting a correction value in accordance with the relative deflection. SOLUTION: A correction value setting part 48 operates to set a correction value Np for control of an ink attainable position in a direction intersecting the transportation direction of paper 18 in terms of a relative deflection to the recording head 38Bk of a recording head 38C, a relative deflection to the recording head 38Bk of a recording head 38M, and a relative deflection to the recording head 38Bk of a recording head 38Y detected respectively. Also, the correction value setting part 48 supplies the data DAp of the correction value to a control unit 50. The control unit 50 works to calculate based upon the data DAp, and supplies changed data DXa to a dischargeable area changing part 62. In this manner, using areas of each recording head 38Bk-38Y are changed in accordance with each relative deflection along a bank of ink discharge ports.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording test apparatus capable of testing the recording characteristics of a recording head and adjusting the recording characteristics of the recording head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an ink-jet printer in which a plurality of recording heads each having a plurality of ink ejection ports for ejecting ink to a recording surface of a recording medium are arranged so that the arrangement of the ink ejection ports is parallel to each other. In some cases, the arrival position of each ink ejected from each ink ejection port on the recording surface of the recording medium is shifted from the normal position due to a mounting error between the heads or an impact applied to the recording head. is there. When the printing operation is performed in such a state, there arises a problem that the straight lines formed by the ink ejection ports arranged on the same straight line between the printing heads do not coincide with each other.

Therefore, for example, a function test is performed to detect the deviation of the position of the ink ejected from each ink ejection port with respect to the reference position on the recording surface of the recording medium due to the mounting error between the recording heads. ing.

In such a functional test, each recording head is caused to actually perform a recording operation based on image data representing a predetermined test pattern, and the deviation of the arrival position of the ink with respect to the reference position on the recording surface of the recording medium is determined. For example, a deviation in a direction in which the recording medium is conveyed and a direction substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction are detected.

[0005]

However, the deviation of the arrival position of the ink with respect to the reference position of the recording surface of the recording medium according to the above-described test pattern is detected in the direction, but the deviation is any value. Since it is not detected as a numerical value, it is necessary to repeat the function test empirically while adjusting the ink arrival position of each recording head.

In consideration of the above problems, a recording test apparatus capable of testing the recording characteristics of a recording head and adjusting the recording characteristics of the recording head is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording test apparatus capable of quantifying the relative deviation of the arrival position of a surface and of adjusting the ink arrival position of each recording head according to the relative deviation.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a recording test apparatus according to the present invention provides a recording test apparatus which discharges ink from each discharge port of a first recording head having a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink. First data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially in parallel with each other by ink at equal intervals along the arrangement of the ejection openings, and a first recording head along the arrangement direction of the ejection openings of the first recording head. Are separated from a predetermined reference position by an ink ejected from a second recording head having a plurality of ejection ports formed corresponding to each of the ejection ports along the arrangement of the ejection ports at an interval larger than the interval. A second data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially in parallel with each other with a mutual interval that increases by a predetermined dimension as the data is read, and a first data read from the memory.
A recording operation control unit that causes the first recording head and the second recording head to perform a recording operation on a recording medium based on the data and the second data, and a first recording head and a second recording head. A correction for setting a correction value corresponding to a relative deviation of the second recording head from the first recording head, obtained by comparing straight lines formed on the recording medium based on the first data and the second data, respectively. A value setting unit, a recording operation changing unit that changes a position at which ink ejected from each of the ejection ports of the first recording head and the second recording head reaches the recording medium, and a correction value set by the correction value setting unit The recording operation changing unit is provided with a line formed on the recording medium by ink ejected from each ejection port of the first recording head and an ink ejected from each ejection port of the second recording head. And a controller to perform the operation of changing the position reached in order to correspond to the line formed more recording medium.

[0008]

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a recording test apparatus according to the present invention, together with a printing system to which the apparatus is applied.

The printing system, as shown in FIG.
A host computer 10 as an external information processing device;
An ink jet printer 14 connected to a host computer 10 via a bidirectional transmission path 12 is a main component.

The host computer 10 includes a main unit 10C including a central processing unit, a display unit 10D for performing display based on a display signal from the main unit 10C, and predetermined data for the main unit 10C. And an input device unit 10I for inputting the input.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ink jet printer 14 includes, for example, a paper feed unit 23 for sequentially feeding roll papers 18 stored in a roll paper storage unit 20 to a paper transport unit 22, which will be described later; A paper transport unit 22 for passing the roll paper 18 from the storage unit 23 through a position below a recording unit 38, which will be described later, and transporting the printed roll paper 18 'to the downstream side. A recording unit 38 that sequentially performs a recording operation by ejecting ink to the recording surface of the middle roll paper 18, and an ink supply that is disposed opposite the paper transport unit 22 to face the recording unit 38 and supplies ink of each color to the recording unit 38. The unit 22 is configured as a main component.

The paper feed unit 23 is provided in the roll paper storage unit 20 and supports the one roll of the roll paper 18 so as to be rotatable. Rollers 24A and 24B, paper feed rollers 26A and 26
B.

The roll paper 18 is, as shown in FIG.
A sheet of a predetermined length is formed by being wound in a roll shape, and has a through-hole 18a at the center of which a support shaft 16 is engaged. Further, the roll paper 18 can be separated by a predetermined length indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 3, and is used, for example, as a label.

The paper feed rollers 24B and 26B are respectively connected to the output shaft of a drive motor (not shown). The drive of the drive motor is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

The paper transport section 22 has transport rollers 28A and 28B which are disposed at the most upstream side of the paper feed section, face the paper feed roller 26B, cooperate to hold and introduce the roll paper 18 from the paper feed section 23, The paper discharge rollers 36A and 36B, which cooperate and hold the printed roll paper 18 'facing the transport rollers 28A and 28B and discharge the paper to the downstream side, are transported to the transport rollers 28B. A transport belt 29 wound between the roller 36B and transporting the roll paper 18 from the upstream side to the downstream side; and a predetermined initial tension applied to the transport belt 29 disposed between the transport roller 28B and the transport roller 36B. And a tensioner roller 30 for applying the pressure.

The transport rollers 28B and 36B are rotatably supported by a housing at both ends thereof, and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Further, on the downstream side between the transport roller 28B and the transport roller 36B, a transport roller 34A is further provided.
And 34B, and a roller unit 32 for stabilizing the recording surface of the roll paper 18 in a flat state.

An output shaft of a driving motor is connected to one end of the transport roller 28B. The drive motor is controlled based on a drive control signal from the control unit. Thus, when the drive control signal is supplied, the transport rollers 28
B is rotated with the transport belt 29 and the transport roller 28A. Therefore, the roll paper 18 placed on the transport belt 29 is transported at a predetermined speed toward the downstream side in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

The recording section 38 includes a plurality of recording heads 3 arranged at predetermined intervals in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.
8Bk, 38C, 38M, and 38Y. The recording head 38Bk discharges black ink onto the recording surface of the roll paper 18, and
The recording head 38C discharges cyan ink onto the recording surface of the roll paper 18. The recording head 38M discharges magenta ink onto the recording surface of the roll paper 18, and the recording head 38Y discharges yellow ink onto the recording surface of the roll paper 18. .

Each of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y has a known structure of, for example, a bubble jet type. On the surface of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y facing the recording surface of the roll paper 18, a plurality of ink ejection ports are provided at a predetermined interval corresponding to the resolution in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18, for example, 360 (DPI). 3.) The ink ejection port forming surfaces are arranged at regular intervals. The length in the longitudinal direction of the ink ejection port forming surface is set to a length corresponding to the maximum length of the standard size of the roll paper 18 to be conveyed. Among the plurality of ink ejection ports, 900 ink ejection ports to be originally used are arranged in a substantially central area, and 50 spare ink ejection ports are arranged in each area on both sides thereof.
The fifty ink ejection ports provided in the regions on both sides thereof are used to adjust a defect in image quality of a recorded image due to an attachment error of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y described later. Further, the processing error of the mutual interval of the plurality of ink ejection ports is set to a value that is negligibly small as compared with the mounting error of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y.

The recording section 38 is fixed at a predetermined position in the transport direction of the roll paper 18 and in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction, and has a recording head lifting mechanism control mechanism (not shown). It is supported so as to be able to move up and down. The recording head elevating mechanism control unit controls each recording head 3
The drive control of the elevating operation of the recording unit 38 is performed so that the ink ejection port forming surface of 8Bk to 38Y is brought close to the recording surface of the rolled paper 18 to be conveyed and a recording operation position or a standby position is set.

The recording operations of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y are sequentially controlled based on a drive control pulse signal from a recording operation control unit 54 described later. Thus, when the recording unit 38 is lowered by the recording head lifting / lowering mechanism control unit to take the recording operation position, first, the recording head 38
Bk performs a recording operation on the recording surface of the roll paper 18 being conveyed, and then the recording head 38C moves to the recording head 38Bk.
The recording operation is performed on the recording surface on which the recording has been performed.
The recording head 38C is configured to discharge ink or to form a new pixel on the same pixel formed by the recording head 38Bk. Similarly, the recording heads 38M and 38Y perform a recording operation on the recording surface of the roll paper 18 being conveyed. An ink supply unit 40 is connected to each of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y, and ink of each color is supplied from the ink supply unit 40.

The ink supply unit 40 includes an ink tank 40TBk for storing black ink, an ink tank 40TC for storing cyan ink, an ink tank 40TM for storing magenta ink, and an ink tank for storing yellow ink. It is configured to include a tank 40TY. The ink tanks 40TBk to 40TY are respectively connected by supply pipes (not shown) corresponding to the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y.

In addition to the above-described configuration, one example of the recording test apparatus according to the present invention includes a control unit 50 as shown in FIG.

The control unit 50 includes a diagram data group DG representing a test pattern for a recording test described later from the display data supply unit 44 in the main body 10C of the host computer 10 and a recording test group for the recording test in the host computer 10. Command data DC indicating a printhead to be selected from a printhead selection command unit 46 for sequentially selecting printheads to be tested;
The data DAh representing the correction value Nh for adjusting the ink arrival position along the transport direction of the roll paper 18 from the correction value setting unit 48 in the main body 10C of 0 and the roll paper 1
8, data DAp representing a correction value Np for adjusting the ink arrival position along a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. The correction value setting unit 48 sets a correction value for each recording head based on the correction data input by the input device unit 10I according to a test result described later.

The control unit 50 refers to the data DAp, and designates an area designation conversion map for designating the area of the ink ejection port to be used corresponding to the memory address of each ink ejection port of each of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y. Each of the recording heads 38Bk-3B with reference to the data
An internal memory unit 50 for storing data of a timing signal conversion map for forming a timing signal of ink ejection corresponding to a memory address of each ink ejection port of 8Y, data representing a set correction value, and the like.
m.

The control unit 50 includes the memory unit 42
In addition, an image processing unit 52 is connected. Image processing unit 5
To 0, data DGh and DGp representing the test pattern read from the memory unit 42 from the control unit 50 are supplied. The data DGh is used for testing the ink arrival position of each ink ejection port along the transport direction of the roll paper 18, and the data DGp is used for testing the ink arrival position along a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the roll paper 18. You. Further, the image processing unit 50 is supplied with display data DD representing a correction value for each test pattern of each test from a correction value display data forming unit 56 described later.

The image processing section 52 receives the supplied data DG
h and the recording heads 38Bk to
The data Dth is formed corresponding to each of the 38Y ink ejection ports, and is supplied to the printing operation control unit 54. The image processing unit 52 performs a binarization process on the supplied data DGp, forms data Dtp corresponding to each ink ejection port of each of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y, and sends the data Dtp to the recording operation control unit 54. Supply. Further, when the display data DD is supplied from the correction value display data forming unit 56, the image processing unit 52 determines whether the supplied data DGh or DG
p is binarized, and the obtained data is combined with display data DD representing a correction value for each test pattern.

The recording operation control unit 54 forms a drive control pulse signal so that at least two recording heads selected based on the data Dth and the data Dtp from the image processing unit 52 sequentially perform a recording operation. It is supplied to each of the selected recording heads.

When data DAh and data DAp are supplied from correction value setting unit 48, control unit 50 stores data DAh and data DAp in memory unit 50m.
Data DAh and data DAp
Is supplied to the correction value display data forming unit 56. The correction value display data forming section 56 stores the data DAh and the data DAp.
Is formed on the basis of the display data DD, and the display data DD is supplied to the image processing unit 52.

Also, the control unit 50 refers to the supplied data DAh, calculates a change value of the ejection timing for each ink ejection port of each print head to be changed based on the above-mentioned map, and calculates the change value. Representing data DXt
Is supplied to the ejection timing changing unit 60 of the recording operation changing unit 58.

The ejection timing changing unit 60 is provided with the data DX
The data Dte indicating the ejection timing of each ink ejection port of each recording head to be changed based on t, or the ejection for each ink ejection port of each recording head to be changed based on the data DXt. Data Dt representing ejection timing with delayed timing
d is formed and supplied to the recording operation control unit 54, respectively. Accordingly, the printing operation control unit 54 supplies a drive control pulse signal formed at a predetermined ejection timing based on the supplied data Dte and data Dtd to each printing head.

The control unit 50 controls the supplied data D
The data DXa representing the changed use area by calculating the area of the ink ejection port used in each print head to be changed selected based on the above-mentioned map with reference to Ap.
Is supplied to the dischargeable area changing unit 60 of the printing operation changing unit 58.

The dischargeable area changing unit 60 stores the data DXa
For example, area data Dao representing an area in which 900 ink ejection ports that should be used based on data are moved to the one side by a predetermined number, or 900 data that should be used based on data DXa. Area data Daa representing an area obtained by moving the area of the ink ejection port by the predetermined number to the other side is formed, and these are supplied to the printing operation control unit 54, respectively. Thereby, the recording operation control unit 54
Supplies a drive control pulse signal to each print head in correspondence with the supplied data Dao and a predetermined area based on the data Daa.

Further, when each test for each of the selected printheads is completed, the control unit 50 supplies data DE indicating the end of the test to the printhead selection command unit 46.

Under such a configuration, the control unit 50
First, a test is performed on the relative error of the arrival position of the ink from each ejection port in the direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18 due to the mounting error of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk. Then, a test of a similar relative error of the recording head 38M with respect to the recording head 38Bk, and subsequently, a test of a similar relative error of the recording head 38Y with respect to the recording head 38Bk. Also, the control unit 50
Are the roll paper 18 of the ink from each ejection port due to the mounting error of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk.
Test the relative error of the arrival position along the transport direction of
Next, a test of a similar relative error of the recording head 38M with respect to the recording head 38Bk, and subsequently, a test of a similar relative error of the recording head 38Y with respect to the recording head 38Bk.

The control unit 50 performs a test on the relative error of the arrival position of the ink from each ejection port in the direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18 due to the mounting error of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk. Is
Reading predetermined data DGp from the memory unit 42 based on command data DC representing the recording head 38C and the recording head 38Bk from the recording head selection command unit 46,
It is supplied to the image processing unit 52.

Thus, the recording heads 38Bk and 3Bk are controlled based on the drive control pulse signal from the recording operation control unit 54.
8C, as shown in FIG.
The recording operation is performed on the recording surface No. 8.

In the test pattern shown in FIG. 5, the straight line group 70 is formed by the recording head 38Bk.
The straight line group 72 is sequentially formed by the recording head 38C.

The straight line group 70 is formed by 15 straight lines formed in parallel to each other along the direction indicated by the arrow H in FIG. 5, that is, the transport direction of the roll paper 18.

The fifteen straight lines have a predetermined interval, for example, a resolution of 360 (DPI), on one side based on a straight line 70 s corresponding to an array area of 900 ink ejection ports on the ink ejection port formation surface of the recording head 38Bk. 30 in
Straight lines 70a1, 70a are equally spaced at intervals corresponding to dots.
a2, 70a3, 70a4, 70a5, 70a6, and 70a7 are formed.

On the other side with respect to the straight line 70s, the straight line 70 is formed at the same predetermined interval as the above-mentioned one side.
b1, 70b2, 70b3, 70b4, 70b5, 70
b6 and 70b7 are formed.

The length of the straight line 70s in the straight line group 72 is the longest, and the straight lines 70a3, 70a6, 70b3, and 7
The length of Ob6 is shorter than the length of the straight line 70s and longer than the other straight lines. With such different lengths, it is easy to visually identify each straight line formed on the recording surface of the roll paper 18.

On the other hand, the straight line group 72 corresponds to the arrow H in FIG.
, Ie, 15 straight lines formed in parallel with each other along the transport direction of the roll paper 18.

At the approximate center of the 15 straight lines, a straight line 72s corresponding to the ink ejection port arrangement of the recording head 38C corresponding to the ink ejection port arrangement area on the ink ejection port forming surface of the recording head 38Bk is used as a reference. On one side, straight lines 72a1 are formed at predetermined intervals, for example, at intervals corresponding to 31 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI).

The straight line 72a2 is formed at an interval corresponding to 32 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI) with respect to the straight line 72a1. Also, straight lines 72a3, 72a
4, 72a5, 72a6, and 72a7 correspond to 33 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI), respectively.
4 dots, 35 dots, 36 dots, and 3 dots
They are formed at a mutual interval corresponding to 7 dots. Accordingly, the interval between the straight lines 72a1 to 72a7 is
As the distance from the dot s increases, the pitch becomes wider at every distance corresponding to the minimum dot interval (inter-interval between two adjacent dots) in the resolution 360 (DPI).

The distance between the straight lines 72a1 to 72a7 increases as the distance from the straight line 72s increases.
It may be formed so as to be wider by a distance corresponding to an integral multiple of a minimum dot interval (interval between two adjacent dots) in (DPI).

A straight line 72b1 is formed at a predetermined interval on the other side with respect to the straight line 72s, for example, at an interval corresponding to 31 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI). Straight lines 72b2, 72b3, 72b4, 72b
5, 72b6, and 72b7 are formed at mutual intervals corresponding to 32 dots, 33 dots, 34 dots, 35 dots, 36 dots, and 37 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI), respectively. ing.

In detecting the relative deviation of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk based on the test pattern formed on the recording surface of the roll paper 18 as described above, for example, as shown in FIG.
When 0s and the straight line 72s are formed on the same virtual straight line, the relative deviation of the print head 38C with respect to the print head 38Bk is determined to be zero. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the straight line 70a2 and the straight line 72a3 are formed on the same virtual straight line so as to coincide with each other,
It is determined that the relative deviation of the 8C with respect to the recording head 38Bk is shifted in one direction along the ink ejection orifice arrangement direction at an interval corresponding to three dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI). This is because the interval between the straight line 72a3 and the straight line 72a2 is larger than the interval between the straight line 70a2 and the straight line 70a1 by a dimension corresponding to three dots in the resolution 360 (DPI). Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), when the straight line 70b1 and the straight line 72b3 are formed on the same virtual straight line so as to coincide with each other, the recording head 38C
Is relative to the recording head 38Bk.
In other words, it is determined that there is a shift in the other direction along the ink ejection port arrangement direction at an interval corresponding to three dots at 0 (DPI).

Then, the control unit 50 sends the data DE indicating the end of the test of the relative deviation of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk to the recording head selection command section 46.
To supply.

Next, the control unit 50 controls the recording head 3
In order to perform a test of the relative deviation of the arrival position of the ink from each ejection port in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the roll paper 18 due to an attachment error with respect to the 8M recording head 38Bk, predetermined data from the memory unit 42 is tested. Read DGp,
It is supplied to the image processing unit 52. Subsequently, the control unit 50 similarly controls the recording head 38B of the recording head 38Y.
reading a predetermined data DGp from the memory unit 42 in order to test a relative error of an arrival position of the ink from each ejection port along a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the roll paper 18 due to an attachment error with respect to k; It is supplied to the image processing unit 52. At this time, a straight line group 72 as shown in FIG. 5 is formed on the recording surface of the roll paper 18 corresponding to the recording heads 38M and 38Y, respectively.

Thus, after the test of each relative deviation is completed,
The correction value setting unit 48 detects the detected recording head 38 described above.
Based on the relative deviation of the recording head 38B with respect to the recording head 38Bk, the relative deviation of the recording head 38M with respect to the recording head 38Bk, and the relative deviation of the recording head 38Y with respect to the recording head 38Bk, the ink along a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18. A correction value Np for adjusting the arrival position is set for each recording head. Then, the correction value setting section 48 supplies data DAp representing the correction value to the control unit 50, respectively.

The control unit 50 controls the supplied data D
The calculation is performed with reference to the area designation conversion map based on Ap, and data DXa representing the changed use area is supplied to the dischargeable area change unit 62 of the recording operation change unit 58. As a result, the use area on the ink ejection port forming surface of each of the recording heads 38Bk to 38Y is changed along the ink ejection port arrangement according to each relative deviation, and, for example, a test pattern is formed as shown in FIG. In the case, a straight line 70s
And the straight line 72s are formed on the same virtual straight line.

When a relative deviation is detected in the straight line group 72 of the test pattern shown in FIG. 5, the value of the mutual interval between the straight lines 72a1 to 72a7 and 72b1 to 72b7 corresponds to the roll paper. Since it is not recorded on the recording surface of No. 18, the correction value must be calculated based on the value of the preset mutual interval.

On the other hand, in the example of the test pattern shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the straight line group 70 and the straight line group 72, in addition to the straight lines 72s, 72a3, Zero (0) indicating the relative deviation (correction value) and sign on the left side of the position corresponding to 72a6, +3, +6, and the correction value and sign on the left side of the position corresponding to the straight line 72b3 and 72b6, respectively. Reference value NM such as -3 and -6
A may be configured to be recorded.

When the control unit 50 forms a test pattern as shown in FIG.
The reference value data DAp of the correction value to be set for each of the recording heads 38C to 38Y is read from m and supplied to the correction value display data forming unit 56. As a result, the correction value display data forming unit 56 sets the straight line 70s to
The display data DD is formed based on the data DAp so that the reference value NMA representing the correction value is recorded corresponding to the vicinity of the left ends of 70a6, 70b3 to 70b6, and the display data DD is supplied to the image processing unit 52.

Therefore, when the correction value is set by comparing the straight line group 70 and the straight line group 72, the reference value consisting of the relative deviation (correction value) and the sign is used as the reference value.
Since the data is recorded on the recording surface, the correction value can be easily set without requiring any calculation.

Further, for example, based on a test pattern shown in FIG. 7, a correction value is set again based on a relative error test of an arrival position of the ink in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18, based on a relative error test. When a similar confirmation test is performed and a relative deviation is detected again between the recording heads due to some external factor, the correction value must be added or subtracted.

For example, the recording head 3 of the recording head 38C
When the relative deviation with respect to 8Bk is an interval (+2) corresponding to two dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI), the correction value is set to (+2), and FIG.
The test pattern shown in FIG.
When the test of the relative error of the arrival position along the direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction is performed, the result of the test is that the correction value is originally zero, but the correction value is (+3) , The value is added to the original correction value, and the correction value is (+
5) must be set.

In order to easily correct and set the correction value by omitting such a troublesome calculation, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 in the test pattern in the second test, the correction value (+2) previously set is a straight line. Recorded on the left side of the straight line 72s of the group 72, the straight lines 72a3, 72a
+, 72b3, and 72b6 on the left side, respectively.
It may be configured such that reference numerical values NMB such as 5, +8, -1, -4 are recorded.

When the control unit 50 forms a test pattern as shown in FIG.
The data DAp of the previous correction value that has already been set for each of the recording heads 38C to 38Y is read from m and supplied to the correction value display data forming unit 56. As a result, the correction value display data forming section 56 generates the straight lines 70s to 7
The display data DD is formed based on the data DAp so that a reference value NMB representing a correction value is recorded corresponding to the vicinity of the left end of 0a6, 70b3 to 70b6, and the display data DD is supplied to the image processing unit 52.

Further, the control unit 50 first tests the relative deviation of the ink arrival position along the transport direction of the roll paper 18 from each ejection port due to the mounting error of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk. . Since the test of each relative deviation is a test according to the same procedure, the recording head 38
A description will be given of a test of the relative deviation of the C with respect to the recording head 38Bk, and a description of the tests of the other relative deviations will be omitted.

The control unit 50 performs a test for selecting a recording head in the test of the relative deviation of the ink arrival position along the transport direction of the roll paper 18 from each ejection port due to the mounting error of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk. Recording head 38C and recording head 38 from command unit 46
Memory unit 42 based on command data DC representing Bk
The predetermined data DGh is read out from the CPU and supplied to the image processing unit 52.

Accordingly, the recording heads 38Bk and 3Bk are controlled based on the drive control pulse signal from the recording operation control unit 54.
8C, as shown in FIG.
The recording operation is performed on the recording surface No. 8.

In the test pattern shown in FIG. 9, the straight line group 74 is formed by the recording head 38Bk.
The straight line group 76 is sequentially formed by the recording head 38C.

The straight line group 74 includes fifteen straight lines formed parallel to each other along the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. Is formed from.

The fifteen straight lines are based on a straight line 74 s corresponding to an arrangement area of 900 ink ejection ports on the ink ejection port forming surface of the recording head 38 Bk.
The straight lines 74a1, 74a2, 74a3, 74 at a predetermined interval, for example, at an interval corresponding to 30 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI) on the downstream side in the transport direction of
a4, 74a5, 74a6, and 74a7 are formed.

On the upstream side with the straight line 74 s as a reference in the transport direction of the roll paper 18, the straight lines 74 b 1, 74 b 2, 74 b 3, 74 at the same predetermined intervals as those described above.
b4, 74b5, 74b6, and 74b7 are formed.

The straight line 74s of the straight line group 74 has the longest length, and the straight lines 74a3, 74a6, 74b3, and 7
The length of 4b6 is shorter than the length of the straight line 74s and longer than the other straight lines. With such different lengths, it is easy to visually identify each straight line formed on the recording surface of the roll paper 18.

On the other hand, the straight line group 76 also corresponds to the arrow P in FIG.
, That is, 15 straight lines formed in parallel with each other along a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the roll paper 18.

The straight line group 76 is sequentially formed by the ink ejection port arrangement of the recording head 38C corresponding to the area adjacent to the ink ejection port arrangement area on the ink ejection port formation surface of the recording head 38Bk. The straight line group 76 has a predetermined interval, for example, a resolution 3
Straight lines 76a1 are formed at intervals corresponding to 31 dots in 60 (DPI).

The straight line 76a2 is formed at an interval corresponding to 32 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI) with respect to the straight line 76a1. Also, straight lines 76a3, 76a
4, 76a5, 76a6, and 76a7 correspond to 33 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI), respectively.
4 dots, 35 dots, 36 dots, and 3 dots
They are formed at a mutual interval corresponding to 7 dots. Therefore, the interval between the straight lines 76a1 to 76a7 is
As the distance from the dot s increases, the pitch becomes wider at every distance corresponding to the minimum dot interval (inter-interval between two adjacent dots) in the resolution 360 (DPI).

A straight line 76b1 is formed at a predetermined interval upstream of the straight line 76s, for example, at an interval corresponding to 31 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI). Straight lines 76b2, 76b3, 76b4, 76b
5, 76b6 and 76b7 are 32 dots, 33 dots, and 3 dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI), respectively.
The dots are formed at mutual intervals corresponding to 4, 35, 36, and 37 dots.

In detecting the relative deviation of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk based on the test pattern formed on the recording surface of the roll paper 18, for example, as shown in FIG.
When 4s and the straight line 76s are formed on the same virtual straight line, the relative deviation of the print head 38C with respect to the print head 38Bk is determined to be zero as in the example shown in FIG.

When the straight line 74a2 and the straight line 76a3 coincide and are formed on the same virtual straight line, the relative deviation of the linear recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk is:
It is determined that the image is shifted to the upstream side along the transport direction of the roll paper 18 at an interval corresponding to three dots at a resolution of 360 (DPI). This corresponds to the straight line 76a3 and the straight line 76a.
This is because the interval between 2 and 3 is larger than the interval between the straight line 74a2 and the straight line 74a1 by a dimension corresponding to 3 dots in the resolution 360 (DPI).

Further, when the straight line 74b1 and the straight line 76b3 coincide and are formed on the same virtual straight line, the relative deviation of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk corresponds to three dots in the resolution 360 (DPI). It is determined that they are shifted to the downstream side along the ink ejection port arrangement direction at intervals.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 8, near the lower end of the straight line 76s, the correction value and the sign set based on the previous test result are shown, and the straight lines 76a3, 76a6, 76b3, 76b6
Numerical value NMC representing the correction value and sign corresponding to
May be recorded.

Then, the control unit 50 supplies data DE indicating the end of the relative deviation test of the recording head 38C with respect to the recording head 38Bk to the recording head selection command unit 46.

[0078]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the recording test apparatus of the present invention, the ink discharged from each discharge port of the first recording head having a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink is used. First data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially in parallel with each other at equal intervals along the arrangement of the ejection ports, and each ejection of the first recording head along the arrangement direction of the ejection ports of the first recording head. The ink is ejected from the second recording head having a plurality of ejection ports formed corresponding to the outlets, and the ink is ejected from the predetermined reference position at a distance larger than the interval along the arrangement of the ejection ports. With the second data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially parallel to each other with a mutual interval enlarged by a dimension stored in the memory unit, the first data and the second data are used by the first recording head and the second recording head. A correction value is set according to the relative deviation of the second recording head from the first recording head, which is obtained by comparing straight lines formed on the recording medium with each other based on the second data and the second data. The relative deviation of the ink arrival position of the recording medium on the recording surface between the recording heads can be quantified.

Further, the control unit instructs the recording operation changing unit based on the correction value set by the correction value setting unit to determine a line formed on the recording medium by ink ejected from each ejection port of the first recording head. Since the operation of changing the arrival position is performed so as to correspond to the line formed on the recording medium by the ink ejected from each ejection port of the second recording head, the ink arrival position of each recording head is changed according to the relative deviation. Can be adjusted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control block in an example of a recording test apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a printing system to which an example of a recording test apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing roll paper used in the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a test pattern used in the example shown in FIG.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams each provided for explaining the operation of the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the test pattern used in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of still another test pattern used in the example shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the test pattern used in the example shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 18 Roll paper 38Bk, 38C, 38M, 38Y Recording head 42 Memory unit 48 Correction value setting unit 50 Control unit 54 Recording operation control unit 58 Recording operation change unit 70, 72 Line group

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of ink jets formed from a plurality of ejection ports of a first recording head having a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, the plurality of ejection ports being formed substantially in parallel with each other at equal intervals along an arrangement of the ejection ports. A first data representing a straight line, and a second having a plurality of ejection ports formed corresponding to each ejection port of the first recording head along the arrangement direction of the ejection ports of the first recording head. A plurality of ink droplets are formed substantially in parallel with each other at intervals extending along the arrangement of the ejection openings by a predetermined dimension along the arrangement of the ejection openings at a distance larger than the above-mentioned distance and at a predetermined distance from the reference position. A second storage unit that stores second data representing a straight line of the first and second recording heads based on the first data and the second data read from the memory unit; A recording operation control unit that causes the second recording head to perform a recording operation on a recording medium; and a first recording head and a second recording head that control the recording operation based on the first data and the second data. A correction value setting unit that sets a correction value according to a relative deviation of the second print head from the first print head, which is obtained by comparing straight lines formed on the print medium with each other; A recording operation changing unit that changes a position at which ink ejected from each ejection port of the recording head and the second recording head reaches the recording medium, and the recording is performed based on a correction value set by the correction value setting unit. A line formed on the recording medium by ink ejected from each ejection port of the first recording head and an ink ejected from each ejection port of the second recording head are provided in the operation changing unit. A control unit for performing an operation of changing the arrival position so as to correspond to a line formed on the recording medium,
A recording test apparatus comprising: 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first recording head has a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and the ink ejected from each ejection port has an equal interval along a direction substantially orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the ejection ports. Third data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially in parallel, and a plurality of data formed corresponding to each ejection port of the first recording head along the arrangement direction of the ejection ports of the first recording head. As the ink is ejected from the second recording head having the ejection ports, the ink is ejected from a predetermined reference position at an interval larger than the interval along a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the ejection ports. 2. A memory unit for adding and storing fourth data representing a plurality of straight lines formed substantially in parallel with each other with a mutual interval enlarged by a predetermined dimension.
A recording test apparatus as described. 3. The recording test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined dimension in the second data is a unit of a mutual interval between ejection ports of the second recording head. 4. The recording test apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined dimension in the fourth data is a unit of a mutual interval between ejection ports of the second recording head. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second and fourth data are data to which a sign indicating a relative deviation of the second recording head with respect to the first recording head is attached to each of the plurality of straight lines. The recording test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second and fourth data are data having a code indicating a relative deviation of the second recording head from the first recording head at the predetermined reference position. Claim 1 or Claim 2
A recording test apparatus as described. 7. A code indicating that the relative deviation of the second recording head from the first recording head is zero at the predetermined reference position, the second and fourth data. The data is data.
Alternatively, the recording test apparatus according to claim 2. 8. The printing operation changing unit according to claim 1, wherein the position at which the ink reaches the printing medium is changed by changing an ejection port used in the second printing head. A recording test apparatus as described. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing operation changing unit changes a position at which the ink reaches the printing medium by changing a timing at which the second printing head discharges the ink. Record test equipment. 10. The first recording head and the second recording head
3. The recording test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the recording heads has an electrothermal transducer for heating and discharging the ink.