Image processing apparatus, Image processing and the ink spurts the type method for printing apparatus

Technical Field

The invention relates to an Image processing apparatus, the ink spurts the type Image processing method for printing apparatus and, more specifically, relates to a method for inhibiting the print on the Image of the observed phenomenon of presenting Golden light caused by the degradation of the Image quality of the technology.

Background Art

The printings the ink spurts the type , the pigment ink is used for arimitsu printing medium of the phenomenon is particularly evident in printing the reflection on the surface of the material colors illuminating the picture (hereinafter referred to as "the phenomenon of presenting Golden light"). For example, the cyan pigment in use, food irradiation Image into, this would lead to visual Image serious loss of quality. Used to mitigate this phenomenon of presenting Golden light of a known method is laminated on the printing surface of the transparent film, in order to prevent the pigment particles exposed on the surface of a printing medium. However, this kind of multilayer structure to produce the equipment cost is increased, the time required for the lamination process, and the like is prolonged.

To solve this problem, Japanese Patent discloses No. 2001-138555 discloses used for controlling the ratio of the use of ink to reduce the phenomenon of presenting Golden light technology. This technology is that such a method: according to the luminance of the input Image and the ratio of the use of ink of presenting Golden light to determine existence or non-existence of the phenomenon, then, based on the determination result to be used to change the ratio of the ink, so to reduce the phenomenon of presenting Golden light.

Generally speaking, the print material is at CAD, the observer sees from the light source to the incident light on the printing of the light reflected off of the material. Furthermore, such a look-up of changes color with the visual angle. Figure 1 is the diagram of the observer is shown with two kinds of different angles when the print material of the difference between the two kinds of reflected light. In Figure 1 in, see A in the direction of the reflected light of the light source is seen relative to the direction of specular reflection light of the mirror surface, wherein the material of the printing of the reflected light source Image. On the other hand, see B in the direction of the reflected light passes through the inside of the sheet of material after the reflected light, i.e., diffused light, wherein the reproducing the color of the color material (hereinafter referred to as "printing color").

In such two viewing angle in the direction of viewing A, can discern the different original color of the light source of the color of the light source of the reflection, this is percieved as the phenomenon of presenting Golden light. In addition to the reflection of the light source of such events, as shown in Figure 1 can also be viewed at the same time the two types of reflected light. As a result, for example, the original printing the color can be seen the different color Image. This is also considered the phenomenon of presenting Golden light.

If the original printing the color described above is different from the phenomenon of presenting Golden light of the color of the generated (hereinafter referred to as "color of presenting Golden light"), such that color is of presenting Golden light of the desired color, in which printing of the Image quality degradation of the material. To solve this problem, in Japanese Patent discloses No. 2001-138555 in, change the ratio of the use of ink as described above in order to alleviate the phenomenon of presenting Golden light. However, the color and of presenting Golden light difference between the printing the color caused by the degradation of the quality of an Image cannot be appropriately controlled. In other words, even in the processing of presenting Golden optical color or developing color so as to become the condition not, if color of presenting Golden light a large difference of with printing the color, the large difference is prominent identification of itself, thus to reduce a factor of Image quality.

Content of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide a by printing the color can be suppressed, and the difference between the color of presenting Golden light caused by the degradation of the Image quality of the Image processing apparatus, printing apparatus and the ink spurts the type Image processing method.

In the 1st aspect of the invention, provided for by a predetermined color of ink and as a transparent material and the resin of the transparent ink for forming an Image of the Image processing apparatus, a predetermined color of ink and the transparent ink through the use of applying unit is applied to the printing medium, the apparatus including: is configured to determine that the printing medium applied to the ink of a predetermined color and the application of the transparent ink determining unit; and is configured by the determining unit determines based on the application of the applying unit to apply a printing medium of a predetermined color of ink and the transparent ink control unit, wherein the determining unit determines that the application, of the Image in the light under measurement, the reflected light of the reflected light includes a mirror surface not in printing the color of measurement and as the reflected light of the reflected light in the measurement of the printing colors between colors of presenting Golden light, L*a*b * of the hue difference in the space is equal to or less than 90 degrees, by the application of a predetermined Image is the application of a predetermined color of ink and a predetermined application of the transparent ink is formed.

The 2nd aspect of the present invention, provides for a predetermined color of ink and as a transparent material and the resin of the transparent ink for forming an Image of the Image processing method, a predetermined color of ink and the transparent ink through the use of applying unit is applied to the printing medium, the method comprises: determining applied to the printing medium, ink of a predetermined color of the transparent ink and the application of the step of determining; and the determining step determines on the basis of the application to make the said application unit applied to the printing medium of a predetermined color of ink and the transparent ink control steps, wherein the determining step determining application, the Image in the light under measurement, the reflected light of the reflected light includes a mirror surface not in printing the color of measurement and as the reflected light of the reflected light in the measurement of the printing colors between colors of presenting Golden light, L*a*b * of the hue difference in the space is equal to or less than 90 degrees, by the application of a predetermined Image is the application of a predetermined color of ink and a predetermined application of the transparent ink is formed.

The structure as noted previously, by printing the color can be realized, and the difference between the color of presenting Golden light caused by the inhibition of the degradation of the Image quality.

Reference in the Figure through the following description of an exemplary embodiment, and other features of this invention will become clear.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is the diagram of the is shown in two different viewing angle of a sheet of material, the reflected light of the two kinds of different;

Figure 2 is the schematic view of the phenomenon of presenting Golden light used for measurement of the measurement system;

Figure 3 is the diagram of the display in using chart a*b * plane 2 of the shown printing Image measuring system measures specular reflection light obtained by the shown two examples of the color of the graphic;

Figure 4 is the perspective view of according to one embodiment of the present invention of the printing equipment the ink spurts the type of the structure of the main part;

Figure 5 is the schematic view of Figure 4 showing the print head of the 1 injection of 8 kinds of color ink of the nozzle array the arrangement of the (nozzle group);

Figure 6 is the block diagram of Figure 4 shown in the printing unit the ink spurts the type of the control arrangement;

Figure 7 is the block diagram of in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention of the host device the ink spurts the type printing apparatus and in the structure of the Image processing.

Figure 8 is the diagram of level N used for obtaining data from the binary data pattern-point arrangement;

Figure 9 is the diagram of the embodiment of the invention the mask pattern of the example;

Figure 10 is the diagram of use chart 9 the mask pattern shown (multi-pass) a plurality of times of printing operation;

Figure 11A and 11B is shown by fig. 2 described in the measuring system measures the printing of color of presenting Golden light of the material and printing the color of the example of the relationship between the map;

Figure 12 is the chart of color of presenting Golden light transparent ink with the use of the amount of change;

Figure 13A to 13D shows the color of presenting Golden light transparent ink according to the use and the reasons for the change of the amount of the picture;

Figure 14A to 14C is shown according to the 1st embodiment of this invention and in the comparative example of the characteristic of the color conversion table of the Figure;

Figure 15 is the chart of when the with Figure 14B CL shown the normal number of color conversion table is used for printing on the printing materials of the color of presenting Golden light;

Figure 16A and 16B are respectively shown the color ink used for printing the mask pattern and transparent ink used for printing the example of the mask pattern of the Figure;

Figure 17A and 17B shows the use chart 16A and 16B mask shown a plurality of times of printing operation;

Figure 18A and Figure 18B is the chart of the 2nd embodiment of the present invention is composed of a transparent ink color of presenting Golden light caused by the change of the saturation of the light color of presenting Golden and reduced.

Figure 19 is the diagram of the embodiment according to the 2nd of the color conversion table;

Figure 20 is the diagram of the invention according to the embodiment of of a*b * 3rd on the level of the input signal value and of presenting Golden light color of the black spots;

Figure 21 is the schematic view of the print according to the 3rd embodiment of the material of the color ink on the surface of and the state of the transparent layer; and

Figure 22A and 22B according to the 4th embodiment is used to measure the color and of presenting Golden light measuring printing the color schematic view of the system.

Mode of execution

Each of the reference with the detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention.

(Used for assessing method of presenting Golden light)

By, for example, through the use of color technology Institute his (Murakami   CO.   Laboratory   Research   Color, Ltd. ) Of the color measurement system light luminosity (GCMS-4) to measure the phenomenon of presenting Golden light. Figure 2 is the schematic view of the measurement system. As shown in Figure 2, from the θ = 45° in the direction of the light emitted towards the printing of the Image, and θ = 45° in the opposite direction from the direction of the specular reflection light is received. Furthermore, measuring received the spectroscopic intensity of the reflected light of the mirror surface, and according to the measured spectral intensity to calculate the intensity of the specular reflection light. Color intensity of the specular reflection light is low, the intensity of the specular reflection light become low.

Figure 2 is the diagram of the printing medium is irradiated B0003 Image for printing on the lighting source B0001, from the print medium detection and B0003 of the photo-detector of the light reflected B0002. The photo-detector B0002 according to the print medium B0003 the normal direction, in other words, along the mirror reflection direction, is placed in one side of the and its relative light source for lighting the same as the direction of the angle of inclination θ. The printing medium used for fixing B0003 the fixed stand B0004. By the photodetector B0002 to the measuring point B0005 carry out measurement. Provided for preventing the light to the external hood B0005.

Is used for from below to the way of measuring specular reflection light of the method for color attribute is calculated. By the photodetector B0002 measured from the print medium B0003 of the mirror Image of the spectroscopic intensity of the reflected light expressed by the following expression.

R_X (λ) … expression 1

Based on the intensity, computing specular reflection light XxYxZx the tri-stimulus values. Furthermore, according to JIS   Z   8729, from the mirror surface of the tri-stimulus values and reflected light from an illumination light source B0001 the tri-stimulus values of the light of the reflected light obtained L*a*b * value of the mirror, i.e., the reflected light from the mirror face of the color shown.

Figure 3 is the diagram of the a*b * through the use of on the plane of the measurement method of printing by the Image to measure the specular reflection light obtained by the shown two examples of the color of the pattern. In the Figure 3 in, color (1) the relative and obviously is the phenomenon of presenting Golden light color, and color (2) relative to the non-obvious to the phenomenon of presenting Golden light color. Color (1) C* in (1) and (2) the C* in (2) are, according to the corresponding color saturation is calculated C*=√ L*a*b * value (a*^ 2 +b*^ 2) result, wherein the larger the value, the saturation of the color of presenting Golden light is high, mean that the phenomenon of presenting Golden light tend to be more obvious. In the Figure 3 in, θ 1, the fixation and 2 of the detecting value of presenting Golden from θ =tan-1 L*a*b * value as obtained (a*/ b*) the color tone.

As described above, in this embodiment, by obtaining color of presenting Golden light L*a*b * specular reflection light on the space of the color of presenting Golden light identifies the hue and saturation. On the other hand, with regard to printing the color of the Image, the Image is print printing the color of the original color, is identified by measuring the diffuse light.

To the printing medium through B0003 of applying a predetermined amount of the ink comes as a measurement target of the measurement object is formed as a print Image. More specifically, the print medium is applied a predetermined amount of a measurement target of ink and a predetermined amount of the transparent ink (described later).

(Device structure)

Figure 4 is the perspective view of the embodiment according to the present invention of the printing equipment the ink spurts the type of the structure of the main part. In the Figure 4 in, from a feeding disk 12 feeding print media to the printing portion S2. Furthermore, when the printing medium in the direction of the arrow shown B is transmitted intermittently, print an Image on a printing medium. Furthermore, after the completion of printing, the print medium is discharged to the paper discharge tray. In the printing portion, mounted on the carrier 5 print head 1 of the arrow A1 and A2 along the guide rail in the direction of 4 the reciprocating motion, at the same time, the print head 1 of the nozzle jet ink, the printing medium in the S2 form the Image. Print head 1 has a plurality of respectively different color of the ink to the nozzle group. Print head 1 includes a total of eight colors in the black nozzle group, eight color ink is transparent (CL, in this specification also known as the "processing ink") and cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), nattierblue (LC), light magenta (LM), black color (K) and grey (Gy) ink. Of the corresponding color ink independently stored in the corresponding ink vessel (not shown) in, and during the injection operation to the print head 1 provides.

Figure 5 is the schematic view of the print head 1 in eight kinds of injection of ink of the color nozzle array of the arrangement of the (nozzle group). From the print head 1 each of the average amount of ink ejected from nozzles is roughly 3pl. Eight kinds of ink of the color in the transparent ink CL advantageously formed by resin material, and is used mainly to reduce through each of the color ink to print the coloring of the Image of the original printing the color and the difference between the color of presenting Golden light, as described later. In particular, transparent ink forming ink coating, and coating the percentage of the thickness of the transparent layer and is controlled in order to alleviate and printing the color difference between the colors of presenting Golden light.

To return to Figure 4, and the print head of the ink container 1 is formed integrally, in order to form the is removably mounted to the bracket 5 on the head cartridge 6 a part of. Bracket motor 11 driving force through the timing belt 17 to the bracket 5 is, so that the bracket 5 of the arrow A1 and A2 direction (in the main scanning direction) along the guide shaft 3 and the guide rail 4 reciprocating motion. During the movement of the carriage, through the bracket 5 provided in the encoding sensor 21 to detect the position, in order to read the direction of the movement of the carriage along a linear scale 19. During the to-and-fro movement, perform printing on a printing medium. In this process, when the is clamped between the conveying rollers 16 and pressure roller 15 is between, printing medium S2 the pressure plate 2 on.

In printing operation, each when the bracket 5 print head 1 in the A1 direction of the scanning corresponding to a time of printing the Image, conveying motor 13 through linear wheel 20 to operate the conveying rollers 16. Therefore, printing medium S2 B towards the direction of the arrow (sub scanning direction) conveying a predetermined length. Furthermore, when the bracket 5 in the A2 direction scanning, the printing medium S2 to carry out printing. Head cap 10 and a restoration unit 14 as shown in Figure 4 is located at the original position, in order to intermittently carry out print head 1 of the recovery processing.

By repeating the operation described above, printing corresponding to a sheet of print media Image, the printing medium is discharged, so as to complete the printing of the card.

Figure 6 is the block diagram of the embodiment of print the ink spurts the type of the control configuration in the apparatus. Controller 100 is a main control unit, the master control unit includes ASIC, for example, in the form of a microcomputer   101, ROM   103, and RAM   105. ROM   103 memory arrangement pattern, mask pattern, and other fixed data. RAM   105 for expanding from a host device, the working area of the area of the Image data. ASIC   101 from the ROM   103 reading program, and according to the Image data to the printing medium to control the operation of printing on the.

Host device 110 is a supply source of the Image data, not only can be the same of the Image to the printing relates to the implementation of data creation, computer processing, but also for reading Image can be taken, such as in the form of the reading unit. Host device 110 will later implementation reference view 7 description of the embodiments according to the present invention includes a color conversion processing of the Image processing. Furthermore, through the interface (I/F)112, the controller from the printing device 100 to receive and to its transmitted through the Image processing of the generated Image data, and other order, the status signal.

In the printing unit, the head driver 140 according to the print data, to drive the print head 1. A motor driver 150 for driving the bracket to the motor 11, and the motor driver 160 for driving the conveying motor 13.

(Ink composition)

Now, according to the present embodiment will describe the formation of the ink jet printing apparatus used for the pigment in the ink composition.

Aqueous medium

The ink used in the present invention is preferably the use of an aqueous water medium and the water-soluble organic solvent. Water-soluble ink in the content of the organic solvent of (mass %)preferably from the relative to the total weight of the ink of 3.0% or more high quality of 50.0% or less. The content of the ink in the water (mass %)preferably from the relative to the total weight of the ink of 50.0% the quality or more high to 95.0% or less.

Specifically, the following is dissolved in water can be used as a preferred example of the organic solvent: containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms of the alkyl alcohol, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, propylene glycol, butanol, butanediol, pentanol, pentanediol, hexanol, hexylene glycol, and the like; amides, such as dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, ; alkone or keto-alcohol , such as acetone, diacetone alcohol, and the like; ether, such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like; has 200,300,400, 600, 1000 polyalkylene glycol the average molecular weight of such as, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and the like; with 2 to 6 carbon atoms of alkylene group hydrocarbylidene glycol, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, three weth, 1, 2, 6-tri-hydroxy ethane, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol and the like; a lower alkyl ether acetate, such as polyethylene glycol mono methyl ether acetate, and the like; the lower alkyl ethers of polyols, such as glycerin, ethylene glycol a methyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol methyl (or ethyl) ether, triethylene glycol a methyl (or ethyl) ether and other; N-methyl-butan-2-pyrrolidone ; 2-pyrrolidone; 1, 3-dimethyl-2-imidazole and ketone; and the like. Furthermore, preferably, using deionized water as the water (ion exchange water).

Pigment

Using carbon black or organic pigment as a pigment is preferred. The content of the pigment in the ink (mass %)preferably from the relative to the total weight of the ink of 0.1% or more high quality of 15.0% or less.

For the black ink, such as bottom is preferably used, lamp black , acetylene black, carbon black such as [...] as pigment. Specifically, for example, can use the following product can be obtained on the market: Raven   7000, 5750, 5250, 5000ULTRA, 3500, 2000, 1500, 1250, 1200, 1190ULTRA-II, 1170 and Raven   1255 (all of these are the production of   Chemicals by Columbian);   L   Pearls Black, Regal   330R, Regal400R, Regal   660R, Mogul   L, Monarch   700, 80088, 09001 billion, 1100, 1300, 1400 and Monarch   2000, Valcan   XC-72R (all of these are produced by Cabot);   Black Color   FW1, FW2, FW2V, FW18, FW200, S150, S160 and Color   Black   S170, Printex   35, U, V, 140U, and Printex140V, Special   Black   6, 5,   Black 4A and Special   4 (all of these are produced by Degussa); and No. 25, No.33, No. 40, No.47, No. 52, No.900, No. 2300, MCF -88, MA600, MA7, MA8 and MA100 (all of these were made by the Mitsubishi   Corporation production   Chemical). The new invention can be used for the preparation of the carbon black. It should be understood, the invention is not limited to the example above, the related art can be used in any one of the carbon black. Black ink is not limited to this kind of carbon black. Can be used such as magnetite, ferrite, the magnetic micro-particles, such as, titanium black as a pigment.

Organic pigment can be used as the following is a specific example: water-insoluble azo pigment, such as toluidine red, toluidine maroon, hansa yellow , benzidine yellow, [...] , and the like; water-soluble azo pigment, red if sets up the rope , sea Leo (helio) purplish red, pigment scarlet, permanent red 2B, and the like; a derivative of the from vat dyes, such as (allizarine) alizarin red plain color , indigocarmine ethyltetrahydroanthraquinone (indanthron), such as sorrel thioindigo ; phthalocyanine-based pigment, such as phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine green, etc; quinacridone-based pigment, acridine [...] red, quinacridone magenta, etc.; perylene-based pigment, such as perylene red, perylene scarlet, and the like; tetrazolinones isoindole-based pigment, such as isoindole [...] , such as isoindole [...] ; of imidazolinone-based pigment, such as benzimidazole alkone yellow , benzimidazole alkone orange , such as benzimidazole the alkone is red ; pigment Anthracenone based on skin, such as the skin anthrone is red , orange, skin Anthracenone; indigo-based pigment; based on condensed azo pigment; thioindigo -based pigment; diketone pyrrolo-pyrrole-based pigment; indanthrenes yellow; amide yellow; [...] yellow (Quinophtalone); nickel azo yellow ; copper azomethine yellow; [...] ; anthrone orange ; luen two anthraquinone red (Dianthraquinonyl); two oxazine violet, and the like. It should be understood, the invention is not limited to the above example.

Using color index (C.I. ) To represent an organic pigment, for example, the following can be used. C.I. Pigment yellow 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 24, 74, 83, 86, 93, 97,109, 110,117,120, 125,128,137, 138,147,148, 150,151,153, 154,166,168, 180,185, and the like. C.I. pigment orange 16, 36, 43, 51, 55, 59, 61, 71, and the like. C.I. Pigment red 9, 48, 49, 52, 53, 57, 97,122,123, 149,168,175, 176,177,180, 192,215,216, 217,220,223, 224,226,227, 228,238,240, 254,255,272, and the like. C.I. Pigment violet 19, 23, 29, 30, 37, 40, 50, and the like. C.I. Pigment blue 15, 15:1, 15:3, 15:4, 15 : 6, 22, 60, 64, and the like. C.I. Pigment green 7, 36, and the like. C.I. pigment brown 23, 25, 26, and the like. It should be understood, the invention is not limited to the above example.

Dispersing agent

Can use any kind of dispersing agent in the aqueous medium to disperse the pigment, as long as it is water-soluble resin. In their preferred dispersant has from 1,000 or more high to 30,000 or less, more preferably, from 3,000 or more high to 15,000 or more small weighted average molecular weight. The content of the dispersant in the ink (mass %)preferably from the relative to the total weight of the ink of 0.1% or higher the quality of the 5.0% or less.

Specifically, the following are examples of the dispersing agent can be used as: styrene, ethylene naphthalene , α, β-ethylene unsaturated carboxylic acid to the aliphatic alcohol ester, acrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, acrylamide, and their derivatives as a monomer comprising a polymer. Please note, a polymer of one or more of the monomer is preferably a hydrophilic monomer, and also can use their block copolymers, random copolymer, graft copolymer or salt. Rosin can be used such as, shellack, a natural resin such as starch. Preferably, the resin can be dissolved in an alkali-soluble aqueous solution, in other words, the resin is alkali-soluble.

Surface active agent

Forming ink collection for adjusting the surface tension of the ink, the use of such as an anionic surfactant, non-ionic surface-active agent, amphoteric surface active agent such as surface active agent is preferred. Specifically, can use a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyethylene oxide alkyl phenol, acetylene ethylene glycol mixture, such as acetylene glycol ethylene oxide adduct.

Other ingredients

Outside in addition to the above ingredients, forming ink collection ink can also include such as urea, urea derivatives, trimethylolpropane, three hydroxymethyl ethane and the like, such elongation percentage of solids, in order to water-retaining. Elongation percentage of ink in the content of the solid content (mass %)preferably from the relative to the total weight of the ink of 0.1% or more high quality of 20.0% or less, more preferably, from 3.0% or more high to 10.0% or less. In addition to the ingredients, according to need, to form ink ink collection can also include various additives, such as pH regulator, corrosion inhibitor, antiseptic agent, mildew-proofing agent, antioxidant, anti-reducing agent, evaporation accelerator, and the like.

Next, will be more described specifically in this embodiment the use of ink. Without deviating from the scope of the present invention under the condition of, the invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the description below, unless otherwise stated, the term "parts" and " %" symbol is expressed by mass.

Preparation of resin aqueous solution A

The through the potassium hydroxide with 288 mg of the acid value   KOH/g, 10,000 and a weighted average molecular weight of the monomer component of the styrene/n-butyl acrylate/acrylic acid = 23/37/37 random copolymer neutralized to a equivalent number, then, is prepared through the water, in order to resin into a concentration of 10.0%, of the resin aqueous solution A thus obtained.

Preparation of resin aqueous solution B

Method for preparation of resin aqueous solution B A similar to the resin aqueous solution, in addition to use with 200 mg of the acid value   KOH/g, 10,000 weight average molecular weight of a random copolymer of styrene/acrylic acid to the aqueous solution used for preparing resin replaced with A 288 mg of the acid value   KOH/g, 10,000 and a weighted average molecular weight of the monomer component of the styrene/n-butyl acrylate/acrylic acid = 23/37/37 random copolymer.

Pigment dispersion 1 to 4 preparation of

Pigment dispersion 1 to 4 to prepare by the following steps.

<Including C.I. Pigment red 122 pigment dispersion 1 preparation of >

By using the number of vertical sand grinder, the 10 parts pigment (C.I. Pigment red 122), 20 parts of resin and A aqueous solution 70 parts of ion exchange water mixing and diffusion three hours. Furthermore, through the centrifugal process for removing coarse particles. Furthermore, by having the 3.0   m the size of the aperture of a cellulose acetate filter (by ADVANTEC production) to carry out press, so, obtain containing 10% of the quality of the pigment dispersion of the pigment concentration 1.

<Including C.I. Pigment blue 15:3 pigment dispersion 2 preparation of >

By using the number of vertical sand grinder, the 10 parts pigment (C.I. Pigment blue 15:3), 20 parts of resin and A aqueous solution 70 parts of ion exchange water mixing and diffusion 5 hours. Furthermore, through the centrifugal process for removing coarse particles. Furthermore, by having the 3.0   m the size of the aperture of a cellulose acetate filter (by ADVANTEC production) to carry out press, so, obtain containing 10% of the pigment concentration of the quality of the pigment dispersion 2.

<Including C.I. Pigment yellow 74 of the pigment dispersion 3 preparation of >

By using the number of vertical sand grinder, the 10 parts pigment (C.I. Pigment yellow 74), 20 parts of resin and A aqueous solution 70 parts of ion exchange water mixing and diffusion for one hour. Furthermore, through the centrifugal process for removing coarse particles. Furthermore, by having the 3.0   m the size of the aperture of a cellulose acetate filter (by ADVANTEC production) to carry out press, so, obtain containing 10% of the quality of the pigment dispersion of the pigment concentration 3.

<Including C.I. Pigment black 7 pigment dispersion 4 preparation of >

By using the number of vertical sand grinder, the 10 parts of carbon black pigment (C.I. Pigment black 7), 20 parts of resin and A aqueous solution 70 parts of ion exchange water mixing and diffusion three hours. The periphery of the dispersion speed is set in order to formulate pigment dispersion 1 two times the peripheral speed. Furthermore, through the centrifugal process for removing coarse particles. Furthermore, through having 3.0m the size of the aperture of a cellulose acetate filter (by ADVANTEC production) to carry out press, so, obtain containing 10% of the quality of the pigment dispersion of the pigment concentration 4.

Preparation of transparent ink

Fully mixed and agitation table 1 of the corresponding components shown. Furthermore, by having the 0.8   m the size of the aperture of a cellulose acetate filter (by ADVANTEC production) to acidize the mixture, this preparing color ink 1 to 7 and the transparent ink.

The composition of the transparent ink CL is not limited to the above-mentioned. Transparent ink CL is used for covering the residue on the surface of the paper in order to reduce the pigment colorant ink of presenting Golden light, therefore, if the same beneficial effect can be provided, can be in the resin of the type and resin of different amount.

Table 1

(1st embodiment)

1st embodiment of the present invention can be used for through the use of transparent ink to reduce the Image to be printed and printing the color tone of the color of presenting Golden light the difference of the angle between, in order to inhibit the color and of presenting Golden light of the difference between the original printing the color caused by the degradation of the Image quality of printing. Specifically, the color conversion definition in the content of the table, so that the transparent ink data value is determined, so that the hue angle relative to each of the ink of a color value of the most small.

Figure 7 is the block diagram of in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention of the host device and the ink spurts the type printing apparatus used for Image processing in the configuration of the. Figure 7 of the apparatus of the host computer are shown as the application on the personal computer (PC) 901. RGB (each having 8 bits, i.e., a total of 24 bit) Image data is from the application 901 is input to the color correcting unit 902. The color correcting unit 902 of the input RGB data conversion for different R ',' and B ' data G, and major implementation will be from the RGB color gamut conversion data reproduction can be reproduced by the printing device for the processing of the color gamut. Usually through the use of three-dimensional LUT (lookup table) and interpolation operation conversion processing is performed. According to the color correction type, to prepare a plurality of types of LUT table content, in order to through the selection of the user setting or application of, or is properly chosen, the table LUT. For example, when a request to the output Image, using optical types of LUT, when the request output of graphic images, the selected pattern types of LUT.

From the color correction unit 902 the output R ', G' , B ' of the 24 bits of data is input into the color conversion unit 903, wherein R ', G' , B ' data (color signal) is converted into the printing equipment the ink spurts the type use in the color of the ink (ink color signal) data. In this embodiment, ink color data includes eight color: C, M, Y, LC, LM, K, and Gy CL. The output of the color conversion unit of each color 8-bit output data signal, i.e., a total of eight colors 64-bit output data. According to the present invention will be described one embodiment of the color conversion unit used in the contents of the conversion table.

The half-tone processing unit 904 each of the received color (8 bits = 256 levels) of the multi-level signal, such as error diffusion, the implementation of the pseudo-halftone processing, to the multi-level data conversion is less than 256 levels of N-level data. N each one color level is of the value of the two to four bits, for example, such as approximately 3 to 16 levels. In this embodiment, five level N level is, however, the invention is not only limited to this. It is obvious, for example, level N can be converted to binary.

The apparatus of the host computer as described above is provided in the processing unit, the printing apparatus is provided in the processing unit will be described below. Specifically, in the printing unit, the print buffer 905 to be subjected to halftone processing is stored from the host computer device (PC) and the transmission of each of the ink colors N-level data. Point pattern developing unit 906 by selecting the stored in the print buffer 905 N level data in corresponding to that of the value of the pattern-point arrangement, the arrangement of the and according to the selected to obtain point data (binary data). Figure 8 shows a pattern-point arrangement. As shown in Figure 8, according to the pattern is point arrangement by the received 5 levels of data from zero to four of the five value (level) determined. Specifically, for 2 pixel × 2 pixel, described in each of the above identified in five levels of printing point ("1 the [...] , filling triad pixel) and non-printing spot (" 0 the [...] , white pixel). Furthermore, for example, if N= 3, the selecting to level 3 the arrangement pattern, in order to obtain three dot is printed and a non-dot is printed as a 2 pixel × 2 pixel of the print data.

The mask processing unit 907 to produce in a multi-pass printing in the printing data, wherein the multi-pass print head in a printing area scanning the same, in order to complete the printing of the print area. Specifically, the pattern (thinning) changes sparse (hereinafter referred to as "mask pattern") to carry out the same area of the print data is divided into corresponding respectively to the plurality of times of scanning processing of the data item. Figure 9 is the diagram of an example of pattern of mask. Fig. 9 shown an example of the mask pattern of the four pass of said multi-pass printing mask pattern, wherein the fourth scanning in the completion of the printing. In the mask pattern, a corresponding pixel of the mask printing data to be opened through the black point indicated, and of a corresponding print data of the pixel is turned off through the mask to said hammer. The pixel length direction and width direction with 768 pixel × 768 pixel dimension, wherein the length direction corresponding to the direction of the nozzle array of the printhead, and of a width corresponding to the direction of the scanning direction of the print head. The length direction of the 768 pixel dimension corresponding to the quantity of the nozzle, in other words, the printing head 768 nozzle. As shown in Figure 9 is shown by a dashed line in the, the length direction of the 768 pixel dimension is divided into four 192 pixel dimension, resulting in one to four each other a complementary to the mask pattern. In this example, in from one to four passes in the mask pattern, is opened as the mask printing data of the pixel is substantially equal to the ratio of the load, in other words, approximately 25% load.

Figure 10 is the diagram of use chart 9 is shown by the mask pattern of the multi-pass printing operation. Figure 10 shows the print head 1201 to 1204 (in this Figure, in order to simplify the, through the use of a printing head to describe one color). In Figure 10 in, when carrying out the four passes of the multi-pass printing, the print head in accordance with the corresponding to one quarter of the of the nozzle array of the nozzle pitch, on the basis of the scan to convey the printing paper according to the sequence, wherein the position of the print head relative to the printing paper with a region of the mobile. Figure 10 is the mask membrane chart of corresponding to the print head of the print head relative to the parallel with the movement of the nozzle array on the case of 1205 to 1209. Focus on the print area is about to be completed printing (Figure 10 the shadow area in), 1st times scanning in the (1st pass; N+ 1 pass), the mask pattern based on the area of the 1st pass variable thinning print data, printing is performed (see Figure 9). Furthermore, in the scanning in the 2nd (2nd pass; N+ 2 pass), the mask pattern based on the area of the 2nd pass variable thinning of the print data, with respect to the 1st pass through the use of spray nozzle in the nozzle pitch of the mobile a quarter of the nozzle, to carry out printing. From then on, a similar implementation of the 3rd and 4th time the scanning scanning in order to finish printing.

Next, according to the present invention will describe the embodiment of 1st and of presenting Golden light according to printing the color hue difference between the color, use transparent ink of the color conversion table.

First of all, will describe only when the printing using the color ink (in other words, unless the processing ink other than black) printing when printing the color of the material and the relationship between the color of presenting Golden light. Figure 11A and Figure 11B is the diagram of the fig. 2 described in the measuring system measures the printing of color of presenting Golden light of the material and printing the color of the example of the relationship between. Specifically, graph 11A and 11B A shown are (0, 64, 64), B (64, 0, 64), C (64, 64, 0) of the input signal (R, G, B) in the color of each of the (a*, b*), tone (θs, θd) and (θ s-d) hue difference. C A input signal is mainly used in the color ink is black and grey ink, in addition, the signal A (0, 64, 64) in the cyan ink, the signal B (64, 0, 64) in the magenta ink, the signal C (64, 64, 0) in the yellow ink.

As shown in Figure 11A illustrated, the signal C (64, 64, 0) under the condition of, θd= 88 of printing the color tone is, the tone color of presenting Golden light is θs= 80, so that the both display yellow. Their difference between the hue angle (the hue difference) is Δθ s-d = 8. On the other hand, the signal A (0, 64, 64) under the condition of, printing the color hue is cyan θd= 226, however, the tone color of presenting Golden light is magenta θs= 17, so that the hue angle difference is between Δθ s-d = 151. As can be seen from the above, signal A (0, 64, 64) is greater than the signal of the hue difference in C (64, 64, 0) of the hue difference in. If the print color and of presenting Golden light of such between the color tone difference is large, it will be perceived of as the undesirable color of presenting Golden light. Specifically, in the signal A (0, 64, 64), the saturation of the color of presenting Golden light is greater than the signal C*_s C (64, 64, 0) the intensity of the in, so that the undesirable of presenting Golden optical the color becomes obvious.

As described above, color ink color of presenting Golden light depends on the type and is responsive to the input signal value of the amount of ink used. Showing the visual Image quality of the tone of the color of presenting Golden light C*_s and degree of saturation of the θ s, and of the hue difference with printing the color Δθ s-d the tendency of the change.

Next, will be described, but also when using a transparent color ink when printing the ink comes implementation of a sheet of material and printing the color relations between the color of presenting Golden light.

Figure 12 is the chart of the transparent ink color of presenting Golden light relative to the amount of the change. As shown in Figure 12, when the when plotted in a clockwise direction, as in the color ink for printing on the increase of the amount of transparent ink, the color of presenting Golden light from only the color ink (in Figure 12 in, black circle) of presenting Golden optical color change occurred.

Figure 13A to 13D shows the color of presenting Golden light of the use of the transparent ink of the reasons for the change of. Figure 13A shown the color ink from the surface of the the state of specular reflection of the light. In order to simplify the description, the color ink is omitted from the surface of the printing medium of the reflected light. On the other hand, Figure 13B shown in the color ink of uniformly printing transparent ink. In this case, from the transparent ink existence of 1001 light reflected on the surface of 1003, and passes through the transparent ink layer 1001, then cyan ink from 1002 surface reflection, then from the transparent ink layer 1001 emitted light 1004. Because the light 1004 passes through the transparent ink layer 1001, therefore light 1004 than the optical path length 1003 long optical path length of the quantity of such. Based on the difference of the optical path length of the phase shift of the light of a so-called interference, wherein other certain wavelength to increase or decrease the intensity of the each other, lead to different of presenting Golden light color. If changes in the amount of transparent ink, the color ink coverage of ink be transparent and covered the thickness of the transparent layer will also change (see Figure 13C and Figure 13D). As a result, interference state change, lead to changes of the color of presenting Golden light.

Therefore, in the present invention in the 1st embodiment, the use of transparent ink to control amount of color of presenting Golden light, in order to reduce color and of presenting Golden light relative to the input printing the color hue difference of the signal value, so as to prevent the phenomenon of presenting Golden light reducing Image quality.

Figure 14A to Figure 14C is the Figure of according to the embodiment of the feature of the color conversion table, which comprises an input signal value is shown the consumption of the ink and the relationship between the content of the color conversion table. Figure 14A is the diagram of the use of color ink without using the transparent ink of the prior art of an example of the color conversion table, in order to and in this embodiment of a color conversion table. Figure 14A the ink color data showing the relationship between the output value of the, shown relative to the value of the input signal R through ', G' , B ' corresponding cyan (0,255,255), magenta (255, 0,255) and yellow (255,255, 0) of the line (HAWT) of the corresponding color on the amount of the ink (axis of ordinates). In the actual content of the table, the data relates to the ink colors cyan (0,255,255), magenta (255, 0,255) and yellow (255,255, 0) of the grid point. When the input signal value corresponding to the color of the between the lattice points, determined by interpolation of the color data output value of the color of the ink.

Figure 14B is the Figure of when the in Figure 14A shown only of the color conversion table of the color ink, the amount of the transparent ink (CL amount) is set to X (%), i.e., X= constant, regardless of the input signal value is the contents of a color conversion table.

Figure 15 is the chart of when the with Figure 14B CL shown the normal number of color conversion table is used for the material of the printing when printing of presenting Golden light color of the on. Figure 15 is the case, using the picture of the constant amount of the transparent ink is set to be X = 0%, 5%, 10%, the [...] , 40% of every kind of 14B color conversion table shown based on the input signal value D (0,255,255), E (255, 0,255) and F (255,255, 0) and transparent color ink corresponding to the output value of the ink when printing and printing the color implementation of presenting Golden light color of the hue difference between. Here, as an example, assume that the hue difference is the range of a target value of Δθ s-d Δθ s-d ≤ 30. The hue difference value Δθ s-d it is difficult to detect the different of presenting Golden light color to the value of the deterioration of an Image quality, and and equal to or less than a predetermined value, specifically, preferably equal to or less than 90 degrees, specifically, equal to or less than 30 to 40 degrees. In this case, preferably, the amount of the transparent ink is equal to or less than 40%, because the printing medium depends on the type of the printing medium about the absorption of the failure of the transparent ink.

As shown in Figure 15, when the transparent ink consumption is 0%, (in Figure 14A shown only use of the color of the ink under the condition of this table face color print), and corresponding to the input signal value of the color D, E, every kind of F of the hue difference outside Δθ s-d beyond the target range. However, can pass when the color D (0,255,255) from 15% to 20% range, on color E (255, 0,255) from 15% to 35% in the range of, on color F (255,255, 0) from the 5% to 30% the use of transparent when Mexico the scope of the implementation of printing, to make the corresponding to the each input signal value of the color of the hue difference within Δθ s-d fall into the target range.

In this embodiment, in fig. 15 in the relationship shown, the amount of the transparent ink and is disposed so that corresponding to the input signal value of each of the colors of the hue difference become minimum Δθ s-d. As shown in Figure 15, of the hue difference realize the minimum Δθ s-d according to the amount of the transparent ink used for corresponding to the input signal value of the usage amount of color ink of the color change. For example, for color D (0,255,255), the minimum of the hue difference acquired Δθ s-d the amount of the transparent ink is 15%, however, for color E (255, 0,255), it is 25%, the color F (255,255, 0), it is 20%. Color E and F D than color (0,255,255) greater transparent ink amount.

To solve this problem, this embodiment using such a color conversion table, wherein the transparent ink consumption of said louver by the input signal with a color of different between another color. Specifically, the color conversion table lattice points is shown of each of the color, the hue difference determined Δθ s-d Δθ s-d ≤ 30 fall into the target range of the minimum amount of the ink. Therefore, the amount of set up includes determining the output value corresponding to the determined and the consumption of the ink color data of the color conversion table. Implementation of such relations color conversion, in order to color identification of presenting Golden light is close to the color of the printing the color. As a result, reduces the undesirable of presenting Golden light, make it possible to inhibit the degradation of the Image quality.

In the above example, the value by the input signal of each of the colors is arranged to realize the minimum of the hue difference of the amount of transparent ink Δθ s-d, however, the invention is not only limited in this regard. For example, usage can be determined to make the hue difference in the picture Δθ s-d 15 described in the within the range of the target value, and the amount of the transparent ink becomes X % minimum. For example, in fig. 15 in the example shown in the, Δθ s-d ≤ 30 when the target value is the range of the time, the value of the input signal X % color D (0,255,255) is 15%, for the color E (255, 0,255) is 15%, for the color F (255,255, 0) is 5%. Alternatively, assume that as a can further reduce the amount of transparent ink, of the required value of range is Δθ s-d ≤ 40. Furthermore, on color X % D (0,255,255) is 15%, for the color E (255, 0,255) is 10%, the color F (255,255, 0) is 5%.

Next, will be described using the color conversion table in the embodiment of the printing method. In order to achieve as shown in Figure 13B shown in transparent ink coverage of the state of the color ink, in accordance with the embodiment of the printing, the completion of the color ink after printing using the transparent ink.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10 described, through the multi-path printing of the next to perform a printing process, wherein an Image area of the same to perform a plurality of scanning, in order to complete the printing of the Image area. Specifically, for the Image data is partitioned into a plurality of sub-scanning the mask pattern, is a color ink and the transparent ink using a different mask pattern, the print color ink in the transparent ink after printing.

Figure 16A and 16B are respectively shown the color of the ink used for printing the example of the mask pattern used for printing and transparent ink of the example of the mask pattern. Each of the mask pattern is used for a four pass multi-pass printing pattern. Figure 16A shown by the color ink is used for the mask film pattern to 1st and 2nd is completed in time to the print pattern. Specifically, wherein the print data is opened the ratio of mask pixels (load) is the 1st pass 50%, is in the 2nd pass 50%, in the 3rd and 4th Avenue is 0%. On the other hand, Figure 16B shown mask film pattern of the transparent ink is used for the finish to 2nd to 3rd, and the printing pattern. Specifically, wherein the print data is opened the ratio of mask pixels (load) in the 1st and 2nd pass together is 0%, in the 3rd Avenue is 50%, and in the 4th path is 50%.

Figure 17A and 18A shows the use chart 16A and 16B shown of the mask of the multi-pass printing operation. Specifically, the position of the print head are shown wherein each time-based scanning (git) relative to the printing paper with a region of the state of moving, and associated with a printing head the mask pattern.

As shown in Figure 17A shown, in the 1st (N+ 1) passes, based on the pattern by the mask 2105 the region of the print data of the print data generated by the changes sparse , for color of the ink from the nozzle array on the print medium the predetermined printing region 2109 ejecting ink, in order to perform printing. The completion of a time after scanning, the printing medium is conveyed distance between corresponding to the nozzle array × 1/4 (nozzle array the number of the nozzle) amount. Furthermore, in the 2nd (N+ 2) pass, through the mask pattern based on the 2106 the region of the print data of the print data generated by the changes sparse , for color of the ink from the nozzle array on the printing medium with a predetermined printing region 2109 ejecting ink, in order to perform printing.

The completion of the color ink after printing, in a manner similar to the above-mentioned conveying the printing medium. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17B shown, in the 3rd (N+ 3) pass, through the mask pattern based on the 2107 the region of the print data of the print data generated by the changes sparse , for transparent ink from the nozzle array on the print medium the predetermined printing region 2109 injecting transparent ink, in order to perform printing. Similarly, in the 4th (N+ 4) passes, through the mask pattern based on the 2108 the region of the print data of the print data generated by the changes sparse , for transparent ink from the nozzle array on the print medium the predetermined printing region 2109 injecting transparent ink, in order to perform printing.

In this way, in the former half, in the two time to print color ink, then, the two half of the time after printing a transparent ink. As a result, in the color ink is after fixing on a printing medium, transparent ink may be printed on the color ink, thus makes it possible to utilize as the 2nd layer of transparent ink layer to cover the color ink as the 1st layer, as shown in Figure 13B shown, in other words, to form a film so that the resin covers the color material.

In the Image in this printing, printing the implementation of the measuring light source of the measurement of the material, the specular reflection light in a reflected light of the measuring in the printing color and as the reflected light of the reflected light in the measurement of the printing colors between colors of presenting Golden light, L*a*b * of the hue difference in the space is equal to or less than 90 degrees. Can be formed to include a sheet of material using cyan ink 1st layer with the 1st 1st portion and is formed at a position separated from the gray ink is formed by using the 1st layer 2nd part of. Printing the material ideal at 1st and 2nd part has 90 degrees or more small hue difference. Printing in the material of the 1st and 2nd contact each other part can include the respective 1st layer, with covering contact with each other and the respective 1st layer 2nd layer a common.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the use is according to the input signal value of the amount of transparent ink color conversion table. As a result, reduces the color and of presenting Golden light of printing the color of the difference between the detection of the in that of presenting Golden optical, thereby suppressing the Image quality degradation.

(2nd embodiment)

In the 1st embodiment, the printing of the material used for reducing color and of presenting Golden light of printing the color of the hue difference between the color conversion table Δθ s-d, in order to alleviate the undesirable detection of presenting Golden of the light. However, when expressed by the input signal value is the color of the ash line (shaft) or close to the ash line of the color of low saturation is in the area, the saturation of the color of presenting Golden light and of presenting Golden light than printing the color hue difference between the color that is easier for the degradation of the Image quality. In view of this, when the value of the input signal that is the color of the color of low saturation is in the area (in this case, printing the color of low saturation is also shown), 2nd embodiment of this invention for reducing use of presenting Golden optical color saturation of a color-conversion table C *, and non-printing the color and of presenting Golden light Δθ a-b hue difference between the color of the color conversion table. On the other hand, with regard to the color of high-saturation region, the described in the 1st example of the characteristic of the color conversion table. Specifically, in this embodiment, the use of the ash line is described as a low-saturation region of the color conversion table. It should be noted that, a predetermined low saturation region can be defined as gray lines as described above and of an area in the vicinity of the ash line, and the level of the surrounding region can be defined as, for example, by printing the acquired actual implementation of presenting Golden light color is aware of the range of undesirable.

Figure 18A and Figure 18B is the diagram of the transparent ink color of presenting Golden light caused by the change of the saturation of the light color of presenting Golden and reduced. Specifically, when the is shown by the input signal value in the ash line of the color from the white point W (255,255,255) K into black spots (0, 0, 0) when the change of the color of presenting Golden light.

Wherein Figure 18A shows that when not using transparent when Mexico a*b * plane (color) in the upper position of the ash line color of presenting Golden light. As shown in Figure 18A illustrated, at its top only of the color ink is printed on a sheet of material located at substantially a* color of presenting Golden light > 0 and b* > 0 regional. This is because the ash line is mainly used on a black ink and grey ink container has resulted in the occurrence of the tone on a sheet of material from yellow to orange of the attribute of the phenomenon of presenting Golden light. Figure 18B is the diagram of the ash line of the saturation of the color of presenting Golden light, wherein the are respectively shown the amount of the transparent ink is set to be 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the saturation. Wherein the black triangle symbols through the connection of the solid-line showing of the ash on the line of saturation of presenting Golden light color of the transparent ink without using C*_s (0%)situation. In this case, is not able to meet the C*_s≤ 10, this is the color of presenting Golden light will not be percieved as the undesirable C*_s≤ 10 with the saturation of the range of the target value.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 18B dotted line in (10%)is shown, using transparent ink lead to the reducing of the intensity of presenting Golden light. Furthermore, the amount of the transparent ink is 20% to 40% is, the saturation of the of presenting Golden light can be reduced, in order to measure the range of up to a target value. In this embodiment, gray lines in the amount of the transparent ink is determined within the range of goal, in order to reduce the amount of transparent ink, this will be reflected in the color conversion table. The white point W, the amount of the transparent ink is set to zero, because the phenomenon of presenting Golden light will not be produced by the color ink.

Figure 19 is the plan of according to the embodiment of the color-conversion table, specifically, of the ash line is shown on the color of the color of the consumption of ink and the transparent ink. As shown in Figure 19, according to the embodiment of the color conversion table is basically the use of black ink (K) and grey ink (Gy) for reproducing the color of the ash line. Such as the reference view 18B of the description, transparent ink is further used for when printing the color of the ash line reduced when the saturation of the color of presenting Golden light C*. This makes it possible to prevent the printing light of presenting Golden of material is caused by the degradation of the Image quality is not easy to be aware of. Similar to the embodiment of Figure in the 1st 17A and 17B of in the manner described, from the color conversion table is performed based on the obtained printing operation of the print data.

In the above example, description of the ash line of the color of the color conversion table. However, ash-line and close to the predetermined low saturation perpendicularity can be set to the area in front of the color conversion table described. This makes it possible to provide the color of presenting Golden light advantageously reduce the print material.

(3rd embodiment)

Next, describing the 3rd embodiment of the present invention. In addition this invention will describe below the characteristic of the things other than the 1st or 2nd embodiment of the same. In the 3rd embodiment of the invention, consider a plurality of input signal value between that of the color of the color of presenting Golden light (θ 1s, subsidence 2s) relationship of the tone, color conversion table is set up in order to make the color of the hue difference of presenting Golden light (Δθ 1s-2s) reduce.

Around in the maximum darkness in the low luminance area, if the area of a plurality of printing the color of presenting Golden light color are different from each other, the Image quality degradation may be aware of is not that of presenting Golden light.

To solve this problem, this embodiment is provided for reducing the maximum opacity (i.e., by the input signal value of the black spots K (0, 0, 0)) of the material in the printing of color and of presenting Golden light by the input signal value I (said color around the maximum darkness) expressed the printing of color of presenting Golden light of the material of the hue difference between the color conversion table (Δθ Is-Ks). In this embodiment, first of all, the low brightness area is the assumption that R ', G' , B 'input signal value is R' ≤ 64 or G '≤ 64 or B' ≤ 64 area. With regard to the regions outside the area of low luminance, the 1st or 2nd set up and include described in the embodiment of the color of the content of the conversion table. However, in this embodiment, when the above-defined low-brightness area corresponds to the embodiment of the described in the 2nd low saturation area, the ash line (wherein R 'G' B ' input signal value equal line) corresponding to the area of the outside will be described according to the embodiment of the content of the color conversion table.

Figure 20 is the Figure of a*b * according to the present embodiment of the input signal value on the plane of and of presenting Golden light color of the black spots. Specifically, the black spots by the input signal value and K (0, 0, 0) the color B expressed by (64, 0, 0) and C (0, 0, 64) of the color of presenting Golden light. In Figure 20 in, diamond symbols to indicate when the transparent ink for black spots CL K the consumption of the (0, 0, 0) is set to 20% of the color of presenting Golden light. On the other hand, square symbol representing when the transparent ink CL on color C the consumption of the (0, 0, 64) is set to 0% and 20% of the color of presenting Golden light. Color of presenting Golden light when the color tone of the amount of transparent ink CL is set to 0% and 20% does not have very great between different from each other.

On the other hand, in Figure 20 a round symbols to indicate when the transparent ink CL by the input signal for the amount of the color of the said louver B (64, 0, 0) is set to 0%, 15% and 20% of the color of presenting Golden light. Under the condition of a color B, in Figure 20 can be seen, the color of presenting Golden light transparent ink according to the variation in color tone of the larger amount of usage. In this embodiment, color conversion table is set up in order to make to B (64, 0, 0), the amount of the transparent ink CL is set to be 15%, in order to make such a color close to black spots K (0, 0, 0) of the tone color of presenting Golden light.

In this way, the amount of the transparent ink [...] is determined in order to make the printing of color and of presenting Golden light of the material by the black spots that the input signal value around the printing of the color of the material between the of presenting Golden light color tone difference is small. As a result, by can be suppressed in the vicinity of the maximum darkness of presenting Golden light lead to the degradation of the Image quality.

(4th embodiment)

4th embodiment of the present invention relates to a printing color ink and the transparent ink method, and relates to a printing ink with a time, to replace such as the described in the 1st embodiment in different passes of the print color ink and the transparent ink method. In addition to the characteristic of the printing method for things other than the 1st embodiment of the same. In the 1st embodiment, the color ink is used for printing the git transparent ink is used for printing is completely separated from the pass. However, the completely separate in the method of the time, the color of the ink used for reduction in the number of passes, so that the beneficial effect of multi-channel time, in other words, by the conveying error and reduce the injection failure and the effect of the change of the strips, may be lost. To avoid this, in this embodiment, through the four lines of time under the condition of completion of the printing, mask pattern is determined so that for the load of the color ink in the 1st pass into 40%, in the 2nd pass to 30%, to the 3rd Avenue 20%, to the 4th Avenue 10%. Furthermore, the load of the used in the transparent ink in the 1st pass into 10%, in the 2nd pass 20%, to the 3rd to 30%, to the 4th Avenue 40%.

Figure 21 is the schematic view of a sheet of material of the color ink on the surface of and the state of the transparent layer. Figure 13B is the printing state, the Image of the color ink is used for printing with the 1st embodiment of the transparent ink is used for printing of the split together 21 and shows that when a 4th embodiment of the print in the same pass and transparent color ink printing state when Mexico. In Figure 13B in the state of, color ink is separated and transparent ink, in other words, color material and the resin is separated, in order to form the laminated structure. However, Figure 21 the layer shown 1005 to mixed mode includes a color material and resin. In Figure 21 the state of the color material in the coverage of the covering by resin is lower than the Figure 13B circumstances. However, color material is partially covers, transparent ink in order to print the color of presenting Golden light can be changed.

As described above, in the manner of overlapping print in the same pass and transparent color ink of ink mask-pattern printing method, although the in 1st compared with the case of the embodiment, the color of presenting Golden light to the change of the amount of transparent ink, but can control the reduction of of presenting Golden light. In addition in this example in the printing of the Image, these performs printing with the measuring light source under the condition of measurement of the material, the specular reflection light in a reflected light of the measuring in the printing color and as the reflected light of the reflected light in the measurement of the printing colors between colors of presenting Golden light, L*a*b * of the hue difference in the space is equal to or less than 90 degrees.

Furthermore, also in this embodiment the printing of the Image, can be formed to include a sheet of material such as cyan ink and the transparent ink formed of a mixture of part of the 1st 1st and the separated position of the part and for example, in the form of grey ink and the transparent ink formed of a mixture of part of the 2nd.

(5th embodiment)

5th embodiment of the present invention relates to a marking of presenting Golden light color of the method, wherein the embodiment is different from the 1st, from a plurality of directions on the incident to the printing material from the printing material after the reflected light, specular reflection light measurements include the reflected light of the reflected light of the reflected light and there is no mirror surface, in order to confirm color and printing the color of presenting Golden light. In addition to this the evaluation method for things other than the 1st embodiment of the same.

1st embodiment relates to measuring as from the printing material into a single direction, then the reflected light of the light reflected by the method, as a method of presenting Golden light color of the label, as shown in Figure 1. However, observing printing of the office environment of the material such as is usually, wherein incident light from various directions to the printing material. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, from a plurality of directions on the incident to the printing material and then reflection of the reflected light, the reflected light of the reflected light measurement of the specular reflection light which does not include B ' the reflected light. Includes a mirror surface of the reflected light based on the result of the measurement of the reflected light, the identification of presenting Golden light color, and on the basis of the reflected light includes a mirror surface not the result of the measurement of the reflected light, the label printing color.

Figure 22A and Figure 22B is the diagram of the embodiment of the measuring system, the diagrammatically shown by Konica-Minolta Company (Konica   Minolta   Corp. ) Produced by the photometric color examining count, the spectrum of the (integral ball type). Figure 22A is the state, and the diagram of detection of the reflected light of the reflected light includes a mirror surface 22B shown having a light trap and detecting the reflected light of the state of specular reflection light. According to the measurement by the measuring system for obtaining of the spectral intensity of the light, through the use of the described in the 1st example of the method for calculating the attributes of presenting Golden light, includes a mirror surface of the reflected light to determine the intensity of the reflected light C*_s 'and tone θs' , not the reflected light and the intensity of the specular reflection light C*_d 'and tone θd'.

Through the use of the measuring device based on the obtained degree of saturation and hue, such as in under the condition of 1st embodiment, the consumption of the arrangement of the transparent ink, in order to make the color and of presenting Golden light by the input signal value between that of printing the color tone difference is small, so as to obtain color conversion table.

When the embodiment is applied to the measured value of the 2nd embodiment of the color conversion table in the same, by the input signal value on the color of the said, the print color saturation C*_d 'and the saturation of the light color C*_s of presenting Golden' is determined in the measurement results of the embodiment. Furthermore, the consumption of the arrangement of the transparent ink, in order to reduce the saturation of the printing the color C*_d 'and determining in the printing the color saturation of the light color C*_s of presenting Golden' the difference between.

In the printing of the material in the actual observation, observation includes a mirror surface by the reflected light of the reflected light and specular reflection light of the reflected light of the reflected light generated by the mixture. Therefore, for example, in order to print the material of the visual color and the consistency of the actual color, the reflected light to the intensity of the specular reflection light C*_s the value of ' can be of the weight specified.

(Other embodiment)

In the 1st to the 4th embodiment, maps in the apparatus of the host computer 7 shown a processing unit of the Image until the half-tone processing unit 904, and the printing apparatus the ink spurts the type disposed in the rest of the processing unit. However, in the printing apparatus the ink spurts the type refers to color conversion unit of the present invention the processing unit 903 and the. Alternatively, can be in a host device or in a printing device configuration until the mask processing unit 907 for Image processing of all of the processing unit. As for the form of the apparatus and of the host computer in the printing unit the ink spurts the type any one form, the Image processing unit.

In the 1st to the 4th embodiment, using the containing resin but does not include the transparent color material is ink. However, ink does not necessarily need to be limited to the ink containing no color material. In includes a generally used in cyan system in the color ink, magenta system and grey system in gray level of the ink supply system, can be added to the color ink in the resin, thus the use of color ink to replace the transparent ink. In the present specification, the ink is called processing ink, comprising a transparent ink. However, if the use of other tone, the implementation of this invention, such as the color of the color ink is a lower concentration of the material, such as adjust the ink consumption of the various adjustments, including a large number of resin in order to prevent the color of the color ink color reproduction of the original material.

Color material of the ink is not limited to pigment, and can use the dye as a color material.

Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by performing the following processing. In other words, through the network or the various recording medium to the system or apparatus of the embodiment to realize the function of the software (program), then, the computer system or apparatus (or CPU, such as MPU) reading program in order to carry out the processing.

Although an exemplary embodiment has been reference to the present invention are described, but it should be understood, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claim should have the most broad interpretation, so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.