Ink-jet image-forming method and image-forming apparatus
AssigneeSharp Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorsYoshio Kanayama, Kenji Tanaka
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ink-jet image-forming method having the steps of: setting image areas, each having a predetermined range, in association with respective dots, and calculating a black dot area rate representing the density of dots formed in each image area. In the case when, among these dots, a group of high-density dots corresponding to image areas in which the black dot area rate is greater than a predetermined value are printed, slow-drying ink and quick-drying ink are used. In the case when dots having a black dot area rate smaller than the predetermined value are printed, the slow-drying ink is used. Thus, it is possible to shorten the ink drying time, and also to prevent degradation in the image quality.
Claims44
An ink-jet image-forming method, wherein dots are formed by using a slow-drying ink having a comparatively long drying time and a quick-drying ink having a comparatively short drying time so that the dots form an image, comprising the steps of:
- discriminating a density of dots in an image area within a predetermined range based upon image data;
- and
- based upon the results of the discrimination, making a selection between slow-drying ink and quick-drying ink so as to form a dot.
An ink-jet image-forming apparatus, which forms dots by using a slow-drying ink having a comparatively long drying time and a quick-drying ink having a comparatively short drying time so that the dots form an image, comprising:
- calculation means which, upon forming a dot, calculates a dot area rate that represents a density of the dots formed within a predetermined area for the dot, and
- discrimination means which, based upon the dot area rate, selects ink to be used from the slow-drying ink and the quick-drying ink.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.