Patent ID: 7044593

Claim:
An ink-jet recording device, comprising: (a) detector means for detecting a type of a recording medium by identifying information pertaining to an optical reflectance of a substrate of the recording medium that provides a basis for choosing an optimal treatment agent for forming an ink receiving layer on the recording medium; (b) a pre-print controller for choosing an optimal treatment agent for forming an ink receiving layer on the recording medium on the basis of the information provided by the detector means as to the substrate; (c) a pre-print head for discharging onto the recording medium the optimal treatment agent chosen by the pre-print controller; (d) an ink jet head for discharging an ink onto the recording medium atop the optimal treatment agent; (e) a post-print controller for choosing an optimal overcoat liquid on the basis of information provided by the detector means as to the type of the recording medium; and (f) a post-print head for discharging onto the recording medium atop the ink the optimal overcoat liquid chosen by the post-print controller.