JP7103889B2 - Printing equipment and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

Conventionally, an inkjet printer, which is a printing device that prints by an inkjet method, has been widely used. Further, as a configuration of an inkjet printer, a serial type configuration in which an inkjet head performs a main scanning operation (scanning operation) is widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-11121

When printing is performed by the serial method, the area facing the inkjet head in the medium (media) to be printed is sequentially changed by causing the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation between the main scanning operations. In the sub-scanning operation, for example, the inkjet head is moved relative to the medium by transporting the medium by the transport amount (feed amount) determined according to the number of passes set as the printing condition.

Further, in the sub-scanning operation, for various reasons, an error may occur in the sub-scanning movement amount (for example, the transport amount of the medium), which is the distance for moving the inkjet head relative to the medium during the sub-scanning operation. be. When such an error occurs, an unintended striped pattern (banding) may occur in the print result, and the print quality may deteriorate. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount, rather than simply setting it according to the number of passes.

Regarding this point, for example, if the number of passes that can be set in the inkjet printer is limited to several types, a parameter for correction is prepared in advance for each sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each settable number of passes. It is conceivable to do. However, in recent years, due to the sophistication and diversification of performance required for inkjet printers, the number of types of paths that can be set may become extremely large. More specifically, for example, when using a function such as MAPS (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) installed in an inkjet printer manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., various pass numbers including non-integers are set. .. In such a case, if a correction parameter is prepared in advance for each sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each settable number of passes, the required correction parameter may become extremely large.

Therefore, conventionally, in a printing apparatus in which an inkjet head performs a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation, it has been desired to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of solving the above problems.

When trying to correct the sub-scanning movement amount using only a smaller number of correction parameters, for example, a correction parameter for a predetermined printing condition is prepared as a standard parameter for other printing. When the conditions are used, it is conceivable to adjust the parameters for correction according to the difference in the printing conditions (for example, the difference in the number of passes). However, in the case of actual printing, in order to perform higher quality printing, it may be preferable to actually check the print result and set the parameters for correction. In such a case, it is preferable to make it possible to set a new correction parameter while taking advantage of the configuration for adjusting the correction parameter.

On the other hand, according to diligent research, the inventor of the present application has conducted a correction value (input correction value) input by a user's instruction (for example, manual input) as at least a part of the parameters used for correcting the sub-scanning movement amount. I thought about using. Further, as such an input correction value, if a value indicating the distance for changing the sub-scanning movement amount in the printing conditions at the time of input is used as it is, and the printing conditions are changed after that, the input is input first. We considered adjusting the input correction value according to changes in printing conditions. With this configuration, for example, when actually checking the print result and setting the parameters for correction, the input correction value can be easily and appropriately input. Further, for example, even when the printing conditions are changed after that, the input correction value can be appropriately adjusted according to the changed printing conditions. Further, this makes it possible to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount in, for example, a printing apparatus in which the inkjet head performs the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation.

In addition, the inventor of the present application has found the features necessary for obtaining such an effect through further diligent research, and has reached the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a printing apparatus that prints on a medium, the inkjet head that ejects ink to the medium, and the medium in a preset main scanning direction. A main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relatively, and a sub-scanning operation that moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. A movement amount setting that sets a sub-scanning drive unit that causes the ink jet head to move the ink head, and a sub-scanning movement amount that is a distance for moving the ink jet head in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium in the sub-scanning operation. A unit and an input unit for inputting an input correction value input to the movement amount setting unit as a correction value used for correcting the sub-scanning movement amount to the movement amount setting unit are provided, and the movement amount setting unit prints. The sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the basic movement amount, which is the basic movement amount set according to the conditions of, and the input correction value input by the input unit, and the input unit uses the input unit. As the correction value, a value indicating a distance for increasing or decreasing the sub-scanning movement amount under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the input correction value is input, and when the input correction value is newly input, the above-mentioned The movement amount setting unit sets the sub-scanning movement amount based on the basic movement amount and the newly input input correction value, and after the input correction value is newly input, the printing conditions are set. When changed, the movement amount setting unit adjusts the input correction value according to the printing conditions after the change, and the basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions after the change and the changed amount after the change. The sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the input correction value adjusted according to the printing conditions of the above.

With this configuration, for example, the input correction value can be easily and appropriately input. Further, for example, even when the printing conditions are changed after that, the input correction value can be appropriately adjusted according to the changed printing conditions. Further, this makes it possible to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount in, for example, a printing apparatus in which the inkjet head performs the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation.

Further, in this configuration, the input unit inputs a user feed correction value, which is a value specified by the user, as an input correction value. In this case, the user feed correction value is manually input by the user via, for example, an interface using a computer screen. With this configuration, for example, the correction amount of the sub-scanning movement amount can be appropriately adjusted based on the judgment of the user who has confirmed the print result.

Further, the correction of the sub-scanning movement amount may be performed by further using parameters other than the user feed correction value. In this case, the movement amount correction unit further utilizes the system feed correction value, which is a correction value set according to the printing conditions based on the parameters preset in the printing device, for example, to obtain the basic movement amount. The sub-scan movement amount is set based on the user feed correction value and the system feed correction value. With this configuration, for example, the amount of sub-scanning movement can be corrected more appropriately.

Further, in this configuration, the input unit is a value specified by the user, for example, an offset value which is a value that directly indicates a distance for changing the sub-scanning movement amount under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the input correction value. Accepts input from the user. In this case, indicating the distance that changes the sub-scanning movement amount as it is means, for example, indicating the distance as seen by the user as the distance that needs to be corrected in the sub-scanning movement amount. Further, the distance that needs to be corrected in the sub-scanning movement amount is, for example, the magnitude of the deviation of the sub-scanning movement amount recognized in the printing result.

Further, in this configuration, the inkjet head has, for example, a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the sub-scanning direction. Further, as a printing condition, it is conceivable to set at least the number of passes indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed for each position of the printing range on the medium. In this case, as the basic movement amount, for example, it is conceivable to use a value obtained by dividing the nozzle length, which is the width of the nozzle row of the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, by the number of passes. With this configuration, for example, the basic movement amount can be set appropriately. Further, in this configuration, as the inkjet head, for example, it is conceivable to use a composite head (for example, a staggered head) composed of a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink of the same color. In this case, the nozzle row of the inkjet head is, for example, the nozzle row in the composite head. Further, the nozzle row in the composite head is, for example, a nozzle row formed by combining the nozzles of each of the plurality of inkjet heads constituting the composite head.

Further, in this configuration, it is conceivable that a plurality of types of values including non-integer values can be set as the number of passes. Further, in this case, as a non-integer value, for example, it is conceivable to make it possible to set a value with a step size of at least 0.25 or less. In such a case, since various numbers of passes can be set, the values that can be taken as the basic movement amount also become various. On the other hand, when the input correction value is used as described above, the sub-scanning movement amount can be appropriately set even when there are many possible values as the basic movement amount. The step size of the number of passes is preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.01 or less. Further, in this case, for example, it is conceivable that an arbitrary number of passes can be set with a numerical value having a predetermined number of digits after the decimal point.

Further, in this configuration, for example, it is conceivable to use a printing device capable of continuously executing printing operations corresponding to a plurality of printing jobs in which different printing conditions are set. In this case, the fact that the printing operations corresponding to the plurality of print jobs can be continuously executed means that, for example, the plurality of print jobs supplied to the printing apparatus are automatically sequentially processed, respectively. The printing operations corresponding to the print jobs are automatically performed in sequence. Further, in this case, since the set printing conditions may differ for each print job, the print conditions may change as the print job changes. Therefore, in this case, for example, after the printed matter corresponding to one of the plurality of print jobs is printed, before starting the operation of printing the printed matter corresponding to the next print job, the movement amount setting unit. In, it is conceivable to adjust the input correction value according to the printing conditions set in the next print job. Further, in this case, the movement amount setting unit further obtains, for example, a basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions corresponding to the next print job and an input correction value adjusted according to the printing conditions. Based on the above, the sub-scanning movement amount is set. With this configuration, for example, printing operations corresponding to a plurality of print jobs can be appropriately performed with higher accuracy.

Further, in the printing apparatus, when the printing operation is executed based on the print job for which the printing conditions are set, for example, the user observes the progress of printing to set the input correction value in the middle of the printing operation. It is possible to change it. More specifically, in this case, for example, it is conceivable that a new input correction value is input from the input unit while printing the printed matter corresponding to one print job. In this case, the movement amount setting unit sets a new sub-scanning movement amount based on, for example, the basic movement amount and the newly input input correction value. Then, from the middle of printing the printed matter corresponding to one print job, the sub-scanning drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the sub-scanning operation according to the new sub-scanning movement amount. With this configuration, for example, the correction of the sub-scanning movement amount can be performed more flexibly and appropriately.

Further, as the configuration of the present invention, it is conceivable to use a printing method or the like having the same characteristics as described above. In this case as well, for example, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

According to the present invention, for example, in a printing apparatus in which an inkjet head performs a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation, it is possible to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount.

It is a figure explaining the printing apparatus 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of a main part of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 102. It is a figure explaining the operation of setting a feed amount. FIG. 2A shows an example of a parameter that accepts a setting from the user in the input unit 24. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a feed amount based on a parameter specified by the user. It is a figure explaining the adjustment of an offset value in more detail. 3 (a) to 3 (d) show an example of an operation of setting or changing various parameters. It is a figure explaining the adjustment of an offset value in more detail. 4 (a) to 4 (c) show an example of the operation of setting or changing various parameters. It is a figure explaining in more detail how to correct a feed amount. FIG. 5A is a table showing an example of the relationship between the odd path and the offset value set according to the printing conditions. FIG. 5B is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the reciprocal of the odd path and the user feed correction value.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of a main part of the printing apparatus 10. The printing apparatus 10 may have the same or similar characteristics as a known inkjet printer, except for the points described below. For example, the printing apparatus 10 may further have the same or similar configuration as a known inkjet printer, in addition to the configuration described below.

The printing device 10 is an inkjet printer that prints on a medium (media) 50 to be printed by an inkjet method. Further, in this example, the printing apparatus 10 includes a head unit 12, a platen 14, a guide rail 16, a main scanning drive unit 18, a sub-scanning drive unit 20, a storage unit 22, an input unit 24, and a control unit 30.

The head portion 12 is a portion that ejects ink to the medium 50. Further, in this example, the head portion 12 has a carriage 100 and a plurality of inkjet heads 102. The carriage 100 is a holding member that holds a plurality of inkjet heads 102. In this example, as shown in the figure, for example, the carriage 100 aligns the positions in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the drawing) set in advance in the printing apparatus 10 and is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction (main scanning direction). A plurality of inkjet heads 102 are held so as to be arranged in the Y direction in the drawing).

Further, each of the plurality of inkjet heads 102 is an inkjet head that ejects inks of each color used for printing to the medium 50, and ejects inks of different colors from each other. More specifically, in this example, the head portion 12 ejects inks of yellow (Y) color, magenta (M) color, cyan (C) color, and black (K) color, respectively. It has a plurality of inkjet heads 102. Further, in this example, each inkjet head 102 has a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the sub-scanning direction, and ink of each color is ejected from each nozzle.

The platen 14 is a trapezoidal member that supports the medium 50 at a position facing the head portion 12. Further, the guide rail 16 is a rail-shaped member extending in the main scanning direction, and guides the movement of the head portion 12 in the main scanning direction.

The main scanning drive unit 18 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform a main scanning operation (scanning operation). In this case, the main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction. Further, having the head portion 12 perform the main scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head in the head portion 12 to perform the main scanning operation. Further, in this example, the printing apparatus 10 executes the printing operation in the serial system by causing the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. Further, during the main scanning operation of this example, the head portion 12 moves in the main scanning direction along the guide rail 16. Further, regarding the main scanning operation, the movement of the head portion 12 in the main scanning direction is a movement relative to the medium 50. Therefore, in the modified example of the printing apparatus 10, the position of the head portion 12 may be fixed and the platen 14 may be moved, for example, to move the side of the medium 50.

The sub-scanning drive unit 20 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform a sub-scanning operation. In this case, the sub-scanning operation is, for example, an operation of moving relative to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction. Further, to cause the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation is, for example, to cause the inkjet head in the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. Further, in this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 20 performs a sub-scanning operation on the head unit 12 by transporting the medium 50 in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction by using, for example, a belt member (not shown). Let me do it. Further, in this case, the sub-scanning drive unit 20 conveys the medium 50 by the amount of feed set by the control unit 30 according to the number of print passes or the like between each main scanning operation. In this case, the feed amount during the sub-scanning operation is an example of the sub-scanning movement amount. The sub-scanning movement amount is a distance for moving the inkjet head 102 in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning operation. Further, the transport of the medium 50 is not limited to the belt member, and may be carried out by using, for example, a roller or the like. Further, in the modified example of the printing apparatus 10, the sub-scanning operation may be performed by fixing the position of the medium 50 and moving the side of the head portion 12.

The storage unit 22 is a storage means for storing parameters that specify printing operations. In this example, the storage unit 22 stores at least the parameters used for correcting the feed amount. Further, the input unit 24 is an input means for inputting a parameter that specifies a printing operation. Further, in this example, the input unit 24 receives at least a parameter used for correcting the feed amount from the user (user) and inputs it to the control unit 30. The parameters used to correct the feed amount will be described in more detail later.

The control unit 30 is, for example, the CPU of the printing device 10, and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 10 according to a preset program. More specifically, for example, when the head unit 12 controls the main scanning operation, the printing device 10 ejects ink to each nozzle of the head unit 12 according to the image to be printed. Further, in this example, the control unit 30 is also an example of the movement amount setting unit, and sets the feed amount at the time of the sub-scanning operation according to the printing conditions. Further, in this case, the feed amount is corrected based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 22 and the parameters input from the input unit 24. The operation of setting the feed amount in the control unit 30 will be described in more detail later.

Here, as described above, the printing apparatus 10 of this example may have the same or similar characteristics as a known inkjet printer, except for the points described above and below. For example, as the ink ejected from each inkjet head 102 in the head portion 12, it is conceivable to use various known types of ink. Further, in this case, it is preferable that the printing apparatus 10 further includes fixing means for fixing the ink on the medium 50, depending on the type of ink used. More specifically, when an ink (evaporation-drying type ink) that is fixed to the medium 50 by evaporating the solvent is used as the ink, it is conceivable to use a heater or the like that heats the medium or the ink as the fixing means. In this case, the heater is arranged, for example, in the platen 14 at a position facing the head portion 12 with the medium 50 in between. Further, as such an evaporation-drying type ink, for example, various known water-based inks, solvent inks (solvent inks), and the like can be considered. Further, as the ink, for example, an ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays may be used. In this case, as the fixing means, it is conceivable to use an ultraviolet irradiation means such as UVLED. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the ultraviolet irradiation means is arranged at a position adjacent to the plurality of inkjet heads 102 (adjacent position in the main scanning direction) in the head portion 12.

Further, as described above, in this example, the inkjet head 102 for each color has a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, as the inkjet head 102 for each color, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), a composite head (for example, a staggered head or the like) composed of a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink of the same color is used. You may. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 102 when the stagger head is used as the inkjet head 102.

In the case shown in the figure, the inkjet head 102 for each color is composed of a plurality of unit heads 202 that eject ink of the same color. Each of the plurality of unit heads 202 is an inkjet head that constitutes a staggered head, and has, for example, as shown in the figure, a nozzle array in which nozzles are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. The plurality of unit heads 202 are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction so that the nozzle rows of the inkjet heads 102 are formed by combining the nozzle rows of the unit heads 202. In this case, the nozzle row of the inkjet head 102 is formed by combining the nozzle rows of the plurality of unit heads 202, for example, as shown in the right side portion of FIG. 1B, each unit head. When paying attention to the position of each nozzle in the sub-scanning direction in 202, one virtual nozzle array is formed. Further, in this case, the virtual nozzle array can be considered as the nozzle array of the inkjet head 102. Further, in this example, as the unit head 202, for example, an inkjet head having a length of about 4 inches in the sub-scanning direction is used. As a result, the length (width in the sub-scanning direction) of the nozzle row of the inkjet head 102 composed of the two unit heads 202 is 220 mm (220,000 μm).

Subsequently, the parameters used for correcting the feed amount, the operation of setting the feed amount in the control unit 30, and the like will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a feed amount. FIG. 2A shows an example of a parameter that accepts a setting from the user in the input unit 24. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an operation of setting a feed amount based on a parameter specified by the user.

In this example, the input unit 24 receives at least input of an input path value, a MAPS speed value, and an offset (offset value) from the user. Of these, the input path value and the MAPS speed value are parameters that specify printing conditions. Further, in this example, the input path value is a numerical value that is the basis for setting the number of paths, and an integer value of 1 or more is specified by the user. In this case, the number of passes is a number indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed for each position in the print range on the medium. Further, in this example, the number of passes is set in consideration of the MAPS speed value indicating the degree to which the MAPS (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) process is applied, in addition to the input pass value. Therefore, the input pass value can be considered to correspond to, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the influence of the MAPS process from the number of passes set at the time of printing. Further, the input path value can be considered as, for example, a value corresponding to the number of paths set when the MAPS process is disabled (OFF).

Further, the MAPS speed value is a value indicating the degree to which the MAPS process is applied, as described above. The MAPS process is, for example, a process of adjusting the density (ejection density) of ink ejected from each nozzle by applying a mask to make banding less noticeable. In the MAPS process, for example, the discharge concentration is adjusted by using a gradation type mask instead of a checkered pattern mask or the like. Further, in this case, by reducing the feed amount according to the amount of lowering the discharge concentration according to the mask, the boundary portion of the path is overlapped to make the boundary of the path less noticeable. Therefore, when performing the MAPS process, the feed amount changes according to the MAPS moving speed. In addition, the number of paths set will change accordingly.

Therefore, when performing MAPS processing, for example, as the number of passes, a non-integer value (half-way pass) is also set by adjusting the integer value specified as the input pass value according to the MAPS speed value. You will get it. Therefore, the configuration for performing the MAPS processing can be considered as an example of a configuration in which a plurality of types of values including non-integer values can be set, for example. Further, in this case, in order to flexibly perform the MAPS process or the like with high accuracy, it is preferable to be able to set a value with a step size of at least 0.25 or less for the non-integer value which is the number of passes. The step size of the number of passes is preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.01 or less. Further, in this case, for example, it is more preferable that an arbitrary number of passes can be set with a numerical value having a predetermined number of digits after the decimal point. Further, in this example, the number of passes is calculated according to the input pass value and the MAPS speed value, so that an arbitrary value can be set in increments of 0.01.

The MAPS velocity value can be considered as, for example, a parameter indicating the degree of dispersion of dots formed on the medium. Further, in this case, the state where the MAPS speed value is set to 100% indicates the state where the mask corresponding to the input path value is applied. Therefore, when the MAPS speed value is 100%, the number of passes is equal to the number of input passes. Further, when the MAPS speed value is smaller than 100%, the number of passes becomes larger than the input pass value according to the MAPS speed value. More specifically, for example, if the input pass value is 2 and the MAPS speed value is 100%, a mask equivalent to 2 passes is applied in the MAPS process. Further, if the input pass value is 2 and the MAPS speed value is 50%, a mask equivalent to 4 passes is applied in the MAPS process. Further, in this case, the smaller the setting of the MAPS speed value, the larger the width of the overlap at the boundary portion of the path (the overlap of the paths increases), so that the boundary of the path becomes difficult to see and the banding is suppressed. growing. Further, the printing conditions such as the input path value and the MAPS speed are not necessarily specified by the user, and the conditions specified in the print job indicating the image to be printed may be used. Further, in this case, it is conceivable to use the printing condition specified in the print job as the initial value and accept the change by the user.

Further, among the parameters shown in FIG. 2, the offset value is a parameter used for correcting the feed amount. Further, in this case, the offset value is an example of an input correction value input by the input unit 24, and is also an example of a user feed correction value which is a value specified by the user as the input correction value. In this example, the offset value is manually input by the user via an interface or the like using a computer screen, if necessary. Further, as the offset value, a value indicating the distance at which the feed amount is changed under the printing conditions set when the offset value is input is used as it is. To indicate the distance for changing the feed amount as it is means, for example, to indicate the distance as seen by the user as the distance that needs to be corrected in the feed amount. Further, the distance that needs to be corrected in the feed amount is, for example, the magnitude of the deviation of the feed amount recognized in the print result (feed deviation amount, feed correction amount). Further, the offset value can be considered as, for example, a value indicating a distance for increasing or decreasing the feed amount under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the offset value.

When the parameter used for correcting the feed amount is input by a method different from that of this example, for example, it is conceivable to input a value converted into preset standard printing conditions. Further, when considering it as a computer system, it is considered that the subsequent processing becomes easier if the parameters are input in this way. However, when correcting the feed amount, it is conceivable to input a parameter corresponding to an extremely small distance based on the user's feeling. In such a case, if conversion or the like according to the standard printing conditions is required, it is considered that an unintended change is likely to be made due to a calculation error or the like. Further, it is conceivable that the feed amount is corrected, for example, during the printing operation. In such a case, if conversion or the like according to the standard printing conditions is required, the time required for inputting the parameters becomes long, and the correction is delayed by that amount. On the other hand, according to this example, the deviation amount of the feed amount as seen by the user can be set as the offset value under any printing conditions, so that the correction amount of the feed amount is based on the judgment of the user who confirmed the print result. Can be adjusted quickly and appropriately. Further, as a result, for example, a correction operation that is easy and has few errors can be appropriately realized.

Next, the operation of setting the feed amount in this example will be described in more detail. In the operation of setting the feed amount, the control unit 30 first sets the number of passes and the basic movement amount based on the input pass value and the MAPS speed value, as shown in FIG. 2 (b). In this case, the number of passes is the number of passes (half-way pass) obtained by adjusting the input pass value according to the MAPS speed value, as described above. Further, in this example, the basic movement amount is the basic movement amount used when setting the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation, and is set according to the printing conditions. Further, in this example, the basic movement amount is a value corresponding to the feed amount before the correction is performed. More specifically, as the basic movement amount, a value obtained by dividing the nozzle length of the inkjet head by the number of passes is set. Further, as described above, in this example, the number of passes is calculated according to the input pass value and the MAPS speed value, so that an arbitrary value can be set in increments of 0.01. .. Therefore, various values can be set as the basic movement amount within the range of the nozzle length or less.

Further, the control unit 30 sets the feed amount by correcting the basic movement amount calculated in this way based on the offset value. Further, in this example, as the correction value used for correcting the feed amount, the system feed correction value is further used in addition to the offset value set by the user. In this case, the system feed correction value is a correction value set according to the printing conditions based on the parameters set in advance in the printing apparatus 10.

Therefore, the operation of setting the feed amount in this example can be considered as, for example, an operation of setting the feed amount based on the basic movement amount, the offset value, and the system feed correction value. In this case, by performing the correction using the system feed correction value, for example, the standard correction corresponding to the device characteristics (error generated between the machines) of the printing device 10 can be easily and appropriately performed. Further, by further performing the correction using the offset value specified by the user, it is possible to further make fine adjustments required at the time of actual printing according to the printing conditions, the characteristics of the medium to be used, and the like. become. Therefore, according to this example, for example, the feed amount can be appropriately corrected with high accuracy.

Next, how to use the offset value in this example will be described in more detail. As described above, in this example, as the offset value, a value indicating the distance at which the feed amount is changed under the printing conditions set when the offset value is input is used as it is. However, in the printing apparatus 10, the printing conditions may be changed after the offset value is input. More specifically, in the printing apparatus 10, for example, it is conceivable to use a printing job in which printing conditions are set as a printing job indicating a printed matter to be printed by the printing apparatus 10. In this case, it is conceivable that the printing conditions may be changed for each print job. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the value to be set as the offset value changes as the printing conditions change. More specifically, the amount of correction applied when setting the feed amount is usually considered to be approximately proportional to the feed amount. Therefore, when the feed amount changes due to the change of the printing conditions, the distance for changing the feed amount at the time of correction also changes. On the other hand, in this example, the offset value in which the user sets the value as viewed under arbitrary printing conditions is automatically adjusted according to the feed amount that changes according to the change in printing conditions. conduct.

3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the offset value in more detail. 3 (a) to 3 (d) and 4 (a) to 4 (c) show an example of an operation of setting or changing various parameters. Further, FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the input path value and the MAPS speed value are set without specifying the offset value, and the input path value is set to 1 and the MAPS speed value is set to 100%. An example of the case is shown. This state can be considered, for example, a state in which the feed amount is set without using the user feed correction value specified by the user.

Further, FIG. 3B shows a state in which the offset value is changed to 1.000 mm from the state shown in FIG. 3A. In this case, according to the user's designation of the offset value, the control unit 30 performs, for example, a process of updating the value stored as the offset value (feed correction value update process). As a result, the newly specified offset value is used in the subsequent processing.

Further, FIG. 3C shows a state in which the input path value is changed to 2 from the state shown in FIG. 3B. In this case, as the input path value is changed, the basic movement amount calculated based on the input path value also changes. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to change the offset value in accordance with the change of the input path value. On the other hand, in this example, when the input path value is changed, the control unit 30 performs the feed correction value update process based on the changed input path value. More specifically, in this case, a new basic movement amount is calculated based on the new input path value, and the offset value is changed so as to be proportional to the basic movement amount. As a result, in the case shown in FIG. 3C, the offset value is changed to 0.500 mm by the feed correction value update process.

Further, FIG. 3D shows a state in which the MAPS speed value is changed to 80% from the state shown in FIG. 3C. In this case, as the MAPS speed value is changed, the basic movement amount calculated based on the MAPS speed value also changes. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to change the offset value in accordance with the change of the MAPS speed value. On the other hand, in this example, when the MAPS speed value is changed, the control unit 30 performs the feed correction value update process based on the changed MAPS speed value. More specifically, in this case, a new basic movement amount is calculated based on the new MAPS speed value, and the offset value is changed so as to be proportional to the basic movement amount. As a result, in the case shown in FIG. 3D, the offset value is changed to 0.400 mm by the feed correction value update process.

Further, when the printing conditions are changed, the adjustment may be insufficient simply by adjusting the offset value by proportional calculation. Therefore, in such a case, it is conceivable that the user inputs a new offset value according to the new printing conditions. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the offset value is changed to 0.250 mm from the state shown in FIG. 3D. In this case, the offset value is changed to a value newly specified by the user by the feed correction value update process.

Further, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the input path value is changed to 1 from the state shown in FIG. 4A. In this case as well, the control unit 30 calculates a new basic movement amount based on the new input path value and changes the offset value. As a result, in the case shown in FIG. 4B, the offset value is changed to 0.500 mm by the feed correction value update process. Further, FIG. 4 (c) shows a state in which the MAPS speed value is changed to 100% from the state shown in FIG. 4 (b). In this case as well, the control unit 30 calculates a new basic movement amount based on the new MAPS speed value and changes the offset value. As a result, in the case shown in FIG. 4C, the offset value is changed to 0.625 mm by the feed correction value update process.

Here, among the operations described above, for example, the operations shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A can be considered as examples of operations in which the offset value is newly set. In this case, the control unit 30 sets the feed amount based on the basic movement amount and the new offset value. Further, for example, with respect to the operations shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d) and FIGS. 4 (b) and 4 (c), for example, when the printing conditions are further changed after the offset value is newly input. Can be considered as an example of the operation of. In this case, the control unit 30 adjusts the offset value according to the changed printing conditions, and adjusts the offset value according to the basic movement amount set according to the changed printing conditions and the changed printing conditions. Set the feed amount based on the offset value. With this configuration, for example, the offset value can be easily and appropriately input. Further, for example, even when the printing conditions are changed after that, the offset value can be appropriately adjusted according to the changed printing conditions. Further, as a result, for example, the feed amount can be appropriately corrected. Further, in this case, by adjusting the offset value according to the printing conditions, the feed amount can be appropriately corrected even when there are many values that can be taken as the basic movement amount according to various printing conditions. can. Therefore, according to this example, the feed amount can be set appropriately with high accuracy.

Further, as described above, in this example, for example, it is conceivable to perform a printing operation based on a printing job in which printing conditions are set. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that the printing apparatus 10 continuously executes printing operations corresponding to a plurality of printing jobs in which different printing conditions are set. In this case, to continuously execute the printing operations corresponding to the plurality of printing jobs, for example, by automatically sequentially processing the plurality of printing jobs supplied to the printing apparatus 10, each printing job The printing operations corresponding to are automatically performed in sequence. In such a case, since the set printing conditions may differ for each print job, the print conditions may change as the print job changes.

On the other hand, in this example, for example, by automatically adjusting the offset value according to the change of the printing conditions, the printing operation corresponding to each printing job can be performed more appropriately. More specifically, in this case, for example, control is performed after the printed matter corresponding to one print job of the plurality of print jobs is printed and before the operation of printing the printed matter corresponding to the next print job is started. In part 30, the offset value is adjusted according to the printing conditions set in the next print job. Further, in this case, the control unit 30 further bases the basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions corresponding to the next print job and the offset value adjusted according to the printing conditions. Set the feed amount. With this configuration, when printing operations corresponding to a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, the feed amount corresponding to each print job can be appropriately set.

Further, regarding the change of the offset value, for example, it is conceivable that the user observes the progress of printing in the middle of the printing operation corresponding to one print job. With this configuration, for example, when the user recognizes that the correction amount of the feed amount needs to be adjusted, the correction amount can be adjusted promptly. Further, in this case, by using the value as seen as the offset amount, the correction operation with less error can be executed more appropriately. More specifically, in this case, for example, by changing the offset value by the user, a new offset value is input from the input unit 24 to the control unit 30 while printing the printed matter corresponding to one print job. become. Then, in this case, the control unit 30 sets a new feed amount based on the basic movement amount and the newly input offset value while printing the printed matter corresponding to one print job. Then, the sub-scanning drive unit 20 causes the inkjet head 102 to perform the sub-scanning operation according to a new feed amount while printing the printed matter corresponding to one print job. With this configuration, for example, the correction of the sub-scanning movement amount can be performed more flexibly and appropriately.

Next, a specific example of how to correct the feed amount will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining in more detail how to correct the feed amount. FIG. 5A is a table showing an example of the relationship between the number of passes (half-pass) set according to the printing conditions and the offset value, and is offset according to the printing conditions as described above. Regarding the case of adjusting the value, the adjusted offset value is shown in association with the number of passes.

Further, in the table shown in FIG. 5A, the user feed correction value is a value corresponding to the adjusted offset value. Further, as shown in the figure, the adjusted offset value is proportional to the reciprocal of the odd path. The basic user feed correction value is a value corresponding to an offset value when the input path value and the MAPS speed value are set to predetermined standard values. More specifically, in the table shown in FIG. 5A, the offset value converted when the input path value is 1 and the MAPS speed value is 100% is shown as the basic user feed correction value. There is.

FIG. 5B is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the 1 / pass value, which is the reciprocal of the odd path, and the user feed correction value. An example of the relationship with the user feed correction value is shown. As can be seen from the graph, in this example, the user feed correction value is changed so as to be proportional to the 1 / pass value. Further, as can be understood from the above explanation, in this example, the basic movement amount is proportional to the 1 / pass value. Therefore, the user feed correction value can be considered to be changed in proportion to the basic movement amount, for example.

Further, in the graph of FIG. 5B, the case where the basic user feed correction value is 50 μm is indicated by a straight line indicated by reference numeral A. Then, in this case, for example, when a new value is input as the offset value and the user feed correction value is directly increased or decreased, the 1 / pass value and the user feed correction are corrected as shown by the vertical arrows in the figure. The straight line indicating the relationship with the value changes to, for example, a straight line indicated by a reference numeral B or C. Therefore, the operation of setting a new user correction value can be considered, for example, an operation of changing the slope of a straight line indicating the relationship between the 1 / pass value and the user feed correction value.

Further, when the printing condition changes due to the change of the input pass value or the MAPS speed value, the value of the 1 / pass value changes by changing the number of passes (half-pass). Then, in this case, in the straight line showing the relationship between the 1 / pass value and the user feed correction value, the position of the point corresponding to the printing condition is the 1 / pass value as shown by the arrow in the left-right direction in the figure. It changes to a smaller position or a larger position. Along with this, the corresponding user feed correction value also changes. As a result, the user feed correction value is adjusted so as to follow the printing conditions. Therefore, according to this example, for example, in a system in which the required correction amount changes in a proportional relationship depending on the size of the feed amount, appropriate correction can be performed for each feed amount value.

More specifically, as for the method of adjusting (setting) the user feed correction value according to the printing conditions, for example, the input path value input on the screen shown in FIG. 2 (a) is set as pass, and the MAPS speed. The value is mapspd, the offset value is fedoffs, and the input path value and MAPS speed value used at the time of the previous calculation of the offset value are sv_pass and sv_mapsspd.
New offset value = fedoffs × (sv_pass / (sv_mapsspd / 100)) / (pass / (mapsspd / 100))
Can be calculated as. With this configuration, for example, the offset value used as the user feed correction value can be appropriately adjusted.

Subsequently, supplementary explanations and the like regarding each configuration described above will be given. As described above, in this example, as the user feed correction value, an offset value set by the user as viewed under arbitrary printing conditions is used. On the other hand, when only considering that the correction value is set by the user, the user is made to specify the amount of correction according to a specific printing condition, for example, the basic user feed correction value described above. It is also possible. In this case as well, the feed amount can be adjusted by automatically adjusting the correction value so as to be proportional to the change in the feed amount. However, in this case, it is necessary for the user to input the deviation amount of the feed amount recognized by the user in the print result after performing conversion according to a specific printing condition. More specifically, in this case, the correction value is held as a value under a specific printing condition. Therefore, for example, if the correction value when the number of passes is 1, the correction value is actually 4 passes. Even if the user recognizes the deviation amount of the feed amount when printing with the above as a certain value (for example, 200 μm), in order to correct the deviation amount, the difference in the feed amount due to the difference in the number of passes is taken into consideration. Then, it is necessary to input a value different from the recognized deviation amount. For example, when the correction value is simply proportional to the feed amount, it is necessary to input a value converted to 800 μm, which is four times the above value (200 μm), as the correction value to be input. Then, in such a case, the user's labor increases because the calculation for conversion is required. In addition, there is a risk that an error will occur during conversion and correct correction will not be possible. Further, when the correction value is to be changed in the middle of the printing operation, it may be difficult to make a quick change. On the other hand, in this example, as described above, the occurrence of these problems can be appropriately prevented by using the offset value in which the value as seen by the user is set as the correction value.

Further, as described above, in this example, the feed amount is set by further using the system feed correction value in addition to the user feed correction value input as the offset value. Then, in this case, it is conceivable to change the total correction value of the user feed correction value and the system feed correction value so as to be proportional to the 1 / pass value. More specifically, regarding the total correction value that reflects the offset value set by the user for a specific printing condition, it is assumed that the total correction amount is 300 μm when the input path value is 2. However, when only the input path value is changed to 1 without changing the MAPS speed value, it is conceivable to adjust the total correction value to 600 μm. With this configuration, for example, the feed amount can be appropriately corrected by further using the system feed correction value.

Further, as described above, in this example, by using the offset value as the user feed correction value, it is appropriate to adjust the correction amount of the sub-scanning movement amount based on the judgment of the user who confirmed the print result. Can be done. On the other hand, it seems that the feed amount can be appropriately corrected by measuring the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation, for example, using a linear scale or the like and automatically correcting the feed amount as appropriate. However, in an actual printing environment, even if the correct feed amount can be realized by the measurement result of the linear scale or the like, banding may occur due to the influence of a minute error or the like. Therefore, in order to print more appropriately with high accuracy, it is more preferable that the user actually confirms the print result and corrects the feed amount as in this example. Further, depending on the conditions required for printing, the offset value may be input by a system that automatically detects the required correction amount with respect to the feed amount, not necessarily manually input by the user. More specifically, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to detect the required correction amount by taking an image of the print result with a camera or the like and confirming the presence or absence of banding by image processing or the like.

The present invention can be suitably used for, for example, a printing apparatus.

10 ... Printing device, 12 ... Head unit, 14 ... Platen, 16 ... Guide rail, 18 ... Main scanning drive unit, 20 ... Sub-scanning drive unit, 22 ... Memory Unit, 24 ... Input unit, 30 ... Control unit, 50 ... Medium, 100 ... Carriage, 102 ... Inkjet head, 202 ... Unit head

Claims (8)

A printing device that prints on media
An inkjet head that ejects ink to the medium and
A main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction.
A sub-scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation that moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction.
A movement amount setting unit that sets a sub-scanning movement amount, which is a distance for moving the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium in the sub-scanning operation.
As a correction value used for correcting the sub-scanning movement amount, an input unit for inputting an input correction value input to the movement amount setting unit to the movement amount setting unit is provided.
The movement amount setting unit sets the sub-scanning movement amount based on the basic movement amount, which is the basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions, and the input correction value input by the input unit. ,
As the input correction value, the input unit inputs a value indicating a distance for increasing or decreasing the sub-scanning movement amount under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the input correction value.
When the input correction value is newly input, the movement amount setting unit sets the sub-scanning movement amount based on the basic movement amount and the newly input input correction value.
When the printing conditions are changed after the input correction value is newly input, the movement amount setting unit adjusts the input correction value according to the changed printing conditions and prints after the change. The sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the basic movement amount set according to the conditions of the above and the input correction value adjusted according to the changed printing conditions .
The printing apparatus can continuously execute printing operations corresponding to a plurality of printing jobs in which different printing conditions are set.
After the printed matter corresponding to the print job of one of the plurality of print jobs is printed and before the operation of printing the printed matter corresponding to the next print job is started, the movement amount setting unit is said to be described. The input correction value is adjusted according to the printing conditions set in the next print job, and the basic movement amount set according to the print conditions corresponding to the next print job and the print conditions. A printing apparatus characterized in that the sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the input correction value adjusted according to the above . The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs a user feed correction value, which is a value specified by the user, as the input correction value. The input unit inputs an offset value as a value specified by the user, which is a value indicating the distance at which the sub-scanning movement amount is changed under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the input correction value. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the printing apparatus receives from. The inkjet head has a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the sub-scanning direction.
As a printing condition, at least the number of passes indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed for each position in the printing range on the medium is set.
The basic movement amount according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the basic movement amount indicates a value obtained by dividing the nozzle length, which is the width of the nozzle row of the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, by the number of passes. Printing equipment. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein a plurality of types of values including non-integer values can be set as the number of passes. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a value having a step size of at least 0.25 or less can be set as the non-integer value. The printing device executes a printing operation based on a print job for which printing conditions are set.
When a new input correction value is input from the input unit while printing a printed matter corresponding to one print job, the movement amount setting unit newly inputs the basic movement amount and the basic movement amount. Based on the input correction value, a new sub-scanning movement amount is set.
A claim characterized in that the sub-scanning drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the sub-scanning operation according to the new sub-scanning movement amount from the middle of printing the printed matter corresponding to the one printing job. Item 6. The printing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 6 . It is a printing method that prints on a medium.
To the inkjet head that ejects ink to the medium
A main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction,
A sub-scanning operation of moving relative to the medium in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction is performed.
In the sub-scanning operation, when the sub-scanning movement amount for setting the sub-scanning movement amount, which is the distance for moving the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium, is set, the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected. The input correction value, which is the correction value used for, is input, and the sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the basic movement amount, which is the basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions, and the input correction value.
As the input correction value, a value indicating a distance for increasing or decreasing the sub-scanning movement amount under the printing conditions set at the time of inputting the input correction value is input.
When the input correction value is newly input, the sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the basic movement amount and the newly input input correction value.
If the printing conditions are changed after the input correction value is newly input, the input correction value is adjusted according to the changed printing conditions and set according to the changed printing conditions. The sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the basic movement amount and the input correction value adjusted according to the changed printing conditions .
Using a printing device that can continuously execute printing operations corresponding to multiple print jobs for which different printing conditions are set.
It is set in the next print job after the printed matter corresponding to the print job of one of the plurality of print jobs is printed and before the operation of printing the printed matter corresponding to the next print job is started. The input correction value is adjusted according to the printing conditions, and the basic movement amount set according to the printing conditions corresponding to the next printing job is adjusted according to the printing conditions. A printing method characterized in that the sub-scanning movement amount is set based on the input correction value .

Images