JP2004122582A - Method for adjusting print position on surface of recording medium for recording electronic information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust shift of print position for recording media of various shapes with high accuracy in a printer printing on the label surface of a recording medium, e.g. a CD-R. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of test patterns for adjusting print position are prepared depending on the shape of print area of various kinds of CD-R and used appropriately depending on the shape. The test pattern defines a measuring direction to incline against at least one of main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction of the print head of a printer when shift of print position is measured, and includes a pattern being printed such that a specified distance corresponding to the shift of print position can be measured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to adjustment of a printing position on a recording medium surface for recording electronic information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with the spread of personal computers, recording media for recording electronic information such as CD-Rs have become widespread. Some recording media are provided with areas on the surface of which the user can freely write characters and print desired images. For this reason, ink jet printers capable of printing on a predetermined area of a recording medium have become widespread.
[0003]
When printing is performed on a print area of a CD-R, if the printing position is shifted, the shift tends to be conspicuous. In particular, when printing a dark color image over the entire printing area on a white background, if the printing position is shifted, an unprinted white area is generated, so that the image is easily noticeable. Therefore, an ink jet printer capable of printing on a CD-R usually has a function of printing a predetermined test pattern for print position adjustment and finely adjusting the print position from the print result.
[0004]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of printing of a conventional print position adjustment test pattern. In the above-described inkjet printer, a dedicated tray 200 provided with a concave portion for mounting a CD-R is prepared. The user places the donut-shaped print position confirmation sheet 300, which is the same as the CD-R, in the recess of the tray 200, and sets the sheet in the ink jet printer. Then, a test pattern composed of the four cross marks MK shown in the drawing is printed on the top, bottom, left, and right of the center point O of the printing position confirmation sheet 300. As can be seen from the figure, this test pattern is a test pattern that defines the measurement direction and can measure the following distance. The user measures the distances La and Lb from the cross point of the mark MK to the inner diameter portion r of the printing position confirmation sheet 300 with a ruler for the printed test pattern. Since the distance from each side of the tray 200 to the center point O and the inner diameter of the printing position confirmation sheet 300 are known, by specifying La and Lb, the horizontal and vertical directions, that is, the main position of the print head, It is possible to specify the shift amount of the printing position in the scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-15053 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, CD-Rs of various shapes, such as business card type, heart type, and star type, which are smaller than conventional donut type CD-Rs, are commercially available. A CD-R having such a shape often includes a print area having substantially the same shape as the shape of a disc. Conventional inkjet printers do not support such CD-Rs. Further, when trying to apply the above-described conventional test pattern to a CD-R having a shape different from that of the conventional donut type, the user must measure a shorter distance than the conventional one by using a ruler, and the measurement is performed. It is expected that it will be difficult. In this case, a measurement error may increase, and it may be difficult to accurately adjust the printing position.
[0007]
Such a problem is not limited to the above-described CD-R, and may similarly occur in printing on another recording medium having a print area such as a flexible disk or a mini disk (trademark).
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and prints a test pattern that allows a user to easily measure a predetermined distance using a ruler in various shapes of print areas included in various recording media. Another object of the present invention is to accurately adjust a printing position.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the present invention employs the following configurations.
The first print control device of the present invention includes:
A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. A print control device for controlling
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
The measurement direction when measuring the deviation is defined so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and is printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured. It is essential to include a pattern.
[0010]
For example, if the print area is rectangular and a conventional test pattern including a mark (pattern) arranged in a direction parallel to the short side is printed, the user must measure a short distance using a ruler. In some cases, accurate measurement is difficult. According to the present invention, a test pattern including a pattern whose distance can be measured in a direction oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the print head is printed. Therefore, in the printed test pattern, more space for the user to apply a ruler for measuring a predetermined distance can be secured than in the case of the conventional test pattern. As a result, the user can easily measure the predetermined distance using the ruler. It should be noted that the test pattern in the present invention does not need to include the cross mark described above as a conventional technique, and may be a simple line segment or point.
[0011]
A second print control device according to the present invention includes:
A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
The gist of the present invention is that a diagonal direction of the polygon defines a measurement direction when measuring the shift and includes a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the shift can be measured.
[0012]
When the printing area has a polygonal shape, at least a part of the diagonal line of the polygon is often longer than other line segments that can be arranged in the polygon. Therefore, according to the test pattern of the present invention, the printed test pattern can secure more space for the user to apply a ruler for measuring a predetermined distance than in the case of the conventional test pattern. In addition, the user can easily measure a predetermined distance using a ruler.
[0013]
A third printing control device according to the present invention includes:
A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
Including at least two line segments for defining at least two directions of measurement when measuring the deviation, including a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured,
The gist is that the lengths of the two line segments are substantially the same.
[0014]
In this manner, a predetermined distance can be measured with equal accuracy in two directions defined by the test pattern.
[0015]
A fourth print control device according to the present invention includes:
A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
A measurement direction for measuring the displacement is defined so as to be oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the displacement two-dimensionally, and a predetermined direction corresponding to the displacement is specified. The gist of the present invention is to include a pattern printed so that the distance can be measured.
[0016]
By doing so, in the printed test pattern, more space for the user to apply a ruler for measuring a predetermined distance can be secured than in the conventional test pattern, and the user can set the ruler. To facilitate measurement of a predetermined distance.
[0017]
In any of the above-described first to fourth print control devices of the present invention,
The recording medium has a rotation center,
The test pattern is
A straight line segment passing through the center of rotation of the recording medium and having at least one of the distances from the center of rotation to two intersections with the outer periphery of the printing area may be included.
[0018]
By doing so, in a test pattern printed on a print area of a recording medium having a center of rotation such as a CD-R, a space where a user can apply a ruler to measure a predetermined distance is set in the case of the conventional test pattern. Thus, the user can easily measure a predetermined distance using a ruler.
[0019]
Further, in the above-described print control device of the present invention, further,
An information input unit for inputting predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
A storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other for a plurality of the recording media including print areas having different shapes,
A selection unit that refers to the storage unit and selects a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the input information;
Can be provided.
[0020]
By doing so, the test pattern can be appropriately switched and printed according to the shape of the print area provided in various recording media.
[0021]
In the above printing control device, further,
A measurement distance input unit for inputting a measurement distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A calculating unit that calculates the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measured distance;
An adjusting unit that adjusts the shift based on the shift amount;
Can be provided.
[0022]
This makes it possible to adjust the printing position on a printing area having a shape different from the circular shape of the recording medium.
[0023]
In the print control device, the adjustment of the print position can be performed by various methods.
The printing unit performs printing on the printing area provided in the recording medium placed at a predetermined position on a predetermined mounting table,
The image data printed by the printing unit includes:
Print image data to be printed in the print area,
Fictitious image data that is substantially the same as the size of the mounting table and is not subjected to the printing,
Data in which the print image data is arranged at a predetermined position on the fictitious image data,
The adjustment unit may adjust the displacement by adjusting an arrangement position of the print image data on the fictitious image data.
[0024]
This makes it possible to easily adjust the print position in the print area using software. The adjustment of the printing position may be performed by hardware such as adjusting the position of the print head or adjusting the set position of the recording medium.
[0025]
The present invention can be configured as a print control method and a print position deviation adjusting method invention in addition to the configuration as the print control device described above. Further, the present invention can be realized in various forms such as a computer program for realizing the above, a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and a data signal including the program and embodied in a carrier wave. In each embodiment, the various additional elements described above can be applied.
[0026]
When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, the present invention may be configured as an entire program for driving a print control device, or may be configured only as a portion that performs the functions of the present invention. It may be. Examples of the recording medium include a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punched card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, and an internal storage device (RAM, Various computer-readable media such as a memory such as a ROM) and an external storage device can be used.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Configuration of printing system:
B. Printing control device:
C. Test pattern:
D. Test pattern printing process:
E. FIG. Measurement of print position deviation:
F. Image printing (adjustment of print position deviation):
G. FIG. Modification:
[0028]
A. Configuration of printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment to which the printing control device of the present invention is applied. This printing system includes a personal computer PC and an inkjet printer 10.
[0029]
The ink jet printer 10 performs printing by sub-scanning a print medium while performing main scanning with a print head (not shown). In addition, the inkjet printer 10 places the CD-R 30 on a dedicated tray 20 corresponding to the CD-R having various shapes, sets the CD-R 30 at a predetermined position, and sets a predetermined print area provided in the CD-R 30. It is also possible to carry out printing. Further, the user can print a test pattern for adjusting a printing position, which will be described later, before printing on the CD-R 30 using the inkjet printer 10.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the tray 20 and the CD-R 30 set in the ink jet printer 10. Here, the business card type CD-R30 and the tray 20 for mounting the CD-R30 are shown. The tray 20 is provided with a concave portion 22 for fitting the CD-R 30. Thereby, the positioning when the CD-R 30 is placed on the tray 20 can be accurately performed. The CD-R 30 includes a print area 32 having substantially the same shape as the outer shape.
[0031]
B. Printing control device:
The personal computer PC (FIG. 1) includes an application 100 for printing on the CD-R 30 and a printer driver 200. The application 100 is software for setting a test pattern to be printed in the print area 32 of the CD-R 30, editing image data, and adjusting a print position based on a print result of the test pattern. And each of the illustrated functional blocks. The personal computer PC corresponds to the print control device of the present invention.
[0032]
The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit in the application 100. The input unit 120 performs various inputs such as input of various instructions such as a print execution instruction from a user and input of image data to be printed by the inkjet printer 10. These inputs are performed using a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display of the personal computer PC by operating the mouse or keyboard by the user.
[0033]
The test pattern storage unit 140 stores in advance the external shape, that is, the shape of the print area 32, and the test pattern in association with each other for a plurality of types of CD-Rs 30. The selection unit 130 refers to the test pattern storage unit 140 and selects a test pattern corresponding to the shape of the CD-R 30 specified by the user. The data of the selected test pattern is output to the printer driver 200 by the output unit 180, and printed by the inkjet printer 10.
[0034]
The calculation unit 150 calculates a shift amount of the print position based on the distance measured by the user using the ruler from the print result of the test pattern. The measurement of the distance by the user here is performed in the same manner as the measurement of the lengths La and Lb described above. The measurement of the distance will be described later. The adjustment amount storage unit 160 stores an adjustment amount to be adjusted when printing an image based on the shift amount calculated by the calculation unit 150, in association with the shape of the print area 32.
[0035]
The image editing unit 170 edits and processes image data to be printed on the CD-R 30 according to a user's instruction. Further, the image editing unit 170 includes an adjustment unit 172, acquires an adjustment amount corresponding to the shape of the print area 32 to be printed from the adjustment amount storage unit 160 at the time of printing an image, and shifts the printing position by image processing. To adjust. This adjustment processing will be described later. The image data whose print position has been adjusted is output to the printer driver 200 by the output unit 180 and printed by the inkjet printer 10.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the shape of the print area 32, the test pattern, and the adjustment amount. As described above, the correspondence between the shape of the print area 32 and the test pattern is stored in the test pattern storage unit 140, and the correspondence between the shape of the print area 32 and the adjustment amount is stored in the adjustment amount storage unit. 160. In this embodiment, the adjustment amount stored in the adjustment amount storage unit 160 is a distance by which the print position should be adjusted in the x direction (main scanning direction) and the y direction (sub scanning direction).
[0037]
C. Test pattern:
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that test patterns are prepared in advance for each of the eight types of CD-Rs 30. In the column of “test pattern”, the shape of the print area 32 and a test pattern including four cross marks are schematically shown. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a circular non-printing area exists at the center of each printing area 32.
[0038]
As shown in the figure, the conventional test pattern described above is applied to the CD-R 30 having the shapes of “12 cm circle” and “8 cm circle”. For a CD-R 30 having a shape different from a circle, a test pattern having at least one of the following features was applied.
[0039]
Feature 1: The measurement direction when measuring the print position shift is defined so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the print head of the inkjet printer 10, and the print position shift. And a pattern printed so as to be able to measure a predetermined distance corresponding to.
[0040]
No. The test patterns 003 to 008 all have this feature.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 3, the longer line segment of the cross mark defines the measurement direction indicated by the broken line. Further, in the present embodiment, in the illustrated test pattern, the distance between the intersection of the cross mark and the boundary line between the print area 32 and the non-print area, that is, the intersection of the cross mark, the illustrated broken line and the center of the print area. Is equivalent to the “predetermined distance”. Note that, for example, the distance between the intersection of the cross mark and the intersection of the broken line and the outline of the print area 32 may be set as the “predetermined distance”. Since the positional relationship between the test pattern and the print area 32 when the print position does not shift is predetermined, this distance is different from the design value designed in advance when the print position does not shift. Become. Therefore, if the distance is different from the design value, it means that the printing position has shifted.
[0042]
Feature 2: When the shape of the print area 32 is a polygon, a measurement direction for measuring a print position shift is defined in a diagonal direction of the polygon, and a predetermined distance corresponding to the print position shift is measured. Includes patterns that can be printed.
[0043]
No. The test patterns 003, 007, and 008 have this feature. No. 005 and 006 also have this feature when the shape of the print area 32 is regarded as a pseudo polygon.
[0044]
Feature 3: a pattern to be printed so as to include at least two line segments for defining at least two measurement directions when measuring the printing position shift, and to be able to measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the printing position shift. Including, the lengths of the two line segments are substantially the same.
[0045]
No. The test patterns 003 to 007 have this feature. With such a test pattern, distance measurement can be performed with equal accuracy in two directions.
[0046]
Feature 4: a measurement direction for measuring a shift is defined so as to be oblique to two preset reference directions for two-dimensionally specifying the shift of the print position, and the print position is determined. It includes a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured.
[0047]
When the two reference directions are the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, The test patterns 003 to 007 have this feature.
[0048]
Further, each test pattern includes a line segment on a straight line where at least one of the distances to two intersections with the rotation center of the CD-R 30 (the center of the circle which is a non-printing area) and the outer periphery of the printing area 32 is the largest. It also has the feature.
[0049]
By using a test pattern having the above-described characteristics, more space for a user to apply a ruler for measuring a predetermined distance can be secured than in the case of a conventional test pattern. As a result, the user can easily measure the distance described above using the ruler.
[0050]
The test pattern is No. As shown in 006, 007, it may be left-right asymmetric. Further, one of the two measurement directions may coincide with the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction. As will be described later, the test pattern according to the present embodiment is used for specifying a shift amount of a printing position in two directions, a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction. Therefore, it is preferable that the angle between the two measurement directions is close to 90 degrees from the viewpoint of the balance of the calculation accuracy of the shift amount in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.
[0051]
D. Printing a test pattern:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a test pattern printing process. This is a process executed by the CPU of the personal computer PC. First, the CPU obtains shape information for specifying the shape of the print area 32 included in the CD-R 30 specified by the user via the input unit 120 (step S100). In this embodiment, the “shape” selected by the user from the plurality of “shapes” prepared in advance shown in FIG. 3 is acquired as shape information using the GUI. Next, a print instruction for a test pattern is obtained from the user (step S110). Next, the selection unit 130 refers to the test pattern storage unit 140 and selects a test pattern corresponding to the shape of the print area 32 based on the shape information input in step S100 (step S120). Then, the test pattern is output to the printer driver 200 by the output unit 180, and the test pattern is printed by the inkjet printer 10 (step S130). In this embodiment, the test pattern is printed on a print position confirmation sheet having substantially the same shape as the CD-R 30.
[0052]
E. FIG. Measurement of print position deviation:
The user measures the distance described above using the print result of the test pattern. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a distance measured by a user in a print result of a test pattern. FIG. 5A shows a print result of the test pattern in a case where the printing position is not shifted. FIG. 5B shows a print result of the test pattern when the printing position is shifted. Further, FIG. 5C shows an enlarged view of the shift of the printing position in FIG. 5B. A point O in the figure is the center of rotation of the print area 32 (CD-R 30), and a point O 'is the intersection of two broken lines indicating the direction of distance measurement.
[0053]
In FIG. 5A, the user applies a ruler along the longer line segment of the cross mark, that is, along the illustrated broken line. Then, the distance L1 between the point t1 which is the intersection of the upper right cross mark shown in the figure, the point p1 which is the intersection of the broken line with the ruler and the circle C which is the non-print area, and the intersection of the upper left cross mark A distance L2 between a certain point t2 and a point p2, which is an intersection of a broken line with a ruler and a circle C as a non-printing area, is measured. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the point O and the point O 'coincide with each other, and since the distance L1 and the distance L2 are the design values L, it can be seen that there is no shift in the printing position. When the printing position is shifted, as shown in FIG. 5B, the point O and the point O ′ do not match, and the point t1 which is the intersection of the upper right cross mark and the ruler , The distance L1a between the dashed line and the point p1a that is the intersection of the circle C that is the non-printing area, the point t2 that is the intersection of the upper left cross mark, and the dashed line and the circle that is the non-printing area. The distance L2a from the point p2a, which is the intersection with C, deviates from the design value L (L1a> L, L2a <L).
[0054]
In the illustrated example, from FIG. 5C, the distance L1a is shifted by the distance dL1 (= | L−L1a |) in the measurement direction, and the distance L2a is shifted by the distance dL2 (= | L−L2a) in the measurement direction. |) It can be seen that they are shifted. Then, the combination of the two vectors of the sizes dL1 and dL2 shown in the drawing is a shift between the point O and the point O ′, that is, a shift in the printing position. This shift can be decomposed into a shift in the main scanning direction (+ dx1) and a shift in the sub-scanning direction (+ dy1). Since the positional relationship between the test pattern and the print area 32 when the print position is not shifted is determined in advance, the above-described distance measurement is performed using the print result of the test pattern to obtain the main scan direction. In addition, the shift amount of the printing position can be specified in the sub-scanning direction.
[0055]
Although FIG. 5B shows a case where the deviation of the printing position is extremely large for the sake of illustration, the deviation of the printing position that actually occurs is almost of the order of 1 mm or less. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the measurement error of the distance L1a and the distance L2a due to the positional relationship between the circle C indicating the non-printing area centered at the illustrated point O and p1a and p2a is not considered.
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of storing an adjustment amount used for adjusting a printing position during an image printing process. This is a process executed by the CPU of the personal computer PC. First, the CPU obtains, using the input unit 120, the measured value of the distance by the user described with reference to FIG. 5 (step S200). Next, the amount of deviation is calculated by the calculation unit 150 based on the measured value (step S210). Since the arrangement of the cross marks in the test pattern and the dimensions of the print area 32 are known, for example, the deviation of the distances L1a and L2a from the design value L shown in FIG. As described above, the shift amounts dx and dy of the print position of the print head in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be calculated. Next, the adjustment amount obtained based on the shift amount calculated by the calculation unit 150 is stored in the adjustment amount storage unit 160 in association with the shape of the print area 32 (step S170). In this embodiment, a value obtained by reversing the sign of the shift amounts dx and dy is used as the adjustment amount.
[0057]
E. FIG. Printing images:
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a process of printing an image on the CD-R 30. This is a process executed by the CPU of the personal computer PC. First, the CPU obtains a print instruction of image data edited according to the shape of the CD-R 30 and specified by the user (step S300). Next, the image data designated by the user is obtained (step S310). At this time, since the image data is edited according to the shape of the CD-R 30, the shape information can also be acquired. Further, the size of the tray 20 is also acquired. The purpose of obtaining the size of the tray 20 is to set a fictitious image described later. In the present embodiment, the size of the tray 20 is known, and is assumed to be A4 size. Next, referring to the adjustment amount storage unit 160, an adjustment amount corresponding to the shape of the print area 32 is acquired based on the shape information acquired in step S310 (step S320). Then, the layout of the image to be printed is adjusted based on the adjustment amount (step S330).
[0058]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how the layout of the image is adjusted. In the present embodiment, when printing on the CD-R 30, image data is generated by combining the fictitious image data with the print image data acquired in step S310 of FIG. The illustrated area Gv corresponds to the size of the tray 20 and is not used for printing, that is, an area of fictitious image data having a gradation value of 0. A hatched area Gp surrounded by a two-dot chain line corresponds to the position of the concave portion 22 of the tray 20, that is, the mounting position of the CD-R 30, and the print image data to be actually printed in the print area 32. Area. The illustrated area Gp is an area of the print image data before the adjustment of the image layout. An area Gpc surrounded by a solid line and hatched is an area of print image data after layout adjustment. As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the layout of the print image data on the fictitious image data is shifted in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction by the number of pixels corresponding to the adjustment amount (x = x1, y = y1). Adjust by By doing so, the adjustment of the print position on the print area 32 can be easily performed by software.
[0059]
When the adjustment of the image layout is completed, the image data is output to the printer driver 200 (FIG. 7, step S340), and printed by the inkjet printer 10 (step S350). Thus, the printing process ends.
[0060]
According to the printing system of the present embodiment described above, the test pattern that allows the user to easily measure a predetermined distance for adjusting the printing position in accordance with the shape of the printing area 32 provided in the CD-R 30 having various shapes. Can be printed, and the printing position can be adjusted accurately.
[0061]
F. Modification:
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.
[0062]
F1. Modification 1
In the above embodiment, the test pattern having the cross mark is shown in FIG. 3, but the illustrated test pattern is merely an example, and another test pattern having the above-described characteristics may be applied. The test pattern may be, for example, a simple line segment or point.
[0063]
F2. Modified example 2:
In the above embodiment, the case where the test pattern and the image are printed on the print area 32 of the CD-R 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to other recording media having a print area, such as a flexible disk and a mini disk (trademark).
[0064]
F3. Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, the “shape” shown in FIG. 3 is used as the shape information for specifying the shape of the print area 32. For example, a product number that can specify the shape of the CD-R 30 and the print area 32 is used. It may be used as shape information.
[0065]
F4. Modification 4:
In the above embodiment, the adjustment amount storage unit 160 stores the distance to be adjusted. However, a numerical value indicating how many pixels the image data should be shifted may be stored. In this case, since the number of pixels to be adjusted differs depending on the printing resolution of the inkjet printer 10, the adjustment amount is preferably stored for each printing resolution.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a printing system as one embodiment to which a print control device of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tray 20 and a CD-R 30 set in the inkjet printer 10.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a shape of a CD-R 30 and a test pattern and an adjustment amount.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a test pattern printing process.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a distance measured by a user in a print result of a test pattern.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of storing an adjustment amount used for adjusting a printing position during an image printing process.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a process of printing an image on a CD-R30.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how the layout of an image is adjusted.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing of a conventional print position adjustment test pattern.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Inkjet printer
20 ... Tray
22 ... recess
30 ... CD-R
32 print area
100… Application
110 ... Control unit
120 ... input unit
130 ... Selection unit
140 ... test pattern storage unit
150 ... Calculation unit
160: Adjustment amount storage unit
170 ... Image editor
172 ... adjustment unit
180 ... Output unit
200 ... Printer driver
PC: Personal computer

Claims (25)

A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. A print control device for controlling
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
The measurement direction when measuring the deviation is defined so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and is printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured. Including patterns,
Print control device. A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
In the diagonal direction of the polygon, along with defining the measurement direction when measuring the shift, including a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the shift can be measured.
Print control device. A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
Including at least two line segments for defining at least two directions of measurement when measuring the deviation, including a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured,
The lengths of the two line segments are substantially the same,
Print control device. A print control device that controls a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The print control device includes:
An instruction input unit for inputting a print instruction of a test pattern used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area,
A print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the test pattern in response to the instruction,
The test pattern is
A measurement direction for measuring the displacement is defined so as to be oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the displacement two-dimensionally, and a predetermined direction corresponding to the displacement is specified. Including a pattern printed so that the distance can be measured,
Print control device. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The recording medium has a rotation center,
The test pattern is
A line segment on a straight line that passes through the center of rotation of the recording medium and at least one of the distances from the center of rotation to two intersections with the outer periphery of the print area is maximum;
Print control device. The print control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
An information input unit for inputting predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
A storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other for a plurality of the recording media including print areas having different shapes,
A selection unit that refers to the storage unit and selects a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the input information;
A print control device comprising: The print control device according to claim 6, further comprising:
A measurement distance input unit for inputting a measurement distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A calculating unit that calculates the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measured distance;
An adjusting unit that adjusts the shift based on the shift amount;
A print control device comprising: The print control device according to claim 7, wherein
The printing unit performs printing on the printing area provided in the recording medium placed at a predetermined position on a predetermined mounting table,
The image data printed by the printing unit includes:
Print image data to be printed in the print area,
Fictitious image data that is substantially the same as the size of the mounting table and is not subjected to the printing,
Data in which the print image data is arranged at a predetermined position on the fictitious image data,
The adjustment unit adjusts the displacement by adjusting an arrangement position of the print image data on the fictitious image data,
Print control device. A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. A print control method for controlling
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) For a plurality of recording media having print areas having different shapes from each other, predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area and used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area. Preparing a storage unit for storing the test pattern in association with the test pattern;
(B) obtaining a print instruction for the test pattern;
(C) obtaining predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area;
(D) referring to the storage unit and selecting a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the acquired information;
(E) printing the selected test pattern on the printing unit;
With
The test pattern is
The measurement direction when measuring the deviation is defined so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and is printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured. Including patterns,
Print control method. A print control method for controlling a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
(A) For a plurality of recording media having print areas having different shapes from each other, predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area and used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area. Preparing a storage unit for storing the test pattern in association with the test pattern;
(B) obtaining a print instruction for the test pattern;
(C) obtaining predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area;
(D) referring to the storage unit and selecting a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the acquired information;
(E) printing the selected test pattern on the printing unit;
With
The test pattern is
In the diagonal direction of the polygon, along with defining the measurement direction when measuring the shift, including a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the shift can be measured.
Print control method. A print control method for controlling a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) For a plurality of recording media having print areas having different shapes from each other, predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area and used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area. Preparing a storage unit for storing the test pattern in association with the test pattern;
(B) obtaining a print instruction for the test pattern;
(C) obtaining predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area;
(D) referring to the storage unit and selecting a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the acquired information;
(E) printing the selected test pattern on the printing unit;
With
The test pattern is
Including at least two line segments for defining at least two directions of measurement when measuring the deviation, including a pattern printed so that a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation can be measured,
The lengths of the two line segments are substantially the same,
Print control method. A print control method for controlling a printing unit that performs printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) For a plurality of recording media having print areas having different shapes from each other, predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area and used to adjust a shift of a print position to the print area. Preparing a storage unit for storing the test pattern in association with the test pattern;
(B) obtaining a print instruction for the test pattern;
(C) obtaining predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area;
(D) referring to the storage unit and selecting a test pattern corresponding to the information based on the acquired information;
(E) printing the selected test pattern on the printing unit;
With
The test pattern is
A measurement direction for measuring the displacement is defined so as to be oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the displacement two-dimensionally, and a predetermined direction corresponding to the displacement is specified. Including a pattern printed so that the distance can be measured,
Print control method. A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. An adjustment method for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) A measurement direction for measuring the shift is defined so as to be used for adjusting the shift of the printing position and to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. A step of printing a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation in the print area,
(B) obtaining a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern;
(C) calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
(D) adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Adjustment method comprising: A printing method for performing printing on a predetermined print area provided in a recording medium for recording electronic information, an adjustment method for adjusting a shift of a print position to the print area,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
(A) It is used for adjusting the shift of the printing position, and defines a measurement direction when measuring the shift in a diagonal direction of the polygon and can measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the shift. Printing a test pattern on the print area;
(B) obtaining a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern;
(C) calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
(D) adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Adjustment method comprising: A printing method for performing printing on a predetermined print area provided in a recording medium for recording electronic information, an adjustment method for adjusting a shift of a print position to the print area,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) at least two line segments having substantially the same length, which are used to adjust the displacement of the printing position and define at least two measurement directions when measuring the displacement, A step of printing a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation in the print area,
(B) obtaining a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern;
(C) calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
(D) adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Adjustment method comprising: A printing method for performing printing on a predetermined print area provided in a recording medium for recording electronic information, an adjustment method for adjusting a shift of a print position to the print area,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
(A) The shift is used to adjust the shift of the print position, and the shift is measured so as to be oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the shift two-dimensionally. Defining a measurement direction at the time, a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation, a step of printing in the print area,
(B) obtaining a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern;
(C) calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
(D) adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Adjustment method comprising: A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. A computer program for controlling
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
It is used for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area, and defines a measurement direction when measuring the shift so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. A function of acquiring a print instruction of a test pattern including a pattern printed so as to be able to measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation,
A function of acquiring predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
For a plurality of recording media having print areas of different shapes from each other, refer to a storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other, and, based on the acquired information, a test pattern corresponding to the information. Function to select
A function of causing the printing unit to print the selected test pattern;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for controlling a printing unit that executes printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
Used to adjust the shift of the printing position to the printing area, and in the diagonal direction of the polygon, defines the measurement direction when measuring the shift, and can measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the shift A function for acquiring a print instruction for a test pattern including a pattern to be printed on
A function of acquiring predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
For a plurality of the recording media having print areas of different shapes from each other, refer to a storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other, and, based on the acquired information, a test pattern corresponding to the information. Function to select
A function of causing the printing unit to print the selected test pattern;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for controlling a printing unit that executes printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
A line segment having at least two line segments having substantially the same length, which is used for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area and which defines at least two directions of measurement when measuring the shift, A function of acquiring a print instruction of a test pattern including a pattern printed so as to be able to measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation,
A function of acquiring predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
For a plurality of the recording media having print areas of different shapes from each other, refer to a storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other, and, based on the acquired information, a test pattern corresponding to the information. Function to select
A function of causing the printing unit to print the selected test pattern;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for controlling a printing unit that executes printing on a predetermined print area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
It is used for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the print area, and measures the shift so as to be oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the shift two-dimensionally. A function of defining a measurement direction when performing, and acquiring a print instruction of a test pattern including a pattern printed so as to be able to measure a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation,
A function of acquiring predetermined information for specifying the shape of the print area,
For a plurality of the recording media having print areas of different shapes from each other, refer to a storage unit that stores the information and the test pattern in association with each other, and, based on the acquired information, a test pattern corresponding to the information. Function to select
A function of causing the printing unit to print the selected test pattern;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A printing unit that includes a print head and performs printing on a predetermined print area included in the recording medium while performing main scanning and sub scanning relative to the recording medium for recording electronic information. A computer program for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The printing unit is used for adjusting the shift of the printing position, and defines a measurement direction when measuring the shift so as to be oblique to at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. And a function of printing a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation in the print area,
A function of acquiring a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A function of calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
A function of adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area of a printing unit that executes printing to a predetermined printing area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a polygonal shape,
The printing unit is used to adjust the displacement of the printing position, and in the diagonal direction of the polygon, defines a measurement direction when measuring the displacement, and measures a predetermined distance corresponding to the displacement. A function to print a possible test pattern in the print area,
A function of acquiring a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A function of calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
A function of adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area of a printing unit that executes printing to a predetermined printing area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
The printing unit includes at least two line segments having substantially the same length that are used to adjust the displacement of the printing position and that define at least two directions in which to measure the displacement. A function to print a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the deviation in the print area,
A function of acquiring a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A function of calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
A function of adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A computer program for adjusting a shift of a printing position to the printing area of a printing unit that executes printing to a predetermined printing area included in a recording medium for recording electronic information,
The printing area has a shape different from a circle,
In the printing unit, the shift is used to adjust the shift of the printing position, and the shift is oblique to two reference directions set in advance to specify the shift two-dimensionally. A function of defining a measurement direction when measuring, and printing a test pattern capable of measuring a predetermined distance corresponding to the front shift on the print area,
A function of acquiring a measured distance measured for the distance from a print result of the test pattern,
A function of calculating the two-dimensional shift amount based on the test pattern and the measurement distance;
A function of adjusting the shift based on the shift amount;
Computer program to make a computer realize. A recording medium on which the computer program according to any one of claims 17 to 24 is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

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