JP2005014602A - Printing apparatus, printing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify operation of a printing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The printing apparatus comprises a printing mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The printing mechanism is provided with a conveyance mechanism for conveying a medium, and a printhead for ejecting an ink while it is moving, for printing an image on the medium. The sensor moves along with the printhead, and detects the image. The controller causes the printing mechanism to print a marksheet, causes the sensor to detect the marksheet, and performs a process according to the detection result of the sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, there has been an increasing demand for printing apparatuses that can freely print captured images at home. On the other hand, when an image photographed by a digital camera is printed by a printing apparatus, it is necessary to specify the image to be printed and set the type, size, image quality, and the like of the printing paper.
However, such setting work is burdensome for a user who is not used to the operation, and is complicated for the user who is used to the operation.

Therefore, the applicant of the present application has already proposed an invention in which an image group that is a candidate for printing is printed on a printing paper as an index image, and printing is performed by referring to the index image (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-283634 (Abstract)

  In the above invention, the user operates the operation panel provided in the input device of the computer connected to the printing apparatus or the printing apparatus while referring to the index image. However, the operation using the operation panel of the printing apparatus is complicated and has a problem that it is easily misoperated.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that operations on a printing apparatus can be easily performed.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image;
And a controller that causes the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet, causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet, and performs processing according to a detection result of the sensor.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image;
And a controller that causes the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet, causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet, and performs processing according to a detection result of the sensor.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to easily perform operations on the printing apparatus. In addition, since the mark sheet can be detected using a sensor that moves with the print head, the mark sheet can be detected using an inexpensive sensor.

  Preferably, the printing apparatus further includes a memory that stores data indicating a mark position of the mark sheet, and the controller causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet based on the data in the memory. According to such a printing apparatus, since only a specific position can be detected, the detection time can be shortened.

  In this printing apparatus, the print head prints an alignment mark on the mark sheet, and the controller causes the sensor to detect the alignment mark, and causes the sensor to detect the position of the alignment mark. It is desirable to detect the mark sheet. According to such a printing apparatus, even when the mark sheet is displaced when the mark sheet is detected, the mark can be detected correctly.

  In this printing apparatus, a list of a plurality of images and a mark corresponding to each image are printed on the mark sheet, and the controller controls the printing mechanism according to a detection result of the mark by the sensor. It is desirable to determine the image to be printed. According to such a printing apparatus, an operation for determining an image to be printed can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the printing mechanism prints an image according to a print signal, and the controller generates the print signal according to the detection result. According to such a printing apparatus, an instruction for generating a print signal can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the controller adjusts at least one of lightness, saturation, and contrast according to the detection result to generate the print signal. According to such a printing apparatus, an operation for adjusting to a desired brightness or the like can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the controller generates the print signal by adjusting a dot recording rate according to the detection result. According to such a printing apparatus, an operation for adjusting the dot recording rate so as not to cause banding can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the controller adjusts the printing mechanism in accordance with the detection result. According to such a printing apparatus, an operation for adjusting the printing mechanism can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the controller adjusts an ink ejection timing when the print head ejects ink during a reciprocating movement according to the detection result. According to such a printing apparatus, the Bi-D adjustment operation can be easily performed.

A printing method for transporting a medium, ejecting ink from a moving print head, and printing an image on the medium,
Printing a mark sheet on the medium;
The mark sheet is detected by a sensor that moves with the print head,
A printing method characterized by performing processing according to a detection result of the sensor.
According to such a printing method, an operation on the printing apparatus can be easily performed. In addition, since the mark sheet can be detected using a sensor that moves with the print head, the mark sheet can be detected using an inexpensive sensor.

A printing apparatus comprising: a transport mechanism that transports a medium; and a print mechanism that prints an image on the medium with a print head that ejects ink while moving; and a sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image.
A function for causing the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet;
A function of causing the sensor to detect the mark sheet;
A program for realizing a function of performing processing according to a detection result of the sensor.
According to such a program, an operation on the printing apparatus can be simplified. In addition, since the mark sheet can be detected using a sensor that moves with the print head, the mark sheet can be detected using an inexpensive sensor.

Further, in a printing apparatus having an optical sensor in a print head, a mark sheet on which predetermined information is written by a writing tool is sucked (feeded) into the inside of the printing apparatus, and a mark sheet sucked by the suction means is drawn by a writing tool. Reading means for reading the written information by an optical sensor provided in the print head, and processing means for executing processing according to the information read by the reading means.
For this reason, various settings can be performed easily and quickly.

  Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, it further includes mark sheet creating means for creating a mark sheet by printing predetermined information on a print medium. For this reason, it becomes possible to create a mark sheet according to the content of the processing to be executed by the processing means as required.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the printing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information indicating a writing position of information on the mark sheet, and the reading unit includes an optical sensor at a position corresponding to the information stored in the storage unit. By moving the head, information written on the mark sheet is read. For this reason, since the mark sheet can be read by using an optical sensor used for paper edge detection or the like, it is not necessary to provide a new optical sensor, and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, a list of images to be printed is printed on the mark sheet, and check boxes corresponding to the respective images are printed. The processing unit is checked by a writing instrument. A process for printing an image corresponding to the box is executed. For this reason, it is possible to easily print an image by referring to the image printed on the list and checking the check box corresponding to the image to be printed with the writing implement.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, a plurality of check boxes are printed for one image, and the number of prints of the image can be designated by a combination of checks of the plurality of check boxes. Therefore, a necessary number of images can be printed by appropriately changing the check method of the check box.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the mark sheet further includes a check box for setting a print attribute when printing an image, and the processing unit checks a check box for setting the print attribute. A process for setting print attributes according to the state is executed. For this reason, it is possible to easily set the printing attributes at the time of printing.

  Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, the mark sheet has a check box for adjusting the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus, and the processing means is a printing apparatus according to the check state of the check box for adjusting the printing characteristics. The printing characteristics are adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to easily set printing characteristics during printing.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the print characteristics are the print position of the forward path and the return path during bidirectional printing, or the dot recording rate. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of banding by correcting the deviation of the printing position in the forward pass and the return pass during bidirectional printing and adjusting the dot recording rate.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the printing characteristics are brightness, saturation, contrast, or color balance. For this reason, it is possible to easily adjust the brightness, saturation, contrast, or color balance.

Further, in an information reading method by a printing apparatus having an optical sensor in a print head, a suction step for sucking (feeding) a mark sheet on which predetermined information is written by a writing instrument, and a mark sheet sucked by the suction step In addition, a reading step of reading information written by the writing tool by an optical sensor provided in the print head and a processing step of executing processing according to the information read by the reading step are provided.
For this reason, various settings can be easily and quickly performed by this information reading method.

Also, in an information reading program for a printing apparatus that causes a computer to perform information reading processing by a printing apparatus having an optical sensor in a print head, the computer sucks a mark sheet on which predetermined information is written by a writing instrument into the printing apparatus. (Feeding) suction means, reading means for reading information written by a writing instrument on a mark sheet sucked by the suction means by an optical sensor provided in the print head, and processing according to the information read by the reading means It is made to function as a processing means to be executed.
For this reason, by installing this program, various settings can be easily and quickly performed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Configuration of printing device>
First, an outline of the printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the combination of the printer 22 and the personal computer 90 is referred to as a “printing apparatus”.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 22 constituting the printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the printer 22 with the control circuit 40 as a center.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 22 has a transport mechanism (sub-scan feed mechanism) and a carriage movement mechanism (main scan feed mechanism). The transport mechanism transports the printing paper P by the paper feed motor 23. The carriage moving mechanism reciprocates the carriage 31 in the axial direction of the paper feed roller 26 by the carriage motor 24. Here, the feeding direction of the printing paper P by the transport mechanism is referred to as a transport direction (also referred to as a sub-scanning direction). The direction in which the carriage 31 is moved by the carriage moving mechanism is referred to as a moving direction (also referred to as a main scanning direction).

  The printer 22 includes a print head unit 60, a head drive mechanism, and a control circuit 40. The print head unit 60 is mounted on the carriage 31 and includes the print head 12. The head drive mechanism drives the print head unit 60 to control ink ejection and dot formation. The control circuit 40 controls the exchange of signals with the paper feed motor 23, the carriage motor 24, the print head unit 60 and the operation panel 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, four ink cartridges are detachably mounted on the carriage 31. The four ink cartridges are detachable components, and a cartridge 71 containing black (K) ink, a cartridge 72 containing cyan (C) ink, a cartridge 73 containing magenta (M) ink, The cartridge 74 stores yellow (Y) ink.

  A print head 12 is provided below the carriage 31. In the print head 12, nozzles as ink discharge locations are arranged in a line in the transport direction of the print paper P. Each nozzle row corresponds to a predetermined color ink.

  In addition, a piezoelectric element that is one of electrostrictive elements and excellent in responsiveness is arranged for each nozzle in a nozzle row that is provided below the carriage 31 and is associated with each ink. The piezo element is installed at a position in contact with a member that forms an ink passage that guides ink to the nozzle. Piezo elements have a crystal structure that is distorted by the application of voltage, and perform electro-mechanical energy conversion at an extremely high speed.

  In the present embodiment, by applying a voltage having a predetermined time width between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element, the piezo element is extended for the voltage application time, and one side wall of the ink passage is deformed. As a result, the volume of the ink passage contracts according to the expansion of the piezo element, and the ink corresponding to the contraction becomes ink droplets and is ejected at high speed from the tip of the nozzle. The ink droplets soak into the printing paper P along the paper feed roller 26, whereby dots are formed and printing is performed. The size of the ink droplet can be changed by a method of applying a voltage to the piezo element. Thereby, for example, dots of three different sizes, large, medium, and small, can be formed.

  The control circuit 40 is connected to the personal computer 90 via the connector 56. The personal computer 90 is loaded with a driver program (printer driver) for the printer 22 as will be described later, accepts user commands by operating a keyboard or mouse as an input device, and also stores various information in the printer 22. A user interface presented by the screen display of the display device is configured.

  The transport mechanism that transports the printing paper P includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 23 to a paper feed roller 26 and a paper transport roller (not shown).

  The carriage moving mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 31 is an endless drive belt between the carriage motor 24 and a slide shaft 34 that is laid in parallel with the axis of the paper feed roller 26 and slidably holds the carriage 31. A pulley 38 that stretches 36 and an optical sensor 39 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 31 and detecting a check of a mark sheet, which will be described later, are provided. The optical sensor 39 converts a light source for projecting light onto the printing paper P and reflected light from the printing paper P into a corresponding image signal, for example, a photodiode (or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) element. ) And. Since the optical sensor 39 is mounted on the carriage 31, it can move in the movement direction of the carriage 31. Since this optical sensor 39 can also detect the presence or absence of paper, it detects the edge of the paper while the carriage 31 is moving to detect the paper width, or detects the edge of the paper being conveyed to detect the paper edge. The top and bottom can be detected.

  A mark sheet is a sheet on which a mark such as a check box is printed. The user selectively fills the mark with a pencil, and the optical sensor 39 detects whether or not the mark is filled. As a result, the printer can receive an instruction from the user via the mark sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a programmable ROM (P-ROM (Read Only Memory)) 43, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 44, and a character that stores a dot matrix of characters. The circuit is configured as an arithmetic logic circuit including a generator (CG (Character Generator)) 45, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 46 as a memory (storage means), and a card reader 47. Here, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes various arithmetic processes according to a program stored in the ROM 43. The CPU 41 serves as a controller (control unit) for controlling each unit in the printer. For example, the CPU 41 controls the carriage moving mechanism to move the carriage (and the print head), controls the transport mechanism to transport the printing paper in the transport direction, and controls the head drive mechanism to ink the print head. Can be discharged. The CPU 41 can also control each unit in the printer based on the detection result of the optical sensor 39.

  The control circuit 40 further drives an I / F dedicated circuit 50 that is an interface (I / F (Interface)) with an external motor or the like, and the print head unit 60 connected to the I / F dedicated circuit 50. A head drive circuit 52 that ejects ink, and a motor drive circuit 54 that drives the paper feed motor 23 and the carriage motor 24.

  The I / F dedicated circuit 50 has a built-in parallel interface circuit and can receive a print signal PS supplied from the personal computer 90 via the connector 56. When the printer receives the print signal PS, the printer discharges ink from the print head 12 during movement of the carriage to form dots on the print paper P and transports the print paper P by the transport mechanism. Are alternately repeated to print an image on the printing paper P. In this case, the process of converting the image information into the print signal PS is performed by the personal computer 90 in which the printer driver is installed.

A memory card 48 that is a storage medium of a digital camera (not shown) is inserted into the card reader 47. As will be described later, information recorded on the memory card 48 is read out by a printer and printed. Instead of the card reader 47, a predetermined interface circuit may be provided to transmit / receive image information to / from a digital camera by wire or wirelessly. When the printer acquires the image information from the memory card 48, the printer converts the image information into a print signal according to the printer driver in the printer, and prints the image on the print paper P based on the print signal.
The memory card 48 is composed of a semiconductor memory device, is detachably mounted on a digital camera (not shown), and is configured to store captured images.

Next, the external configuration of the printer 22 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the printer 22 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 22 includes a housing 130, an upper lid 131, a paper feed unit 132, a paper discharge unit 133, a slot 135, and an operation unit 136.

  Here, the housing 130 is made of resin or the like, and has a mechanism portion and a control portion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 incorporated therein. The upper lid 131 is locked so as to be rotatable in the opening / closing direction about a rotation shaft (not shown) provided in the housing 130. When the upper lid 131 is opened, the print head unit 60 and the like housed in the housing 130 can be seen.

  The paper feeding unit 132 has a stocker that stores the printing paper P and a paper feeding mechanism that feeds the printing paper P stored in the stocker one by one. The paper discharge unit 133 includes a discharge port that discharges the print paper P that has been printed, a paper discharge tray that stores the print paper P discharged from the discharge port, and the like. In FIG. 3, since the paper discharge unit 133 is not in a state where paper can be discharged, in order to enable paper discharge, it is necessary to rotate the paper discharge tray of the paper discharge unit 133 so that the discharge port communicates with the outside. is there.

  The slot 135 is mounted on the upper lid 131 and has a card insertion slot into which the memory card 48 can be attached and detached. When the memory card 48 is inserted into the slot 135, the position of the memory card 48 is restricted by the inner wall of the slot 135. When the memory card 48 is inserted into the slot 135, a later-described lamp 136a may be turned on or the color of the lamp 136a may be changed. 2 is provided inside the slot 135. The card reader 47 shown in FIG.

  The operation unit 136 includes a lamp 136a and a button 136b. For example, the operation unit 136 is operated when the power is turned on or off, the printing paper P is fed or discharged, or the printing head 12 is cleaned. At the same time, it is a portion for performing display for notifying the user of the operation state of the printer in accordance with these operations.

<Configuration on the computer 90 side>
Next, the configuration of the personal computer 90 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 90 includes a CPU 91, ROM 92, RAM 93, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 94, video circuit 95, I / F 96, bus 97, display device 98, input device 99, and external storage device 100. It is configured.

Here, the CPU 91 is a control unit that executes various arithmetic processes according to programs stored in the ROM 92 and the HDD 94 and controls each unit of the apparatus.
The ROM 92 is a memory that stores basic programs executed by the CPU 91 and data. The RAM 93 is a memory that temporarily stores programs being executed by the CPU 91 and data being calculated.
The HDD 94 is a recording device that reads data and programs recorded on a hard disk as a recording medium in response to a request from the CPU 91 and records data generated as a result of arithmetic processing of the CPU 91 on the hard disk.
The video circuit 95 is a circuit that executes a drawing process in accordance with a drawing command supplied from the CPU 91, converts the obtained image data into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the display device 98.
The I / F 96 is a circuit that appropriately converts the expression format of signals output from the input device 99 and the external storage device 100 and outputs a print signal PS to the printer 22.
The bus 97 is a signal line that connects the CPU 91, the ROM 92, the RAM 93, the HDD 94, the video circuit 95, and the I / F 96 to each other and enables data exchange between them.
The display device 98 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, and displays an image corresponding to the video signal output from the video circuit 95.
The input device 99 is configured by, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is a device that generates a signal corresponding to a user operation and supplies the signal to the I / F 96.

  The external storage device 100 includes, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ROM) drive unit, an MO (Magneto Optic) drive unit, and an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive) unit, and is recorded on a CD-ROM disc, an MO disc, and an FD. This is a device that reads out data and programs that are stored and supplies them to the CPU 91. In the case of the MO drive unit and the FDD unit, the data is supplied from the CPU 91 to the MO disk or FD.

When the printer driver is installed in the personal computer 90, various information about the printer 22 can be displayed on the display device 98, and the user can set various parameters of the printer driver via the input device 99. The printer driver converts the image data into the print signal PS or sets the printer according to the set various parameters.
However, the operation of setting the printer driver using the input device 99 forces the user to perform complicated operations.

  In recent years, printing apparatuses that can print an image without using a computer by directly connecting a digital camera or directly mounting a storage medium of the digital camera have appeared. In such a printing apparatus, it is necessary to perform all the operations for printing described above on the operation panel of the printing apparatus. In general, the display unit of the operation panel is set to have a low resolution (or even a display unit is not provided) for cost reduction, and thus the above-described operations such as image designation cannot be performed smoothly. There are also problems. Further, in such a printing apparatus, for example, when setting the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus, it is necessary to operate the operation panel described above. For example, the print property setting includes correction of the print position during bi-directional printing. However, it is often difficult to perform such adjustment while referring to a screen with low resolution. There is also a problem that the adjustment cannot be performed sufficiently.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer and the printer driver can be set by the printer printing the mark sheet and the user filling in the check box of the mark sheet.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described.

<Printing the mark sheet>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when a mark sheet for image printing is printed. This flowchart is executed when the operation unit 136 is operated after the memory card 48 is inserted into the slot 135 shown in FIG. 3 and an operation for requesting printing of a mark sheet for image processing is performed. It may be executed when the input device 99 of the personal computer 90 is operated instead of the operation unit 136 of the printer 22.

When the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started, the following steps are executed. The ROM 43 stores a program for performing each step. The CPU 41 implements each step by controlling each unit in the printer according to this program.
Step S <b> 10: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires image information stored in the memory card 48 by sending an information read command to the card reader 47.
Step S11: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 calculates the number of images acquired in step S10. For example, when 30 images are stored in the memory card 48, “30” is acquired.
Step S12: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of generating a thumbnail (Thumb Nail) image of the image acquired in Step S10. Specifically, for example, the CPU 41 generates a thumbnail image of a predetermined size (for example, 4 cm long × 3 cm wide) by thinning out pixels constituting the image acquired in step S10 at a predetermined interval.
Step S13: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a paper feed process for driving the paper feed motor 23 to feed only one print paper P stored in the stocker of the paper feed unit 132.
Step S <b> 14: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints alignment marks for performing position detection on both ends of the leading end portion of the printing paper P during a reading process described later.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the mark sheet 140 obtained as a result of the processing shown in FIG. In the process of step S14, alignment marks 141 and 142 are printed on both ends of the leading end portion of the mark sheet 140 (the portion that is printed first on the printer 22). It is also possible to print only at one end instead of printing at both ends.

  Step S15: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 ejects ink to a predetermined position while moving the carriage 31 in the moving direction, and forms one line (the process of forming one line is also called “main scanning”). Is completed, the paper feed motor 23 is driven to carry the paper. In this way, the printer prints the print attribute setting check box by alternately repeating the process of ejecting ink and the process of carrying.

As a result, the check boxes 143 to 146 shown in FIG. 6 are printed. Here, the check box 143 is a check box for setting the paper size, and “A4” and “postcard” are listed as selection candidates. The check box 144 is a check box for setting a paper type, and “PM photo paper”, “plain paper”, and “super fine paper” are listed as selection candidates. The check box 145 is a check box for setting the print image quality, and “high image quality” and “high speed” are listed as selection candidates.
The check box 146 is a check box for setting the presence / absence of borderless printing. “No border” and “With border” are listed as selection candidates.

  Step S15: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires three thumbnail images generated in step S12 and prints them on the printing paper P in order. As a result, for example, when the first printing process is completed, thumbnail images 147 to 149 shown in FIG. 6 are printed (thumbnail images are printed in the frames 147 to 149 in FIG. 6).

  Step S16: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a check box for setting the number of prints below the thumbnail image printed in step S15. For example, when the first printing process is completed, check boxes 156 to 158 shown in FIG. 6 are printed. In this example, three thumbnails are a check box that is checked when printing one image, a check box that is checked when printing two sheets, and a check box that is checked when printing three sheets. It is printed below the image. These check boxes are printed at predetermined positions on the printing paper P.

  Step S18: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 determines whether or not there are still thumbnail images to be printed. If they remain, the process returns to step S16 and repeats the same processing. Proceed to S19. If the blank portion of the printing paper P becomes insufficient with the thumbnail image remaining, the paper discharge process is executed to feed a new printing paper P. In addition, when the thumbnail image and the check box are printed separately on different printing paper P, the correspondence between them is not known, so the thumbnail image and the check box are set to print on the same printing paper P. It is desirable that

  Step S19: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 to execute a process of discharging the printing paper P that has been printed.

  With the above processing, a mark sheet 140 for image printing as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained.

<Check mark sheet>
The user checks the check box of the mark sheet 140 for image printing obtained as described above with a writing tool (for example, a pencil) as necessary. FIG. 7 shows an example of the mark sheet 140 checked by the user. In this example, in the check box 143, the check box on the “A4” side is checked, and “A4” is selected as the size of the printing paper P.

  In the check box 144, the check box on the “PM photo paper” side is checked, and “PM photo paper” is selected as the type of the print paper P. In the check box 145, the check box on the “high image quality” side is checked, and “high image quality” is selected as the print image quality. In the check box 146, the check box on the “no border” side is checked, and “no border printing” is selected as the printing method.

  In the check box 156 printed below the thumbnail image 147, the check box corresponding to “one sheet” is checked, and “one sheet” is selected as the number of prints of the image corresponding to the thumbnail 147. Yes. In the check box 157 printed below the thumbnail image 148, the check box corresponding to “two sheets” is checked, and “two sheets” is selected as the number of prints of the image corresponding to the thumbnail 148. Yes. In the check box 158 printed under the thumbnail image 149, the check box corresponding to “three sheets” is checked, and “3 sheets” is selected as the number of prints of the image corresponding to the thumbnail 149.

  In the check box 159 printed below the thumbnail image 150, all the check boxes are not checked, and “0” is selected as the number of prints of the image corresponding to the thumbnail 150. In the check box 160 printed under the thumbnail image 151, both the check box corresponding to “1 sheet” and the check box corresponding to “3 sheets” are checked, and the image corresponding to the thumbnail 151 is printed. As the number of sheets, “4 sheets” which is the result of adding “1 sheet” and “3 sheets” is selected. In the check box 161 printed under the thumbnail image 152, all the check boxes are checked, and “1”, “2”, and “3” are printed as the number of images corresponding to the thumbnail 152. “6”, which is the result of adding all of the above, is selected. In the check boxes 162 to 164, since the check box corresponding to “one sheet” is checked, “one sheet” is selected as the number of printed images corresponding to the thumbnail images 153 to 155.

<Reading the mark sheet>
When the check is completed as described above, the user makes the printing surface of the mark sheet 140 face up and the alignment marks 141 and 142 face down so that the paper feed unit 132 of the printer 22 is turned on. Place in the stocker. Then, the operation unit 136 of the printer 22 is operated to execute the reading process of the description content of the mark sheet 140 for image printing. As a result, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is executed. When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.

  Step S50: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 to execute a process of feeding the image printing mark sheet 140 stored in the stocker. As a result, the mark sheet 140 is fed to the printer 22 with the printing surface facing the optical sensor 39 side of the carriage 31 and the side to which the alignment marks 141 and 142 are attached leading. .

  Step S51: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 by a predetermined amount to convey the mark sheet 140 in the conveyance direction by a predetermined conveyance amount. Thereby, the alignment marks 141 and 142 of the mark sheet 140 are in the same position as the optical sensor 39 in the transport direction, and can be opposed to the optical sensor 39. Then, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the carriage motor 24 to move the carriage 31 in the moving direction, and detects the alignment marks 141 and 142 with reference to the output signal from the optical sensor 39.

  Step S52: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 calibrates the reading position according to the positions of the alignment marks 141 and 142 detected in step S51. That is, the control circuit 40 has data indicating the position of the check box printed on the mark sheet 140, but corrects the detection position in the movement direction according to the detection position of the alignment marks 141 and 142. . For example, when the alignment marks 141 and 142 are shifted to the right, the mark sheet 140 is shifted to the right and the paper is fed, so that the detection position is moved to the right by an amount corresponding to the shift amount ( That is, the control circuit 40 moves the sampling position described later to the right).

  Step S53: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process for reading the setting information of the mark sheet 140. That is, the CPU 41 reads the information indicating the position of the check box stored in the EEPROM 46, feeds the mark sheet 140 to the position where the check boxes 143 to 146 are printed while referring to this information, and moves the carriage 31. The output of the optical sensor 39 is monitored while moving in the moving direction.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the check state of the check box of the mark sheet 140 and the output data. When the check box is in the state shown in FIG. 9A, the output signal from the optical sensor 39 is as shown in FIG. 9B. That is, when the check box is checked (filled with a writing instrument), the output signal is in the “L” state, and in other cases, the output signal is in the “H” state.

  As described above, the CPU 41 recognizes the printing position of the check box in the moving direction based on the information stored in the EEPROM 46. The CPU 41 detects the position of the carriage 31 based on an output from an encoder (not shown) provided on the carriage 31. Therefore, the CPU 41 compares these to determine whether or not the optical sensor 39 is positioned on the check box. When the CPU 41 determines that the optical sensor 39 is positioned on the check box, the CPU 41 samples the output signal from the optical sensor 39 (see FIG. 9C), and the signal level is determined. In the case of “H”, “0” is output as the output data, and in the case of “L”, “1” is obtained (see FIG. 9D).

  By executing the above operation for each check box, data corresponding to the check state of the check box can be obtained. The data string obtained in this way is transferred to the CPU 41 as binary data such as “000101111”, for example.

  Step S54: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 sets the printer 22 according to the print attribute read in step S53. Specifically, in the case of the mark sheet 140 shown in FIG. 7, all the check boxes at the top are checked, so “1111” is obtained, and all the check boxes at the next are not checked, so “0000”. And the lowest check box is not checked, so “0” is obtained.

  As a result, since “A4” is selected as the paper size, the CPU 41 sets so that the image indicated by the print signal generated by the printer becomes the size. Also, since the paper type is set to “PM matte paper”, color conversion processing (also referred to as white balance adjustment) is performed accordingly. Since “high image quality” is selected as the image quality, the resolution of the image is higher in the resolution conversion process (or halftone process) when the printer generates the print signal than in the case of “high-speed printing”. Set to. Furthermore, since “marginless printing” is selected, for example, enlargement processing is executed so that the image fills the printing paper.

  Step S55: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of reading the number of printed sheets of each image entered on the mark sheet 140. That is, the CPU 41 monitors the output of the optical sensor 39 while feeding the mark sheet 140 to the position where the check boxes 156 to 158 are printed and moving the carriage 31 in the movement direction. Then, the check state of the check box is detected by the same process as described above.

  For example, in the case of the check box 156, since the CPU 41 obtains “100” as the output data, the CPU 41 obtains information “1” as the number of printed sheets. Further, in the case of the check box 157, the output data “010” is obtained, and in the case of the check box 158, the output data “001” is obtained, so that information of “2 sheets” and “3 sheets” is obtained as the number of printed sheets. In the case of the check box 159, output data “000” is obtained, and therefore information “0 sheets” is obtained as the number of printed sheets. In the case of the check box 160, the output data “101” is obtained, and therefore information on “4 sheets” obtained by adding “1 sheet” and “3 sheets” is obtained as the number of printed sheets. In the case of the check box 161, output data “111” is obtained, and therefore information on “6 sheets” obtained by adding “1 sheet”, “2 sheets”, and “3 sheets” is obtained as the number of printed sheets.

  Step S56: When the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 completes the reading of the check boxes in one row, it determines whether or not the reading of the check box information corresponding to the number of all the images stored in the memory card 48 has been completed. To do. If it is determined that the reading has been completed, the process proceeds to step S57. Otherwise, the process returns to step S55 to repeat the same processing.

  If all the check boxes of the mark sheet 140 have been read but information is not obtained for the number of images stored in the memory card 48, the information is divided into two or more mark sheets. It may be printed. Therefore, in this case, a message or the like prompting the user to insert the other mark sheet is displayed on the display device 98 of the personal computer 90 or the like.

  Step S57: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of discharging the mark sheet 140 that has been read.

  Step S58: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process for printing an image for the number of prints of the image read in step S55. In the example of the mark sheet 140 shown in FIG. 7, one image corresponding to the thumbnail 147 corresponds to the thumbnail 148 in “PM matte paper” of “A4” size in “high quality” mode and “marginless printing”. Printing is performed such that two images are printed, and the printing process is repeatedly performed until printing of all images is completed.

  According to the above embodiment, the printing attribute and the number of prints can be easily set by printing the mark sheet 140 for image printing with the printer 22 and checking the necessary check boxes with the writing implement.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the state of the check box is checked by diverting the optical sensor 39 originally provided for the purpose of use for paper edge detection and the like, so the manufacturing cost of the printer 22 is reduced. Operability can be improved while suppressing.

  In the above embodiment, since the number of prints of each image can be set by a check box, a plurality of the same images can be printed.

  In the above embodiment, the check boxes indicating one, two, and three sheets are used as the check boxes for designating the number of printed sheets of each image. (4 sheets, 5 sheets, etc.) may be used.

  Further, the number of prints may be specified by using a check box as shown in FIG. 10A. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, by using a check box 300 including seven rectangles 301 to 307, a number can be configured by filling a required rectangle and the number of sheets can be designated. FIG. 10B illustrates a case where the rectangles 301, 303, 304, 306, and 307 are filled and the number “3” is indicated.

  When reading information from such a check box 300, the information of the rectangles 301 to 307 is read in the order of the codes shown in FIG. 10C, and this is compared with the table information shown in FIG. Can be obtained.

  Specifically, scanning by the optical sensor 39 is performed along the “scanning position” shown in FIG. 10D, and the states of the rectangles 301 to 307 are sampled at the “sampling position”. As a result, for example, in the case of “3”, “1011011” is obtained as output data. When “0”, the output data “0000000” is “1”, when the output data “0010010” is “1”, when the output data “1011101” is “4”, Is output data “0111010”, “5” is output data “1101011”, “6” is output data “1101111”, “7” is output data “1010010”, “ In the case of “8”, output data “1111111” is obtained, and in the case of “9”, output data “1111011” is obtained.

  According to such a method, numbers from 0 to 9 can be freely expressed by painting a rectangle as necessary. In addition, since the filled rectangle indicates the number itself, a setting error can be easily found.

<Improved example 1 of the first embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the printer 22 is set according to the reading results of the mark sheet check boxes 143 to 146. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a printer driver program installed in the personal computer 90 may be set in accordance with the reading results of the mark sheet check boxes 143 to 146. In this case, the printer 22 transmits the read result of the mark sheet to the personal computer 90. The CPU 91 of the personal computer 90 sets a printer driver based on the received reading result. In addition, the printer 22 transmits information about an image to be printed by filling in the mark sheet to the personal computer 90. Then, the printer driver converts the received image information into a print signal PS according to the setting, and transmits the print signal PS to the printer 22. Thereby, the printer 22 can perform printing in accordance with the entry of the mark sheet.

<The improvement example 2 of 1st Embodiment>
In the embodiment described above, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires image data stored in the memory card 48 and generates a thumbnail image from the acquired image. However, it is not limited to this. When thumbnail image data is included in the image data of the memory card 48, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires only the thumbnail image data stored in the memory card 48, and uses the acquired thumbnail image data to generate a mark sheet. You may print it. In this case, after the user checks the check box of the mark sheet and the mark sheet is read, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires the image data of the image to be printed from the memory card 48 based on the read result, Printing is performed based on the acquired image data. In this way, the memory capacity of the printer can be reduced.

=== Second Embodiment ===
Next, a process for setting print characteristics such as the color of an image to be printed using a mark sheet will be described.

<Printing the mark sheet>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed when adjusting printing characteristics such as color of an image. This flowchart is executed when the operation unit 136 is operated when adjusting the color or the like before printing an image. For example, it may be executed when the input device 99 of the personal computer 90 is operated.

When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.
Step S71: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a paper feed process for feeding only one print paper P stored in the stocker.
Step S72: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints alignment marks on both ends of the leading end portion of the printing paper P.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a check sheet 170 obtained as a result of the processing shown in FIG. In the process of step S72, alignment marks 171 and 172 are printed on both ends of the leading end portion of the check sheet 170 (the portion fed first to the printer 22).

  Step S73: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints an image for brightness adjustment. That is, the CPU 41 obtains an image for adjusting the brightness from the EEPROM 44, generates an image adjusted in the direction of decreasing the brightness, an image that is not adjusted in brightness, and an image adjusted in the direction of increasing, Are printed on the printing paper P in order from left to right.

  In the example of FIG. 13, brightness adjustment images 173 to 175 are printed. The image 173 is an image set with low brightness, the image 174 is an image without adjustment of brightness, and the image 175 is an image set with high brightness. It should be noted that symbols “−”, “0”, and “+” indicating the degree of lightness adjustment are printed immediately before printing the images 173 to 175 or together with these images.

  Step S74: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the brightness adjustment check boxes 182 to 184 below the brightness adjustment images 173 to 175 printed in step S73.

  Step S75: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints saturation adjustment images 176 to 178 under the check boxes 182 to 184. That is, the CPU 41 obtains an image for adjusting the saturation from the EEPROM 44, and generates an image adjusted in the direction of decreasing the saturation, an image without adjusting the saturation, and an image adjusted in the direction of increasing. These are printed on the printing paper P in order from left to right.

  In the example of FIG. 13, saturation adjustment images 176 to 178 are printed. The image 176 is an image set with low saturation, the image 177 is an image without adjustment of saturation, and the image 178 is an image set with high saturation. As described above, the symbols “−”, “0”, and “+” that indicate the degree of brightness adjustment are printed immediately before printing the images 176 to 178 or together with these images.

  Step S76: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the saturation adjustment check boxes 185 to 187 below the saturation adjustment images 176 to 178 printed in step S75.

  Step S77: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the contrast adjustment images 179 to 181 under the check boxes 185 to 187. That is, the CPU 41 obtains an image for adjusting the contrast from the EEPROM 44, generates an image adjusted in the direction of decreasing the contrast, an image without adjusting the contrast, and an image adjusted in the direction of increasing, Are printed on the printing paper P in order from left to right.

  In the example of FIG. 13, images 179 to 181 for contrast adjustment are printed. The image 179 is an image set with a low contrast, the image 180 is an image with no contrast adjusted, and the image 181 is an image set with a high contrast. Note that, as described above, the symbols “−”, “0”, and “+” indicating the degree of brightness adjustment are printed immediately before printing the images 179 to 181 or together with these images.

Step S78: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the contrast adjustment check boxes 189 to 191 below the contrast adjustment images 179 to 181 printed in step S77.
Step S79: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of discharging the printing paper P that has been printed, that is, the mark sheet 170.

<Check mark sheet>
When the printing of the mark sheet 170 is completed as described above, the user selects an image having the optimum brightness from the images 173 to 175 printed on the mark sheet 170, and selects the image selected from the check boxes 182 to 184. Paint the corresponding object with a writing instrument.

  Similarly, an image having the optimum saturation is selected from the images 176 to 178, and the check box 185 to 187 corresponding to the selected image is filled with a writing instrument. In addition, an image having the optimum contrast is selected from the images 179 to 181, and an image corresponding to the selected image among the check boxes 189 to 191 is painted with a writing instrument.

<Reading the mark sheet>
When the check is completed as described above, the user supplies the mark sheet 170 so that the printing surface faces upward and the alignment marks 171 and 172 are fed to the printer 22 first. Arranged in the stocker of the paper section 132. Then, the operation unit 136 of the printer 22 is operated to execute a reading process of the description content of the mark sheet 170 for image printing. As a result, the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is executed. When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.

  Step S90: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 to execute a process for feeding the mark sheet 170 for image printing stored in the stocker. As a result, the mark sheet 170 is fed to the printer 22 with the printing surface facing the optical sensor 39 side of the carriage 31 and with the side to which the alignment marks 171 and 172 are attached leading. .

  Step S91: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 by a predetermined amount to convey the mark sheet 170 in the conveyance direction by a predetermined conveyance amount. As a result, the alignment marks 171 and 172 on the mark sheet 170 are at the same position as the optical sensor 39 in the transport direction and can be opposed to the optical sensor 39. The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the carriage motor 24 to move the carriage 31 in the scanning direction and refers to the output signal from the optical sensor 39 to detect the alignment marks 171 and 172.

  Step S92: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 calibrates the reading position according to the positions of the alignment marks 171 and 172 detected in Step S91. That is, the control circuit 40 has data indicating the position of the check box printed on the mark sheet 170, but corrects the detection position in the movement direction according to the detection positions of the alignment marks 171 and 172. . For example, when the alignment marks 171 and 172 are shifted to the right side, the mark sheet 170 is shifted to the right and the paper is fed, so that the detection position is moved to the right by an amount corresponding to the shift amount ( That is, the control circuit 40 moves the sampling position to the right side).

Step S93: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads information described in the check boxes 182 to 184 for adjusting the brightness of the mark sheet 170.
Step S94: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 adjusts the brightness of the printer driver program according to the information read in step S93. For example, when the check box 182 is checked, the printer driver program is set in the direction of decreasing the brightness.
Step S95: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the information described in the saturation adjustment check boxes 185 to 187 of the mark sheet 170.
Step S96: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 adjusts the saturation of the printer driver program in accordance with the information read in step S95. For example, when the check box 187 is checked, the printer driver program is set in the direction of increasing the saturation.
Step S97: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads information described in the contrast adjustment check boxes 189 to 191 of the mark sheet 170.
Step S98: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 adjusts the contrast of the printer driver program according to the information read in step S97. For example, when the check box 190 is checked, the printer driver program is set so that the contrast remains unchanged.
Step S99: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of discharging the mark sheet 170 that has been read.

  When the adjustment is completed, the brightness, saturation, and contrast are automatically adjusted according to the setting contents for images printed thereafter. That is, the printer driver performs a conversion process (specifically, a color conversion process) for converting image data into a print signal based on the set brightness, saturation, contrast, and the like. Therefore, if the printer performs printing based on this print signal, the printer can print a high-quality image corresponding to the adjustment content.

  In addition, after the adjustment is completed, when the image is actually printed and it is felt that the brightness, saturation, and contrast need to be adjusted again, the same processing as described above is repeated, so that the quality can be improved. High image quality can be obtained.

  According to the above processing, settings relating to conversion processing for converting image data into a print signal such as brightness, saturation, contrast, etc. (setting of print characteristics relating to “look” of the image) are referred to the actually printed image. It can be easily done by checking the check box.

  Such image quality adjustment may be performed, for example, by displaying an image on the display device 98 of the personal computer 90. However, the image on the display device 98 looks like a printed image. Therefore, the image quality can be adjusted more accurately by actually printing.

  In the above embodiment, the description has been given by taking lightness, saturation, and contrast as examples. However, other than these, for example, the balance of colors such as C, M, and Y can be adjusted. You may do it. According to such an embodiment, for example, when C is printed strongly, C can be set weak and the color balance can be calibrated.

<Improved Example 1 of Second Embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the user operates the printer operation unit 136 to start the mark sheet printing flow. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the mark sheet printing flow may be started when the input device 99 of the personal computer 60 is operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, when printing an image for brightness adjustment, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 acquires an image stored in advance in the EEPROM 44. However, it is not limited to this. For example, an image to be printed may be acquired from the personal computer 90. In this way, the brightness can be confirmed using an image that the user desires to print.

<The improvement example 2 of 2nd Embodiment>
In the above embodiment, for example, according to the reading results of the check boxes 182 to 184 of the mark sheet 170, the printer driver is set (brightness adjustment during color conversion processing by the printer driver). However, it is not limited to this. For example, the printer may be set according to the reading results of the check boxes 182 to 184 of the mark sheet 170. In this case, the printer converts the image data into a print signal based on the set brightness or the like, and performs printing based on the print signal.

=== Third Embodiment ===
Next, a process for setting other print characteristics of the printer 22 will be described.

<Printing the mark sheet>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed when other print characteristics of the printer 22 are set. This flowchart is started when an operation for requesting setting of other printing characteristics of the printer 22 is performed on the input device 99 of the personal computer 90 or the operation unit 136 of the printer 22.

When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.
Step S120: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a paper feed process for feeding only one print paper P stored in the stocker.
Step S121: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints alignment marks on both ends of the leading end portion of the printing paper P.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the mark sheet 200 obtained as a result of the processing shown in FIG. In the process of step S121, alignment marks 201 and 202 are printed on both ends of the leading end portion of the mark sheet 200 (the portion that is printed first on the printer 22).

  Step S122: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the check box 203 for aligning the printing position during bidirectional printing. The bidirectional printing is a method for printing by ejecting ink in both the forward path and the backward path of the carriage 31. In bi-directional printing, if the landing positions of ink droplets in the forward path and the backward path are deviated, the resolution of the image decreases, and this needs to be corrected.

Step S123: After performing the paper feed control, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints the bidirectional print check pattern 204. Specifically, the CPU 41 first draws a ruled line having a predetermined length at every predetermined interval on the forward path. Next, a plurality of ruled lines are printed while correcting the print position so that each pair is displaced by a predetermined interval while making a pair with the previously printed ruled line on the return path.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of ruled line pairs each having a different displacement are printed.

  Step S124: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a check box 209 for adjusting the dot recording rate of C (Cyan) ink described later.

  Step S125: After performing the paper feed control, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a dot recording rate adjustment pattern for C (Cyan). Here, the dot recording rate means a ratio of pixels in which dots are formed among pixels in the region when a uniform region is reproduced according to a certain gradation value. In general, the ink ejected from the nozzles provided in the print head 12 may shift in the ejection direction due to nozzle formation errors. In such a case, banding such as so-called white stripes or black stripes occurs in the printed image. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating a dot arrangement state when banding occurs. In this figure, the circles indicate dots formed on the printing paper P, and the numbers in the circles indicate the nozzle numbers of the nozzles that ejected the dots. In this example, since the 5th nozzle is ejected in the upward direction in the figure, white stripes are generated between the 5th and 4th dot rows.

  Such banding becomes conspicuous when solid printing is performed with dots of the same size, and therefore can be made inconspicuous by printing by changing the size of the dots at random. FIG. 17B shows an arrangement state of dots when printing is performed by changing the size of the dots when the ink droplets ejected from the fifth nozzle are misaligned as in FIG. 17A. In this example, since medium dots are mixed and printed, white stripes are not noticeable.

  When an image is actually printed, large, medium, and small dots are selected at random according to the gradation value of the image so that the dot recording rate falls within a predetermined range. Is made. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a recording rate table used for selecting these large, medium, and small dots. The horizontal axis in FIG. 18 is the gradation value (0 to 255), the left vertical axis is the dot recording rate (%), and the right vertical axis is the level data (0 to 255). The profile SD indicated by the solid thin line in FIG. 18 indicates the small dot recording rate, the profile MD indicated by the solid thick line indicates the medium dot recording rate, and the profile LD indicated by the dotted line indicates the large dot recording rate. Each rate is shown.

The level data refers to data obtained by converting the dot recording rate into 256 levels from 0 to 255.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, if the gradation value of the multi-gradation data is gr, the large dot recording rate is obtained as 1d using the profile LD. Also, the dot recording rate is determined in the same manner for other size dots.

  By the way, when banding becomes noticeable when the recording rate is increased for a dot of a certain size, the dot recording rate of the size one higher is increased and the recording rate of that dot is increased. By lowering, the occurrence of banding can be suppressed. For example, if the dot recording rate for small dots is increased and the occurrence of banding becomes significant, the dot recording rate for small dots is lowered and the dot recording rate for medium dots is increased. Generation can be suppressed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, for a specific ink, an image is printed while changing the dot recording rate with small dots, and the dot recording rate at which banding becomes noticeable is specified. The dot recording rate is increased and the dot recording rate for small dots is corrected.

  For example, in the example of step S125, with the C (Cyan) ink, five solid pattern images with small dots are printed while the dot recording rate is gradually increased, and the dot recording rate adjustment pattern 205 is printed. Here, the dot recording rates of the five dot recording rate adjustment patterns are 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% in order from the left.

Step S126: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a check box 210 for adjusting the dot recording rate of M (Magenta) ink.
Step S127: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints an image 206 for adjusting the dot recording rate of M (Magenta) ink.
Step S128: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a check box 211 for adjusting the dot recording rate of Y (Yellow) ink.
Step S129: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints an image 207 for adjusting the dot recording rate of Y (Yellow) ink.
Step S130: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints a check box 212 for adjusting the dot recording rate of K (Black) ink.
Step S131: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 prints an image 208 for adjusting the dot recording rate of K (Black) ink.
Step S131: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of discharging the printing paper P that has been printed.
With the above processing, a mark sheet 200 as shown in FIG. 16 is completed.

<Check mark sheet>
The user refers to the bidirectional printing check pattern 204 printed on the mark sheet 200, and checks the check box corresponding to the ruled line pair that is the most linear. In the example of FIG. 16, since the third ruled line pair from the right is the most straight, the third check box from the right is checked.

  In the above example, one check box is printed for each ruled line pair. However, if a check box is also printed between ruled line pairs and there is no closest ruled line pair, the ruled line pair is printed. It may be possible to select an intermediate check box.

  Next, the user refers to the dot recording rate adjustment pattern 205 for C (Cyan), and when there is a pattern in which banding has occurred, the user checks the check box corresponding to that pattern. . If no banding has occurred, no check is made. Here, it is assumed that the check boxes corresponding to the dot recording rate adjustment patterns 205 with the dot recording rates of 30% and 35% are checked.

  Similarly, the dot recording adjustment patterns 206 to 208 for M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), and K (Black) are also checked for the occurrence of banding. If banding has occurred, a check box is displayed. Check the corresponding check box among 210-212.

<Reading the mark sheet>
When the check of the mark sheet 200 is completed in this way, the user makes the print surface of the mark sheet 200 face up and sets the alignment marks 201 and 202 to be fed to the printer 22 first. It is arranged in the stocker of the paper feed unit 132. Then, the operation unit 136 of the printer 22 is operated to execute the reading process of the description content of the mark sheet 200 for image printing. As a result, the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is started. When this flowchart is started, the following steps are executed.

Step S150: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 drives the paper feed motor 23 to execute a process for feeding the mark sheet 200 stored in the stocker.
Step S151: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the alignment marks 201 and 202.
Step S152: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes the same alignment process as that shown in step S52 of FIG.
Step S153: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the check state of the check box for bidirectional printing check.
Step S154: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 corrects the printing position during bidirectional printing based on the information read in step S153. That is, in the example of FIG. 16, since the third check box from the right is checked, the correction amount used when the third ruled line pair from the right is printed is the correction amount at the time of bidirectional printing. Set as. As a result, the positions of the dots printed on the forward path and the return path at the time of bidirectional printing are exactly the same.

Step S155: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the check state of the C check box 209. Here, since the rightmost check box and the second check box from the right are checked, “00011” is obtained as output data.
Step S156: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 corrects the recording rate table according to the reading result in step S155. The reading result of the output data “00011” indicates that banding occurs when the small dot recording rate reaches 30%, so that medium dots start to be recorded before the small dot recording rate reaches 30%. Correct the recording rate table. That is, the recording rate table is corrected so that the recording rate of small dots does not become 30%. For this reason, if image data is converted into a print signal according to the recording rate table, the occurrence of banding can be reduced.

Step S157: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the check state of the M check box 210.
Step S158: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a correction process for the dot recording rate of M dots according to the check state of the check box read in step S157.
Step S159: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the check state of the Y check box 211.
Step S160: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes Y dot dot recording rate correction processing in accordance with the check state of the check box read in step S159.
Step S161: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 reads the check state of the K check box 212.
Step S162: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a K dot dot recording rate correction process according to the check state of the check box read in step S161.
Step S163: The CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes a process of discharging the mark sheet 200 that has been read.

According to the above processing, it is possible to easily adjust the printing positions in the forward path and the backward path during bidirectional printing by checking the check box 203.
Also, the dot recording rate of each color is also corrected by checking the check boxes 209 to 212 while referring to the actually printed images 205 to 208 to match the actual appearance. be able to.
In recent years, a so-called stand-alone machine that can be printed only by the printer 22 without using a personal computer has appeared, but even with such a stand-alone machine, without connecting a personal computer, Various printing characteristics can be set appropriately and simply.
In the above embodiment, small dots and medium dots have been described as examples. However, medium dots and large dots may be adjusted in the same manner.

<Improvement of the third embodiment>
In the above embodiment, the user enters a check for all check boxes corresponding to the dot recording rate adjustment pattern in which banding occurs. However, it is not limited to this. The user may enter a check for one check box. For example, in step S155, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 may read the check state of the C check box 209 and acquire “00100” as output data. In step S156, the CPU 41 of the control circuit 40 executes correction processing according to the check state of the check box read in step S155. That is, when there is a check box that is checked, the recording rate of small dots corresponding to the check box is decreased and the recording rate of medium dots is increased. For example, when the third box from the left is checked, the recording rate of small dots when the third image from the left is printed is decreased and the recording rate of medium dots is increased. As a result, since small dots are replaced by medium dots, the occurrence of banding can be reduced.

=== Others ===
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified in addition to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the check box has a rectangular shape, but other than this, for example, an ellipse, a circle, or other shapes can be used. Further, the optical sensor 39 may be installed on another reciprocating member such as the drive belt 36 instead of being provided on the print head.

  In addition, a code (for example, a bar code) for determining the type of the mark sheet may be printed on the mark sheets 140, 170, and 200 to determine which mark sheet is inserted. According to such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent recognition even when a mark sheet is erroneously inserted.

  In the above embodiment, the information indicating the position of the check box is stored in the EEPROM 46. However, for example, the information may be stored in the P-ROM 43 or the HDD 94 of the personal computer 90. Good.

  In addition, a mark or code indicating that a check box exists in the vicinity of the check box (for example, a bar code) is printed, and only when this mark or code is detected, information on the check box detected thereafter is displayed. You may make it read. According to such an embodiment, information described in the check box can be reliably read.

  In the above-described embodiments, the paper attributes, paper types, image quality, and borderless printing have been described as examples of print attributes. However, other print attributes (for example, printing a plurality of images on one sheet) It is also possible to set an image layout or the like when printing on the paper P.

  In the above-described embodiments, the printing characteristics have been described by taking lightness, saturation, contrast, the printing positions of the forward and backward paths during bidirectional printing, and the recording rate as examples. However, other printing characteristics are described. It is also possible to set (for example, a carry amount (paper feed amount) in the carry direction).

  In the above embodiment, four colors of CMYK are used as the ink. However, instead of these four colors or in addition to the four colors, light color inks (light cyan (LC), light magenta) are used. (LM) or dark yellow (DY) ink may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 22 having a head for ejecting ink using a piezo element is used. However, various ejection drive elements other than the piezo element can be used. is there. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer provided with an ejection drive element of a type that energizes a heater disposed in an ink passage and ejects ink by bubbles generated in the ink passage. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called laser printer or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the above-described processing is executed by executing a program stored in the printer 22. However, a program having an equivalent function may be stored in the HDD 44 of the personal computer 90, and the above-described processing may be executed by this program. In this case, the printer 22 is a printing device. Further, the above-described processing can be shared by the personal computer 90 and the printer 22 for processing. Specifically, all of the above-described processing may be stored in the P-ROM 43 of the printer 22 or only a part thereof may be stored in the P-ROM 43 of the printer 22.

  The program describing the above processing functions can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Examples of the magnetic recording device include a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), and a magnetic tape. Optical disks include DVD, DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), CD-ROM, CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO.

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. In addition, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

  According to the present embodiment, various settings of the printing apparatus can be easily and quickly performed.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a printer centering on a control circuit in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an external configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a computer in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed when an operation for requesting image printing is performed on an operation panel when a memory card is inserted into the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is an example of a mark sheet that is printed as a result of executing the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. It is a figure which shows an example when the check box of the mark sheet | seat shown in FIG. 6 is checked. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed when an image is printed by reading the mark sheet shown in FIG. 7 into a printing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of reading the check box of the mark sheet | seat shown in FIG. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of an example of another check box for designating the number of printed images. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of an example in which check boxes are filled. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of check box numbers. FIG. 10D is an explanatory diagram of sampling positions. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the numerical value expressed by the check box shown in FIG. 10, and its output data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed when adjusting printing characteristics. 13 is an example of a mark sheet that is printed as a result of executing the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing processing executed when the mark sheet shown in FIG. 12 is read into a printing apparatus and print characteristics are set. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed when adjusting other printing characteristics. It is an example of the mark sheet printed as a result of performing the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which banding has occurred. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing how banding is eliminated when the dot recording rate for small dots is lowered and the dot recording rate for medium dots is raised. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a gradation value and a dot recording rate. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed when the mark sheet shown in FIG. 16 is read into a printing apparatus and print characteristics are set.

Explanation of symbols

22 Printer 23 Paper feed motor 26 Paper feed roller 31 Carriage 39 Optical sensor 40 Control circuit 46 EEPROM
90 Computer 91 CPU

Claims (12)

A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image;
And a controller that causes the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet, causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet, and performs processing according to a detection result of the sensor. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A memory that stores data indicating a mark position of the mark sheet;
The controller causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet based on the data in the memory. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The print head prints an alignment mark on the mark sheet,
The printing apparatus, wherein the controller causes the sensor to detect the alignment mark and causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet at a position corresponding to the detection result. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A list of a plurality of images and a mark corresponding to each image are printed on the mark sheet,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines an image to be printed by the printing mechanism according to a detection result of the mark by the sensor. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing mechanism prints an image in response to a print signal,
The printing apparatus, wherein the controller generates the print signal according to the detection result. The printing apparatus according to claim 5,
The controller adjusts at least one of lightness, saturation, and contrast according to the detection result to generate the print signal. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The controller adjusts a dot recording rate according to the detection result to generate the print signal. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The printing apparatus, wherein the controller adjusts the printing mechanism according to the detection result. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller adjusts an ink discharge timing when the print head discharges ink during a reciprocating movement according to the detection result. A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image;
A controller that prints a mark sheet on the printing mechanism, detects the mark sheet on the sensor, and performs processing according to a detection result of the sensor;
A memory that stores data indicating a mark position of the mark sheet;
The controller causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet based on the data in the memory,
The print head prints an alignment mark on the mark sheet,
The controller causes the sensor to detect the alignment mark, causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet at a position according to the detection result,
A list of a plurality of images and a mark corresponding to each image are printed on the mark sheet,
The controller determines an image to be printed by the printing mechanism according to a detection result of the mark by the sensor,
The printing mechanism prints an image according to a print signal, and the controller generates the print signal according to the detection result,
The controller adjusts at least one of brightness, saturation, and contrast according to the detection result to generate the print signal,
The controller adjusts a dot recording rate according to the detection result to generate the print signal,
The controller adjusts the printing mechanism according to the detection result,
The controller adjusts ink ejection timing when the print head ejects ink during a reciprocating movement according to the detection result. A printing method for transporting a medium, ejecting ink from a moving print head, and printing an image on the medium,
Printing a mark sheet on the medium;
The mark sheet is detected by a sensor that moves with the print head,
A printing method characterized by performing processing according to a detection result of the sensor. A printing apparatus comprising: a transport mechanism that transports a medium; and a print mechanism that prints an image on the medium with a print head that ejects ink while moving; and a sensor that moves with the print head and detects the image.
A function for causing the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet;
A function of causing the sensor to detect the mark sheet;
A program for realizing a function of performing processing according to a detection result of the sensor.

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