JP2005074954A - Liquid ejection device, liquid ejection method, and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an adjusted value for making a liquid reach a medium with a high degree of accuracy, even from an adjusting pattern which is formed on the deformed medium. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid ejection device is equipped with a moving body for moving a liquid ejection part for the ejection of the liquid in a moving direction, and a plurality of supporting parts which are arranged in different positions in the moving direction. In the liquid ejection device, the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection part onto the medium which is supported by the supporting parts, so that a plurality of patterns for adjusting liquid ejection timing can be formed. The plurality of patterns, which are formed along the moving direction, constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment, and the plurality of patterns, which are formed along in a direction crossing the moving direction, constitute a pattern group for fine adjustment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection method, and a printing system.

There is known a liquid discharge apparatus (for example, a printer or the like) that includes a moving body that moves a liquid discharge section in a scanning direction and a plurality of support sections that are arranged at different positions in the movement direction. In the liquid ejection device having such a configuration, since the medium is supported by the support portion, the back surface of the medium does not need to be stained with ink or the like.

However, with such a configuration, the medium supported by the support portion has a wave shape. For this reason, the deviation of the landing position of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting unit differs depending on the position in the movement direction.
JP 2001-38963 A

In the liquid ejection unit having such a configuration, if the adjustment pattern is formed by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection unit to the medium, there is a possibility that a suitable adjustment value cannot be obtained.
An object of the present invention is to form an adjustment pattern on a deformed paper and obtain an adjustment value for landing a liquid with high accuracy based on the adjustment pattern.

A main invention for achieving the above object includes a moving body that moves a liquid discharge section that discharges liquid in a movement direction, and a plurality of support sections that are arranged at different positions in the movement direction, and the support section. In the liquid ejection apparatus for ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section to form a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing on the medium supported on the medium, the plurality of patterns formed along the moving direction includes A coarse adjustment pattern group is formed, and a plurality of patterns formed along the direction intersecting the moving direction constitute a fine adjustment pattern group.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, an adjustment value for landing a liquid with high accuracy can be obtained based on an adjustment pattern formed on deformed paper.

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

A moving body that moves a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid in the movement direction;
A plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
In the liquid ejection apparatus for forming a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section on the medium supported by the support section,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction intersecting with the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group.
According to such a liquid ejecting apparatus, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order. Thereby, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the pattern formed on the deformed paper.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, each of the plurality of patterns corresponds to a specific adjustment value, and the difference between the adjustment values of the patterns of the coarse adjustment pattern group is different from that of the fine adjustment pattern group. It is desirable that the difference is twice the adjustment value of the pattern. Thereby, the number of fine adjustment patterns can be substantially increased.

  In such a liquid ejection apparatus, it is desirable that there are patterns included in the coarse adjustment pattern group and the fine adjustment pattern group. Thereby, a plurality of adjustment patterns can be arranged efficiently.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the coarse adjustment pattern group has more patterns than the fine adjustment pattern group. Thereby, the printing time can be shortened.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the pattern is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the support portion in the movement direction. Thereby, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the pattern formed on the deformed paper.

  In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is preferable that a tip of the medium is in contact with the support portion when the medium is transported. This increases the stiffness of the paper. Further, it is preferable that the plurality of support portions are provided on a platen, and the medium is transported from an upper side to an obliquely lower side with respect to the platen. As a result, the leading edge of the paper does not float significantly from the platen, and the leading edge of the paper can be prevented from rubbing the head. Further, the deformation amount of the paper becomes the same every time.

  In such a liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the medium supported by the plurality of support portions be deformed so as to have a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave or convex portion of the medium is preferably along the transport direction of the medium. This makes it easier to transport the paper.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the pattern is formed between a concave portion and a convex portion of the medium. Thereby, an excellent image can be formed on the medium.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the pattern is formed between the center position of the two support portions and the position of the support portion. Thereby, an excellent image can be formed on the medium.

  In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, it is desirable that an interval between the medium and the liquid ejecting unit is different depending on a position in the moving direction. As a result, the displacement of the landing position of the liquid differs depending on the position in the moving direction. Even in such a situation, an adjustment value for landing the liquid with high accuracy can be obtained.

  In such a liquid ejection apparatus, it is desirable that a plurality of ruled lines be formed in the pattern. Thereby, the influence of the gap difference in one pattern can be averaged.

  In this liquid ejection apparatus, it is preferable that the movable body is movable in both directions, and the liquid ejection section ejects the liquid while the movable body moves in both directions. Thereby, a high-quality image can be obtained by bidirectional printing.

  The liquid is ink, and the liquid ejection device is a printing device that forms an image on the medium.

Move the liquid ejection part that ejects liquid in the movement direction,
The medium is supported by a plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
In the liquid ejection method of forming a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section on the medium supported by the support section,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A liquid ejection method, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction crossing the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group.
According to this liquid ejection method, it is possible to form a plurality of patterns on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order. Thereby, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the pattern formed on the deformed paper.

A printing system comprising a computer and a printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A moving body that moves a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid in the movement direction;
A plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
A printing apparatus that forms a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid discharge timing by discharging the liquid from the liquid discharge unit onto the medium supported by the support unit,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A printing system, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction crossing the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group.
According to such a printing system, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order. Thereby, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the pattern formed on the deformed paper.

=== Configuration of Printing System ===
Next, an embodiment of a printing system (computer system) will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the description of the following embodiments includes embodiments relating to a computer program and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a printing system. The printing system 100 includes a printer 1, a computer 110, a display device 120, an input device 130, and a recording / reproducing device 140. The printer 1 is a printing apparatus that prints an image on a medium such as paper, cloth, or film. The computer 110 is electrically connected to the printer 1 and outputs print data corresponding to the image to be printed to the printer 1 in order to cause the printer 1 to print an image. The display device 120 has a display and displays a user interface such as an application program or a printer driver. The input device 130 is, for example, a keyboard 130A or a mouse 130B, and is used for operating an application program, setting a printer driver, or the like along a user interface displayed on the display device 120. As the recording / reproducing device 140, for example, a flexible disk drive device 140A or a CD-ROM drive device 140B is used.

  A printer driver is installed in the computer 110. The printer driver is a program for realizing the function of displaying the user interface on the display device 120 and the function of converting the image data output from the application program into print data. This printer driver is recorded on a recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) such as a flexible disk FD or a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the printer driver can be downloaded to the computer 110 via the Internet. In addition, this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for implement | achieving various functions.

  The “printing apparatus” means the printer 1 in a narrow sense, but means a system of the printer 1 and the computer 110 in a broad sense.

=== Configuration of Printer ===
<Inkjet printer configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the printer of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the printer of this embodiment will be described.

  The printer of this embodiment includes a transport unit 20, a carriage unit 30, a head unit 40, a detector group 50, and a controller 60. The printer 1 that has received print data from the computer 110, which is an external device, controls each unit (the conveyance unit 20, the carriage unit 30, and the head unit 40) by the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 110 and forms an image on paper. The situation in the printer 1 is monitored by a detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs a detection result to the controller 60. The controller 60 that receives the detection result from the detector group 50 controls each unit based on the detection result.

  The transport unit 20 is for feeding a medium (for example, the paper S) to a printable position and transporting the paper by a predetermined transport amount in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a transport direction) during printing. That is, the transport unit 20 functions as a transport mechanism (transport means) that transports paper. The transport unit 20 includes a paper feed roller 21, a transport motor 22 (also referred to as a PF motor), a transport roller 23, a platen 24, and a paper discharge roller 25. However, in order for the transport unit 20 to function as a transport mechanism, all of these components are not necessarily required. The paper feed roller 21 is a roller for automatically feeding the paper inserted into the paper insertion slot into the printer. The paper feed roller 21 has a D-shaped cross section, and the length of the circumferential portion is set to be longer than the transport distance to the transport roller 23. 23 can be conveyed. The transport motor 22 is a motor for transporting paper in the transport direction, and is constituted by a DC motor. The transport roller 23 is a roller that transports the paper S fed by the paper feed roller 21 to a printable area, and is driven by the transport motor 22. The platen 24 supports the paper S being printed. The paper discharge roller 25 is a roller for discharging the printed paper S to the outside of the printer. The paper discharge roller 25 rotates in synchronization with the transport roller 23.

  The carriage unit 30 is for moving (scanning) the head in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a scanning direction). The carriage unit 30 includes a carriage 31 and a carriage motor 32 (also referred to as a CR motor). The carriage 31 can reciprocate in the scanning direction. (Thus, the head moves along the scanning direction.) The carriage 31 detachably holds an ink cartridge that stores ink. The carriage motor 32 is a motor for moving the carriage 31 in the scanning direction, and is constituted by a DC motor.

  The head unit 40 is for ejecting ink onto paper. The head unit 40 has a head 41. The head 41 has a plurality of nozzles that are ink discharge portions, and discharges ink intermittently from each nozzle. The head 41 is provided on the carriage 31. Therefore, when the carriage 31 moves in the scanning direction, the head 41 also moves in the scanning direction. Then, when the head 41 is intermittently ejected while moving in the scanning direction, dot lines (raster lines) along the scanning direction are formed on the paper.

  The detector group 50 includes a linear encoder 51, a rotary encoder 52, a paper detection sensor 53, an optical sensor 54, and the like. The linear encoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 31 in the scanning direction. The rotary encoder 52 is for detecting the rotation amount of the transport roller 23. The paper detection sensor 53 is for detecting the position of the leading edge of the paper to be printed. The paper detection sensor 53 is provided at a position where the position of the leading edge of the paper can be detected while the paper feed roller 21 feeds the paper toward the transport roller 23. The paper detection sensor 53 is a mechanical sensor that detects the leading edge of the paper by a mechanical mechanism. More specifically, the paper detection sensor 53 has a lever that can rotate in the transport direction, and this lever is disposed so as to protrude into the paper transport path. For this reason, since the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the lever and the lever is rotated, the paper detection sensor 53 detects the position of the leading edge of the paper by detecting the movement of the lever. The optical sensor 54 is attached to the carriage 31. The optical sensor 54 detects the presence or absence of paper by the light receiving unit detecting reflected light of light irradiated on the paper from the light emitting unit. The optical sensor 54 detects the position of the edge of the paper while being moved by the carriage 41. Since the optical sensor 54 optically detects the edge of the paper, the detection accuracy is higher than that of the mechanical paper detection sensor 53.

  The controller 60 is a control unit (control means) for controlling the printer. The controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a memory 63, and a unit control circuit 64. The interface unit 61 is for transmitting and receiving data between the computer 110 which is an external device and the printer 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer. The memory 63 is for securing an area for storing the program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like, and has storage means such as a RAM and an EEPROM. The CPU 62 controls each unit via the unit control circuit 64 in accordance with a program stored in the memory 63.

<About printing operation>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of processing during printing. Each process described below is executed by the controller 60 controlling each unit in accordance with a program stored in the memory 63. This program has a code for executing each process.

  The controller 60 receives a print command from the computer 110 via the interface unit 61 (S001). This print command is included in the header of print data transmitted from the computer 110. Then, the controller 60 analyzes the contents of various commands included in the received print data, and performs the following paper feed processing, transport processing, ink ejection processing, and the like using each unit.

  First, the controller 60 performs a paper feed process (S002). The paper feed process is a process of supplying paper to be printed into the printer and positioning the paper at a print start position (also referred to as a cue position). The controller 60 rotates the paper feed roller 21 and sends the paper to be printed to the transport roller 23. The controller 60 rotates the transport roller 23 to position the paper fed from the paper feed roller 21 at the print start position. When the paper is positioned at the print start position, at least some of the nozzles of the head 41 are opposed to the paper.

  Next, the controller 60 performs dot formation processing (S003). The dot formation process is a process for forming dots on paper by intermittently ejecting ink from a head that moves in the scanning direction. The controller 60 drives the carriage motor 32 to move the carriage 31 in the scanning direction. Then, the controller 60 ejects ink from the head based on the print data while the carriage 31 is moving. When ink droplets ejected from the head land on the paper, dots are formed on the paper.

  Next, the controller 60 performs a conveyance process (S004). The conveyance process is a process of moving the paper relative to the head along the conveyance direction. The controller 60 drives the carry motor and rotates the carry roller to carry the paper in the carrying direction. By this carrying process, the head 41 can form dots at positions different from the positions of the dots formed by the previous dot formation process.

  Next, the controller 60 determines whether or not to discharge the paper being printed (S005). If there is still data to be printed on the paper being printed, no paper is discharged. Then, the controller 60 alternately repeats the dot formation process and the conveyance process until there is no data to be printed, and gradually prints an image composed of dots on paper. When there is no more data for printing on the paper being printed, the controller 60 discharges the paper. The controller 60 discharges the printed paper to the outside by rotating the paper discharge roller. The determination of whether or not to discharge paper may be based on a paper discharge command included in the print data.

  Next, the controller 60 determines whether or not to continue printing (S006). If printing is to be performed on the next paper, printing is continued and the paper feeding process for the next paper is started. If printing is not performed on the next paper, the printing operation is terminated.

<About nozzle>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41. On the lower surface of the head 41, a black ink nozzle group K, a cyan ink nozzle group C, a magenta ink nozzle group M, and a yellow ink nozzle group Y are formed. Each nozzle group includes a plurality of nozzles (180 in this embodiment) that are ejection openings for ejecting ink of each color.
The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle group are aligned at a constant interval (nozzle pitch: k · D) along the transport direction. Here, D is the minimum dot pitch in the carrying direction (that is, the interval at the highest resolution of dots formed on the paper S). K is an integer of 1 or more. For example, when the nozzle pitch is 180 dpi (1/180 inch) and the dot pitch in the transport direction is 720 dpi (1/720), k = 4.

  The nozzles in each nozzle group are assigned a lower number in the downstream nozzle (# 1 to # 180). That is, the nozzle # 1 is located downstream of the nozzle # 180 in the transport direction. Each nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for driving each nozzle to eject ink droplets. Further, the optical sensor 54 is substantially at the same position as the nozzle # 180 on the most upstream side with respect to the position in the paper transport direction.

=== Conveyance processing ===
<About transport processing>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the transport unit 20. In these drawings, the components already described are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

The transport unit 20 drives the transport motor 22 by a predetermined drive amount based on a transport command from the controller. The conveyance motor 22 generates a driving force in the rotation direction according to the commanded driving amount. The transport motor 22 rotates the transport roller 23 using this driving force. Further, the transport motor 22 rotates the paper discharge roller 25 using this driving force. That is, when the transport motor 22 generates a predetermined drive amount, the transport roller 23 and the paper discharge roller 25 rotate by a predetermined rotation amount. When the transport roller 23 and the paper discharge roller 25 are rotated by a predetermined rotation amount, the paper is transported by a predetermined transport amount. Since the transport roller 23 and the paper discharge roller 25 rotate in synchronization, the paper can be transported by the transport unit 20 as long as the paper is in contact with at least one of the transport roller 23 and the paper discharge roller 25.
The carry amount of the paper is determined according to the rotation amount of the carry roller 23. Therefore, if the rotation amount of the conveyance roller 23 can be detected, the conveyance amount of the paper can also be detected. Therefore, a rotary encoder 52 is provided to detect the rotation amount of the transport roller 23.

<About the configuration of the rotary encoder>
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the rotary encoder. In these drawings, the components already described are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

The rotary encoder 52 includes a scale 521 and a detection unit 522.
The scale 521 has a large number of slits provided at predetermined intervals. The scale 521 is provided on the transport roller 14. That is, the scale 521 rotates together when the transport roller 23 rotates. For example, when the transport roller 23 rotates to transport the paper S for 1/1440 inch, the scale 521 rotates by one slit relative to the detection unit 522.
The detection unit 522 is provided to face the scale 521 and is fixed to the printer main body side. The detection unit 522 includes a light emitting diode 522A, a collimator lens 522B, and a detection processing unit 522C. The detection processing unit 522C includes a plurality of (for example, four) photodiodes 522D and a signal processing circuit 522E. Two comparators 522Fa and 522Fb are provided.

  The light emitting diode 522A emits light when a voltage Vcc is applied through resistances at both ends, and this light enters the collimator lens. The collimator lens 522B converts the light emitted from the light emitting diode 522A into parallel light, and irradiates the scale 521 with the parallel light. The parallel light that has passed through the slit provided in the scale passes through a fixed slit (not shown) and enters each photodiode 522D. The photodiode 522D converts incident light into an electrical signal. The electric signals output from the photodiodes are compared in the comparators 522Fa and 522Fb, and the comparison result is output as a pulse. The pulses ENC-A and ENC-B output from the comparators 522Fa and 522Fb are the output of the rotary encoder 52.

<About rotary encoder signals>
FIG. 9A is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the transport motor 22 is rotating forward. FIG. 9B is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal when the transport motor 22 is reversed.

  As shown in the figure, the phase of the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B are shifted by 90 degrees regardless of whether the conveyance motor 12 is rotating forward or reversing. When the transport motor 22 is rotating forward, that is, when the paper S is transported in the transport direction, the phase of the pulse ENC-A is advanced by 90 degrees from the pulse ENC-B. On the other hand, when the transport motor 22 is reversed, that is, when the paper S is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction, the phase of the pulse ENC-A is delayed by 90 degrees from the pulse ENC-B. Yes. One period T of each pulse is equal to a time during which the transport roller 23 rotates by an interval between slits of the scale 521 (for example, 1/1440 inch (1 inch = 2.54 cm)).

  If the controller counts the number of pulse signals, the rotation amount of the conveyance roller 23 can be detected, so that the conveyance amount of the paper can be detected. Further, if the controller detects one cycle T of each pulse, the rotational speed of the transport roller 23 can be detected, so that the paper transport speed can be detected.

<About transfer flow>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the conveyance process. Various operations described below are realized by the controller controlling the transport unit 20 based on a program stored in a memory in the printer 1. The program is composed of codes for performing various operations described below.

  First, the controller sets a target carry amount (S041). The target transport amount is a value that determines the drive amount of the transport unit 20 because the transport unit 20 transports the paper S with the target transport amount. This target carry amount is determined based on carry command data (information relating to the target carry amount) included in the print data received from the computer side. The target transport amount is set by setting a counter value by the controller. In the following description, since the target transport amount is X, the controller sets the counter value to X.

  Next, the controller drives the carry motor 22 (S042). When the transport motor 22 generates a predetermined drive amount, the transport roller 23 rotates with a predetermined rotation amount. When the transport roller 23 rotates by a predetermined rotation amount, the slit 521 provided on the transport roller 23 also rotates.

  Next, the controller detects the edge of the pulse signal of the rotary encoder (S043). That is, the controller detects a rising edge or a falling edge for the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B. For example, if the controller detects one edge, it means that the transport roller 23 transported the paper S by a transport amount of 1/1440 inch.

  When the controller detects the edge of the pulse signal of the rotary encoder, the controller subtracts the value of the counter (S044). That is, when the counter value is X and the controller detects one edge of the pulse signal, the controller sets the counter value to X-1.

  Then, the controller repeats the operations of S042 to S044 until the counter value becomes zero (S045). That is, the controller drives the carry motor 22 until the number of pulses of the value set in the counter is detected first. As a result, the transport unit 20 transports the paper S in the transport direction by the transport amount corresponding to the value initially set in the counter.

  For example, when the transport unit 20 transports the paper S by 90/1440 inches, the controller sets the counter value to 90 in order to set the target transport amount. The controller subtracts the value of the counter every time the rising edge or the falling edge of the pulse signal of the rotary encoder is detected. Then, when the value of the counter becomes zero, the controller ends the carrying operation. This is because if 90 pulse signals are detected, it means that the transport roller 23 transports the paper S at 90/1440 inches. Therefore, if the controller sets the counter value to 90 as the setting of the target carry amount, the carry unit 20 carries the paper S at 90/1440 inches.

  In the above description, the controller detects the rising edge or falling edge of the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B. However, the controller may detect both edges of the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B. good. The period of each of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B is equal to the slit interval of the scale 521, and the phase of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B is shifted by 90 degrees. Detecting either the edge or the falling edge means that the transport roller 23 transports the printing paper at 1/5760 inch. In this case, if the controller sets the counter value to 90, the transport unit 20 transports the paper S at 90/5760 inches.

  The above description relates to one transport operation. When the printer carries out a plurality of transport operations intermittently, the controller sets a target transport amount (sets a counter value) at the end of each transport operation, and the transport unit 20 follows the set target transport amount. The paper S is conveyed.

  By the way, the rotary encoder 52 directly detects the rotation amount of the transport roller 23, and strictly speaking, does not detect the transport amount of the paper S. That is, if there is a slip between the transport roller 23 and the paper S, the rotary encoder 52 accurately detects the transport amount of the paper S because the rotation amount of the transport roller 23 does not match the transport amount of the paper S. Cannot be performed, and a conveyance error (detection error) occurs. As described above, when slippage occurs between the transport roller 23 and the paper S, the controller transports the paper S by a transport amount larger than the target transport amount in order for the transport unit 20 to transport the paper S by the target transport amount. It is necessary to rotate the roller 23. Therefore, the controller can correct the target carry amount and set the counter to a value corresponding to the corrected target carry amount in order to carry the paper S by the optimum carry amount.

=== Configuration of Platen ===
There is a printing method called “borderless printing”. This printing method is a printing method in which an image is formed without creating a blank on the entire paper. When performing “borderless printing”, the printer ejects ink over a wider area than paper, applies ink to the entire paper, and forms an image on the entire paper.
In the case of “borderless printing”, since ink is ejected in a wider area than paper, there is ink that does not land on the paper but land on the platen. However, if the ink that has landed on the platen adheres to the back side of the paper, the paper becomes dirty, which is not desirable. Therefore, in order to prevent dirt on the back side of the paper, the platen 24 is provided with a protrusion (support portion) so that the paper does not contact the portion where the ink droplets are attached.

  FIG. 11A is a perspective view of components around the platen 24. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the paper transported by the transport roller 23. 12A and 12B are views of the state in which the paper is transported as viewed from the side (scanning direction). In the figure, the components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

The platen 24 includes a plurality of protrusions 242 (also referred to as convex portions). A plurality of the protrusions 242 are arranged along the scanning direction. Thereby, each protrusion 242 is arranged at a different position in the scanning direction. A plurality of protrusions arranged in the scanning direction constitute a protrusion group.
A plurality of protrusion groups (a plurality of protrusions 242 arranged in the scanning direction) are arranged along the transport direction. Thereby, a groove (also referred to as a recess) along the scanning direction is formed between the protrusion group. The position of the protrusion 242 in the scanning direction is substantially the same regardless of the protrusion group. Therefore, a groove along the transport direction is formed between the protrusions.

  Ink that has not landed on the paper during borderless printing lands on the groove. Since the printer performs borderless printing on various sizes of paper (for example, postcards, B5 paper, A4 paper, etc.), the grooves along the transport direction correspond to the positions of the side edges of each size of paper. A plurality are provided. Further, since it is necessary to perform borderless printing on the upper and lower ends of the paper, at least two grooves along the scanning direction are formed. Conversely, a plurality of protrusions 242 are formed so as to form such grooves.

  The paper conveyed by the conveyance roller 23 is conveyed from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the platen 24 (FIG. 12A). The leading edge of the paper conveyed obliquely contacts the protrusion 242 of the platen 24. The front end of the paper in contact with the protrusion 242 becomes wavy when viewed from the transport direction when it contacts the protrusion 242 arranged along the scanning direction. When the transport roller continues to transport the paper, the paper supported by the protrusions 242 of the platen 24 undulates (undulates) along the scanning direction and becomes bellows (accordion). However, the paper has a shape that does not undulate in the transport direction. That is, the crest portion of the paper that hits the wave is along the transport direction, and the trough portion is also along the transport direction. The peak portions and valley portions of the paper appear alternately in the scanning direction.

  Since the paper has such a shape and is transported in the transport direction, the paper is transported without warping. This prevents the leading edge of the paper from entering the groove formed along the scanning direction during the conveyance of the paper and clogging the paper or lifting the paper leading from the platen 24 and rubbing the head. be able to.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the distance between the head (nozzle) and the paper. This figure is a view of the state of the paper being transported as viewed from the transport direction. As described above, the paper has a bellows shape on the platen. That is, the paper has a bellows shape in the print region (region where the ink is applied by the nozzle). For this reason, the distance between the head and the paper (hereinafter referred to as “gap”) differs depending on the position in the scanning direction.

FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram of a change in ink landing position due to a gap. The carriage 36 moves at a speed VCR in the scanning direction. Further, the ink droplets ejected from the head fly at a speed Vi in the vertical direction and land on the paper. When the gap is large, the distance that the ink droplets fly increases, so that the time until landing is long, and the landing position is shifted to the downstream side in the movement direction as compared with the case where the gap is small.
FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing position deviation during bidirectional printing. While the carriage 36 reciprocates, ink is ejected from the head. In the predetermined gap L0, the ink ejection timing at the time of bidirectional printing is adjusted so that the ink landing position in the forward path matches the ink landing position in the backward path. If the gap is different from the standard gap L0, as shown in the figure, the landing position at the time of bidirectional printing is shifted.

  In the present embodiment, the gap differs depending on the position in the scanning direction as shown in FIG. However, since the image quality deteriorates when the landing position shift is large, it is desirable that the landing position shift is small. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, a test pattern is formed and the ink discharge timing is adjusted.

=== Create test pattern ===
<Regarding the procedure for determining the adjustment value>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an adjustment value determination procedure. Various operations of the printer described below are realized by programs stored in the memory 63 in the printer. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

  First, the printer receives an instruction signal for instructing printing of a test pattern (S101). This instruction signal may be received from the computer main body or may be input from a button provided on the printer main body. When a test pattern is instructed from the computer main body, a user interface as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on a display device connected to the computer main body. In the window W1 displayed on the display device, a button for instructing printing of a test pattern for adjusting ink ejection timing is displayed. When the user clicks this button, a signal instructing printing of the test pattern is transmitted from the computer main body to the printer 1 side.

  Next, the printer prints a test pattern (S102). The printer that has received the instruction signal searches for information related to the test pattern for adjusting the ink ejection timing among the test patterns in the memory 63. Then, the printer prints the test pattern on the paper according to the information regarding the test pattern. A method for printing a test pattern for adjusting ink ejection timing will be described later.

  After printing the test pattern, the user selects an optimum adjustment pattern from a plurality of adjustment patterns printed as the test pattern (S103). This optimum pattern selection may be performed on the computer main body side or on the printer main body side. When selecting an optimum pattern on the computer main body side, for example, a user interface as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on a display device connected to the computer main body. In the window W2 displayed on the display device, a plurality of buttons are displayed so as to correspond to the plurality of printed adjustment patterns. When the user clicks this button, the adjustment pattern corresponding to the clicked button is selected as the optimum pattern. The plurality of buttons displayed on the display device are arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of the plurality of adjustment patterns of the test pattern (the arrangement of the adjustment patterns will be described later).

  When the number (selection number) of the selected optimum pattern is other than 3 to 5 (S104; NO), the test pattern is printed again. However, before the test pattern is printed again, the adjustment value is changed (S105) so that the selected optimum pattern is formed at the center position (No = 4 position) of the next test pattern.

  When the selection number is 3 to 5 (S104; YES), the adjustment value corresponding to the selection number is stored (stored) in the printer (S106). When the optimum pattern is selected on the computer main body side, an adjustment value corresponding to the selection number is transmitted from the computer main body side to the printer side. The printer stores the received adjustment value in the memory 63 in the printer.

  When printing an image on paper, the printer reads the adjustment value stored in the memory 63 and adjusts the ink ejection timing of the nozzle (head) based on the adjustment value. As a result, the ink landing position is adjusted, and the image quality can be improved.

<Test pattern printing method>
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a test pattern according to this embodiment.
The test pattern has a plurality of adjustment patterns. The test pattern has five adjustment patterns (No = 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 adjustment patterns) arranged along the scanning direction. Among the five adjustment patterns, one adjustment pattern (No = 3, 5 adjustment pattern) is provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction of the central adjustment pattern (No = 4 adjustment pattern), respectively. ) Is arranged. The interval between the adjustment patterns arranged along the scanning direction is wider than the interval between the adjustment patterns arranged along the transport direction.

  FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram of a forward path pattern. FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram of a return path pattern. FIG. 19C is an explanatory diagram of an optimum pattern. FIG. 19D is an explanatory diagram of an adjustment pattern when the return path pattern is shifted to the right with respect to the forward path pattern. FIG. 19E is an explanatory diagram of an adjustment pattern when the return path pattern is shifted to the left with respect to the forward path pattern.

  Each adjustment pattern of the test pattern is formed by overlapping the forward path pattern and the backward path pattern. The forward path pattern is a pattern formed while the carriage moves in the forward path direction. The return path pattern is a pattern formed while the carriage moves in the return path direction. The forward pattern has three rectangular patterns that are long in the transport direction and has two blank portions. The return path pattern has two rectangular patterns that are long in the transport direction. If the backward path pattern is formed at an ink ejection timing suitable for the forward path pattern, the backward path pattern is formed in the blank portion of the forward path pattern, and a square-shaped fill pattern is formed. Conversely, if the return path pattern is formed in a state where the ink ejection timing is deviated from the forward path pattern, not all blank portions of the forward path pattern are filled, and two white ruled lines are formed in the adjustment pattern.

  The positional relationship between the forward path pattern and the backward path pattern differs depending on each adjustment pattern. For example, when the adjustment pattern of No = 4 is used as a reference, the position of the return path pattern with respect to the forward pattern of each adjustment pattern is as follows. The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 1 is formed on the right side by 2/720 inch with respect to the forward pattern (the ink discharge timing when the carriage moves to the return path is 2 than the default timing). / 720 inch earlier timing). The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 2 is formed on the right side by 1/720 inch with respect to the forward pattern. The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 3 is formed on the right side by 1/1440 inch with respect to the forward pattern. The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 5 is formed on the left side by 1/1440 inch with respect to the forward pattern. The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 6 is formed on the left side by 1/720 inch with respect to the forward pattern. The return pattern of the adjustment pattern of No = 7 is formed on the left side by 2/720 inch with respect to the forward pattern.

Thereby, the adjustment value corresponding to each adjustment pattern is different. If the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 4 is zero, the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 1 is −2/720 inch, and the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 2. Is −1/720 inch, the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 3 is − 1/1440 inch, the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 5 is 1/1440 inch, The adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 6 is 1/720 inch, and the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 7 is 2/720 inch.
That is, in the present embodiment, the adjustment values of the five adjustment patterns arranged along the scanning direction are different every 1/720 inch. Further, the adjustment values of the three adjustment patterns arranged along the transport direction are different every 1/1440 inch.

  The optimum pattern is an adjustment pattern without white ruled lines, or an adjustment pattern with the smallest white ruled line thickness. Then, the ink discharge timing is adjusted by the adjustment value corresponding to the optimum pattern.

  If the adjustment pattern of No = 5 is selected as the optimum pattern (YES in S104), the adjustment value of the ink ejection timing is 1/1440 inch. In this case, the ink ejection timing when the carriage moves in the backward path is a timing that is 1/1440 inch later than the default timing. As a result, the ink landing position in the return path moves to the left by 1/1440 inch from the default ink landing position.

  If the adjustment pattern of No = 2 is selected as the optimum pattern (NO in S104), the adjustment value of the ink ejection timing is changed from the default value (zero) to −1/720 inch. Then, a test pattern is formed again based on the changed adjustment value. In the test pattern formed again, the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 4 is −1/720 inch. The adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 2 is −2/720 inch, and the adjustment value corresponding to the adjustment pattern of No = 3 is −3/1440 inch (−1/720 inch−1 / 1440 inches).

<Regarding the formation position of the adjustment pattern>
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the formation position of each adjustment pattern of the test pattern of the present embodiment. This figure is a view from the transport direction. In the figure, the components already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. As already described, the paper is supported by the protrusions 242 and is wavy (uneven) when viewed from the transport direction. Further, the swelled portions (mountain portions, convex portions) are portions that are supported by the protrusions 242. On the other hand, the portion where the wave falls (the valley portion and the concave portion) is located between the protrusion 242 and the protrusion 242.

  The black arrow in the figure indicates the position where the adjustment pattern is formed. In the present embodiment, the adjustment pattern is formed between the center position of the two protrusions 242 and the position of the protrusion 242. That is, the adjustment pattern is formed so as to be located in the middle between the crest portion and the trough portion of the undulating paper. Since the position of the peak portion or the valley portion is known according to the position of the protrusion 242, the position in the middle between the peak portion and the valley portion can also be determined according to the position of the protrusion 242.

  If each adjustment pattern is formed at the position indicated by the black arrow in the figure, the distance (gap) between the paper and the head at the position where each adjustment pattern is formed becomes substantially the same. As a result, the positional relationship of the return path pattern with respect to the forward path pattern of each adjustment pattern changes in the order of the adjustment pattern numbers.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the formation position of the test pattern adjustment pattern of the reference example. In the reference example, the adjustment pattern is formed in the crest and trough portions of the wavy paper. For this reason, the gaps at the positions where the adjustment patterns are formed are different. As a result, in the test pattern of the reference example, the positional relationship of the return path pattern with respect to the forward path pattern of each adjustment pattern does not change in the order of the numbers of the adjustment patterns. Further, in the test pattern of the reference example, there may be two optimum patterns. Therefore, in the test pattern of the reference example, the adjustment value of the ink ejection timing cannot be obtained correctly.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the formation position of the test pattern adjustment pattern of another reference example. In this reference example, the adjustment pattern is formed only on the peak portion of the wavy paper. In this case, the gaps at the positions where the adjustment patterns are formed are substantially the same. For this reason, the test pattern is printed normally.
However, in the case of this reference example, when printing is performed with the adjustment value determined by the test pattern, the quality of the image formed in the peak portion is good, but the quality of the image formed in the valley portion is very high. Deteriorate. This is because if the adjustment pattern is determined by creating an adjustment pattern at the peak portion, the difference between the gap at the peak portion and the gap at the valley portion is large, so the landing positions of the dots greatly deviate at the valley portion. It is.
In the case of this reference example, since the low-quality image is printed along the period of the valley portion, the appearance period of the low-quality image is large. When the appearance cycle of low-quality images is large, the image quality is significantly deteriorated and the image quality of the entire image is deteriorated.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, in this embodiment, the adjustment pattern is formed so as to be located in the middle between the crest portion and the trough portion of the undulating paper. Therefore, the difference between the gap in the middle portion and the gap in the peak portion (or valley portion) is small. Therefore, the dot landing position does not deviate greatly, and deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the low-quality image appears at the peak portion and the valley portion, the appearance cycle is shortened (half the cycle compared to the above-described reference example). If the appearance cycle of the low-quality image is short, the deterioration of the image quality is less noticeable, and the deterioration of the image quality of the entire image can be suppressed.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above embodiment is mainly described for a printer, among which a printing apparatus, a recording apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, a printing method, a recording method, a liquid ejection method, a printing system, a recording system, a computer system, and a program are included. Needless to say, disclosure of a storage medium storing a program, a display screen, a screen display method, a printed material manufacturing method, and the like is included.

  Moreover, although the printer etc. as one embodiment were demonstrated, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About the printer>
In the above-described embodiment, the printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, color filter manufacturing apparatus, dyeing apparatus, fine processing apparatus, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, surface processing apparatus, three-dimensional modeling machine, liquid vaporizer, organic EL manufacturing apparatus (particularly polymer EL manufacturing apparatus), display manufacturing apparatus, film formation The same technique as that of the present embodiment may be applied to various recording apparatuses to which an ink jet technique is applied such as an apparatus and a DNA chip manufacturing apparatus. These methods and manufacturing methods are also within the scope of application. Even if this technology is applied to such a field, the liquid can be directly ejected (directly drawn) toward the object. You can go down.

<About ink>
Since the above-described embodiment is an embodiment of a printer, dye ink or pigment ink is ejected from the nozzle. However, the liquid ejected from the nozzle is not limited to such ink. For example, liquids (including water) including metal materials, organic materials (especially polymer materials), magnetic materials, conductive materials, wiring materials, film-forming materials, electronic inks, processing liquids, gene solutions, etc. are ejected from nozzles. May be. If such a liquid is directly discharged toward the object, material saving, process saving, and cost reduction can be achieved.

<About nozzle>
In the above-described embodiment, ink is ejected using a piezoelectric element. However, the method for discharging the liquid is not limited to this. For example, other methods such as a method of generating bubbles in the nozzle by heat may be used.

<Summary>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the printer (liquid ejecting apparatus / printing apparatus) includes a carriage (moving body) that moves the nozzle (liquid ejecting section that ejects liquid) in the scanning direction (moving direction), and the scanning direction. And a plurality of protrusions 242 (support portions) arranged at different positions. Since the paper is supported by the protrusions 242, even if the printer performs “borderless printing”, the back surface of the paper does not need to be stained with ink that does not land on the paper. However, with such a configuration, the paper supported by the protrusions has a wave shape as shown in FIG. 11B.
In such a state, when a plurality of adjustment patterns are arranged in the scanning direction, the shape of each adjustment pattern is affected by the deformation of the paper (the influence of the interval between the paper and the head). For this reason, if adjustment pattern groups for fine adjustment are arranged in the scanning direction, the shape of each pattern does not change in order, and, for example, problems such as two optimum patterns appear.

On the other hand, if all the adjustment patterns are arranged in the transport direction, they are not affected by the deformation of the paper, but not only the pattern formation takes time, but many adjustment patterns cannot be efficiently arranged on the paper. .
Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the adjustment patterns of No = 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 formed along the scanning direction (movement direction) constitute a coarse adjustment pattern group, and the conveyance direction (movement) The adjustment patterns of No = 3 to 5 formed along the direction intersecting with the direction form a fine adjustment pattern group. The coarse adjustment pattern group is a pattern group for adjusting 1/720 inch, and the fine adjustment pattern group is a pattern group for adjusting 1/1440 inch.

In the above-described embodiment, since the pattern groups for coarse adjustment are arranged in the scanning direction, the shape of each pattern changes in order even under the influence of paper deformation. On the other hand, since the fine adjustment pattern groups are arranged in the carrying direction, the shape of each pattern changes in order without being affected by the deformation of the paper.
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the paper to be deformed so that the shape of each pattern changes in order. Thereby, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the adjustment pattern formed on the deformed paper.
However, the arrangement of the plurality of patterns is not limited to the arrangement of the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the number of fine adjustment pattern groups (the number of adjustment patterns arranged in the transport direction) may be two. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, one adjustment pattern for fine adjustment may be arranged on each of the upstream and downstream sides in the conveyance direction of all the adjustment patterns for coarse adjustment.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustment patterns corresponds to a specific adjustment value. In the pattern group for coarse adjustment, the adjustment value corresponding to each adjustment pattern changes step by step every 1/720 inch. In the fine adjustment pattern group, the adjustment value corresponding to each adjustment pattern changes step by step every 1/1440 inch. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the difference (1/720 inch) in the adjustment value of each adjustment pattern in the coarse adjustment pattern group is the difference (1/1440) in the adjustment value in each adjustment pattern in the fine adjustment pattern group. Inch).
Thereby, in the above-mentioned embodiment, since the adjustment value of the adjustment pattern group of No = 2-6 changes for every 1/1440 inch, the number of the patterns for fine adjustment can be increased substantially.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, there are adjustment patterns included in the coarse adjustment pattern group and the fine adjustment pattern group. Specifically, the adjustment pattern of No = 4 belongs to both the coarse adjustment pattern group and the fine adjustment pattern group.
Thereby, a plurality of adjustment patterns can be arranged efficiently.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the coarse adjustment pattern group has more patterns than the fine adjustment pattern group. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, there are five adjustment patterns for coarse adjustment and three adjustment patterns for fine adjustment.
Since the coarse adjustment pattern groups are arranged in the scanning direction, even if the number of coarse adjustment pattern groups increases, the carriage movement operation does not change and the printing time does not increase. However, since the fine adjustment pattern groups are arranged in the conveyance direction, if the number of patterns in the fine adjustment pattern group increases, the carriage movement operation, the conveyance roller conveyance operation, and the like increase, and the printing time increases. End up.
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the printing time can be shortened.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment pattern is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the protrusion 242 (support portion) in the scanning direction (movement direction).
Thereby, since the adjustment pattern is formed at a position in consideration of the deformation of the paper, an adjustment value for landing the ink with high accuracy can be obtained even from the adjustment pattern formed on the deformed paper. .

(6) In the above-described embodiment, when transporting paper (medium), the front end of the paper is in contact with the protrusion (supporting portion). Since there are a plurality of protrusions along the moving direction, the leading edge of the paper that comes into contact with the protrusions has a wave shape. When the leading edge of the paper has a wave shape, the paper becomes stiff and the paper is conveyed without warping.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 242 (supporting portions) are provided on the platen 24, and the paper (medium) is conveyed obliquely downward from above with respect to the platen. As a result, the paper is transported such that the leading end thereof contacts the protrusion 242. Further, since the paper is not warped after the paper comes into contact with the protrusions, the front end of the paper does not largely float from the platen, and the front end of the paper can be prevented from rubbing the head. Further, since the paper is conveyed obliquely and contacts the protrusion, the paper strongly contacts the protrusion, and the deformation amount of the paper becomes the same every time.
Note that the paper does not have to be conveyed obliquely with respect to the platen. Even in this case, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order. However, in this case, the above effect cannot be obtained.

(8) In the above-described embodiment, the paper (medium) supported by the plurality of protrusions 242 (support portions) is deformed so as to have a valley portion (concave portion) and a mountain portion (convex portion). doing. The paper is deformed in this way because the paper is supported by a plurality of protrusions.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, the valley or peak portion (concave or convex portion) of the paper is along the paper conveyance direction. This makes the paper stiff with respect to the transport direction and facilitates transport of the paper.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment pattern (pattern) is formed in the middle (between the irregularities of the medium) between the peak portion and the valley portion of the paper. Forming the adjustment pattern at such a position has the following effects.
First, the landing positions of dots do not deviate greatly. If the adjustment pattern is formed in the crest portion of the paper and the ink ejection timing is adjusted, the dot landing position is greatly shifted in the trough portion of the paper. On the other hand, if the adjustment pattern is formed in the middle, the difference between the gap in the middle portion (interval between the paper and the nozzle) and the gap in the mountain portion is small, so the deviation of the dot landing position is small.
Second, the deterioration in image quality is less noticeable. If the adjustment pattern is formed in the peak portion of the paper and the ink ejection timing is adjusted, the image is lowered in the valley portion of the paper, and the low-quality image appears in a large cycle, and the deterioration of the image quality is conspicuous. On the other hand, if the adjustment pattern is formed in the middle, low-quality images appear at the peaks and valleys, so the appearance cycle of the low-quality images is shortened, and deterioration in image quality is less noticeable.
Due to these two effects, an excellent image can be formed on paper.
However, the formation position of the adjustment pattern is not limited to this. For example, although the two effects described above cannot be obtained, an adjustment pattern may be formed in the peak portion (or valley portion) of the paper. Even in such a case, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order.

(11) In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment pattern is formed between the center position of the two protrusions 242 and the position of the protrusion 242. Thereby, the adjustment pattern is formed in the middle between the peak portion and the valley portion of the paper. Forming the adjustment pattern at such a position has the following effects.
First, the landing positions of dots do not deviate greatly. If the adjustment pattern is formed in the crest portion of the paper and the ink ejection timing is adjusted, the dot landing position is greatly shifted in the trough portion of the paper. On the other hand, if the adjustment pattern is formed in the middle, the difference between the gap in the middle portion (interval between the paper and the nozzle) and the gap in the mountain portion is small, so the deviation of the dot landing position is small.
Second, the deterioration in image quality is less noticeable. If the adjustment pattern is formed in the peak portion of the paper and the ink ejection timing is adjusted, the image is lowered in the valley portion of the paper, and the low-quality image appears in a large cycle, and the deterioration of the image quality is conspicuous. On the other hand, if the adjustment pattern is formed in the middle, low-quality images appear at the peaks and valleys, so the appearance cycle of the low-quality images is shortened, and deterioration in image quality is less noticeable.
Due to these two effects, an excellent image can be formed on paper.
However, the formation position of the adjustment pattern is not limited to this. For example, although the above two effects cannot be obtained, an adjustment pattern may be formed at the center position (or the position of the protrusion) of the two protrusions. Even in such a case, a plurality of patterns can be formed on the deformed paper so that the shape of each pattern changes in order.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, the gap (interval) between the paper (medium) and the nozzle (liquid ejection unit) differs depending on the position in the scanning direction (movement direction). In such a case, since the flying distance of the ink droplets is different, the landing position deviation of the ink is different depending on the position in the scanning direction. However, since the pattern is formed according to the position of the projection 242 in the scanning direction, the influence can be reduced.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, two white ruled lines are formed in the adjustment pattern.
The paper is slanted at the position where the adjustment pattern is formed. For this reason, there is a gap difference among the adjustment patterns. The plurality of ruled lines are formed in the adjustment pattern in order to average the influence of the gap difference in one adjustment pattern. This makes it possible to select the optimum pattern correctly.
The adjustment pattern is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. For example, the adjustment pattern may be composed of vertical ruled lines formed by the forward path and vertical ruled lines formed by the return path. In this case, an adjustment pattern in which two vertical ruled lines become one straight line is selected as the optimum pattern. However, the above averaging effect cannot be obtained with such an adjustment pattern.

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the carriage (moving body) can move in both directions, and the nozzle (liquid ejecting unit) ejects ink (liquid) while the carriage moves in both directions.
When bidirectional printing is performed in this way, it is necessary to adjust the ink ejection timing in the forward path and the ink ejection timing in the backward path. However, even if the ink ejection timing is adjusted, if the gap is different from the adjusted gap, the ink landing position is shifted. In the above-described embodiment, even in such a case, a large decrease in image quality can be suppressed.
However, the problem of displacement of the ink landing position is not limited to bidirectional printing. For example, even in the case of unidirectional printing, when adjusting the ink ejection timing of a certain nozzle group (for example, a black ink nozzle group) and the ink ejection timing of another nozzle group (for example, a cyan ink nozzle group), Similar problems arise. Therefore, the adjustment pattern of the above-described embodiment is not limited to the ink discharge timing adjustment pattern during bidirectional printing, but may be an ink discharge timing adjustment pattern with another nozzle group.

It is explanatory drawing of the whole structure of a printing system. 1 is a block diagram of an overall configuration of a printer. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of a printer. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | sequence of a nozzle. It is explanatory drawing of a structure of a conveyance unit. It is explanatory drawing of a structure of a rotary encoder. FIG. 9A is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal during normal rotation. FIG. 9B is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signal at the time of inversion. It is a flowchart of a conveyance process. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of components around the platen. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the paper conveyed by the conveyance roller. 12A and 12B are views of the state in which the paper is transported as viewed from the side (scanning direction). It is explanatory drawing of the space | interval of a head (nozzle) and paper. FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram of a change in ink landing position due to a gap. FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing position deviation during bidirectional printing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the determination procedure of an adjustment value. It is explanatory drawing of the user interface which performs the printing instruction | indication of a test pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the user interface which performs selection instruction | indication of the optimal pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the test pattern of this embodiment. FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram of a forward path pattern. FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram of a return path pattern. FIG. 19C is an explanatory diagram of an optimum pattern. FIG. 19D is an explanatory diagram of an adjustment pattern when the return path pattern is shifted to the right with respect to the forward path pattern. FIG. 19E is an explanatory diagram of an adjustment pattern when the return path pattern is shifted to the left with respect to the forward path pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the formation position of each adjustment pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the formation position of the pattern for adjustment of the test pattern of a reference example. It is explanatory drawing of the formation position of the pattern for adjustment of the test pattern of another reference example. It is explanatory drawing of arrangement | positioning of the pattern for adjustment of other embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of arrangement | positioning of the pattern for adjustment of other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer,
20 transport unit, 21 paper feed roller, 22 transport motor (PF motor),
23 transport roller, 24 platen, 25 discharge roller,
30 Carriage unit, 31 Carriage,
32 Carriage motor (CR motor),
40 head units, 41 heads,
50 detector groups, 51 linear encoder, 52 rotary encoder,
521 scale, 522 detector,
53 Paper detection sensor, 54 Optical sensor,
60 controller, 61 interface unit, 62 CPU,
63 memory, 64 unit control circuit

100 printing system 110 computer,
120 display device,
130 input device, 130A keyboard, 130B mouse,
140 recording / reproducing apparatus, 140A flexible disk drive apparatus, 140B CD-ROM drive apparatus

Claims (18)

A moving body that moves a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid in the movement direction;
A plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
In the liquid ejection apparatus for forming a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section on the medium supported by the support section,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction intersecting with the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of patterns corresponds to a specific adjustment value,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the adjustment values of the patterns of the coarse adjustment pattern group is twice the difference of the adjustment values of the patterns of the fine adjustment pattern group. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are patterns included in the coarse adjustment pattern group and the fine adjustment pattern group. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The liquid ejection apparatus, wherein the coarse adjustment pattern group has more patterns than the fine adjustment pattern group. A liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is formed at a position corresponding to a position of the support portion in the moving direction. A liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the medium is transported, a tip of the medium is in contact with the support portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6,
The plurality of support portions are provided on a platen,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium is conveyed obliquely downward from above with respect to the platen. A liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the medium supported by the plurality of supporting portions is deformed so as to have a concave portion and a convex portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein
The liquid ejection apparatus, wherein the concave or convex portion of the medium is along a transport direction of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is formed between a concave portion and a convex portion of the medium. A liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is formed between a center position of two support portions and a position of the support portion. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an interval between the medium and the liquid ejecting unit varies depending on a position in the moving direction. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A liquid ejection apparatus, wherein a plurality of ruled lines are formed in the pattern. A liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The moving body is movable in both directions;
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid ejecting unit ejects the liquid while the moving body moves in both directions. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1,
The liquid is ink;
The liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that forms an image on the medium. A moving body that moves a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid in the movement direction;
A plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
In the liquid ejection apparatus for forming a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section on the medium supported by the support section,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A plurality of patterns formed along the direction intersecting the moving direction constitutes a fine tuning pattern group,
Each of the plurality of patterns corresponds to a specific adjustment value,
The difference between the adjustment values of each pattern of the pattern group for coarse adjustment is a double of the difference between the adjustment values of each pattern of the pattern group for fine adjustment,
There are patterns included in the pattern group for coarse adjustment and the pattern group for fine adjustment,
The pattern group for coarse adjustment has more patterns than the pattern group for fine adjustment,
Forming the pattern at a position corresponding to the position of the support portion in the moving direction;
When transporting the medium, the tip of the medium comes into contact with the support part,
The plurality of support portions are provided on a platen,
The medium is conveyed obliquely downward from above with respect to the platen,
The medium supported by the plurality of support portions is deformed to have a concave portion and a convex portion,
The concave or convex portion of the medium is along the conveyance direction of the medium,
The pattern is formed between a concave portion and a convex portion of the medium;
The pattern is formed between the center position of the two support portions and the position of the support portion,
The interval between the medium and the liquid ejection unit varies depending on the position in the movement direction,
In the pattern, a plurality of ruled lines are formed,
The moving body is movable in both directions;
The liquid discharge unit discharges the liquid while the moving body moves in both directions,
The liquid is ink;
The liquid ejecting apparatus is a printing apparatus that forms an image on the medium. Move the liquid ejection part that ejects liquid in the movement direction,
The medium is supported by a plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
In the liquid ejection method of forming a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid ejection timing by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection section on the medium supported by the support section,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A liquid ejection method, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction crossing the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group. A printing system comprising a computer and a printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A moving body that moves a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid in the movement direction;
A plurality of support portions arranged at different positions in the moving direction,
A printing apparatus that forms a plurality of patterns for adjusting the liquid discharge timing by discharging the liquid from the liquid discharge unit onto the medium supported by the support unit,
A plurality of patterns formed along the movement direction constitute a pattern group for coarse adjustment,
A printing system, wherein a plurality of patterns formed along a direction crossing the moving direction constitute a fine tuning pattern group.

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