JP2005224995A - Printing controller, printing control system, printing control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a printing system most suitable for a medium where corresponding information is not stored in a memory. <P>SOLUTION: This printing controller is equipped with the memory for storing the corresponding information which indicates a corresponding relationship between the type of the medium and the printing system, and a printing data generating part which refers to the memory, which selects the printing system corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed, and which generates printing data according to the selected printing system. The printing controller prints a plurality of patterns for setting the printing system for the medium where corresponding information is not stored in the memory, on the medium. Characteristically, an input screen for making a user input at least two pieces of information associated with the plurality of patterns printed on the medium is displayed, and the printing system is set according to the at least two pieces of information input on the input screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus, a print control system, a print control method, and a program.

As the print control device, for example, a memory that stores correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method, and the memory is referred to, and the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed is selected and selected. There is a print control device that includes a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the printed printing method.
JP 2002-103582 A

In the above print control apparatus, when printing a medium in which the correspondence information is stored in the memory, the print data generation unit generates print data based on the printing method in the correspondence information. On the other hand, when printing a medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory, the print data generation unit generates print data based on a predetermined printing method.
However, this predetermined printing method may not be the optimum printing method for the medium. For example, even if a medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory is a medium that can support a printing method with a large amount of ink, the print control apparatus uses the printing method with a small amount of ink as a predetermined printing method. It will be set to. Then, the print data control unit generates print data based on the non-optimal printing method as described above.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to set an optimum printing method for a medium in which correspondence information is not stored in a memory.

  The main aspect of the present invention is that a memory for storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method is selected, the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed is selected with reference to the memory, A print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print method, and prints on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the print method of a medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory A print control apparatus that displays an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, and the two or more types of input that are input to the input screen The printing control apparatus is characterized in that the printing method is set based on information.

  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, since the optimum printing method for the medium can be determined based on the pattern printed on the medium, it is possible to set the optimum printing method for the medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory. It becomes possible.

At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
A memory storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method; and referring to the memory, selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed; and based on the selected printing method A print data generation unit that generates print data, and a print control device that prints on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the print method of the medium for which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory And displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, and based on the two or more types of information input to the input screen, A printing control apparatus that sets the printing method.
According to such a print control apparatus, since the optimum printing method of the medium can be determined based on the pattern printed on the medium, the optimum printing method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory is determined. It becomes possible to set.

In addition, one of the two or more types of information may be information relating to ink bleeding from the plurality of patterns printed on the medium.
According to such a printing control apparatus, it is possible to select an optimum pattern by inspecting ink bleeding from the plurality of patterns printed on the medium.

In addition, one of the two or more types of information may be information regarding the presence or absence of fingerprints on the plurality of patterns.
According to such a print control apparatus, it is possible to select an optimum pattern by inspecting the presence or absence of fingerprints on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium.

In addition, one of the two or more types of information may be information regarding the presence or absence of a roller mark on the plurality of patterns when a roller rolls on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium. .
According to such a printing control apparatus, an optimum pattern is obtained by inspecting the presence or absence of roller marks on the plurality of patterns when the roller rolls on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium. It becomes possible to choose.

Further, the amount of ink used when printing on the medium may be different depending on the printing method.
Since the ink absorbency often varies from medium to medium, the optimum ink amount often varies. Therefore, according to the printing control apparatus as described above, it is possible to set a printing method with an ink amount optimum for the medium.

Further, the amount of ink used when printing the plurality of patterns may be different.
According to such a printing control apparatus, a pattern corresponding to the optimum printing method can be selected from a plurality of patterns having different ink amounts.

The memory further stores information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of patterns and the printing method, and one pattern is selected from the plurality of patterns based on the two or more types of information input to the input screen. The printing method corresponding to the selected one pattern may be set with reference to the memory.
According to such a print control apparatus, since one pattern is selected from the plurality of patterns based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen, a pattern corresponding to an optimum printing method is selected. Can do.

The two or more types of information input on the input screen each correspond to one pattern among the plurality of patterns, and among the patterns corresponding to each information, the ink amount used for printing It is good also as selecting the pattern with most.
According to such a print control apparatus, it is possible to select a pattern having the largest amount of ink used for printing among patterns corresponding to each information.

The medium may be a storage medium.
According to such a print control apparatus, even when a medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory is a storage medium, it is possible to set an optimum printing method for the storage medium.

The storage medium may be a CD-ROM or a DVD.
CD-ROM or DVD is printed on the label on the surface. However, when the type of CD-ROM or DVD is different, the label characteristics (for example, ink absorbency) are often different, and the optimum printing method for each CD-ROM or DVD. Are often different. Therefore, according to the printing control apparatus as described above, it is possible to set an optimal printing method for a CD-ROM or DVD in which correspondence information is not stored in the memory.

Further, the plurality of patterns may be printed in a ring shape on the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD.
The CD-ROM or DVD has a circular shape. Therefore, according to the print control apparatus as described above, the print surface of the CD-ROM or DVD can be used effectively.

In addition, a memory for storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method, and selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed with reference to the memory, and the selected printing method A print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print data, and a print control for printing on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the print method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory An apparatus for displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, and based on the two or more types of information input to the input screen The printing method is set, and one of the two or more types of information is information relating to bleeding of the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, and the two or more types of information are set. One of the information on the presence or absence of fingerprints on the plurality of patterns, one of the two or more types of information is when a roller rolls on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, Information regarding the presence or absence of roller traces on the plurality of patterns, and the amount of ink used when printing on the medium differs according to the printing method, and the ink used when printing the plurality of patterns, respectively The amount is different, and the memory further stores information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of patterns and the printing method, and 1 from the plurality of patterns based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen. Select two patterns, refer to the memory, set the printing method corresponding to the selected one pattern, and input the two types input to the input screen Each of the above information corresponds to one pattern among the plurality of patterns, and a pattern having the largest amount of ink used for printing is selected from among the patterns corresponding to each information. A print medium, wherein the print medium is a CD-ROM or DVD, and the plurality of patterns are printed in a ring shape on the print surface of the CD-ROM or DVD. An apparatus is also feasible.
In this way, the effects of the present invention can be achieved most effectively because all the effects described above can be achieved.

In addition, a memory for storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method, and selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed with reference to the memory, and the selected printing method A print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print data, and a print control for printing on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the print method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory In the print control system comprising: an apparatus, and a printing apparatus connectable to the print control apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus executes printing on the medium based on the print data. An input screen for allowing the user to input two or more types of information related to the pattern is displayed, and the mark is displayed based on the two or more types of information input to the input screen. Printing control system and sets the method can also be realized.
The print control system realized in this way is a print control system superior to the conventional print control system.

A step of referring to correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method; a step of selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of medium to be printed based on the correspondence information; Generating print data based on the printing method, and printing on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory. In the printing control method, a step of displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium; and the two or more types of information input to the input screen And a step of setting the printing method based on the above, it is also possible to realize a printing control method.
The print control method realized in this way is a print control method superior to the conventional print control method.

Further, referring to a memory that stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the type of medium and the printing method, the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed is selected, and based on the selected printing method, A printing control apparatus that causes a printing apparatus to execute printing, and a printing control apparatus that prints a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of a medium for which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory, on the medium, Based on the function of displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium, and the two or more types of information input on the input screen, It is also possible to realize a program characterized by realizing a function for setting a printing method.
The program realized in this way is a program superior to the conventional program.

=== Configuration of Printing System ===
Next, an embodiment of a printing system (computer system) which is an example of a printing control 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 that is an example of a printing apparatus, a computer 110 that is an example of a printing control apparatus, a display device 120 that is an example of a display unit, an input device 130, and a recording / reproducing apparatus 140. ing.

  The printer 1 is a printing apparatus that prints an image on a medium such as paper S, a CD-R (Compact Disc Readable Memory) as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a cloth, a film, or the like. . 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 that is an example of a print data generation unit 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.

=== Printer driver ===
<About the printer driver>
FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of basic processing performed by the printer driver. The components already described are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the computer 110, computer programs such as a video driver 112, an application program 114, and a printer driver 116 operate under an operating system installed in the computer.

  The video driver 112 has a function of displaying, for example, a user interface or the like on the display device 120 in accordance with a display command from the application program 114 or the printer driver 116. The application program 114 has a function of performing image editing, for example, and creates data related to an image (image data). The user can give an instruction to print an image edited by the application program 114 via the user interface of the application program 114. Upon receiving a print instruction, the application program 114 outputs image data to the printer driver 116.

  The printer driver 116 receives image data from the application program 114, converts the image data into print data, and outputs the print data to the printer. Here, the print data is data in a format that can be interpreted by the printer 1, and is data having various command data and pixel data. Here, the command data is data for instructing the printer to execute a specific operation. The pixel data is data relating to pixels constituting an image to be printed (print image). For example, data relating to dots formed at positions on the paper S corresponding to a certain pixel (dot color and size). Etc.).

  The printer driver 116 performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing, halftone processing, rasterization processing, and the like in order to convert image data output from the application program 114 into print data. Hereinafter, various processes performed by the printer driver 116 will be described.

  The resolution conversion process is a process of converting image data (text data, image data, etc.) output from the application program 114 into a resolution for printing on the paper S. For example, when the resolution when printing an image on the paper S is specified as 720 × 720 dpi, the image data received from the application program 114 is converted into image data having a resolution of 720 × 720 dpi. Note that the image data after the resolution conversion process is multi-gradation (for example, 256 gradations) RGB data represented by an RGB color space. Hereinafter, RGB data obtained by performing resolution conversion processing on image data is referred to as RGB image data.

  The color conversion process is a process for converting RGB data into CMYK data represented by a CMYK color space. The CMYK data is data corresponding to the ink color of the printer 1. This color conversion processing is performed by the printer driver 116 referring to a table (color conversion lookup table LUT) in which gradation values of RGB image data and gradation values of CMYK image data are associated with each other. Through this color conversion process, RGB data for each pixel is converted into CMYK data corresponding to the ink color. The data after the color conversion processing is CMYK data with 256 gradations represented by the CMYK color space. Hereinafter, CMYK data obtained by performing color conversion processing on RGB image data is referred to as CMYK image data.

  The halftone process is a process for converting high gradation number data into gradation number data that can be formed by a printer. For example, data representing 256 gradations is converted into 1-bit data representing 2 gradations or 2-bit data representing 4 gradations by halftone processing. In the halftone process, pixel data is created using the dither method, γ correction, error diffusion method, and the like so that the printer 1 can form dots dispersedly.

  When performing halftone processing, the printer driver 116 refers to a dither table when performing a dither method, refers to a gamma table when performing γ correction, and refers to a diffused error when performing an error diffusion method. Refer to the error memory for storage. The data subjected to the halftone process has a resolution (for example, 720 × 720 dpi) equivalent to the RGB data described above. The halftoned data is composed of 1-bit or 2-bit data for each pixel, for example. Hereinafter, of the halftone processed data, 1-bit data is referred to as binary data, and 2-bit data is referred to as multi-value data.

  The rasterizing process is a process of changing matrix image data in the order of data to be transferred to the printer 1. The rasterized data is output to the printer 1 as pixel data included in the print data.

<About printer driver settings>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the user interface of the printer driver. The user interface of this printer driver is displayed on the display device via the video driver 112. The user can make various settings of the printer driver using the input device 130.

  The user can select a printing method from this screen. For example, the user can select a high-speed printing method or a fine printing method as the printing method. Then, the printer driver 116 converts the image data into print data so that the format corresponds to the selected printing method.

  Further, the user can select the printing resolution (dot interval when printing) from this screen. For example, the user can select 720 dpi or 360 dpi as the print resolution from this screen. Then, the printer driver 116 performs resolution conversion processing according to the selected resolution, and converts the image data into print data.

  Further, the user can select the printing paper S or CD-R used for printing from this screen. For example, the user can select plain paper or glossy paper as the printing paper S. In addition, the user can select the type of CD-R on a screen (not shown) (hereinafter also referred to as “CD-R selection screen”) where the manufacturer name and model number of the CD-R can be selected. it can. The CD-R selection screen is displayed by selecting the CD-R on the screen shown in FIG. 3, moving the mouse 130 </ b> B onto a button for displaying the CD-R selection screen, and clicking the mouse 130 </ b> B. It is displayed on the display device 120.

  Note that if the type of paper S (paper type) and the type of CD-R are different, the ink bleeding and drying methods are also different, and the ink amount suitable for printing is also different. Therefore, the printer driver 116 converts the image data into print data in accordance with the selected paper type or CD-R type.

  As described above, the printer driver converts the image data into print data according to the conditions set via the user interface. The user can make various settings of the printer driver from this screen, and can also know the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge.

=== Outline of the printer ===
<<< Inkjet Printer Configuration >>>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the printer of this embodiment. FIG. 6 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 the paper S. 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 the paper S to a printable position and transporting the paper S 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 the paper S. 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 S 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. Therefore, the paper S is transported using this circumferential portion. It can be conveyed to the roller 23. The transport motor 22 is a motor for transporting the paper S in the transport direction, and is configured 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 the head 41 in a predetermined 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 carriage movement direction. (Thus, the head 41 moves along the moving direction of the carriage, which is a predetermined direction.) Further, 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 movement direction of the carriage, and is configured by a DC motor.

  The head unit 40 is for ejecting ink onto the paper S. 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 carriage movement direction, the head 41 also moves in the carriage movement direction. Then, dot lines (raster lines) along the carriage movement direction are formed on the paper S by intermittently ejecting ink while the head 41 is moving in the carriage movement direction.

  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 movement direction of the carriage. 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 S to be printed. The paper detection sensor 53 is provided at a position where the leading edge of the paper S can be detected while the paper supply roller 21 is feeding the paper S toward the transport roller 23. The paper detection sensor 53 is a mechanical sensor that detects the leading edge of the paper S by a mechanical mechanism. 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 transport path of the paper S. For this reason, the leading edge of the paper S comes into contact with the lever, and the lever is rotated. Therefore, the paper detection sensor 53 detects the position of the leading edge of the paper S 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 the paper S when the light receiving unit detects reflected light of the light irradiated on the paper S from the light emitting unit. The optical sensor 54 detects the position of the end of the paper S while being moved by the carriage 41. Since the optical sensor 54 optically detects the edge of the paper S, the optical sensor 54 has higher detection accuracy than 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.

  In the above description, the configuration of the printer when the medium is the paper S has been described, but the configuration of the printer when the medium is a CD-R is the same. However, in the case of a CD-R, as shown in FIG. 20, the CD-R 83 is carried on a CD-R carrying tray 93. The head 41 then ejects ink onto the label surface, which is the printed surface of the conveyed CD-R. Since the label surface differs in the type of CD-R, the ink on the label surface also varies in the way it spreads and dries, so the amount of ink suitable for printing also varies.

<<< About printing operations >>>
FIG. 7 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 the paper S to be printed into the printer and positioning the paper S 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 S to be printed to the transport roller 23. The controller 60 rotates the transport roller 23 to position the paper S sent from the paper feed roller 21 at the print start position. When the paper S is positioned at the print start position, at least some of the nozzles of the head 41 are opposed to the paper S.

  Next, the controller 60 performs dot formation processing (S003). The dot forming process is a process of forming dots on the paper S by intermittently ejecting ink from the head 41 moving along the moving direction of the carriage. The controller 60 drives the carriage motor 32 to move the carriage 31 in the carriage movement direction. Then, the controller 60 discharges ink from the head 41 based on the print data while the carriage 31 is moving. When ink droplets ejected from the head 41 land on the paper S, dots are formed on the paper S.

  Next, the controller 60 performs a conveyance process (S004). The transport process is a process of moving the paper S relative to the head 41 along the transport direction. The controller 60 drives the carry motor 22 and rotates the carry roller 23 to carry the paper S 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 S being printed (S005). If data for printing on the paper S being printed remains, the paper is not 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 the paper S. When there is no more data for printing on the paper S being printed, the controller 60 discharges the paper S. The controller 60 discharges the printed paper S to the outside by rotating the paper discharge roller 25. 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 S, the printing is continued and the paper feeding process for the next paper S is started. If printing is not performed on the next paper S, the printing operation is terminated.

<<< About the nozzle >>>
FIG. 8 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 transport direction.

=== About a memory storing correspondence information ===
A memory M stored in the computer 110 stores a table including correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method. This table includes a table T1 when the medium to be printed is paper S and a table T2 when the medium to be printed is CD-R. Therefore, the table T including the correspondence information will be described separately for the case where the medium is paper S and the case where the medium is CD-R.

<<< When Medium is Paper S >>>
First, the table T1 when the medium is the paper S will be described with reference to FIG. 9A. FIG. 9A shows a table stored in the memory M stored in the computer 110 and including correspondence information when the medium is the paper S.

  FIG. 9A shows “plain paper”, “super fine paper”, “photo print paper”, and the like as the paper S. In addition, “M3”, “M6”, and the like are shown as printing methods. In this case, the correspondence information indicates, for example, the correspondence between “plain paper” and “M3”. The difference between the printing methods “M3” and “M6” is that the amount of ink printed on the paper S is different. That is, the amount of ink used when printing on a medium differs depending on the printing method.

<<< When the medium is a CD-R >>>
Next, the table T2 when the medium is a CD-R will be described with reference to FIG. 9B. FIG. 9B is a table stored in the memory M stored in the computer 110 and showing a table including correspondence information when the medium is a CD-R.

  The manufacturer name, model number, capacity, and label color are used to specify the type of CD-R. In FIG. 9B, “A”, “B”, “丙” are shown as the manufacturer name, “A1,” “A2,” “B1,” “C1,” etc. are shown as the model numbers. “650M” and “700M” are shown, and “white” and “silver” are shown as colors of the label surface. In addition, “M4”, “M5”, and the like are shown as printing methods. In this case, the correspondence information includes a CD-R having the manufacturer name “A”, the model number “A1”, the capacity “650 M”, and the label surface color “White”, and the printing method. The correspondence relationship with “M4” is shown.

  The printer driver 116 refers to the memory M that stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the medium type and the printing method, selects the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed, and selects the selected printing method. Print data is generated based on the above. For example, the printer driver 116 is based on a printing method “M6” corresponding to a CD-R whose manufacturer name is “A”, model number is “A3”, capacity is “650M”, and label color is “silver”. Generate print data.

=== Regarding the pattern for setting the printing method of the medium ===
<<< Test Pattern Printed on Medium >>>
The test pattern printed on the medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A shows a CD-R 83 on which a test pattern is printed. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the paper S on which the test pattern is printed.

  The test pattern is printed on the CD-R 83 or the paper S by the printer 1 based on the print data corresponding to the test pattern transmitted from the computer 110. This test pattern is for setting a printing method for a medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the table T.

  Six test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 are printed on the CD-R 83 and the paper S. When the medium is CD-R83, as shown in FIG. 10A, six test patterns # 1 to # 6 are printed in a ring shape on the label surface of CD-R83. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 are printed clockwise. On the other hand, when the medium is paper S, six test patterns # 1 to # 6 are printed in the transport direction of the paper S as shown in FIG. 10B.

  In addition, the test patterns # 1 to # 6 differ in the amount of ink used when each test pattern is printed on the medium. That is, the ink amount used when the test pattern # 1 is printed on the medium is the largest, the ink amount used when the test pattern # 2 is printed on the medium is the second largest, and then the test pattern # 3. , # 4, # 5, and # 6, the amount of ink used when printing on the medium decreases. In addition, the test patterns # 1 to # 6 have different amounts of ink used for printing at a constant rate. For example, assuming that the maximum ink amount used for printing is 100% for one test pattern, test pattern # 1 is 90%, test pattern # 2 is 75%, and test pattern # 6 is 15 %, The amount of ink used when printing at 15% intervals is different.

<<< Information indicating the correspondence between test patterns and printing methods >>>
Information indicating the correspondence between the test pattern and the printing method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table T3 including information indicating the correspondence between test patterns and printing methods.
The table T3 is stored in the memory M stored in the computer 110. The table T3 is a table when the medium is a CD-R. Therefore, the table T further includes a table when the medium is the paper S.
In the table T3 shown in FIG. 11, "# 1", "# 2", etc. are shown as test patterns. In the table T3, “M6”, “M5”, and the like are shown as printing methods. In this case, the information indicating the correspondence between the test pattern and the printing method indicates, for example, the correspondence between the test pattern “# 1” and the printing method “M6”.
The printer driver 116 selects a printing method corresponding to the test pattern with reference to this table T3 when setting a printing method for a medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory M. For example, when setting the CD-R printing method shown in FIG. 10A, the printer driver 116 selects the printing method M1 corresponding to the test pattern # 6.

=== Screens displayed on the display ===
The test pattern print execution screen, test pattern print result input screen, and medium information input screen displayed on the display device 120 will be described.

<<< Test pattern printing execution screen >>>
An example of a test pattern print execution screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to print a test pattern on a medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a screen for selecting test pattern printing execution. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a screen for selecting the shape of the medium on which the test pattern is printed.

The screen shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the display device 120 by clicking the mouse 130B in a state where a movable cursor (not shown) is moved on the “utility” in the screen shown in FIG. On the screen shown in FIG. 12A, a “print system setting test pattern print” button 200 is displayed for causing the printer driver 116 to recognize that a test pattern is to be printed on a medium. In addition, for example, a “head cleaning” button 205 for executing the cleaning of the head 41 is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 12A.
The screen shown in FIG. 12B is displayed when the user moves the cursor onto the “print method setting test pattern print” button 200 shown in FIG. 12A and clicks the mouse 130B. A shape selection unit 220 and a print execution button 230 are displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 12B.

  The shape selection unit 220 is for selecting the shape of the medium on which the test pattern is printed. The shape selection unit 220 is provided with a pull-down button 221 for displaying selectable media shape candidates. In other words, when the user moves the cursor onto the pull-down button 221 and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 causes the shape selection unit 220 to display the media shape candidates. Possible media shape candidates displayed on the shape selection unit 220 include, for example, “A4”, “A3”, “B4”, “CD-R”, and the like. Then, when the user moves the cursor on the candidate displayed on the shape selection unit 220 and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 causes the shape selection unit 220 to display the candidate. In the present embodiment, “CD-R” is displayed.

  The print execution button 230 is for causing the test pattern to be printed on the medium selected by the shape selection unit 220. When the user moves the cursor onto the print execution button 230 and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 instructs the printer 1 to print a test pattern on the medium selected by the shape selection unit 220. In addition to the transmission, a test pattern printing result input screen described later is displayed on the display device 120.

<<< Test pattern printing result input screen >>>
A test pattern print result input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to a plurality of test patterns printed on a medium will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a print result input screen displayed on the display device 120.
The print result input screen is displayed on the display device 120 when the user moves the cursor onto the print execution button 230 of the test pattern print execution screen shown in FIG. 12B and clicks the mouse 130B.
On the print result input screen, an input unit 251 for inputting information on the state of ink bleeding from a plurality of test patterns, an input unit 252 for inputting information on ink stickiness of the plurality of test patterns, An input unit 253 for inputting information on the presence or absence of roller marks on the plurality of test patterns when the roller rolls on the plurality of test patterns, and a print result input determination button 260 are displayed.

<< About information about ink bleeding >>
Next, information regarding the ink bleeding state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for describing information regarding the state of ink bleeding.

  As shown in FIG. 14, test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 are printed on the label surface of the CD-R83 in a circular manner in a clockwise direction. Then, assuming that the maximum ink amount used for printing for one test pattern is 100%, test pattern # 1 is 90%, test pattern # 2 is 75%, test pattern # 6 is The amount of ink used for printing is different at 15% intervals, such as 15%. The ink oozes out from the upper right corner of the test pattern # 1 to the outside of the frame where the test pattern is to be formed. The ink does not ooze out from the upper right corner of the test pattern # 2 outside the frame where the test pattern is to be formed. The amount of ink used when printing test patterns after test pattern # 3 is smaller than the amount of ink used when printing test pattern # 2. Therefore, ink does not bleed out from the test pattern after test pattern # 3 to the outside of the frame where the test pattern is to be formed.

  Therefore, the user first visually confirms the state of ink bleeding from the test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 printed on the label surface of the CD-R83. Then, the user inputs the number of the test pattern having the largest number among the test patterns in which no ink bleeding has occurred (the number of the test pattern having the largest amount of ink used when printing the test pattern) to the input unit 251. input.

<< About information about ink stickiness >>
Next, information regarding the ink stickiness state will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram for explaining that the user presses a plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R 83 with a finger to check the state of ink stickiness. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining that the user confirms whether or not there are fingerprints on the plurality of test patterns when the user presses the plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R83 with a finger. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 are printed on the label surface of the CD-R 83 in an annularly clockwise direction. Then, assuming that the maximum ink amount used for printing for one test pattern is 100%, test pattern # 1 is 90%, test pattern # 2 is 75%, test pattern # 6 is The amount of ink used for printing is different at 15% intervals, such as 15%.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in order to check the state of ink stickiness, the user presses a plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R 83 with a finger.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15B, the user confirms whether or not there are fingerprints on the plurality of test patterns. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, a relatively dark fingerprint is formed on the test pattern # 1. A relatively thin fingerprint is formed on the test pattern # 2. A fingerprint is not formed on the test pattern # 3.

The amount of ink used when printing test patterns after test pattern # 4 is smaller than the amount of ink used when printing test pattern # 3. Therefore, no fingerprint is formed on the test patterns after test pattern # 4.
Therefore, the user first visually confirms whether or not there is a fingerprint on the test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 printed on the label surface of the CD-R83. Then, the user inputs the test pattern number with the highest number among the test patterns in which no fingerprint is formed on the test pattern (the number of the test pattern with the largest ink amount used when printing the test pattern). To the part 252.

<< About information about the state of roller marks >>
Next, information regarding the state of the roller marks will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the presence or absence of roller marks on a plurality of test patterns when a roller rolls on the plurality of test patterns. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram for describing the roller marks.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the presence / absence of a roller trace indicates whether or not a roller trace is formed on each test pattern when the user rolls the roller 95 on each test pattern in the direction of the arrow. That is. Here, the roller marks will be described with reference to FIG. 16B. As shown in FIG. 16B, the roller marks are slightly formed at the boundary between the portion where the roller 95 is rolled and the portion where the roller 95 is not rolled when the roller 95 rolls on each test pattern. It is a step.

  If there is a roller mark on the test pattern, it indicates that the ink used to form the test pattern is not sufficiently absorbed by the label surface. On the other hand, when there is no roller trace on the test pattern, it indicates that the ink used to form the test pattern is sufficiently absorbed by the label surface. For this reason, the optimum test pattern is preferably one having no roller trace on the test pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 are printed on the label surface of the CD-R 83 in an annularly clockwise direction. Then, assuming that the maximum ink amount used for printing for one test pattern is 100%, test pattern # 1 is 90%, test pattern # 2 is 75%, test pattern # 6 is The amount of ink used for printing is different at 15% intervals, such as 15%.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, the user rolls the roller 95 on each test pattern in the direction of the arrow. Then, the user visually confirms whether or not a roller mark is formed on each test pattern. Now, it is assumed that a relatively dark roller mark is formed on the test pattern # 1. It is assumed that a relatively thin roller mark is formed on the test pattern # 2. It is assumed that a relatively thin roller mark is also formed on the test pattern # 3. It is assumed that no roller trace is formed on the test pattern # 4.

  The amount of ink used when printing test patterns after test pattern # 5 is smaller than the amount of ink used when printing test pattern # 4. Therefore, no roller marks are formed on the test patterns after test pattern # 5.

  Therefore, the user first visually confirms the presence or absence of roller marks on the test patterns # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5, and # 6 printed on the label surface of the CD-R83. Then, the user selects the test pattern number with the largest number among the test patterns in which no roller trace is formed on the test pattern (the number of the test pattern with the largest amount of ink used when printing the test pattern), Input to the input unit 253.

Next, processing after a test pattern number is input by the user to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 of the print result input screen will be described.
In the print result input screen shown in FIG. 13, the number # 2 is input to the input unit 251. In the input unit 252, the number # 3 is input. In the input unit 253, the number # 4 is input. Thus, first, the user inputs the test pattern number to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 of the print result input screen. Then, the user moves the cursor onto the print result input determination button 260 and clicks the mouse 130B. Then, the printer driver 116 recognizes that the test pattern # 4 is the optimum test pattern and causes the display device 120 to display the screen illustrated in FIG.

  Here, the reason why the printer driver 116 recognizes that the test pattern # 4 is the optimum test pattern will be described. The printer driver 116 recognizes the test pattern having the largest number among the test pattern numbers input to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 as the optimum test pattern. This is because, in the present embodiment, for example, when the printer driver 116 recognizes that the test pattern # 3 is the optimum test pattern, the test pattern # 3 shown in FIG. Despite the formation of the thin roller marks, the test pattern # 3 is recognized as the optimum test pattern. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printer driver 116 selects the test pattern having the highest number among the test pattern numbers input to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 as the optimum test pattern. Recognize that there is.

<<< Media information input screen >>>
A medium information input screen for allowing the user to input information regarding the type of medium on which the test pattern is printed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a medium information input screen displayed on the display device 120.

  The medium information input screen shown in FIG. 17 is a screen for inputting information on the type of CD-R (hereinafter also referred to as “CD-R input screen”). On the other hand, a screen for inputting information related to the paper S (hereinafter also referred to as “paper input screen”) is different from the screen shown in FIG. Therefore, based on the information selected by the shape selection unit 220 shown in FIG. 12B, either the CD-R input screen or the paper input screen is displayed on the display device 120 as the medium information input screen.

  On the medium information input screen shown in FIG. 17, a manufacturer name input unit 310, a capacity input unit 320, a color input unit 330, and a model number input unit 340 are displayed. The manufacturer name input unit 310 is for inputting the manufacturer name of the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed. The capacity input unit 320 is for inputting the capacity of the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed. The color input unit 330 is for inputting the color of the label surface of the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed. The model number input unit 340 is for inputting the model number of the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed.

  The user can input each information using the keyboard 130 </ b> A at each input unit 310, 320, 330, and 340. In the present embodiment, “A” is input as the manufacturer name, “700” M as the capacity, “White” as the color of the label surface, and “A7” as the model number.

  In addition, on the medium information input screen shown in FIG. 17, a registration button 350 for causing the computer 110 to store information input by the input units 310, 320, 330, and 340 is displayed. That is, when the user moves the cursor onto the registration button 350 and clicks the mouse 130B, the computer 110 selects the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed, the manufacturer name is “A”, and the capacity is “700”. It is stored as a CD-R which is M, the label surface color is “white”, and the model number is “A7”.

=== About the operation of the printing control apparatus ===
The operation of the computer 110 when storing the correspondence information of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory M will be described with reference to FIG. The printer driver 116 in the computer 110 executes the following operation. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the print control apparatus.

  The printer driver 116 uses the hardware resources such as the CPU and memory of the computer main body to execute the processing described below. That is, a program for causing the computer main body to execute the processing described below is provided.

  First, the printer driver 116 causes the display device 120 to display the interface shown in FIG. 3 via the video driver 112 (step S102). When the user moves the cursor on the “utility” on the screen shown in FIG. 3 and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 displays a screen for executing the test pattern printing shown in FIG. (Step S104).

  Next, when the user moves the cursor onto the “print method setting test pattern print” button 200 on the screen shown in FIG. 12A and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 changes the shape of the medium shown in FIG. 12B. A screen for selection is displayed (step S106).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the user selects CD-R as a medium to be printed, moves the cursor onto the print execution button 230, and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 displays the medium to be printed. Is recognized as a CD-R, and print data for printing the test pattern on the CD-R is transmitted to the printer 1 (step S108). The printer 1 that has received the print data prints a test pattern on the CD-R.

  Next, the printer driver 116 causes the display device 120 to display a print result input screen for inputting the print result of the test pattern printed on the CD-R (step 110). That is, the printer driver 116 causes the display device 120 to display a print result input screen shown in FIG.

  Then, after inputting the test pattern number to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 of the print result input screen, the user moves the cursor on the print result input determination button 260 and moves the mouse 130B. click. Then, the printer driver 116 stores the test pattern having the largest number among the test pattern numbers input to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 as an optimal test pattern (step S112).

  Next, the printer driver 116 causes the display device 120 to display a screen for allowing the user to input information regarding the type of CD-R on which the test pattern is printed (step S114). That is, the printer driver 116 causes the display device 120 to display the input screen shown in FIG.

  When the user inputs information to each of the input units 310, 320, 330, and 340 on the input screen, moves the cursor onto the registration button 350, and clicks the mouse 130B, the printer driver 116 prints the test pattern. The type of the recorded CD-R is stored (step S116). That is, the printer driver 116 has a CD-R on which a test pattern is printed, the manufacturer name is “A”, the capacity is “700”, the label surface color is “White”, and the model number is “A7”. Store as CD-R.

  Next, the printer driver 116 refers to the memory M that stores information indicating the correspondence relationship between the test pattern and the printing method, selects the printing method corresponding to the optimum test pattern, and prints the CD-R. Is set (step S118). That is, the printer driver 116 sets the CD-R printing method to a printing method corresponding to the optimum test pattern with reference to the table T3 shown in FIG.

  Next, the printer driver 116 stores the correspondence information of the CD-R to be printed in the memory M (step S120). That is, the printer driver 116 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence relationship between the information regarding the type of CD-R input on the input screen and the printing method corresponding to the test pattern selected on the print result input screen. M is memorized. Then, in the memory M, as shown in FIG. 19, the CD-R with the manufacturer name “A”, the model number “A7”, the capacity “700 M”, and the label surface color “White” Correspondence information indicating the correspondence relationship with the printing method “M1” is stored.

Then, information on the type of medium in the correspondence information stored in the memory M is displayed on the above-described user interface. When the medium is paper S, information on the type of the paper S is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. When the medium is a CD-R, information regarding the type of the CD-R is displayed on a CD-R selection screen (not shown). Therefore, the medium can be selected on these screens at the next printing.
In this way, the printer driver 116 ends a series of operations for storing the correspondence information of the medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory M in the memory M.

=== Effect of printing a test pattern on a medium ===
As described above, the computer 110 prints on the medium a test pattern for setting a printing method for a medium whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory M. This makes it possible to set an optimum printing method for a medium for which correspondence information is not stored in the memory M. This will be described in detail below.

  Conventionally, when printing on a CD-R in which correspondence information is stored in the memory M, the printer driver 116 generates print data based on the printing method in the correspondence information stored in the memory M. On the other hand, when printing on a CD-R whose correspondence information is not stored in the memory M, the printer driver 116 generates print data based on a predetermined printing method.

  However, this predetermined printing method may not be the optimum printing method for the CD-R. For example, even if a CD-R for which correspondence information is not stored in the memory M can support a printing method with a large amount of ink (for example, the printing method M6), the computer 110 uses the CD-R as a predetermined printing method. (For example, the printing method M3). In addition, although the CD-R in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory M corresponds to a printing method with a small ink amount (for example, the printing method M1), the computer 110 uses the CD-R as a predetermined printing method. (For example, the printing method M3).

If the printer driver 116 generates print data based on the non-optimal printing method as described above, it becomes difficult to obtain the optimum print quality of the CD-R. That is, if print data is generated on a CD-R corresponding to the printing method M6 based on the predetermined printing method M3, a low-quality image is printed on the CD-R. In addition, if print data is generated on the CD-R corresponding to the printing method M1 based on the predetermined printing method M3, ink bleeding or the like occurs on the CD-R.
Therefore, the computer 110 prints a test pattern for setting a CD-R printing method in which correspondence information is not stored in the memory M on the CD-R.

Then, the computer 110 causes the display device 120 to display a print result input screen shown in FIG.
Then, after inputting the test pattern number to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 of the print result input screen, the user moves the cursor on the print result input determination button 260 and moves the mouse 130B. click. Then, the computer 110 selects the test pattern having the largest number among the test pattern numbers input to the input unit 251, the input unit 252, and the input unit 253 as the optimum test pattern. Then, the computer 110 sets the printing method to a printing method corresponding to the test pattern selected as the optimum test pattern.

  In this way, the computer 110 can set an optimal printing method for the CD-R. In this case, print data is generated on the CD-R corresponding to the print method M6 based on the print method M6, and print data is generated on the CD-R corresponding to the print method M1 based on the print method M1. Therefore, it is possible to obtain optimum print quality.

  As described above, since the optimum printing method of the CD-R can be determined based on the test pattern printed on the CD-R, the optimum printing method of the CD-R in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory M. Can be set.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The print control system and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment. However, the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

  In the above embodiment, an inkjet printer is used as the printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the printing apparatus can perform printing processing on a medium. For example, the present invention may be applied to a monochrome printer, a laser printer, a facsimile, or the like. good.

  In the above embodiment, examples of two or more types of information regarding a plurality of patterns printed on a medium include a plurality of patterns when ink spreads from a plurality of patterns and a plurality of patterns are pressed by a user with a finger. The presence or absence of fingerprints on the pattern and the presence or absence of roller marks on the plurality of patterns when the roller rolls on the plurality of patterns. However, the two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium are not limited to the above. For example, whether or not the CD-R can be lifted when the inspection member is lifted after the inspection member is placed on a plurality of patterns and a weight such as a weight is placed on the inspection member for a predetermined time. It may be. By obtaining such information, the printer driver 116 can know whether the ink is sufficiently dry.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the amount of ink used when printing on the CD-R differs according to the printing method, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the printing speed when printing on a CD-R may be different depending on the printing method.
However, since the ink absorbability of the label surface, which is the printing surface, is often different for each CD-R, the optimal ink amount is often different. Therefore, when the ink amount used when printing on the CD-R differs according to the printing method, it is possible to set the printing method with the optimum ink amount for the CD-R.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a display unit (for example, FIG. 12A or 12B) that displays a test pattern printing execution screen (for example, FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B) for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform test pattern printing on the CD-R. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the display device 120 may not display a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to print a test pattern on the CD-R.
However, if the computer 110 includes a display device 120 that displays a test pattern print execution screen (for example, FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B), the user can easily select to execute the test pattern print on the CD-R. Can be made.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Further, in the above embodiment, the display device 120 displays a medium information input screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 17) for allowing the user to input information regarding the type of CD-R on which the test pattern is printed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the display device 120 may not display the medium information input screen.
However, when the display device 120 displays a medium information input screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 17), the type of the CD-R on which the test pattern is printed and the optimum test pattern among the printed test patterns. It becomes possible to associate the correspondence relationship with the test pattern.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage medium is a CD-ROM (for example, CD-R), but is not limited to this.
For example, the storage medium may be a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there are a plurality of test patterns, and the test patterns are printed in a ring shape on the label surface of the CD-R. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the test pattern may be printed other than in a ring shape.
However, since the shape of the CD-R is circular, when the test pattern is printed in a ring shape on the label surface of the CD-R, the printed surface can be used effectively.
Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the external appearance structure of the printing system. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of basic processing performed by a printer driver. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a user interface of a printer driver. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an overall configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of printing. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface of a head 41. FIG. 9A is a table that is stored in the memory M stored in the computer 110 and that includes correspondence information when the medium is paper S. FIG. FIG. 9B is a table that is stored in the memory M stored in the computer 110 and that includes correspondence information when the medium is a CD-R. FIG. 10A shows a CD-R 83 on which a test pattern is printed. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the paper S on which the test pattern is printed. It is the figure which showed the table containing the information which shows the correspondence of a test pattern and a printing system. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a screen for selecting test pattern printing execution. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a screen for selecting the shape of the medium on which the test pattern is printed. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a print result input screen displayed on display device 120. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the information regarding the state of an ink bleed. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram for explaining that the user presses a plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R 83 with a finger to check the state of stickiness of ink. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining that the user confirms whether or not there are fingerprints on the plurality of test patterns when the user presses the plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R83 with a finger. FIG. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram for describing the presence or absence of roller traces on a plurality of patterns when a roller rolls on the plurality of test patterns. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram for describing the roller marks. 6 is a diagram showing a medium information input screen displayed on the display device 120. FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the print control apparatus. It is the figure which showed the table to which the correspondence information was added. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer according to an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 20 Conveyance unit 21 Feed roller 22 Conveyance motor (PF motor) 23 Conveyance roller 24 Platen 25 Discharge roller 30 Carriage unit 31 Carriage 32 Carriage motor (CR motor)
40 head unit 41 head 50 detector group 51 linear encoder 52 rotary encoder 53 paper detection sensor 54 optical sensor 60 controller 61 interface unit 62 CPU 63 memory 64 unit control circuit 83 CD-R
93 CD-R transport tray 95 Roller 100 Printing system 110 Computer 112 Video driver 114 Application program 116 Printer driver 120 Display device 130 Input device 130A Keyboard 130B Mouse 140 Recording / reproducing device 140A Flexible disk drive device 140B CD-ROM drive device 220 Shape Selection unit 221 Pre-down button 230 Print execution button 251 Input unit 252 Input unit 253 Input unit 260 Print result input decision button 310 Manufacturer name input unit 320 Capacity input unit 330 Color input unit 340 Model number input unit 350 Registration button

Claims (15)

A memory for storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method;
A print data generation unit that refers to the memory, selects the print method corresponding to the type of medium to be printed, and generates print data based on the selected print method;
A printing control apparatus for printing a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of a medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory;
Displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information regarding the plurality of patterns printed on the medium;
The printing control apparatus, wherein the printing method is set based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
One of the two or more types of information is information relating to ink bleeding of the plurality of patterns printed on the medium. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
One of the two or more types of information is information relating to presence / absence of fingerprints on the plurality of patterns. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
One of the two or more types of information is information on the presence or absence of a roller mark on the plurality of patterns when a roller rolls on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium. Print control device. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
A printing control apparatus, wherein the amount of ink used when printing on the medium differs according to the printing method. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
A printing control apparatus, wherein the amount of ink used when printing the plurality of patterns is different. The print control apparatus according to claim 1,
The memory further stores information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of patterns and the printing method,
One pattern is selected from the plurality of patterns based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen, and the printing method corresponding to the selected one pattern is set with reference to the memory A printing control apparatus characterized by: In the printing control apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,
Each of the two or more types of information input on the input screen corresponds to one pattern among the plurality of patterns,
A printing control apparatus that selects a pattern having the largest amount of ink used for printing from among patterns corresponding to each information. The print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The print control apparatus, wherein the medium is a storage medium. The print control apparatus according to claim 9,
The print control apparatus, wherein the storage medium is a CD-ROM or a DVD. The print control apparatus according to claim 10.
The plurality of patterns are printed in a ring shape on the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD. A memory for storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method;
A print data generation unit that refers to the memory, selects the print method corresponding to the type of medium to be printed, and generates print data based on the selected print method;
A printing control apparatus for printing a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of a medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory;
Displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information regarding the plurality of patterns printed on the medium;
Based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen, the printing method is set,
One of the two or more types of information is information regarding bleeding of the ink of the plurality of patterns printed on the medium,
One of the two or more types of information is information regarding the presence or absence of fingerprints on the plurality of patterns,
One of the two or more types of information is information on the presence or absence of a roller mark on the plurality of patterns when the roller rolls on the plurality of patterns printed on the medium.
Depending on the printing method, the amount of ink used when printing on the medium is different,
The amount of ink used when printing each of the plurality of patterns is different.
The memory further stores information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of patterns and the printing method,
One pattern is selected from the plurality of patterns based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen, and the printing method corresponding to the selected one pattern is set with reference to the memory And
Each of the two or more types of information input on the input screen corresponds to one pattern among the plurality of patterns,
Of the patterns corresponding to each information, select the pattern with the largest amount of ink used when printing,
The medium is a storage medium;
The storage medium is a CD-ROM or DVD,
The plurality of patterns are printed in a ring shape on the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD. A memory storing correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method; and referring to the memory, selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed; and based on the selected printing method A print data generating unit that generates print data, and a print control device that prints on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory; as well as,
A printing apparatus connectable to the print control apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus executes printing on the medium based on the print data;
In a printing control system having
Displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information regarding the plurality of patterns printed on the medium;
The printing control system, wherein the printing method is set based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen. A step of referring to correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method;
Selecting the printing method corresponding to the type of medium to be printed based on the correspondence information;
Generating print data based on the selected printing method;
Printing on the medium a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory;
In a printing control method having
Displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium;
Setting the printing method based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen;
The printing control method further comprising: A memory that stores correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between a medium type and a printing method is selected, the printing method corresponding to the type of the medium to be printed is selected, and a printing apparatus is selected based on the selected printing method. A printing control apparatus for causing the printer to execute printing,
A printing control apparatus that prints a plurality of patterns for setting the printing method of the medium in which the correspondence information is not stored in the memory, on the medium,
A function of displaying an input screen for allowing a user to input two or more types of information related to the plurality of patterns printed on the medium;
A function for setting the printing method based on the two or more types of information input on the input screen;
A program characterized by realizing.