JP2005238486A - Printing apparatus set, and inspection tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply inspect whether or not a roller trace is formed to a test pattern. <P>SOLUTION: In a printing apparatus set equipped with both a printing apparatus which has a transfer roller for transferring a medium by rotation and forms a pattern to the medium, and an inspection tool which has a roller for being rotated on the pattern, a material of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as a material of the transfer roller of the printing apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus set and an inspection tool.

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.
In such a 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.
Therefore, in such a print control apparatus, the print control apparatus prints a test pattern on a medium. The user inspects the test pattern printed on the medium. Then, the user stores in the memory a printing method most suitable for the medium to be printed based on the inspection result.

As an inspection item of such a test pattern, there is an inspection for confirming whether or not a roller mark is formed on the test pattern. The purpose of this inspection is to confirm whether or not the ink is sufficiently absorbed by the medium on which the test pattern is printed. That is, when the roller trace is formed in the test pattern, the ink is not sufficiently absorbed by the medium. The case where the roller trace is not formed in the test pattern is a case where the ink is sufficiently absorbed by the medium.
JP 2002-103582 A

  However, there is a problem that it is difficult to inspect whether or not a roller mark is formed on the test pattern.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this subject, The place made into the objective is to test | inspect easily whether a roller trace is formed in a test pattern.

  The main present invention is a printing apparatus set comprising a printing apparatus having a conveyance roller for conveying a medium by rotating, forming a pattern on the medium, and an inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern. And the material of the roller of the said inspection tool is the same material as the material of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus, It is a printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned.

  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, it is possible to easily inspect whether or not a roller mark is formed on a test pattern.

At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.
A printing apparatus set comprising: a conveying roller that conveys a medium by rotating; a printing apparatus that forms a pattern on the medium; and an inspection tool that includes a roller for rolling on the pattern, The material of the roller of the inspection tool is the same material as the material of the transport roller of the printing device.
According to such a printing apparatus set, since the material of the roller of the inspection tool is the same material as the conveying roller of the printing apparatus, when the conveying roller of the printing apparatus conveys the medium, It becomes possible to form a roller mark in a state closer to the formed roller mark on the medium.

Moreover, the roller diameter of the roller of the said inspection tool may be the same as the roller diameter of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus.
According to such a printing apparatus set, since the roller diameter of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the roller diameter of the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus, when the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus conveys the medium, the medium It is possible to form on the medium a roller mark that is closer to the roller mark formed on the medium.

Moreover, the weight of the roller of the inspection tool may be the same as the weight of the transport roller of the printing apparatus.
According to such a printing apparatus set, since the weight of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the weight of the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus, it is formed on the medium when the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus conveys the medium. It is possible to form a roller mark in a state closer to the roller mark to be formed on the medium.

The surface state of the roller of the inspection tool may be the same as the surface state of the transport roller of the printing apparatus.
According to such a printing apparatus set, since the surface state of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the surface state of the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus, when the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus conveys the medium, the medium It is possible to form on the medium a roller mark that is closer to the roller mark formed on the medium.

A printing apparatus set comprising a printing apparatus for forming a pattern on a medium and an inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern, wherein the center of the rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool is on the pattern. It is also possible to realize a printing apparatus set in which at least one of the roller edges of the inspection tool is present on the pattern when on the center line.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can easily form a roller mark on the medium only by aligning the center of the rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool with the center line on the pattern. .

The width of the roller of the inspection tool may be smaller than the width of the pattern.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can easily form roller marks on the medium.

The roller of the inspection tool may have a groove along the circumferential direction, and the width of the groove may be smaller than the width of the pattern.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can easily form roller marks on the medium.

The roller of the inspection tool is composed of a plurality of sub-rollers provided coaxially with a predetermined interval, and the interval between the sub-rollers provided at both ends of the plurality of sub-rollers is the pattern. It may be smaller than the width.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can easily form roller marks on the medium.

The number of the plurality of sub-rollers may be two.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can easily form roller marks on the medium.

A printing apparatus set comprising a printing apparatus for forming a pattern on a medium and an inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern, wherein the inspection tool is configured such that a user moves the roller of the inspection tool by the user. A printing device set including an elastic body for absorbing a force by which a user presses the roller of the inspection tool onto the pattern when rolling on the pattern can be realized.
According to such a printing apparatus set, it is possible to keep constant the force with which the roller of the inspection tool is pressed onto the pattern.

The elastic body may be a spring.
According to such a printing apparatus set, the user can absorb the force of pressing the roller of the inspection tool onto the pattern.

Moreover, you may further provide the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the elastic force of the said elastic body.
According to such a printing apparatus set, it is possible to adjust the force with which the roller of the inspection tool is pressed onto the pattern.

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

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

In addition, there are a plurality of the patterns, and the plurality of patterns may be circularly printed on the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM has a circular shape. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus set as described above, the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM can be used effectively.

An inspection tool having a transport roller for transporting the medium by rotating, and a roller for rolling on the pattern formed on the medium by a printing apparatus for forming a pattern on the medium, the inspection tool It is also possible to realize an inspection tool characterized in that the material of the roller of the tool is the same material as the material of the conveying roller of the printing apparatus.
According to such an inspection tool, since the material of the roller of the inspection tool is the same material as the material of the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus, it is formed on the medium when the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus conveys the medium. It is possible to form a roller mark in a state closer to the roller mark to be formed on the medium.

An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on a pattern formed on the medium by a printing apparatus for forming a pattern on the medium, wherein a center of a rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool is on a center line on the pattern In this case, it is possible to realize an inspection tool characterized in that at least one of the edges of the roller of the inspection tool exists on the pattern.
According to such an inspection tool, the user can easily form a roller mark on the medium only by aligning the center of the rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool with the center line on the pattern.

An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on a pattern formed on the medium by a printing device that forms a pattern on the medium, when the user rolls the roller of the inspection tool on the pattern It is also possible to implement an inspection tool comprising an elastic body for absorbing the force pressing the roller of the inspection tool onto the pattern.
According to such an inspection tool, the force with which the roller of the inspection tool is pressed onto the pattern can be kept constant.

=== 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 the detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs the detection result to the controller 60. The controller 60 receiving 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-sectional shape, 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 position of 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 73 is placed on the CD-R transport tray 82 and transported. 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 process, transport process, ink ejection process, 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 a dot formation process (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 ejects 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 transport motor 22 and rotates the transport roller 23 to transport the paper S in the transport 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 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 more 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 73 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 73 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 73 and the paper S. When the medium is a CD-R 73, as shown in FIG. 10A, six test patterns # 1 to # 6 are printed in a ring shape on the label surface of the CD-R 73. 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-R 73 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%. 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-R73. 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 73 with a finger to check the state of ink stickiness. FIG. 15B is an explanatory 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-R 73 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 73 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 examine the state of ink stickiness, the user presses a plurality of test patterns printed on the label surface of the CD-R 73 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-R73. 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, when the user rolls the roller of the inspection tool 83 on each test pattern in the direction of the arrow, the roller trace is formed on each test pattern. It is whether or not. The inspection tool 83 is bundled with the printer 1. Here, the roller marks will be described with reference to FIG. 16B. As shown in FIG. 16B, the roller marks are a portion where the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls and a portion where the roller of the inspection tool 83 does not roll when the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls on each test pattern. It is a slight level difference formed at the boundary part.
That is, the roller trace is formed in a portion where the end (edge) of the roller of the inspection tool 83 passes on the test pattern.
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 marks 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 73 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%.
Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, the user rolls the roller of the inspection tool 83 in the direction of the arrow on each test pattern. 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-R73. 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.

<< Details of roller configuration >>
Next, a detailed configuration of the inspection tool 83 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B. FIG. 17A is a front view of the roller as viewed from the front in the traveling direction in which the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls. FIG. 17B is a side view of the roller as viewed from the side surface in the traveling direction in which the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls.

Since the inspection tool 83 has a symmetrical shape, the right half of the inspection tool 83 is a cross-sectional view in the example shown in FIG. 17A. Hereinafter, the configuration of the inspection tool 83 will be described with reference to a cross-sectional view of the right half of the inspection tool 83. The configuration of the left half of the inspection tool 83 is the same as the configuration of the right half of the inspection tool 83.
The inspection tool 83 includes a frame 84, a roller 85-1, a screw 86-1, a flange 87-1, a spring 88-1, and a bearing 89-1.

  The frame 84 is U-shaped and has a handle for the user to hold at the center. The right leg portion of the frame 84 includes two plate members (a plate member 90-1 and a plate member 90-2 shown in FIG. 17B). And in the lower part in the vertical direction of the two plate-like members, there are protruding portions (the protruding portions 91-1 and protruding portions 91-2 shown in FIG. 17B) protruding in the direction in which the respective plate-shaped members face each other. Each is provided. In the drawing shown in FIG. 17A, of the two plate-like members, a plate-like member 90-1 provided on the back side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The provided protrusion 91-1 is shown. A guide 92-1 and a guide 92-2 are provided on the left and right ends of the plate member 90-1 from the lower part to the upper part in the vertical direction. A screw hole 93-1 is provided in the U-shaped right shoulder 95-1 of the frame 84. The screw hole 93-1 penetrates to the space between the two plate-like members. A screw 86-1 is fitted into the screw hole 93-1 so that the tip of the screw 86-1 protrudes to a space between the two plate-like members.

  Each of the U-shaped leg portions of the frame 84 has a bearing. In the view shown in FIG. 17A, a bearing 89-1 is placed in the U-shaped right leg portion of the frame 84. The bearing 89-1 holds the right end portion 85-11 of the roller 85-1 so that the roller 85-1 can rotate. Here, the right end portion 85-11 of the roller 85-1 is a portion that protrudes from the right portion of the main body of the roller 85-1 and is thinner than the main body of the roller 85-1.

  The bearing 89-1 provided between the two plate-like members (the plate-like member 90-1 and the plate-like member 90-2 shown in FIG. 17B) has a protruding portion 91-1 and a protruding portion. Supported by 91-2. Therefore, the bearing 89-1 does not fall vertically downward. Further, the bearing 89-1 can move along the guide 92-1 and the guide 92-2 from the lower part in the vertical direction to the upper part in the space between the two plate-like members. Therefore, the bearing 89-1 does not shift in the left-right direction in FIG. 17A and in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 17B.

  A flange 87-1 is provided in a space between the two plate-like members. A depression 94-1 is provided on the upper side in the vertical direction of the flange 87-1. The tip of the screw 86-1 is accommodated in the recess 94-1. One end of a spring 88-1 is connected to the opposite side of the flange 97-1 to the recess 94-1. The other end of the spring 88-1 is connected to the upper part of the bearing 89-1 in the vertical direction.

<< About the function of the spring >>
Next, the function of the spring 88-1 will be described. The spring 88-1 has a function of absorbing the force by which the user presses the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 onto the test pattern when the user rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern. For example, consider a case where when the user rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern, the force with which the roller 85-1 is pressed onto the test pattern is different. A roller mark is a slight step formed at the boundary between a portion where the roller rolls and a portion where the roller does not roll when the roller rolls on the test pattern. Therefore, when the force with which the roller 85-1 is pressed onto the test pattern is different, the state of the roller marks formed on the test pattern is naturally different. As described above, when the state of the roller marks formed on the test pattern is different, the user cannot accurately determine the presence or absence of the roller marks formed on the test pattern.

  The spring 88-1 absorbs the force of the user pressing the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 onto the test pattern when the user rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern. Therefore, even when the same user or different users press the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 against the test pattern with different forces, the force with which the roller 85-1 is pressed onto the test pattern is , It becomes a predetermined force. In this case, the state of the roller marks formed on the test pattern is the same regardless of the force with which the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 is pressed against the test pattern. Therefore, the user can accurately determine the presence or absence of a roller mark formed on the test pattern.

<< About screw functions >>
Next, the function of the screw 86-1 will be described. The screw 86-1 has a function as an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the elastic force of the spring 88-1.
Now, assume that when the user rotates the screw 86-1 clockwise, the screw 86-1 moves vertically downward. When the screw 86-1 advances vertically downward, the flange 87-1 is pushed downward vertically. When the flange 87-1 is pushed down vertically, the spring 88-1 contracts. When the spring 88-1 contracts, the elastic force of the spring 88-1 becomes stronger.

  Next, a case where it is necessary to increase the elastic force of the spring will be described. For example, when the user presses the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 against the test pattern, if the test pattern does not easily have a roller mark, the user accurately determines the presence or absence of the roller mark formed on the test pattern. I can't. For example, when the elastic force of the spring is weak, when the user presses the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 against the test pattern, the spring 88-1 contracts only the distance from the lower end of the leg portion of the frame 84 to the test pattern. It is not possible. Therefore, the spring 88-1 can exert only the elastic force contracted by the distance from the lower end of the leg portion of the frame 84 to the test pattern, and more elastic force is exerted on the roller 85-1 via the bearing 89-1. Cannot be communicated to.

  In such a case, the user rotates the screw 86-1 clockwise to adjust the elastic force of the spring 88-1. Then, the spring 88-1 is contracted from the beginning. Therefore, when the user presses the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 against the test pattern, the spring 88-1 is contracted by a distance obtained by adding the distance by which the user has pressed the frame 84 downward vertically and the distance contracted from the beginning. Can exert elastic force. This elastic force is transmitted to the roller 85-1 via the bearing 89-1. Therefore, when it is difficult to make a roller mark on the test pattern, the user rotates the screw 86-1 in the clockwise direction so that the elastic force of the spring 88-1 is increased. Then, the user can transmit a larger elastic force to the roller 85-1 via the bearing 89-1. Therefore, since it becomes easy to make a roller trace on the test pattern, the user can accurately determine the presence or absence of the roller trace formed on the test pattern.

<< About the function of the roller >>
Next, the function of the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 will be described. The function of the roller 85-1 is to form a roller mark on the test pattern by rolling on the test pattern. The user determines whether or not the ink has been sufficiently absorbed by the medium by visually confirming the presence or absence of the roller trace on the test pattern. That is, when the roller trace is not formed on the test pattern, the ink is sufficiently absorbed by the medium on which the test pattern is formed. When the roller trace is formed on the test pattern, the ink is not sufficiently absorbed by the medium on which the test pattern is formed.

  By the way, in this way, the user rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern and checks whether or not a roller mark is formed on the test pattern is printed on the transport roller 23 of the printing apparatus. This is an alternative to confirming whether or not roller marks are formed on the printed medium when the printed medium is conveyed. That is, the user determines whether the ink has been sufficiently absorbed by the printed medium. Therefore, the state of the roller trace formed when the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 rolls on the test pattern is the state of the roller trace formed when the transport roller 23 of the printing apparatus transports the printed medium. It is preferable that it is the same as a state. Therefore, when the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 rolls on the test pattern, the contact state between the roller 85-1 and the medium on which the test pattern is formed is conveyed by the conveyance roller 23 of the printing apparatus. It is preferable that the contact state between the transport roller 23 and the printed medium is the same.

  The configuration of the roller 85-1 that satisfies the above conditions will be described below. The material of the roller 85-1 is preferably the same material as the material of the transport roller 23 of the printing apparatus. This is because, if the material of the roller 85-1 and the material of the transport roller 23 are different, the contact state between each roller and the medium is naturally different. Moreover, it is preferable that the roller diameter of the roller 85-1 is the same as the roller diameter of the conveyance roller 23. This is because if the roller diameter of the roller 85-1 and the roller diameter of the transport roller 23 are different, the contact area between each roller and the medium when the roller and the medium come into contact with each other is different. Moreover, it is preferable that the weight of the roller 85-1 is the same as the weight of the conveyance roller 23. This is because if the weight of the roller 85-1 and the weight of the transport roller 23 are different, the load applied to the medium when the respective rollers and the medium contact each other is different. Moreover, it is preferable that the surface state of the roller 85-1 is the same as the surface state of the conveyance roller 23. This is because, if the surface state of the roller 85-1 and the surface state of the transport roller 23 are different, the contact state between each roller and the medium is naturally different. The surface condition referred to here includes the hardness of the surface of each roller, the roughness of the surface, and the like.

<< Regarding roller modification >>
Next, a modified example of the roller of the inspection tool 83 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for describing a modified example of the roller of the inspection tool 83. The width of the roller body of the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 is smaller than the width of the test pattern. Therefore, when the user rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern, if the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 is aligned with the center line on the test pattern, the end of the roller body Both parts (edges) are present on the test pattern. Therefore, the user simply rolls the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern with the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-1 of the inspection tool 83 aligned with the center line on the test pattern. It is possible to easily inspect whether or not a roller mark is left on the surface. In this case, when a roller trace is formed on the test pattern, the roller trace is formed at a portion where the end (edge) of the roller body on the test pattern has passed.

  Further, the roller of the inspection tool 83 may be a roller 85-2 shown in FIG. The roller 85-2 has a groove along the circumferential direction. The width of the groove along the circumferential direction is smaller than the width of the test pattern. Therefore, when the user rolls the roller 85-2 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern, the roller 85-2 can be obtained by aligning the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-2 of the inspection tool 83 with the center line on the test pattern. This groove portion exists on the test pattern. Therefore, the user simply rolls the roller 85-2 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern with the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-2 of the inspection tool 83 aligned with the center line on the test pattern. It is possible to easily inspect whether or not a roller mark is left on the surface. In this case, when a roller trace is formed on the test pattern, the roller trace is formed at a portion where both ends (edges) of the groove portion of the roller 85-2 on the test pattern have passed.

  Further, the roller of the inspection tool 83 may be a roller 85-3 shown in FIG. The roller 85-3 is composed of three sub-rollers provided coaxially with a predetermined interval. And the space | interval of the sub roller provided in both ends among three sub rollers is smaller than the width | variety of a test pattern. Therefore, when the user rolls the roller 85-3 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern, if the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-3 of the inspection tool 83 is aligned with the center line on the test pattern, the roller 85-3 Both of the two gaps of the three sub-rollers that constitute the are present on the test pattern. Therefore, the user simply rolls the roller 85-3 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern while the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-3 of the inspection tool 83 is aligned with the center line on the test pattern. It is possible to easily inspect whether or not a roller mark is left on the surface. In this case, when the roller trace is formed on the test pattern, the roller trace is formed at a portion where both ends (edges) of the two gaps of the three sub-rollers on the test pattern have passed.

  Further, the roller of the inspection tool 83 may be a roller 85-4 shown in FIG. The roller 85-4 is composed of two sub-rollers provided on the same axis with a predetermined interval therebetween. The distance between the two sub rollers is smaller than the width of the test pattern. Therefore, when the user rolls the roller 85-4 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern, if the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-4 of the inspection tool 83 is aligned with the center line on the test pattern, the roller 85-4 The gap between the two sub-rollers that constitute is present on the test pattern. Therefore, the user simply rolls the roller 85-4 of the inspection tool 83 on the test pattern with the center of the rotation axis of the roller 85-4 of the inspection tool 83 aligned with the center line on the test pattern. It is possible to easily inspect whether or not a roller mark is left on the surface. In this case, when a roller trace is formed on the test pattern, the roller trace is formed at a portion where both ends (edges) of the gap between the two sub-rollers on the test pattern have passed.

  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 an optimal 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. 19 is a diagram showing a medium information input screen displayed on the display device 120.

  The medium information input screen shown in FIG. 19 is a screen for inputting information relating to 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. 19, 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.

  Further, on the medium information input screen shown in FIG. 19, 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. 20 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. 21, the CD-R with the manufacturer name “A”, the model number “A7”, the capacity “700M”, 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 ===
Although the printing apparatus set according to the present invention has been described based on the above-described embodiment, the above-described embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Absent. 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.

Moreover, in said embodiment, although the roller diameter of the roller of the inspection tool was supposed to be the same as the roller diameter of the conveyance roller of a printing apparatus, it is not limited to this.
For example, the roller diameter of the roller of the inspection tool may be different from the roller diameter of the conveyance roller of the printing apparatus.
However, if the roller diameter of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the roller diameter of the transport roller of the printing apparatus, the contact area between each roller and the medium when each roller and the medium contact each other It becomes possible to be the same.
Therefore, the above form is more desirable.

In the above embodiment, the weight of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the weight of the transport roller of the printing apparatus, but is not limited thereto.
For example, the weight of the roller of the inspection tool may be different from the weight of the transport roller of the printing apparatus.
However, if the weight of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the weight of the transport roller of the printing apparatus, it is possible to make the weight applied to the medium when the roller and the medium contact each other the same.
Therefore, the above form is more desirable.

Moreover, in said embodiment, although the surface state of the roller of an inspection tool was supposed to be the same as the surface state of the conveyance roller of a printing apparatus, it is not limited to this.
For example, the surface state of the roller of the inspection tool may be different from the surface state of the transport roller of the printing apparatus.
However, if the surface state of the roller of the inspection tool is the same as the surface state of the transport roller of the printing apparatus, the contact state between each roller and the medium can be made the same.
Therefore, the above form is more desirable.

Moreover, in said embodiment, although the width | variety of the roller of the inspection tool was made smaller than the width | variety of a test pattern, it is not limited to this.
For example, the width of the roller of the inspection tool may be larger than the width of the test pattern.
However, if the width of the inspection tool roller is smaller than the width of the test pattern, the user simply aligns the center of the rotation axis of the inspection tool roller with the center line of the test pattern and rolls the inspection tool roller on the test pattern. Thus, it is possible to easily determine whether or not a roller mark is formed on the test pattern.
Therefore, the above form is more desirable.

In the above embodiment, when the user rolls the inspection tool roller on the test pattern, the elastic body for absorbing the force by which the user presses the inspection tool roller on the test pattern is a spring. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the elastic body may be an oil damper, a pneumatic damper using a pneumatic cylinder, or the like.

In the above embodiment, when the user rolls the inspection tool roller on the test pattern, the user adjusts the elastic force of the elastic body to absorb the force by which the user presses the inspection tool roller on the test pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
However, if the user has an adjustment mechanism to adjust the elastic force of the elastic body to absorb the force of pressing the roller of the inspection tool onto the test pattern, adjust the spring's elastic force to be strong. Can do. Then, the user can transmit a larger elastic force to the roller via the bearing. Therefore, since it becomes easy to make a roller trace on the test pattern, the user can accurately determine the presence or absence of the roller trace formed on the test pattern.
Therefore, the above form 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 73 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 73 with a finger to check the state of ink stickiness. FIG. 15B is an explanatory 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-R 73 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. FIG. 17A is a front view of the roller as viewed from the front in the traveling direction in which the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls. FIG. 17B is a side view of the roller as viewed from the side surface in the traveling direction in which the roller of the inspection tool 83 rolls. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification of the roller of the inspection tool 83. FIG. 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 73 CD-R 82 CD-R Transport Tray 83 Inspection Tool 84 Frame 85-1 Roller 85-11 Right end 85-2 Roller 85-3 Roller 85-4 Roller 86-1 Screw 87-1 Flange 88-1 Spring 89-1 Bearing 90-1 Plate member 90-2 Plate 91-1 Protruding portion 91-2 Protruding portion 92-1 Guide 92-2 Guide 93-1 Screw hole 94-1 Depression 95-1 Right shoulder 100 Printing system 110 Computer 112 Video driver 114 Application program 116 Linter 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 Printing Result input decision button 310 Manufacturer name input part 320 Capacity input part 330 Color input part 340 Model number input part 350 Registration button

Claims (18)

A printing apparatus having a conveyance roller for conveying the medium by rotating, and forming a pattern on the medium;
An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern;
A printing device set comprising:
The material of the roller of the said inspection tool is the same material as the material of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus. The printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing apparatus set according to claim 1,
The roller diameter of the roller of the said inspection tool is the same as the roller diameter of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus. The printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned. In the printing apparatus set according to claim 1 or 2,
The weight of the roller of the said inspection tool is the same as the weight of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus. The printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing device set according to claim 1, wherein:
The printing device set, wherein a surface state of a roller of the inspection tool is the same as a surface state of a conveyance roller of the printing device. A printing device for forming a pattern on a medium;
An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern;
A printing device set comprising:
When the center of the rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool is on the center line on the pattern, at least one of the edges of the roller of the inspection tool exists on the pattern. The printing device set according to claim 5,
The width | variety of the roller of the said inspection tool is smaller than the width | variety of the said pattern. The printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing device set according to claim 5,
The roller of the inspection tool has a groove along the circumferential direction,
The width | variety of the said groove part is smaller than the width | variety of the said pattern. The printing apparatus set characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing device set according to claim 5,
Each of the rollers of the inspection tool is composed of a plurality of sub-rollers provided coaxially at a predetermined interval,
A printing apparatus set, wherein an interval between sub rollers provided at both ends of the plurality of sub rollers is smaller than a width of the pattern. The printing apparatus set according to claim 8,
The number of the plurality of sub-rollers is two. A printing device for forming a pattern on a medium;
An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on the pattern;
A printing device set comprising:
The inspection tool includes an elastic body for absorbing a force by which the user presses the roller of the inspection tool onto the pattern when the user rolls the roller of the inspection tool on the pattern. Equipment set. The printing apparatus set according to claim 10,
The printing apparatus set, wherein the elastic body is a spring. The printing apparatus set according to claim 10 or 11,
A printing apparatus set, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting an elastic force of the elastic body. The printing apparatus set according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The printing apparatus set, wherein the medium is a storage medium. The printing device set according to claim 13.
The printing apparatus set, wherein the storage medium is a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The printing device set according to claim 14.
There are a plurality of the patterns,
A plurality of the patterns are printed in a ring shape on the printing surface of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. An inspection tool having a transport roller for transporting the medium by rotating, and a roller for rolling on the pattern formed on the medium by a printing device that forms a pattern on the medium,
The material of the roller of the said inspection tool is the same material as the material of the conveyance roller of the said printing apparatus. The inspection tool characterized by the above-mentioned. An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on a pattern formed on the medium by a printing device that forms the pattern on the medium,
When the center of the rotation axis of the roller of the inspection tool is on the center line on the pattern, at least one of the edges of the roller of the inspection tool exists on the pattern. An inspection tool having a roller for rolling on a pattern formed on the medium by a printing device that forms the pattern on the medium,
An inspection tool comprising: an elastic body for absorbing a force by which the user presses the roller of the inspection tool onto the pattern when the user rolls the roller of the inspection tool on the pattern.