JP2007125790A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can obtain a stability of the operation even when a driving means is driven on the basis of a detected lens signal, and a printing method. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 10 is for carrying out printing to a lens sheet 12 where a plurality of lenses 12A1 are set. The printer 10 is equipped with a lens detecting means 60 which outputs the lens signal according to a pitch of the lenses 12A1 at the lens sheet 12 by scanning the lens sheet 12, a position detecting means 80 which outputs an encoder signal according to a pattern formed on a scale 81 by scanning the scale 81, a signal fragmenting means 111 to which the encoder signal is input and which outputs a fragmented signal by fragmenting the encoder signal, a correcting means 112 to which the fragmented signal is input and which outputs a corrected lens signal by correcting the lens signal on the basis of the input fragmented signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer and a printing method.

Among various printing technologies, a large number of cylindrical convex lenses (hereinafter referred to as convex lenses).
There is one that prints a printed image on a recording layer of a lens sheet including lenticular lenses arranged in parallel (see Patent Document 1). In such a printing technique, a large number of stripe-shaped subdivided images corresponding to the pitch of the convex lenses are recorded side by side on the recording layer of the lens sheet. And according to the kind of subdivision image, it becomes possible to make it the photograph (animation) which the image visually recognized is viewed stereoscopically or changes the viewing angle.

By the way, as one of the problems to be solved in printing using a lenticular lens, there is a fluctuation in lens pitch that occurs when a lens sheet is manufactured. Although this fluctuation is caused by various external factors, it varies depending on the manufacturing method, but 60 lpi (le
ns per inch), a lens resolution fluctuation of 0.5 to 0.01 lpi occurs.

One method for solving such fluctuations in lens resolution is to check the resolution of a lenticular lens used before printing and form a print image on a recording layer based on the resolution. Here, in Patent Document 1, the lens pitch of the lens sheet is detected using a light projecting / receiving sensor, and control is performed to eject ink droplets at the detected intervals.

Japanese Patent No. 3471930 (see paragraph numbers 0066 to 0076, FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 etc.)

In general, printers detect the position of a print head based on encoder signals (hereinafter referred to as ENC signals) output from a linear encoder and a rotary encoder. When printing on the lens sheet, a PTS signal is generated by multiplying the ENC signal, and the print head is controlled and driven by this PTS signal to form a desired print image on the lens sheet. Further, when detecting the lens signal, even if the lens pitch interval is the same, there may be a difference between the actual lens position and the detection position due to the influence of the coating material of the lens sheet or the influence of the operation vibration. As a result, the discharge interval on the lens is not uniformly performed.

Here, in Patent Document 1, in consideration of variations in lens pitch, the lens pitch is detected, a lens signal corresponding to the lens pitch is formed, and a drive part such as a print head is driven based on the lens signal. Printing on the lens sheet. However,
In a printer, a PTS signal is generated based on an ENC signal, and the operation of the print head based on the PTS signal is guaranteed, but the print head is driven based on a lens signal. Is not guaranteed to operate (stability of operation).

Therefore, even if the print head is driven and printing is performed on the lens sheet, the expected printing accuracy may not be obtained. In addition, an unexpected operation of the print head may interfere with the printing operation itself. No specific means for solving such a problem is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Note that the drive control based on the ENC signal is not only performed for the print head but also for other drive means such as a CR motor and a PF motor based on the ENC signal.

The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a printing method capable of obtaining operational stability even when driving means is driven based on a detected lens signal. To try to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a printer for executing printing on a lens sheet on which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and by scanning the lens sheet, according to the pitch of the lens in the lens sheet. Lens detection means for outputting a lens signal, position detection means for outputting an encoder signal in accordance with a pattern provided on the scale by scanning the scale, and the encoder signal are input to the encoder signal. Subdivision means for outputting a subdivision signal and a subdivision signal is input,
Correction means for correcting the lens signal based on the inputted subdivided signal and outputting the corrected lens signal.

When configured in this way, the position detection means outputs an encoder signal corresponding to the pattern by scanning the scale, and the signal subdivision means subdivides the encoder signal and outputs a subdivision signal. The correction unit corrects the lens signal output from the lens detection unit based on the subdivision signal and outputs a corrected lens signal.

In this way, the lens signal can be corrected based on the segmented signal obtained by segmenting the encoder signal. In other words, the lens signal is corrected by the segmentation signal based on the encoder signal, so that all the drive timings in the driving means are not pure lens signals, but are generated based on the segmentation signal. Is the standard. For this reason, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as inability to obtain operational stability due to the drive timing of the drive means such as the print head being inconsistent with the lens signal. Also,
Since the corrected lens signal after correcting the lens signal with the subdivision signal also reflects the information of the lens signal before correction, in printing on the lens sheet, printing can be performed while reflecting the actual lens pitch. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the printing accuracy for the lens sheet. In addition, since the corrected lens signal is generated by correcting the lens signal based on the subdivided signal, the signal switching between the encoder signal and the lens signal is smooth in the drive portion such as the print head.

According to another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the signal fragmentation means further subdivides the encoder signal based on the count of the clock signal.

When configured in this way, the clock signal is usually in a very short period compared to the encoder signal. For this reason, based on such a clock signal having a small period, the encoder signal can be subdivided into a period of a desired size. Thereby, for example, it is possible to generate a correction lens signal for performing printing that is sufficiently resistant to visual recognition based on the subdivision signal.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-described invention, in another invention, the position detecting means is a linear encoder for detecting a position in the main scanning direction of a print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet, and a scale. Is a linear scale arranged along the main scanning direction, and the lens detection means detects the pitch of the lens in the lens sheet along the main scanning direction while moving in the main scanning direction simultaneously with the linear encoder. .

In such a configuration, the linear encoder and the lens detection unit simultaneously move in the main scanning direction. In this movement, the linear encoder detects the position in the main scanning direction, and the lens detection unit detects the lens pitch in the main scanning direction. In this way, it is possible to take correspondence between the lens pitch and the position detected by the linear encoder, and it is possible to generate a correction lens signal based on the subdivision signal.

In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the signal segmentation means outputs a control signal based on detection of a rising edge or a falling edge of the encoder signal,
A count control unit that outputs the update information of the clock signal each time the clock signal is detected, and temporarily stores a new count value while updating the count value of the clock signal by receiving the update information. The count value is output by receiving the control signal,
In addition, the count information storage unit that increments the stored count value, the latch unit that stores the count value when the count value is output from the count information storage unit, and the number of divisions in which the count value is set in advance The divided value is calculated by dividing the clock signal, and the count value is calculated by separately counting the clock signal. When the counted value separately counted after the divided value is calculated reaches the divided value, A signal generation unit that outputs a subdivided signal by switching between the L level signal and the L level signal;

In such a configuration, the count information storage unit receives the update information output from the count control unit, and temporarily stores it as a new count value while updating the count value of the clock signal. When a control signal is received from the count control unit, the count value stored in the count information storage unit is output to the latch unit, and the count value stored in the count information storage unit is cleared to zero. . And the count value memorize | stored in the latch part is read by the signal generation part, and a division | segmentation value is calculated by dividing | segmenting this count value by the set division | segmentation number. Further, when the count value calculated by separately counting the clock signal reaches the division value, the signal to be output is switched between H level / L level. As a result, the signal generation unit can output a segmented signal that is output in a cycle that is obtained by finely dividing the encoder signal of the previous cycle by the number of divisions.

Further, according to another invention, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the correction means detects the rising edge or the falling edge of the subdivision signal after detecting the rising edge or the falling edge of the lens signal. In this case, the lens signal is corrected by switching between an H level signal and an L level signal, and a corrected lens signal is output.

In the case of such a configuration, a correction lens signal in which the timing of the rising edge or the falling edge of the lens signal is shifted in accordance with the rising edge or the falling edge of the subdivision signal is output. In this way, the output correction lens signal can be matched with the rising edge or falling edge of the subdivision signal generated based on the encoder signal, and the driving timing of the driving means such as the print head is set to the lens. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as failure to obtain operational stability due to inconsistency with respect to signals.

According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the correction lens signal is input to the control means, and the control means controls the driving of the print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet. To do.

In such a configuration, the control unit controls and drives the print head based on the correction lens signal, and ejects ink droplets toward the lens sheet. As a result, it is possible to execute printing on the lens sheet by the correction lens signal based on the encoder signal while reflecting the lens pitch, and it is possible to realize high-definition printing while ensuring operation. .

Further, according to another invention, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the lens detection means emits light toward the lens sheet, and on the opposite side of the carriage with the lens sheet sandwiched in the conveyance state of the lens sheet. A light-emitting unit provided; and a light-receiving unit that is attached to the carriage and receives light that is emitted from the light-emitting unit and then passes through the lens sheet, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light. To do.

When configured in this way, the lens detection means constitutes a transmission type sensor because the light receiving portion is disposed on the carriage side and the light emitting portion is disposed on the opposite side with the lens sheet interposed therebetween. For this reason, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the lens pitch as compared with the case of using a reflective sensor. In addition, since a lens signal with high detection accuracy is obtained, printing on the lens sheet becomes even finer.

According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the lens detection means is attached to the carriage, and a light emitting unit that emits light toward the lens sheet in the transport state of the lens sheet; And a light receiving section that receives light that is emitted from the light emitting section, reflected after being transmitted through the lens sheet, and transmitted again through the lens sheet, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light. It is.

In such a configuration, light is emitted from the light emitting unit toward the lens sheet, and the lens sheet transmits this light as it is and is received by the light receiving unit or reflected after being transmitted through the lens. The light is received by the light receiving unit. Here, since the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit are attached to the carriage, the lens pitch can be measured while moving together with the carriage.

Still another invention is a printing method for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and outputs a lens signal corresponding to the lens pitch in the lens sheet by scanning the lens sheet. A lens signal output process, an encoder signal output process for outputting an encoder signal according to a pattern provided on the scale by scanning the scale, and an encoder signal is input, and the encoder signal is subdivided. A subdivision process for outputting a subdivision signal, and a correction process for inputting the subdivision signal and the lens signal, correcting the lens signal based on the subdivision signal, and outputting a correction lens signal. Is.

When configured in this manner, in the encoder signal output step, an encoder signal corresponding to the pattern is output by scanning the scale, and in the signal subdivision step, the encoder signal is subdivided and a subdivision signal is output. In the correction step, the lens signal output from the lens signal output step is corrected based on the subdivision signal, and a corrected lens signal is output.

In this way, the lens signal can be corrected based on the segmented signal obtained by segmenting the encoder signal. In other words, the lens signal is corrected by the segmentation signal based on the encoder signal, so that all the drive timings in the driving means are not pure lens signals, but are generated based on the segmentation signal. Is the standard. For this reason, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as inability to obtain operational stability due to the drive timing of the drive means such as the print head being inconsistent with the lens signal. Also,
Since the corrected lens signal after correcting the lens signal with the subdivision signal also reflects the information of the lens signal before correction, in printing on the lens sheet, printing can be performed while reflecting the actual lens pitch. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the printing accuracy for the lens sheet.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The printer 10 of the present embodiment is an ink jet pudding. However, the ink jet printer may be an apparatus that employs any ejection method as long as the apparatus is capable of printing by ejecting ink.

In the following description, the lower side refers to the side where the printer 10 is installed, and the upper side refers to the side away from the installed side. Further, a direction in which a carriage 30 described later moves is a main scanning direction, a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and a direction in which the lens sheet 12 is conveyed is a sub-scanning direction. Also, the side on which the lens sheet 12 is supplied will be described as a paper feed side (rear end side), and the side on which the lens sheet 12 is discharged will be described as a paper discharge side (front side).

First, the lens sheet 12 that is a printing object will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the lens sheet 12 includes a lenticular lens 12A located on the front surface, an ink absorbing layer 12B in contact with the back surface of the lenticular lens 12A, and an ink transmission layer 12C located on the back surface of the lens sheet 12. It has. Among these, the lenticular lens 12A has a configuration in which a plurality of cylindrical convex lenses (convex lenses 12A1) whose longitudinal direction is one direction are arranged in parallel at a constant pitch. In the lenticular lens 12A, the curvature of the convex lens 12A1 is formed so that the focal point of the light traveling through each convex lens 12A1 is located on the back surface (boundary surface Q with the ink absorbing layer 12B) of the lenticular lens 12A.

In this embodiment, the pitch of the alignment of the convex lenses 12A1 in the lenticular lens 12A is an integer multiple of the pitch of the alignment of the line patterns of the scale 81 described later. For example, when the line pattern of the scale 81 is 1/180 inch, the pitch of the convex lenses 12A1 is 30 lpi (lens per inch; the number of convex lenses 12A1 per inch), 45 lpi, 60 lpi, and 90 lpi. However, the pitch of the convex lens 12A1 is not limited to this example, and is, for example, 100 l.
Various changes may be made as in pi. Further, in the lens sheet 12, usually, there is a slight deviation from the pitch of the convex lens 12A1 due to a manufacturing error or the like.

The ink permeable layer 12C is a portion to which the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle first adheres, and is a portion through which the attached ink passes. The ink permeable layer 12C is made of, for example, titanium oxide, silica gel, PMMA (methacrylic resin), barium sulfate, or the like. The ink absorption layer 12B is a part that absorbs / fixes the ink that has passed through the ink transmission layer 12C. The ink absorbing layer 12B is made of, for example, a hydrophilic polymer resin such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), a cationic compound, fine particles such as silica, or the like. The ink absorption layer 12B is transparent and the ink transmission layer 12C
It is white. However, the ink absorption layer 12B may be white, the ink transmission layer 12C may be transparent, and both the ink transmission layer 12C and the ink absorption layer 12B may be transparent.

As shown in FIG. 2 and others, the printer 10 includes a carriage mechanism 20 that reciprocates the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction by a carriage motor (CR motor 22), and a PF motor 41.
There is a paper transport mechanism 40 that transports the lens sheet 12 (corresponding to a paper feed motor), and the control unit 100 shown in FIG.

Here, the carriage mechanism 20 will be described. The carriage mechanism 20 includes a carriage 30 as shown in FIG. The carriage mechanism 20 includes a carriage 30.
Between the carriage shaft 21, the carriage motor (CR motor 22), the gear pulley 23 attached to the CR motor 22, the endless belt 24, and the gear pulley 23. A driven pulley 25 that stretches the belt 24 and a linear encoder 80 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the carriage 30 is provided in a state of facing the platen 50. As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, an ink cartridge 31 of each color is detachably mounted on the carriage 30. A print head 32 is provided below the carriage 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzles 33 a are arranged in the print head 32 in rows in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the lens sheet 12, and the nozzle rows 3 corresponding to the respective color inks.
3 is formed. In this embodiment, the nozzle row 33 is composed of, for example, 180 nozzles 33a. Of these, the 180th nozzle 33a is located on the paper feed side, and the first nozzle 33a is located on the paper discharge side. ing.

In addition, a piezo element (not shown) is arranged for each nozzle 33a in the nozzle row 33 provided below the carriage 30 and associated with each ink. By the operation of this piezo element, it is possible to eject ink droplets from the nozzle 33a at the end of the ink passage. The print head 32 is not limited to the piezo driving method using a piezo element, and other methods may be used. Other methods include, for example, a heater method in which ink is heated with a heater and the generated foam force is used, a magnetostriction method in which a magnetostrictive element is used, an electrostatic method in which electrostatic force is used, and a mist method in which mist is controlled by an electric field. Etc. are mentioned as main methods.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the printer 10 includes a paper transport mechanism 40. The paper transport mechanism 40 includes a PF motor 41 (see FIG. 2) for transporting the lens sheet 12 and the like, and a paper feed roller 42 for feeding plain paper or the like. A pair of PF rollers 43 for conveying / clamping the lens sheet 12 is provided on the paper discharge side with respect to the paper supply roller 42. Of the PF roller pair 43, the PF drive roller 43a is transmitted with the driving force from the PF motor 41 and enables the lens sheet 12 to be conveyed step by step.

Further, the platen 50 and the above-described print head 32 are arranged on the paper discharge side of the PF roller pair 43 so as to face each other in the vertical direction. The platen 50 supports the lens sheet 12 conveyed below the print head 32 by the PF roller pair 43 from below. Further, a paper discharge roller pair 44 similar to the above-described PF roller pair 43 is provided on the paper discharge side from the platen 50. Of the paper discharge roller pair 44, the paper discharge drive roller 44a includes a PF drive roller 43.
With a, the driving force from the PF motor 41 is transmitted.

Further, in the printer 10, on the rear end side opposite to the paper discharge side and below the paper feed roller 42,
An opening 45 is provided. The opening 45 is an opening for allowing a printing object, such as the lens sheet 12, that is difficult to bend, to pass on the rear end side of the printer 10. In addition, the lens sheet 12 may be passed through the opening 45 in a state where it is placed on a tray or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a lens detection sensor 60 corresponding to the lens detection unit for detecting the lens pitch of the convex lens 12 </ b> A <b> 1 in the lens sheet 12 is provided between the lower surface of the carriage 30 and the platen 50. Has been placed. The lens detection sensor 60 is a light projection / reception system (transmission system) sensor, and as shown in FIGS.
And a light receiving portion 62. Among these, the light emission part 61 is provided in the platen 50 side (downward side) rather than the lens sheet 12 conveyed. The light receiving unit 62 is provided on the carriage 30 side (upper side) with respect to the conveyed lens sheet 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light emitting unit 61 in the present embodiment employs a direct-type configuration in which a light source 612 is disposed on the side opposite to the light emission side, and includes a light source group 611 and the light source group. 611
And a diffusion plate 613 that covers the surface. The light emitting unit 61 is provided on the rear end side of the platen 50 (the feeding side of the lens sheet 12). The portion where the light emitting unit 61 is provided is the platen 5.
The platen 50 is not limited to 0, and may be provided in other fixed parts.
It may be provided on the front end side. In this way, by providing the light emitting unit 61 on the rear end side of the platen 50, the light emitting unit 61 and the light receiving unit 62 described later face each other.

Further, the light emitting part 61 is provided in the recessed part 51 existing on the rear end side of the platen 50.
The recessed portion 51 is a portion that is recessed from the other portions of the platen 50. The recessed portion 51 is provided in a state having a depth dimension greater than or equal to a certain depth so that the light source group 611 (light source 612) can be separated from the diffusion plate 613 by a certain distance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source group 611 includes a large number of light sources 612 arranged in the main scanning direction. These light sources 612 are light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of a predetermined color.
g diode). In addition, some LEDs emit light of various wavelengths such as visible light or infrared light. From the viewpoint that it is difficult for the user to feel dazzling, use an infrared LED that emits infrared light. Is desirable. In addition, these light sources 612 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and are arranged in a state of being separated from the lens sheet 12 by a predetermined interval in consideration of the directivity of the light sources 612. Thereby, the light emitted from the light source 612 is irradiated to the diffusion plate 613 with a slight spread. The diffusion plate 613 changes various traveling directions of the light emitted from the light source 612. Thereby, the light that has passed through the diffusion plate 613 is emitted toward the lens sheet 12 in a state in which the contrast is made uniform.

In the present embodiment, the light source group 611 in which the light sources 612 are arranged is the lens sheet 12.
It is provided to be larger than the prescribed width. Therefore, the contrast of the light incident on the lens sheet 12 is provided so as not to cause a large difference. Also,
If it is desired to further reduce the light contrast, the arrangement of the light sources 612 constituting the light source group 611 may be changed so that a large number of light sources 612 are arranged in a staggered manner. Also,
The above diffusing plate 613 may adopt a configuration that is omitted.

A light receiving unit 62 is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 30. The light receiving unit 62 is
It is attached to the lower surface of the carriage 30, and is attached to the paper feed side in the sub-scanning direction, for example, at a position away from the home position in the main scanning direction.
However, the attachment position of the light receiving unit 62 is not limited to such a part, and may be configured to be attached to, for example, the central portion in the main scanning direction on the lower surface of the carriage 30.

In the present embodiment, the light receiving unit 62 includes the base unit 621, the light receiving element 623, and the slit plate 6.
24. Of these, the base portion 621 is a portion to which the light receiving element 623 is attached, and has a storage portion 622 to which the light receiving element 623 is attached. The storage portion 622 is in a state where four sides are surrounded by plate-like members. And the light receiving element 623 is attached to the accommodating part 622 enclosed by the plate-shaped member, and only the lower surface side is open | released. Thereby, it is configured to prevent the reception of certain diffused light.

The light receiving element 623 is, for example, a phototransistor, a photodiode, or a photo IC.
It is an element that can convert received light into an electrical signal, such as. The storage unit 6
A slit plate 624 is attached to the lower surface side of 22. The slit plate 624 is formed with a slit 624a that allows light to pass therethrough, and allows light in a predetermined direction (light in the direction along the optical axis L in FIG. 1) to be received through the slit 624a. It is the composition to do.

The width dimension of the slit 624a is preferably less than or equal to ½ of the lens width of the convex lens 12A1. However, if the width of the slit 624a is too narrow, the platen 5
Adjustment of the gap between 0 and the carriage 30 becomes severe and there is a possibility that good detection cannot be performed. For this reason, the width dimension of the slit 624a needs to be a certain dimension value or more.
In addition, light irradiated on the slit plate 624 other than the slit 624 a is blocked by the slit plate 624. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent diffused light other than the direction along the optical axis L from being received by the light receiving element 623.

Moreover, you may employ | adopt the structure which does not provide the above slit plates 624. FIG. In this case, although the detection accuracy of the lens pitch in the light receiving element 623 deteriorates, each convex lens 12A
1, the lens pitch of the lens sheet 12 can be detected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the light receiving unit 62 is arranged so as not to contact the lens sheet 12 in the conveyance state of the lens sheet 12 but close to the lens sheet 12 so as not to deteriorate the conveyance property. Yes. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 61 is diffused with the center of curvature of each convex lens 12A1 in the boundary surface Q as a focal point, but the light is incident on the light receiving unit 62 without being diffused so much.

When the light emitting unit 61 adopts a direct type, the configuration is not limited to a configuration in which a large number of light emitting diodes are arranged, and a linear light source having a longitudinal direction in the main scanning direction may be used.
As a line-shaped light source, specifically, a cathode fluorescent lamp (CFL)
), Cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or electroluminescence (EL). In addition, the light emitting unit 61 may use a laser oscillator, a lamp, or the like that can generate laser light such as visible light or infrared light.

Further, as the light emitting unit, an edge light type configuration may be adopted without adopting the direct type. In this case, the light emitting unit includes a light source disposed at an end in the main scanning direction, a reflector that reflects light from the light source toward the main scanning direction, and the light travels inside and has the main scanning direction as a longitudinal direction. A light guide plate, a reflective member attached to the lower surface side, the side surface side, and the other end of the light guide plate in the longitudinal direction of the light guide plate, reflecting light; a diffusion film for diffusing the light emitted toward the upper surface side; And a reflective dot that is disposed on the lower surface of the light plate and diffuses light.

In order to measure the distance PG between the lens sheet 12 and the nozzle 33a, the carriage 3
In addition to the lens detection sensor 60, a gap detection sensor 70 is preferably present on the lower surface of 0. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the gap detection sensor 70 that detects the distance PG. As shown in FIG. 7, the gap detection sensor 70 includes a light emitting unit 71 and two light receiving units (first light receiving unit 72a).
And a second light receiving portion 72b). The light emitting unit 71 includes a light emitting diode and irradiates the lens sheet 12 with light. The first light receiving unit 72a and the second light receiving unit 72b each have a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received. The second light receiving unit 72b is provided at a position farther from the light emitting unit 71 than the first light receiving unit 72a.

The light emitted from the light emitting unit 71 is applied to the lens sheet 12 and reflected.
The reflected light is incident on the above-described light receiving element, and is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light incident on the light receiving element. Here, when the distance PG is small, the light reflected by the lens sheet 12 is mainly incident on the first light receiving portion 72a, but only the diffused light is incident on the second light receiving portion 72b. Therefore, the output signal of the first light receiving unit 72a is larger than the output signal of the second light receiving unit 72b.

On the other hand, when the distance PG is large, the reflected light is mainly incident on the second light receiving portion 72b, and only the diffused light is incident on the first light receiving portion 72b. Therefore, the output signal of the second light receiving unit 72b is larger than the output signal of the first light receiving unit 72a. For this reason, the first light receiving portion 72a and the second light receiving portion 72a
If the relationship between the ratio of the output signal of the light receiving unit 72b and the distance PG is obtained in advance, the distance PG corresponding to the lens sheet 12 or the like can be detected based on the ratio of the output signal. In this case, information regarding the relationship between the ratio of the output signals of the light receiving units 72a and 72b and the distance PG may be stored in the ROM 102 or the nonvolatile memory 104 as a table.

Such output signal detection is performed while driving the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction. In this driving, the distance PG in the main scanning direction of the lens sheet 12 can be detected by corresponding to the position detection of the linear encoder 80 described later.

The gap detection sensor 70 can also be used as the lens detection sensor 60 described above. In this case, it arrange | positions so that the optical axis of the light emission part 61 may incline, and the 1st light-receiving part 72a according to the distance PG.
If the ratio of the output signal between the second light receiving unit 72b and the second light receiving unit 72b is changed, the gap detection sensor 70 and the lens detection sensor 60 can be used together.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the carriage mechanism 20 is provided with a linear encoder 80 corresponding to the position detecting means. The linear encoder 80 outputs a light toward the scale 81 in which a line pattern composed of a black printed portion and a transparent portion that transmits light is repeated, and outputs the light reflected from the scale 81 to the electric light. And a linear sensor 82 that converts the signal into a specific signal (encoder signal; hereinafter referred to as an ENC signal) and transmits the converted signal to the control unit 100.

Next, the configuration of the signal forming unit 90 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the signal forming unit 90 includes a filter 91, an amplifier (AMP) 92, and a binarization processing unit 93. Among these, the filter 91 is connected to one end side of the signal line 94. The other end side of the signal line 94 is connected to the light receiving unit 62 (light receiving element 623) described above. For this reason, the analog signal generated in the light receiving unit 62 is transmitted to the filter 91 via the signal line 94, but the filter 91 removes frequency components other than the predetermined band from the analog signal (see FIG. 9). Is done. Thereby, a digital signal (lens signal) as shown in FIG. 9 is generated.

The signal passing through the filter 91 is input to the AMP 92 and amplified to a predetermined voltage or the like (for example, 40 times). The amplified signal is then sent to the binarization processing unit 93.
Depending on whether or not the input signal exceeds a threshold, Hi (H level) or L
A binary signal (binary signal) of ow (L level) is used. In this state, the control unit 1 to be described later
By inputting a binary signal at 00 and detecting the switching timing of the Hi / Low signal, the lens pitch of the lens sheet 12 can be measured.

Next, the control unit 100 will be described. The control unit 100 is a part that performs various controls and corresponds to a broad control unit, and includes a PW sensor for detecting a paper width (not shown), a lens detection sensor 60, a gap detection sensor 70, a linear sensor 82, Output signals such as a rotary encoder 132, which will be described later, and a power supply SW for turning on / off the printer 10, are input. The control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102 that stores various programs, a RAM 103 that temporarily stores data, a nonvolatile memory (PROM) 104, and an ASIC 105.
A head driver 106 and the like, which are connected via a bus 107. The configuration (lens signal correction mechanism 110) shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10 is realized by adding a circuit for performing such cooperation or specific processing.

The configuration of the lens signal correction mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 10 may be realized by hardware or may be realized by software. In addition, hereinafter, when each configuration of the lens signal correction mechanism 110 is described, functions and operations performed by each configuration will also be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lens signal correction mechanism 110 has an ENC corresponding to the signal segmentation means.
A subdivision processing unit 111, a correction processing unit 112 corresponding to the correction unit, and a discharge control unit 113 corresponding to the control unit are provided. Also, in the lens signal correction mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the ENC subdivision processing unit 111 includes a count control unit 120, a count information storage unit 121, a latch unit 122, and a signal generation unit. 123 and the division number determination unit 124
And.

The count control unit 120 receives an ENC signal and a clock signal. A clock signal is input to the count control unit 120, and the positive edge (
= Rising edge; the same applies to the following) Each time a count value (count value Ca) temporarily stored in the count information storage unit 121 is detected, the count value Ca is updated while being incremented by +1. When the count control unit 120 detects the positive edge E1 of the ENC signal, the count control unit 120 controls the count value Ca in the count information storage unit 121 to be zero (increment). Simultaneously with the increment in the count information storage unit 121, the count information storage unit 121 and the latch unit 122 are controlled so that the count value Ca until the positive edge E1 of the ENC signal is detected is copied to the latch unit 122. To do.

Further, the count information storage unit 121 is based on a command from the count control unit 120.
The count value Ca corresponding to the number of positive edges of the clock signal is temporarily stored in a state where +1 is added. In addition, the count information storage unit 121 includes a count control unit 120.
When the output signal corresponding to the positive edge of the ENC signal is received from the count information storage unit 121, the count information storage unit 121 outputs the count value Ca temporarily stored therein to the latch unit 122 and the count stored by itself. The value Ca is incremented. Then, the count value Ca corresponding to the number of positive edges of the clock signal is stored again based on the command from the count control unit 120.

Further, the latch portion 122 has a positive edge E of the previous time (interval B10 in FIG. 12).
A count value Ca up to 1 is stored. For this reason, the count value Ca stored in the latch unit 122 is the number of cycles of the clock signal in one cycle of the previous ENC signal. In addition, the count value Ca stored in the latch unit 122 is output to the signal generation unit 123. Note that a plurality of count values Ca stored in the latch unit 122 may be recordable. Before the division value S is obtained by the signal generator 123 described below, the count value Ca is buffered,
You may make it respond | correspond to the acceleration / deceleration of the carriage 30. FIG. Here, a plurality of count values Ca
Is referred to, the count value Ca buffered by FIFO (first in first out) is referred to.

Further, in the signal generator 123, the oldest count value C stored in the latch unit 122 is stored.
a is input, and the above-described clock signal is also input. The signal generation unit 123 divides the count value Ca based on the division number N preset by the division number determination unit 124 to obtain a division value S. In addition, the signal generation unit 123 counts the number of input clock signals. Then, when the counted count value Cb reaches the set division value S, the signal output from the signal generation unit 123 is switched between Hi and Low. In this way, as shown in FIG. 12, one ENC signal is divided by the division number N and subdivided, and a subdivided ENC signal (corresponding to a subdivided signal) is generated by the signal generation unit 123. It is output to the correction processing unit 112.

The division number determination unit 124 stores a division number N set in advance or calculated separately. This division number N is a number that serves as a reference when generating the subdivided ENC signal.
For example, it is desirable that the number is sufficiently large, such as 64.

Further, the segmentation ENC signal generated by the signal generation unit 123 and the lens signal generated by the binarization processing unit 93 are input to the correction processing unit 112. As shown in FIG. 13, when the correction processing unit 112 detects the positive edge C1 of the subdivision ENC signal immediately after detecting the positive edge A1 of the lens signal, it generates a Hi signal, Output. Further, when the negative edge A2 of the lens signal is detected and the positive edge C1 of the subdivided ENC signal is detected, a Low signal is generated and the Low signal is output. In this way, the positive edge B1 of the correction lens signal is formed with a slight time difference after the positive edge A1 is detected. Further, the negative edge B of the correction lens signal is detected with a slight time difference after the positive edge A2 is detected.
2 is formed.

It should be noted that the correction lens signal may have a sufficiently long period with respect to the subdivided ENC signal, such that 64 periods of the subdivided ENC signal correspond to one period of the correction lens signal. desirable. In the above description, after the positive edge A1 / negative edge A2 of the lens signal is detected and then the positive edge C1 of the subdivided ENC signal is detected, the correction lens signal is switched between Hi / Low. Yes. However, when the negative edge of the subdivision ENC signal is detected after the positive edge A1 / negative edge A2 of the lens signal is detected, the correction lens signal may be switched between Hi / Low.

As described above, the correction processing unit 112 controls the ejection of a new correction lens signal that is composed of a Hi / Low signal and uses the positive edge C1 of the subdivided ENC signal as a reference for Hi / Low switching. Output to the unit 113. Further, the discharge control unit 113 corresponds to the control unit, and generates a PTS signal by multiplying the correction lens signal corrected by the correction processing unit 112 by a predetermined amount. Further, the ejection control unit 113 controls and drives the print head 32 based on the PTS signal and the print data. Thereby, printing on the lens sheet 12 is executed.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the printer 10 includes an interface 131.
The computer is connected to the computer 130 via the interface 131. The printer 10 includes a rotary encoder 132. Unlike the above-described linear encoder 80, the rotary encoder 132 is provided with a scale 132a in a disk shape. However, the other configuration is the same as that of the linear encoder 80.

The details of operating the printer 10 using the above-described configuration will be described below based on the flow of FIGS. 14 to 17.

<Overall operation>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow from the start of light emission to paper discharge in the printer 10.

In the printer 10, the CPU 101 starts the light emission of the light emitting unit 61 (S10).
At this time, the operation of the binarization processing unit 93 is also started. Subsequently, the CPU 101 inquires of the computer 130 whether or not print data exists (S11). If the print data exists, the process proceeds to S12. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S18.

Subsequently, when print data exists, the print data for one line is received from the computer 130, and the print operation is started. That is, the carriage 31 starts a reciprocating operation in the main scanning direction (S12).

When the carriage 31 moves, the linear sensor 82 generates an ENC signal.
At the same time, the binarization processing unit 93 generates a lens signal. Based on the ENC signal and the lens signal, a lens signal correction process (a process of creating a corrected lens signal) is performed (S13). Further, after creating the correction lens signal, the ejection control unit 113 creates the PTS signal by multiplying the correction lens signal by a predetermined number. In addition, the ejection control unit 113 controls and drives the print head 32 based on the PTS signal and the print data. Thereby, an ejection process is performed in which ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle 33a (S14). A desired image is printed on the lens sheet 12 by discharging the ink droplets.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the printing process for one scan has been completed (S15).
If it is determined in S15 that the process has been completed, the process proceeds to S16;
Returning to 13, the same processing is repeated.

Incidentally, the light receiving unit 62 is disposed on the lower right side of FIG. Therefore, when the carriage 31 scans in a direction away from the home position, the light receiving unit 62 precedes the print head 32, and thus the operation described above is possible. On the contrary, when the carriage 31 scans in the direction approaching the home position, the light receiving unit 62.
Cannot follow the operation described above. Therefore, for example, when scanning is performed in the direction in which the carriage 31 approaches the home position, only the carriage 31 is moved and printing is not performed (S16).

In this way, when the printing operation for one line is completed, the CPU 101 performs the PF motor 41.
And the lens sheet 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by one step (S17). Then, the CPU 101 returns to S11 and repeats the same processing. That is, the CPU 101
Performs a process for printing the print data by the same process as described above based on the print data for the next line. By repeating such processing, a desired image can be printed on the lens sheet 12.

If NO is determined in S <b> 11, the CPU 101 proceeds to S <b> 18 and stops the light emission of the light emitting unit 61 when the light emitting unit 61 is in the light emitting state (S <b> 18). Further, the PF motor 41 is driven to execute the process of discharging the lens sheet 12 (S19). As a result, the lens sheet 12 that has been printed is discharged to the outside of the printer 10.

<Outline of generation of correction lens signal>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing flow when generating a correction lens signal. This figure 1
As shown in FIG. 5, first, in the ENC subdivision processing portion 111, a subdivision ENC signal is created (S130; corresponding to the signal subdivision process). Next, based on this segmented ENC signal, the correction processing unit 112 generates a correction lens signal (S132).

<Generation of subdivided ENC signal>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flow for generating a subdivided ENC signal. Referring to FIG. 16, a clock signal for synchronizing each unit is output by an oscillator (not shown) included in the printer 10. The clock signal is also input to the count control unit 120, and the ENC signal is also input to the count control unit 120 (S1301).
Here, every time a positive edge of the clock signal is detected, the count control unit 120
The update information is transmitted to the count information storage unit 121, and the count value Ca stored in the count information storage unit 121 is incremented by +1 (S1302).

In addition, after starting the count of the clock signal, the count control unit 120 determines whether or not the positive edge E1 of the ENC signal is detected (S1303). In this determination, if it is determined that the positive edge E1 is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to S1304. If it is determined that the positive edge E1 is not detected (No), the process returns to S1302.

In the case of Yes in S1303, the count control unit 120 transmits the count value Ca stored in the count information storage unit 121 to the latch unit 122 (S1304). Further, after this transmission, the count value Ca stored in the count information storage unit 121 is cleared (S1).
305).

Next, the switching interval S between Hi and Low of the subdivided ENC signal is obtained (S1306).
This will be described in detail. First, the count value Ca stored in the latch unit 122 is read by the signal generation unit 123. In addition, the signal generation unit 123 reads the division number N (eg, N = 10 etc.) preset by the division number determination unit 124. Then, the division value S is calculated by dividing the count value Ca by the division number N. For example, the number of divisions N = 10 and E
When the count value Ca obtained by counting between the positive edges of the NC signal is 10,000, the switching interval S is obtained as 500 by 10000/10 × 2 in consideration of the negative edge E2 of the ENC signal. As described above, the switching interval S is obtained.

After such a switching interval S is obtained, output of the subdivided ENC signal is started (S
1307; see FIG. Subsequently, the signal generator 123 counts the clock signal and calculates (adds) the count value Cb (S1308). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value Cb has reached the switching interval S (S1309). In this judgment,
When it is determined that it has arrived (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to the next S1310. If it is determined that it has not been reached (No), the process returns to S1307 described above.

In the case of Yes in S1309, the signal generator 123 switches the output signal (S
1310). For example, assuming that the signal generation unit 123 outputs a Low signal before the count value Cb is determined to reach the switching interval S, the switching interval S
When it is determined that the signal has reached, the Low signal is switched to the Hi signal. Next, the number of divisions N
It is determined whether or not all the processes have been processed (S1311). As described above, the subdivided ENC signal is output based on the ENC signal. At this time, the signal generation unit 123 outputs a Hi / Low signal for every 500 count values, for example, with a count value of 10,000 corresponding to one cycle of the ENC signal, so that one cycle is 1000. Corresponding segmentation ENC
A signal can be output.

<Generation of correction lens signal>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow for generating a correction lens signal. As shown in FIG. 17, in order to generate a correction lens signal, it is determined whether or not the input segmentation ENC signal is a positive edge (S1321). In this determination, when it is determined that the edge is a positive edge (Yes), the process proceeds to S1322, and when it is determined that the edge is not a positive edge (No), the process proceeds to S1324. In the case of Yes in S1321 described above, it is subsequently determined whether or not the lens signal is Hi (S1322). When it is determined that the lens signal is Hi (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to S1323, and the correction lens signal is set to Hi.
(S1323). Conversely, if it is determined that the lens signal is not Hi (in the case of Low), the process proceeds to S1324, and the correction lens signal is set to Low (S1324).

Further, when the processing of S1323 and S1324 is performed, a signal corresponding to the set value is generated (S1325). The signal corresponding to the set value refers to the correction lens signal set to Hi or Low in the above-described S1323 and S1324. As described above, the correction lens signal is generated.

According to the printer 10 having such a configuration, the lens signal can be corrected based on the subdivided ENC signal obtained by subdividing the ENC signal. That is, the lens signal is corrected by the subdivided ENC signal based on the ENC signal, so that all the drive timings of the print head 32 are generated based on the subdivided ENC signal instead of the pure lens signal. Based on correction lens signal. For this reason, when the drive timing of the print head 32 is based on a pure lens signal, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as inconsistency and to ensure operational stability.

Further, since the corrected lens signal is generated by correcting the lens signal based on the subdivided ENC signal, the signal switching between the ENC signal and the lens signal becomes smooth in the drive part such as the print head 32.

Since the corrected lens signal after correcting the lens signal with the subdivided ENC signal also reflects the information of the lens signal before correction, the actual lens pitch is reflected in printing on the lens sheet 12. Printing becomes possible. For this reason, it is possible to improve the printing accuracy for the lens sheet 12.

Further, as described above, when the ENC signal is subdivided, it is subdivided based on the count of the clock signal. As described above, the ENC signal is subdivided into a period of a desired size based on the clock signal having a very small period as compared with the ENC signal.
A signal can be created.

Further, as described above, the lens detection sensor 60 and the linear encoder 80 simultaneously detect the lens pitch / position of the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction when the carriage 30 moves in the main scanning direction. Therefore, it is possible to take correspondence between the lens pitch and the position in the main scanning direction, and it is possible to generate a correction lens signal based on the subdivided ENC signal.

Also, the count value Ca is calculated by counting the clock signal, the divided value S is calculated by dividing the count value Ca by the division number N, and the count value Cb is calculated by counting the clock signal by the signal generator 123. When the count value Cb reaches the division value S, the output of the Hi / Low signal is switched. As a result, it is sure to subdivide EN
It becomes possible to output the C signal.

Further, the correction processing unit 112 detects the positive edge A1 or the negative edge A2 of the lens signal and then detects the positive edge C1 of the subdivided ENC signal.
A correction lens signal whose timing is switched simultaneously with the positive edge A1 of the subdivided ENC signal is output. For this reason, the correction lens signal to be output can be synchronized with the timing of the subdivided ENC signal generated based on the ENC signal. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the instability of operation due to the drive timing of the print head 32 not matching the lens signal.

The correction lens signal output from the correction processing unit 112 is input to the ejection control unit 113, and then the print head 32 is controlled and driven by the ejection control unit 113. As a result, when printing is performed, printing on the lens sheet 12 can be executed by the correction lens signal based on the ENC signal while reflecting the detected lens pitch. For this reason, it is possible to realize high-definition printing while ensuring operation.

Furthermore, since the lens detection sensor 60 is a transmission type sensor, the amount of light that can be captured by the light receiving unit 62 is likely to be larger than when using a reflection type lens detection sensor. (Including the position) can be improved. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the light emitting unit 61 is provided on the platen 50, after the light is incident on the lenticular lens 12A, the light is converged on the focal point of the center of curvature of each convex lens 12A1 in the boundary surface Q, It is emitted after that. For this reason, even if light enters the lens sheet 12 from various directions, the light passing through the lens sheet 12 is diffused after being converged on the focal point, and the contrast according to the lens pitch can be further clarified. And detection accuracy can be increased.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified. This will be described below.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the linear encoder 80 subdivides the ENC signal and corrects the lens signal has been described. However, the present invention can of course be applied not only to the linear encoder but also to the rotary encoder 132. In addition,
When the present invention is applied to the rotary encoder 132, the rotary encoder 132 is in a state corresponding to the position detecting means. In this case, it is desirable that the length of the convex lens 12A1 is not in the sub-scanning direction but in the main scanning direction. In this case, the ENC signal is output by detecting the line pattern of the scale 132a of the rotary encoder 132, the ENC signal is subdivided to generate a subdivided ENC signal, and a lens signal is further generated based on the subdivided ENC signal. It is possible to obtain a similar effect by correcting.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, only one lens detection sensor 60 is provided in a part that is separated from the home position. However, the number of lens detection sensors 60 is not limited to one, and a plurality of lens detection sensors 60 may be provided on the carriage 30. For example, when the lens detection sensors 60 are attached to both ends of the lower surface of the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction, the lens pitch can be measured before printing in each reciprocation of the carriage 30, and the lens sheet. 12 can be executed by reciprocation.

In the above-described embodiment, the lens sheet 12 has a configuration in which many convex lenses 12A1 are arranged. However, the lens sheet is not limited to this, and may be a lens sheet in which a large number of concave lenses are arranged. . In this case, it is preferable that the above-described processes are based on the detection of a negative edge instead of a positive edge.

In the above-described embodiment, the printer 10 is not limited to a printer that only performs printing, and may be a complex printer that also functions as a copy / fax / scanner. Also,
In the above-described embodiment, a direct drawing type case where a print image is directly printed on the lens sheet 12 is described. However, it is of course possible to apply the present invention to a separation type in which a separately printed product is bonded to a lens sheet.

It is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the lens detection sensor of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a portion related to paper feeding of the printer. It is a bottom view which shows the lower surface of a carriage. It is side sectional drawing which shows structures, such as a lens detection sensor. It is a sectional side view showing the shape near a platen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a gap sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a signal output part. It is a figure which shows the analog signal and digital signal of lens pitch detection. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a lens signal correction | amendment mechanism. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an ENC subdivision process part. It is a figure which shows the image which produces | generates a subdivision ENC signal from an ENC signal. It is a figure which shows the image of lens signal correction | amendment by a subdivision ENC signal. It is a figure which shows the whole processing flow which performs printing on a lens sheet. It is a figure which shows the outline of the processing flow at the time of producing | generating a correction lens signal. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which produces | generates a segmentation ENC signal. It is a figure which shows the processing flow which produces | generates a correction lens signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 12 ... Lens sheet, 20 ... Carriage mechanism, 30 ... Carriage, 4
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 0 ... Paper conveyance mechanism, 50 ... Platen, 60 ... Lens detection sensor, 61 ... Light emission part, 62 ... Light reception part, 80 ... Linear encoder (corresponding to a position detection means), 81 ... Scale, 100 ... Control part, 110 ... Lens Signal correction mechanism, 111 ... ENC subdivision processing unit (corresponding to signal subdivision means), 112 ... correction processing part (corresponding to correction means), 113 ... discharge control unit (corresponding to control means),
120: Count control unit, 121: Count information storage unit, 122: Latch unit, 123: Signal generation unit, 124: Division number determination unit

Claims (9)

In a printer for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses are arranged,
Lens detection means for outputting a lens signal corresponding to the pitch of the lens in the lens sheet by scanning the lens sheet;
Position detecting means for outputting an encoder signal in accordance with a pattern provided on the scale by scanning the scale;
A signal segmentation means for segmenting the encoder signal and outputting a segmented signal while the encoder signal is input;
Correction means for inputting the subdivision signal, correcting the lens signal based on the input subdivision signal, and outputting a correction lens signal;
A printer comprising: 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the signal subdividing means subdivides the encoder signal based on a count of clock signals. The position detection means is a linear encoder for performing position detection in the main scanning direction of a print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet, and the scale is
A linear scale arranged along the main scanning direction,
The lens detection means detects a pitch along the main scanning direction of the lens in the lens sheet while moving in the main scanning direction simultaneously with the linear encoder.
3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a printer. The signal fragmentation means includes
A count control unit that outputs a control signal based on detection of a rising edge or a falling edge of the encoder signal and outputs update information of the clock signal each time the clock signal is detected;
The count value of the clock signal is updated by receiving the update information and temporarily stored as a new count value, and the count value is output and stored by receiving the control signal. A count information storage unit for incrementing the count value;
A latch unit for storing the count value when the count value is output from the count information storage unit;
The count value is divided by a preset number of divisions to calculate a division value, and the clock signal is separately counted to calculate the count value, and the count value separately counted after the calculation of the division value is A signal generator that outputs a segmented signal by switching between an H level signal and an L level signal when the division value is reached;
The printer according to claim 2, further comprising: The correction means includes
After detecting the rising edge or the falling edge of the lens signal and detecting the rising edge or the falling edge of the subdivision signal, switching between the H level signal and the L level signal is performed. Correcting the lens signal by performing and outputting the corrected lens signal;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: 2. The correction lens signal is input to a control unit, and the control unit controls driving of a print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet.
6. The printer according to any one of items 1 to 5. The lens detection means includes
A light emitting unit that emits light toward the lens sheet, and is provided on the opposite side of the carriage across the lens sheet in the conveying state of the lens sheet;
A light receiving portion that is attached to the carriage and receives light that is emitted from the light emitting portion and then passes through the lens sheet, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light;
The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The lens detection means includes
A light emitting unit that is attached to the carriage and emits light toward the lens sheet in a conveying state of the lens sheet;
A light receiving unit that is attached to the carriage and that is output from the light emitting unit, reflected after being transmitted through the lens sheet, and transmitted through the lens sheet again, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light. When,
The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: In a printing method for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses are arranged,
A lens signal output step of outputting a lens signal corresponding to the pitch of the lens in the lens sheet by scanning the lens sheet;
An encoder signal output step of outputting an encoder signal according to a pattern provided on the scale by scanning the scale;
A signal segmentation step for subdividing the encoder signal and outputting a segmented signal while the encoder signal is input;
A correction step of inputting the subdivision signal and the lens signal, correcting the lens signal based on the subdivision signal, and outputting a correction lens signal;
A printing method comprising:

Images