JP2007144973A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a printing method which can perform printing appropriately on a lens sheet having a slanting sheet edge or a lens sheet arranged while inclining. <P>SOLUTION: The printer 10 performing printing on a lens sheet 12 comprises a lens detection means 60 for detecting the width dimension of a lens 12A1 along the main scanning direction at different parts of the lens sheet 12 in the sub-scanning direction, a means 110 for comparing a plurality of width dimensions detected at different parts in the sub-scanning direction by the lens detection means 60 and calculating the inclination angle θ of the sheet edge 12E for one direction by that comparison, and a means 100 for controlling driving of a print head 32 ejecting an ink drop toward the lens sheet 12 based on the inclination angle θ of the sheet edge 12E calculated by the inclination angle calculation means 110 and the width dimensions. <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.)

By the way, when a lens sheet is manufactured, it is cut into a predetermined size, but the user may cut the lens sheet into a desired size (A4 size, postcard size, etc.). Although it is necessary to cut such a lens sheet with high precision, the cut surface (sheet edge) resulting from the cutting is often not along the length of the convex lens. In addition, when the lens sheet is a predetermined size such as A4, the current sheet edge is often cut obliquely so that a difference of about several tens of microns occurs between the upper end and the lower end at the manufacturing stage. is there. Also,
For example, when a so-called guillotine cutter with 1 mm accuracy is used, the cutting may be performed so that a difference of several convex lenses is generated between the upper end and the lower end.

In this way, when the sheet edge is not along the length of the convex lens (oblique),
An image to be printed on a different convex lens may be printed on the same convex lens. For example, when the lens sheet discharge side and the lens sheet supply side are shifted by one convex lens, the image to be printed differs by one convex lens between the discharge side and the paper supply side (deviation). ) Cases arise.

In addition, it is preferable that a sheet edge exists in a valley portion between adjacent convex lenses because a printed image can be printed as it is. However, the actual sheet edge often exists at a position other than the valley position. In this case, since it is different from the interval of the original convex lens, if printing is performed as it is, there is a possibility that an adverse effect such as displacement of a printed image may occur. Although a specific method is not disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is an overlap region for smoothly switching between a signal (lens signal) generated by lens detection and an encoder signal (ENC signal). . However, it does not deal with the deviation of the sheet edge, and therefore when the front and rear paper feed pitch is shifted by one convex lens, the printed image is shifted.

Further, when using a lens sheet whose lens sheet edge does not extend along the valley, there is a possibility that the edge sheet edge is used as a reference. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the skew countermeasure of the lens sheet does not consider the case where the sheet edge is inclined as described above, and an incorrect skew angle is calculated, which adversely affects the printed image. There is a case.

The present invention was made on the basis of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is for a lens sheet having an inclined sheet edge, or a lens sheet installed at an inclination.
An object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a printing method capable of appropriately printing.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention scans a different part in the sub-scanning direction of a lens sheet in a printer for executing printing on a lens sheet on which a plurality of lenses having one longitudinal direction are arranged. Thus, based on the width information of the different parts in the sub-scanning direction outputted by the lens detection means, the lens detection means for outputting the width information about the width dimension along the main scanning direction of the lens, the lens sheet for one direction Inclination angle calculating means for calculating the inclination angle of the sheet edge, and driving of the print head for ejecting ink droplets toward the lens sheet based on the inclination angle and width information of the sheet edge calculated by the inclination angle calculating means And control means for controlling.

When configured in this manner, the lens width information of the lens is output by the lens detection unit in a state along the main scanning direction at a different part in the sub-scanning direction. Then, lens width information along the main scanning direction is output at at least two locations in the sub-scanning direction. Further, the inclination angle calculation means calculates the inclination angle of the sheet edge with respect to one direction by comparing the at least two pieces of width information. Further, the control unit controls the drive of the print head based on the calculated inclination angle, and ejects ink droplets toward the lens sheet.

In this way, it is possible to eject ink droplets at an appropriate position considering the sheet edge. Accordingly, even when the sheet edge (cut surface) is present obliquely so as to straddle a plurality of lenses, the control unit takes into account the state where the sheet edge is inclined, and the print head Can be controlled. As a result, the image is shifted with respect to the lens to be printed due to the sheet edge straddling a plurality of lenses as in the case of printing on the lens sheet with the sheet edge as a reference. Can be prevented.

Further, since it is possible to control the drive of the print head based not only on the inclination angle but also on the width dimension, even when the width of the lens at the sheet edge is narrow, it is possible to print in consideration of the width.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent misalignment of a print image printed on the lens sheet.

In addition to the above-described invention, another invention is a lens that serves as a reference when performing printing on a lens sheet based on the inclination angle of the sheet edge calculated by the inclination angle calculation means and the total length of the lens sheet. Reference lens determining means for determining a certain reference lens is provided.

When configured in this manner, the reference lens determining means determines a reference lens that serves as a reference when performing printing based on the inclination angle of the sheet edge and the total length of the lens sheet. In this way, since the reference for printing is determined, even when the sheet edge portion is diagonally located so as to straddle a plurality of lenses, the control means uses the reference lens as a reference. The drive can be controlled.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-described invention, the other invention further calculates the maximum number of traversing the sheet edge portion across the lens with respect to the total length of the lens sheet, and further, the current scanning portion of the lens detection means with respect to the lens sheet Calculate the current number of crossings where the sheet edge crosses the lens at
The reference lens is determined based on the maximum number of crossings and the current number of crossings.

Thus, by calculating the maximum number of crossings and / or the number of crossings, it becomes possible to calculate a lens located at a site where the sheet edge does not cross the lens (no straddling),
It becomes possible to fix the reference lens.

According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the reference lens determining means is a provisional reference lens prior to detecting the lens detecting means along the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet. The reference lens is determined.

When configured in this way, printing can be executed using the temporary reference lens as a reference even at a stage before the reference lens is determined, for example, at the beginning of the movement of the print head. . Accordingly, the lens sheet detection operation and the printing operation can be performed simultaneously over the entire surface of the lens sheet.

Further, according to another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the control unit causes the ink droplets to be ejected from the reference lens or the temporary reference lens onto the lens sheet.

In such a configuration, when printing on the lens sheet, printing by the print head is executed from the reference lens or the temporary reference lens. Accordingly, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the deviation of the print image printed on the lens sheet, which becomes a problem when printing is performed from the sheet edge. In addition, since the ink droplets are not ejected onto the lens sheet at the temporary reference lens and / or the portion that does not reach the reference lens, waste of ink droplets can be prevented well.

In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the lens detection means outputs a detection signal corresponding to the width information when detecting the lens, and the control means receives the detection signal from the lens detection means. The mask processing means includes an input mask processing means, and the mask processing means outputs a detection signal input before reaching the reference lens determined by the reference lens determination means or a predetermined temporary reference lens. Mask processing that does not output from the end side is performed.

In such a configuration, when the detection signal is input to the mask processing unit, the detection signal is not output from the output end side at a stage where it does not reach the reference lens or the temporary reference lens (before reaching). For this reason, based on the detection signal output through the mask processing means, it is possible to prevent the lens sheet from being printed from the sheet edge portion, and to prevent a print image from being displaced. That is, it is possible to execute printing with high accuracy on the lens sheet.

In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the lens is a convex lens, the detection signal has an H level signal and an L level signal, and the lens detection means is a lens peak. An H level signal is output when detecting the vicinity, and an L level signal is output when detecting the vicinity of the valley including the boundary with the adjacent lens. The portion corresponding to the temporary reference lens is the second H
The rising edge of the level signal is detected, and the mask processing means is the second H
When a rising edge of a level signal is detected, a detection signal is output from this portion from the output side.

In such a configuration, when a rising edge that switches from an L level signal to an H level signal is first detected, the detected portion can correspond to the sheet edge. Further, it is possible to correspond to the lens width until the next rising edge is detected, and it is possible to calculate the inclination angle of the sheet edge portion and the like. Further, in the stage where the reference lens is not determined, when the rising edge of the second H level signal is detected, the mask processing means uses the convex lens corresponding to this detection as a temporary reference lens, the mask processing means Alternatively, an L level signal is output. For this reason, it is possible to execute printing on the lens sheet based on a relatively stable reference even before the reference lens is determined.

Further, according to another invention, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the print head is attached to a carriage that moves in the main scanning direction by driving the carriage motor, and the lens detection means is configured to emit light toward the lens sheet. And a light emitting part provided on the opposite side of the carriage across the lens sheet in the conveying state of the lens sheet, and light that is attached to the carriage and is transmitted through the lens sheet after being emitted from the light emitting part And a light receiving unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light.

In such a configuration, when the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, the lens detection unit can output width information regarding the width dimension of the lens. in this case,
Since the print head is also attached to the carriage, it is possible to simultaneously detect the width of each lens and print on the lens sheet in one scan. Further, 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.

According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the reference lens determining means further includes a process from the edge portion of the H level and / or L level signal output from the lens detecting means to the next edge portion. Based on the counting of the clock signal by the count control unit, the time for the lens detection means to pass through each lens along the main scanning direction is calculated, and further calculated based on the encoder signal output from the linear encoder. The width dimension is calculated from the speed and time of the carriage.

In the case of such a configuration, by counting the clock signal from the edge portion of the H level and / or L level signal output from the lens detection means to the next edge portion by the count control unit, these edges are obtained. The time between the parts is calculated. here,
Since the H level and / or L level signals correspond to the lens width or lens pitch, the width of the lens can be calculated by multiplying the time by the carriage speed. Accordingly, it is possible to eject ink droplets at an appropriate position in consideration of the sheet edge.

Further, in addition to the above-described inventions, in another aspect of the invention, the control means may be configured such that the lens detection means detects a main part detected by the lens detection means even if the lens detection means does not output an H level and / or L level signal. When width information along the scanning direction is present in the sub-scanning direction, a complementing process for complementing the H level and / or L level signals is performed.

In such a configuration, for example, the distance from the home position to the sheet edge is greater on the rear end side (sheet feeding side) of the lens sheet than on the front end side (sheet ejection side) of the lens sheet. Even in a short case, it is possible to execute printing in accordance with the rear end side of the lens sheet by complementing the H level and / or L level signals. In this way, it is possible to prevent a blank portion from being printed on the rear end side of the lens sheet from being generated by printing with the front end side of the lens sheet as a reference.

In another invention, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the lens detection means detects the width dimension along the main scanning direction of the lens at at least three different portions in the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet, and the reference The lens determining means determines the direction in which the sheet edge is inclined with respect to one direction based on at least three width dimensions of the lens detecting means.

In such a configuration, it is possible to determine the direction in which the sheet edge is inclined with respect to one direction, which is difficult with only two width dimensions (width information). This makes it possible to prevent ink droplets from being accidentally ejected onto the lens sheet without knowing the direction of inclination of the sheet edge.

Furthermore, another invention is a printing method for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses having one direction as a longitudinal direction is arranged, by scanning different portions in the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet, The width dimension detection step for outputting the width information related to the width dimension along the main scanning direction of the lens is compared with the width information of the different parts in the sub-scanning direction output by the width dimension detection step, and the comparison is made by comparing the width information of the lens sheet. An ink droplet is ejected toward the lens sheet on the basis of the inclination angle calculation step for calculating the inclination angle of the sheet edge of the lens sheet with respect to the sheet, and the inclination angle and width information of the sheet edge calculated in the inclination angle calculation step And a control process for controlling the drive of the print head.

When configured in this way, in the width dimension detection step, at different parts in the sub-scanning direction,
In the state along the main scanning direction, the width information related to the width dimension of the lens is output. Then, width information related to the width dimension of the lens along the main scanning direction is output at at least two locations in the sub-scanning direction. In the inclination angle calculation step, the inclination angle of the sheet edge with respect to one direction is calculated by comparing at least two pieces of width information. Furthermore, in the control process,
Based on the calculated tilt angle and width information, the drive of the print head is controlled to eject ink droplets toward the lens sheet.

In this way, it is possible to eject ink droplets at an appropriate position considering the sheet edge. Thereby, even when the sheet edge (cut surface) is present obliquely so as to straddle a plurality of lenses, the print head is used in the control process in consideration of the state where the sheet edge is inclined. Can be controlled. As a result, the image is shifted with respect to the lens to be printed due to the sheet edge straddling a plurality of lenses as in the case of printing on the lens sheet with the sheet edge as a reference. Can be prevented.

Further, since it is possible to control the drive of the print head based not only on the inclination angle but also on the width dimension, even when the width of the lens at the sheet edge is narrow, it is possible to print in consideration of the width.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent misalignment of a print image printed on the lens sheet.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the printer 10 of the present embodiment is an ink jet printer, but 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).

<Lens sheet>
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 lens 12A1 is 10 lpi (lens per inch; the number of convex lenses 12A1 per inch), 20 lpi, 30 lpi, 45 lpi, 60 lpi,
Some have 90 lpi, 100 lpi, 130 lpi, and 180 lpi. However, the pitch of the convex lens 12A1 is not limited to this example, and various changes may be made in addition to these lens pitches. 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.

Further, the ink permeable layer 12C is a portion to which the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 33a is first attached, and is a portion through which the attached ink passes. This ink transmission layer 12C
For example, titanium oxide, silica gel, PMMA (methacrylic resin), barium sulfate or the like is used as a material. The ink absorption layer 12B is a part that absorbs and / or fixes the ink that has passed through the ink transmission layer 12C. The ink absorbing layer 12B is made of, for example, PV
A hydrophilic polymer resin such as A (polyvinyl alcohol), a cationic compound, fine particles such as silica and the like are used as a material. The ink absorption layer 12B is transparent, and the ink transmission layer 12C 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.

<About the overall configuration of the printer>
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 4 for conveying and / or sandwiching the lens sheet 12 on the paper discharge side with respect to the paper feed roller 42.
3 is provided. 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.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lens pitch (or lens position) 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.
The lens detection sensor 60 corresponding to the lens detection means is arranged. The lens detection sensor 60 is a light projecting / receiving type (transmission type) sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62 as shown in FIGS. 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, 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.

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. The linear encoder 80 outputs light toward the code plate 81 in which the line pattern is repeated and the code plate 81, and converts the light reflected from the code plate 81 into an electrical signal to the control unit 100. And a linear sensor 82 for transmission.

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 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.
The binary signal (binarized signal) of the H level or the L level is determined depending on whether or not the input signal exceeds the threshold value. In this state, the lens pitch of the lens sheet 12 can be measured by inputting a binarized signal to the control unit 100 described later and detecting the switching timing of the H level signal and / or the L level signal.

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. The rotary encoder 132 includes a rotary sensor 132b similar to the linear sensor 82 described above. However, the rotary encoder 132 is different from the linear encoder 80 described above in that the code plate 1
32a is provided in a disk shape. The rest of the configuration of the rotary encoder 132 is the same as that of the linear encoder 80.

<Details of printer control section>
Next, the control unit 100 will be described. The control unit 100 is a part corresponding to the control means, and supplies a PW sensor (not shown) for detecting a paper width, a lens detection sensor 60, a gap detection sensor 70, a linear sensor 82, a rotary encoder 132, which will be described later, and the power source of the printer 10. Each output signal of the power supply SW etc. to be turned on / off is input. The control unit 100 includes a CPU 10
1. A ROM 102 for storing a program for determining the reference lens LB, a RAM 103 for temporarily storing data, a non-volatile memory (PROM) 104, an ASIC 105, a head driver 106, etc., are provided via a bus 107. Connected.

Then, a functional configuration (reference lens determination mechanism 110) that performs each function as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 by the cooperation of these elements or by adding a circuit that performs a specific process. Corresponding to a reference lens determining means, an inclination angle calculating means, and a mask processing means). Note that the functional configuration (reference lens determination mechanism 110) that performs each function shown in FIG. 10 may be realized by hardware or may be realized by software.

As shown in FIG. 10, the reference lens determination mechanism 110 includes a count control unit 111, a register 112, a calculation unit 113, a mask processing unit 114, a signal switching unit 115, and an ejection control unit 116. ing. FIG. 11 shows details of the main parts of the reference lens determining mechanism 110 along the flow of data processing.

Based on these FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the detail of the functional structure which performs each function is explained in full detail. As described above, the analog signal output from the lens detection sensor 60 (light receiving unit 62) is input to the binarization processing unit 93. And from this binarization processing part 93, H
A binarized lens signal of level or L level is output, and this lens signal is input to the count control unit 111.

The count control unit 111 counts during a positive edge of an input lens signal (timing at which an L level signal is switched to an H level signal; corresponding to a rising edge) in order to measure the lens interval. The number of clocks is calculated. Furthermore, the count control unit 111 determines the interval AL shown in FIG.
The interval KL and the interval BL are calculated.

In terms of functionality, the count control unit 111 includes a point A lens interval measurement unit 111a,
A K-point lens interval measurement unit 111b and a B-point lens interval measurement unit 111c are provided. Among these, the A-point lens interval measuring unit 111a has an interval A along the main scanning direction with the A point as an end point.
L is calculated. The K-point lens interval measuring unit 111b calculates an interval KL along the main scanning direction with the K point as an end point. Further, the B-point lens interval measuring unit 111c calculates an interval BL along the main scanning direction with the B point as an end point. In addition, the A point lens interval measuring unit 111a,
The K-point lens interval measurement unit 111b and the B-point lens interval measurement unit 111c may be provided independently of each other, or may be configured to be shared by one lens interval measurement unit.

The reference lens determining mechanism 110 is provided with a number of registers for storing various data. In the following description, when referring to registers collectively, it is referred to as a register 112, and when referring to individual registers, it is assumed to be one of the registers 112a to 112l.

An outline of information stored in each of the registers 112a to 112l is as follows.
First, information regarding the interval AL calculated by the A-point lens interval measuring unit 111 a described above is stored in the register 112 a among the registers 112. The K-point lens interval measuring unit 111
Information on the interval KL calculated in b is stored in the register 112b. Further, the interval BL calculated by the B-point lens interval measuring unit 111c is stored in the register 112c. Further, information regarding the speed A calculated by the speed calculation unit 113c described later is stored in the register 112d.
Is remembered.

Further, information regarding the speed B calculated by the speed calculation unit 113c described later is stored in the register 1
12e. Further, information regarding the angle θ calculated by the angle calculation unit 113b described later is stored in the register 112f. Information about the total length L of the lens sheet 12 in the paper feed direction is stored in the register 112g. Further, information regarding the current position in the paper feed direction output from the rotary sensor 132b is stored in the register 112h. Information on the maximum number of crossings M calculated by the first crossing number determination unit 113d is stored in the register 112i. Information on the current number N of traverses (the number of current convex lenses) calculated by the second traverse number determination unit 113e is stored in the register 112j. Further, the flag information indicating the right-down or left-down as calculated by the cutting direction calculation unit 113a is stored in the register 112k. Further, information regarding the variable X (reference number X) stored in the default state or determined and overwritten by the reference lens selection unit 113f is stored in the register 112l.

In the present embodiment, each piece of information is stored in the register 112. However, when the transfer speed of each information is sufficiently high and the processing speed of the calculation unit 113 is also high, the above-described information is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the RAM 103 specified by the address information. Anyway.

Further, the calculation unit 113 is provided with a cutting direction calculation unit 113a, an angle calculation unit 113b, a speed calculation unit 113c, a first crossing number determination unit 113d, a second crossing number determination unit 113e, and a reference lens selection unit 113f. Yes.

Among these, the cutting direction calculation unit 113a has an interval A stored in the register 112a.
The cutting direction of the lens sheet 12 is calculated based on the information on L, the information on the interval KL stored in the register 112b, and the information on the interval BL stored in the register 112c. Information on the cutting direction calculated by the cutting direction calculation unit 113a (a flag indicating a right-down or left-down) is stored in the register 112k. A detailed flow of calculating the cutting direction will be described later with reference to FIG.

In addition, the angle calculation unit 113b calculates the inclination angle θ of the lens sheet 12 based on the information on the interval AL and the information on the interval BL. At this time, the angle calculation unit 113b refers to the information on the speed A and the speed B from the register 112d and the register 112e. For example, when the speed A is a reference speed, the speed B is a magnification of B / A with respect to the reference speed A. Then, the corrected interval BL is calculated by multiplying the interval BL by this magnification. Note that the same method as for the corrected interval BL may be applied to the interval KL. The angle calculation unit 113b functions as a main element of the tilt angle calculation unit.

Further, the speed calculation unit 113 c calculates the speed of the carriage 30 based on the ENC signal input from the linear sensor 82. Information on the speed A calculated by the speed calculator 113c is stored in the register 112d, and similarly, information on the speed B calculated by the speed calculator 113c is stored in the register 112e.

Further, the first traverse number determining unit 113d uses the inclination angle θ stored in the register 112f.
The number of convex lenses 12A1 traversed by the sheet edge portion 12E is calculated based on the information on the information and the information on the total length L of the lens sheet 12 in the paper feeding direction.

In addition, the second traverse number determining unit 113e uses the inclination angle θ stored in the register 112f.
The sheet edge portion 12E calculates the number of convex lenses 12A1 that are currently traversed on the basis of the information on the information and the information on the current position in the paper feed direction stored in the register 112h. Further, the reference lens selection unit 113f displays information on the maximum number of traverses M stored in the register 112i, information on the current position in the paper feed direction stored in the register 112h, and lowering to the right stored in the register 112k. Alternatively, the reference lens LB is selected (determined) based on the flag information indicating the left-down. When the reference lens LB is selected (determined) by the reference lens selection unit 113f, the reference lens selection unit 113f displays the reference lens LB.
Is stored in the register 112l in a state of overwriting the already stored variable X. The reference lens selection unit 113f functions as a main element of the reference lens determination unit.

A lens signal is input from the binarization processing unit 93 to the mask processing unit 114. In addition, when detecting the Xth positive edge of the lens signal based on the variable X stored in the register 112l, the mask processing unit 114 outputs the lens signal to the signal switching unit 115 from the detection. Then, mask processing is performed. Therefore, in the stage before reaching the Xth positive edge, the mask processing unit 114 is directed toward the signal switching unit 115.
Do not output lens signals. The mask processing unit 114 functions as a main element of the mask processing unit.

Further, the signal switching unit 115 illustrated in FIG. 10 is a part that selectively outputs either the lens signal output via the mask processing unit 114 or the ENC signal to the ejection control unit 116. In this embodiment, when a lens signal is output from the mask processing unit 114, the signal switching unit 115 outputs the lens signal preferentially without outputting the ENC signal. Conversely, if no lens signal is output from the mask processing unit 114, the signal switching unit 115 outputs an ENC signal.

Further, the ejection control unit 116 illustrated in FIG. 10 controls and drives the print head 32 based on the lens signal or ENC signal supplied from the signal switching unit 115. At this time, the ejection control unit 116 multiplies the lens signal or the ENC signal to generate a timing signal PTS (Print Timing Signal). The generated timing signal PTS is supplied to the print head 32. Based on this timing signal PTS, timing control of a drive signal separately supplied to the print head 32 is performed.

The timing signal PTS based on the ENC signal and the timing signal PTS based on the lens signal are preferably approximated. That is, it is preferable to select a multiple of the lens signal multiplication process so that the timing signal PTS based on the lens signal approximates the timing signal PTS based on the ENC signal.

<About the basic processing flow for printing>
A basic processing flow for performing printing in the case of operating the printer 10 using the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the printer 10 prepares for printing to start printing (S10). The print preparation is preparation for starting printing such that the carriage 30 is moved to the home position or the lens sheet 12 is set and then transported to the printing start position.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether there is print data to be printed in the RAM 103 or the like of the printer 10 (S11). If it is determined that print data exists (Yes), the process proceeds to S12. Further, when it is determined that there is no print data (in the case of No; when printing on the lens sheet is finished), since the printing cannot be performed, the subsequent processing is finished.

In the case of Yes in S11 described above, the CPU 101 transmits a control signal to the driver 106, drives the CR motor 22, and moves the carriage 30 toward the side away from the home position (S12). At this time, the lens detection sensor 60 is activated to output an L level signal, and the lens sheet 12 can be detected. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the sheet edge 12E is detected (S13). When the carriage 30 moves and the lens detection sensor 60 reaches the sheet edge 12E, the lens detection sensor 60 outputs an H level signal from the vicinity of the peak of the convex lens 12A1 located in the vicinity of the sheet edge 12E. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the sheet edge 12E is detected.

When it is determined that the sheet edge 12E is detected in the determination of S13 described above (Ye
In the case of s), a process of determining the reference lens LB is performed (S14). If it is determined in S13 that the sheet edge 12E is not detected (No), the above-described S
Return to 12. In order to determine the reference lens, the process proceeds to the process flow shown in FIG. 14, which will be described later.

In S14, when the temporary reference lens LT or the reference lens LB is determined,
Returning again to the flow shown in FIG. That is, when the temporary reference lens LT or the reference lens LB is determined, the mask processing unit 114 outputs a lens signal from the determined position (timing) of the temporary reference lens LT or the reference lens LB. And when the lens signal is output,
The signal switching unit 115 switches the ENC signal output to the lens signal output. Further, the discharge control unit 116 performs the multiplication process of the timing signal PTS based on the ENC signal.
Switching to the multiplication processing of the timing signal PTS based on the lens signal. Thereby, the timing signal PTS output from the discharge control part 116 is switched (S15; a part of control process).

Next, a timing signal PTS based on the changed lens signal is supplied to the print head 32. The print head 32 controls the ejection timing of the ink droplets based on the timing signal PTS, and ejects the ink droplets to the lens sheet 12 (S1).
6; part of the control process).

The lens detection sensor 60 employs the arrangement shown in FIG. In this arrangement, in the forward path of the carriage 30, the lens detection sensor 60 passes through the upper part of the lens sheet 12 first,
After passing through the lens detection sensor 60, the print head 32 passes over the lens sheet 12. Thus, prior to the ejection of ink droplets from the print head 32, the lens pitch of the convex lens 12A1 can be detected, and the timing signal PTS corresponding to the lens pitch of the convex lens 12A1 can be generated. Yes.

As described above, printing for one scan is performed while moving the carriage 30. During the printing, it is determined whether printing for one scan is completed (S17). If it is determined in S17 that printing for one scan has been completed (in the case of Yes), no lens signal is output from the mask processing unit 114. Thereby, the timing signal PTS output from the ejection control unit 116 is changed from that based on the lens signal to that based on the ENC signal (S18). If it is determined in S17 that printing for one scan has not been completed,
The process returns to S16 described above.

In S17 described above, when printing for one scan is completed, ink droplets are no longer ejected from the print head 32. In this state, the carriage 30 is moved in the direction opposite to the scanning direction during printing (S19). After starting the reverse movement, the lens sheet 1
2 is conveyed by one paper feed pitch (S20). In addition, after the conveyance process for 1 pitch is completed, the process returns to S11 again, and thereafter the same process is repeated.

<Details of processing for determining the reference lens>
Next, details of the above-described processing of S14 will be described based on the processing flow shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the interval AL has been measured (S1401). In this determination, when it is determined that measurement is not performed (in the case of No), subsequently, as shown in FIG.
The distance AL along the main scanning direction is measured while using the point A as an end point (S1402; corresponding to a part of the width dimension detecting step).

In this case, the point A lens interval measuring unit 111a detects the first rising edge (positive edge; see FIG. 13B) of the lens signal corresponding to the sheet edge 12E in S13 described above, and then the next lens. The number of clocks until the positive edge of the signal is detected is counted. Here, the interval AL is obtained by carriage speed × time. The time in this equation is calculated by multiplying the counted number of clocks by the time per clock (clock interval).

The calculated interval AL is stored in the register 112a. The interval between positive edges in the lens signal corresponds to the width information.

Subsequently, the temporary reference lens LT is adopted (determined) (S1403). Here, when the mask processing unit 114 reads the variable X stored in the register 112l by default, the temporary reference lens LT is determined. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 11, X = 2, and when the second positive edge of the lens signal is detected in the mask processing unit 114, the signal switching unit 115 starts from the second positive edge. A lens signal is output toward. This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13B, a lens signal is input to the mask processing unit 114 from the first positive edge. However, the mask processing unit 114 does not output the portion before the second positive edge detected by the broken line of the lens signal is detected. That is, after the second positive edge is detected, the lens signal is output toward the signal switching unit 115.

If S1403 has elapsed, the process of determining the reference lens LB ends, and the process proceeds to S15 shown in FIG.

Further, when it is determined that the interval AL is measured in the above-described determination of S1401 (Y
In the case of es), it is then determined whether or not the interval KL along the main scanning direction is measured with the K point as an end point (S1404). In this determination, when it is determined that the interval KL is not measured (in the case of No), subsequently, the interval KL along the main scanning direction is measured with the K point as an end point as shown in FIG. (S1405; corresponding to a part of the width dimension detecting step).

This interval KL is measured by the K-point lens interval measuring unit 111b. In the measurement of the interval KL in the K-point lens interval measuring unit 111b, the number of clocks between the first positive edge and the second positive edge of the lens signal is counted as in the interval AL described above. Further, the interval KL is calculated by multiplying the counted number of clocks by the time per clock (clock interval) to calculate the time, and multiplying this time by the carriage speed.

The calculated interval KL is stored in the register 112b. Further, after the measurement of the interval KL is completed, the process proceeds to step S1403 described above. K point is 1 from A point.
This is a part fed in the paper feed direction with a paper feed amount that does not reach inches, and is a part between point A and point B.

In the case of Yes in step S1404, subsequently, a predetermined feed amount (in FIG. 14, 1 inch is shown as an example in the paper feed direction (sub-scanning direction) from the portion where the first interval AL is measured. It is determined whether or not it has been sent (S1406). In this determination, when it is determined that the predetermined feed amount has not been reached (in the case of No), the process of adopting / determining the temporary reference lens LT determined in step S1403 described above is performed, and thereafter in step S15 described above. Process.

If it is determined in S1406 that the predetermined feed amount has been reached (Yes)
Next, it is determined whether or not the interval BL as shown in FIG.
S1407). In this determination, when it is determined that the interval BL is not measured (No
Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, the distance BL along the main scanning direction is measured with the point B as an end point (S1408; corresponding to a part of the width dimension detecting step).

This interval BL is measured by the B-point lens interval measuring unit 111c. In the measurement of the interval BL in the B-point lens interval measurement unit 111c, the number of clocks between the first positive edge and the second positive edge of the lens signal is counted as in the interval AL described above. Further, the interval BL is calculated by multiplying the counted number of clocks by the time per clock (clock interval) to calculate the time, and multiplying this time by the carriage speed. The calculated interval BL is stored in the register 112c.

After the measurement of the interval BL is completed, the inclination angle θ is calculated (S1409).
Corresponding to the tilt angle calculation step). The inclination angle θ is calculated by the angle calculation unit 113b. Here, the angle calculation unit 113b reads information about the interval AL from the register 112a and also reads information about the interval BL from the register 112c. Further, the information about the speed A is read from the register 112d, and the information about the speed B is read from the register 112e. Further, the distance in the paper feeding direction between the interval AL and the interval BL is a prescribed value such as 1 inch. The angle calculation unit 113b calculates the inclination angle θ based on these pieces of information.

Here, the inclination angle θ is calculated by taking an interval difference Δ between the interval AL and the interval BL obtained by the above-described calculation, and this difference Δ and the paper feed length, for example, 1 inch or the like. From the specified feed amount Q, the inclination angle θ is obtained. Note that the inclination angle θ is θ = ATAN (Δ /
Q) × 180 / π. In this formula, Atan is an arctangent.

Here, a specific example of calculating the inclination angle θ will be described. For example, the speed of the carriage 30 is 127 μm / ms (= 14.4 kHz / 2880 dpi) and the clock interval is 0.
069 ms (≈ 1 / 14.4 kHz), and assuming that the difference between the number of clocks counted when calculating the interval AL and the number of clocks counted when calculating the interval BL is 10, the above-described interval difference Δ Is determined to be 87.63 μm. Then, since the feed amount Q is known to be, for example, 1 inch, the inclination angle θ is based on the above-described equation for calculating the inclination angle θ.
Is determined to be 0.2 degrees, for example.

The calculation of the speed A and the speed B is separately performed by the speed calculation unit 113c in FIG. The speed calculation unit 113c receives an ENC signal from the linear sensor 82. For example, the number of clocks between positive edges of the ENC signal is counted. Then, the time between positive edges is calculated by multiplying the counted number of clocks by the clock interval. Further, the interval between positive edges of the ENC signal is, for example, 180.
Since dpi is a prescribed value, the speed A and the speed B are calculated by dividing this interval by the calculated time. Information regarding the speed A calculated by the speed calculation unit 113c is stored in the register 112d, and information regarding the speed B is stored in the register 112e.

Further, when it can be considered that there is no difference in speed between the speed A and the speed B, the speed A and the speed B may not be referred to.

Subsequently, the maximum number of crossings M is obtained (S1410). As shown in FIG. 15, the maximum transverse number M is the number of sheet edges 12E (cut surfaces) that traverse the convex lens 12A1 over the entire length L of the lens sheet 12 in the paper feeding direction. The calculation of the maximum crossing number M is performed by the first crossing number determination unit 113d. In this case, the first traverse number determining unit 113d reads information related to the inclination angle θ from the register 112f and also reads information related to the total length L of the lens sheet 12 in the paper feed direction from the register 112g. And the 1st crossing number determination part 1
In 13d, the maximum number of crossings M is obtained by the equation M = {tan (θ × π / 180)} × L ÷ W. In this equation, W is the width dimension (lens pitch) of the convex lens 12A1.

Here, a specific example of calculating the maximum number of crossings M based on the above formula will be described. For example, assuming that the total length L is 210 mm, the width dimension W is 0.254 mm, and the inclination angle θ is 0.2 degrees as described above, the maximum number M of crossings is determined to be about 2.9.

As described above, after the interval BL is obtained in S1408, the maximum number of crossings M is calculated in S1410. However, in the stage immediately after the measurement of the interval BL to the calculation of the maximum number of crossings M, printing in any one of the scans is executed, so S1403 is followed by S1403.
Proceed to. That is, the temporary reference lens LT obtained in S1403 described above is adopted, and the processing after S15 shown in FIG. 12 is performed based on the temporary reference lens LT.

Further, when it is determined that the interval BL is measured in the above-described determination of S1407 (Y
es), the inclination state of the convex lens 12A1 is determined (S1411). A processing flow for determining such an inclination state is shown in FIG. 16, and the description thereof will be described later. Also,
This S1411 may be performed at another timing, for example, immediately after the interval BL in S1408 is measured.

Next, the current number N of crossings is calculated (S1412). The current number N of crossings means that the number of convex lenses 12A includes the sheet edge 12E between the front end in the paper feed direction and the current position in the paper feed direction.
It is a value indicating whether or not 1 is crossed. The formula for obtaining the current number of crossings N is the same as the formula for obtaining the maximum number of crossings M described above. However, the maximum number M of crossings uses the total length L of the lens sheet 12, but the current number N of crossings replaces the total length L with the lens sheet 1
A paper feed amount Q of 2 is used. That is, the current number of crossings N is N = {tan (θ × π /
180)} × Q ÷ W. For example, if the paper feed amount Q is 100 mm, the current number N of traverses is calculated to be about 1.4.

After obtaining the current number N of crossings, a reference lens LB as shown in FIG. 15 is subsequently determined (S1413). In S1413, the reference lens selection unit 113f stores an inclination state flag of the convex lens 12A1 described later, which is stored in the register 112k.
Based on the variable X, the reference lens LB is determined. Here, the variable X is information indicating that the X-th convex lens 12A1 corresponds to the reference lens LB. In this case, for example, a mathematical formula to be applied for determining the reference lens LB, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 104 or the like and read into a register or the like (not shown), is selected.

Here, when the sheet edge portion 12E is tilted downward, the sheet edge portion 12E bites toward the center side of the lens sheet 12 toward the rear end side of the lens sheet 12. In this case, the reference lens LB is determined by the equation X = M−N + 1 where the sheet edge 12E is a convex lens position that does not cross the convex lens 12A1. Next, when the sheet edge portion 12E is inclined leftward, the sheet edge portion 12E is separated from the center of the lens sheet 12 toward the rear end side of the lens sheet 12. In this case, it is sufficient to set the reference lens LB as X = N + 1.
+1 is determined. However, the reference lens LB may be determined with a sufficient margin in the case of the lower right or the lower left.

Note that when the maximum number of crossings M is 2.9 and the current number of crossings N is 1.4 as in the specific example described above, X = M−N + 1 (= 2.9). According to the formula of -1.4 + 1), the number is 2.5. In this case, the part after the decimal point is rounded up to be three. Further, when the reference lens LB is obtained by the equation X = N + 1, the portion after the decimal point may be rounded up.

Through the processing flow as described above, the variable X is determined and the reference lens LB is determined. The determined variable X is overwritten and saved in the register 112l. That is, the variable X (= 2) stored in the register 112l by default corresponding to the temporary reference lens LT is cleared, and the newly calculated variable X is stored in the register 112l.

<Details of the process for determining the tilt state of the convex lens>
Next, a processing flow for determining the tilt state of the convex lens 12A1 in S1411 described above will be described with reference to FIG. The determination of the inclined state of the convex lens 12A1 determines whether the sheet edge portion 12E is in one of the states shown in FIGS. Here, FIG. 17 shows a convex lens 12A1 as it goes downstream in the paper feeding direction.
This is a case where the sheet edge portion 12E is formed so that the width gradually becomes narrower (this case is assumed to be lower right). FIG. 18 shows the convex lens 12 when it goes downstream of the paper feed.
This is a case where the sheet edge portion 12E is formed so that A1 is gradually widened (this case is assumed to be left-down). FIG. 19 shows a case where the width of the convex lens 12A1 does not change even in the downstream direction in the paper feeding direction, and is in a parallel state (this case is assumed to be a parallel state).

First, ranking of each point is performed (S201). When ranking the points, the cutting direction calculation unit 113a reads information on the interval AL from the register 112a, and registers 1
Information on the interval KL is read from 12b, and further information on the interval BL is read from the register 112c. Then, the points are ranked by sequentially arranging the intervals AL, KL, and BL in ascending order of size. For example, in the case of the lower right as shown in FIG. 17, when ranking is performed, (AL, KL, BL) = (3, 2, 1), (2, 1, 3
), (1, 3, 2). Further, in the case of the left-down as shown in FIG.
L, KL, BL) = (1,2,3), (3,1,2), (2,3,1). Further, in the parallel state as shown in FIG. 19, since all dimensions are equal, (AL, KL
, BL) = (1, 1, 1).

The ranking of (AL, KL, BL) described above is, for example, a case like (3, 2, 1) (this case is assumed that the ascending order is counterclockwise) or, for example, ( 1, 2, 3) (in this case, the ascending order is clockwise). For this reason, when there is no correspondence table for the numerical values of the rankings described above, if an algorithm is provided to check whether the ascending order is counterclockwise or clockwise, depending on the algorithm, the algorithm decreases to the right, to the left, or to the left. The state can be determined. In the following, assuming that the above ascending order is counterclockwise or clockwise, it has an algorithm for determining whether
explain.

Subsequently, as a result of performing the above ranking, the cutting direction calculation unit 113a determines whether or not the rankings of all the points are the same (S202). In this determination, when it is determined that they are the same (in the case of Yes), in order to correspond to the parallel state, the flag of the parallel state is subsequently enabled (
S203). If it is determined in S202 that they are not identical (in the case of No), it is subsequently determined whether the ascending order is counterclockwise in the algorithm as described above (S204).
. In this determination, when it is determined that the ascending order corresponds to the counterclockwise direction (in the case of Yes), in order to correspond to the right-down state, the right-down flag is subsequently enabled (S205). At this time, the cutting direction calculation unit 113a stores the information corresponding to the right-down flag in the register 112k.
Remember me.

In S204, when it is determined that the ascending order is not counterclockwise (No),
The ascending order is clockwise, corresponding to the state of descending to the left. In this case, the lower left flag is validated (S206). At this time, the cutting direction calculation unit 113a stores information corresponding to the left-down flag in the register 112k.

In the above ranking, for example, (AL, KL, BL) =
There is a possibility that a special case such as (2, 1, 2) where the interval AL is equal to the interval BL may occur. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20, the sheet edge portion 12E is in a state of straddling at least two convex lenses 12A1. Such a situation cannot be said to occur because the number of convex lenses 12A1 increases (the lens resolution increases), and the possibility that the sheet edge 12E extends over a plurality increases.

Here, for example, when the inclination angle θ is calculated in the lens sheet 12 having a high resolution of 100 lpi according to the procedure shown in S1409 described above, ATRAN (0.254).
mm × 2 pieces / 25.4 mm) × 180 / π), which is calculated to be about 1.1 degrees. However, at present, the cutting accuracy of the lens sheet 12 and the lens sheet 1 in the printer 10
Since the skew angle of 2 does not exceed 1.1 degrees even if the skew angles of 2 are added, the above (AL, KL, B
The case of L) = (2, 1, 2) may be ignored. If the accuracy of determining the tilt state of the convex lens 12A1 is desired to be increased without ignoring as described above, the interval is not measured at three points, for example, four points, such as four points. What is necessary is just to measure above. As described above, the inclination state of the convex lens 12A1 is determined.

Based on the processing flows shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16 as described above, the reference lens LB is determined, and the inclination state of the convex lens 12A1 is determined.
Printing on the lens sheet 12 can be executed.

<Effects of the present invention>
According to the printer 10 configured as described above, the sheet edge portion 1 with respect to the lens sheet 12.
Ink droplets can be ejected to an appropriate position in consideration of 2E. Thereby, even when the sheet edge 12E is present obliquely so as to straddle the plurality of convex lenses 12A1, the print head 32 is driven in consideration of the state where the sheet edge 12E is inclined. Control becomes possible. In addition, as in the case where printing is performed on the lens sheet 12 with the sheet edge 12E as a reference, the convex sheet 12A1 to be printed by the sheet edge 12E straddling a plurality of convex lenses 12A1, but other convex lenses. It is possible to prevent the print image from shifting as in the case of printing on 12A1.

Further, based on detection of not only the inclination angle but also the width of the convex lens 12A1, the print head 32 is used.
Therefore, even when the width of the convex lens 12A1 is narrow as in the sheet edge portion 12E, it is possible to perform printing in consideration of the width. For this reason, it is possible to prevent misalignment of a print image printed on the lens sheet 12.

Further, in the reference lens determination mechanism 110, a reference lens LB serving as a reference when executing printing is determined based on the inclination angle θ of the sheet edge portion 12E and the total length L of the lens sheet 12.
In this way, the standard for printing is determined. For this reason, even when the sheet edge 12E exists diagonally so as to straddle the plurality of convex lenses 12A1, the control unit 100 can control the drive of the print head 32 with reference to the reference lens LB.

Further, the first crossing number determination unit 113d calculates the maximum crossing number M, and the second crossing number determination unit 113e calculates the current crossing number N. Thereby, the sheet edge 12E
It is possible to calculate the convex lens 12A1 that is a portion that does not cross (do not straddle) the convex lens 12A1. As a result, the reference lens LB can be determined, and printing on the lens sheet 12 can be executed using the reference lens LB as a reference.

In this embodiment, the register 112l stores a variable X corresponding to the temporary reference lens LT in a default state. For this reason, printing can be executed using the temporary reference lens LT as a reference until the reference lens LB is determined. Thereby, it is possible to simultaneously execute the printing operation together with the detection operation of the lens sheet 12 over the entire surface of the lens sheet 12.

Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines that the reference lens LB or the temporary reference lens LT is determined.
Ink droplets can be ejected from the reference lens LB or the temporary reference lens LT onto the lens sheet 12. In this case, since the printing standard is clear, the lens sheet 12
It is possible to satisfactorily prevent the deviation of the printed image printed on the screen. Temporary reference lens L
In the portion that does not reach the T / reference lens LB, the ink droplets are not ejected onto the lens sheet 12, so that waste of ink droplets can be satisfactorily prevented.

Further, as described above, the reference lens determination mechanism 110 includes the mask processing unit 114, and the mask processing unit 114 receives a lens signal input before reaching the reference lens LB or the temporary reference lens LT. Mask processing is performed so as not to output from the signal switching unit 115 side. Therefore, if printing is performed based on the lens signal output via the mask processing unit 114, printing from the sheet edge portion 12E can be prevented, and deviation of the printed image can be reliably prevented. it can. That is, it is possible to execute printing with high accuracy on the lens sheet 12.

Further, the lens detection sensor 60 outputs a signal of H level or L level corresponding to the vicinity of the peak and the valley of the convex lens 12A1, and the register 112l is in a default state to the temporary reference lens LT. A corresponding variable X (reference number X) is stored.

For this reason, when a positive edge is first detected, the detected portion is designated as the sheet edge 12E.
It becomes possible to make it correspond. Also, until the next positive edge is detected,
It is possible to correspond to the width of the convex lens 12A1, and it is possible to calculate the inclination angle θ of the sheet edge portion 12E. Further, at the stage where the reference lens LB is not determined, the mask processing unit 114 responds to this detection when the second positive edge is detected based on the variable X (= 2) read from the register 112l. The convex lens 12A1 is used as a temporary reference lens LT, and an H level signal or an L level signal is output. For this reason, even until the reference lens LB is determined, printing on the lens sheet 12 can be executed based on a relatively stable reference.

Further, the print head 32 is attached to the carriage 30. In addition, in the lens detection sensor 60, the light receiving unit 62 is attached to the carriage 30. For this reason, when the carriage 30 moves along the main scanning direction, the detection of the width of the convex lens 12A1 by the lens detection sensor 60 and the printing on the lens sheet 12 can be simultaneously performed in one scan. The lens detection sensor 60 is configured as a transmission type sensor because the light receiving unit 62 is disposed on the carriage 30 side and the light emitting unit 61 is disposed on the opposite side with the lens sheet 12 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.

Further, the count control unit 111 calculates the time between positive edges by counting the number of clocks between positive edges of the lens signal. Here, the width of the convex lens 12A1 can be calculated by multiplying the time between the positive edges by the speed of the carriage 30. Accordingly, it is possible to eject ink droplets at an appropriate position in consideration of the sheet edge portion 12E.

Further, in the present embodiment, the lens detection sensor 60 detects the width of the convex lens 12A1 at three different portions (A point, K point, and B point) in the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet 12. In this way, the calculation unit 113 (cutting direction calculation unit 113a) can determine the direction in which the sheet edge 12E is inclined based on these three widths. That is, it is possible to determine the direction in which the sheet edge 12E is inclined (inclined state), which is difficult to detect with only two widths. This makes it possible to prevent ink droplets from being accidentally ejected onto the lens sheet 12 without knowing the direction of inclination of the sheet edge 12E.

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 count control unit 111 is used to count the number of clocks between positive edges of the lens signal. However, the count control unit 111 may count the number of clocks between positive edges of the ENC signal output from the linear sensor 82. Note that it is preferable to stabilize the operation of the printer 10 by comparing the ENC signal and the lens signal after the ENC signal is subdivided by the ENC signal multiplication process or the like.

When the ENC signal is compared with the lens signal, the absolute position can be compared with the lens signal. For example, when the lens sheet 12 is lowered to the right, the sheet side on which the lens sheet 12 does not exist It becomes possible to supplement the part with the same signal as the lens signal. Note that the complement of the signal similar to the lens signal may be performed based on the clock signal.

Thus, by complementing the same signal as the lens signal, for example, the lens sheet 12
Even when the distance from the home position to the sheet edge 12E is shorter on the rear end side (paper feed side) than on the front end side (paper discharge side) of the lens sheet 12, the rear end of the lens sheet 12 Printing according to the side can be executed. In this way, by printing with the front end side of the lens sheet 12 as a reference, it is possible to prevent a blank portion from being printed on the rear end side of the lens sheet 12 from occurring.

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 in the main scanning direction on the lower surface of the carriage 30, the inclination of the sheet edge 12E and the printing on the lens sheet 12 are simultaneously performed in each reciprocation of the carriage 30. It becomes executable.

In the above-described embodiment, the lens detection sensor 60 employs a transmission method, and the light emitting unit 61 is provided on the platen 50 side. However, a reflection type configuration may be employed as the lens detection sensor. In the reflection type lens detection sensor, the light emitting unit is attached to the carriage 30 together with the light receiving unit. In the reflection type lens detection sensor, a configuration using a small light emitting element such as an LED as a light emitting unit is employed.

A plurality of lens detection sensors may be provided along the sub-scanning direction. In the case of providing a plurality of lens detection sensors, in the reflection method, the light receiving unit 62 is attached to the lower surface of the carriage 30 along the sub-scanning. Further, the light emitting unit 61 is attached to the platen 50. However, it is preferable to provide the light emitting unit 61 in a large area as compared with the case where only one light receiving unit 62 is provided. When the reflection method is adopted, the light emitting part and the light receiving part are set to 1
A configuration in which a plurality of lens detection sensors as a set is attached to the lower surface of the carriage 30 is employed.

When a plurality of lens detection sensors are provided along the sub-scanning direction, three lens detection sensors are provided so that scanning through the points A, K, and B described above can be performed simultaneously. Anyway. However, two lens detection sensors may be provided, or four or more lens detection sensors may be provided.

In addition to the above-described embodiment, by comparing the clock signal or ENC signal with the lens signal, it is possible to calculate the overall inclination of the lens sheet 12 due to the influence of, for example, skew. It becomes. In this case, the control unit 10 takes into account the influence of skew and the like.
At 0, the print head 32 can be controlled and driven.

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 sheet edge 12E is detected when the lens detection sensor 60 first detects the positive edge, but the positive edge does not correspond to the sheet edge 12E. When the time length of the H signal when the rising edge of the next positive edge is detected from the rising edge of the first positive edge is detected to be shorter than the predetermined time length, The angle θ may be calculated.

In the above-described embodiment, the temporary reference lens LT is determined in a default state so that the variable X stored in the register 112l is 2. The print head 32
When scanning for the first time, lens signal detection and printing are simultaneously performed based on the temporary reference lens LT. However, the print head 32 may not perform printing at the initial scanning stage, but only detect the lens signal by the lens detection sensor 60 to determine the temporary reference lens. At this time, first, the print head 32 moves along the main scanning direction and outputs a lens signal. When an appropriate convex lens 12A1 is determined as a temporary reference lens based on this lens signal, the value of the variable X corresponding to the temporary reference lens is registered in the register 112l.
Write to. When the print head 32 scans next time, the print head 32 ejects ink droplets from the convex lens 12A1 corresponding to the variable X. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent printing from the sheet edge portion 12E, and it is possible to reliably prevent the deviation of the printed image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, ink droplets are not ejected to the lens sheet 12 at a portion that does not reach the temporary reference lens LT and / or the reference lens LB. However, even if the region does not reach the temporary reference lens LT and / or the reference lens LB,
Ink droplets may be ejected. In this way, by ejecting ink droplets from a portion that does not reach the temporary reference lens LT and / or the reference lens LB, the sheet edge 12
You may make it perform what is called borderless printing which does not produce a margin in E.

In the above-described embodiment, when the lens signal is not input, the ENC signal is used.
A timing signal PTS is generated. However, a timing signal PTS may be generated based on the timer signal using a timer signal such as a predetermined clock signal instead of the ENC signal. 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.

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 block diagram centering on a reference lens determination mechanism among control parts. It is a figure which shows the principal part of a reference | standard lens determination mechanism, and is based on data processing. It is a figure which shows the processing flow in the case of performing printing on a lens sheet. It is a figure which shows each space | interval AL, KL, BL and a lens signal. It is a figure which shows the processing flow for determining a reference | standard lens. It is a figure which shows the reference | standard lens in a lens sheet. It is a figure which shows the processing flow in the case of determining an inclination state. It is a figure which shows the image of ranking in the case of falling to the right. It is a figure which shows the image of ranking in the case of falling to the left. It is a figure which shows the image of ranking in the case of a parallel state. It is a figure which shows the image of ranking in a special case.

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, 100 ... Control part, 110 ... Reference lens determination mechanism (reference lens determination means, inclination angle) (Corresponding to calculation means and mask processing means), 111 ... count control section, 112 ... register, 113 ... calculation section, 113a ... cutting direction calculation section, 113b ... inclination angle calculation section, 113c ... speed calculation section, 113d ... first traverse Number determining unit 113e ... second transverse number determining unit 113f ... reference lens determining unit 114 ... mask processing unit 115 ... signal switching unit 116 ... discharge control unit

Claims (12)

In a printer for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses having one longitudinal direction are arranged,
A lens detection unit that outputs width information related to a width dimension along the main scanning direction of the lens by scanning different parts of the lens sheet in the sub-scanning direction;
An inclination angle calculating means for calculating an inclination angle of a sheet edge portion of the lens sheet with respect to the one direction based on the width information of the different parts in the sub-scanning direction output by the lens detecting means;
Control means for controlling the drive of a print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet based on the inclination angle and the width information of the sheet edge calculated by the inclination angle calculation means;
A printer comprising: A reference lens determining unit that determines a reference lens that is the lens serving as a reference when performing printing on the lens sheet based on the tilt angle of the sheet edge calculated by the tilt angle calculating unit and the total length of the lens sheet. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising: For the total length of the lens sheet, calculate the maximum number of crossings that the sheet edge crosses the lens,
Further, the current number of traversing the sheet edge crossing the lens at the current scanning portion of the lens detection unit with respect to the lens sheet,
Based on these maximum number of crossings and the current number of crossings, the reference lens is determined.
The printer according to claim 2. The reference lens determining means determines a temporary reference lens which is a provisional reference lens prior to detecting the lens detecting means along the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet. The printer according to claim 2 or 3. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes ink droplets to be ejected from the reference lens or the temporary reference lens onto the lens sheet. The lens detection means outputs a detection signal corresponding to the width information when detecting the lens,
The control means includes a mask processing means to which the detection signal from the lens detection means is input,
This mask processing means
Masking is performed so that the detection signal input before reaching the reference lens determined by the reference lens determination unit or the predetermined temporary reference lens is not output from the output end side.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The lens is a convex lens;
The detection signal includes an H level signal and an L level signal,
The lens detection means outputs an H level signal when detecting the vicinity of the peak of the lens and outputs an L level signal when detecting the vicinity of a valley including a boundary with the adjacent lens,
The part corresponding to the temporary reference lens is a part for detecting the rising edge of the second H level signal,
When the rising edge of the second H level signal is detected, the mask processing means outputs the detection signal from this portion from the output side,
The printer according to claim 6. The print head is attached to a carriage that moves in the main scanning direction by driving a carriage motor,
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 passes through the lens sheet after being emitted from the light emitting portion, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: The reference lens determining means includes
The lens detection means is configured to count the clock signal from the edge portion of the H level and / or L level signal output from the lens detection means to the next edge portion by the count control unit. Calculating the time for each individual lens to pass along the scanning direction;
Further, the width dimension is calculated from the carriage speed calculated based on the encoder signal output from the linear encoder and the time.
The printer according to claim 8. The control means includes
Even if the lens detection unit does not output the H level and / or L level signals, the width information along the main scanning direction output by the lens detection unit exists in the sub scanning direction. Complement processing for complementing the H level and / or L level signals is performed.
The printer according to claim 8, wherein the printer is any one of the above. The lens detection means outputs the width information of the lens by scanning at least three different parts in the sub-scanning direction of the lens sheet,
The reference lens determining unit determines an inclination direction of the sheet edge with respect to the one direction based on at least three width information output from the lens detection unit;
The printer according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: In a printing method for executing printing on a lens sheet in which a plurality of lenses having a longitudinal direction as one direction are arranged,
A width dimension detecting step of outputting width information related to the width dimension along the main scanning direction of the lens by scanning different parts of the lens sheet in the sub-scanning direction;
Compare the width information of different parts in the sub-scanning direction output by the width dimension detection step,
An inclination angle calculation step for calculating an inclination angle of the sheet edge portion of the lens sheet with respect to the conveyance direction of the lens sheet by the comparison;
A control step of controlling driving of a print head that discharges ink droplets toward the lens sheet based on the inclination angle and the width information of the sheet edge calculated in the inclination angle calculation step;
A printing method comprising:

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