JP2012196890A - Printer, printing system, and detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a printing system that can further increase the life of an ink mark sensor depending on user's selection, even when the ink mark sensor is deteriorated.SOLUTION: On the basis of an output signal and a first threshold, when a determination device 60 determines that a printed portion 31 printed with yellow ink and a foundation portion 32 are not distinguished, a control device 60 of the printer 10 controls a notification device 51 of a computer 50 such that the notification device notifies that the detection cannot be performed. When a command that the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor 20 is continued is input to a setting device 60 via a receiving device of the computer 50, the setting device performs a setting that the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor using only red light and green light in light after the spectrum is continued.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus and a droplet ejecting method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an ink mark sensor is provided on a carriage. This ink mark sensor can read a test pattern printed on paper.

JP 2005-103997 A

  By the way, some inks use a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink. When a white LED is used as an ink mark sensor that uses such ink and can acquire multi-value reading data, there are the following concerns.

  That is, an ink mark sensor including a white LED includes a transparent member made of a transparent resin that transmits light from a light emitting unit, such as a lens or a cover. The ink mark sensor is provided with a color filter in order to separate the light received by the light receiving unit, and some of the color filters are made of a transparent resin.

  However, when the ink containing the above-mentioned organic solvent as a component is used for a long period of time, the ink mark sensor deteriorates and R (red), G (green), and B (blue) among the multi-value reading data. ), The reading performance of any one of the color components deteriorates, and there is a problem that multivalued reading data cannot be obtained. The cause of this deterioration is not clear, but it is possible that a transparent member such as a lens or a cover is deteriorated by a solvent contained in the ink, and a part of the wavelength of light passing through the transparent member is reduced. It is thought that it is absorbed. Another possible cause is that when the color filter is made of a transparent resin, a part of the wavelength of light passing through the color filter is absorbed by the color filter as well as the transparent member. In that case, it is conceivable to take measures such as replacing the ink mark sensor.

  However, even when the reading performance is deteriorated, the ink mark sensor may not need to be replaced depending on the use of the printer. In that case, if the ink mark sensor is replaced, unnecessary costs are incurred for the user. That is, in this case, it is desirable to extend the life without replacing the ink mark sensor.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a printing system capable of extending the life of the ink mark sensor according to the user's selection even when the ink mark sensor is deteriorated. To try to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printer of the present invention includes a carriage on which a cartridge having inks of at least yellow, magenta, and cyan color elements is mounted, and a print head that is attached to the carriage and ejects ink. A light-emitting means that is attached to the carriage and that can emit white light in an initial state, and a light-receiving means that splits the received light and outputs respective output signals after the spectroscopy. An ink mark sensor in which a transparent member made of a transparent resin is attached to at least one light transmitting portion of the light emitting means and the light receiving means, and a yellow for a printing medium in which the unprinted base portion is white The first test pattern is printed using the ink of the color element, and the first test pattern is printed on the first test pattern. A determination unit that determines whether the printed portion and the background portion can be determined based on the output signal output from the light receiving unit and the first threshold value, and is connected to the printer based on the determination result of the determination unit. Whether or not to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor based on the input reception at the control means for performing the control to notify the notification means of the computer and the reception means of the computer that receives the input from the input means connected to the computer Setting means for performing such setting, and the control means cannot perform the detection when it is determined by the determination means that the print portion and the background portion cannot be determined based on the output signal and the first threshold value. Is notified by the computer notification means, and the setting means specifies that the color measurement of the ink mark sensor is to be continued. There when entered via the receiving means, for setting the effect of continuing the colorimetric ink mark sensor by only red light and green light out of the light after spectral, those.

  In such a configuration, when a command to continue using the ink mark sensor is input via the reception unit of the computer, the setting unit performs measurement using only red light and green light of the ink mark sensor. Set to continue the color. Therefore, when using an ink using a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink, even if the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, the use of the ink mark sensor is continued through the receiving means. When the command is input, the setting means performs setting to continue the use of the ink mark sensor.

  Here, it is determined by the determination means using the output signal and the first threshold value whether or not the print portion and the background portion using the yellow color element ink can be determined. That is, blue light having a shorter wavelength than red light and green light is absorbed by the printed portion of the yellow color element ink. By the way, when the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, it is considered that the yellow printed portion and the white background portion, which are particularly difficult to discriminate, cannot be discriminated first. On the other hand, even if it is not possible to discriminate between a printed portion and a background portion with yellow ink, it is possible to distinguish between the background portion and ink of other color elements using red light and green light. For this reason, it is possible to extend the life of the ink mark sensor by performing the setting to continue the color measurement using the ink of the color element other than yellow. For this reason, although the color measurement function of the ink mark sensor is limited, there is no need to incur unnecessary costs due to replacement of the ink mark sensor for a user who does not need such limited use.

  In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the determination unit includes a second inspection pattern having a printed portion and a base portion printed on a print medium using ink of a magenta color element. When the determination means determines that the print portion and the background portion can be determined based on the output signal and the second threshold value, the computer notification means notifies the computer that the determination is not possible. Preferably, the setting means performs a setting not to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor in the control related to the notification by the control means.

  In the case of such a configuration, the determination unit determines whether or not the print portion and the background portion using the ink of the magenta color element can be determined using the output signal and the second threshold value. That is, the red light and the blue light are reflected in the magenta print portion, but as described above, the color measurement with the blue light is not performed by the determination based on the first threshold value. Therefore, the discrimination between the magenta print portion and the background portion is performed based on the output signal by the red light and the second threshold value. However, if the magenta print portion and the background portion cannot be discriminated by the output signal and the second threshold value based on the red light described above, the life due to the deterioration of the ink mark sensor has arrived, and the color measurement cannot be continued. it is conceivable that. Therefore, in this case, control is performed to notify the computer that the determination cannot be made, prompting the ink mark sensor to be replaced, and the setting means is configured to not continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor. By performing the above, it is possible to make the user recognize the arrival of the end of life and prompt the user to replace the ink mark sensor.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the light emitting unit includes a blue light emitting unit capable of emitting blue light, and the blue light emitting unit emits light based on control of electric power supplied to the blue light emitting unit. It is preferable that a sensitivity adjustment unit that adjusts the amount is provided, and that the determination unit determines based on the first threshold value after adjusting the power supplied to the blue light emitting unit to reach the upper limit threshold value in the sensitivity adjustment unit. .

  In such a configuration, the sensitivity adjustment is performed by the sensitivity adjustment unit until the upper limit threshold value is reached in the blue light emitting unit, so that the life of the blue light emitting unit can be extended as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to extend the period during which color measurement is possible.

  Furthermore, a printing system according to another aspect of the present invention is a printing system including a printer and a computer that transmits and receives signals to and from the printer and has a notification unit and a reception unit. A carriage carrying a cartridge having inks of at least yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively, a light emitting means attached to the carriage and capable of emitting white light in an initial state, and spectrally separating the received light And an ink mark sensor having a transparent member made of a transparent resin at a light transmission portion of at least one of the light emitting means and the light receiving means. In addition, the printer does not respond to print media that has a white unprinted base. The first inspection pattern is printed using the inks of the color elements, and the output signal output from the light receiving means and the first threshold value indicate whether or not the printed portion and the base portion in the first inspection pattern can be distinguished. Input acceptance by the determination means for determining based on the control means, the control means for controlling the notification means based on the determination result of the determination means, and the reception means for receiving input from the input means connected to the computer And setting means for setting whether or not to continue the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor, and the control means cannot discriminate between the print portion and the background portion based on the output signal and the first threshold value. When it is determined by the determination means, control is performed to notify the notification means of the computer that the determination cannot be performed. The notification means determines that the determination cannot be made. If the determination means determines that the determination cannot be made, the reception means inputs whether or not to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor. The setting means is an ink mark sensor that uses only red light and green light among the light after spectroscopy when a command to continue color measurement of the ink mark sensor is input via the reception means. It is preferable to set to continue the colorimetry.

  In the case of such a configuration, the notification means of the computer notifies that it is impossible to distinguish between the printed portion of the yellow color element and the background portion. Thereby, the user can recognize the deterioration of the ink mark sensor. Also in such notification, when a command to continue using the ink mark sensor is input via the reception unit of the computer, the setting unit continues the color measurement using only the red light and the green light of the ink mark sensor. Set the effect. Therefore, when using an ink using a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink, even if the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, the use of the ink mark sensor is continued through the receiving means. When the command is input, the setting means performs setting to continue the use of the ink mark sensor.

  Here, it is determined by the determination means using the output signal and the first threshold value whether or not the print portion and the background portion using the yellow color element ink can be determined. That is, blue light having a shorter wavelength than red light and green light is absorbed by the printed portion of the yellow color element ink. By the way, when the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, it is considered that the yellow printed portion and the white background portion, which are particularly difficult to discriminate, cannot be discriminated first. On the other hand, even if it is not possible to discriminate between a printed portion and a background portion with yellow ink, it is possible to distinguish between the background portion and ink of other color elements using red light and green light. For this reason, it is possible to extend the life of the ink mark sensor by performing the setting to continue the color measurement using the ink of the color element other than yellow. For this reason, although the color measurement function of the ink mark sensor is limited, there is no need to incur unnecessary costs due to replacement of the ink mark sensor for a user who does not need such limited use.

  Furthermore, a detection method according to another aspect of the present invention is to form a detection pattern by ejecting at least yellow, magenta, and cyan color element ink from a print head onto a print medium, and this detection pattern is white in an initial state. A light emitting means capable of emitting light and a light receiving means for dispersing the received light and outputting respective output signals after the separation, and a transparent resin is provided at a light transmission portion of at least one of the light emitting means and the light receiving means. A detection method of detecting using an ink mark sensor to which a transparent member as a material is attached, wherein the first non-printed base material is white using a yellow color element ink for a print medium. Whether an inspection pattern is printed and whether the printed portion and the base portion of the first inspection pattern can be printed or not is output from the light receiving means and the first A first determination step for determining based on the value, and a notification means for the computer indicating that the determination cannot be performed when the determination means determines that the printed portion and the background portion cannot be made based on the output signal and the first threshold value. When the control step for performing the control using the ink and the command to continue the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor are input via the reception means of the computer, only the red light and the green light of the light after the spectrum are input. A setting step for setting to continue the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor by using the ink mark sensor, and a detection step for detecting a detection pattern different from the first detection pattern using the ink mark sensor after the setting step. preferable.

  In such a configuration, the notification means of the computer notifies the user that the print portion and the background portion of the yellow color element cannot be distinguished by the control in the control step. Thereby, the user can recognize the deterioration of the ink mark sensor. In addition, in the setting step, when a command to continue using the ink mark sensor is input via the computer receiving means in spite of the above notification, only the red light and green light of the ink mark sensor are used. Set to continue colorimetry. Therefore, when using an ink using a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink, even if the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, the use of the ink mark sensor is continued through the receiving means. In the setting step, setting to continue the use of the ink mark sensor is performed.

  Here, in the first determination step, it is determined by using the output signal and the first threshold value whether or not the print portion and the background portion using the yellow color element ink can be distinguished. That is, blue light having a shorter wavelength than red light and green light is absorbed by the printed portion of the yellow color element ink. By the way, when the ink mark sensor is deteriorated, it is considered that the yellow printed portion and the white background portion, which are particularly difficult to discriminate, cannot be discriminated first. On the other hand, even if it is not possible to discriminate between a printed portion and a background portion with yellow ink, it is possible to distinguish between the background portion and ink of other color elements using red light and green light. For this reason, it is possible to extend the life of the ink mark sensor by performing the setting to continue the color measurement using the ink of the color element other than yellow. For this reason, although the color measurement function of the ink mark sensor is limited, there is no need to incur unnecessary costs due to replacement of the ink mark sensor for a user who does not need such limited use.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of an ink mark sensor. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light emission part and light-receiving part of an ink mark sensor. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the wavelength and brightness in white LED. It is a partial top view which shows the structure of the pattern for a test | inspection. It is a figure which shows the voltage change of the blue light-receiving part by reading of the pattern for a test | inspection. It is a figure which shows the window which notifies deterioration of an ink mark sensor. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system. It is a processing flow which shows one mode of calibration operation. It is a processing flow which shows the other aspect of calibration operation | movement. It is a processing flow in sensitivity adjustment of an ink mark sensor.

  Hereinafter, a printer 10, a printing system 11, and a detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an outline of the invention will be described.

<1. Overview>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ink mark sensor 20. The ink mark sensor 20 is a sensor for detecting the inspection pattern 30 printed on the printing medium P such as printing paper. The ink mark sensor 20 is a reflective optical sensor having a light emitting unit 21 and a light receiving unit 22. The light emitting unit 21 includes, for example, a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) 21A, and irradiates light onto paper. The light emitting unit 21 corresponds to an example of a light emitting unit referred to in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the white LED 21 </ b> A includes a red LED 211, a green LED 212, and a blue LED 213. Then, the red LED 211, the green LED 212, and the blue LED 213 are simultaneously operated to irradiate the print medium P with white light. The light receiving unit 22 is, for example, a phototransistor, receives light reflected from the print medium P, and outputs electric power according to the received light amount. The light receiving portion corresponds to an example of the light receiving means in the claims. Further, the blue LED 213 corresponds to an example of a blue light emitting unit referred to in the claims.

  The red LED 211 emits light having a red wavelength (620 to 640 nm), the green LED 212 emits light having a green wavelength (510 to 530 nm), and the blue LED 213 emits light having a blue wavelength (460 to 480 nm). White light refers to a mixture of light of these wavelengths. It should be noted that the wavelengths of these lights include some errors, and each light may have the above-mentioned wavelengths.

  Further, the light receiving unit 22 is provided with a red light receiving unit 221, a green light receiving unit 222, and a blue light receiving unit 223. On the light incident side of the red light receiving unit 221, a red filter 23A that transmits only red light is provided. A green filter 23 </ b> B that transmits only green light is provided on the incident side of the green light receiving unit 222. A blue filter 23C that transmits only blue light is provided on the incident side of the blue light receiving unit 223. In the following description, when these filters are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as a color filter 23.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a transparent member 24 is attached to the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22. The transparent member 24 is made of a transparent resin such as acrylic resin, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) resin, polycarbonate resin, or epoxy resin, and is attached to a light transmitting portion of the ink mark sensor 20. The transparent member 24 functions as a transparent cover that transmits light or functions as a lens. The lens and the transparent cover may be on either the light emitting unit 21 side or the light receiving unit 22 side, or both.

  By the way, when printing with an ink using a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink is performed for a long period of time, the ink mark sensor 20 using the white LED 21A as described above is deteriorated. Although the cause of this deterioration is not certain, it is possible that the above-mentioned transparent member 24 is deteriorated by the organic solvent. As another cause, for example, when the phototransistor includes a color filter 23 made of a transparent resin, the color filter 23 may be deteriorated by an organic solvent.

  Here, when the above-described deterioration occurs, there are the following problems. That is, when a test pattern 30 (see FIG. 4) is printed on a print medium P as described later and calibration as described later is performed, a print portion 31 printed with yellow ink in the test pattern 30 in particular. However, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to distinguish the portion of the print medium P that remains white without ink adhering (hereinafter referred to as the base portion 32).

  The cause of this is not clear, but one possible cause is that the molecular bonds change due to the alteration of the transparent resin constituting the transparent member 24 and the color filter 23 and absorb light of a short wavelength. It is thought that it became. When the discussion on such possible causes is further advanced, the spectrum of the light emitted from the white LED 21A is, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in the white LED 21 </ b> A that emits light from the red LED 211, the green LED 212, and the blue LED 213, the brightness of the blue light emitted from the blue LED 213 is weak. And blue light with low original brightness is emitted in a state of being further absorbed when passing through the transparent member 24, for example.

  Therefore, when blue light having a shorter wavelength than red light and green light is absorbed, the yellow ink (the yellow color element ink in the claims) is detected in the test pattern 30 as shown in FIG. It is difficult to distinguish the printed portion 31 in (corresponding to an example) from the base portion 32 that has not been printed. This is because the printed yellow absorbs blue light, which is the complementary color, while the base portion 32 reflects the blue light. For this reason, even if the light is reflected by the white background portion 32, the amount of blue light is small, and whether the reflected light is due to the printed yellow or the white background portion 32, It becomes difficult to distinguish.

  However, even if the reading performance is deteriorated, the ink mark sensor 20 may not need to be replaced depending on the use of the printer 10 by the user. As such a case, for example, most of the uses where the user uses the printer 10 are cases where, for example, monochrome printing is the main. In that case, if the ink mark sensor 20 is replaced, unnecessary costs are incurred for the user.

  In such a case, the following is performed in order to extend the life of the ink mark sensor 20.

  That is, it is determined using the first threshold value whether or not the inspection pattern 30 (corresponding to an example of the first inspection pattern in the claims) printed using yellow ink can be read correctly. The first threshold value in this determination is to detect the difference in the level of the amount of light reflected from each of the printed portion 31 printed in yellow and the base portion 32 in the test pattern 30 as shown in FIG. It is a threshold value and is set corresponding to the level difference of output values (for example, voltage value, current value) output from the blue light receiving unit 223. An image of the first threshold is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a change in voltage output from the blue light receiving portion 223 when scanning is performed as indicated by an arrow A in the inspection pattern 30 of FIG. 4 and the printed portion 31 and the base portion 32 are read ( This voltage corresponds to an example of an output signal in the claims). When the ink mark sensor 20 is normal (when it is not deteriorated), as shown in FIG. 5A, when the reflected light from the yellow print portion 31 is received, the first light output from the blue light receiving unit 223 is output. The voltage value is positioned higher than the first threshold value, and the second voltage value output from the blue light receiving unit 223 when the reflected light from the base portion 32 is received is positioned lower than the first threshold value. Yes. For this reason, there is a large level difference in voltage value between them. On the other hand, when the ink mark sensor 20 is deteriorated, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first voltage value output from the blue light receiving unit 223 when the reflected light from the yellow print portion 31 is received, A difference in voltage level between the second voltage value output from the blue light receiving unit 223 when the reflected light from the portion 32 is received is small. Therefore, the first threshold value is such that when such a level difference becomes small, both the yellow print portion 31 and the base portion 32 have the same voltage level with respect to the first threshold value (in FIG. 5B). The voltage level is set so that both are positioned on the low side).

  In FIG. 5, the low level and the high side of the voltage level may be reversed. Further, instead of the voltage level, the detection may be made at the current level. Further, the first threshold value may determine whether or not the difference between the second voltage value and the first voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. That is, the first threshold value may be determined to be degraded when the difference between the second voltage value and the first voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  As described above, it is determined whether the yellow print portion 31 and the background portion 32 can be distinguished using the first threshold value. If it is determined that the yellow print portion 31 and the background portion 32 can be distinguished, the ink mark sensor 20 has not deteriorated so much, and therefore the test patterns 30 for all colors can be read. It is determined that On the other hand, when it is determined that the yellow print portion 31 and the background portion 32 cannot be distinguished, the ink mark sensor 20 is in a state where the deterioration has progressed to some extent. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the test patterns 30 of various colors cannot be read, and thereafter, if the user desires to continue using the ink mark sensor 20, the limited color is used. The reading of the inspection pattern 30 is continued.

  In this case, for example, a window 40 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 59B of the computer 50, and the user is inquired whether or not to continue using the ink mark sensor 20. Then, when the user clicks the button display 41 displaying “Yes” in FIG. 6 (output of a command corresponding to the desire to continue using the ink mark sensor 20), the use of the ink mark sensor 20 is continued. To do.

  The limited-color inspection pattern 30 referred to here is, for example, a monochrome (white and black) inspection pattern 30, a magenta inspection pattern 30, a cyan inspection pattern 30, and a mixed color inspection thereof. The pattern 30 for use is mentioned. Thereafter, when the inspection pattern 30 is read in a limited color, it is determined that the blue light receiving unit 223 cannot detect the blue light, and the output of the blue light receiving unit 223 is not taken into account or cancelled. You may do it.

  However, even when reading of the limited-color test pattern 30 is continued, the deterioration of the ink mark sensor 20 further proceeds, and a life that makes it difficult to use the ink mark sensor 20 comes. Accordingly, the determination as to whether or not the ink mark sensor 20 has reached the end of its life is performed as follows.

  That is, it is determined using the second threshold value whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink (corresponding to an example of the second inspection pattern in the claims) can be read correctly. The arrival of the life of the sensor 20 is determined. In addition, the 2nd threshold value in lifetime determination is the same as the determination using the 1st threshold value mentioned above. However, in the determination using the second threshold value, the second threshold value is a threshold value for detecting a difference in the amount of light reflected from each of the print portion 31 printed in magenta and the background portion 32. Is different. Therefore, the image when this determination is illustrated is the same as that in FIG.

  Here, consider a case where the magenta print portion 31 and the base portion 32 are read by scanning as indicated by an arrow A in the test pattern 30 as shown in FIG. Since magenta absorbs the complementary green light, the light reflected from the printed portion 31 of the magenta becomes red light and blue light. However, as described above, it is determined by the determination based on the first threshold that the blue light receiving unit 223 cannot detect blue light well.

  Therefore, in the lifetime determination based on the second threshold, the lifetime of the ink mark sensor 20 is determined based on the voltage level output from the red light receiving unit 221. That is, when the life of the ink mark sensor 20 has not come, it corresponds to the case where the “first threshold value” is replaced with the “second threshold value” in FIG. In that case, when the reflected light from the magenta print portion 31 is received, the voltage level output from the red light receiving unit 221 is positioned on the High side, and when the reflected light from the base portion 32 is received, the red light receiving unit 221 is received. The voltage value output at is located on the Low side. For this reason, the voltage level difference is large between the two.

  On the other hand, when the life of the ink mark sensor 20 is reached, the case where the “first threshold value” is replaced with the “second threshold value” in FIG. In this case, the voltage value output from the red light receiving unit 221 when the reflected light from the magenta print portion 31 is received and the voltage output from the red light receiving unit 221 when the reflected light from the base portion 32 is received. The difference in voltage level between the values is small. Therefore, the second threshold value is such that when such a level difference becomes small, both the magenta print portion 31 and the background portion 32 have the same voltage level with respect to the second threshold value (on the side of FIG. The voltage level is set so that both are positioned on the low side).

  In the determination based on the second threshold value, the low level and the high side of the voltage level in FIG. 5 may be reversed. Further, instead of the voltage level, the detection may be made at the current level.

  The arrival of the life of the ink mark sensor 20 is determined by the determination based on the second threshold as described above. When the ink mark sensor 20 has reached the end of its service life, a window 40 (not shown) is displayed to inform the service center that the ink mark sensor 20 can no longer be used. Notify that an exchange should take place.

  The above is the outline of the present invention.

<2. Configuration and Operation of Printer 10 and Printing System 11>
Next, the printer 10, the printing system 11, and their operations for realizing the invention in the present embodiment as described above will be described.

  In the following printer 10 and printing system 11, the control unit 51 corresponds to an example of a notification unit and a reception unit in the claims, and among them, the calibration control unit 53 and the display control unit 54 particularly correspond. . The printer control unit 60 corresponds to an example of a determination unit in the claims, and corresponds to an example of a control unit in the claims. Further, the printer control unit 60 and the memory 61 correspond to an example of setting means in the claims, but the calibration control unit 53 and the external storage device 52 may correspond to an example of setting means.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer 10 and the printing system 11 as an embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 11 includes a printer 10 and a computer 50.

  The computer 50 generates print data expressed by the presence / absence of formation of each color dot that can be printed by the printer 10 from color image data expressed by RGB color gradation values such as an object specified by the user, and generates the print data. To supply. The computer 50 and the printer 10 also cooperate to execute calibration described later.

  The computer 50 includes a control unit 51 and an external storage device 52 such as a hard disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The computer 50 is connected to an input device 59A such as a keyboard or a pointing device via an external interface 58, and can input a desired command. The computer 50 is connected to the display 59B via the external interface 58, and can display a window 40 as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 51 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an external interface 58, and the like. For example, the control unit 51 executes a computer program stored in the external storage device 52 to cause the printer 10 to print an object designated by the user, or to perform calibration in cooperation with the printer 10.

  The external storage device 52 stores various computer programs such as an operating system (not shown), a color management program 52A, and a printer driver 52B. The external storage device 52 holds correction values used for color correction. The correction value used for color correction varies depending on the type of print medium P (that is, the type of media) and the resolution, and is stored in a file format for each media type and each resolution, for example.

  The color management program 52A is an application program that provides functions such as object printing, color chart printing, color chart colorimetry, color correction, and print authentication. The printer driver 52B is an application that controls the printer 10 according to the control of the color management program 52A and executes print processing.

  FIG. 7 also shows a functional configuration of the control unit 51 of the computer 50 for executing calibration. This function can be realized by the control unit 51 executing the color management program 52A, the printer driver 52B, and a video driver (not shown) stored in the external storage device 52.

  The calibration control unit 53 is realized by executing the color management program 52A. The calibration control unit 53 controls the printer driver 52B to control execution of calibration. Further, the calibration control unit 53 receives a command input from the input device 59A to the control unit 51 of the computer 50, and executes processing based on the received command based on the received command, or sends the command to the printer. It transmits to the control part 60.

  The display control unit 54 is realized by executing the color management program 52A and a video driver (not shown). The display control unit 54 performs control to display the window 40 as shown in FIG. 6 on the display 59B.

  The job generation unit 55, the spool queue 56, and the print control unit 57 are realized by executing the printer driver 52B as described above. The job generation unit 55 generates a print job for printing an arbitrary object designated by the user, or a print job for printing a color chart used for calibration under the control of the calibration control unit 53. A print job for printing predetermined authentication information is generated.

  The spool queue 56 constitutes a buffer that temporarily stores the job generated by the job generation unit 55.

  The print control unit 57 sequentially retrieves and executes jobs stored in the spool queue 56. That is, the print control unit 57 controls the printer 10 by transmitting a command constituting the job to the printer 10, and causes the printer 10 to print an object set in the job, a color chart, or predetermined authentication information. .

  The external interface 58 is connected to an external device such as the printer 10 or a network, receives print data and control data from the external device, and notifies various data to the external device. An example of such an external interface 58 is one that conforms to the USB standard.

(Configuration of printer 10)
In addition to the ink mark sensor 20 described above, the printer 10 includes a printer control unit 60, a memory 61, a printing mechanism 62, a paper feed mechanism 63, a sensor group 64, a detection unit 65, an external interface 66, and the like.

  The printer control unit 60 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an external interface (all not shown), and the like. The printer control unit 60 controls each unit in accordance with an instruction from the computer 50 to execute a printing process or the like. When the window 40 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed and the “Yes” button display 41 in the window 40 is clicked, the printer control unit 60 performs settings for continuing the use of the ink mark sensor 20. When the “No” button display 42 is clicked, the printer control unit 60 makes a setting not to continue using the ink mark sensor. However, these settings may be performed by the calibration control unit 53.

  By the way, as described above, the setting for continuous use of the ink mark sensor 20 is a setting for continuing reading of the inspection pattern 30 in a limited color, and setting information for that purpose is stored in the memory 61. Be made. Examples of this setting include setting that the blue LED 213 is not driven (does not emit light), setting that performs the color measurement as described later, ignoring the output from the blue light receiving unit 223, and the like.

  The memory 61 stores setting information regarding continuation of use of the ink mark sensor 20 according to whether or not the yellow print portion 31 can be read. The memory 61 may also store correction values used for color correction. The correction value used for color correction varies depending on the type of print medium P (that is, the type of media) and the resolution, and is stored in a file format for each media type and each resolution, for example.

  Note that the above-described setting information, correction values used for color correction, and the like may be stored in the external storage device 52.

  The printing mechanism 62 includes a carriage 62a, a print head 62b attached to the carriage 62a, a drive mechanism and a carriage motor that move the carriage 62a in a direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the print medium P. (Both not shown) and the like, and under the control of the printer control unit 60, an image of the print object is formed on the print medium P by the inkjet method.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the ink mark sensor 20 is attached to the carriage 62a, and can read the inspection pattern 30 printed on the print medium P. Since the configuration of the ink mark sensor 20 has already been described, the description thereof is omitted. The ink mark sensor 20 measures the Lab value of the test pattern 30 printed on the print medium P by a spectrocolorimetric method. This measurement is performed when determining the color difference of the test pattern 30 used when determining whether or not to execute calibration, and when performing correction and obtaining a correction value.

  The paper feed mechanism 63 includes a plurality of rollers 63 a for transporting the print medium P, a motor (not shown), and the like, and transports the print medium P according to the control of the printer control unit 60.

  The sensor group 64 includes a linear sensor having a linear encoder, a rotary sensor having a rotary encoder, and the like.

  The detecting unit 65 detects that an ink cartridge (not shown) has been replaced, and transmits a signal indicating which ink cartridge has been replaced to the printer control unit 60. The printer control unit 60 transmits the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 65 to the computer 50, and the calibration control unit 53 of the computer 50 acquires the detection signal via the print control unit 57. When the calibration control unit 53 acquires the detection signal, the calibration control unit 53 executes a flow for determining whether to execute calibration.

  The detection unit 65 detects when a new type of print medium P is loaded in the printer 10, identifies the type of the loaded print medium P, and identifies the type of the print medium P. Information (for example, ID) to be transmitted is transmitted to the printer control unit 60.

  The external interface 66 is the same as the external interface 58 described above, and is connected to an external device such as the computer 50 or a network. The external interface 66 receives print data and control data from the external device and notifies various data to the external device. Do.

(Calibration operation when inspection pattern 30 is printed with yellow ink)
Next, a calibration operation when a test pattern is printed with yellow ink will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when the printer control unit 60 determines that the calibration timing has arrived, for example, when the detection unit 65 detects that the ink cartridge has been replaced or the type of the print medium P has changed, the printer control unit 60 transmits information to that effect to the control unit 51 of the computer 50. Based on this information given to the control unit 51, the calibration control unit 53 starts a calibration operation.

  In this case, first, an inspection pattern 30 (color standard for calibration) using yellow ink is set as a calibration target, and the printing conditions are set (step S11). This printing condition is, for example, a predetermined resolution, the type of the print medium P, reflection of the result of calibration already executed, and the like. Then, according to this printing condition, the amount of ink used for printing the test pattern 30 using yellow ink is calculated.

  Next, the calibration control unit 53 controls the job generation unit 55 to generate a calibration job corresponding to the condition determined in step S11 (step S12). The calibration job generated in step S12 is sent to the print control unit 57 via the spool queue 56 (step S13).

  Based on the control by the print control unit 57, a calibration job is executed, and the test pattern 30 printed with yellow ink is formed on the print medium P (step S14).

  Next, the calibration control unit 53 of the computer 50 instructs the printer 10 to perform color measurement on the formed color chart. Accordingly, the printer control unit 60 performs colorimetry on the test pattern 30 formed with the yellow ink formed in step S14 (step S15).

  In this color measurement, the printer control unit 60 reads the inspection pattern 30 formed on the print medium P while driving the carriage motor in the printing mechanism 62 to scan the ink mark sensor 20 in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the ink mark sensor 20 transmits the color measurement result to the computer 50 via the printer control unit 60. The color measurement result is image data obtained by reading the inspection pattern 30 with the Lab value.

  Thereafter, the printer control unit 60 determines whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using yellow ink can be read correctly using the first threshold value (step S16). In this determination, for example, when the difference between the second voltage value and the first threshold value in FIG. 5 is zero or more, it is determined that reading can be performed correctly, and when it is determined that the difference is smaller than zero, It may be determined that reading is impossible. When the first threshold value is a threshold value for determining deterioration when the difference between the second voltage value and the first voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the second voltage value and the first voltage value are determined. May be determined to be correctly read when the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and may be determined to be incorrect when the difference is smaller than the first threshold.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the test pattern 30 printed using yellow ink cannot be read correctly (in the case of No), the printer control unit 60 calibrates a signal indicating that the test pattern 30 cannot be read correctly. To the network control unit 53. Then, the calibration control unit 53 controls the display control unit 54 to display the window 40 as shown in FIG. 6 (step S17).

  In this window 40, if there is an input (input of a signal based on clicking on the “Yes” button display 41 in FIG. 6) to continue using the ink mark sensor 20 (Yes in step S <b> 18), printer control The unit 60 (or the calibration control unit 53) performs setting for continuing use of the ink mark sensor 20 (step S19). That is, setting information indicating that the use of the ink mark sensor 20 is continued is stored in the memory 61. Thereafter, the printer controller 60 (or the calibration controller 53) accesses the setting information in the memory 61 to determine whether or not the use of the ink mark sensor 20 can be continued.

  Further, in the window 40 shown in FIG. 6, there is an input indicating that the use of the ink mark sensor 20 is not continued (input of a signal based on the click of the “No” button display 42 in FIG. 6) (No in step S18). In this case, the printer control unit 60 (or the calibration control unit 53) performs setting so as not to continue using the ink mark sensor 20 (step S20). That is, setting information indicating that the use of the ink mark sensor 20 is not continued is stored in the memory 61. At this time, the calibration control unit 53 controls the display control unit 54 to display information regarding replacement of the ink mark sensor 20 (not shown). Such information includes information indicating that the ink mark sensor 20 can no longer be used, information on contact information for replacing the ink mark sensor 20, and the like.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S16 that the test pattern 30 printed using yellow ink can be read correctly (in the case of Yes), the calibration control unit 53 of the computer 50 adds the obtained colorimetric result to the obtained colorimetry result. Based on this, the correction value file for the printing condition is updated (step S21). Specifically, a difference is calculated between the colorimetric value (that is, the target value) of the reference test pattern 30 and the obtained colorimetric result, and the correction value file for the printing condition is calculated based on the calculated result. Update the correction value. Note that the colorimetric value (that is, the target value) of the reference inspection pattern 30 is stored in the external storage device 52, for example. Color correction is performed by appropriately correcting the lookup table with the updated correction value file. The correction value file and the lookup table are stored in the external storage device 52 in association with each other.

  Subsequently, the calibration control unit 53 determines whether or not generation of all calibration jobs has been completed (step S22). In this determination, when it is determined that the generation of all calibration jobs has been completed (in the case of Yes), the calibration operation is ended. If it is determined in step S22 that generation of all calibration jobs has not been completed (in the case of No), the process returns to step S11 to set the next printing condition and execute the same processing again. To do. If it is determined in step S22 that all the calibration jobs have been generated (Yes), the process ends.

  With the processing flow as described above, the calibration operation is performed when the inspection pattern is printed with yellow ink.

(Calibration operation when the test pattern 30 is printed with magenta ink)
Next, a calibration operation when an inspection pattern is printed with magenta ink will be described. FIG. 9 shows the processing flow of this calibration operation. Note that the calibration operation related to the second threshold is substantially the same as the calibration operation related to the first threshold described above. The difference is that in step S34 in FIG. 9, the test pattern 30 is printed using magenta ink. In step S36, the second threshold is used to determine whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink can be read correctly.

  If it is determined in step S36 that the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink cannot be read correctly (in the case of No), this corresponds to the end of the life of the ink mark sensor 20. Therefore, the calibration control unit 53 controls the display control unit 54, for example, to display a window 40 (not shown) on the display 59B that the life of the ink mark sensor 20 has been reached (step S37).

  After step S37, setting information indicating that the life of the ink mark sensor 20 has been reached is stored in the memory 61 (step S38). Thereafter, when the printer control unit 60 (or calibration control unit 53) accesses the setting information in the memory 61, it is determined that the ink mark sensor 20 has reached the end of its life and cannot be used.

  Note that step S39 is the same as step S21 described above, and step S40 is the same as step S22 described above. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted, but the generation of all calibration jobs is completed in the determination of step S40. If it is determined that it has not (No), the process returns to step S31, the next printing condition is set and the same processing is executed again, and the generation of all calibration jobs is completed in the determination of step S40. If determined (Yes), the process is terminated.

(About sensitivity adjustment of ink mark sensor 20)
Next, sensitivity adjustment of the ink mark sensor 20 will be described based on the processing flow of FIG. In addition, the following process flow is adjusted so that the light emission amount value mentioned later may be obtained especially about each of blue LED213. However, the red LED 211 and the green LED 212 may be similarly adjusted.

  First, the movement of the ink mark sensor 20 and the gap adjustment are performed according to a command from the printer control unit 60 (step S51). At this time, the carriage motor of the printing mechanism 62 positions the ink mark sensor 20 on the printing medium P such as a dedicated white reference plate for adjusting sensitivity or predetermined printing paper. In addition, the printer control unit 60 operates a motor included in a platen gap adjustment mechanism (not shown) to adjust the interval between the print medium P and the ink mark sensor 20.

  In addition, the printer control unit 60 acquires a light reception output target value stored in a storage part (not shown) (step S52). This light reception output target value is a target value of a voltage output based on the amount of light received by the blue light receiving unit 223. That is, when white light is irradiated on the white portion of the dedicated print medium P, if the output from the blue light receiving unit 223 falls within a predetermined range from the light reception output target value, the current light emission amount becomes appropriate. It is thought that. Thus, the light reception output target value is a value for determining whether or not the current light emission amount is appropriate.

  Before and after step S52 described above, the printer control unit 60 sets the current light emission amount values of the respective LEDs 211 to 213 to be zero (step S53).

  Thereafter, the printer control unit 60 determines whether or not the current light emission amount value has reached the upper limit threshold value (step S54). Then, when the current light emission amount value has reached the upper limit threshold value (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to step S57 described later. The light emission amount value at that time is stored in the memory 61. Note that reaching the upper threshold corresponds to a case where the upper threshold is exceeded or a case where the upper threshold is exceeded. The upper limit threshold corresponds to a case where the light emission amount value is maximized, a case where the difference between the current light emission amount value and the initial light emission amount value reaches the light emission amount threshold, or the like.

  The light emission amount value is, for example, a light emission amount set so that it can be increased stepwise between 0 and 225, and the voltage value is changed stepwise to obtain the light emission amount. The light emission amount value corresponds to the voltage value. The electric power referred to in the claims corresponds to this light emission amount value or voltage value.

  If it is determined in step S54 that the light emission amount has not reached the upper limit threshold value (No), then the printer control unit 60 increases the light emission amount value of each LED by one step (step S55). .

  Next, the printer control unit 60 determines whether or not the light reception output value when the light reception unit receives light with the light emission amount value set in step S55 is equal to or greater than the light reception output target value (step S56). ). In this determination, when it is determined that the light reception output value is smaller than the light reception output target value (No), the process returns to step S54.

  If it is determined in step S56 that the light reception output value is equal to or greater than the light reception output target value (Yes), it is determined in step S54 that the current light emission amount value has reached the upper limit threshold value. If it is (Yes), the light emission amount value of the blue LED 213 determined as such is stored in the memory 61 (step S57). Thereafter, the sensitivity adjustment is finished.

  As described above, sensitivity adjustment of the ink mark sensor 20 is performed.

<3. Effect>
According to the printer 10, the printing system, and the detection method configured as described above, when a command to continue using the ink mark sensor 20 is input via the input device 59 </ b> A of the computer 50, the printer control unit 60. (Or the calibration control unit 53) performs setting to continue the color measurement using only the red light and the green light of the ink mark sensor 20. Therefore, even when the ink mark sensor 20 is deteriorated when using an ink using a water-insoluble organic solvent such as solvent ink, the ink mark sensor 20 is connected via the input device 59A of the computer 50. When a command to continue use of the ink mark sensor 20 is input, the printer control unit 60 (or calibration control unit 53) performs setting to continue using the ink mark sensor 20.

  Here, the printer control unit 60 (or calibration control unit 53) uses the output signal and the first threshold value to determine whether the print portion 31 and the background portion 32 using the yellow color element ink can be discriminated. Judgment. That is, blue light having a wavelength shorter than that of red light and green light is absorbed by the print portion 31 of the yellow color element ink. By the way, when the ink mark sensor 20 is deteriorated, it is considered that the yellow printed portion 31 and the white background portion 32 that are particularly difficult to distinguish cannot be distinguished first. On the other hand, even if it is not possible to distinguish between the print portion 31 and the base portion 32 using yellow ink, it is possible to distinguish between the base portion 32 and the ink of other color elements using red light and green light. For this reason, it is possible to extend the life of the ink mark sensor 20 by performing a setting to continue the color measurement using ink of other color elements that are not yellow. Therefore, although the colorimetric function of the ink mark sensor 20 is limited, it is not necessary for the user who does not need such a limited use to incur unnecessary costs due to the replacement of the ink mark sensor 20.

  In the present embodiment, the printer control unit 60 (or calibration) uses the output signal and the second threshold value to determine whether the print portion 31 and the base portion 32 using the magenta color element ink can be distinguished. It is determined by the control unit 53). That is, in the magenta print portion 31, red light and blue light are reflected, but as described above, color measurement with blue light is not performed by the determination based on the first threshold value. Therefore, the distinction between the magenta print portion 31 and the background portion 32 is made based on the output signal by the red light and the second threshold value. However, if the magenta print portion 31 and the background portion 32 cannot be distinguished from each other by the output signal and the second threshold value due to the red light described above, the life due to deterioration of the ink mark sensor 20 has already arrived, and the colorimetric measurement is completed. It is thought that it cannot be continued. For this reason, in this case, the calibration control unit 53 and the display control unit 54 perform control to notify that the determination cannot be made, and prompt the user to replace the ink mark sensor 20, and further, the printer control unit 60 (or calibration). The control unit 53) can make the user recognize the arrival of the end of life and prompt the user to replace the ink mark sensor 20 by setting that the color measurement of the ink mark sensor 20 is not continued.

  Further, in the present embodiment, sensitivity adjustment is performed by the control of the printer control unit 60 until the blue LED 213 reaches the upper limit threshold value, so that the life of the blue LED 213 can be extended as much as possible. . Therefore, it is possible to extend the period during which color measurement is possible.

<4. Modification>
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, it is determined by using the second threshold value whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink can be read correctly, thereby determining whether the ink mark sensor 20 has reached the end of its life. Yes. However, the effect of extending the life of the ink mark sensor 20 can also be obtained simply by determining whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using yellow ink can be read correctly using the first threshold value. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the second threshold value to determine whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink can be read correctly.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether or not the inspection pattern 30 printed using magenta ink can be read correctly is determined using the second threshold value, thereby determining the end of the life of the ink mark sensor 20. is doing. However, instead of determining the end of the life of the ink mark sensor 20 using magenta ink, the end of the life of the ink mark sensor 20 may be determined using cyan ink.

  Here, since cyan absorbs the complementary red light, the light reflected from the cyan printed portion 31 becomes green light and blue light. Here, it is already determined based on the first threshold that the blue light receiving unit 223 cannot detect blue light well. For this reason, in the life determination based on the second threshold in this case, the life of the ink mark sensor 20 may be determined based on the voltage level output from the green light receiving unit 222. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the case where it is determined whether or not the test pattern 30 can be read using the magenta ink.

  Further, instead of the ink mark sensor 20, the present invention may be applied to another reflective sensor that can acquire multi-value data or a transmissive sensor that can acquire multi-value data. This is because a similar problem is considered to occur in such a sensor.

  In the above-described embodiment, the type having the red LED 211, the green LED 212, and the blue LED 213 as the white LED 21A is described. However, the white LED may be a light emitting system that emits red, green, and blue phosphors using near ultraviolet or purple LEDs, or a light emitting system that emits yellow phosphors using blue LEDs.

  In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the calibration control unit 53, the display control unit 54, the job generation unit 55, the spool queue 56, and the print control unit 57 are realized by the computer 50 connected to the printer 10. It is supposed to be. However, these functions may be realized on the printer 10 side. That is, the printer 10 may be configured to realize each function related to printing and calibration in a so-called stand-alone state. In this case, the printer control unit 60 corresponds to notification means and reception means in the claims.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the printer control unit 60 corresponds to the determination unit referred to in the claims. However, although the control unit 51 may correspond to the determination unit, the calibration control unit 53 particularly corresponds thereto.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing system 11 is realized by the printer 10 and the computer 50. However, the printing system 11 may be configured only by the printer 10. In this case, for example, it is preferable to realize a notification and input function as shown in FIG.

  Further, at least one function of the color management program 52A and the printer driver 52B may be provided via a network such as the Internet or a local network. Even in such a case, the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

  Further, the concept of the printer 10 in the above-described embodiment includes fluids such as liquids other than ink (liquids themselves, liquids obtained by dispersing or mixing functional material particles in liquids, and gels). It is also possible to include a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects or ejects (including a material). As such, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material (pixel material) used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is dispersed or dissolved. There are a liquid ejecting apparatus, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample, and the like.

  Further, the concept of the printer 10 of the present invention includes a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in a fluid ejecting apparatus, an optical communication element, and the like that ejects lubricating oil pinpoint to a precision machine such as a watch or a camera. A fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a substrate, a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etchant such as an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate, etc., a gel (for example, a physical gel ) And the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 11 ... Printing system, 20 ... Ink mark sensor, 21 ... Light emission part (corresponding to an example of light emitting means), 21A ... White LED, 22 ... Light receiving part (corresponding to an example of light receiving means), 23 ... Color filter 23A ... Red filter, 23B ... Green filter, 23C ... Blue filter, 24 ... Transparent member, 30 ... Pattern for inspection, 31 ... Print portion, 32 ... Base portion, 40 ... Window, 41, 42 ... Button display, 50 ... Computer 51... Control unit (corresponding to one example of notification means and reception means) 52. External storage device 52 A Color management program 52 B Printer driver 53 53 Calibration control unit 54 Display control unit 55 Job Generation unit 56 ... Spool queue 57 ... Print control unit 58 ... External interface 59A ... input device (corresponding to an example of input means), 59B ... display, 60 ... printer control unit (corresponding to an example of determination means, an example of control means, and an example of a part of setting means), 61 ... memory (setting) 62 ... printing mechanism, 62a ... carriage, 62b ... printing head, 63a ... roller, 63 ... paper feed mechanism, 64 ... sensor group, 65 ... detection unit, 66 ... external interface, 105 ... external interface, 211 ... red LED, 212 ... green LED, 213 ... blue LED, 221 ... red light receiving part, 222 ... green light receiving part, 223 ... blue light receiving part, P ... print medium

Claims (5)

A printer having a carriage on which a cartridge having inks of at least yellow, magenta, and cyan color elements is mounted, and a print head attached to the carriage and ejecting the ink,
A light emitting means attached to the carriage and capable of emitting white light in an initial state; and a light receiving means for splitting the received light and outputting respective output signals after the spectrum, the light emitting means and the light receiving An ink mark sensor in which a transparent member made of a transparent resin is attached to at least one light transmitting portion of the means;
A first test pattern is printed on a print medium having a white base portion that is not printed using the yellow color element ink, and the print portion and the base portion in the first test pattern are printed. A determination unit that determines whether or not the determination can be made based on an output signal output from the light receiving unit and a first threshold;
A control unit that performs control to notify a notification unit of a computer connected to the printer based on a determination result in the determination unit;
Setting means for setting whether or not to continue the colorimetry of the ink mark sensor based on the input reception at the reception means of the computer that receives the input from the input means connected to the computer;
Comprising
The control means notifies the computer that the detection cannot be performed when the determination means determines that the print portion and the background portion cannot be determined based on the output signal and the first threshold value. Control to be notified by,
The setting means, when a command to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor is input via the receiving means, the ink mark sensor measurement using only red light and green light among the light after the spectrum. Set the color to continue,
A printer characterized by that. The printer according to claim 1,
The determination unit can determine the print portion and the base portion of the second inspection pattern having a print portion and the base portion printed on the print medium using the ink of the magenta color element. Whether or not it is determined by the determination means that it cannot be determined based on the output signal and the second threshold value, the control means to notify that the determination cannot be performed by the notification means of the computer,
The setting means performs a setting not to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor in the control related to the notification by the control means;
A printer characterized by that. The printer according to claim 1,
The light emitting means has a blue light emitting portion capable of emitting blue light,
Comprising a sensitivity adjusting means for adjusting a light emission amount of the blue light emitting unit based on control of electric power supplied to the blue light emitting unit;
After adjusting the sensitivity adjustment means so that the power supplied to the blue light emitting unit reaches an upper threshold, the determination means determines based on the first threshold;
A printer characterized by that. A printing system comprising: a printer; and a computer that performs transmission and reception of signals between the printer and a notification unit and a reception unit,
The printer is
A carriage carrying cartridges each having at least yellow, magenta, and cyan color element inks;
A light emitting means attached to the carriage and capable of emitting white light in an initial state; and a light receiving means for splitting the received light and outputting respective output signals after the spectrum, the light emitting means and the light receiving An ink mark sensor in which a transparent member made of a transparent resin is attached to at least one light transmitting portion of the means;
Have
Furthermore, the printer
A first test pattern is printed on a print medium having a white base portion that is not printed using the yellow color element ink, and the print portion and the base portion in the first test pattern are printed. A determination unit that determines whether or not the determination can be made based on an output signal output from the light receiving unit and a first threshold;
Control means for performing control to notify the notification means based on the determination result of the determination means;
Setting means for setting whether or not to continue color measurement of the ink mark sensor based on input reception by the reception means for receiving input from an input means connected to the computer;
Comprising
The control means notifies the computer that the determination cannot be made when the determination means determines that the print portion and the background portion cannot be determined based on the output signal and the first threshold value. Control to be notified by,
The notification means, when it is determined by the determination means that the determination cannot be made, to notify that the determination is not possible,
The accepting means accepts an input as to whether or not to continue color measurement of the ink mark sensor when the judging means judges that the discrimination cannot be made,
The setting means, when a command to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor is input via the receiving means, the ink mark sensor measurement using only red light and green light among the light after the spectrum. Set the color to continue,
A printing system characterized by that. At least yellow, magenta, and cyan color element inks are ejected from the print head onto the print medium to form a detection pattern. The detection pattern is divided into light emitting means capable of emitting white light in the initial state and the received light is dispersed. A light receiving means for outputting each output signal after spectroscopy, and a transparent member made of a transparent resin is attached to at least one light transmitting portion of the light emitting means and the light receiving means. A detection method for detecting using a sensor,
A first test pattern is printed on a print medium having a white base portion that is not printed using the yellow color element ink, and the print portion and the base portion in the first test pattern are printed. A first determination step of determining whether it can be determined based on an output signal output from the light receiving means and a first threshold;
Control that uses a notification means of a computer to notify that the determination cannot be made when the determination means determines that the print portion and the background portion cannot be determined based on the output signal and the first threshold value. A control step for performing
When a command to continue the color measurement of the ink mark sensor is input via a computer reception means, the color measurement of the ink mark sensor by only red light and green light among the light after the spectrum is continued. A setting step for setting the effect,
A detection step of detecting the detection pattern different from the first detection pattern using the ink mark sensor after the setting step;
A detection method comprising:

Images