JP2020006517A - Test pattern for acquisition of feed correction value, method for formation of test pattern for acquisition of feed correction value, feed correction value acquisition method, printer, and feed correction value acquisition program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it easier to acquire a feed correction value in a printer.SOLUTION: A test pattern for acquisition of a feed correction value has a first folding line which connects first, second and third points (a1(L) to a3(L)) by first and second straight lines and is convexed in positive or negative y direction, and a second folding line which connects fourth, fifth and sixth points (b1(L) to b3(L)) by third and fourth straight lines, and has a convex direction opposite to that of the first folding line. When there is no conveyance error, the first and fourth points (a1(L), b1(L)), the third and sixth points (a3(L), b3(L)) are overlapped or adjacent, the second folding line is displaced along the y direction according to the conveyance error, a distance in the x direction between first and second intersection points (P(L), Q(L)), at which the first and second folding lines intersect, is changed in association with displacement along the y direction, and an amount of change in the distance is m times of a displacement magnitude of the second folding line along the y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a feed correction value acquisition test pattern in a printing apparatus (printer), a method for forming a feed correction value acquisition test pattern, a feed correction value acquisition method, a printing apparatus, a feed correction value acquisition program, and the like.

  In a printing apparatus (printer) that prints an image by discharging ink with nozzle movement in a scanning direction (scanning direction) and transporting a medium (print medium such as paper) in a transport direction (feed direction), If the medium slides with respect to the medium transport means (transport roller or the like), an error (feed error) occurs in, for example, the medium transport distance derived from the rotation angle of the transport roller. Since different types of media have different amounts of slip, it is necessary to obtain a feed correction value suitable for the medium and perform feed correction before printing.

  A method of obtaining an appropriate feed correction value using a test pattern is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

  In Patent Literature 1, a test pattern is printed in a plurality of (for example, ten or more) in the scanning direction (scanning direction) as a set of figures in which two rectangles are arranged in the transport direction (feed direction). The interval between two side-by-side rectangles is slightly different for each set of figures. Each set of figures is printed, and the operator visually finds out of which the two rectangles are exactly touching. The correction value corresponding to the found set is adopted as an appropriate correction value.

JP 2003-25555 A

  In the method of Patent Document 1, since a large number of graphic sets are printed, the size of the print area for the medium (print medium) cannot be denied, and the time required for printing increases. Further, the test pattern is discarded after the acquisition of the correction value. However, in the method of Patent Document 1, it cannot be denied that there is a limit in reducing the area of the discarded portion.

  In addition, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a visual operation (visual inspection operation) by an operator, which is troublesome, and thus burdens the operator, and also increases the work efficiency and the accuracy of the obtained correction value. There is no denying that there are limits in this respect.

  One object of the present invention is to make it easier to obtain a feed correction value in a printing apparatus. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the aspects and best embodiments exemplified below and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be exemplified in order to easily understand the outline of the present invention.

  In the aspect according to the present invention, the test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value prints an image on the medium by moving the print head in the scanning direction and conveying the medium in the conveyance direction, and adjusts the conveyance by setting the feed correction value. A feeding correction value acquisition test pattern to be printed on the medium by the printing apparatus, wherein a direction corresponding to the scanning direction on the medium is an x direction, and the transport direction is Is defined as the y direction, and the position of the point on the printing surface of the medium can be represented by xy coordinates, the absolute value of the slope connecting the first point and the second point is 1 / m (M is an integer greater than 1), a first straight line, the second point, and a third point having a different x coordinate and the same y coordinate from the first point, Absolute value is / M, but a second straight line whose slope is opposite to the first straight line, a fourth point having the same x-coordinate as the first point and different y-coordinate, Is connected to a fifth point having the same x-coordinate but different y-coordinate, and the absolute value of the slope is 1 / m, but the sign of the slope is opposite to that of the first straight line, and A third straight line intersecting the first straight line at the first intersection, the fifth point, and a sixth point having the same x-coordinate but different y-coordinate with the third point and having an absolute slope The value is 1 / m, but the sign of the slope is opposite to the second straight line, and the second straight line intersects with a fourth straight line at a second intersection. The first and second straight lines form a first polygonal line that connects the first, second, and third points and that is convex in the positive or negative y direction, and the third and fourth straight lines. According to the fourth A second polygonal line connecting the fifth and sixth points and having a direction opposite to the convex direction of the first polygonal line is formed, and the first and second polygonal lines form a first polyline as a test pattern. When a graphic is configured and there is no error in the conveyance, the first and fourth points overlap or are adjacent to each other, and the third and sixth points overlap or are adjacent to each other, The second polygonal line has a property of being displaced in the y direction in accordance with the transport error of the transport, and the first and second polygonal lines are displaced in accordance with the displacement of the second polygonal line in the y direction. The distance between each intersection point in the x direction changes, and the amount of change in the distance is m times the amount of displacement of the second polygonal line along the y direction.

  In the aspect according to the present invention, the first graphic as the test pattern is configured by a first polygonal line that is convex in the positive or negative y direction, and a second polygonal line that has a convex direction opposite to that of the first polygonal line. The first and second polygonal lines intersect with each other, so that first and second intersections exist. The absolute values of the slopes of the first and second straight lines forming the first broken line and the slopes of the third and fourth straight lines forming the second broken line are 1 / m (m is larger than 1). Integer).

  When a transport error (feed error) occurs, the second fold line is displaced in the y-direction according to the error, and accordingly, the positions of the first and second intersections change. Here, assuming that the conveyance error amount (feed deviation amount) in the y direction is “α”, the fluctuation amount in the x direction of the first intersection is “(α / 2) · m”, and similarly, The amount of variation in the x direction of the intersection is “(α / 2) · m”, and as a result, as for the distance between the first and second intersections, “(α / 2) · m · 2 = α · m ”. In other words, a change in “α” in the y direction is converted to a change in “α · m” in the x direction.

  Therefore, by detecting the transport error (feed shift) by focusing on the variation in the distance between the first and second intersections (variation in the x direction), the detection sensitivity can be focused on the variation in the y direction. The detection sensitivity is m times (m> 1), and the detection sensitivity can be set to m times the conventional sensitivity. Therefore, it becomes easy to obtain the optimum feed correction value.

  For example, when a method of printing a plurality of patterns (graphics) having different feed correction values and visually confirming the operator as described in Patent Literature 1 is adopted, first and second intersections are used. Find a figure (pattern) in which the distance between them becomes the maximum (in other words, the right and left end points of the first and second polygonal lines overlap (adjacent)) and adopt the feed correction value at that time In this visual operation, since the fluctuation detection sensitivity is m times higher than in the past, the area of the print area is suppressed, and the visual correction work is more accurate and easier. In addition, an optimum feed correction value (feed correction value to be set in the printing apparatus) can be obtained.

  Further, since the amount of variation on the graphic corresponding to the transport error (feed error) is m times larger than in the past, the above-described optimal feed correction value can be determined by, for example, image processing without relying on the operator's visual observation. It will also be possible to obtain it automatically. For example, a printed feed correction value acquisition test pattern can be transferred to, for example, a commercially available mobile terminal (a mobile phone terminal, a mobile information terminal, a terminal device having these functions, etc.) or a mobile device (a portable computer device, etc.). It is also possible to calculate an optimal feed correction value by photographing with a camera (imaging element) provided in and converting the image data into an image data and performing image analysis on the image data.

  Here, the resolution of the printing apparatus is determined by the product of the resolution in the scanning direction and the resolution in the transport direction. However, the resolution of a printing apparatus capable of high-definition printing in recent years is extremely high. Terminals, portable information terminals, terminal devices that combine these functions, etc.) and cameras provided in portable devices (portable computer devices, etc.) have insufficient resolution. It was not possible to automatically obtain a proper feed correction value. According to the present invention, since the amount of variation on the figure corresponding to the transport error (feed error) is m times larger than that of the conventional camera, even if the camera is currently limited in resolution, the required accuracy is required. Can be calculated.

  When an optimal feed correction value is obtained by using image analysis, for example, different feed correction values are set in the printing apparatus, the first and second figures are printed, and the intersection point is calculated based on the difference between the feed correction values. It detects how much difference occurs in the amount of change in the inter-distance, and from this, detects the amount of change in the distance between intersections per minimum unit of the feed correction value (for example, per 1% of the correction value). Alternatively, it is necessary to maximize the distance between intersections in the second figure (in other words, move the first and second intersections until the left and right end points of the first and second polygonal lines overlap). By finding the value of the feed correction value and adding the value of the feed correction value to the feed correction value at the time of printing the first or second figure (the result is the same using either figure), It is possible to calculate an appropriate feed correction value.

  If an optimal feed correction value can be obtained by image analysis, printing of a large number of figures as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, and the size of the print area of the test pattern on the medium (print medium) becomes large. Is eliminated, the useless portion finally discarded on the medium is reduced, and the time required for printing is also reduced. Further, since the visual work by the worker is not required, the burden on the worker is reduced, the work efficiency is improved, and the accuracy of the obtained correction value is easily increased. In addition, a camera such as a commercially available portable terminal can be used, and there is no need to use a special camera (special device), which facilitates implementation.

  Further, as a printing method of the first and second figures, multi-pass printing (a plurality of printing operations (a single printing operation is referred to as a pass) for a common printing area) is performed in an overlapping manner. Printing method), a method of drawing each figure in one pass, and a method other than the multi-pass method can be used. In either case, the first and second figures can be printed side by side with a minimum interval, and in this case, a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value with a minimum area is obtained. be able to. Further, in this case, the first and second figures can be photographed at a time by a camera, and information necessary for obtaining an optimum feed correction value can be obtained at a time. Processing (processing by a feed correction value acquisition program) can be realized.

  Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the illustrated embodiments according to the present invention may be further modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2 illustrates a system configuration of capturing a feed correction value acquisition test pattern printed by a camera, acquiring a correction value, and wirelessly transmitting information of the correction value to a printing apparatus, and an example of an internal configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for acquiring a feed correction value based on image analysis of image data. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an outline of a graphic as a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value, and FIGS. 4B to 4D are diagrams showing a feed pattern including first and second graphics and auxiliary marks. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a correction value acquisition test pattern by multi-pass printing. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration of a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value formed through the procedure of FIGS. 4B to 4D, and FIG. 5B is a sensitivity of detecting a transport error. Is m times (here, m = 5). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value when there is no transport error. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of a series of processes for calculating (detecting) the pattern width, the distance between intersections, and the ratio (ratio) of the distance between intersections to the pattern width by image analysis. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for calculating an optimum correction value (a feed correction value to be set in the printing apparatus). It is a figure which shows the structural example of a functional block in the portable terminal etc. which carry a feed correction value acquisition program.

  The preferred embodiments described below are used for easy understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art should note that the present invention is not unduly limited by the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an example of a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus 1 prints an image on a medium (for example, printing paper, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), etc.) 2 by discharging, for example, ink droplets. Note that the type of medium (sometimes referred to as a print medium or medium) does not matter. Specifically, the printing device 1 can be an ink jet printer. However, the type of the printing apparatus is not limited, and another type may be used.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes a carriage unit 20 (including a carriage 21), a transport unit 30, and a printing unit 40. A head (print head: reference numeral 41 in FIG. 2) is mounted on the carriage 21, and the carriage 41 reciprocates along a guide rail 24 formed along the scanning direction, thereby moving the head 41. Can be reciprocated in the scanning direction.

  In the following description, the moving direction of the carriage 21 is referred to as “scanning direction (or main scanning direction)”, and the moving direction of the medium during printing is referred to as “conveying direction (or sub-scanning direction)”. Further, the supply side of the medium (media) may be referred to as “start end side (upstream side)”, and the discharge side of the medium (media) may be referred to as “end side (downstream side)”.

  Please refer to FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates a system configuration of capturing a feed correction value acquisition test pattern printed by a camera, acquiring a correction value, and wirelessly transmitting information of the correction value to a printing apparatus, and an example of an internal configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG.

  The printing apparatus 1 can print an image on the medium 2 by moving the head (print head) 41 in the scanning direction and conveying the medium 2 in the conveying direction, and can adjust the conveyance by setting a feed correction value. It is a printing device, and is an ink jet printer here.

  As a method of setting an appropriate (optimal) feed correction value in the printing apparatus 1, for example, a feed correction value acquisition test pattern 4 (described later) printed on the medium 2 may be, for example, portable. The mobile terminal 100 is mounted on the mobile terminal 100 based on image data obtained by photographing (imaging) with a camera provided in a mobile terminal, a mobile information terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a mobile device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a mobile terminal 100). A method of acquiring an appropriate feed correction value by performing a process according to a feed correction value acquisition program (feed correction value acquisition application).

  The acquired (optimal) feed correction value is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 via wireless communication, for example, and is automatically generated based on the information on the received feed correction value by the printing apparatus 1. A feed correction value may be set, and the received feed correction value information is once presented to the user via a display or the like, and after confirmation of the user, the user manually sets the feed correction value. You may. In addition, the acquired feed correction value is displayed on a display or the like provided in the mobile terminal 100, and the user can manually set the feed correction value in the printing apparatus 1 as shown.

  The printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a communication interface (wireless communication interface: communication unit) 3 and an input interface used by a user to check various information on a monitor and to set various information. (Input I / F: specifically, has a function as a correction value setting unit) 5, a memory 7 for setting a correction value, and a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a test pattern). , A test pattern print condition memory 9 (but not necessarily provided) for storing test pattern print conditions, and a print operation of the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 10, a carriage unit 20 (including a carriage motor 22, a carriage 21, and a position detection unit 23), and a transport unit 30 (a transport motor 2, a conveying roller 31, and includes) the conveyance detection unit 33, a printing unit 40 (head drive unit 42, the head 41 includes an ink detection unit 43), the.

  The carriage motor 22, the transport motor 32, and the head drive unit 42 are components of the drive unit 50, and the position detection unit 23, the transport detection unit 33, and the ink detection unit 43 include a detection unit 60. It is a component of.

  The medium 2 transported by the transport unit 30 is, for example, roll paper, but may be cut sheet paper or a medium other than paper. The transport unit 30 has a transport roller 31 and a transport motor 32. The transport detection unit 33 detects the transport amount of the medium.

  The printing unit 40 is a unit for ejecting ink droplets on a medium, and the head (print head) 41 is an inkjet print head provided with a number of nozzles for ejecting ink. The head driving unit 42 is a driving unit that performs ejection / non-ejection of ink droplets from each nozzle of the head. The head driving unit 42 is, for example, a driving unit that drives a piezo element when the head is a piezo type. The head 41 is mounted on the carriage 21 and reciprocates with the carriage 21 in the scanning direction. Further, the ink amount detection unit 43 detects an ink storage amount in an ink storage unit (not shown) in the head 41.

  The control unit (controller) 10 controls the operation of the drive unit 50 (the carriage motor 22, the transport motor 32, the head drive unit 42, and the like), and also detects the detection unit 60 (the position detection unit 23, the transport detection unit 33, The feedback control of the drive unit 50 can be performed based on the detection result of the ink amount detection unit 43).

  In the correction value setting memory 7, for example, a feed correction value received and received by the communication I / F 3 and a feed correction value set by the user using the input I / F 5 are stored (stored). I have.

  The control unit 10 reads the feed correction value from the correction value setting memory 7 and controls, for example, the rotation amount of the transport motor 32 based on the feed correction value. Thereby, the conveyance (feed) of the medium 2 is adjusted.

  Next, a method of obtaining an optimum feed correction value using the feed correction value obtaining test pattern of the present invention will be described.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to calculate the feed correction value based on the image processing. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. A plurality of patterns having different feed correction values as described in Patent Document 1 are described. It is not excluded that a method of printing (graphics) and visually confirming by an operator or other methods, such as a method of measuring with a microscope or calculating a correction value from the measurement result, is employed. Absent. When a method of visually confirming by an operator is employed, a correction value corresponding to a graphic having a maximum inter-intersection distance (described later) is found. In addition, when a method of measuring with a microscope and calculating a correction value from the measurement result is adopted, if the test pattern of the present invention is used, the detection sensitivity of the transport shift (feed shift) is m times as large as the conventional one (m is (An integer greater than 1) (to be described later), so that an optimum feed correction value can be easily obtained. In other words, since the fluctuation detection sensitivity is m times higher than in the related art, an optimum feed correction value (feed correction value to be set in the printing apparatus) can be obtained more accurately and more easily.

  Further, in the test pattern of the present invention, the amount of variation in the figure corresponding to the transport error (feed error) is m times larger than the conventional amount, so that the above-described optimal feed correction value can be visually checked by the operator. Instead of relying on it, for example, it is possible to automatically acquire the image by image processing. For example, a printed feed correction value acquisition test pattern can be transferred to, for example, a commercially available mobile terminal (a mobile phone terminal, a mobile information terminal, a terminal device having these functions, etc.) or a mobile device (a portable computer device, etc.). It is also possible to calculate an optimal feed correction value by photographing with a camera (imaging element) provided in and converting the image data into an image data and performing image analysis on the image data.

  In this case, different feed correction values are set, two (at least two) test pattern figures are printed, and an inter-intersection distance detecting step of detecting an inter-intersection distance that is a distance in the x direction is performed by a different inter-intersection distance detection step. A feed correction value calculating step of calculating a feed correction value at which the distance between the intersections in one of the two figures is maximum, using a relationship between the difference between the correction values and the detected difference between the intersections; Is executed (the details will be described later).

  As a printing method of the two test patterns, multi-pass printing (a method of performing a plurality of printing operations (one printing operation is referred to as a pass) on a common printing region and printing the same in an overlapping manner) is used. Although the case where it is not used and the case where it is used can be assumed, the principle of the method of calculating the feed correction value is the same. Specifically, in each case, the distance between the intersections described above and the feed correction value And a calculating step.

  However, when a test pattern is printed using multi-pass printing, two figures having different feed correction amounts can be juxtaposed at a minimum interval, and a feed correction value acquisition with a minimum area can be performed. Test pattern can be obtained. In this case, the two figures arranged side by side can be photographed at once by a camera, and information necessary for obtaining an optimum feed correction value can be collectively obtained. (Processing by the feed correction value acquisition program) can also be realized.

  Hereinafter, a specific description will be given. Please refer to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for acquiring a feed correction value based on image analysis of image data.

  First, for example, two test patterns (described later) are printed. Preferably, for example, a test pattern to which the correction value c1 (%) is applied is printed on the left side of the print surface of the medium, and the correction value c2 is printed on the right side. A test pattern to which (%) is applied is printed, and here, for example, c1 = −8.00% and c2 = −12.00% (step S1).

  Here, the meaning of the correction value is as follows. That is, for example, when it is desired to feed 1 inch (this corresponds to 100%) and the medium is fed by 102% due to the slip of the medium or the like, if the correction value is -2.00%, the desired conveyance is performed. Amount (feed amount).

  In the above example, c1 and c2 are both negative values. However, this is because the transport amount (feed amount) is set to be small so that the fold lines constituting the test pattern always have intersections. To do that. In other words, if the transport amount is too large, the broken lines will not cross each other, and the intersection cannot be detected, and the present invention cannot be applied. Therefore, a negative correction value is adopted.

  Next, the printed test pattern is photographed (imaged) with a portable terminal having a camera function or the like (step S2).

  Next, for example, the portable terminal or the like performs image analysis based on image data obtained by photographing (imaging), and calculates a feed correction value based on the obtained information (data) (step S3). .

  Next, the calculated feed correction value is transmitted to the printing device (printer) (step S4). After that, for example, the feed correction value may be automatically set on the printing device side, or the user may perform the setting process manually after confirming the correction value.

  Next, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an outline of a graphic as a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value, and FIGS. 4B to 4D are diagrams showing a feed pattern including first and second graphics and auxiliary marks. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a correction value acquisition test pattern by multi-pass printing.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the direction corresponding to the scanning direction (see FIG. 1) in the medium 2 is defined as the x direction, the direction corresponding to the transport direction (see FIG. 1) is defined as the y direction. It is assumed that the position of a point on the printing surface can be represented by xy coordinates. In the following description, the x direction may be referred to as a horizontal direction, and the y direction may be referred to as a vertical direction.

  In the test pattern of FIG. 4A, the absolute value of the slope connecting the first point a1 and the second point a2 is 1 / m (m is an integer greater than 1; in FIG. 4A, Since the distance in the horizontal direction corresponds to 320 dots and the distance in the vertical direction corresponds to 64 dots, the first straight line F1 where m = 5), the second point a2, and the first point a1 A second straight line F2 is connected to a third point a3 having a different x coordinate and the same y coordinate, and the absolute value of the slope is 1 / m, but the sign of the slope is opposite to the first straight line F1. And a fourth point b1 having the same x-coordinate but different y-coordinate with the first point a1 and a fifth point b2 having the same x-coordinate but different y-coordinate with the second point a2. Although the absolute value is 1 / m, the positive and negative slopes are opposite to the first straight line F1, and the third straight line F3 intersects the first straight line F1 at the first intersection P. A point b2 of No. 5 is connected to a sixth point b3 of the same x-coordinate as the third point a3 but having a different y-coordinate, and the absolute value of the gradient is 1 / m. It has a fourth straight line F4 which is opposite to F2 and intersects the second straight line F2 at the second intersection Q.

  The first or second straight line F1 or F2 connects the first, second, and third points (a1, a2, a3), positive or negative (positive in the example of FIG. 4A). A first polygonal line that is convex in the y direction is formed. In addition, the third and fourth straight lines F3 and F4 connect the fourth, fifth, and sixth points (b1, b2, and b3), and the convex direction is opposite to the first polygonal line (FIG. In the example of A), a second polygonal line which is convex in the negative y direction) is formed. The first and second broken lines form a figure (basic figure) as a test pattern.

  The graphic as the test pattern in FIG. 4A is between a1 and b1 (first and fourth points) according to the amount of transport deviation (feed deviation or transport error) of the medium 2 during printing. , And an interval (distance) occurs between a3 and b3 (third and sixth points). If there is no error in conveyance, a1 and b1 overlap or are adjacent and a3 and b3 Overlap or are adjacent to each other (this state is shown in FIG. 6).

  Further, the second polygonal line composed of the third and fourth straight lines (F3 and F4) has a property of being displaced along the y direction according to the transport error of the transport.

  With the displacement of the second polygonal line along the y direction, the distance between the first and second intersections (P and Q) in the x direction changes, and the amount of change of the distance is the second amount. It has the property that it is m times (5 times in the example of FIG. 4A) the displacement amount (feed deviation amount or transport error) of the polygonal line along the y direction.

  In order to obtain an appropriate feed correction value by image processing, it is necessary to print two figures in FIG. 4A with different feed correction values. As shown in FIG. 4 (D), two figures are juxtaposed at a predetermined interval (preferably the minimum interval, specifically, an interval of 96 dots) (in other words, an aspect in which the two figures are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides). At).

  Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the left figure is referred to as a first figure, and the right figure is referred to as a second figure. However, the basic figure shown in FIG. 4A (a figure in the case where it is not necessary to separately describe the figure on the left and the figure on the right) may be referred to as a first figure for convenience.

  The first figure on the left and the second figure on the right are basically assigned the same reference numerals as the basic figure in FIG. 4A, but the first figure is used to distinguish the figures. (L) meaning left is attached to the sign of (2), and (R) meaning right is attached to the sign of the second graphic. This is the same in the following drawings.

  Also, when the entire correction value acquisition test pattern is represented by reference numeral 4, in the drawing, the first graphic on the left is displayed as 4 (L), and the second graphic on the right is expressed as 4 (R). it's shown.

  Also, in the description of the basic graphic in FIG. 4A, the expressions "first broken line (formed of F1 and F2)" and "second broken line (formed of F3 and F4)" are used. However, in the example in which the first graphic on the left side and the second graphic on the right side are juxtaposed, even if they are referred to as “first and second broken lines”, they are the first and second broken lines of either figure. It cannot be distinguished whether it is the second broken line.

  In consideration of this point, in order to enable clear distinction, in an example in which the first graphic on the left and the second graphic on the right are juxtaposed, F1 (L ) And F2 (L) are referred to as “first broken lines”, and the broken lines formed of F3 (L) and F4 (L) are referred to as “second broken lines”.

  Regarding the second figure on the right side, the broken line composed of F1 (R) and F2 (R) is called “third broken line”, and the broken line composed of F3 (R) and F4 (R) is referred to as “third broken line”. This is referred to as “fourth folding line”. As described above, the names of “third and fourth broken lines” are names for the sake of convenience for clear distinction, in other words, “first and second broken lines of the second figure on the right side”. It turns out that.

  The first graphic on the left side composed of the first and second polygonal lines and the second graphic composed of the third and fourth polygonal lines have the same properties, but have the same properties as the first and second polygonal lines. Are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval, and the first and second figures are printed with different feed correction values set.

  In consideration of this point, the second graphic is a second graphic as a test pattern, which is juxtaposed with the first graphic at an interval in the x direction. A third polygonal line that can be regarded as having been shifted along the x direction by a first shift amount larger than the above-described interval, and a second polygonal line for the first graphic, A fourth polygonal line that can be regarded as being shifted along the x direction by the first shift amount and shifted along the y direction by a shift amount within a range where the intersection with the third polygonal line occurs; And each of the third and fourth polygonal lines intersects a third intersection corresponding to the first intersection in the first graphic at a fourth intersection corresponding to the second intersection, and It can be said that it has the same properties as those of one figure

  Based on the above points, each printing step shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D will be described.

  In the step (first step) of FIG. 4B, the first and third polygonal lines (F1 (L), F2 (L), F1 ( R) and F2 (R)) are printed.

  At this time, among the frame-shaped auxiliary marks (sometimes referred to as frame display) arranged at the four corners of the first and second figures, the lower auxiliary mark (lower frame display) s1, s2, s3, and s4 are also printed.

  In the step of FIG. 4C (second step), in the printing of the second pass, the second polygonal line or the fourth polygonal line (here, the fourth polygonal line of the first graphic on the right side) (Consisting of F3 (R) and F4 (R)) by the printing apparatus 1 in which the first feed correction value (here, the correction value C = -12.0%) is set. Print. In FIG. 4C, the fourth broken line is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The third fold line and the fourth fold line intersect each other, and therefore, two intersections (P (R), Q (R)) exist.

  At this time, upper auxiliary marks (upper frame display) s5 and s6 for the second figure on the right side are also printed. In addition, although s5 and s6 are drawn by emphasizing the thickness of the line, this is an expression for convenience of explanation, and the thickness of the line actually printed is the same as s1 to s4. is there. This is the same in FIG.

  In the step of FIG. 4D, in the third pass printing, when the second polygonal line is printed in the second step, the fourth polygonal line is formed, and in the second step, the fourth polygonal line is formed. When printed, a second polygonal line (here, in the example of FIG. 4D, a second polygonal line composed of F3 (L) and F4 (L)) is used as a first feed correction value. Printing is performed by the printing apparatus 1 in which a second feed correction value different from (C = -12.0%) (here, C = -8.0%) is set. However, since the feed correction value of -12.0% is actually set in the printing in FIG. 4C, the printing in FIG. 4D is based on the second pass. , Send + 4.0% of the 100% feed.

  At this time, upper auxiliary marks (upper frame display) s7 and s8 for the first graphic on the left side are also printed.

  As a result, the first figure as a test pattern is arranged on the left side, and auxiliary marks (s1, s2, s7, s8) for the first figure are formed at the four corners so as to surround the first figure. And a second graphic as a test pattern is arranged on the right side, and a second graphic consisting of s3, s4, s5, and s6 is formed at its four corners so as to surround the second graphic. A feed correction value acquisition test pattern in which auxiliary marks (frame display) for the figure are arranged is formed.

  Here, the auxiliary mark can be used for image correction of the first or second figure. For example, if the figure is tilted, the accuracy of calculating the width (the width of each figure) by image processing decreases, so it is necessary to perform tilt correction in advance, and it is necessary to use an auxiliary mark for this correction. it can. The x-coordinate of the auxiliary mark corresponds to the x-coordinates of the leftmost end point and the rightmost end point of the first and second figures, and accordingly, the x-coordinates of the first and second figures. , X width (horizontal width: maximum distance in the x direction). By performing the detection using the auxiliary mark, it is possible to more easily perform the image correction and the detection of the width of each figure while maintaining the accuracy. The auxiliary mark is useful for improving processing efficiency in addition to image correction and width detection. Since the processing range is limited inside the auxiliary mark and processing is not performed outside the auxiliary mark, the processing amount is reduced as a whole, and the time required for image processing and the like can be shortened.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, the width of each of the first and second figures is 640 dots long, and the width of each of the first to fourth polygonal lines is The vertical length (for convenience, sometimes referred to as “height”) is 64 dots long, and the interval between the first and second figures is 96 dots long. .

  Please refer to FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration of a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value formed through the procedure of FIGS. 4B to 4D, and FIG. 5B is a sensitivity of detecting a transport error. Is m times (here, m = 5).

  FIG. 5A shows the entire configuration of a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value formed through the procedures of FIGS. 4B to 4D. This test pattern has an extremely small occupied area and is not wasted. Further, if this test pattern is used, the first and second figures on the left and right are collectively photographed (imaged) by a camera, so that the efficiency is improved. It is also possible to convert the data into image data.

  Here, the detection sensitivity of the test pattern for the transport error (feed shift) will be described. FIG. 5B is referred to. Since the first and second figures have the same property (similar property), in FIG. 5B, only the first figure, which is the figure on the left side of FIG. 5A, is enlarged. Is shown.

  As described above, the first figure as the test pattern shown in FIG. 5B has a first polygonal line that is convex in the positive y direction, and the convex direction of the first polygonal line is opposite to that of the first polygonal line. The first and second polygonal lines intersect each other to form first and second intersections (P (L) and Q (L)). The inclination of the first and second straight lines (F1 (L), F2 (L)) constituting the first polygonal line, and the third and fourth straight lines (F3 (L), The absolute value of the slope of F4 (L)) is 1 / m (m is an integer greater than 1 and here m = 5).

  When a transport error (feed error) occurs, the second fold line is displaced in the y direction according to the error, and accordingly, the first and second intersections (P (L), Q (L)) ) Position fluctuates. Here, the transport error amount (feed deviation amount) in the y direction is defined as “α (y)”.

  Assuming an isosceles triangle having α (y) as a base and first and second intersections (P (L) and Q (L) as vertices), the isosceles triangle is defined as a horizontal direction passing through each vertex. Assuming a right-angled triangle obtained by bisecting a line segment, the length-to-width ratio of the right-angled triangle is 1: m, so that the transport error amount (feed shift amount) in the y direction is “α ( y) ”, the amount of change in the x direction of the first intersection P (L) is“ Δd1 = (α (y) / 2) · m ”, and similarly, the second intersection Q (L) ) In the x direction is “Δd1 = (α (y) / 2) · m”, and as a result, the first and second intersections (P (L), Q (L)) ) (Referred to as the distance between intersections), a variation amount of “(α / 2) · m · 2 = α (y) · m” occurs.

  In other words, a change in “α (y)” in the y direction is converted into a change in “α (y) · m” in the x direction.

  Therefore, by detecting the transport error (feed shift) by focusing on the variation in the distance between the first and second intersections (variation in the x direction), the detection sensitivity can be focused on the variation in the y direction. The detection sensitivity is m times (m> 1), and the detection sensitivity can be increased by m times (5 times in the example of FIG. 5B). Therefore, it becomes easy to obtain the optimum feed correction value.

  Next, the principle of calculating the optimum correction value will be described. In FIG. 5B, if the width (width) of the first graphic 4 (L) is “w” and the distance between the intersections is “d”, the distance d between the intersections is short by 2 · Δd1, The value of “d / w” indicating the ratio (ratio) of the distance d between the intersections to the width w is smaller than 1.

  Here, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value when there is no transport error (feed shift). As can be seen from FIG. 6, when there is no transport error (feed shift), “d / w = 1”. In other words, if the transport error (feed error) is minimized, the distance d between intersections becomes the maximum, and the value of “d / w” approaches 1 without limit. In other words, a feed correction value (in other words, a feed correction value added to the correction value in FIG. 5B) that causes such a change may be obtained.

  If the necessary feed correction value (additional correction value) is known in order to make the first graphic in FIG. 5B the first graphic in FIG. 6, FIG. 5B shows the feed correction value −8. Since this corresponds to 0%, an additional correction value is added to -8.0% to obtain an optimum feed correction value (a feed correction value that realizes an ideal feed amount).

  Here, returning to FIG. 5A, the first graphic 4 (L) on the left and the second graphic 4 (R) on the right are printed with a difference of + 4.0% of the feed correction value. Therefore, the distance between the first and second intersections (P (L), Q (L)) (intersection distance) of the first graphic 4 (L) and the second graphic 4 (R) and the distance between the first and second intersections (P (R), Q (R)) (intersection distance) correspond to a difference of + 4% of the feed correction value. Difference in distance "should have occurred. Accordingly, if the "difference in distance" can be detected, the relationship between the difference (variation amount) of the feed correction value and the resulting difference (variation) in the distance between intersections can be known.

  Specifically, if 1% is the minimum unit of the feed correction value, it is possible to determine how much the distance between the intersections changes in accordance with the feed correction value of 1%. Then, what percentage of the feed correction value (additional feed correction value) is required to change the distance between the intersections by 2 · Δd1 shown in FIG. 5B can be obtained. Therefore, by adding the obtained additional feed correction value to −8% in FIG. 5B, it is possible to calculate the optimum feed correction value.

  In the above example, the optimum feed correction value is obtained by focusing on the first graphic 4 (L). However, even if the calculation is performed by focusing on the second graphic 4 (R), the result is Will be the same.

  Please refer to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of a series of processes for calculating (detecting) the pattern width, the distance between intersections, and the ratio (ratio) of the distance between intersections to the pattern width by image analysis.

  In the portable terminal 100 or the like equipped with the feed correction value acquisition program 200 shown in FIG. 2, image processing based on image data obtained by photographing is executed, and the feed correction is generally performed through the following procedure. Information required for calculating the value is obtained.

  First, the positions of four auxiliary marks around the test pattern (the first and second figures) are detected (step S100). Then, using the auxiliary marks, it is determined whether or not the pattern is horizontal. It is determined (step S101). In the case of N, for example, perspective correction is performed using the position coordinates of the auxiliary mark (step S102), and in the case of Y, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the width w (w1, w2) of each of the left and right patterns (in other words, the first and second figures) is obtained using the coordinate values of the auxiliary mark in the scanning direction (pattern width calculation processing).

  In step S104, each pattern (first and second figures) is divided into two parts, left and right. In step S5, edge detection is performed, and image analysis is performed using the edge information. A linear function is obtained for two straight lines and two straight lines on the right.

  In step S106, the intersection P (P (L), P (R)) is obtained using a linear function of two straight lines on the left side of each pattern (first and second figures), and the two points on the right side are determined. The intersection point Q (Q (L), Q (R)) is obtained using a linear function of a straight line.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not the intersection points P (P (L), P (R)) and Q (Q (L), Q (R)) have been obtained in step S106. In the case of N, the process returns to step S105, and in the case of Y, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the distance d1 between the intersection P (L) and the intersection Q (L) and the distance d2 between the intersection P (R) and the intersection Q (R) are determined for each pattern (first and second figures). Calculation (intersection distance calculation processing).

  In step S109, for each pattern (first and second figures), d1 / w1 and d2 / w2, which are the ratios (ratio) of the distance between intersections to the width of the pattern, are calculated (the distance between intersections to the pattern width is calculated). Ratio calculation processing).

  Next, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of calculating an optimum correction value (a feed correction value to be set in the printing apparatus).

In step S200, the variation k of the ratio (ratio) per minimum unit (basic unit) of the feed correction value is calculated according to the following calculation formula (1).
k = | d1 / w1-d2 / w2 | / | c1-c2 | (1)
Here, c1 is a feed correction value (%) corresponding to d1 and w1, and c2 is a feed correction value (%) corresponding to d2 and w2.

In step S201, an optimum correction value (correction value to be set) Cs is calculated according to the following calculation formula (2) or (3).
Cs = c1 + (1-d1 / w1) / k (2)
Cs = c2 + (1-d2 / w2) / k (3)

  Here, (1-d1 / w1) / k in the equation (2) is obtained by comparing the first graphic (left-side pattern) 4 (L) in FIG. 5A with the transport error shown in FIG. The figure shows a correction value (additional correction value) necessary to make a figure without a figure (a figure printed with an ideal feed amount). By adding the calculated correction value (additional correction value) to the original correction value c1 (here, -8.0%) of the first graphic 4 (L), an optimum feed correction value Cs is obtained. Can be

  Similarly, (1−d2 / w2) / k in the expression (3) is the transfer error shown in FIG. 6 for the second graphic (pattern on the left and right sides) 4 (R) in FIG. The figure shows a correction value (additional correction value) necessary to obtain a figure (a figure printed with an ideal feed amount) when there is no. By adding the calculated correction value (additional correction value) to the original correction value c2 (here, -12.0%) of the first graphic 4 (R), an optimum feed correction value Cs is obtained. Can be The calculation result is the same regardless of which of the equations (2) and (3) is used.

  Please refer to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a functional block in a portable terminal or the like in which a feed correction value acquisition program is installed.

  The portable terminal 100 includes an imaging unit 210, a communication unit (wireless communication unit) 212, an imaging data processing unit 214, and an image processing unit 220. The hardware configuration includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which constitute a computer (all are not shown). For example, a feed correction value acquisition program 200 (see FIG. 2) as an application program is mounted. I have. Various functional blocks are configured in the image processing unit 220 by the computer operating according to the feed correction value acquisition program 200.

  The image processing unit 220 includes an analysis unit 230 and a calculation unit (detection unit) 240. The analysis unit 230 includes a w1 and w2 acquisition unit 232 that acquires information on the pattern widths w1 and w2, and first to fourth intersections (P (L), Q (L), P (R), and Q (R). And P (L), Q (L), P (R), and Q (R) acquisition units 234 for acquiring the coordinate information of).

  The calculation unit (detection unit) 240 detects the distances d1 and d2 between the intersections, and the d1 and d2 detection units 242, and d1 / w1 and d2 / w2 that are the ratios (ratio) of the distances between the intersections to the width of the pattern. D1 / w1 and d2 / w2 obtaining units 244 for obtaining the values, a calculating unit 246 for a variation k of a ratio (ratio) per minimum unit (basic unit) of the feed correction value, and an optimum correction value (feed to be set) (Correction value) Cs calculation unit 248.

  The calculated (optimal) feed correction value Cs is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 by wireless communication via the communication unit 212, for example, and is based on the information of the feed correction value received by the printing apparatus 1. Then, the feed correction value may be automatically set, and the information of the received feed correction value is once presented to the user via a display or the like, and after confirmation of the user, the user sets the feed correction value. May be set manually. Further, the calculated feed correction value Cs is displayed on a display or the like provided in the portable terminal 100, and the user can manually set the feed correction value in the printing apparatus 1 as shown.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a transport error (feed shift) is detected by focusing on a variation in the distance between the first and second intersections (variation in the x direction). The detection sensitivity is m times (m> 1) when the detection is performed by paying attention to the fluctuation in the y direction, and the detection sensitivity can be made m times as large as that in the related art. Therefore, it becomes easy to obtain the optimum feed correction value.

  For example, when a method of printing a plurality of patterns (graphics) having different feed correction values and visually confirming the operator as described in Patent Literature 1 is adopted, first and second intersections are used. Find a figure (pattern) in which the distance between them becomes the maximum (in other words, the right and left end points of the first and second polygonal lines overlap (adjacent)) and adopt the feed correction value at that time In this visual operation, the detection sensitivity of the fluctuation is m times higher than in the past, so that the optimum feed correction value can be obtained more accurately and easily. A feed correction value to be set in the printing apparatus can be obtained.

  Here, the resolution of the printing apparatus is determined by the product of the resolution in the scanning direction and the resolution in the transport direction. However, the resolution of a printing apparatus capable of high-definition printing in recent years is extremely high. Terminals, portable information terminals, terminal devices that combine these functions, etc.) and cameras provided in portable devices (portable computer devices, etc.) have insufficient resolution. Automatic acquisition of the optimal feed correction value was not possible. According to the present invention, since the amount of change in the figure corresponding to the transport error (feed error) is m times larger than in the past, it is necessary even for a camera or the like which currently has a limited resolution. It is possible to calculate a feed correction value having accuracy.

  In other words, the printed feed correction value acquisition test pattern is transferred to, for example, a commercially available mobile terminal (a mobile phone terminal, a mobile information terminal, a terminal device having these functions, etc.) or a mobile device (a portable computer device, etc.). ), An image is captured by a camera (imaging element) or the like, and is converted into image data. The image data is subjected to image analysis to calculate an optimum feed correction value.

  When an optimal feed correction value is obtained by using image analysis, for example, different feed correction values are set in the printing apparatus, the first and second figures are printed, and the intersection point is calculated based on the difference between the feed correction values. It detects how much difference occurs in the amount of change in the inter-distance, and from this, detects the amount of change in the distance between intersections per minimum unit of the feed correction value (for example, per 1% of the correction value). Alternatively, it is necessary to maximize the distance between intersections in the second figure (in other words, move the first and second intersections until the left and right end points of the first and second polygonal lines overlap). By finding the value of the feed correction value and adding the value of the feed correction value to the feed correction value at the time of printing the first or second figure (the result is the same using either figure), It is possible to calculate an appropriate feed correction value.

  If an optimal feed correction value can be obtained by image analysis, printing of a large number of figures as described in Patent Document 1 becomes unnecessary, and the size of the print area of the test pattern on the medium (print medium) becomes large. Is eliminated, the useless portion finally discarded on the medium is reduced, and the time required for printing is also reduced.

  Further, since the visual work by the worker is not required, the burden on the worker is reduced, the work efficiency is improved, and the accuracy of the obtained correction value is easily increased.

  In addition, a camera such as a commercially available portable terminal can be used, and there is no need to use a special camera (special device), which facilitates implementation.

  Also, when printing the first and second figures, multi-pass printing (a plurality of printing operations (one printing operation is referred to as a pass) is performed on a common printing area) and printing is performed in an overlapping manner. Method), it is also possible to print the first and second figures side by side with a minimum interval, and in this case, a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value with a minimum area Can be obtained.

  Further, in this case, the first and second figures can be photographed at a time by a camera, and information necessary for obtaining an optimum feed correction value can be obtained at a time. Processing (processing by a feed correction value acquisition program) can be realized.

  The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the exemplary embodiments described above to the scope included in the claims. .

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a printing apparatus, 2 denotes a medium, 4 denotes a test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value, 4 (L) denotes a first figure as a test pattern, and 4 (R). A second figure as a test pattern, 8: a test pattern memory, 9: a print condition memory of the test pattern memory, 10: a control unit (controller), 20: a carriage unit 21 ... Carriage, 24: guide rail, 30: transport unit, 40: printing unit, 41: head (print head), 50: drive unit, 60: detection unit, 100 ... -Portable terminal etc., 210: imaging unit, 212: communication unit, 214: imaging data processing unit, 220: image processing unit, 230: analysis unit, 240: calculation unit ( Detection unit), 232... W1, w2 acquisition unit, 23 ... P (L), Q (L), P (R), Q (R) acquisition units 234, 242 ... d1, d2 detection units, 244 ... d1 / w1, d2 / w2 acquisition units, 246... A calculator for calculating the variation k of the ratio (ratio) of the distance between intersections to the pattern width per minimum unit (basic unit) of the feed correction value.

Claims (10)

By moving the print head in the scanning direction and transporting the medium in the transport direction, an image is printed on the medium, and the transport can be adjusted by setting a feed correction value. A feed correction value acquisition test pattern printed on a medium,
When a direction corresponding to the scanning direction in the medium is an x direction, a direction corresponding to the transport direction is a y direction, and a position of a point on a printing surface of the medium can be represented by xy coordinates,
A first straight line connecting the first point and the second point and having an absolute value of the slope of 1 / m (m is an integer greater than 1);
The second point is connected to a third point having a different x coordinate and the same y coordinate from the first point, and the absolute value of the slope is 1 / m. A second straight line opposite to the straight line of
A fourth point having the same x coordinate and different y coordinate as the first point is connected to a fifth point having the same x coordinate but different y coordinate as the second point, and the absolute value of the slope is 1 / M, but a third straight line whose slope is opposite to the first straight line and intersects the first straight line at a first intersection,
The fifth point is connected to a sixth point having the same x-coordinate and different y-coordinate as the third point, and the absolute value of the gradient is 1 / m. A fourth straight line which is opposite to the straight line and intersects the second straight line at a second intersection;
Has,
The first and second straight lines form a first polygonal line that connects the first, second, and third points and that is convex in the positive or negative y direction.
The third and fourth straight lines form a second polygonal line connecting the fourth, fifth, and sixth points, the second polygonal line having a reverse convex direction to the first polygonal line,
The first and second polygonal lines form a first graphic as a test pattern,
When there is no error in the conveyance, the first and fourth points overlap or are adjacent to each other, and the third and sixth points overlap or are adjacent to each other,
The second polygonal line has a property of being displaced along the y direction according to a transport error of the transport,
Along with the displacement of the second polygonal line along the y direction, the distance between the first and second intersections in the x direction changes, and the amount of change in the distance is the amount of change of the second polygonal line. A test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value having a property of being m times the displacement amount along the y direction. A second graphic as a test pattern which is juxtaposed with the first graphic at an interval in the x direction;
The second graphic is
A third polygonal line that can be regarded as having shifted the first polygonal line along the x direction by a first shift amount larger than the interval;
It is considered that the second polygonal line is shifted along the x direction by the first shift amount and shifted along the y direction by a shift amount within a range where an intersection with the third polygonal line occurs. And a fourth polygonal line that can
The third and fourth polygonal lines intersect at a third intersection corresponding to the first intersection and a fourth intersection corresponding to the second intersection.
The feed correction value acquisition test pattern according to claim 2, wherein the second graphic has a property similar to the property of the first graphic. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is used for correcting an image of the first graphic, which is arranged around the first graphic, and is used for detecting a width of the first graphic in an x direction. With auxiliary marks that are possible,
Or
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first and second figures are arranged around the first and second figures and are usable for image correction of the first and second figures, and the first and second figures are used. Having an auxiliary mark that can be used to detect the width of each figure in the x direction;
The test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value according to claim 1. A method for forming a feed correction value acquisition pattern, comprising: forming the feed correction value acquisition pattern having the first and second figures according to claim 2 by printing on the medium.
Printing the first and third polygonal lines in the first pass printing in multi-pass printing;
A second step of printing the second polygonal line or the fourth polygonal line by the printing apparatus in which a first feed correction value is set, in a second pass printing;
In the printing of the third pass, the fourth polygonal line is printed when the second polygonal line is printed in the second step, and the fourth polygonal line is printed when the fourth polygonal line is printed in the second step. Printing a second polygonal line by the printing apparatus in which a second feed correction value different from the first feed correction value is set;
And forming a feed correction value acquisition test pattern. A feed correction value obtaining method for obtaining a feed correction value for correcting a transport error using the test pattern for obtaining a feed correction value according to claim 1,
An image analysis is executed based on image data obtained by imaging each of the two first graphics obtained by a camera by setting and printing different feed correction values in the printing apparatus, and An inter-intersection distance detection step of detecting an inter-intersection distance, which is a distance in the x direction, between each of the first graphics and each of the first and second intersections;
Using a relationship between the difference between the different feed correction values and the detected difference between the intersection points, a feed correction value that maximizes the distance between the intersection points in one of the two first figures is calculated. A feed correction value calculating step;
And a feed correction value obtaining method. A feed correction value obtaining method for obtaining a feed correction value for correcting a transport error, using the feed correction value obtaining test pattern according to claim 2,
An image analysis is performed based on first image data obtained by imaging the first figure with a camera, and a distance in the x direction between each of the first and second intersections is obtained. While detecting the distance between the intersections of 1,
An image analysis is performed based on second image data obtained by imaging the second figure with a camera, and a distance in the x direction between the third and fourth intersections is defined. An inter-intersection distance detecting step of detecting an inter-intersection distance of 2;
Based on the difference between the feed correction values at the time of printing the first and second figures and the difference between the first and second intersection points, the second feed correction value per minimum unit is calculated. A feed correction value calculating step of calculating a variation amount of the first or second distance between intersections, and calculating a feed correction value that maximizes the first or second distance between intersections using the calculation result;
And a feed correction value obtaining method. In the feed correction value calculation step,
When calculating the feed correction value that maximizes the first or second distance between intersections,
Using the auxiliary mark according to claim 3, detecting a width that is a distance along the x direction of the first graphic or the first and second graphics,
Detecting a ratio (ratio) of the distance between the first or second intersections to the detected width;
Calculating a feed correction value required to set the detected ratio (ratio) to 1;
The feed correction value acquisition method according to claim 5.   The feed correction value acquisition according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the camera is a portable camera provided in any one of a portable terminal, a portable information terminal, a portable telephone terminal, and a portable device. Method. A printing apparatus capable of printing an image on the medium by moving the print head in the scanning direction and conveying the medium in the conveying direction, and adjusting the conveyance by setting a feed correction value,
A test pattern memory storing image data of the test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value according to claim 1,
A wireless communication unit;
A control unit for controlling a printing operation of the printing apparatus,
Has,
The control unit includes:
4. The test pattern according to claim 1, wherein the image data is read from the test pattern memory in a test print mode, and the test pattern for acquiring a feed correction value according to claim 1 is printed on a medium based on the image data. And
The wireless communication unit, when receiving the transmission correction value data transmitted by wireless communication, sets a transmission correction value based on the received transmission correction value data, or to the received transmission correction value data A printing device that presents information to the user based on the information. Computer
An inter-intersection distance detection unit that executes the inter-intersection distance detection step according to claim 5 or 6,
A feed correction value calculation unit that executes the feed correction value calculation step according to claim 5 or 6,
A feed correction value acquisition program to function as

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