JP2020026122A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing device that is configured to make an inkjet head to perform main-scanning operation and sub-scanning operation, which can correct a movement amount for sub-scanning more appropriately.SOLUTION: A printing device 10, which performs printing onto a medium 50, comprises an inkjet head 102, a main-scanning driving part 18, a sub-scanning driving part 20, a memorizing part 22 and a control part 30. The control part 30 operates as a movement amount setting part for setting a movement amount for sub-scanning, and the memorizing part 22 memorizes a correction coefficient which is used to calculate a correction value to be calculated to be used to correct the movement amount for sub-scanning. The control part 30 sets the movement amount for sub-scanning on the basis of a basic movement amount, a basic movement amount to be set according to a printing condition and the correction value to be calculated. The memorizing part 22 memorizes, as correction coefficients, at least a first correction coefficient which is used when the basic movement amount is in a first range and a second correction coefficient which is used when the basic movement amount is in a second range smaller than the first range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printer, which is a printing apparatus that performs printing by an ink jet method, has been widely used. As a configuration of an ink jet printer, a serial type configuration in which an ink jet head performs a main scanning operation (scan operation) is widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-1111211 A

  In the case of performing printing by the serial method, an area facing the inkjet head in a medium to be printed is sequentially changed by causing the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation between main scanning operations. In the sub-scanning operation, for example, the inkjet head is moved relative to the medium by transporting the medium by a transport amount (feed amount) determined according to the number of passes set as a printing condition.

  Further, in the sub-scanning operation, for various reasons, an error may occur in the sub-scanning movement amount (for example, the conveyance amount of the medium) which is a distance for moving the inkjet head relative to the medium during the sub-scanning operation. is there. When such an error occurs, an unintended striped pattern (banding) may occur in the print result, and the print quality may be degraded. For this reason, it is preferable that the sub-scanning moving amount is appropriately set, not simply set according to the number of passes.

  In this regard, for example, if the number of passes that can be set in an ink-jet printer is limited to about several types, a correction parameter is prepared in advance for each sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each pass number that can be set. It is possible to do. However, in recent years, with the sophistication and diversification of the performance required of the ink jet printer, for example, there are cases where the number of settable pass numbers becomes extremely large. More specifically, for example, when a function such as MAPS (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) mounted on an inkjet printer manufactured by Mimaki Engineering is used, various numbers of passes including non-integers are set. . In such a case, if the correction parameters are prepared in advance for each sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each settable number of passes, the necessary correction parameters may become extremely large.

  Therefore, conventionally, it has been desired to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount in a printing apparatus that causes the inkjet head to perform the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can solve the above-described problems.

  When correcting the sub-scanning movement amount using only a smaller number of correction parameters, for example, a correction parameter for a predetermined printing condition is prepared as a standard parameter, and other printing conditions are prepared. In the case where is used, it is conceivable to adjust a correction parameter according to a difference in printing conditions (for example, a difference in the number of passes). More specifically, in this case, an amount by which the sub-scanning movement amount is changed under a predetermined printing condition is prepared as a standard parameter, and a correction parameter is adjusted so as to be proportional to the sub-scanning movement amount. And so on.

  However, the inventor of the present application has actually performed various experiments, for example, when the maximum value of the sub-scanning movement amount becomes large, such as when using a large-sized inkjet head, It has been found that an error may increase in the result of correction of the sub-scanning movement amount by simply making it proportional to the sub-scanning movement amount. More specifically, in this case, for example, the correction amount required under the printing condition where the number of passes is set to 1 is used as a standard parameter, and the correction amount required under the printing condition where the number of passes is set to 2 is set to the standard value. As a result of comparison with the case where the parameter is used as the parameter, an error may occur in the value of the parameter after adjustment exceeding the inter-dot distance (inter-dot distance in the sub-scanning direction) corresponding to the printing resolution. If such an error occurs, banding or the like may not be properly prevented even if the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected.

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present application has considered changing the correction parameter according to the magnitude of the basic movement amount corresponding to the sub-scanning movement amount before correction. More specifically, when the basic movement amount is within a predetermined first range, the first correction coefficient is used as a correction parameter, and the second movement amount is smaller than the first range. It is considered that the second correction coefficient is used as a correction parameter when the value is within the range of. With this configuration, for example, even when the maximum value that can be taken as the scanning movement amount becomes large, the sub-scanning movement amount can be more appropriately corrected with higher accuracy. Also in this case, since only a limited number of correction coefficients need to be prepared, the sub-scanning movement amount can be appropriately corrected using only a small number of correction parameters.

  Further, the inventor of the present application has found, through further intensive research, features necessary for obtaining such an effect, and has accomplished the present invention. In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium, and includes an inkjet head that ejects ink to the medium, and a printing apparatus that performs printing on the medium in a predetermined main scanning direction. A main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation that ejects ink while moving relatively, and a sub-scanning operation that moves relatively to the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. A sub-scanning drive unit that causes the ink-jet head to perform, and a movement amount setting that sets a sub-scanning movement amount that is a distance that moves the ink-jet head in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium in the sub-scanning operation. And a correction coefficient storage unit that stores a correction coefficient that is a coefficient used for calculating a calculated correction value calculated as a correction value used for correcting the sub-scanning movement amount. The moving amount setting unit sets the sub-scanning moving amount based on a basic moving amount, which is a basic moving amount set according to printing conditions, and the calculated correction value; Are the first correction coefficient used when the basic movement amount is within the first range, and the second range where the basic movement amount is smaller than the first range. When the basic movement amount is within the first range, the movement amount setting unit may store the basic movement amount and the first correction amount when the basic movement amount is within the first range. Calculating the calculated correction value based on the correction coefficient, and when the basic movement amount is within the second range, the movement amount setting unit determines the basic movement amount and the second correction coefficient And the calculated correction value is calculated based on

  With this configuration, for example, the sub-scanning movement amount can be appropriately corrected with high accuracy. In this case, for example, since only a limited number of correction coefficients need be prepared, it is possible to appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount using only a small number of correction parameters. In this configuration, as the first and second correction coefficients, for example, a coefficient indicating a linear function that associates the basic movement amount with the calculated correction value may be used. Further, in this case, it is conceivable to use, for example, a coefficient different from the first correction coefficient as the second correction coefficient.

  In this configuration, the inkjet head has, for example, a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, as the first range, for example, it is conceivable to use a range including a case where the nozzle length, which is the width of the nozzle row of the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, and the basic movement amount are equal. As the second range, for example, it is conceivable to use a range including all basic movement amounts that are equal to or less than a predetermined movement amount smaller than the nozzle length. Further, in this case, as the second correction coefficient, for example, a coefficient indicating that the calculated correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic movement amount may be used. The fact that the calculated correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic movement amount means that, for example, a linear function that associates the basic movement amount with the calculated correction value is a function indicating a straight line passing through the origin. With this configuration, for example, the first range and the second range can be appropriately divided. In addition, for example, the calculation correction value can be appropriately calculated for the basic movement amount included in the second range.

  Here, in this configuration, it is conceivable to use, for example, a composite head (for example, a staggered head or the like) composed of a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink of the same color, as the inkjet head. In this case, the nozzle row of the inkjet head is, for example, a nozzle row in the composite head. The nozzle row in the composite head is, for example, a nozzle row formed by combining nozzles of a plurality of inkjet heads included in the composite head.

  In this configuration, it is conceivable to use, for example, a movement amount equal to half the nozzle length as the predetermined movement amount. In this case, as the first range, for example, it is conceivable to use a range including all basic movement amounts larger than a predetermined movement amount. In this case, as the first correction coefficient, for example, the calculated correction value corresponding to the basic movement amount is linearly calculated between the basic movement amount equal to half the nozzle length and the basic movement amount equal to the nozzle length. It is conceivable to use a coefficient indicating a change. The fact that the calculated correction value corresponding to the basic movement amount changes linearly means that, for example, the relationship between the basic movement amount and the calculated correction value becomes a linear function. With this configuration, for example, the calculation correction value can be appropriately calculated for the basic movement amount included in the first range. Further, in this configuration, the slope in the linear relationship indicated by the first correction coefficient may be different from the slope in the proportional relation indicated by the second correction coefficient. In this case, as the linear function corresponding to the first range, for example, a function corresponding to a straight line that does not pass through the origin may be used.

  Further, in this configuration, the distance between dots corresponding to the resolution in the sub-scanning direction set according to the printing conditions is defined as the distance between sub-scanning dots. A first correction value is calculated based on the correction coefficient of the first correction value, and a second value is obtained by calculating a correction value according to the proportional relationship indicated by the second correction coefficient. It is conceivable that the difference between the second value and the second value is larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots. In such a case, for example, when the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected using only one type of correction coefficient, for example, when the basic movement amount is equal to the nozzle length, or when the basic movement amount is half the nozzle length It is conceivable that an error exceeding the distance between the sub-scanning dots occurs in the sub-scanning movement amount after the correction in the above. If such an error occurs, banding or the like may not be properly prevented even if the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected. On the other hand, when the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient are used as described above, the occurrence of such an error can be appropriately prevented. Further, for example, the sub-scanning movement amount can be more appropriately corrected with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the case where the above-described error occurs, for example, when the correction value is calculated using only one proportional coefficient, the distance between the sub-scan dots with respect to the ideal correction value in any of the sub-scan movement amounts It can be considered that there is a situation where a larger difference occurs. More specifically, in this case, for example, a correction value for correctly setting the sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each basic movement amount is defined as an ideal correction value, and the basic movement amount is determined using only one proportional coefficient. When the correction value when the calculated correction value is set proportionally is defined as a simple proportional correction value, one proportional coefficient is set so that the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value become equal to any of the basic movement amounts. Is set, the difference between the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value corresponding to any of the other basic movement amounts is larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots. Even in such a case, the use of the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient can appropriately prevent the occurrence of such an error. In addition, for example, the sub-scanning movement amount can be more appropriately corrected with higher accuracy.

  In this configuration, as the printing condition, for example, it is conceivable that at least the number of passes indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed on each position of the printing range on the medium is set. In this case, for example, a value obtained by dividing the nozzle length of the inkjet head by the number of passes may be used as the basic movement amount. With this configuration, for example, the basic movement amount can be appropriately set.

  In this configuration, it is conceivable that a plurality of types of values including a non-integer value can be set as the number of paths. In this case, as the non-integer value, for example, it is possible to set at least a value in a step width of 0.25 or less. In such a case, since the number of paths can be set variously, values that can be taken as the basic movement amount also become various. On the other hand, when the input correction value is used as described above, the sub-scanning movement amount can be set appropriately even when there are many possible values as the basic movement amount. Further, the step width of the number of passes is preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.01 or less. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that an arbitrary number of paths can be set with a numerical value having a predetermined number of digits after the decimal point.

  Further, as a configuration of the present invention, a printing method or the like having the same characteristics as described above may be used. In this case, for example, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, for example, in a printing apparatus that causes an inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation and a sub-scanning operation, it is possible to more appropriately correct the sub-scanning movement amount.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a configuration of a main part of the printing apparatus 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 102. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a calculation correction value. FIG. 2A shows an example of the relationship between a specific basic feed amount associated with a correction coefficient and a correction value (system feed correction value). FIG. 2B is a graph showing the relationship between the basic feed amount and the correction value. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a calculation correction value. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of calculating a calculation correction value. FIG. 4A shows an example of a method of calculating a calculated correction value when the number of corresponding passes is in the range of 1 to 2. FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a method of calculating the calculated correction value when the number of corresponding paths is two or more.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a configuration of a main part of the printing apparatus 10. Note that, except for the points described below, the printing apparatus 10 may have the same or similar features as a known inkjet printer. For example, the printing apparatus 10 may further have the same or similar configuration as a known inkjet printer, in addition to the configuration described below.

  The printing apparatus 10 is an inkjet printer that performs printing on a medium 50 to be printed by an inkjet method. In this example, the printing apparatus 10 includes a head unit 12, a platen 14, a guide rail 16, a main scanning drive unit 18, a sub-scanning drive unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 30.

  The head section 12 is a section that ejects ink to the medium 50. Further, in this example, the head section 12 includes a carriage 100 and a plurality of inkjet heads 102. The carriage 100 is a holding member that holds the plurality of inkjet heads 102. In this example, as shown in the figure, for example, the carriage 100 aligns the positions in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) preset in the printing apparatus 10 so that the main scanning direction ( The plurality of inkjet heads 102 are held so as to be arranged in the direction (Y direction in the figure).

  Each of the plurality of inkjet heads 102 is an inkjet head that ejects ink of each color used for printing to the medium 50, and ejects ink of different colors from each other. More specifically, in this example, the head unit 12 ejects inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. And a plurality of ink jet heads 102. Further, in the present example, each inkjet head 102 has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, and ejects ink of each color from each nozzle.

  The platen 14 is a trapezoidal member that supports the medium 50 at a position facing the head unit 12. The guide rail 16 is a rail-shaped member extending in the main scanning direction, and guides the movement of the head unit 12 in the main scanning direction.

  The main scanning drive unit 18 is a driving unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform a main scanning operation (scan operation). In this case, the main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of ejecting ink while moving in the main scanning direction. Further, causing the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head in the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. Further, in the present example, the printing device 10 executes the printing operation in the serial system by causing the head unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. In the main scanning operation of the present example, the head section 12 moves in the main scanning direction along the guide rail 16. In the main scanning operation, the movement of the head unit 12 in the main scanning direction refers to a relative movement with respect to the medium 50. Therefore, in a modified example of the printing apparatus 10, the position of the head unit 12 may be fixed, and the medium 50 may be moved by moving the platen 14, for example.

  The sub-scanning driving unit 20 is a driving unit that causes the head unit 12 to perform a sub-scanning operation. In this case, the sub-scanning operation is, for example, an operation of moving relatively to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction. Further, causing the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head in the head unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. Further, in this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 20 performs the sub-scanning operation on the head unit 12 by transporting the medium 50 in a transport direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction using, for example, a belt member not shown. Let it do. In this case, the sub-scanning drive unit 20 conveys the medium 50 by a feed amount set by the control unit 30 according to the number of printing passes or the like between each main scanning operation. In this case, the feed amount during the sub-scanning operation is an example of the sub-scanning movement amount. The sub-scanning movement amount is a distance by which the inkjet head 102 is moved in the sub-scanning direction relative to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning operation. The transport of the medium 50 is not limited to the belt member, and may be performed using, for example, a roller. In a modified example of the printing apparatus 10, the sub-scanning operation may be performed by fixing the position of the medium 50 and moving the head unit 12 side.

  The storage unit 22 is a storage unit for storing parameters for specifying a printing operation. In this example, the storage unit 22 is an example of a correction coefficient storage unit, and stores at least a correction coefficient that is a parameter used for correcting the feed amount. In this case, the correction coefficient is a coefficient used when calculating a calculated correction value that is a correction value (feed correction value) used for correcting the feed amount. The correction of the feed amount is a correction performed to set the feed amount. The correction coefficient and the like will be described later in more detail.

  The control unit 30 is, for example, a CPU of the printing device 10 and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 10 according to a preset program. More specifically, the printing apparatus 10 causes each nozzle in the head unit 12 to eject ink according to an image to be printed, for example, when controlling the main scanning operation by the head unit 12. Further, in the present example, the control unit 30 is also an example of a movement amount setting unit, and sets the feed amount during the sub-scanning operation according to printing conditions. In this case, the feed amount is corrected based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 22. The operation of setting the feed amount in the control unit 30 will be described in more detail later.

  Here, as described above, the printing apparatus 10 of the present example may have the same or similar features as a known inkjet printer, except for the points described above and below. For example, it is conceivable to use various known types of ink as ink ejected from each inkjet head 102 in the head unit 12. In this case, it is preferable that the printing apparatus 10 further include a fixing unit or the like for fixing the ink on the medium 50 according to the type of the ink to be used. More specifically, when an ink that is fixed to the medium 50 by evaporating a solvent (evaporation-drying type ink) is used as the ink, a heater or the like that heats the medium or the ink may be used as the fixing unit. In this case, the heater is disposed, for example, in the platen 14 at a position facing the head unit 12 with the medium 50 interposed therebetween. Further, as such an evaporative drying type ink, for example, various known aqueous inks, solvent inks (solvent inks), and the like may be used. Further, as the ink, for example, an ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light may be used. In this case, it is conceivable to use an ultraviolet irradiation unit such as a UV LED as the fixing unit. In this case, the ultraviolet irradiation means may be provided at a position adjacent to the plurality of inkjet heads 102 (position adjacent to the main scanning direction) in the head unit 12.

  Further, as described above, in this example, the inkjet head 102 for each color has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, as the inkjet head 102 for each color, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a composite head (for example, a staggered head) including a plurality of inkjet heads that eject the same color ink is used. You may. FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 102 when a staggered head is used as the inkjet head 102.

  In the case shown in the figure, the inkjet head 102 for each color is configured by a plurality of unit heads 202 that eject ink of the same color. Each of the plurality of unit heads 202 is an inkjet head constituting a staggered head, and has, for example, a nozzle row in which nozzles are arranged in the sub-scanning direction as shown in the drawing. The plurality of unit heads 202 are arranged so as to be shifted in the sub-scanning direction such that the nozzle rows of each of the unit heads 202 are combined to form the nozzle rows of the inkjet head 102. In this case, the nozzle row of the inkjet head 102 is configured by combining the nozzle rows of each of the plurality of unit heads 202, for example, as shown in the right side of FIG. 1B. When focusing on the position of each nozzle in the sub-scanning direction in 202, one virtual nozzle row is formed. In this case, the virtual nozzle row can be considered as a nozzle row of the inkjet head 102. In this example, as the unit head 202, for example, an inkjet head having a length of about 4 inches in the sub-scanning direction is used. As a result, the length (width in the sub-scanning direction) of the nozzle row of the inkjet head 102 including the two unit heads 202 is 220 mm (220,000 μm).

  Subsequently, a correction coefficient used for correcting the feed amount, an operation of setting the feed amount in the control unit 30, and the like will be described in further detail. In this example, the control unit 30 sets a basic feed amount corresponding to the feed amount before correction based on printing conditions. In this case, the basic feed amount is an example of a basic movement amount that is a basic movement amount set according to printing conditions. In this case, the control unit 30 uses, for example, a condition specified in a print job indicating an image to be printed, as the printing condition. Further, as the printing condition, a condition specified by the user may be used. Further, in this example, the input path value and the MAPS speed value are used as printing conditions used for setting the basic feed amount. The input path value is a numerical value serving as a basis for setting the number of paths, and an integer value of 1 or more is specified. In this case, the number of passes is a number indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed on each position of the print range on the medium. In this example, the number of passes is set in consideration of the MAPS speed value described below in addition to the input pass value. In this case, the input pass value may be considered to correspond to, for example, a value obtained by removing the influence of the MAPS process from the number of passes set at the time of printing. Further, the input path value can be considered to be, for example, a value corresponding to the number of paths set when the MAPS processing is invalidated (OFF).

  Further, the MAPS speed value is a value indicating a degree to which MAPS (Mimaki Advanced Pass System) processing is applied. In this case, the MAPS process is, for example, a process that makes banding less noticeable by adjusting the density (ejection density) of ink ejected from each nozzle by applying a mask. In the MAPS process, for example, a gradation-type mask is used instead of a checkerboard-shaped mask or the like to adjust the ejection density. Also, in this case, by reducing the feed amount in accordance with the reduction in the ejection density according to the mask, the boundary portions of the paths are overlapped to make the path boundaries less noticeable. Therefore, when performing the MAPS process, the feed amount changes according to the MAPS moving speed. Accordingly, the number of paths to be set changes.

  In the case of performing the MAPS process, a non-integer value (semi-pass) is set as the number of paths by, for example, adjusting an integer value specified as an input path value according to the MAPS speed value. You will get. Therefore, the configuration for performing the MAPS process can be considered as an example of a configuration in which a plurality of types of values including a non-integer value can be set. In this case, in order to flexibly perform MAPS processing or the like with high accuracy, it is preferable that a non-integer value serving as the number of passes can be set to a value of at least a step size of 0.25 or less. The step width of the number of passes is preferably 0.1 or less, more preferably 0.01 or less. Further, in this case, for example, it is more preferable to be able to set an arbitrary number of passes with a numerical value having a predetermined number of digits after the decimal point. In this example, the number of passes is calculated according to the input pass value and the MAPS speed value, so that an arbitrary value can be set in increments of 0.01. In this case, the input pass value and the MAPS speed value can be considered as parameters for designating the number of passes as printing conditions.

  The MAPS speed value can be considered as, for example, a parameter indicating the degree to which dots formed on a medium are dispersed. As the MAPS speed value, for example, a numerical value in the range of 0 to 100% may be used. In this case, a state where the MAPS speed value is set to 100% indicates a state where a mask corresponding to the input path value is applied. Therefore, when the MAPS speed value is 100%, the number of passes is equal to the number of input passes. When the MAPS speed value is smaller than 100%, the number of passes becomes larger than the input pass value according to the MAPS speed value. More specifically, for example, if the input path value is 2 and the MAPS speed value is 100%, a mask equivalent to 2 passes is applied in the MAPS processing. If the input path value is 2 and the MAPS speed value is 50%, a mask equivalent to 4 passes is applied in the MAPS processing. Also, in this case, as the setting of the MAPS speed value becomes smaller, the width of the overlap at the boundary of the path becomes larger (the overlap of the path increases), so that the boundary of the path becomes less visible and the effect of suppressing banding is reduced. growing.

  Further, in this example, the control unit 30 sets the number of passes and the basic feed amount based on the input pass value and the MAPS speed value specified as the printing conditions. In this case, the number of paths refers to the odd-numbered paths described above. Further, the control unit 30 further sets a basic feed amount based on the number of passes and the nozzle length of the inkjet head. More specifically, in this example, a value obtained by dividing the nozzle length of the inkjet head by the number of passes is set as the basic feed amount. Further, as described above, in this example, the number of passes is calculated according to the input pass value and the MAPS speed value, so that an arbitrary value can be set in increments of 0.01. . Therefore, various values that can be taken as the basic movement amount can be set within the range of the nozzle length or less.

  Further, the control unit 30 corrects the basic feed amount calculated in this way to set the feed amount actually used during the sub-scanning operation. In this case, the operation of correcting the basic feed amount can be considered as the operation of correcting the feed amount. In this case, the control unit 30 calculates a calculated correction value based on the correction coefficient stored in the storage unit 22, and performs correction on the basic feed amount using the calculated correction value. In this case, for example, a feed amount corrected for the basic feed amount is calculated by adding the calculated correction value to the basic feed amount.

  Subsequently, a method of calculating the calculated correction value will be described in more detail. 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining how to calculate the calculated correction value. As described above, in this example, the control unit 30 calculates the calculated correction value based on the correction coefficient stored in the storage unit 22. In this case, the storage unit 22 stores, for example, a correction coefficient set when the printing apparatus 10 is shipped or adjusted. Therefore, it can be considered that the calculated correction value is calculated so as to indicate the correction amount set in the printing apparatus 10 in advance. In this case, the calculated correction value can be considered as an example of a system feed correction value set in the printing apparatus 10 in advance. The system feed correction value is, for example, a correction value or the like prepared in advance by a manufacturer of the printing apparatus 10 or a service provider related to the printing apparatus 10. More specifically, in this example, as the correction coefficient, for example, a coefficient that associates a basic feed amount with a correction value to be set for the basic feed amount is used.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of the relationship between a specific basic feed amount associated with a correction coefficient and a correction value (system feed correction value). In this case, the specific basic feed amount associated with the correction coefficient is, for example, a basic feed amount corresponding to a boundary of a range of the basic feed amount described later. FIG. 2B is a graph showing the relationship between the basic feed amount and the correction value shown in FIG. 2A, in which points corresponding to the respective basic feed amounts shown in FIG. 2A are plotted. Indicates a state where each point is connected by a straight line (line segment).

  In this example, the basic feed amount when the number of passes is 0, 1, or 2 is used as the specific basic feed amount. In this case, when the number of passes is 0, it indicates a virtual condition to be used as the origin used when calculating the calculation correction value. As the correction value corresponding to each basic feed amount, a value to be set as a system feed correction value is used. It is conceivable that the correction value is obtained by actual measurement performed by printing a test chart at the time of shipping or adjustment of the printing apparatus 10, for example. Further, 0 is set as the correction value when the number of passes is 0.

  Here, when considering correction values to be used for correcting the basic feed amount for various basic feed amounts, the relationship between the basic feed amount and the correction value is linear within a range where the error does not exceed a certain allowable amount. It is thought to change. Further, as will be described in more detail later, the inventor of the present application has set the basic feed amount in two ranges, that is, the case where the number of passes is within the range of 1 to 2 and the other case in the case of a normal inkjet printer. If considered separately, it has been found that the linear relationship as described above is appropriately established in each range. In this case, the basic feed amounts other than the basic feed amounts shown in FIG. 2A correspond to the respective basic feed amounts based on the relationship indicated by the straight line shown in FIG. 2B. A correction value can be obtained. In this case, the correction value obtained in this way can be used as the calculated correction value described above.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the straight lines in the graph of FIG. 2B in more detail, and shows a graph obtained by extending each of the straight lines shown in FIG. 2B. More specifically, in the graph of FIG. 3, a straight line corresponding to the basic feed amount when the number of passes is 1 to 2 in FIG. , And are extended using broken lines. In addition, a straight line corresponding to the basic feed amount when the number of passes is out of the range of 1 to 2 is indicated by a reference numeral B, and is extended using a dashed line.

  In this example, the range of the basic feed amount corresponding to the case where the number of passes is in the range of 1 to 2 is an example of the first range. Further, among the basic feed amounts within this range, the basic feed amount when the number of passes is 1 is equal to the nozzle length of the inkjet head. Therefore, the first range can be considered to be, for example, a range including a case where the nozzle length and the basic feed amount are equal. Further, in this example, that the number of passes is in the range of 1 to 2 means that the number of passes is in the range of 1 or more and less than 2, for example. In a modification of the manner of setting the range, the case where the number of paths is equal to 2 may be included in the first range.

  The range of the basic feed amount corresponding to the basic feed amount when the number of passes is out of the range of 1 to 2 is an example of the second range. In this case, the second range is a range in which the basic feed amount is smaller than the first range. Further, the range in which the basic feed amount is smaller than the first range means that the basic feed amount included in the range is smaller than the basic feed amount included in the first range.

  In the present example, the basic feed amount when the number of passes is 2 is an example of a predetermined moving amount smaller than the nozzle length. In this case, the second range can be considered as, for example, a range including all the basic feed amounts that are equal to or less than the predetermined moving amount. The first range can be considered as a range including all basic feed amounts larger than a predetermined moving amount, for example. In this example, the predetermined movement amount is a movement amount equal to half of the nozzle length. Therefore, in this example, the range including all the basic feed amounts corresponding to the case where the number of passes is two or more is an example of the second range. In the modification of the range setting method, a range including all basic feed amounts less than the basic feed amount when the number of passes is 2 is considered as the second range, not including the case where the number of passes is equal to 2. You may.

  In this example, the storage unit 22 stores a coefficient indicating a straight line in the graph as the correction coefficient. In this case, the coefficient indicating the straight line is, for example, a parameter indicating the slope and intercept of the straight line. As the correction coefficient, a parameter for directly calculating the slope or the intercept may be stored instead of storing a parameter directly indicating the slope or the intercept. More specifically, in this case, a specific printing condition may be associated with a correction value and stored as a correction coefficient, for example, as each value shown in FIG. In this case, it is conceivable that at least one of the number of passes and the basic feed amount is used as a printing condition.

  More specifically, in this example, the storage unit 22 stores, as correction coefficients, parameters indicating the slope and intercept of each of the two straight lines denoted by reference signs A and B in the figure. In this case, the parameter corresponding to the straight line denoted by the symbol A is an example of a first correction coefficient. The first correction coefficient is a correction coefficient used when the basic feed amount is within the first range. The parameter corresponding to the straight line denoted by reference symbol B is an example of a second correction coefficient. The second correction coefficient is a correction coefficient used when the basic feed amount is within the second range.

  In addition, as described above, in this example, the calculated correction value is calculated using the straight line indicated by these correction coefficients. Therefore, the correction coefficient can be considered as a coefficient indicating a linear function that associates the basic feed amount with the calculated correction value, for example. Also, as is clear from the figures and the like, in the present example, the straight line denoted by the reference symbol A and the straight line denoted by the reference symbol B have different slopes and intercepts. Therefore, the correction coefficient corresponding to the straight line denoted by reference character B and the correction coefficient corresponding to the straight line denoted by reference character A are different from each other.

  More specifically, in the present example, the correction coefficient corresponding to the basic feed amount within the range of the basic feed amount corresponding to the number of passes of 1 to 2 is used as the correction coefficient indicating the straight line denoted by the symbol A. A coefficient indicating that the change is linear is used. In this case, that the calculated correction value corresponding to the basic feed amount changes linearly means that the relationship between the basic feed amount and the calculated correction value becomes a linear function. More specifically, in the present example, this linear function is a function corresponding to a straight line that does not pass through the origin, as shown in the figure.

  When the slope and intercept of the straight line denoted by the symbol A are calculated using the values shown in FIG. 2A, the slope is 0.002182, and the intercept is −40. Therefore, when the basic feed amount is x (μm) and the calculated correction value (system feed correction value) is y (μm), the relationship between x and y is a relationship represented by y = 0.0018182x−40. .

  In this example, a coefficient indicating that the calculated correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic feed amount is used as the correction coefficient indicating the straight line denoted by the reference character B. That the calculated correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic feed amount means that, for example, a linear function that associates the basic feed amount with the calculated correction value is a function indicating a straight line passing through the origin. Also, in this case, as described above, the slope of the straight line denoted by reference sign B is different from the slope of the straight line denoted by reference sign A.

  In addition, when the slope and intercept of the straight line denoted by reference symbol B are obtained using the values shown in FIG. 2A, the slope becomes 0.001818 and the intercept becomes 0. Therefore, the relationship between the basic feed amount x (μm) and the calculated correction value (system feed correction value) y (μm) is a relationship represented by y = 0.01818x.

  Subsequently, the operation of calculating the calculated correction value will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 shows an example of an operation for calculating the calculation correction value. FIG. 4A shows an example of a method of calculating a calculated correction value when the number of corresponding passes is in the range of 1 to 2. FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a method of calculating the calculated correction value when the number of corresponding paths is two or more.

  As described above, in this example, the calculated correction value is calculated using the relationship indicated by a straight line that associates the basic feed amount with the calculated correction value. In this case, the relationship represented by a straight line is the relationship between x and y shown above. In this case, a relationship corresponding to a different straight line is used between the case of the basic feed amount where the corresponding number of passes is 1 to 2 and the case where the number of corresponding passes is 2 or more.

  More specifically, in the case where the corresponding number of passes is the basic feed amount within the range of 1 to 2, the control unit 30 performs the control according to the relationship indicated by the straight line denoted by the symbol A as shown in FIG. , A calculation correction value corresponding to the basic feed amount is calculated. In this case, the straight line denoted by the symbol A is the straight line denoted by the symbol A described above with reference to FIG. More specifically, for example, when the number of passes is 1.25 as an example of the number of passes in the range of 1 to 2, the corresponding basic feed amount is 176000 μm. Then, in this case, when this value is substituted for x in the relationship indicating the straight line denoted by the symbol A, the value of y becomes 344 μm. Therefore, 344 μm is calculated as the calculated correction value in this case.

  Further, in the case of the basic feed amount where the number of corresponding paths is 2 or more, the control unit 30 responds to the basic feed amount according to the relationship indicated by the straight line with the symbol B as shown in FIG. A calculated correction value is calculated. In this case, the straight line denoted by reference numeral B is the straight line denoted by reference numeral B described above with reference to FIG. More specifically, for example, when the number of passes is 3 as an example of the number of passes of 2 or more, the corresponding basic feed amount is 7333 μm. Then, in this case, when this value is substituted for x in the relationship indicating the straight line denoted by the symbol B, the value of y becomes 133 μm. Therefore, 133 μm is calculated as the calculated correction value in this case.

  As described above, according to this example, for example, a correction value appropriately calculated for a basic feed amount whose corresponding number of passes is within the range of 1 to 2 based on the correction coefficient corresponding to the straight line denoted by the symbol A Can be calculated. Further, it is possible to appropriately calculate the calculated correction value for the basic feed amount having the corresponding number of passes of 2 or more, based on the correction coefficient corresponding to the straight line denoted by the symbol B. In addition, with these, for example, a calculation correction value corresponding to an arbitrary basic feed amount can be appropriately calculated. Therefore, according to this example, for example, even when there are many possible values for the basic feed amount, it is possible to appropriately perform the correction with high accuracy and set the feed amount appropriately. Also, in this case, as is clear from the above description, since only a limited number of correction coefficients need be prepared, the feed amount is appropriately corrected using only a small number of correction parameters. be able to.

  Subsequently, a supplementary explanation and the like regarding each configuration described above will be given. As described above, the printing apparatus 10 of this example is a system that can take an arbitrary feed amount by setting various values as the MAPS speed value. Further, in this case, a system is provided in which a calculated correction value corresponding to a change in the basic feed amount is calculated, so that a correction value corresponding to an arbitrary feed amount is automatically proportionally calculated and applied. Therefore, according to this example, even when the basic feed amount changes variously, including the value corresponding to the non-integer number of passes, the correction value can be appropriately and automatically adjusted. In addition, such a configuration can be considered to be, for example, a configuration in which the correction value of the feed amount is changed in accordance with printing conditions.

  Further, as described above, in this example, for the correction performed when setting the feed amount, the possible values of the basic feed amount are divided into a plurality of ranges, and different correction coefficients are used for each range. In this regard, in consideration of easier correction, it may be preferable to perform correction using, for example, only a correction coefficient indicating one type of straight line.

  However, when the nozzle length is increased due to, for example, an increase in the size of the ink jet head or the like, if the correction is performed using only the correction coefficient indicating one type of straight line, the error may exceed an allowable range. More specifically, when using only a correction coefficient indicating one type of straight line, a correction value proportional to the basic feed amount may be used. In addition, such a method of correction can be considered to be, for example, a configuration in which a correction value is calculated using only one proportional coefficient. When the correction is performed in this manner, when the nozzle length is increased, it is conceivable that a difference between the ideal correction value and the distance between the sub-scanning dots is larger in any of the feed amounts. In this case, the distance between the sub-scanning dots is the distance between the dots corresponding to the resolution in the sub-scanning direction set according to the printing conditions. In this case, for example, a correction value for correctly setting the feed amount corresponding to each basic feed amount is defined as an ideal correction value, and the correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic feed amount using only one proportionality coefficient. If the correction value when the value is set is defined as a simple proportional correction value, if one proportional coefficient is set to be equal to the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value for any of the basic feed amounts, For any of the basic feed amounts, the difference between the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value corresponding to the basic feed amount can be considered to be larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots. Then, when such an error occurs, banding such as white streaks or black streaks may occur even when the feed amount is corrected in a case where a feed amount that increases the error is used. As a result, it is considered that it is difficult to perform printing with high quality.

  Regarding the conditions under which such an error occurs, for example, when considering a plurality of straight lines such as the straight lines denoted by reference signs A and B in FIG. At the position of the amount, it may be considered that an error that exceeds the distance between the sub-scanning dots occurs between the calculated correction value indicated by the straight line A and the calculated correction value indicated by the straight line B. For such a condition, for example, when the basic feed amount is equal to the nozzle length, a first correction value calculated based on a correction coefficient corresponding to the straight line A is set as a first value, and a straight line B is calculated. A case where the difference between the first value and the second value is larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots, for example, when the value obtained when the correction value is calculated according to the proportional relationship indicated by the corresponding correction coefficient is set as the second value. You can also think. In such a case, when the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected using only one type of correction coefficient, for example, when the basic feed amount is equal to the nozzle length, or when the basic feed amount is reduced to half the nozzle length. It is conceivable that an error exceeding the distance between the sub-scanning dots occurs in the corrected feed amount in such a case.

  On the other hand, in this example, by dividing possible values of the basic feed amount into a plurality of ranges and using different correction coefficients for each range, it is possible to appropriately prevent such an error from occurring. In addition, for example, the feed amount can be more appropriately corrected with higher accuracy. Therefore, according to the present example, for example, even in a system in which the proportional coefficient of the feed correction value changes depending on the magnitude of the feed amount, the feed amount can be appropriately corrected for each range of the feed amount. In this case, a system in which the proportional coefficient of the feed correction value changes depending on the magnitude of the feed amount is, for example, a case where the correction value is calculated based on a simple proportional relationship. Is a system that causes a difference in the proportionality coefficient of In addition, such a system can be considered as a system in which appropriate correction cannot be performed for all feed amounts with only one proportional coefficient. In addition, it can be considered that the configuration of this example can be particularly suitably used when, for example, the above-described error occurs when only the correction coefficient indicating one type of straight line is used.

  In addition, as described above, in this example, the possible values of the basic feed amount are divided into two ranges, that is, a range where the number of corresponding passes is 1 to 2 and a range other than the range. ing. In this regard, for example, when the size of the inkjet head is further increased, or when the distance between the sub-scanning dots is further reduced, the possible values of the basic feed amount are divided into more ranges, and a different correction coefficient is used for each range. Can be considered preferable. However, when considering the configuration of an ink jet printer that is generally used at present, dividing the possible values of the basic feed amount into two ranges as in this example usually makes it possible to appropriately correct with high accuracy. It is possible to do. More specifically, for example, when the nozzle length is about 500 mm or less (for example, about 100 to 500 mm) and the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction is about 1200 dpi or less (for example, about 300 to 1200 dpi), the basic feed amount By dividing the values that can be taken into two ranges, correction with high accuracy can be appropriately performed. When the nozzle length is about 300 mm or less (for example, about 100 to 300 mm) and the printing resolution in the sub-scanning direction is about 600 dpi or less (for example, about 300 to 600 dpi), the basic feed amount can be obtained. By dividing the value into two ranges, it is possible to perform correction with high accuracy more appropriately.

  In addition, as described above, in this example, the storage unit 22 stores, for example, parameters indicating a slope and an intercept of a straight line as the correction coefficient. As such a parameter, for example, it is conceivable to directly store the values of the slope and the intercept. In this case, the values of the slope and intercept stored in the storage unit 22 may be considered as, for example, a proportional coefficient for automatically calculating a feed correction value corresponding to each basic feed amount between specific basic feed amounts. Can also. The term “between specific basic feed amounts” refers to, for example, a range of a basic feed amount in which the number of corresponding passes is 1 to 2, or a range of a basic feed amount in which the number of corresponding passes is 2 or more.

  Instead of directly storing the values of the slope and intercept of the straight line, other values that can calculate these values may be stored as the correction coefficients. More specifically, in this case, for example, a specific basic feed amount and a correction value corresponding to the basic feed amount, such as a basic feed amount and a correction value (system feed correction value) shown in FIG. May be stored as a correction coefficient. In this case, the correction coefficient can be considered to be, for example, a unique feed correction value or the like serving as a reference when individually calculating a proportional coefficient for a specific basic feed amount. In this case, when calculating the calculation correction value, a proportional coefficient calculation process for calculating a parameter indicating a straight line corresponding to a range including the basic feed amount is performed, and the feed amount is corrected using the result. In addition, for a system that performs such a proportional coefficient calculation process, for example, a proportional coefficient for automatically proportionally calculating a feed correction value corresponding to each basic feed amount between specific basic feed amounts is set as a standard for the calculation. It can be considered as a system or the like that automatically calculates from a unique feed correction value.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the system feed correction value preset in the printing apparatus 10 is used with respect to the correction value used when setting the feed amount has been described. In this case, as described above, the calculated correction value calculated in this example can be considered as a system feed correction value. In addition, as the correction value used when setting the feed amount, for example, a user feed correction value which is a correction value set by a user designation may be further used in addition to the system feed correction value. In this case, as the user feed correction value, for example, an offset value or the like for adjusting the feed amount may be used. As for the offset value, for example, it is conceivable that the user who has checked the result of the printing actually performed in the printing apparatus 10 designates to reduce the deviation of the feed amount. In this case, the printing apparatus 10 may manage the user feed correction value specified by the user in association with the printing condition. Then, when the printing conditions are changed thereafter, it is conceivable to adjust the offset value in accordance with the change in the basic feed amount caused by the change in the printing conditions. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to adjust the offset value so as to be proportional to the basic feed amount. With this configuration, the user feed correction value can be appropriately changed by following a change in printing conditions.

  In this case, it is conceivable that the offset value is adjusted by, for example, proportional calculation using the slope of a straight line used in calculating the calculation correction value as a proportional coefficient in accordance with a range including the basic feed amount. With this configuration, for example, the user feed correction value can be appropriately changed in accordance with a change in the system feed correction value. Also, the offset value specified as the user feed correction value is generally considered to be smaller than the calculated correction value used as the system feed correction value. Therefore, the offset value can be appropriately adjusted with high accuracy without using a different proportional coefficient for each range of the basic feed amount. Therefore, the offset value may be adjusted by a simple proportional calculation using only one proportional coefficient for the entire range of the basic feed amount. In this case, the simple proportional calculation means, for example, performing adjustment using a relationship corresponding to a straight line passing through the origin.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized suitably for a printing apparatus, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing apparatus, 12 ... Head part, 14 ... Platen, 16 ... Guide rail, 18 ... Main scanning drive part, 20 ... Sub-scanning drive part, 22 ... Storage Unit, 30 control unit, 50 medium, 100 carriage, 102 inkjet head, 202 unit head

Claims (10)

A printing device that prints on a medium,
An inkjet head for discharging ink to the medium,
A main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relatively to the medium in a preset main scanning direction,
A sub-scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation that moves relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction;
A movement amount setting unit that sets a sub-scanning movement amount that is a distance for moving the inkjet head relative to the medium in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scanning operation;
A correction coefficient storage unit that stores a correction coefficient that is a coefficient used for calculating a calculated correction value calculated as a correction value used for correcting the sub-scanning movement amount,
The moving amount setting unit sets the sub-scanning moving amount based on a basic moving amount, which is a basic moving amount set according to a printing condition, and the calculated correction value,
The correction coefficient storage unit, as the correction coefficient, at least,
A first correction coefficient used when the basic movement amount is within a first range;
Storing the second correction coefficient used when the basic movement amount is within a second range smaller than the first range;
When the basic movement amount is within the first range, the movement amount setting unit calculates the calculated correction value based on the basic movement amount and the first correction coefficient,
When the basic movement amount is within the second range, the movement amount setting unit calculates the calculated correction value based on the basic movement amount and the second correction coefficient. Printing device. The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction,
The first range is a range including a case where the nozzle length, which is the width of the nozzle row of the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, and the basic movement amount are equal,
The second range is a range including all the basic movement amounts equal to or less than a predetermined movement amount smaller than the nozzle length,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second correction coefficient is a coefficient indicating that the calculated correction value is calculated in proportion to the basic movement amount. The predetermined moving amount is a moving amount equal to half of the nozzle length,
The first range is a range including all the basic movement amounts larger than the predetermined movement amount,
The first correction coefficient is such that the calculated correction value corresponding to the basic movement amount linearly changes between the basic movement amount equal to half the nozzle length and the basic movement amount equal to the nozzle length. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coefficient is a coefficient indicating that the printing is performed.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a slope in a linear relationship indicated by the first correction coefficient is different from a slope in a proportional relationship indicated by the second correction coefficient. 5.   The distance between dots corresponding to the resolution in the sub-scanning direction set according to the printing condition is defined as the distance between sub-scanning dots, and the first correction is performed for the case where the basic movement amount is equal to the nozzle length. When the calculated correction value calculated based on the coefficient is a first value, and when the correction value is calculated according to the proportional relationship indicated by the second correction coefficient, the second correction value is a first value. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a difference between the value and the second value is larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots. To define the distance between dots corresponding to the resolution in the sub-scanning direction set according to the printing conditions as the distance between sub-scanning dots, and to correctly set the sub-scanning movement amount corresponding to each of the basic movement amounts Define the correction value as an ideal correction value, when the correction value when the calculated correction value is set in proportion to the basic movement amount using only one proportionality coefficient is defined as a simple proportional correction value,
When the one proportionality coefficient is set so that the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value are equal to any one of the basic movement amounts, the basic movement amount is set to any of the other basic movement amounts. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the ideal correction value and the simple proportional correction value corresponding to an amount is larger than the distance between the sub-scanning dots. As the printing condition, at least the number of passes indicating the average number of main scanning operations performed for each position of the printing range on the medium is set,
The device according to claim 1, wherein the basic movement amount indicates a value obtained by dividing a nozzle length, which is a width of the nozzle row of the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction, by the number of passes. Printing device.   The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of types of values including a non-integer value can be set as the number of passes.   9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the non-integer value can be set to at least a value of 0.25 or less. A printing method for printing on a medium, comprising:
An inkjet head that ejects ink to the medium,
A main scanning operation of ejecting ink while moving relative to the medium in a preset main scanning direction,
A sub-scanning operation of moving relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction,
In the sub-scanning operation, the sub-scanning movement amount is corrected when the sub-scanning movement amount is set, which is a distance for moving the inkjet head in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the medium in the sub-scanning direction. Using a correction coefficient that is a coefficient used for calculating a calculated correction value calculated as a correction value used for a basic movement amount that is a basic movement amount set according to printing conditions, and the calculated correction value Setting the sub-scanning movement amount based on
At least as the correction coefficient,
A first correction coefficient used when the basic movement amount is within a first range;
Using the second correction coefficient used when the basic movement amount is within a second range smaller than the first range,
When the basic movement amount is within the first range, the calculation correction value is calculated based on the basic movement amount and the first correction coefficient;
A printing method, wherein when the basic movement amount is within the second range, the calculation correction value is calculated based on the basic movement amount and the second correction coefficient.

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