JP3539108B2 - Print quality adjustment method and printing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a serial printer adjustment method, a serial printer printing method, and a serial printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in an ink jet printer as an example of a serial printer, an ink jet head that ejects ink from an orifice formed on the front surface of the head is scanned and moved with respect to a recording medium, for example, print paper, and at the same time, the print paper is sub-scanned. By moving the ink droplets, the ink droplets ejected from the inkjet head adhere to the print paper, so that a desired image can be printed on the print paper. Such an ink jet printer includes a printer control unit configured by a computer, and a printer mechanism that is operationally controlled by the printer control unit. The printer mechanism includes, for example, an inkjet head, a driving device that scans and moves the inkjet head, and other mechanisms. A host computer is connected to the printer control unit, and print data is transmitted from the host computer. The printer control unit analyzes the print data to form a print image, and operates the printer mechanism to execute printing.
[0003]
In such an ink jet printer, the ink jet head includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets along a sub-scanning direction, and pressure generating elements for applying pressure to ink in the nozzles corresponding to the nozzles. Have. Therefore, the ink jet head prints a dot pattern on a strip-shaped area covered by the nozzles of the recording medium while moving in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording medium. It is fed by a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the print head prints a pattern on a predetermined area while moving in the main scanning direction again with respect to the recording medium. This operation is repeated until all the recording areas of the printer paper are covered.
[0004]
However, for example, printing of a dot pattern by the first movement of the ink jet head in the main scanning direction, and after the recording medium is fed by a predetermined distance in the sub scanning direction, dot printing by the reverse movement of the ink jet head in the main scanning direction is performed. The printing of the pattern may be shifted. This is considered to be caused by an error in the distance between each nozzle and the printing medium, the feed amount of the printing medium, or the scanning speed. In addition, in an ink jet printer capable of performing color printing, ink jet heads of a plurality of colors may be physically separated, and the positions of ink droplets ejected between the separated ink jet heads may be shifted. is there. In addition, displacement occurs when depression occurs in both directions. Note that such print misregistration also occurs in a serial impact printer such as a dot impact printer.
[0005]
In order to prevent such printing misalignment, there are printers capable of performing various print fine adjustments in advance. Specifically, various print quality adjustment patterns are printed, appropriate various adjustment values are determined based on the printed adjustment patterns, the adjustment values are set in advance, and thereafter, printing is performed based on the settings. Execute. In such a printer, conventionally, a printer driver on a host computer or an application associated therewith forms a print image for a print quality adjustment pattern, and transmits the print image to a printer for printing to select various adjustment values. Thus, various print quality adjustment values are set.
[0006]
FIG. 14 shows a processing flow representing a conventional print quality adjustment method.
[0007]
As shown in FIG. 14, in step S001, the print quality adjustment work is started by the host computer launching the print quality adjustment pattern application. First, in step S002, the host computer generates a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns (for example, a vertical line print pattern, a horizontal line print pattern, a black and color matching pattern, and the like), and in step S003, generates the plurality of prints. The quality adjustment pattern is converted into a printer control command and print data and output to the printer. Next, in step S004, the printer receives the printer control command and the print data transmitted from the host computer, analyzes them and converts them into image data, and creates a print quality adjustment pattern image in step S005. Then, in step S006, a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns are printed. In step S007, the operator checks the printed plurality of print quality adjustment patterns. In step S008, the host computer sets an appropriate adjustment value for each print quality adjustment pattern. In step S009, the host computer converts the adjustment value for each print quality adjustment pattern into a printer control command, and Output to In step S010, the printer analyzes the printer control command transmitted from the host computer, and stores a set value based on the adjustment value for each print quality adjustment pattern.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional print quality adjustment method, for each printer, a host computer generates a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns using a print quality adjustment application and causes the printer to print. The print quality is adjusted by outputting the adjustment value of the pattern determined by the operator to be optimum from the printed patterns to the printer and storing the adjustment value as a set value. For this reason, print quality may be degraded due to an incorrect setting by the operator. Also, a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns must be printed, which wastes paper and ink.
[0009]
The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, avoiding an erroneous operation of an operator, can maintain stable and good print quality, and only prints one print quality adjustment pattern. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of adjusting print quality and adjusting print quality without consuming wasteful paper and ink, and a printing apparatus capable of automatically adjusting print quality.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a recording head is scanned in a main scanning direction to print at least one first reference line on a recording medium, the recording medium is sent in a sub-scanning direction, and the recording medium is moved in a reverse main scanning direction. A recording head is scanned to print at least one second reference line on the recording medium, and a sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head in the main scanning direction of the first reference line and the second reference line. The position of the serial printer is calculated based on the detection result, and the position shift in the scanning in each of the main scanning directions is adjusted. When detecting the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction, the recording head is scanned at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, and the position of the first reference line in the main scanning direction is detected by the sensor. Detect Sending the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, scanning the recording head in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and detecting the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor. The feature lies in a method of adjusting a serial printer.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a recording head is scanned in a main scanning direction, at least one first reference line is printed on a recording medium, the recording medium is sent in a sub-scanning direction, and the recording medium is moved in a reverse main scanning direction. A recording head is scanned to print at least one second reference line on the recording medium, and a sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head in the main scanning direction of the first reference line and the second reference line. A printing method of a serial printer for detecting a position of the first position, calculating a position shift based on the detection result, adjusting a position shift in scanning in each of the main scanning directions, and executing printing. When detecting the positions of the reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction, the recording head is caused to scan at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, and the sensor is used to scan the main line of the first reference line. Scan direction Detecting the position, feeding the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, scanning the recording head in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and detecting the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor. In a serial printer printing method.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a recording head is scanned in a main scanning direction, at least one first reference line is printed on a recording medium, the recording medium is fed in a sub-scanning direction, and the recording medium is moved in a reverse main scanning direction. A recording head is scanned to print at least one second reference line on the recording medium, and a sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head in the main scanning direction of the first reference line and the second reference line. A serial printer that detects a position of the first reference line, calculates a position shift based on the detection result, and adjusts a position shift in scanning in each of the main scanning directions, wherein the first reference line and the second reference line When detecting the position in the main scanning direction, the recording head is scanned at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, the position of the first reference line in the main scanning direction is detected by the sensor, The record Feeding the body in the sub-scanning direction, scanning the recording head in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and detecting the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor. You have a serial printer.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording head is scanned in the main scanning direction, and at least one first reference line made of black ink and at least one second reference line made of color ink are scanned in one scan. And the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction is detected, a position shift is calculated based on the detection result, and the position shift is adjusted. And printing the first reference line and the second reference line along the main scanning direction, and detecting the positions of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub scanning direction. A method of feeding a medium in a sub-scanning direction, and detecting a position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction by a sensor mounted on the recording head. is there
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a recording head is scanned in a main scanning direction, and at least one first reference line of black ink and at least one second reference line of color ink are scanned in one scan. A serial line that detects the positions of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction, calculates a position shift based on the detection result, adjusts the position shift, and executes printing. A printing method for a printer, wherein the first reference line and the second reference line are respectively printed along the main scanning direction, and the positions of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub scanning direction are detected. Serially feeding the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and detecting a position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction by a sensor mounted on the recording head. Printer In the printing method.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a recording head is scanned in a main scanning direction, and at least one first reference line made of black ink and at least one second reference line made of color ink are scanned in one scan. A serial printer that detects the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction, calculates a position shift based on the detection result, and adjusts the position shift. When the first reference line and the second reference line are printed along the main scanning direction, and the positions of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub scanning direction are detected, the recording medium is A serial printer is provided in which the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction is detected by a sensor mounted on the recording head in a scanning direction.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a relationship between an ink jet head of this embodiment and a recording medium, and FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment. 4 shows the principle of the paper width detection sensor.
[0032]
The ink jet printer according to the present embodiment has an existing structure. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 11 includes a printer control unit 13 configured by a computer and a printer controlled by the printer control unit 13. It is constituted by a mechanism section 8. The host computer 10 is connected to the printer control unit 13. When print data is transmitted from the host computer 10, the printer control unit 13 analyzes the print data and forms a print image. The printer mechanism 8 is operated to execute printing.
[0033]
In the printer mechanism 8, the carriage 2 on which the inkjet head 1 is mounted is mounted on a carriage shaft 3 attached to a frame (not shown) so as to be movable in the axial direction. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 4 is transmitted to the carriage 2 via a plurality of gears (not shown) and the timing belt 5, so that the carriage 2 on which the inkjet head 1 is mounted can move along the carriage shaft 3. . On the other hand, a frame (not shown) is provided with a platen 6 along the carriage shaft 3. The platen 6 can be rotated by the driving force of a paper feed motor 7, and a recording medium S such as paper fed by a paper feed roller (not shown) is wound around the platen 6 and conveyed. I have.
[0034]
Further, paper width detection sensors 9 are mounted on both sides of the inkjet head 1. The paper width detection sensor 9 moves on the recording medium S by moving the inkjet head 1 and detects an end of the recording medium S. In the present embodiment, the paper width detection sensor 9 is also used to detect the position of the print quality adjustment pattern at the time of print quality adjustment as described later.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2, the ink-jet head 1 includes a plurality of recording elements (nozzles) a, b, c to n for discharging ink droplets in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). And a pressure generating element (not shown) for applying pressure to the ink in the nozzle. The inkjet head 1 prints a dot pattern on a strip-shaped area (scan line) covered by the nozzles a to n of the recording medium S while moving in the main scanning direction with respect to the recording medium S. After the main scanning has been completed, the recording medium S is fed in the sub-scanning direction by the required number of dots in units of a distance of one dot. The above operation is repeatedly performed until the entire recording area of the recording medium S is covered.
[0036]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer 11 has an interface 12 for receiving data and commands from the host computer 10, and data or the like input to the interface 12 enters the printer control unit 13 and the storage unit 14. . The storage unit 14 includes a ROM 15, a RAM 16, and an EEPROM 17 that is a nonvolatile memory. The control unit 13 operates the control program and the like stored in the ROM 15 with the CPU to generally control the printer mechanism unit 8 of the printer 11. Control. The control unit 13 includes a print control unit 18, a mechanism control unit 19, and a print quality adjustment unit 20.
[0037]
The print control means 18 comprehensively controls the printer mechanism 8, processes the data received from the host computer 10, sends the processed data to the mechanism control means 19, and issues a print start command when the necessary data is obtained. The mechanism control unit 19 controls the head drive motor 4 for driving the inkjet head 1 and the paper feed motor 7, respectively, and transmits a print synchronization signal to the print control unit 17.
[0038]
In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the print quality adjusting means 20 is provided, and the distance between the recording medium S and the ink jet head 1 and the main scanning are controlled by bidirectional communication between the host computer 10 and the printer 11. A print quality adjustment pattern for fine adjustment of the scanning speed or ink ejection timing in both directions is printed, and the paper width detection sensor 9 detects the positional deviation of the adjustment pattern, and performs various printing based on the value. Determine the quality adjustment value. Various setting values based on the print quality adjustment values are stored in the EEPROM 17. Here, the paper width detection sensor 9 is usually mounted on an existing ink jet recording apparatus. In the present embodiment, the paper width detection sensor 9 is used for detecting the position of the print quality adjustment pattern using the same detection principle. The paper width detection sensor 9 is usually mounted on both sides of the ink jet head 1 for detecting both ends of the paper, but one of them may be used in the present invention.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 4, the paper width detection sensor 9 has a light emitting diode 31 and an optical sensor 32. The light emitting diode 31 emits light toward the recording medium S, and the reflected light is received by the optical sensor 32. This is to detect the reflected light at the position. Therefore, the print position of each print quality adjustment pattern can be detected from the difference in reflected light between the portion where the print quality adjustment pattern is printed and the portion where the print quality adjustment pattern is not printed.
[0040]
FIG. 5 shows a processing flow showing an outline of such a print quality adjustment method of the present embodiment.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the print quality adjustment is started, the operator inputs into the host computer 10 whether or not to automatically perform the print quality adjustment in step S1. Here, if the automatic setting is not performed, the conventional setting is performed in step S2. That is, after receiving and printing a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns from the host computer 10, the operator checks them and prints the print quality adjustment values of the print quality adjustment patterns determined to be optimal via the host computer 10. The distance between the recording medium S and the ink jet head 1, which is input to the printer 11, that is, the time until the ink adheres to the recording medium S, the scanning speed in both main scanning directions, that is, the difference in the ink adhesion position due to the difference in the relative speed, Various settings such as a difference in the ink ejection timing due to the difference in the ink ejection timing, that is, the position of the ink nozzle, and the like are changed.
[0042]
On the other hand, in the case of automatic setting, a print quality adjustment pattern is printed in step S3, and a position shift of the print quality adjustment pattern is detected in step S4. Then, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the detected displacement is within a range of a preset value, and if it is within the range, the print quality adjustment ends. If the set value is out of the range, the print quality adjustment value is calculated from the calculated position shift in step S6 with reference to a table or the like in which the position shift and the print quality adjustment value are compared. In step S7, based on the changed print quality adjustment value, predetermined settings such as the distance between the recording medium S and the inkjet head 1, the scanning speed in both main scanning directions, and the ink ejection timing are stored in the nonvolatile memory. Is stored in the EEPROM 17. Then, returning to step S3, the print quality adjustment pattern is printed again with the adjusted settings. In step S4, the position deviation of the print quality adjustment pattern is detected. In step S5, the position of the print quality adjustment pattern is detected. Check that the deviation is within the set value range. At this time, if the misalignment is not within the set value range, the routine of steps S3 to S7 is further repeated, and the print quality adjustment ends when the misalignment enters the set range.
[0043]
As described above, in the print quality adjustment method of the present invention, the print quality adjustment can be performed if there is at least one print quality adjustment pattern. Can be included. That is, the print quality adjustment pattern stored in the ROM 15 can be printed based on a predetermined command from the host computer 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit a large amount of print quality adjustment patterns from the host computer 10 to the printer 11 as in the related art, which can contribute to a reduction in adjustment work time.
[0044]
Next, a specific example of the misregistration detection method (step S4 in FIG. 5) of the print quality adjustment method according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0045]
(Detection method 1)
FIG. 6 shows a processing flow of bidirectional adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the bidirectional adjustment for adjusting the positional deviation in the main scanning bidirectional scanning is started, the print quality adjusting unit 20 first moves the inkjet head 1 in the main scanning direction by a predetermined amount. Scans the recording medium S at a predetermined speed from a distance X, for example, 0 to 80 digits, and at least sets a reference line 41a, which is a reference for printing in the scanning direction, at a preset position as a print quality adjustment pattern. One line is printed (step S11). Subsequently, the recording medium S is fed by a predetermined number of dots Y in units of a distance of one dot, for example, n / 720 inches in the present embodiment (step S12), and the inkjet head 1 is moved in the reverse main scanning direction by a predetermined amount. The reference line 41b is printed by scanning a predetermined distance X at the speed (step S13). Next, the recording medium S is returned by the predetermined number of dots Y (step S14), and the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink jet head 1 is moved in the main scanning direction by moving the ink jet head 1 this time. A predetermined distance X is scanned (step S15), and the position X1 of the reference line 41a in the main scanning direction is measured (step S16). Further, the recording medium S is fed Y by the predetermined number of dots (step S17), and the ink jet head 1 is moved, so that the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink jet head 1 is moved on the reference line 41b by a predetermined distance in the main scanning direction. X scanning is performed (step S18), and the position X2 of the reference line 41b in the main scanning direction is measured (step S19). The positions X1 and X1 of the two reference lines 41a and 41b thus obtained in the main scanning direction are measured. The position shift is calculated from X2 (step S20). The detection of the reference line 41a and the reference line 41b by the paper width detection sensor 9 is performed by scanning in the same direction at the same speed.
[0047]
Subsequent processing is processing after step S5 in FIG.
[0048]
(Detection method 2)
FIG. 8 shows a processing flow of unidirectional adjustment which is one of the present embodiments, and FIG. 9 shows an outline thereof.
[0049]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the unidirectional adjustment for adjusting the positional deviation in scanning at different speeds in one main scanning direction is started, the print quality adjusting unit 20 moves the inkjet head 1 by a predetermined distance in the main scanning direction. X, for example, scanning from 0 to 80 digits, and printing at least one reference line 51a serving as a reference for printing in the scanning direction at a preset position (step S21). Subsequently, the recording medium S is fed by a predetermined number of dots Y in units of a distance of one dot, for example, n / 720 inches in this embodiment (step S22), the scanning speed of the inkjet head 1 is changed, and the main The scanning is performed a predetermined distance X in the scanning direction, and the reference line 51b is printed at a preset position (step S23). Next, the recording medium S is returned by the number of dots Y by the number of dots (step S24). This time, by moving the ink jet head 1, the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink jet head 1 is moved in the main scanning direction on the reference line 51a. Then, X scanning is performed for a predetermined distance (step S25), and the position of the reference line 51a in the main scanning direction is measured as X3 (step S26). Subsequently, the recording medium S is fed by a predetermined number of dots Y in the sub-scanning direction (step S27), and the ink jet head 1 is moved to cause the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink jet head 1 to move on the reference line 51b. Is scanned in the main scanning direction by a predetermined distance X (step S28), the position X4 of the reference line 51b in the main scanning direction is measured (step S29), and the two reference lines 51a and 51b thus obtained are obtained. Is calculated from the positions X3 and X4 in the main scanning direction (step S30). The detection of the reference line 51a and the reference line 51b by the paper width detection sensor 9 is performed by scanning in the same direction at the same speed.
[0050]
Subsequent processing is processing after step S5 in FIG.
[0051]
(Detection method 3)
FIG. 10 shows a processing flow of color overlay adjustment based on measurement in the sub-scanning direction, which is one of the embodiments, and FIG. 11 shows an outline thereof.
[0052]
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the color overlay adjustment for adjusting the printing deviation between black and color in the sub-scanning direction is started, the print quality adjusting unit 20 moves the inkjet head 1 by a predetermined distance X in the main scanning direction. For example, scanning is performed from the 0th digit to the 80th digit, and at least one reference line 61a and one reference line 61b serving as printing references in the scanning direction are printed at predetermined positions with black ink and color ink, respectively. (Step S31). Subsequently, the recording medium S is returned by a predetermined number of dots Y in units of a distance of one dot, for example, n / 720 inches in the present embodiment (step S32). Next, by moving the inkjet head 1, the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the inkjet head 1 is moved to the main scanning direction position X5 of the reference line 61a printed with black ink (step S33), and the recording medium S is moved. The sheet is fed by the predetermined number of dots Y (step S34), and the position Y1 of the reference line 61a in the sub-scanning direction is measured by the paper width detection sensor 9 (step S35). Next, the recording medium S is returned by the predetermined number of dots Y by Y (step S36), and the ink jet head 1 is moved, so that the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink jet head 1 has the reference line 61b printed with the color ink. It moves to the main scanning direction position X6 (step S37). Next, the recording medium S is fed by the predetermined number of dots Y (step S38), and the position Y2 of the reference line 61b in the sub-scanning direction is measured by the paper width detection sensor 9 (step S39). A position shift is calculated from the positions Y1 and Y2 of the two reference lines 61a and 61b in the sub-scanning direction (step S40). The detection of the reference line 61a and the reference line 61b by the paper width detection sensor 9 is performed by scanning in the same direction at the same speed.
[0053]
Subsequent processing is processing after step S5 in FIG.
[0054]
(Detection method 4)
FIG. 12 shows a processing flow of color overlay adjustment based on measurement in the main scanning direction, which is one of the embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 13 shows an outline thereof.
[0055]
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the color overlay adjustment for detecting the misregistration of the printing in the sub-scanning direction due to the difference in the position of the ink nozzle is started, the print quality adjusting unit 20 controls the inkjet head 1 in step S41. A predetermined distance X is scanned in the main scanning direction, for example, from 0 to 80 digits, and a reference line 71a and a reference line 71b serving as a reference for printing in the scanning direction with black ink and color ink at predetermined positions, respectively. Is printed a plurality of times. Subsequently, in step S42, the paper width detection sensor 9 mounted on the ink-jet head 1 is scanned by a predetermined distance X in the main scanning direction by moving the ink-jet head 1, and the paper width detection sensor 9 in the A or B region is scanned. The voltage change is measured, and when neither the A region nor the B region is printed (“No printing is performed on both AB”), when only the A region is printed (“Print only A”), and when only the B region is printed (“Print only B”), if both the area A and the area B are printed (“print both AB”), it is determined which of them is to be entered, and the following processing is performed. First, in step S43, it is determined whether or not “both AB is not printed”. In the case of "no printing for both AB", in step S44, the recording medium S is fed in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined length C, for example, 1/720 inch, and the process returns to step S42. On the other hand, if it is not "No printing for both AB" (step S43: No), it is determined in step S45 whether or not "only A printing" is performed, and if "only A printing", it is printed with black ink at that position. It is determined that the reference line 71a is present, and the position is acquired as the position Y3 in the sub-scanning direction in step S46. Next, in step S47, it is determined whether or not the position Y4 of the reference line 71b in the sub-scanning direction has been acquired. If not, in step S48, the recording medium S is fed by a predetermined length C in the sub-scanning direction. , And returns to step S42.
[0056]
If it is not “A only print” in step S45, it is determined in step S49 whether or not “B only print”. If “B only print”, the position is the reference line 71b printed with color ink. If the position is determined to be above, the position is acquired as the position Y4 in the sub-scanning direction in step S50. Thereafter, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the position Y3 of the reference line 71a in the sub-scanning direction has been obtained. If not, the recording medium S is fed in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined length C in step S52. It returns to step S42.
[0057]
On the other hand, in step S49, if it is not “print only B”, it means “print both AB”, so it is determined that there are reference lines 71a and 71b printed with black and color ink at that position. The positions are acquired as the position Y3 of the reference line 71a in the sub-scanning direction and the position Y4 of the reference line 71b in the sub-scanning direction, and in step S54, the positional deviation is calculated from the acquired Y3 and Y4.
[0058]
Similarly, if one image position is acquired in steps S46 and S50, and the other image position is acquired in the next step S47 and step S51 (step S47: Yes, step S51: Yes), step S54 is also performed. Then, a position shift is calculated from the acquired Y3 and Y4.
[0059]
Subsequent processing is processing after step S5 in FIG.
[0060]
In the above embodiment, an ink jet printer has been described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, similar print quality adjustment can be performed for other serial printers such as a dot impact printer.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail in the embodiment, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform print quality adjustment without relying on an operator, and to maintain stable and good print quality. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to print a plurality of print quality adjustment patterns, there is an effect that paper and ink are not wasted and the working time is shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an inkjet head and a recording medium according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a principle diagram of a paper width detection sensor.
FIG. 5 is a schematic processing flowchart of a print quality adjustment method according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a processing flowchart of bidirectional adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic of bidirectional adjustment according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of unidirectional adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic of unidirectional adjustment according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of color overlay adjustment by measurement in the sub-scanning direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of color overlay adjustment based on measurement in the sub-scanning direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of color overlay adjustment based on measurement in the main scanning direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of color overlay adjustment based on measurement in the main scanning direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a processing flowchart of a conventional print quality adjusting method.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 inkjet head
2 carriage
3 Carriage shaft
4 Drive motor
5 Timing belt
6 Platen
7 Paper feed motor
8 Printer mechanism
9 Paper width detection sensor
10 Host computer
11 Printer
12 Interface
13 Control unit
14 Storage unit
15 ROM
16 RAM
17 EEPROM
18 print control means
19 Mechanism control means
20 Print quality adjustment means
S recording medium

Claims (6)

Scanning the recording head in the main scanning direction, printing at least one first reference line on a recording medium,
Feeding the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head in the opposite main scanning direction, printing at least one second reference line on the recording medium,
A sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head detects a position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
An adjustment method of a serial printer for adjusting a position shift in scanning in each direction of the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, detecting the position of the first reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor,
Sending the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
A method of adjusting a serial printer, comprising: causing the recording head to scan in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and detecting the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor. Scanning the recording head in the main scanning direction, printing at least one first reference line on a recording medium,
Feeding the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head in the opposite main scanning direction, printing at least one second reference line on the recording medium,
A sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head detects a position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
A printing method of a serial printer that executes printing by adjusting a positional shift in scanning in each direction of the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, detecting the position of the first reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor,
Sending the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
A printing method for a serial printer, wherein the print head is scanned in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction is detected by the sensor. Scanning the recording head in the main scanning direction, printing at least one first reference line on a recording medium,
Feeding the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head in the opposite main scanning direction, printing at least one second reference line on the recording medium,
A sensor that scans in the main scanning direction together with the recording head detects a position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
A serial printer that adjusts a position shift in scanning in each direction of the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the main scanning direction,
Scanning the recording head at a predetermined speed in one direction of the main scanning direction, detecting the position of the first reference line in the main scanning direction by the sensor,
Sending the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction,
A serial printer, wherein the print head is scanned in the one direction at the same speed as the predetermined speed, and the position of the second reference line in the main scanning direction is detected by the sensor. Scan the recording head in the main scanning direction,
In one scan, at least one first reference line of black ink and at least one second reference line of color ink are printed on a recording medium,
Detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction;
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
A method of adjusting a serial printer for adjusting the displacement, comprising:
Printing the first reference line and the second reference line along the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction, the recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction, and the first reference line and the A method for adjusting a serial printer, comprising detecting a position of a second reference line in the sub-scanning direction. Scan the recording head in the main scanning direction,
In one scan, at least one first reference line of black ink and at least one second reference line of color ink are printed on a recording medium,
Detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction;
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
A printing method for a serial printer that executes printing by adjusting the position shift,
Printing the first reference line and the second reference line along the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction, the recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction, and the first reference line and the A printing method for a serial printer, comprising detecting a position of a second reference line in the sub-scanning direction. Scan the recording head in the main scanning direction,
In one scan, at least one first reference line of black ink and at least one second reference line of color ink are printed on a recording medium,
Detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction;
Calculate the displacement based on this detection result,
A serial printer for adjusting the displacement, wherein
Printing the first reference line and the second reference line along the main scanning direction,
When detecting the position of the first reference line and the second reference line in the sub-scanning direction, the recording medium is fed in the sub-scanning direction, and the first reference line and the A serial printer for detecting a position of a second reference line in the sub-scanning direction.

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