JP4561261B2 - Printing system, printing apparatus, printing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a program.

  A color inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) is known as a printing apparatus that forms an image by ejecting a plurality of colors of ink onto paper as a medium. In this printer, a dot forming operation in which ink is ejected from a head that moves in the carriage movement direction to form dots on the paper, and a crossing direction that intersects the paper movement direction by a conveyance unit (hereinafter also referred to as a conveyance direction). The transfer operation of transferring to the substrate is alternately repeated. As a result, a plurality of raster lines composed of a plurality of dots along the moving direction are formed in the transport direction, and a print image is printed on paper.

  In this type of printer, ink droplet ejection characteristics such as the amount of ink droplets and flight direction vary from nozzle to nozzle. This variation in ejection characteristics is undesirable because it causes uneven density in the printed image. Therefore, conventionally, a correction pattern is first printed on paper with each color of ink that can be ejected. Next, the density of the printed correction pattern is read, correction information is acquired based on the read data, and density correction is executed based on the acquired correction information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

On the other hand, there is a printing method called “borderless printing” in which a print image is printed even on the edge of the paper without forming a margin on the paper (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In borderless printing, ink is ejected over a wider area than paper.
JP-A-6-166247 JP 2002-172772 A

In order to perform density correction by a printer that performs borderless printing, a correction pattern for borderless printing is printed on paper. However, when the correction pattern is formed by normal borderless printing, a portion of the ink ejected to form the correction pattern does not land on the paper. For this reason, information necessary for density correction at the time of borderless printing cannot be obtained from the correction pattern.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to print a correction pattern so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

The main invention for achieving the above object is as follows: (A) a moving unit that moves a head for ejecting ink in the moving direction; (B) a conveying unit that conveys the medium in the conveying direction; and (C) the moving direction in the moving direction. A memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit area along the unit area, and storing the position of the unit area in the transport direction and the correction value in association with each unit area; a memory for, when forming side by side in the transport direction a plurality of said unit images (D) from the end of the downstream side in the conveying direction of the medium, the transport section, to transport the medium to the print start position The head is caused to form each unit image in the corresponding unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region, and a plurality of the unit images in the transport direction. Side by side To, when printing a correction pattern for acquiring the correction value the associated with the position in the transport direction of the unit area in the medium, the transport unit, the transport than the print start position to transport the medium to the downstream side, to said head, said each of said unit images for constituting the correction pattern, the upstream side in the transport direction than the position in the transport direction of the unit areas corresponding A controller to be formed, and (E).

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

(A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) a memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of the unit image formed in the unit region along the moving direction;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Transport the medium to the print start position,
Forming the unit image in each unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region;
When printing a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value on the medium by forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction,
Transport the medium downstream in the transport direction from the print start position;
A controller for forming the unit image for constituting the correction pattern in each unit region;
A printing system comprising (E).
According to such a printing system, a correction pattern can be printed so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

  This printing system further includes an ink receiving portion that receives ink that does not land on the medium, and when the medium is transported to the print start position, an end portion of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is the ink When the medium is transported to the downstream side in the transport direction from the print start position when the correction pattern is printed on the medium and is positioned on the receiving portion, the medium is transported on the downstream side in the transport direction. It is desirable that the end portion is located downstream of the ink receiving portion in the transport direction. Thereby, if this correction pattern is read, the densities of all unit regions can be measured.

  In this printing system, the head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in the transport direction, and when the medium is transported to the print start position, an end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is: Of the plurality of nozzles, located on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction, when printing the correction pattern on the medium, on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the print start position. When the medium is transported, it is preferable that an end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction among the plurality of nozzles. Thereby, if this correction pattern is read, the densities of all unit regions can be measured.

  In such a printing system, it is preferable that the memory stores, as a correction value, information relating to a generation rate of dots constituting the unit image. Thereby, the density of the unit image formed in each unit region can be corrected.

  In this printing system, it is preferable that the memory stores, as the correction value, information on the density of the correction pattern in the unit area. Thereby, the density of the unit image formed in each unit region can be corrected.

(A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) a memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of the unit image formed in the unit region along the moving direction;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Transport the medium to the print start position,
Forming the unit image in each unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region;
When printing a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value on the medium by forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction,
Transport the medium downstream in the transport direction from the print start position;
A controller for forming the unit image for constituting the correction pattern in each unit region;
A printing system comprising (E),
(F) an ink receiving portion for receiving ink that does not land on the medium;
When the medium is transported to the printing start position, an end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is positioned on the ink receiving portion,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side of the transport direction is the ink receiving section. Located on the downstream side in the transport direction,
(G) the head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along the transport direction;
When the medium is transported to the print start position, an end portion of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is located upstream of the nozzles on the most downstream side in the transport direction among the plurality of nozzles. ,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is the plurality of nozzles. Is located on the downstream side in the transport direction from the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction,
(H) The memory stores, as a correction value, information relating to a generation rate of dots constituting the unit image,
(I) The printing system characterized in that the memory stores information on the density of the correction pattern in the unit area as the correction value.
According to such a printing system, a correction pattern can be printed so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

(A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) a memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of the unit image formed in the unit region along the moving direction;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Transport the medium to the print start position,
Forming the unit image in each unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region;
When printing a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value on the medium by forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction,
Transport the medium downstream in the transport direction from the print start position;
A controller for forming the unit image for constituting the correction pattern in each unit region;
A printing apparatus comprising (E).
According to such a printing apparatus, the correction pattern can be printed so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

(A) A moving unit that moves the ink ejection head in the moving direction, a conveying unit that conveys the medium in the conveying direction, and a correction for correcting the density of the unit image formed in the unit region along the moving direction. A printing device comprising: a memory for storing values;
(B) When forming a plurality of the unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Transport the medium to the print start position,
Forming the unit image in each unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region;
(C) When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction and a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value is printed on the medium,
Transport the medium downstream in the transport direction from the print start position;
The printing method, wherein the unit image for forming the correction pattern is formed in each unit region (D).
According to such a printing method, a correction pattern can be printed so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

A moving unit that moves a head for ejecting ink in a moving direction, a conveying unit that conveys a medium in the conveying direction, and a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit region along the moving direction are stored. A printing device having a memory for
When forming a plurality of the unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Transport the medium to the print start position,
The unit image is formed in each unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region,
When printing a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value on the medium by forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction,
Transporting the medium downstream of the printing start position in the transport direction;
A program for forming the unit image for forming the correction pattern in each unit region.
According to such a program, the correction pattern can be printed on the printing apparatus so that information necessary for density correction can be obtained.

=== Configuration of Printing System ===
Next, an embodiment of a printing system will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the description of the following embodiments includes embodiments relating to a computer program and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a printing system. The printing system 100 includes a printer 1 and a computer 110. The printer 1 is a printing apparatus that prints an image on a medium such as paper, cloth, or film. The computer 110 is communicably connected to the printer 1 and outputs print data corresponding to the image to be printed to the printer 1 in order to cause the printer 1 to print an image. Since the computer 110 controls the printer 1 via print data, it is also a print control device.

  The printing system 100 further includes a display device 120, an input device 130, and a recording / reproducing device 140. The display device 120 has a display and displays a user interface such as a printer driver. The input device 130 is, for example, a keyboard 130A or a mouse 130B, and is used for operating an application program, setting a printer driver, or the like along a user interface displayed on the display device 120. As the recording / reproducing device 140, for example, a flexible disk drive device 140A or a CD-ROM drive device 140B is used.

  A printer driver is installed in the computer 110. The printer driver is a program for realizing the function of displaying the user interface on the display device 120 and the function of converting the image data output from the application program into print data. This printer driver is recorded on a recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) such as a flexible disk FD or a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the printer driver can be downloaded to the computer 110 via the Internet. In addition, this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for implement | achieving various functions.

=== Configuration of Printer and Computer ===
<About the configuration of the printer and computer>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the computer 110 and the printer 1.

  The computer 110 includes an interface unit 161, a CPU 162, and a computer side memory 163. The interface unit 161 is for transmitting and receiving data between the printer 110 as an external device and the computer 110. The CPU 162 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire computer 110. The computer-side memory 163 is a storage element that secures an area for storing a program such as a printer driver and a work area. The CPU 162 generates print data from the image data according to the printer driver stored in the computer-side memory 163 and transmits the print data to the printer 1. By installing the printer driver in the computer 110, the CPU 162 and the computer-side memory 163 become a computer-side controller that controls the printer 1 via print data. In the present embodiment, a partial area of the computer-side memory 163 is used as a correction file storage unit 163a for storing a correction file described later.

  The printer 1 includes a transport unit 20, a carriage unit 30, a head unit 40, a detector group 50, and a printer-side controller 60. The printer 1 that has received print data from the computer 110, which is an external device, controls each unit (conveyance unit 20, carriage unit 30, head unit 40) by the printer-side controller 60. The printer-side controller 60 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 110 and prints an image on paper. The situation in the printer 1 is monitored by the detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs the detection result to the printer-side controller 60. The printer-side controller 60 controls each unit based on the detection result output from the detector group 50.

  The printer-side controller 60 is a control unit for controlling the printer. The printer-side controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a printer-side memory 63, and a unit control circuit 64. The interface unit 61 is for transmitting and receiving data between the computer 110 which is an external device and the printer 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer. The printer-side memory 63 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like, and has storage means such as a RAM and an EEPROM. The CPU 62 controls each unit via the unit control circuit 64 according to a program stored in the printer-side memory 63. In the present embodiment, a partial area of the printer-side memory 63 is used as a correction data storage unit 63a for storing correction data described later.

  The computer-side controller (CPU 162 and computer-side memory 163) and the printer-side controller 60 are controllers that control the entire printing system. The printer driver stored in the computer-side memory 163 causes the computer 110 to generate print data and transmit the print data to the printer 1. On the other hand, the program stored in the printer-side memory 63 causes the transport unit 20 to transport the paper, moves the carriage to the carriage unit 30 and causes the head unit 40 to eject ink according to the print data. For this reason, the printer driver and the printer-side program are also programs that cause the printing system to perform printing in cooperation.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the printer 1. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the printer of this embodiment will be described.

  The transport unit 20 is for feeding a medium (for example, the paper S) to a printable position and transporting the paper by a predetermined transport amount in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a transport direction) during printing. That is, the transport unit 20 is a transport unit that transports paper. The transport unit 20 includes a paper feed roller 21, a transport motor 22 (also referred to as a PF motor), a transport roller 23, a platen 24, and a paper discharge roller 25. However, in order for the transport unit 20 to function as a transport unit, all of these components are not necessarily required. The paper feed roller 21 is a roller for feeding the paper inserted into the paper insertion slot into the printer. The paper feed roller 21 has a D-shaped cross section, and the length of the circumferential portion is set to be longer than the transport distance to the transport roller 23. 23 can be conveyed. The transport motor 22 is a motor for transporting paper in the transport direction, and is configured by a DC motor, for example. The transport roller 23 is a roller that transports the paper S fed by the paper feed roller 21 to a printable area, and is driven by the transport motor 22. The platen 24 supports the paper S being printed. The paper discharge roller 25 is a roller for discharging the paper S to the outside of the printer, and is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the printable area. The paper discharge roller 25 rotates in synchronization with the transport roller 23.

  The carriage unit 30 is for moving (also referred to as “scanning”) the head in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a moving direction). The carriage unit 30 includes a carriage 31 and a carriage motor 32 (also referred to as a CR motor). The carriage 31 can reciprocate in the moving direction. (Thus, the head moves along the moving direction.) The carriage 31 detachably holds an ink cartridge that stores ink. The carriage motor 32 is a motor for moving the carriage 31 in the movement direction, and is constituted by, for example, a DC motor. The carriage motor 32 serves as a moving unit that moves a head (described later) in the moving direction.

  The head unit 40 is for ejecting ink onto paper. The head unit 40 has a head 41. The head 41 has a plurality of nozzles, and ejects ink intermittently from each nozzle. The head 41 is provided on the carriage 31. Therefore, when the carriage 31 moves in the movement direction, the head 41 also moves in the movement direction. Then, by intermittently ejecting ink while the head 41 is moving in the moving direction, dot lines (raster lines) along the moving direction are formed on the paper.

  The detector group 50 includes a linear encoder 51, a rotary encoder 52, a paper detection sensor 53, an optical sensor 54, and the like. The linear encoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 31 in the moving direction. The rotary encoder 52 is for detecting the rotation amount of the transport roller 23. The paper detection sensor 53 is for detecting the position of the leading edge of the paper to be printed. The paper detection sensor 53 is provided at a position where the position of the leading edge of the paper can be detected while the paper feed roller 21 feeds the paper toward the transport roller 23. The paper detection sensor 53 is a mechanical sensor that detects the leading edge of the paper by a mechanical mechanism. More specifically, the paper detection sensor 53 has a lever that can rotate in the transport direction, and this lever is disposed so as to protrude into the paper transport path. For this reason, since the leading edge of the paper comes into contact with the lever and the lever is rotated, the paper detection sensor 53 detects the position of the leading edge of the paper by detecting the movement of the lever. The optical sensor 54 is attached to the carriage 31. The optical sensor 54 detects the presence or absence of paper by the light receiving unit detecting reflected light of light irradiated on the paper from the light emitting unit. The optical sensor 54 can detect the position of the edge of the paper while being moved by the carriage 31 to detect the width of the paper. The optical sensor 54 also detects the leading end (the end on the downstream side in the transport direction, also referred to as the upper end) and the rear end (the end on the upstream side in the transport direction, also referred to as the lower end) depending on the situation. it can. Since the optical sensor 54 optically detects the edge of the paper, the detection accuracy is higher than that of the mechanical paper detection sensor 53.

<About nozzle>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles on the lower surface of the head 41. On the lower surface of the head 41, four nozzle groups (a black ink nozzle group K, a cyan ink nozzle group C, a magenta ink nozzle group M, and a yellow ink nozzle group Y) are formed. Each nozzle group includes a plurality of nozzles (180 in this embodiment) that are ejection openings for ejecting ink of each color.

  The plurality of nozzles of each nozzle group are aligned at a constant interval (nozzle pitch: k · D) along the transport direction. Here, D is the minimum dot pitch in the carrying direction (that is, the interval at the highest resolution of dots formed on the paper S). K is an integer of 1 or more.

The nozzles of each nozzle group are assigned a smaller number as the nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction (# 1 to # 180). It should be noted that the optical sensor 54 described above is located at substantially the same position as the nozzle # 180 on the most upstream side with respect to the position in the paper transport direction.
Each nozzle is provided with an ink chamber (not shown) and a piezoelectric element. By driving the piezo element, the ink chamber expands and contracts, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles.

=== Printer driver ===
<About processing performed by the printer driver>
FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of basic processing performed by the printer driver. The components already described are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
In the computer 110, computer programs such as a video driver 112, an application program 114, and a printer driver 116 operate under an operating system installed in the computer. The video driver 112 has a function of displaying, for example, a user interface on the display device 120 in accordance with display commands from the application program 114 and the printer driver 116. The application program 114 has a function of performing image editing, for example, and creates data related to an image (image data). The user can give an instruction to print an image edited by the application program 114 via the user interface of the application program 114. When the application program 114 receives a print command, the application program 114 outputs image data to the printer driver 116.

  The printer driver 116 receives image data from the application program 114, converts the image data into print data, and outputs the print data to the printer. Here, the print data is data in a format that can be interpreted by the printer 1, and is data having various command data and pixel data. The command data is data for instructing the printer to execute a specific operation. The pixel data is data relating to the pixels constituting the image. The pixel data in the print data is data relating to dots formed at a position on the paper corresponding to a certain pixel (dot data constituting a print image). On the other hand, the pixel data in the image data is data relating to the color and gradation of the pixels constituting the print image.

  The printer driver 116 performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing, halftone processing, rasterization processing, and the like in order to convert the image data output from the application program 114 into print data. Hereinafter, various processes performed by the printer driver 116 will be described.

  The resolution conversion processing is the resolution when printing image data (text data, image data, etc.) output from the application program 114 on the paper S (the interval between dots when printing), and is also referred to as print resolution. ). For example, when the print resolution is specified as 720 × 720 dpi, the image data received from the application program 114 is converted into image data having a resolution of 720 × 720 dpi.

  Note that each pixel data in the image data output from the application program 114 is data indicating multi-level (for example, 256 levels) gradation values represented by the RGB color space. Hereinafter, pixel data indicating RGB gradation values is referred to as RGB pixel data, and image data composed of RGB pixel data is referred to as RGB image data.

  The color conversion process is a process of converting each RGB pixel data of the RGB image data into data indicating gradation values of multiple levels (for example, 256 levels) represented by a CMYK color space. Here, in the notation CMYK, C means cyan, M means magenta, Y means yellow, and K means black. Hereinafter, pixel data indicating CMYK gradation values is referred to as CMYK pixel data, and image data composed of CMYK pixel data is referred to as CMYK image data. The color conversion process is performed by the printer driver 116 referring to a table (color conversion lookup table LUT) in which RGB gradation values and CMYK gradation values are associated with each other.

  The halftone process is a process of converting CMYK pixel data indicating multi-level gradation values into binary pixel data indicating small-level gradation values of colors that can be expressed by the printer 1. For example, by halftone processing, CMYK pixel data indicating 256-level gradation values of four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) is converted into 1-bit binary pixel data indicating two-level gradation values of four colors. Is converted to This binary pixel data is data indicating, for example, “no dot formation” (binary value “0”) and “dot formation” (also “1”) for each color. In this embodiment, for simplification of description, pixel data after halftone processing is 1 bit, but may be 2 bits. If the pixel data is 2 bits, it is possible to indicate not only the presence / absence of a dot but also the size of the dot (large dot, medium dot, small dot, etc.) (showing gradation values in four stages). The printer driver 116 converts 256-gradation pixel data into binary pixel data by referring to the dot generation rate table. This dot generation rate table will be described in detail later.

  In such halftone processing, for example, a dither method or the like is used, and binary pixel data that can be formed by the printer 1 in a dispersed manner is created. Further, the method used for the halftone process is not limited to the dither method, and a γ correction method, an error diffusion method, or the like may be used.

  The rasterizing process is a process for changing the CMYK image data subjected to the halftone process in the order of data to be transferred to the printer 1. The rasterized data is output to the printer 1 as the print data.

<About dot generation rate>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a dot generation rate table used in the above halftone process. The horizontal axis indicates the gradation value of pixel data (CMYK pixel data) before halftone processing. The vertical axis represents the dot generation rate. When the dot generation rate is 50% for a certain pixel, the binary pixel data after the halftone process becomes “1” with a probability of 50% (a dot is generated at a position on the paper corresponding to the pixel). Further, when the area of 256 pixels (16 × 16 pixels) has a dot generation rate of 50%, the pixel data after halftone processing indicates that dots are generated at 128 pixels.

  In the dot generation rate table of this embodiment, the dot generation rate increases as the gradation value increases. In the present embodiment, halftone processing is performed using a dot generation rate table corrected for each dot row region (described later).

=== Printing operation ===
<About basic operation>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing during printing. Each process described below is executed by the printer-side controller 60 controlling each unit in accordance with a program stored in the printer-side memory 63. This program has a code for executing each process.

  Print command reception (S001): First, the printer-side controller 60 receives a print command from the computer 110 via the interface unit 61. This print command is included in the header of print data transmitted from the computer 110. Then, the printer-side controller 60 analyzes the contents of various commands included in the received print data, and performs the following paper feed processing / conveyance processing / dot formation processing using each unit.

  Paper Feed Process (S002): The paper feed process is a process for supplying paper to be printed into the printer and positioning the paper at a print start position (also referred to as a cue position). The printer-side controller 60 rotates the paper feed roller 21 and sends the paper to be printed to the transport roller 23. Subsequently, the printer-side controller 60 rotates the transport roller 23 to position the paper fed from the paper feed roller 21 at the print start position. When the paper is positioned at the print start position, at least some of the nozzles of the head 41 are opposed to the paper.

  Dot Forming Process (S003): The dot forming process is a process for forming dots on paper by intermittently ejecting ink from a head that moves in the moving direction. The printer-side controller 60 drives the carriage motor 32 to move the carriage 31 in the movement direction. The printer-side controller 60 ejects ink from the head based on the print data while the carriage 31 is moving. When ink droplets ejected from the head 41 land on the paper, dots are formed on the paper. Since ink is intermittently ejected from the moving head 41, a dot row (raster line) composed of a plurality of dots along the moving direction is formed on the paper.

  Conveyance process (S004): The conveyance process is a process of moving the paper relative to the head in the conveyance direction. The printer-side controller 60 drives the carry motor and rotates the carry roller to carry the paper in the carrying direction. By this carrying process, the head 41 can form dots at positions different from the positions of the dots formed by the previous dot formation process.

  Paper discharge determination (S005): The printer-side controller 60 determines whether or not to discharge the paper being printed. If data to be printed remains on the paper being printed, no paper is discharged. Then, the printer-side controller 60 alternately repeats dot formation processing and conveyance processing until there is no more data to be printed, and gradually prints an image composed of dots on paper.

  Paper Discharge Process (S006): When there is no more data to be printed on the paper being printed, the printer-side controller 60 discharges the paper by rotating the paper discharge roller. The determination of whether or not to discharge paper may be based on a paper discharge command included in the print data.

  Determination of printing end (S007): Next, the printer-side controller 60 determines whether or not to continue printing. If printing is to be performed on the next paper, printing is continued and the paper feeding process for the next paper is started. If printing is not performed on the next paper, the printing operation is terminated.

=== Regarding Cause of Density Unevenness in Image ===
The density unevenness that occurs in a multicolor printed image is basically caused by the density unevenness that occurs in each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). For this reason, usually, a method of suppressing density unevenness in an image printed in multiple colors by individually suppressing density unevenness of each color is employed. In the following, the cause of density unevenness occurring in a monochrome printed image will be described.

  FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state when dots are ideally formed. While the carriage moves in the moving direction, ink is ejected from each nozzle, and ink is landed on the paper to form dots. Since each nozzle intermittently ejects ink during movement, a row of dots (raster line) is formed along the movement direction. Each raster line forms an image piece, and a large number of image pieces are arranged in the transport direction to form a print image.

  In the figure, since dots are ideally formed, each dot is accurately formed in an imaginary area on paper. Here, an area where a raster line is to be formed is referred to as a “dot row area”. In the figure, a dot row region is shown as a region sandwiched between dotted lines. The dot row region is also a region on paper corresponding to a plurality of pixels arranged in the moving direction.

FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of the influence of variations in nozzle processing accuracy. Here, due to the variation in the flight direction of the ink ejected from the nozzle # 2, the raster line formed by the nozzle # 2 is formed so as to be shifted to the raster line formed by the nozzle # 3 (upstream in the transport direction). Yes. Further, the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle # 5 is small, and the dots formed by the nozzle # 5 are small.
Originally, although image pieces having the same density are formed in each dot row area, shading occurs according to the dot row area due to variations in processing accuracy. For example, the image of the second dot row region is relatively light and the image of the third dot row region is relatively dark. Further, the image of the fifth dot row region becomes relatively light.
When the print image composed of such raster lines is viewed macroscopically, stripe-shaped density unevenness along the moving direction of the carriage is visually recognized. This density unevenness causes a reduction in image quality of the printed image.

  In the present embodiment, the dot generation rate is corrected so that a light image piece is formed lightly for a dot row region that is easily visible and dark, and a dark image piece is formed for a dot row region that is light and easily visible. As described above, the dot generation rate is corrected to suppress the density unevenness of the printed image.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram showing a state when dots are formed by the printing method of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the dot generation rate in the second dot row region is increased, the dot generation rate in the third dot row region is decreased, and the dot generation rate in the fifth dot row region is increased. Thereby, the density of the image piece formed in each dot row region is corrected, and the density unevenness of the printed image is suppressed.

=== Until the printer of this embodiment is shipped ===
In this embodiment, a printer is manufactured and shipped at a printer manufacturing factory. Then, a user who purchased the printer installs a printer driver in his / her computer and prints an image created by application software using the printer. First, the process until the printer is shipped will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart until the printer is shipped at the printer manufacturing factory.
First, the printer 1 is manufactured on the manufacturing line (S110). Next, correction data for correcting the density is set in the printer 1 by the operator in charge of inspection (S120). The correction data will be described in detail later.
Next, the printer 1 and the driver CD-ROM are shipped (S130). The driver CD-ROM stores a printer driver that is a program, and is shipped together with the printer 1. The driver CD-ROM stores application software other than the printer driver.

<Step S120: Setting Correction Data>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a device used for setting correction data. In addition, about the component already demonstrated, the same code is attached and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the figure, a computer 110A is a computer installed on an inspection line in a printer manufacturing factory. In this computer 110A, an application 114A and a printer driver 116A are operating. The application 114A outputs the image data of the correction pattern CP having the designated gradation value to the printer driver 116A. The printer driver converts the image data from the application 114A into print data, and outputs print data for printing the correction pattern CP to the printer 1.

  In the computer 110A, a process correction program 118A is operating. The process correction program can cause the computer 110A to perform correction data generation processing. By this correction data generation processing, the computer 110A reads the correction pattern CP by the scanner device 150, and generates correction data for each dot row area based on the read result (measured value of the density of each dot row area). To do. Then, the computer 110 </ b> A sets the generated correction data (correction data table) in the correction data storage unit 63 a of the printer-side memory 63.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the correction data generation process. The correction data setting procedure will be described below with reference to this flowchart.
This setting procedure includes a step of printing the correction pattern CP (S121), a step of reading the correction pattern CP (S122), and a step of setting correction data based on the measured density value for each dot row region (S123). Have Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

(1) Regarding printing of correction pattern CP (S121):
First, in step S121, the computer 110A causes the printer to print the correction pattern CP on the paper S, respectively. Here, an operator in charge of inspection connects the printer 1 to a computer 110A installed on the inspection line in a communicable state, and causes the printer 1 to print the correction pattern CP via the user interface of the computer 110A. Note that the printer 1 that prints the correction pattern CP is the printer 1 for which correction data is to be set. That is, the correction data is set for each printer 1.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the printed correction pattern CP. As illustrated, the correction pattern CP of this embodiment is formed for each color ink (cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink). Here, the cyan correction pattern CP will be described.

  The cyan correction pattern CP has four types of dot generation rate patterns. Each of the four patterns is formed in a strip shape in parallel along the transport direction. The four types of dot generation rates here are 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. When attention is paid to a certain raster line, there are a region with a dot generation rate of 20%, a region with a dot generation rate of 40%, a region with a dot generation rate of 60%, and a region with a dot generation rate of 80%. The dot generation rate of 100% corresponds to the gradation value “255”, and the dot generation rate of 0% corresponds to the gradation value “0” (see FIG. 7). Here, a correction pattern CP40% having a dot generation rate of 40% will be described.

  The correction pattern CP40% is printed based on print data generated from image data indicating a belt-like image having a constant density. The correction pattern CP40% is composed of a large number of raster lines arranged in the transport direction. If the printer is ideally manufactured, the correction pattern CP40% is printed at a constant density. However, as described above, due to variations in processing accuracy, density unevenness occurs in the correction pattern CP40%.

(2) Reading the correction pattern CP (step S122):
Next, the operator in charge of inspection places the paper S on which the correction pattern CP is printed on the scanner device 150, and the computer 110A causes the scanner device 150 to read the correction pattern CP.

FIG. 14 shows a part of a measurement result of a pattern with a dot generation rate of 40% of the cyan ink correction pattern CP. The vertical axis represents the measured value, and the horizontal axis represents the dot row area number. Here, the dot row area number is a number assigned to each dot row area virtually defined on the paper from the front side of the paper.
If the printer is ideally manufactured, since the density of the correction pattern CP40% is constant, the measured value is as shown by the dotted line in the figure. However, since the density of dots in the dot row region varies due to variations in the ink ejection direction, etc., the measured value is as shown by a solid line in the figure.

(3) Storage of measurement values for each dot row area (step S123) Next, the computer 110A stores the measurement values in the printer-side memory 63 and stores the correction data table in the printer-side memory 63.
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of a correction data table stored in the printer-side memory 63. This correction data table is prepared for each ink color.

  In each correction data table, measurement values are stored in association with dot row regions and dot generation rates. Each dot row area is numbered. The measured values of the correction patterns CP20%, CP40%, CP60%, and CP80% in the same dot row area are recorded in the same number table.

  The correction data storage unit 63a of the printer-side memory 63 of each printer 1 manufactured at the factory stores a correction data table unique to the printer. Then, the printer is shipped with the correction table stored (step S130 described above).

=== Installation of Printer Driver of this Embodiment ===
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing when installing the printer driver.
The user who purchased the printer connects the printer and the computer 110, and sets the driver CD-ROM bundled with the printer in the CD-ROM drive device 140B of the computer 110. The driver CD-ROM stores programs such as a printer driver and application software.

  When the driver CD-ROM is set in the CD-ROM drive device 140B, the computer 110 installs a printer driver (step S140).

  The printer driver installed in the computer 110 reads the correction data in the correction data table stored in the correction data storage unit 63a of the printer-side memory 63, and reads the read correction data on the computer side. It memorize | stores in the memory 163 (step S150).

  Thereafter, the printer driver creates a correction file based on the acquired correction data (step S160). The creation of the correction file will be described later. The acquisition of the correction data (S150) and the generation of the correction file (step S160) are performed in parallel with the installation process of other application software stored in the driver CD-ROM. When the creation of the correction file and the installation of other application software are completed, the computer 110 ends the operation of the CD-ROM drive device 140B and ends reading of information from the driver CD-ROM.

<Step S160: Creation of Correction File>
FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the command gradation value and the measurement value in a certain dot row region. In the figure, the measured value of the density of the correction pattern CP 40% in a certain dot row region is C (40%), and the measured value of the density of the correction pattern CP 20% in a certain dot row region is C (20%). It shows that there is.

  The correction pattern CP40% described above is printed based on a command gradation value indicating a dot generation rate of 40%. The dot generation rate of 40% corresponds to an image having a gradation value of 102 (256 gradations), but the measured gradation value C (40%) is not necessarily “102” due to variations in processing accuracy. For example, the measured gradation value C (40%) is a value lower than 102 in the dot row region with a low density.

  In other words, when printing an image having a gradation value C (40%), when halftone processing is performed at a dot generation rate corresponding to the gradation value “102”, halftone processing is performed. Even if the accuracy varies, an image having a target gradation value C (40%) is printed.

  Similarly, when printing an image having a gradation value of 90, if halftone processing is performed at a dot generation rate corresponding to the gradation value “S90” in the drawing when halftone processing is performed, variations in processing accuracy may occur. Even if there is, an image having a target gradation value of 90 is printed. The gradation value “S90” can be calculated by linear interpolation based on the measured gradation value C (40%) and the measured gradation value C (20%).

  Thus, when printing with a certain target gradation value, a dot generation rate suitable for the target gradation value can be calculated based on the correction data stored in the correction data storage unit 63a. . In this way, if a suitable dot generation rate is calculated for each tone value of each dot row region, the correction file of this embodiment can be created.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a correction file according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a correction file is prepared for each color. The printer driver stores the dot generation rate calculated by linear interpolation in the correction file storage unit 163a of the computer-side memory 163 in association with the dot row region and the gradation value. That is, the printer driver creates a correction file by recording the calculated dot generation rate in the blank in the figure. A different dot generation rate table is obtained for each dot row region.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a dot generation rate table in a certain dot row region. The dotted line in the figure indicates the dot generation rate in FIG.

  When halftone processing is performed based on the dotted dot generation rate in the figure, density unevenness occurs due to variations in processing accuracy. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown by the solid line in the figure, halftone processing is performed using the dot generation rate calculated based on the correction data table.

  The dot row area corresponding to the dot generation rate table in the figure is considered to be a dot row area printed relatively dark due to variations in processing accuracy. In this embodiment, the pixel data corresponding to the dot row area is subjected to halftone processing using the dot generation rate of the correction file, so that the density of dots formed in the dot row area is reduced, The density of the image piece in the dot row area is corrected to the target density.

=== Borderless printing ===
Here, borderless printing will be described. Borderless printing is a printing method in which printing is performed without leaving margins at the side edges and upper and lower edges of the paper S. When borderless printing is performed, as shown in FIG. 20, ink is ejected from each nozzle toward a range wider than the size of the paper S. As a result, even if the paper position is shifted during conveyance, printing can be performed without leaving a margin.
However, there is ink ejected outside the paper during borderless printing. Since this ink does not land on the paper S, it will land on the platen 24 that supports the paper S. Note that an area where ink that does not land on the paper S lands is referred to as a “leaked area”. When ink lands on the platen 24, the ink adheres to the back surface of the next paper to be transported and stains the paper. Therefore, the platen 24 of the printer that performs borderless printing has a structure as described below.

  FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when the side edge of the paper S is borderless printed. FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time. However, in order to simplify the description, the number of ink ejections is reduced. In these drawings, the carriage moves in a direction parallel to the paper surface, and the paper S is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 21A, the platen 24 includes a support portion 242 that supports the paper S and a groove portion 244 that is provided at a position lower than the support portion.
During borderless printing, ink is ejected from a nozzle provided in the head 41 toward a wider range than the paper S. Then, ink that does not land on the paper S reaches the groove 244. However, since the groove portion 244 is located at a position lower than the support portion 242, the ink that has landed on the groove portion is located at a position lower than the support portion 242. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ink that has landed in the groove 244 from adhering to the back surface of the paper.
The groove portion 244 is designed in advance so that the leakage region is located on the groove portion 244 (in FIG. 21B, the region where the ink has landed on the groove portion 244 is the leakage region).

  By the way, when a large amount of ink lands on the groove portion 244, the ink accumulates in the groove portion 244, and a crest of ink solidified in the groove portion 244 is formed. When the pile of ink reaches the height of the support portion 242, the back surface of the paper S may be stained. In order to prevent this, a sponge 246 is provided as an absorbing material that absorbs ink at a position that becomes a leakage region in the groove 244.

  FIG. 22A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when the upper end portion of the paper S is printed without borders. FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time. However, the number of nozzles is reduced to simplify the description. In these drawings, the paper S is conveyed in a direction parallel to the paper surface, and the carriage moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

  During borderless printing of the upper end of the paper, ink is ejected from nozzles that do not face the paper S, and ink is ejected over a wider area than the paper S. For this reason, the ink ejected from the nozzles that do not face the paper S (nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction in the figure) does not land on the paper S but landes on the sponge 246 of the groove portion 244 (the area where this ink landes). Will be the breaching area).

  In order to print on the upper edge of the paper without a margin, as shown in FIG. 22B, in the paper feeding process (S002), it is necessary to feed the paper so that the upper edge of the paper is positioned above the groove 244. (The paper position at this time is referred to as “print start position”). As a result, the ink ejected from the nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction from the printing start position does not land on the paper but land on the groove 244. Further, the ink ejected from the nozzle on the upstream side in the transport direction from the printing start position lands on the paper and forms dots at the upper end of the paper.

  By the way, in order to perform the above-described density correction processing in borderless printing, a correction pattern for borderless printing is printed in a printer manufacturing factory (S121), the correction pattern is read (S122), and correction data is obtained. The table needs to be stored in the printer.

=== Correction pattern for borderless printing ===
<Reference example>
FIG. 23 is an enlarged view when the vicinity of the upper end of the correction pattern for borderless printing of the reference example is viewed from above. Black circles in the figure indicate ink (dots) landed on the paper. White circles in the figure indicate ink landed on the groove 244 by borderless printing. A region between dotted lines on the paper indicates a dot row region.

  The correction pattern of the reference example starts printing from the printing start position shown in FIG. 22A. When the paper is fed to the printing start position, the nozzles # 1 and # 2 on the most downstream side in the transport direction do not face the paper, but face the groove 244. For this reason, when the correction pattern is formed, the ink ejected from the nozzle # 1 and the nozzle # 2 does not land on the paper but land on the groove 244. For this reason, the raster lines formed by the nozzle # 1 and the nozzle # 2 are not formed on the paper. That is, the vicinity of the upper end portion of the correction pattern does not include the raster lines formed by the nozzle # 1 and the nozzle # 2 (however, the raster lines formed by the nozzle # 1 and the nozzle # 2 are not formed at the upper end portion of the paper. is there).

  For this reason, even if this correction pattern is read, the density of the first dot row area and the second dot row area cannot be measured, and correction data for the first dot row area and the second dot row area are stored in the printer. Disappear. As a result, when the printer driver later creates a correction file (S160), the printer driver cannot calculate the dot generation rate of the first dot row area and the second dot row area from the correction data. That is, when the printer prints the upper edge of the paper during borderless printing, it is not possible to correct the density (raster line dot generation rate) of the image pieces formed by the nozzles # 1 and # 2.

  On the other hand, when paper is fed to the printing start position during borderless printing, the paper may be transported slightly downstream in the transport direction due to transport errors. If the ink is transported further downstream in the transport direction than the correction pattern is formed by the nozzle pitch (1/180 inch) due to transport error, the ink ejected from the nozzle # 2 will land on the paper (and hence transport) Even if there is an error, there is no margin at the upper end of the paper S). However, in the reference example, the density of the raster line formed by the nozzle # 2 cannot be corrected. As a result, density unevenness may occur at the upper end of the paper.

<Regarding the Correction Pattern Printing Method of the Present Embodiment>
FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when a correction pattern for borderless printing is formed. FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time. Compared with the above-described reference example, the position of the upper end of the paper when printing of the correction pattern starts is different.

  In the present embodiment, when the correction pattern is printed, the paper S is fed downstream from the printing start position shown in FIG. 22A in the transport direction, and printing of the correction pattern is started. In other words, in this embodiment, the paper S is fed until the paper S and all the nozzles face each other, and printing of the correction pattern is started.

  As a result, when a correction pattern for borderless printing is formed, ink ejected from all nozzles land on the paper. That is, ink ejected from nozzle # 1 and nozzle # 2 also land on the paper. For this reason, all the raster lines at the upper end can be formed on the paper S.

  According to the correction pattern of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a margin (margin) is formed at the upper end of the paper. A large number of raster lines constituting the correction pattern are formed on the upstream side of the margin in the conveyance direction. That is, according to the present embodiment, the ink ejected to form the upper end side of the correction pattern does not leak from the upper end portion of the paper, and surely lands on the paper.

  Then, when the correction pattern for borderless printing formed in this way is read, the density of the first dot row region (region where the raster line on the most upstream side in the transport direction is formed) and the second dot row region are measured. The correction data can be stored in the printer based on these measured values. As a result, when the printer driver later creates a correction file (S160), the printer driver can calculate the dot generation rate of the first dot row region and the second dot row region based on the correction data. . That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to correct the density of image pieces formed in the first dot row region and the second dot row region during borderless printing.

  When the user performs borderless printing, unlike the printing of the correction pattern, the printer feeds the paper S to the print start position as usual and starts printing. For this reason, during borderless printing, the ink ejected from nozzle # 1 and nozzle # 2 may not land on the paper, but the printer corrects the density of the raster lines formed by nozzle # 1 and nozzle # 2. In this state, ink is ejected from the nozzles. As a result, the paper S is transported downstream in the transport direction due to a transport error, and even if, for example, ink ejected from the nozzle # 2 is landed, a print image without density unevenness is printed from the upper end of the paper.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About the head>
In the above-described embodiment, ink is ejected using a piezoelectric element. However, the method for discharging the liquid is not limited to this. For example, other methods such as a method of generating bubbles in the nozzle by heat may be used.
In the above-described embodiment, the head is provided on the carriage. However, the head may be provided in an ink cartridge that is detachable from the carriage.

<About moving parts>
In the above-described embodiment, the carriage motor 32 including a DC motor is used as the moving unit that moves the head in the moving direction. However, it is not limited to such a motor. In short, it is sufficient that the moving unit can move the head in the moving direction.

<About the transport unit>
In the above-described embodiment, the transport unit 20 is used as a transport unit that transports a medium such as paper in the transport direction. However, the configuration of the transport unit is not limited to the configuration of the transport unit described above. For example, the transport unit may transport paper by a transport belt instead of the transport roller.

<About unit area>
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, a dot row formation region where a raster line is formed is used as a unit region. However, a region between the center of the raster line and the center of the raster line may be used as the unit region. In this case, the image of the unit area between the center of the raster line and the center of the raster line becomes a unit image, and the correction data is created by detecting the density of this unit image.

<About resolution>
In the above-described embodiment, for simplification of description, the resolution (dot interval) in the transport direction is 180 dpi, which is the same as the nozzle pitch. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the resolution in the transport direction may be 720 dpi. In this case, three raster lines formed by other dot formation processes are sandwiched between two raster lines formed by a certain dot formation process.

<About dot size>
In the above-described embodiment, the pixel data is binary in order to simplify the description. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pixel data may be 2-bit data so that the pixel data can indicate the size of a dot (large dot, medium dot, small dot, etc.). In this case, the dot generation rate table includes information regarding the dot generation rate for large dots, the dot generation rate for medium dots, and the dot generation rate for small dots.

<About printing correction patterns>
In the above-described embodiment, the correction pattern is printed and read in the inspection process of the printer manufacturing factory. However, it is not limited to this. The printer may print the correction pattern at the user who purchased the printer. In this case, in order to read the correction pattern, the printer is preferably a multifunction device having a scanner function.

=== Summary ===
(1) The printing system 100 described above includes a carriage motor 32 (an example of a moving unit) that moves a head 41 that ejects ink, and a conveyance unit 20 (an example of a conveyance unit) that conveys paper (an example of a medium) in the conveyance direction. ) And. In such a printing system, a dot image forming operation and a conveying operation are alternately repeated to form a printed image. Note that the print image includes a large number of image pieces (an example of a unit image) arranged in the transport direction. This image piece is composed of raster lines formed in a dot row area (an example of a unit area) along the moving direction.

  In such a printing system 100, density unevenness may occur in a printed image due to the influence of variations in nozzle processing accuracy. Therefore, in the above-described printing system, in order to correct the density of the image pieces constituting the print image, the printer-side memory 63 that stores correction data (see FIG. 15), or a correction file created from the correction data ( A computer-side memory 163 for storing (see FIG. 18) is provided.

  The printer driver (specifically, the computer controller (CPU 162 and computer memory 163) of the computer in which the printer driver is installed) generates print data by performing halftone processing based on the dot generation rate indicated by the correction file. To do. When this print data is transmitted to the printer 1, the printer-side controller 60 conveys the paper to the print start position, forms an image piece in each dot row area, and forms a print image on the paper. Since the density of the image piece constituting the print image at this time is corrected based on the correction file (in other words, the dot generation rate of the raster line constituting the print image is corrected based on the correction file). Therefore, a printed image without density unevenness can be obtained.

  There is a printing method called borderless printing. In borderless printing, ink is ejected over a wider range than the size of the paper, so that a print image can be printed on the paper without leaving a margin. When performing borderless printing, the printing start position is located on the groove 244 as shown in FIG. 22A. When the paper is fed to this printing start position, the nozzle on the upstream side in the transport direction (the lower end side of the paper) faces the paper, but the nozzle on the downstream side in the transport direction (the upper end side of the paper) does not face the paper. Then, the ink ejected from the nozzles on the downstream side in the transport direction strikes the paper, and a print image is formed on the upper end portion of the paper without a margin.

In order to perform density correction processing in borderless printing, it is necessary to print a correction pattern for borderless printing (S121), read the correction pattern (S122), and store the correction data table in the printer. is there.
However, when the correction pattern for borderless printing is printed from the printing start position at the time of borderless printing shown in FIG. 22A, ink ejected from the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction leaks from the paper and forms on the paper. There are raster lines that are not (see FIG. 23). Then, even if this correction pattern is read, the density of the dot row area on the most upstream side in the transport direction cannot be measured, and the printer cannot store correction data corresponding to this dot row area. Then, due to a transport error during borderless printing, if the paper is transported downstream in the transport direction relative to the correction pattern formation, ink that would otherwise leak will land on the paper, resulting in an image piece that has not undergone density correction processing. There is a possibility that density unevenness occurs at the upper end portion of the printed image formed at the upper end portion.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer-side controller 60 transports paper downstream of the transport direction from the print start position during borderless printing, and forms image pieces for forming a correction pattern in each dot row region. To do. As a result, the ink ejected to form the upper end side of the correction pattern does not leak from the upper end portion of the paper, and reliably land on the paper.
When the correction pattern is read, the density of the dot row area on the most downstream side in the transport direction can be measured, and the correction data can be stored in the printer-side memory 63 based on the measured value. (See FIG. 18) can be stored in the computer-side memory 163. If the printer driver generates print data at the dot generation rate based on the correction file during borderless printing, the printer-side controller can be used with the density of the image pieces formed in each dot row area corrected. Print the print image on paper. As a result, even if the paper is fed to the print start position in a state where there is a conveyance error, a printed image can be printed on the upper end of the paper without density unevenness.

(2) According to the above-described embodiment, the groove portion 244 is provided as an ink receiving portion that receives ink that does not land on the paper. When the paper is fed to the printing start position during borderless printing, the upper end of the paper (the end on the downstream side in the transport direction) is positioned above the groove 244 (see FIG. 22A). Thereby, the printer can print a print image without a margin from the upper end of the paper (see FIG. 22B). On the other hand, when the correction pattern is printed on the paper, when the paper is fed downstream of the printing start position in the transport direction, the upper end of the paper at this time is positioned downstream of the groove portion 244 in the transport direction ( FIG. 24A). As a result, the ejected ink does not land on the groove 244 but land on the paper (FIG. 24B). Then, by reading this correction pattern, it is possible to measure the densities of all the dot row regions on the upstream side in the transport direction.

(3) According to the above-described embodiment, the head 41 includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in the transport direction (FIG. 5). When the paper is fed to the printing start position during borderless printing, the upper end of the paper (the end on the downstream side in the transport direction) is more transported than the nozzle # 1 (the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction). Located upstream (see FIG. 22A). Thereby, the printer can print a print image without a margin from the upper end of the paper (see FIG. 22B). On the other hand, when the correction pattern is printed on the paper, when the paper is fed downstream of the printing start position in the transport direction, the upper end of the paper at this time is positioned downstream of the nozzle # 1 in the transport direction. (FIG. 24A). As a result, the ink ejected from the head lands on the paper without leaking from the paper (FIG. 24B). Then, by reading this correction pattern, it is possible to measure the densities of all the dot row regions on the upstream side in the transport direction.

(4) The computer-side memory 163 described above stores the dot generation rate of each dot row area in the correction file (see FIG. 18). Then, the density of the image piece formed in each dot row region is corrected based on the dot generation rate of the correction file.
However, information to be stored in the computer-side memory 163 is not limited to the dot generation rate. For example, a correction value for correcting the RGB image data after resolution conversion for each dot row region may be stored in the computer-side memory 163. Even in this way, the density of the image piece can be corrected.

(5) The above-mentioned printer-side memory 63 stores the measured density value in the dot row area (unit area) as correction data (see FIG. 15). Then, the density of the image piece formed in each dot row region is corrected by the correction data.
However, information to be stored in the printer-side memory 63 is not limited to the measurement values of the above-described embodiment. For example, information obtained by calculating a measurement value may be stored.

(6) If the printing system has all the configurations of the above-described embodiments, all the effects can be achieved. However, not all the constituent elements are necessarily essential constituent elements.

(7) Note that some of the functions on the computer side may be performed on the printer side. For example, the printer may receive image data instead of print data from a computer, generate print data from the image data, and print a borderless printed image based on the print data.

(8) According to the above-described printing method, the method includes the steps of preparing a printing apparatus, performing borderless printing, and printing a correction pattern.
The printing apparatus to be prepared includes a carriage motor 32 (an example of a moving unit) that moves a head 41 that ejects ink, a conveyance unit 20 (an example of a conveyance unit) that conveys paper (an example of a medium) in the conveyance direction, and And a printer-side memory 63 for storing correction data (see FIG. 15).
When performing borderless printing, the printer feeds the paper to the printing start position, forms an image piece in each dot row area, and forms a printed image on the paper. Since the density of the image pieces constituting the print image at this time is corrected based on the correction data, a print image without density unevenness can be obtained.

  Prior to this borderless printing, a correction pattern for acquiring correction data is printed. When the correction pattern is printed on the paper, the printer feeds the paper to the downstream side in the transport direction from the print start position at the time of borderless printing, and each piece of image for forming the correction pattern is printed. It is formed in the dot row area. As a result, the ink ejected to form the upper end side of the correction pattern does not leak from the upper end portion of the paper, and reliably land on the paper.

(9) The printer driver (program) described above generates print data having command data and pixel data. When this print data is transmitted to the printer, the printer-side controller controls the carriage motor 32 (an example of the moving unit) and the conveyance unit 20 (an example of the conveyance unit) according to the command data, and the head according to the pixel data. To control.

  When performing borderless printing, the printer driver causes the printer to feed paper to the print start position via print data, form an image piece in each dot row area, and print the print image on the paper. Let it form. Since the density of the image pieces constituting the print image at this time is corrected based on the correction data, the printer driver can cause the printer to print a print image without density unevenness.

  On the other hand, when printing the correction pattern on paper, the printer driver feeds the paper to the downstream side in the transport direction from the print start position during borderless printing via the print data. An image piece for forming a pattern is formed in each dot row region. As a result, the ink ejected to form the upper end side of the correction pattern does not leak from the upper end portion of the paper, and reliably land on the paper.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the external appearance structure of the printing system. 1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of a computer 110 and a printer 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | sequence of a nozzle. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of basic processing performed by a printer driver. It is explanatory drawing of a dot production rate table. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of printing. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state when dots are ideally formed. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of the influence of variations in nozzle processing accuracy. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram showing a state when dots are formed by the printing method of the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart until a printer is shipped in a printer manufacturing factory. It is a block diagram explaining the apparatus used for the setting of the data for correction | amendment. It is a flowchart of the data generation process for correction | amendment. It is explanatory drawing of the correction pattern CP printed. It is a part of measurement result of a pattern with a dot generation rate of 40%. It is a conceptual diagram of the correction data table. FIG. 6 is a flowchart when installing a printer driver. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the command value in a certain dot row area | region, and a measured value. It is explanatory drawing of the file for correction | amendment of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the dot production rate table in a certain dot row area | region. It is explanatory drawing of the discharge range of the ink at the time of borderless printing. FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when the side edge of the paper S is borderless printed. FIG. 21B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time. FIG. 22A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when the upper end portion of the paper S is printed without borders. FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time. It is an enlarged view when the vicinity of the upper end of the correction pattern for borderless printing of the reference example is viewed from above. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of ink ejection when a correction pattern for borderless printing is formed. FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram of ink landing at this time.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 20 Carrying unit 21 Paper feed roller 22 Carrying motor 23 Carrying roller 24 Platen 25 Paper discharge roller 30 Carriage unit 31 Carriage 32 Carriage motor 40 Head unit 41 Head 50 Detector group 51 Linear encoder 52 Rotary encoder 53 Paper detection sensor 54 Optical sensor 60 Printer side controller 61 Interface unit 63 Printer side memory 63a Correction data storage unit 64 Unit control circuit 100 Printing system 110 Computer 120 Display device 130 Input device 140 Recording / reproducing device 150 Scanner device 161 Interface unit 163 Computer side memory 163a Correction file storage

Claims (9)

(A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) A memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit area along the moving direction , wherein the position of the unit area in the transport direction and the correction value are stored in the unit. A memory that stores the information in association with each area ;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Let the transport unit transport the medium to the print start position,
In the head , each unit image is formed in the corresponding unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region ,
When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction and a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value associated with the position of the unit region in the transport direction is printed on the medium,
The transport section, to transport the medium in the transport direction downstream side of the print start position,
To the head, each said unit image for forming the correction pattern, and <br/> controller causes formed upstream of the transport direction than the position in the transport direction of the unit areas corresponding,
A printing system comprising (E). The printing system according to claim 1,
An ink receiving portion for receiving ink that does not land on the medium;
When the medium is transported to the printing start position, an end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is positioned on the ink receiving portion,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side of the transport direction is the ink receiving section. The printing system is located downstream of the transport direction. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along the transport direction,
When the medium is transported to the print start position, an end portion of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is located upstream of the nozzles on the most downstream side in the transport direction among the plurality of nozzles. ,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is the plurality of nozzles. The printing system is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The said memory memorize | stores the information regarding the production | generation rate of the dot which comprises the said unit image as a correction value, The printing system characterized by the above-mentioned. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores, as the correction value, information related to density in the unit area of the correction pattern. (A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) A memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit area along the moving direction , wherein the position of the unit area in the transport direction and the correction value are stored in the unit. A memory that stores the information in association with each area ;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Let the transport unit transport the medium to the print start position,
In the head , each unit image is formed in the corresponding unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region ,
When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction and a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value associated with the position of the unit region in the transport direction is printed on the medium,
The transport section, to transport the medium in the transport direction downstream side of the print start position,
To the head, each said unit image for forming the correction pattern, and <br/> controller causes formed upstream of the transport direction than the position in the transport direction of the unit areas corresponding,
A printing system comprising (E),
(F) an ink receiving portion for receiving ink that does not land on the medium;
When the medium is transported to the printing start position, an end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is positioned on the ink receiving portion,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side of the transport direction is the ink receiving section. Located on the downstream side in the transport direction,
(G) the head includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along the transport direction;
When the medium is transported to the print start position, an end portion of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is located upstream of the nozzles on the most downstream side in the transport direction among the plurality of nozzles. ,
When printing the correction pattern on the medium, when the medium is transported downstream of the print start position in the transport direction, the end of the medium on the downstream side in the transport direction is the plurality of nozzles. Is located on the downstream side in the transport direction from the nozzle on the most downstream side in the transport direction,
(H) The memory stores, as a correction value, information relating to a generation rate of dots constituting the unit image,
(I) The printing system characterized in that the memory stores information on the density of the correction pattern in the unit area as the correction value. (A) a moving unit that moves a head that discharges ink in a moving direction;
(B) a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction;
(C) A memory for storing a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit area along the moving direction , wherein the position of the unit area in the transport direction and the correction value are stored in the unit. A memory that stores the information in association with each area ;
(D) When forming a plurality of unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Let the transport unit transport the medium to the print start position,
In the head , each unit image is formed in the corresponding unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region ,
When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction and a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value associated with the position of the unit region in the transport direction is printed on the medium,
The transport section, to transport the medium in the transport direction downstream side of the print start position,
To the head, each said unit image for forming the correction pattern, and <br/> controller causes formed upstream of the transport direction than the position in the transport direction of the unit areas corresponding,
A printing apparatus comprising (E). (A) A moving unit that moves the ink ejection head in the moving direction, a conveying unit that conveys the medium in the conveying direction, and a correction for correcting the density of the unit image formed in the unit region along the moving direction. A memory for storing a value, and a memory for storing the position of the unit area in the transport direction and the correction value in association with each unit area , and preparing a printing apparatus,
(B) When forming a plurality of the unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Let the transport unit transport the medium to the print start position,
In the head , each unit image is formed in the corresponding unit region at a density corrected based on the correction value corresponding to the unit region ,
(C) When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction, and a correction pattern for acquiring the correction value associated with the position of the unit area in the transport direction is printed on the medium. Is
The transport section, to transport the medium in the transport direction downstream side of the print start position,
To the head, each said unit image for forming the correction pattern, a corresponding said than the position of the conveyance direction makes formed upstream of the conveying direction (D), characterized in that said unit areas Printing method. A moving unit that moves a head for ejecting ink in a moving direction, a conveying unit that conveys a medium in the conveying direction, and a correction value for correcting the density of a unit image formed in a unit region along the moving direction are stored. A printing device having a memory for
When forming a plurality of the unit images side by side in the transport direction from the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction,
Let the transport unit transport the medium to the print start position,
To the head, in the correction value corrected concentration based on corresponding to the unit area, the function of each said unit image is formed on the unit area corresponding,
When a plurality of unit images are formed side by side in the transport direction and a correction pattern for obtaining the correction value associated with the position of the unit region in the transport direction is printed on the medium,
The transport section, to transport the medium in the transport direction downstream side of the print start position,
A function of causing the head to form each of the unit images for forming the correction pattern on the upstream side in the transport direction of the corresponding unit region in the transport direction ;
A program characterized by realizing .

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