JP6558794B2 - Alignment apparatus for printing, printing apparatus provided with this alignment apparatus for printing, and alignment method for printing - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing alignment apparatus, a printing apparatus including the printing alignment apparatus, and a printing alignment method.

  As printing techniques, flat printing, letterpress printing, intaglio printing, stencil printing, and the like are known. For example, screen printing is a typical printing technique for stencil printing. In screen printing, using a screen with an image part penetrating as a printing plate, placing ink on the screen plate and sliding a squeegee (printing spatula), the ink passes through the screen and passes under the screen plate. It is pushed out onto the upper surface of the substrate to be printed, and printing is thereby performed. As the screen, a screen woven with a fiber such as nylon or Tetron or a stainless steel wire can be used. In screen printing, it is possible to print using not only ink but also solder paste. In this case, the solder paste can be accurately placed on a fine and complicated circuit pattern.

By the way, in order to accurately perform printing at a predetermined position on the substrate, alignment (alignment) between the substrate and the screen plate is important, and an alignment mark is used as one of conventional alignment methods. There was a known method. The alignment mark is provided on at least one of the substrate and the screen plate, and alignment is performed by relatively moving the substrate and the screen plate based on the position of the alignment mark.
At this time, the alignment mark can be photographed using a camera or the like, and the alignment can be automatically performed using the position (coordinate) data of the alignment mark calculated from the photographed image data. For example, a method for recognizing the position of an alignment mark on a substrate and correcting a deviation from a preset reference position, or by recognizing both an alignment mark on a substrate and an alignment mark on a screen plate. There is known a method for correcting the positional deviation of.

On the other hand, there is a case where a multi-layer printing (also referred to as “multi-plate printing”) in which printing is performed a plurality of times while changing the plate is performed on one substrate. When printing multiple times on a single substrate with multi-layer printing, the position of the next plate is set relative to the previous print result so that the pattern formed by the previous print does not deviate from the next print pattern. It needs to be adjusted. This alignment operation is called plate alignment.
Accurate plate alignment in screen printing has been a problem from the past. Particularly, in recent years, high integration and miniaturization of electronic circuits have progressed, and printing misalignment during printing of multilayer circuit patterns has become a problem. In addition, printing misalignment in multilayer printing of a material that stretches and deforms becomes a problem.

In order to cope with this, a method is disclosed in which trial printing is performed on a substrate for trial printing, positional deviation of a printing pattern at the time of trial printing is recognized by a camera, and used for plate alignment at the time of actual printing (for example, Patent Documents). 1-3). This is a technique for recognizing a specific circuit pattern from a test-printed substrate with a camera, storing a positional deviation amount, and performing alignment by correcting the positional deviation amount during actual printing. At this time, an alignment mark can be used together.
However, since this method aligns the whole with some circuit patterns, there is a possibility that printing misalignment may occur in other places.

  Accordingly, in order to cope with this problem, it is disclosed that a weighting unit is provided for acquiring images of the entire surface of the circuit board and the screen plate and preferentially aligning a land having a small area (a pattern portion having a large influence of displacement). (See Patent Document 4). This makes it possible to align over the entire circuit pattern.

JP-A-6-198841 JP 2-123789 JP 2-123788 JP2002-160347

  However, as described in Patent Document 4, even if the entire surface is aligned by weighting, if the screen plate is deformed due to local expansion / contraction, distortion, etc., an unexpectedly large portion with weak weighting is expected. Printing misalignment may occur. Therefore, it is difficult to perform optimum alignment for all patterns in the present situation, and if printing is performed without optimum alignment, a problem occurs in a substrate such as a circuit board. In other words, there is a possibility of producing defective products.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and in printing that requires high accuracy and printing that uses a material that deforms and stretches, between the plate and the substrate to be printed without producing a defective product. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing alignment apparatus capable of optimal alignment, a printing apparatus including the printing alignment apparatus, and a printing alignment method.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a printing alignment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by a pattern provided in advance on the substrate and the plate when printing on the substrate using a plate. A device for aligning with a pattern,
An image for obtaining a first image that is an entire image of a first substrate having a first pattern and a second image that is an entire image of a second substrate on which a second pattern is printed by a plate An acquisition unit;
An alignment processing unit that performs an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image;
A print result image acquisition unit that creates a virtual print result image by superimposing the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment calculation;
Is provided.

In the printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention,
The above printing alignment apparatus;
And a printing unit that forms a predetermined pattern on the substrate using the plate based on an output signal from the printing alignment apparatus.

In the printing alignment method according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the second pattern is formed using a plate on the substrate on which the first pattern is formed, the first pattern and the second pattern A method for aligning patterns,
Using the plate, the second pattern is formed on the printed material on which no pattern is formed or on the printed material on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed. Step 1A for forming the substrate to be printed;
Step 1B of acquiring a second image that is an entire image of the second printing material on which the second pattern is formed by the plate and that can be identified by the second pattern;
Obtaining a first image that is an entire image of a first substrate on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed; and
Performing an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image; and
And step 4 of creating a virtual print result image by superimposing the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment calculation.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, optimum alignment between a plate and a printing object is possible without producing defective products even in printing that requires high accuracy and printing that uses a material that is deformed and stretched. A printing alignment apparatus, a printing apparatus including the printing alignment apparatus, and a printing alignment method can be provided.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example which performs alignment calculation for printing, and moves an alignment table according to it, Comprising: It is a schematic diagram which shows a workpiece | work (printed material), an alignment table, and an image processing area especially. It is a figure which shows an example which performs alignment calculation for printing, and moves an alignment table according to it, Comprising: It is a schematic diagram which shows especially the place which registers | registers a workpiece | work reference position. It is a figure which shows an example which performs alignment calculation for printing, and moves an alignment table according to it, Comprising: It is a schematic diagram which shows especially the place which calculates the deviation | shift amount of a workpiece | work reference position. It is a figure which shows an example which performs alignment calculation for printing, and moves an alignment table according to it, Comprising: The place which moves alignment table by performing alignment calculation especially using the amount of shift of a work standard position It is a schematic diagram shown. It is a control block diagram which shows the basic composition of the alignment apparatus and printing apparatus which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing an alignment method for printing and a printing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example which acquires a virtual printing result image and detects the shift | offset | difference of a pattern, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the case where a 1st pattern and a 2nd pattern are inversion shape especially. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example which acquires a virtual printing result image, detects the shift | offset | difference of a pattern, and performs alignment calculation, Comprising: The case where a 1st pattern and a 2nd pattern differ especially (anomalous image) is shown FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention which prints on a cylindrical workpiece | work. It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention which prints using a cylindrical plate.

In the printing alignment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the second pattern is formed using a plate on the first substrate on which the first pattern is formed, the first pattern and the first pattern An apparatus for aligning two patterns,
A first image that is an entire image of the first printed material on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed, and the second pattern is formed by the plate. An image acquisition unit that acquires a second image that can be identified by the second pattern,
An alignment processing unit that performs an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image;
A printing result image acquisition unit that creates a virtual printing result image by superimposing the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment calculation.

Here, as the material of the printing material, any printable material including paper, cloth, wood, resin, metal is applicable, and the shape of the printing material is a sheet shape, a flat plate shape (for example, It is not limited to the substrate), and any solid shape having a curved surface including a cylindrical one can be used as the substrate. In addition, the first pattern is provided in advance on the first substrate to be printed such as via holes and alignment marks as well as patterns (graphics, characters, patterns, etc.) and circuit patterns printed on the first substrate. Are included. The second pattern is formed by using a plate. As a pattern formation method, flat printing (for example, “offset printing”), relief printing, intaglio printing, stencil printing (for example, “screen printing”) is used. Although it can illustrate, it is not restricted to this.
The image acquisition unit is a device that forms a predetermined image by shooting and extraction from image data and stores the image data. In this case, the image acquisition unit may include an imaging device including a camera and its associated equipment, or may not include an imaging device.

According to the present embodiment, the entire image (first image) of the printed material on which the first pattern is formed, and the entire image of the printed material on which the second pattern is formed by the plate, the second image An entire image (second image) whose pattern is identifiable is acquired, alignment calculation of the acquired first image and second image is performed, and the first image and the second image are calculated based on the result. A virtual print result image is created by superimposing the images. Therefore, using this virtual print result image, the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern is verified, and it is determined whether or not actual printing can be performed, and the alignment is readjusted. Can be.
Therefore, since it is not necessary to check the pattern misalignment by performing the main printing, even in printing that requires high accuracy or printing that uses a material that stretches and deforms, there is no defective product between the plate and the substrate. It is possible to achieve optimal alignment.

  Here, “alignment between the plate and the substrate” refers to adjusting the position between the substrate and the plate so that the pattern provided on the plate is formed at an appropriate location on the substrate. Means. The alignment includes the case where the table on which the printing material is placed and the table on which the plate is placed are actually moved to perform alignment, and the printing material and the plate on the image as in this embodiment. This also includes the case where virtual alignment is performed by moving.

  The alignment apparatus for printing according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention further includes a line camera according to Embodiment 1 described above, and takes an image while relatively moving the line camera and the substrate to be printed. Get the whole image.

  Here, the line camera is provided with a one-dimensional sensor as a photographing element, and a desired two-dimensional image can be photographed by photographing while relatively moving the line camera and the printing material. A plurality of line cameras may be used in accordance with the required resolution. By using a high-resolution image, the alignment calculation can be made highly accurate.

In this embodiment, by using a line camera, a high resolution can be obtained with a compact optical system. Furthermore, as a printable printable object, it is possible to take a photoprint of any length in the longitudinal direction, and the shape is not only a sheet-like or flat-plate printable object, but also a cylindrical printable object or a winding It is also possible to take a picture of a continuous substrate that is sequentially drawn from the rolls.
Further, when the line camera is used for inspecting the printed material after printing, one line camera can be used for various purposes, so that the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  The printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the above-described Embodiment 1 or 2, in which the display unit for displaying a predetermined image including the virtual print result image and the plate are used for the first alignment. A determination unit that determines whether or not to form the second pattern on one substrate, and the determination unit applies to the first substrate based on a signal transmitted from an operation unit. Whether to form the second pattern is determined.

Here, as a signal transmitted from the operation means, a signal transmitted based on a switch operation, a keyboard operation, a touch panel operation, or the like can be exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, a signal that is input by voice.
In the present embodiment, the display unit allows the operator to visually recognize the virtual print result image, and the determination unit forms the second pattern on the first substrate based on the signal transmitted from the operation unit. Since it is determined whether or not to perform the main printing, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not printing can be performed without producing a defective product using the virtual printing result image.

In the printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the above-described Embodiment 1 or 2, the determination unit that determines whether or not the second pattern is formed on the first substrate using the plate. Further comprising
Whether the determination unit forms the second pattern on the first substrate based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern indicated in the virtual print result image. Determine what.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit uses the predetermined algorithm or the like on the first print object based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern shown in the virtual print result image. Whether or not the pattern is formed, that is, whether or not to perform the main printing, is determined, so that whether or not printing can be performed without fail is determined.

In the printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the second pattern is to be formed on the first substrate in Embodiment 3 or 4, the alignment calculation is performed. Control processing for outputting data based on the result and a print command signal is performed.
Here, the data based on the result of the alignment calculation is control data for correcting the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern obtained by the alignment calculation. For example, it includes information on the amount of movement of the plate or substrate to correct the positional deviation (for example, the amount of parallel movement or rotational movement), and more specifically, the table on which the plate or substrate is placed. Control data for quantitative movement can be obtained. The control unit of the printing alignment apparatus can read data based on the result of alignment calculation stored in the storage unit and transmit the data to the outside together with the print command signal.

  According to this embodiment, when the determination unit determines to form the second pattern on the first substrate, data based on the result of the alignment calculation and a print command signal are output. Actual printing can be carried out reliably without producing good products.

  When the alignment apparatus for printing according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention determines that the determination unit does not form the second pattern on the first substrate in any of Embodiments 3 to 5, The alignment processing unit performs alignment recalculation using the first image and the second image, and the print result image acquisition unit performs the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment recalculation. The second image is superimposed to create a new virtual print result image.

  According to this embodiment, when the determination unit determines not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, the alignment recalculation is performed again using the first image and the second image, A new virtual print result image is created. Therefore, re-alignment can be performed many times before the actual printing is performed, and optimal alignment can be ensured without producing defective products even in printing that requires high accuracy and printing that uses stretchable materials. is there.

  In the printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, when the determination unit determines in the above Embodiment 6 that the second pattern is not formed on the first printed material, a warning notification is provided. Perform control processing.

  Here, as control processing for warning notification, notification using sound such as a warning sound, notification using an image such as a warning on a display device, notification performed by generating vibration or the like is performed. It is possible but not limited to this.

  According to this embodiment, when the determination unit determines not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, the control process for warning notification is performed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects such as non-defective products.

  In the printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, when the determination unit determines in the above Embodiment 6 or 7 that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate, the virtual alignment device Using the print result image, a control process for notifying the cause determined not to form the second pattern is performed.

  According to this embodiment, when the determination unit determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate, the cause of the determination that the second pattern is not formed using the virtual print result image is notified. Thus, for example, at the time of alignment recalculation or the next printing, it can be used to select an accurate parameter for alignment calculation.

  In the printing alignment apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, in any of Embodiments 6 to 8, the determination unit does not form the second pattern on the first substrate by repeating the determination unit a predetermined number of times or more. When it is determined, control processing for notifying the necessity of replacement of the plate or the first printed material is performed.

  When the determination unit determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate by repeating the predetermined number of times or more, that is, even if recalculation of repetitive alignment cannot be realized, the plate is It is estimated that the first printed material is deformed (for example, part of the printed material is stretched, warped, or wavy). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform a corrective action by performing a control process for notifying the necessity of replacement of the plate or the first printing material.

In the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention, the printing alignment apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9,
And a printing unit that forms a predetermined pattern on the substrate using the plate based on an output signal from the alignment apparatus for printing.

  According to the present embodiment, since the printing alignment apparatus is provided, even in printing that requires high accuracy and printing that uses a material that deforms and stretches, there is no defective product between the plate and the substrate. It is possible to achieve optimal alignment.

  In a printing apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, in the tenth embodiment described above, the printing unit forms the second pattern on a printing material on which a pattern is not formed using the plate, and the second pattern. And the image acquisition unit acquires the second image by capturing the entire image of the second substrate.

  According to this embodiment, the second pattern is subjected to trial printing on a blank substrate on which no pattern is formed, and the second image is obtained from the result of the trial printing. A second image can be obtained.

  The printing apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention acquires the second image when printing using the new plate is started (during plate change) in the above-described eleventh embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, the second image is acquired when printing using a new plate is started. Therefore, after that, when the second pattern is formed on the new first substrate, the step of acquiring the second image can be omitted, so that efficient printing can be performed.

In the printing apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, in the tenth embodiment, the printing unit uses the plate to form the first pattern and the second pattern has not yet been formed. When the second pattern is formed on the first substrate,
The image acquisition unit acquires an entire image of the printed material on which the second pattern is formed, and identifies the second pattern from the acquired entire image, whereby the next first printed material The second image used for forming the second pattern is acquired.

  According to this embodiment, the entire image of the printing material on which the second pattern acquired by the image acquisition unit is formed, that is, the printing material on which the second pattern is formed on the first pattern in actual printing. By using the entire image, the second pattern can be identified therefrom, and the second image for the next printing can be obtained. Therefore, efficient printing without producing defective products can be realized. In particular, since the second image reflecting the state of the most recent plate can be acquired, printing can be continued without causing a problem of pattern misalignment even if many printings are performed on the same plate.

In the alignment method for printing according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the second pattern is formed on the printing material on which the first pattern is formed, using the plate, the first pattern and the second pattern A method for aligning,
Using the plate, the second pattern is formed on the printed material on which no pattern is formed or on the printed material on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed. Step 1A for forming the substrate to be printed;
Step 1B of acquiring a second image that is an entire image of the second printing material on which the second pattern is formed by the plate and that can be identified by the second pattern;
Obtaining a first image that is an entire image of a first substrate on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed; and
Performing an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image; and
And step 4 of creating a virtual print result image by superimposing the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment calculation.

According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to check the pattern deviation by performing the main printing, even in printing that requires high accuracy and printing that uses a material that stretches and deforms, the plate and the Optimal alignment with the substrate is possible.
Next, a printing alignment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus including the alignment apparatus, and a printing alignment method will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Description of printing device)
First, an outline of a printing apparatus including a printing alignment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the printing apparatus. In the present embodiment, a screen printing machine will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types including stencil printing other than flat printing (for example, “offset printing”), letterpress printing, intaglio printing, and screen printing. Any printing technique can be used.

The printing apparatus 4 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control device (not shown) inside a main body 42. The printing alignment device mainly includes the control device, the line camera 16, the display device 18, the alignment table transport mechanism 14, and the like. Consists of. In the present embodiment, the printing alignment apparatus is shown as an apparatus included in the printing apparatus 4, not an individual apparatus independent of the printing apparatus 4. The configuration of the printing alignment apparatus will be described in detail later with reference to the control block diagram of FIG.
In FIG. 1, the structure of the printing apparatus 4 includes a lower box-shaped main body 42 and a frame portion 44 extending upward. An alignment table 12 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 42 and is moved between the set position and the printing position by the alignment table transport mechanism 14. The alignment table 12 is a multi-axis alignment table, and the workpiece mounting portion 12A can move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to each other, and can also rotate in the θ-angle direction. Furthermore, the workpiece mounting portion 12A is movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

  When the alignment table 12 is at the set position, the work (printed material) 50 is set on the work placing portion 12A of the alignment table 12 manually or by a work attaching / detaching device. The work (substrate) 50 is positioned and set at a predetermined position on the work placement unit 12A. For example, positioning is performed by bringing the end portion of the workpiece (printed material 50) into contact with the positioning protrusion of the workpiece mounting portion 12A, or the workpiece (printed material 50) is moved by a centering mechanism provided in the workpiece mounting portion 12A. 50) can be arranged at a predetermined center position. Furthermore, positioning can also be performed by superimposing the markings shown on the workpiece (substrate) 50 and the workpiece mounting portion 12A. For example, the alignment may be performed using alignment marks at four corners of the workpiece (printed material) 50. At this time, the alignment camera 52 provided above the set position can be used. The alignment camera 52 uses an area camera in which imaging elements are arranged two-dimensionally.

As described above, the workpiece placement unit 12A can move in the X, Y, and θ directions. However, the amount of movement can be accurately determined by how much each value has moved from the initial state. Can be detected. Further, the movement of the workpiece placement unit 12A in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) can also accurately grasp the position of the workpiece placement unit 12A.
Arbitrary actuators such as a servo motor and a linear motor can be used for movement of the workpiece mounting portion 12A in the X, Y, θ, and Z directions. Further, the alignment table transport mechanism 14 that moves the alignment table 12 between the setting position and the printing position can also be driven using an arbitrary actuator such as an electric motor, a servo motor, or a linear motor.

In the printing apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment, a line camera 16 is provided above an intermediate position between the set position and the print position. The line camera 16 includes a one-dimensional sensor as an imaging element. In the present embodiment, the alignment table 12 on which the work (printed material) 50 is moved is moved in the X-axis direction by the alignment table transport mechanism 14. Thus, the entire image of the work (printed material) 50 can be taken. That is, a desired two-dimensional image can be photographed by photographing while relatively moving the line camera 16 and the workpiece (substrate) 50.
For example, when the alignment table 12 on which the workpiece (printed material) 50 is placed moves from the set position to the printing position, the workpiece (printed material) 50 on which a pattern (for example, “first pattern”) is formed in advance. The entire image can be taken. In addition, after a pattern (for example, “second pattern”) is formed on the work (substrate) 50 at the printing position, the alignment table 12 on which the work (substrate) 50 is placed is moved from the printing position to the set position. When moving, the entire image of the workpiece (printed material) 50 on which the pattern (second pattern) is formed by actual printing can be taken.

A printing mechanism 10 is provided above the alignment table 12 at the printing position. In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 10 includes a plate holding table (not shown) on which the plate 6 is set, a squeegee 8 that slides on the upper surface of the plate, and an ink or solder paste supply mechanism as necessary. Have.
When the alignment table 12 is moved from the set position to the printing position by the alignment table transport mechanism 14, the workpiece placement unit 12 </ b> A moves upward (Z direction), and the workpiece (substrate) 50 is a printing position immediately below the plate 6. Set to Thereafter, the squeegee 8 moves while being in contact with the upper surface of the plate 6, whereby ink or solder paste on the upper surface of the plate 6 is pushed out from a drawing portion (a hole that is not marked) and fixed to the work (printed material) 50. . As a result, the pattern provided on the plate 6 is formed on the workpiece (printed material) 50 and printing is performed.
Here, the squeegee 8 can be driven by, for example, a linear motor. The plate holding table on which the plate 6 is set can also be moved in the X, Y, and θ directions in the same manner as the work placement unit 12A of the alignment table 12.

The plate 6 is positioned and set at a predetermined position on the plate holding table. For example, positioning may be performed by bringing the end portion of the plate 6 into contact with a positioning protrusion of the plate holding table, or the plate 6 may be disposed at a predetermined center position by a centering mechanism provided in the plate holding table. it can. Further, positioning can be performed by superimposing the markings shown on the plate 6 and the plate holding table. For example, alignment may be performed using alignment marks at the four corners of the plate 6.
As described above, in the printing position, between the plate 6 set at a predetermined position of the plate holding table and the workpiece (printed material) 50 set at a predetermined position of the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12. The relative positional relationship is accurately grasped by the control device. Therefore, based on this relative positional relationship, the workpiece placing portion 12A can be moved in the X, Y, and θ directions to achieve alignment between the plate 6 and the workpiece (printed material) 50.

  In addition, the printing apparatus 4 includes a display device 18, and can display, for example, an entire image of a work (printed material) 50 photographed by the line camera 16. Accordingly, when the work (printed material) 50 printed at the printing position returns from the printing position to the set position, the entire image of the work (printed material) 50 photographed by the line camera 16 is displayed, thereby enabling the operation. A person can check and inspect the printing result. As the display device 18, an arbitrary display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, an external personal computer connected by communication means, or the like can be used.

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 4 according to the present embodiment, the workpiece (substrate) 50 is set on the alignment table 12 at the set position, and the plate 6 is set on the plate holding table at the print position. Then, the alignment table transport mechanism 14 moves the alignment table 12 to the printing position, and based on the calculation result of the alignment calculation between the plate 6 and the work (printed material) 50, the work placement unit 12A of the alignment table 12 is used. Move in the X, Y and θ directions. Then, the workpiece placing unit 12A moves upward, and the workpiece (printed material) 50 placed on the workpiece placing unit 12A is set immediately below the plate 6. Then, the squeegee 8 moves and printing is performed. Thereafter, the workpiece placement unit 12A moves downward, the alignment table transport mechanism 14 moves the alignment table 12 from the printing position to the set position, and the workpiece (substrate) 50 is removed from the workpiece placement unit 12A at the set position. As a result, printing of one workpiece (substrate) 50 is completed. In addition, when the alignment table 12 on which the work (printed material) 50 is placed passes through the position of the line camera 16, an entire image of the work (printed material) before printing or after printing can be taken.

(Description of alignment)
Next, alignment performed conventionally will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, an example is shown in which the workpiece placement unit 12A is moved in the X, Y, and θ directions to achieve alignment between the plate 6 and the workpiece (printed material) 50.
2A to 2D are diagrams illustrating an example in which alignment calculation is performed for printing and the alignment table is moved accordingly, FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating the workpiece and the alignment table, and FIG. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a location where a workpiece reference position and table coordinates are registered, FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a location where a workpiece reference position shift amount is calculated, and FIG. 2D uses a workpiece reference position shift amount. It is a schematic diagram which shows the place which performs alignment calculation and moves an alignment table.

  In FIG. 2A, the reference position A and the reference position B are, for example, the positions of the optical axes of the two alignment cameras 52 (the center point of the lens). Further, there is a predetermined correspondence between the reference position A and the reference position B and the position of the plate 6 installed at the printing position. Two workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 (an “alignment mark” provided at an arbitrary position in the workpiece) may be provided at a diagonal corner portion of the workpiece (printed material) 50. If the positions of the two points are determined, the position of the workpiece (printed material) 50 on the plane is determined. On the right side of the figure, a plan view of the workpiece placement portion 12A of the alignment table 12 is shown, and the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the θ angle direction, which are directions in which the workpiece placement portion 12A moves for alignment, are shown. Has been.

In FIG. 2B, the workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 of the workpiece (printed material) 50 are registered on the image processing area. Next, the alignment table coordinates which are the coordinates of the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12 are registered. Basically, the coordinates of the workpiece placement unit 12A in the initial state of ΔX = 0, ΔY = 0, and Δθ = 0 are registered.
“Registering” means storing data in the storage means of the control device. In registration, the operator can input a value and register it, or the image is taken by the alignment camera 52. Position information can also be registered by image processing. For example, predetermined position information can be registered by pattern matching based on the taught position.

In FIG. 2C, the deviation amount ΔA and the reference position B between the reference position A corresponding to the imaging position of the alignment camera 52 and the workpiece reference position 1 of the registered workpiece (printed object) 50 are registered. The calculation of the amount of deviation ΔB between the workpiece (printed material) 50 and the workpiece reference position 2 is shown. In addition, instead of the preset reference positions A and B, a reference position provided in the plate 6 is registered, a position calculated based on the registered position, and a workpiece reference position of the workpiece (printed material) 50. The amount of deviation between 1 and 2 can also be calculated.
Next, in FIG. 2D, the alignment calculation is performed so that the total of these deviation amounts becomes the smallest, and the workpiece placement unit 12A is moved in the X, Y, and θ directions based on the alignment calculation result, and the alignment is performed. Shows where to do. Specifically, the amount of deviation ΔA (ΔAx, ΔAy) between the workpiece reference position 1 and the reference position A of the workpiece (printed material) 50 and the workpiece reference position 2 and the reference of the workpiece (printed material) 50. The workpiece placing unit 12A is moved so that the amount of deviation ΔB (ΔBx, ΔBy) from the position B is minimized. For example, the workpiece placement unit 12A is moved to the coordinates of (ΔAx + ΔAy) + (ΔBx + ΔBy) → 0.

As described above, the alignment between the plate 6 and the work (substrate) 50 can be realized. If the first pattern is formed in advance on the work (substrate) 50 and the second pattern is provided on the plate 6, the first pattern and the second pattern are aligned by the above alignment method. Suppose you went. If the deformation of both the work (printed material) 50 and the plate 6 is extremely small, the alignment calculation based on the work reference positions 1 and 2 and the reference positions A and B causes a shift between the first pattern and the second pattern. Is within the allowable range, and there is no problem even if printing is actually performed.
However, in the case of a material (for example, a material that causes elongation, warpage, undulation, etc., such as paper or a resin film) that the workpiece (printed material) 50 is stretched or deformed, or the plate 6 is deformed because of being used many times. In this case, the pattern (second pattern) provided on the plate 6 and the pattern (first pattern) previously formed on the workpiece (printed object) 50 do not match, and printing is actually performed. In some cases, the positional deviation of the pattern exceeds the allowable range, resulting in a defective product. In particular, when high printing accuracy such as a circuit board is required, slight deformation of the workpiece (printed material) 50 and the plate 6 is also a problem.

(Description of control configuration of alignment apparatus and printing apparatus)
Therefore, the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an alignment apparatus as shown in the control block diagram of FIG. The printing apparatus 4 shown in FIG. 3 includes the alignment apparatus 2 and the printing unit 40, but the mechanical structure is the same as that of the printing apparatus 4 shown in FIG.
<Description of alignment device>
When the alignment device 2 forms the second pattern on the first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed, using the plate 6 provided with the second pattern, This is an apparatus for aligning the first pattern and the second pattern. The alignment apparatus 2 can perform alignment using not only the alignment mark or the like but also a pattern formed on the workpiece (printed material).
As shown in FIG. 3, the alignment apparatus 2 includes a control device 20, a line camera 16, an alignment camera 52, and a display device 18. In addition, when the entire image of the work (printed material) is captured using the line camera 16, the alignment table transport mechanism 14 is also used, so the alignment table transport mechanism 14 can also be said to be a part of the alignment apparatus 2. The line camera 16 and the display device 18 are used not only for the alignment device 2 but also for other uses of the printing device 4.

The control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 uses the line camera 16 and the alignment table transport mechanism 14 to form a first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed. ) And the entire image of the second work (second printed material) on which the second pattern is formed by the plate 6, and the second pattern can be identified. The image acquisition part 22 which acquires 2 images is provided.
For example, when the plate 6 provided with the second pattern is newly used, the second pattern is formed by performing test printing on a blank workpiece (printed material) on which no pattern is formed only once. It is conceivable to obtain a second image by obtaining an entire image of the work (printed material) that has been made. In addition, for each first image, each time a first work (first substrate) on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed is printed. It is conceivable to acquire one image.

Further, the control device 20 superimposes the first image and the second image on the basis of the alignment calculation result by the alignment processing unit 24 that performs the alignment calculation of the first image and the second image, and performs virtual calculation. And a print result image acquisition unit 26 that creates a print result image.
Here, acquiring the first image or the second image means that the image is taken and the image data is stored in a storage unit in the control device 20. Therefore, the stored image data can be read from the storage means and used for subsequent control processing. As described above, the entire image of the work (substrate) can be obtained using the line camera 16 and the alignment table transport mechanism 14.
Note that the image acquisition unit 22 illustrated in FIG. 3 is a control unit that constitutes a part of the control device 20, and includes a camera such as the line camera 16 and the alignment camera 52, and incidental equipment such as the table transport mechanism 14. Does not include the shooting device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image acquisition unit 22 may include a photographing device.

  At the set position shown in FIG. 1, the work (printed material) is set at a predetermined position on the work mounting portion 12 </ b> A of the alignment table 12, and the plate 6 is set at a predetermined position on the plate holding table. When the workpiece reference position of the printed material) and the table coordinates of the workpiece placement unit 12A are registered in the alignment apparatus 2, the alignment apparatus 2 can perform alignment calculation of the first image and the second image. This alignment calculation can be performed using a workpiece reference position (may be an “alignment mark”) provided on the workpiece (printed material) 50 as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, as will be described later. It can also be performed using a pattern formed on the workpiece (substrate) 50.

Examples of the alignment calculation using the workpiece reference position include alignment calculation using the workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 located in the corner portion. In one method, as in the case shown in FIG. 2C, the deviation amounts ΔA and ΔB between the workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 of the workpiece (printed material) and the predetermined reference positions A and B are calculated. Then, the alignment amount (that is, the movement amount in the X, Y, and θ directions) is calculated so that the sum of the deviation amounts becomes the smallest, that is, ΔA + ΔB → 0.
Alternatively, the deviation amounts ΔA and ΔB between the workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 of the workpiece (printed material) and the reference position of the plate (coordinate position on the table obtained by calculation) are calculated, and the total deviation amount is calculated. The alignment amount (that is, the movement amount in the X, Y, and θ directions) is calculated so as to be the smallest, that is, ΔA + ΔB → 0.
However, the alignment apparatus 2 actually performs a test print using the plate 6 and acquires a second image that is an entire image of the second workpiece (second printed material) on which the second pattern is formed. Therefore, it is also possible to calculate the amount of deviation Δ between the workpiece reference position of the first workpiece (first printed material) and the workpiece reference position of the second workpiece (second printed material). In this case, more accurate alignment according to the actual state of the plate 6 can be realized. Therefore, in this case as well, the amount of deviation between the reference position of the first workpiece (first substrate) and the reference position of the second workpiece (second substrate) is the smallest, that is, ΔA + ΔB. → The alignment amount (that is, the amount of movement in the X, Y, and θ directions) is calculated so as to be 0.
As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the shift amount is determined by using a pattern actually formed on the work (printed material) or a part thereof instead of the work reference position of the work (printed material). It is also possible to calculate the alignment.

At this time, in the conventional plate alignment, as shown in FIG. 2D, the workpiece placement unit 12A is actually moved. However, in this embodiment, a virtual placement for moving the workpiece placement unit 12A virtually on the image is performed. Perform plate matching. Based on the result of the alignment calculation, the print result image acquisition unit 26 creates image data obtained by moving the first image in the X, Y, and θ angle directions using affine transformation or the like. By superimposing the images, a virtual print result image is created and stored in the storage means.
That is, by using the alignment apparatus 2 and actually moving the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12 based on the alignment calculation result and actually performing printing using the printing mechanism 10 (main printing) ) Can be obtained on the image.

The control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 includes a display unit 30 that performs control processing for displaying the virtual print result image on the display device 18. More specifically, the image data of the virtual printing result image stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 is read out and transmitted to the display drive unit, thereby displaying the image data on the display device 18. it can. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize the virtual printing result image, and can visually confirm the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern.
The control device 20 includes a determination unit 28 that performs determination processing for determining whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate using the plate 6, that is, whether or not to actually perform printing. This determination processing includes manual mode determination processing and auto mode determination processing.

In the manual mode, the operator looks at the virtual printing result image displayed on the display device 18 to confirm the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern, and actually performs printing based on this. Is input to the alignment apparatus 2 using the operating means. Examples of the operation means operation include switch operation, keyboard operation, and touch panel operation. However, the operation means is not limited thereto, and input can be performed using voice.
The manual mode determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. When it is determined that the second pattern is to be formed on the first substrate, as shown in the following description of the printing unit 40, the main printing is performed and the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate. When it is determined that, the control process for redoing the alignment calculation is performed. This control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, in the auto mode, the determination unit 28 uses the image data of the virtual print result image read from the storage unit, based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern obtained by image processing. Then, a control process is performed to determine whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, that is, whether or not to actually perform printing. The auto mode determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. When it is determined that the second pattern is to be formed on the first substrate, as shown in the following description of the printing unit 40, the main printing is performed and the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate. When it is determined that, the control process for redoing the alignment calculation is performed. This control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

<Description of printing section>
The printing unit 40 mainly includes a printing control unit 60, a printing mechanism 10 that operates based on a signal from the printing control unit 60, an alignment table 12, and an alignment table transport mechanism 14. Note that other actuators and sensors are also connected to the print control unit 60, but description thereof is omitted here.
When the determination unit 28 of the control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 determines that the second pattern is to be formed on the first printed material, that is, the printing is actually performed, the alignment calculation calculated by the alignment processing unit 24 is performed. Data based on the result and a print command signal are transmitted from the control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 to the print control unit 60 of the printing unit 40. Here, the data based on the result of the alignment calculation is control data for correcting the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern obtained by the alignment calculation. For example, it includes information on the movement amount (for example, the amount of parallel movement or rotational movement) of the plate or the printing material for correcting the positional deviation. More specifically, as data based on the alignment calculation result, control data (for example, ΔX, ΔY, Δθ) for moving a table on which the plate 6 and the work (printed material) 50 are placed by a predetermined amount. ).
The control device 20 of the printing alignment apparatus 2 reads out data based on the result of the alignment calculation stored in the storage unit, and transmits the data together with the print command signal to the print control unit 60 of the printing unit 40. Note that transmission / reception of signals between the control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 and the print control unit 60 of the printing unit 40 is performed by a transmission unit and a reception unit provided in each control unit.

Based on the signal received from the control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2, a signal is transmitted from the print control unit 60, and the alignment table transport mechanism 14 moves the alignment table 12 from the set position to the print position (before receiving the print command signal). In addition, it may have already moved to the printing position). Then, based on the result of the alignment calculation, the workpiece placement unit 12A of the alignment table 12 moves in the X, Y, and θ directions to perform actual alignment, and the workpiece placement unit 12A is further raised (Z axis). Direction movement), and set to the printing position directly below the plate 6. Then, the squeegee 8 of the printing mechanism 10 moves to form the second pattern on the first substrate. That is, printing (main printing) is actually performed.
Thereafter, the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12 is lowered (moved in the Z-axis direction), and the alignment table transport mechanism 14 moves the alignment table 12 from the printing position to the set position. Thereafter, the work (printed material) on which the second pattern is formed is taken out manually or by a work picking / removing device, and a process for printing the next work (printed material) is started.

(Description of printing alignment method and printing method)
Next, an alignment method and a printing method using the alignment apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
The printing alignment method and printing method shown in FIG. 4 will be described by taking as an example a case where printing is performed by screen printing using a PET film or polyimide film substrate as a work (substrate). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the printing apparatus 4 used in FIG. 4 includes an alignment apparatus 2, a printing mechanism 10 including a squeegee 8, and a multi-axis alignment table (movable in X, Y, θ, and Z directions) 12. , Line camera 16, display device 18 and the like.

<Description of Step 1>
First, Step 1 composed of Step a (Step 1A) and Step b (Step 1B) shown in the upper left of FIG. 4 will be described. In the present embodiment, step 1 (steps a and b) is performed by the image acquisition unit 22 of the alignment apparatus 2 only once when the plate 6 is replaced with a new plate 6 in principle. First, a “a step of performing a trial printing of the second pattern on a blank substrate on which no pattern is formed” is performed. That is, using the plate 6 provided with the second pattern as the next plate, the second pattern is formed on the workpiece (printed material) on which no pattern is formed, and the second workpiece (second substrate) is formed. Step 1A of obtaining a printed material is performed.

More specifically, a blank workpiece (printed material) is set on the workpiece mounting portion 12 </ b> A of the alignment table 12. At this time, the workpiece placement unit 12A of the alignment table 12 is in an initial state where X = 0, Y = 0, and θ = 0, and the workpiece (printed material) is transferred to the workpiece placement unit in the same manner as described above. Position and set at a predetermined position of 12A. In addition, the plate 6 provided with the second pattern is set at a predetermined position on the plate holding table, actually printed on a trial, and the second pattern is formed on a blank work (substrate). A second work (second printed material) is obtained.
At this time, if neither the plate 6 nor the blank workpiece (printed material) is deformed, the alignment table 12 can perform test printing in the initial state.
When there is some deformation in the plate 6 or the blank workpiece (printed material), it is possible to perform test printing after performing alignment as shown in FIGS. In this case, the alignment table 12 is not in an initial state, and at least one of X, Y, and θ is a value other than zero. Note that the values of X, Y, and θ are stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 regardless of whether or not it is in the initial state. The X, Y, and θ data will be referred to as a table position P2 in the following description.

Next, b “step of scanning the entire surface of the second work (second printed material)” is performed. That is, the second image, which is the entire image of the second work (second printed material) on which the second pattern is formed by the plate at the table position P2, is photographed, and the image data is stored in the storage means. Step 1B of storing (that is, acquiring the second image) is performed.
As described above, since the second pattern is formed on the blank substrate on which no pattern is formed, the second pattern can be identified in the second image.

<Description of Step 2>
Next, step 2 composed of step c (step 2A) and step d (step 2B) shown in the lower left of FIG. 4 will be described. In the present embodiment, step 2 (steps c to d) is performed by the image acquisition unit 22 of the alignment apparatus 2 and is performed every time a new first workpiece (first printed material) is printed in principle. First, c “step of setting a substrate on which the first pattern has been printed” is performed. That is, Step 2A is performed to set a first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed. At this time, similarly to step 1A, the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12 is in the initial state of X = 0, Y = 0, θ = 0, and the workpiece (printed material) is obtained in the same manner as described above. ) Is positioned and set at a predetermined position of the workpiece mounting portion 12A.
However, alignment as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D can be performed as necessary. In this case, the alignment table 12 is not in an initial state, and at least one of X, Y, and θ is a value other than zero. Note that the values of X, Y, and θ are stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 regardless of whether or not it is in the initial state. The X, Y, and θ data will be referred to as a table position P1 in the following description.

    Next, d “step of scanning the entire set first work (first printed material)” is performed. That is, the first image, which is the entire image of the first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed in advance at the table position P1, is taken, and the image data is stored in the storage means. Step 2B is performed (that is, the first image is acquired).

<Description of Step 3>
Next, step 3 which is “a step of reading the image data of the first image and the image data of the second image from the storage means and performing alignment calculation of the first image and the second image” is performed. . This step 3 is performed by the alignment processing unit 24. If the alignment calculation is performed using, for example, a workpiece reference position (which may be an “alignment mark”) provided on the workpiece (substrate) 50, the first workpiece (the first image shown in the first image) Workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 (see FIG. 2A) of the first workpiece, and workpiece reference positions 1 and 2 of the second workpiece (second substrate) shown in the second image corresponding thereto. The amount of deviation Δ1 (Δ1x, Δ1y) and the amount of deviation Δ2 (Δ2x, Δ2y) are calculated, and the total amount of deviation becomes the smallest, that is, (Δ1x + Δ1y) + (Δ The amount of alignment (that is, the amount of movement in the X, Y, and θ directions necessary for alignment) is calculated so that 2x + Δ2y) → 0. Thereby, the alignment calculation between the 1st workpiece | work (1st to-be-printed material) and the plate 6 provided with the 2nd pattern is realizable.
Note that the alignment calculation is performed by calculating the amount of misalignment using a pattern or a part of the pattern actually formed on the work (printed material) instead of the work reference position of the work (printed material), as will be described later. You can also.

In either case of using the deviation amount of the workpiece reference position or the deviation amount of the pattern,
P2 (value of X, Y, θ) when the second image is acquired in step b,
P1 (value of X, Y, θ) when the first image is acquired in step d,
If the alignment amount obtained as a result of the alignment calculation is D (ΔX, ΔY, Δθ),
In step 7 to be described later, the movement amount T of the alignment table 12 at the time of actual printing (alignment state) is:
T = D + (P2-P1),
It becomes.
Note that when the alignment table 12 is in the initial state, the values of P1 and P2 are 0, and in the description of step 4 below, the case of the initial state will be described as an example.

<Description of Step 4>
Next, f is aligned by T (= D + (P2−P1)) based on the alignment amount D (values of X, Y, and θ) calculated by the alignment calculation for the first image taken in the initial state. An “image alignment process for forming an image when the workpiece placement portion 12A of the table 12 is moved” is performed. Specifically, the first image is translated and / or rotated by affine transformation or the like to obtain a first image that is moved (aligned) based on the result of the alignment calculation. Then, g “image superimposing step of superimposing the second image on the first image moved based on the alignment calculation result to create a virtual print result image” is performed. Steps 4 executed by the print result image acquisition unit 26 of the alignment apparatus 2 are configured by the f “image alignment step” and g “image superposition step”.

As a specific method for superimposing images, for example, a first pattern and a second pattern are obtained from each image data by an image discrimination process using a threshold or the like (a process for discriminating whether each pixel is a pattern portion). This can be realized by overwriting (plotting) the extracted second pattern on the extracted first pattern image.
In the above-described embodiment, the first image is subjected to alignment conversion, and the second image is superimposed on the alignment-converted first image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alignment conversion can be performed to superimpose, or both the first image and the second image can be subjected to alignment conversion, and both the alignment-converted images can be superimposed. The latter case corresponds to a case where both the workpiece (printed material) and the plate tables are moved and aligned.

<Description of Step 5>
Next, Step 5 which is h “step of displaying a virtual print result image on the display device 18” is performed. This step 5 is realized by a control process of the display unit 30 of the alignment apparatus 2. Thereby, the operator can easily confirm the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern from the virtual print result image displayed on the display device 18.

<Description of Step 6>
Next, i “determines whether or not the virtual alignment result based on the alignment calculation is within the allowable range. If it is determined that the virtual alignment result is within the allowable range, a command to perform printing is issued. When it is determined, step 6 which is a “determination process for issuing a command for performing alignment recalculation” is performed. In this case, in the manual mode determination process, the operator who visually recognizes the virtual print result image displayed on the display device 18 operates the operation means. Then, based on the signal transmitted from the operation means, the determination unit 28 of the alignment apparatus 2 determines whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, that is, whether or not to actually perform printing. Further, in the case of the determination process in the auto mode, the determination unit 28 of the alignment apparatus 2 is based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern obtained by the image processing using the virtual print result image. A determination process for determining whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate is performed.

<Description of judgment process in manual mode and auto mode>
Next, using FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a displacement amount is calculated using a pattern actually formed on a work (printed material), alignment calculation is performed, and whether the displacement amount is within an allowable range. A control process for the determination will be described. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a case where the first pattern and the second pattern are inverted shapes, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where the first pattern and the second pattern are differently shaped images. is there. In addition, although the figure which shows an example of alignment calculation is shown by FIG. 6, this alignment calculation can be used for the alignment calculation in the first step 3 as mentioned above, It can also be used for realignment calculation when it is determined in step 6 that realignment is necessary.

Here, manual mode and auto mode determination processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in the upper left diagram of FIG. 5, the first image which is the entire image of the first work (first printed material) in which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not formed, An image obtained by using the line camera 16 and subjected to virtual alignment based on the alignment calculation is formed (corresponding to steps c, d and f in FIG. 4). Further, as shown in the lower left diagram of FIG. 5, a second image that is an entire image of a second work (second printed material) on which a second pattern is actually formed by printing is represented by a line. Obtained using the camera 16 (corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b). Note that the control process for acquiring the second image is basically performed once per plate change.
Then, as shown in the upper right diagram of FIG. 5, the second image is superimposed on the first image after the virtual alignment to obtain a virtual print result image (in FIG. 4, e, f, and g). Corresponding to the process shown).

The same applies to FIG. 6, and the first pattern in which the first pattern is formed as shown in the middle left figure under the arrow using the plate provided with the first pattern (see the upper left figure). A first image is obtained by photographing a whole image of the workpiece (printed material) (corresponding to steps c and d in FIG. 4). On the other hand, using the plate provided with the second pattern (see the upper right figure), as shown in the lower right figure below the arrow, the second work (printed material) is subjected to trial printing, and the second pattern is printed. An entire image of the second workpiece (printed material) on which the above pattern is formed is captured to obtain a second image (corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The control process for acquiring the second image is basically performed once after the plate change.
Then, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6, the second image is superimposed on the first image after the virtual alignment to obtain a virtual print result image (steps shown in e, f, and g of FIG. 4). Corresponding).

  In the case of the manual mode, as shown in the upper right, the lower right, or the lower part of FIG. 6, the operator selects a predetermined area in the virtual print result image displayed on the display device 18. It is visually determined whether or not the deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern is within an allowable range. FIGS. 5 and 6 show three places as examples of places where the deviation is confirmed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and more places can be confirmed and judged. You can also grasp and judge. The operator inputs the result of such visual determination to the alignment apparatus 2 by operating the operating means.

In the case of the auto mode, the determination unit 28 extracts three points of points A, B, and C as shown in the upper right diagram of FIG. 5 or the lower diagram of FIG. The amount of deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern is calculated, and for example, it is determined whether the deviation is within an allowable range based on whether or not each amount of deviation is within a predetermined threshold. it can. Furthermore, whether the deviation is within the allowable range can be determined by whether or not the total value of the deviation amounts at the three locations is within a predetermined threshold, or can be determined using any other algorithm. You can also.
In addition, the location used for the determination of the deviation may be determined based on determination criteria such as a portion having a high degree of importance in the pattern, a portion having a fine pattern, and a portion having a small clearance between the first pattern and the second pattern. it can. However, the extraction location is not limited to this, and the extraction location can be selected based on any other criterion. For example, the total sum of the areas of the shift amounts over the entire pattern may be calculated, and the determination may be made based on whether or not the total sum of the shift areas is within a predetermined threshold.

  Even when the first pattern and the second pattern as shown in FIG. 5 are the same (reverse image), the first pattern and the second pattern as shown in FIG. 6 are different (an irregular image). Even so, in order to accurately determine the positional deviation of the pattern, the images at the corresponding positions (for example, the points A, B, and C) are taught in advance for each of the first image and the second image. There is a need. It is possible to determine how much the first image and the second image are relatively shifted at each corresponding position by applying pattern matching based on the image of the corresponding position taught.

<Description of Step 7>
Returning to the description of FIG. 4 again, following step 6, when it is determined that the second pattern is formed on the first substrate, that is, the printing is actually performed, j “the substrate on which the first pattern has been printed. Step 7 which is “the process of printing the second pattern in the above” is performed. That is, actual printing for actually forming the second pattern on the first substrate is performed.
Specifically, as described above, data and a print command signal based on the alignment calculation result are transmitted from the control device 20 of the alignment apparatus 2 to the print control unit 60 of the printing unit 40, and based on this, the alignment table 12 is transmitted. The workpiece placement unit 12A moves in the X, Y, and θ directions to perform actual alignment, and the squeegee 8 of the printing mechanism 10 moves to form the second pattern on the first substrate. That is, printing is actually performed.

<Description of repetition of steps 3 to 6>
Next, when it is determined in step 6 that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate, that is, it is determined that printing is not actually performed, a control process of repeating steps 3 to 6 is performed. Specifically, step 3 is performed to perform alignment recalculation using the first image and the second image, and based on the result of this alignment recalculation, the first image and the second image are superimposed, Step 4 of creating a new virtual print result image is performed. Then, Step 5 for displaying a new virtual print result image on the display device 18 is performed, and again the determination unit 28 determines whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, that is, actually prints. Step 6 for determining whether or not to perform is performed.

As for the alignment recalculation, there are a manual mode and an auto mode as in the determination process in step 6. In the manual mode, the operator calculates the movement amount in the X, Y, and θ directions of the workpiece mounting portion 12A of the alignment table 12 and the movement amount so that the pattern deviation amount falls within the allowable range. Is input to the alignment apparatus 2 using the operating means. Based on the input data, the alignment processing unit 24 of the alignment apparatus 2 performs alignment recalculation.
On the other hand, in the auto mode, the alignment processing unit 24 of the alignment apparatus 2 uses a predetermined algorithm so that the displacement amount of the pattern falls within the allowable range, the X, Y, Alignment recalculation is performed to calculate the amount of movement in the θ direction.
A specific example of this alignment recalculation will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, basically, the processes of steps 3 to 6 are repeated until the result of the virtual plate matching based on the alignment recalculation falls within the allowable range. However, when it is determined that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate by repeating the predetermined number of times or more (no actual printing is performed), the plate 6 or the first work (first work) is used by using the display device 18 or the like. It is also possible to perform a control process for notifying the necessity of replacement of the first printed material.

In other words, if printable alignment cannot be realized even after repeated alignment recalculations, the plate is worn out or damaged, or the first workpiece (first substrate) is deformed (for example, one It is estimated that the part is stretched, warped, or wavy.
Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate countermeasure by performing a control process for notifying the necessity of replacing the plate or the first substrate.

(Explanation of alignment recalculation)
Next, a specific example of alignment recalculation will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the alignment calculation shown in FIG. 6 can be used in the alignment calculation shown in the first step 3. Here, in the alignment calculation shown in the first step 3, the corner calculation of the workpiece (printed material) is performed. A description will be given based on the case where the alignment calculation is performed using the three workpiece reference positions shown. As a result of the alignment calculation, it is determined in step 6 in FIG. 4 that the second pattern is not formed on the first printed material, that is, printing is not performed, and the process returns to step 3, and this time on the workpiece (printed material). The case where alignment recalculation is performed based on the shift amount of the corresponding position of the formed pattern is shown.

FIG. 6 shows a case where the first pattern and the second pattern have a comb shape that is combined with each other. In the upper left of FIG. 6, a first plate for forming a first pattern (E-shaped pattern) is shown in advance, and below the arrow, the first plate is formed on the first workpiece. The whole image of the first pattern thus obtained is photographed and the first image is obtained.
In the upper right of FIG. 6, a plate 6 for forming a second pattern (comb pattern combined with the shape of E) is shown, and under the arrow, a blank workpiece on which no pattern is formed, The whole image of the second work (second printed material) on which the second pattern is formed (actually printed) using the plate 6 is shown, and the second image is obtained. .

The lower diagram of FIG. 6 shows a virtual print result image formed using the first image and the second image. That is, the three workpiece reference positions shown at the corners of the first workpiece (first printed material) shown in the first image, and the second workpiece (first job) shown in the second image. 2), the amount of deviation between the workpiece reference positions at the three locations (points A, B and C) indicated in the corner portion is calculated, and alignment calculation is performed so that this amount of deviation is minimized. . Then, the first image is moved by the calculated alignment amount (values of X, Y, and θ) to form a first image when the virtual alignment is performed, and the first image after the virtual alignment is formed. The virtual printing result image obtained by superimposing the 2nd image on the image of is shown.
In this virtual printing result image, in the formed pattern, the deviation amount ΔA (ΔAx, ΔAy), point B extracted at the point A extracted by the determination unit 28 of the alignment apparatus 2 based on the prior teaching. The deviation amount ΔB (ΔBx, ΔBy) at point C and the deviation amount ΔC (ΔCx, ΔCy) at point C are not within the allowable range, and printing is not performed according to the determination in step 6 of FIG. The case where it was determined is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the alignment recalculation performed by returning to step 3, the work placement unit of the alignment table 12 is set so that ΔA, ΔB, and ΔC are minimized by using the least square method or the like. The movement amount (X, Y, θ) of 12A is being recalculated.

If there is no deformation in the first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern (E-shaped pattern) is formed, and the plate 6 provided with the second pattern is also not deformed, Virtual print result images formed based on the alignment calculation using the workpiece reference positions of the first workpiece (first printed material) and the second workpiece (second printed material) are ΔA, ΔB, ΔC falls within a predetermined tolerance, and it is determined that it is within the allowable range in step 6 of FIG. However, for example, if the first workpiece (first substrate) is deformed during printing when the first pattern is formed, or if the plate 6 is consumed, ΔA, ΔB , ΔC may be determined not to be within the allowable range. In such a case, by using a method such as a least-square method, a virtual plate alignment that keeps ΔA, ΔB, and ΔC within the specified range is performed again, and a print result that does not cause a problem in practice can be obtained. Can be. In the auto mode, alignment recalculation can be performed using a predetermined algorithm. For example, each time recalculation is performed, the threshold value may be automatically changed (relaxation tolerance is relaxed, etc.), the reference position is changed (the number of reference positions is reduced, or teaching is performed in advance) A combination of reference positions used for alignment calculation may be randomly changed from a plurality of reference positions that have been set.
Since the deformation of the first work (first printed material) differs individually, it is necessary to perform the control process shown in FIG. 4 each time a new first work (first printed material) is printed. . As for the plate 6, in principle, every time a new plate is used, it is sufficient to perform a test print once to obtain a second image. However, a large number of first works (first printed materials) are printed. In this case, since it is also possible that the deformation of the plate cannot be ignored, it is possible to acquire the second image every predetermined number of times of printing.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the first pattern that is the entire image of the first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed, and the second pattern by the plate 6. Is a whole image of the work (substrate) on which the second pattern is formed, the second image can be identified, and the alignment calculation of the acquired first image and the second image is performed, Based on the result, the first image and the second image are superimposed to create a virtual print result image. Therefore, using this virtual print result image, the positional deviation between the first pattern and the second pattern is verified, and it is determined whether or not actual printing can be performed, and the alignment is readjusted. Can be.
Therefore, since it is not necessary to check the pattern misalignment by performing the main printing, even in printing that requires high accuracy or printing that uses a material that stretches and deforms, there is no defective product between the plate and the substrate. Optimal alignment is possible.

  In the manual mode, the display unit 30 allows the operator to visually recognize the virtual print result image, and the determination unit 28 displays the second pattern on the first substrate based on the signal transmitted from the operation unit. Since it is determined whether or not to form, that is, whether or not to perform the main printing, it is possible to reliably determine whether printing is possible without producing defective products.

  In the auto mode, the determination unit 28 applies a second algorithm to the first substrate using a predetermined algorithm or the like based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern shown in the virtual print result image. It is determined whether or not the pattern is to be formed, that is, whether or not the main printing is to be executed. Therefore, it is determined to be non-defective, and it is possible to reliably determine whether or not printing is possible.

  According to the above-described embodiment, when the determination unit 28 determines to form the second pattern on the first substrate, the printing unit 40 outputs the data and the print command signal based on the result of the alignment calculation. Actual printing can be performed reliably without producing defective products.

  According to the above-described embodiment, when the determination unit 28 determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate, alignment recalculation is performed again using the first image and the second image. To create a new virtual printing result image. Therefore, re-alignment is possible any number of times before executing the main printing, and even in printing that requires high accuracy, printing that requires high accuracy, and printing that uses materials that stretch and deform, without producing defective products, The optimum alignment can be surely performed.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the second pattern test printing is performed on a blank workpiece (printed material) on which no pattern is formed, and the second image is acquired from the test printing result. The second image can be reliably obtained by the method.

  Furthermore, when printing using the new plate 6 is started (at the time of plate change), the second image is acquired when the second pattern is formed on the new first substrate after that. Since it is only necessary to acquire the first image without performing the step of acquiring the image, efficient printing can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, by using the line camera 16, high resolution can be obtained with a compact optical system. Furthermore, as will be described later, as a photographic material to be photographed, a photographic material having an arbitrary length in the longitudinal direction can be photographed, and the shape is not limited to a sheet-like or flat plate-like material, but a cylindrical material. It is also possible to photograph a printed material or a continuous printed material sequentially drawn from a wound roll. In addition, when the line camera is used not only for the alignment apparatus but also for inspecting a printed material after printing, one line camera can be used for various purposes, so that the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
A plurality of line cameras may be used in accordance with the required resolution. By using a high-resolution image, the alignment calculation can be made highly accurate.

(Description of Other Embodiments Regarding Acquisition of Second Image)
In the above-described embodiment, when the plate is changed and a new plate is used, the second image is acquired only once. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the printing apparatus 4 includes the line camera 16, the actual printing is performed on the first work (first printed material) on which the first pattern is formed, and the first printing is performed. When the pattern 2 is formed, when the printed work (substrate) is moved from the printing position to the set position, the line camera 16 is photographed to form the first pattern and the second pattern. The entire image of the inspection work (printed material) can be acquired.
If the second pattern can be identified from the entire image of the workpiece (printed material), the second pattern is used for virtual plate matching of the first workpiece (first printed material) to be printed next. It can be used as a second image that can be identified. For example, if an image in which only the second pattern is extracted is formed, the second pattern is formed by trial printing on the blank workpiece (printed material) on which no pattern is formed. A result similar to that obtained when an image is acquired is obtained. Even if a pattern other than the second pattern remains, it can be used as the second image if the second pattern can be identified.

  If a virtual plate alignment as shown in FIG. 4 is performed for printing the next first work (first printed material) using the second image, the state of the latest plate is reflected. Alignment is possible. Therefore, even if a large number of first works (first printed materials) are printed, the second image that follows the deterioration / deformation of the plate 6 can be used, so printing can be continued without any problem. it can.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in actual printing, the second pattern is identified from the whole image of the printed material in which the second pattern is formed on the first pattern. Since the second image for the next printing can be acquired, it is possible to realize efficient printing without producing defective products. In particular, since the second image reflecting the state of the most recent plate can be acquired, printing can be continued without causing a problem of pattern misalignment even if many printings are performed on the same plate.

(Description of other embodiments of alignment apparatus)

When the determination unit 28 determines in step 6 in FIG. 4 that the second pattern is not formed on the first workpiece (first printed material), that is, it is determined that actual printing is not performed, a warning notification is made. It is conceivable to perform control processing. Here, as control processing for warning notification, notification using sound such as warning sound, notification displaying an image indicating a warning on the display device 18, notification performed by generating vibration or the like is considered. However, it is not limited to this.
According to the present embodiment, when the determination unit 28 of the alignment apparatus 2 determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first workpiece (first printed material), the control process for warning notification is performed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects such as defective products caused by actual printing by mistake.

Furthermore, when it is determined in step 6 in FIG. 4 that the determination unit 28 determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first work (first printed material), that is, the actual printing is not performed, virtual printing is performed. Using the result image, it is possible to perform a control process for notifying the cause that is determined not to form the second pattern. Specifically, for example, in the lower right diagram of FIG. 5, it is conceivable that a portion where the deviation is not within the allowable range is indicated by a mark or coloring so that the operator can easily identify it. Further, the distribution and strength of deviation on the entire surface of the workpiece may be displayed on the virtual print result image as a color change. Thereby, the tendency of expansion and contraction of the plate can also be confirmed.
According to the present embodiment, when the determination unit 28 of the alignment apparatus 2 determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first workpiece (first printed material), the second print is performed using the virtual print result image. Since the control process for notifying the cause determined that the pattern is not formed is performed, for example, at the time of alignment recalculation or the next printing, it can be used to select an accurate parameter for alignment.

(Description of Other Embodiments of Printing Apparatus)
In the above-described embodiment, the alignment is performed by moving the alignment table 12 on which the work (printed material) is placed. However, the alignment is not limited to this, and the plate holding table on which the plate is set is moved. Thus, alignment can be performed, or alignment can be performed by moving both the workpiece (printed material) side and plate side tables. The same applies to the virtual alignment.
In the above-described embodiment, an embodiment in which the alignment apparatus is included in the printing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing apparatus and an individual alignment apparatus can be configured. For example, an individual alignment device including a control unit, a display device, and an imaging device can be considered. As a photographing device, a scanner type device including a line camera and a scanning mechanism or an area camera in which photographing elements are arranged two-dimensionally can be used.
It is also conceivable that basically the alignment apparatus includes only a control unit and is electrically connected to the printing apparatus to perform the same control processing as described above using the apparatus provided in the printing apparatus.
In the above embodiment, the case of screen printing has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but includes plate printing (for example, “offset printing”), letterpress printing, intaglio printing, and stencil printing other than screen printing. It can be applied to any other printing method.
The alignment calculation shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D and the alignment recalculation shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and other arbitrary alignment calculation methods can be applied.

(Description of other embodiments of work or plate)
In the above-described embodiment, the workpiece (printed material) and the plate are in the form of a sheet or a plate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and has a three-dimensional shape such as the following cylindrical shape. Can also be used.
<Explanation when using a cylindrical workpiece>
FIG. 7 shows a case where a “K” -shaped pattern is formed on a cylindrical workpiece (printed material) 50 using a flat screen printing plate 6. In this case, in synchronization with the movement of the squeegee 8, printing is performed by rotating the cylindrical workpiece (substrate) 50 as well.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state immediately before the squeegee 8 moves to the position closest to the pattern provided on the plate 6 and forms a pattern on the workpiece (printed material). Fig.7 (a) is a perspective view which shows the state just before pattern formation, FIG.7 (b) is a side view. FIGS. 7C and 7D show a state immediately after the squeegee 8 moves on the pattern provided on the plate 6 and the pattern is formed on the work (first printed material). FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing a state immediately after the pattern is formed, and FIG. 7D is a side view.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D, the line work 16 can shoot the cylindrical workpiece (printed material) on which the pattern is formed over the entire circumference of the cylinder. 2 images can be acquired and a virtual printing result image can be created. By making the optical axis of the line camera 16 coincide with the normal direction of the cylindrical workpiece (printed material), a pattern image formed on the workpiece (printed material) can be accurately photographed.
Even on the surface of a three-dimensional workpiece such as a cylinder (printed material), if the above-described embodiment is applied, optimal alignment is possible without producing defective products, and by overcoating. Products with complex patterns can be obtained.

(Explanation when using a cylindrical plate)
FIG. 8 shows a case where a “K” -shaped pattern is formed on a sheet-like workpiece (printed material) 50 continuous in the longitudinal direction using a cylindrical screen printing plate 6. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which a pattern is formed, and FIG. 8B is a side view.
As shown in FIG. 8B, in the present embodiment, the plate 6 has a hollow cylindrical shape, ink is applied to the inside of the plate 6, and the squeegee 8 is disposed inside the cylindrical plate 6. Has been. By rotating the cylindrical plate 6, a pattern can be continuously formed on the sheet-like workpiece (printed material) 50. At this time, printing is performed by moving the work (substrate) 50 in synchronization with the rotation of the cylindrical plate 6. As shown in FIG. 8B, a roll 54 that supports and conveys a sheet-like workpiece (printed material) 50 is provided on the opposite side of the area to which the pattern of the plate 6 is transferred.

If a mechanism for continuously supplying ink to the inner surface of the plate 6 is provided, a pattern can be formed on a continuous sheet-like workpiece (printed material) 50 having an arbitrary length by the rotation of the cylindrical plate 6 and the roll 54. Can be formed. At this time, so-called roll-to-roll continuous printing is also possible in which the workpiece (printed material) 50 wound around the roll is printed with the cylindrical plate 6 while being drawn out, and then wound again with another roll.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the line camera 16 can shoot a continuous sheet-like work (printed material) on which a pattern is formed over the entire length. In particular, the first image is acquired by the line camera 16 arranged on the upstream side of the plate 6, and the second image is acquired by the line camera 16 arranged on the downstream side of the plate 6, thereby performing virtual printing. A result image can be created.
Even when such a cylindrical plate such as a cylindrical shape is used, if the above-described embodiment is applied, optimal alignment is possible without producing defective products, and a long workpiece (printed material) can be obtained. On the other hand, accurate overcoating can be realized.

  Although the embodiments and embodiments of the present invention have been described, the disclosure may vary in the details of the configuration, and the combinations and order of elements in the embodiments and the embodiments are the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Can be realized without departing from the above.

2 Alignment Device 4 Printing Device 6 Plate 8 Squeegee 10 Printing Mechanism 12 Alignment Table 12A Work Placement Unit 14 Alignment Table Transport Mechanism 16 Line Camera 18 Display Device 20 Control Device 22 Image Acquisition Unit 24 Alignment Processing Unit 26 Print Result Image Acquisition Unit 28 Determination unit 30 Display unit 40 Printing unit 42 Main body 44 Frame unit 50 Workpiece (substrate)
52 Alignment Camera 54 Roll 60 Print Control Unit

Claims (12)

An apparatus for aligning the first pattern and the second pattern when forming a second pattern using a plate on a first substrate on which the first pattern is formed. ,
The second pattern is formed by the first image, which is an entire image obtained by scanning the entire surface of the first printed material on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed, and the plate. An overall image obtained by scanning the entire surface of the formed second substrate, and an image acquisition unit that acquires a second image that can identify the second pattern;
An alignment processing unit that performs an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image;
A print result image acquisition unit that superimposes the first image and the second image on the basis of the result of the alignment calculation to create a virtual entire surface print result image;
A determination unit for determining whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate using the plate;
Bei to give a,
Whether the determination unit forms the second pattern on the first substrate based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern indicated in the virtual print result image. or wherein the determining the printing alignment device.   The printing alignment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a line camera, wherein the whole image of the printing object is acquired by photographing while moving the line camera and the printing object relatively. . When the determination unit determines to form the second pattern on the first substrate,
And performing a control process to output the data and print command signals based on a result of the alignment calculation, printing alignment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the determination unit determines not to form the second pattern on the first substrate,
The alignment processing unit performs alignment recalculation using the first image and the second image, and the print result image acquisition unit performs the first image and the second image based on the result of the alignment recalculation. by superimposing the second image, characterized by creating a print image resulting new the virtual printing alignment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The printing alignment according to claim 4 , wherein when the predetermined determination unit determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first substrate, a control process for warning notification is performed. apparatus. When the determination unit determines not to form the second pattern on the first substrate, the virtual print result image is used to notify the cause determined to not form the second pattern 6. The printing alignment apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein processing is performed. When the determination unit repeats a predetermined number of times or more and determines that the second pattern is not formed on the first printed material, a control process is performed to notify the necessity of replacement of the plate or the first printed material. characterized in that, for printing alignment apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6. An alignment apparatus for printing according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to form a predetermined pattern on a printing material using the plate based on an output signal from the printing alignment apparatus. The printing unit forms the second printing material by forming the second pattern on a printing material on which a pattern is not formed using the plate, and the image acquisition unit includes the second printing material. The printing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the second image is acquired by capturing an entire image of the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the second image is acquired when printing using a new plate is started. When the printing unit uses the plate to form the second pattern on the first substrate on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed,
The image acquisition unit acquires an entire image of the printed material on which the second pattern is formed, and identifies the second pattern from the acquired entire image, whereby the next first printed material The printing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the second image used for forming the second pattern is acquired. A method for aligning the first pattern and the second pattern when forming a second pattern using a plate on a substrate on which the first pattern is formed,
Using the plate, the second pattern is formed on the printed material on which no pattern is formed or on the printed material on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed. Step 1A for forming the substrate to be printed;
Step 1B for obtaining a second image that is an entire image obtained by scanning the entire surface of the second substrate on which the second pattern is formed by the plate, and the second pattern can be identified;
Obtaining a first image which is a whole image obtained by scanning the entire surface of the first substrate on which the first pattern is formed and the second pattern is not yet formed; and
Performing an alignment calculation of the first image and the second image; and
Step 4 of superimposing the first image and the second image on the basis of the result of the alignment calculation to create a virtual whole surface printing result image;
A determination step for determining whether to form the second pattern on the first substrate using the plate;
Only including,
Whether or not to form the second pattern on the first substrate based on the positional relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern shown in the virtual print result image in the determination step. or wherein the determining the printing alignment method.