Control device, recording device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a printing alignment technique for obtaining an appropriate reaction between ink and a processing liquid.SOLUTION: A control device comprises control means that performs control of forming multiple printing-alignment patterns on a recording medium on the basis of a first printing-alignment mode in which a second pattern formed with a processing liquid on the basis of second image data is partially shifted relative to a first pattern formed with ink on the basis of first image data. The first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern, and the second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern in which the ink and the processing liquid react. A portion formed with a partial shift in the second pattern is the adjustment pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a recording device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet recording devices employ a known method of forming images using ink and a transparent, colorless treatment liquid as printing agents, aiming to improve the water resistance of images and simultaneously achieve high-density images and images without intercolor bleeding. These devices are equipped with a registration pattern formation function for aligning the ink and treatment liquid. However, the use of a transparent, colorless treatment liquid does not provide sufficient density for optical sensor readings, making visual determination difficult. The following methods are available for properly aligning the ink and the colorless, transparent treatment liquid. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for changing the relative printing positions of the treatment liquid and ink in response to multiple offset amounts to reduce the effects of the print medium and external environment during printing. Patent Document 1 also discloses a pattern formation method in which the contact of the treatment liquid and ink on the print medium results in the formation of multiple patterns exhibiting different optical properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-138494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, since multiple patterns each exhibiting different optical properties are formed, if a pattern including periodicity is formed with the objective of optimally reacting the ink and treatment liquid, a pattern optimized for the ink is formed. Forming a pattern optimized for the ink poses a problem in that a reaction suitable for aligning the recording position of the treatment liquid cannot be obtained. For example, when the objective is to obtain a good image without bleeding or uneven density, it is possible that a reaction suitable for both the ink and the treatment liquid cannot be obtained, and the performance of the treatment liquid cannot be fully demonstrated.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a printing registration technique for obtaining an appropriate reaction between ink and treatment liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following configuration: Namely, a control unit that controls the formation of a plurality of print alignment patterns on a recording medium based on a first print alignment mode in which a second pattern formed with treatment liquid based on second image data is formed by partially shifting it with respect to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data, the first pattern comprising a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern, the second pattern comprising an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern in which the ink and the treatment liquid react, and the portion of the second pattern that is formed by partially shifting it is the adjustment pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing registration technique for obtaining an appropriate reaction between the ink and the treatment liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a print alignment pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing registration pattern according to the prior art. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining settings for print registration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print position adjustment process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print position adjustment process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a print position adjustment process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording device according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the recording device 100 has only a printing function, but is not limited to this. For example, the recording device 100 may function as a copier further equipped with a reading device that reads images on a document, or may function as a multi-function peripheral (MFP) equipped with other functions.

[0011] The recording device 100 includes a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, an HDD 161, and an input / output device 162. The recording device 100 is also connectable to a host computer 190 via a network 191.

[0012] The printer controller 120 includes an HDD I / F 121, an input / output device I / F 122, a ROM I / F 125, and a memory controller 126. The printer controller 120 also includes a host I / F 127, a CPU 128, a controller engine I / F (PRN) 129, and an image processing unit 130. The various units of the printer controller 120 are connected via a system bus 132. The printer controller 120 also includes a flash ROM 123 and a RAM 124. The flash ROM 123 and the RAM 124 are connected to the system bus 132 via the ROM I / F 125 and the memory controller 126, respectively.

[0013] The CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer), and controls the overall operation of the recording device 100 by executing programs and activating hardware.

[0014] The flash ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 128, images, and various data required for various operations of the recording device 100.

[0015] The RAM 124 is used as a work area for the CPU 128 and as a temporary storage area for various received data. The RAM 124 stores various setting data.

[0016] The image processing unit 130 performs various image processing operations. For example, the image processing unit 130 converts print data (e.g., data expressed in a page description language) handled by the recording device 100 into image data (bitmap image data), as well as other image processing operations. The image processing unit 130 also converts the color space (e.g., YCbCr) of the image data included in the input print data into a standard RGB color space (e.g., sRGB). The image processing unit 130 also performs various image processing operations on the image data as needed, such as resolution conversion to an effective number of pixels (capable of print processing by the recording device 100), image analysis, and image correction. The image data obtained by these image processing operations is stored in the RAM 124 or the HDD 161. The image data includes, for example, first image data and second image data. The first image data is image data for forming a first pattern 300 (described below) formed with ink. The second image data is image data for forming a second pattern (described below) formed with treatment liquid.

[0017] The printer engine 150 is a printing unit that forms images. The printer engine 150 includes an inkjet head 151, a cutter unit 152, a conveyance motor 153, an interface 154 with the printer controller 120, and an optical sensor 155. Each unit is connected via a system bus 156.

[0018] The inkjet head 151 is a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet based on image data. The inkjet head 151 holds, for example, multiple print heads for multiple colors. Ink is ejected from the print heads in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet to form an image on the sheet. Note that the recording device 100 according to this embodiment is an inkjet printer that uses ink as the recording material, but is not limited to this. The present invention is applicable to printing devices using various printing methods, such as thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, and electrophotographic printers such as laser printers.

[0019] The cutter unit 152 is a mechanism that cuts roll paper used as a printing medium. The cutter unit 152 cuts the roll paper to a predetermined length after an image is printed on it. For paper types that cause paper dust to scatter when the cutter unit 152 cuts, a setting for drawing a cutting dust reduction line at the cutting position to prevent paper dust from scattering during cutting is stored in the Flash ROM 123. In addition, independent of the cutting dust reduction line setting, operation settings for the cutter unit 152 for each paper type can be stored in the Flash ROM 123. For paper types that cannot be cut by the cutter unit 152, a setting for not moving the cutter unit 152 so that the user can cut with scissors (hereinafter referred to as user cut setting) is stored in the Flash ROM 123. For paper types that cause a crooked cut line unless the user holds the roll paper down while cutting, a setting for moving the cutter unit 152 by user operation (hereinafter referred to as eject cut setting) is stored in the Flash ROM 123. For paper types for which neither user cut setting nor eject cut setting is performed, a setting for automatically cutting by the cutter unit 152 (auto-cut setting) is stored in the flash ROM 123.

[0020] The transport motor 153 is a motor for driving a transport roller that transports the roll paper, and is controlled by the CPU 128 .

[0021] The optical sensor 155 is a measuring means for measuring attribute values ​​of a recording medium. The optical sensor 155 is a reflective optical sensor that includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light-emitting element, a specular reflection light receiving element, and a diffused light receiving element. The recording device 100 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure attribute values ​​such as the intensity of specular reflection light and diffuse reflection light from paper placed on a platen, and the thickness of the paper.

[0022] The input / output device 162 includes hard keys and a panel for the user to perform various operations, and a display unit that displays various information to the user. The input / output device 162 may also notify the user of information by outputting sound (for example, a buzzer or voice) based on acoustic information from a sound generator. When feeding paper, the user uses the input / output device 162 to select the paper type and transmit the correct paper type to the recording device 100. This allows the recording device 100 to perform the transport set for each paper type.

[0023] HDD 161 is a non-volatile storage area that can store and read programs to be executed by CPU 128, print data, and setting information required for various operations of recording device 100. Note that instead of HDD 161, other large-capacity storage devices such as flash memory may be used.

[0024] In this embodiment, the input / output device 162 exists inside the recording device 100, but this is not limiting and the input / output device 162 may be connected to the recording device 100 as an external device via a network 191, for example. The host computer 190 may also have the functions of the input / output device 162. In addition to the input / output device 162, other input / output devices (not shown) may be further connected to the recording device 100 via the network 191 or the like.

[0025] The host computer 190 is, for example, an external device that serves as a supply source of print data. A printer driver is installed in the host computer 190. Instead of the host computer 190, a data providing device that serves as a supply source of print data, such as an image reader, a digital camera, or a smartphone, may be provided. The connection between each unit and the recording device 100 is not limited to via the network 191, and may be, for example, a direct connection via wireless communication.

[0026] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing the components of the recording apparatus 100 involved in the transport of the roll paper 204.

[0027] The recording device 100 has a paper feed unit 201. Roll paper can be installed in the paper feed unit 201. In FIG. 2, roll paper 204 from the paper feed unit 201 is transported along a transport path by transport rollers 205. The roll paper 204 is measured by an optical sensor 155 located opposite a platen. An inkjet head 151 ejects ink onto the roll paper 204 transported from the paper feed unit 201, printing an image. When feeding paper, the recording device 100 lifts the roll paper 204 placed in the paper feed unit 201 above the platen using the transport rollers 205. At this time, the optical sensor 155 measures the specular reflection light intensity, diffuse reflection light intensity, thickness, and roll paper width of the roll paper 204. After printing, the roll paper 204 is cut to the length desired by the user by a cutter unit 152.

[0028] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of print alignment patterns according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 3A is a diagram showing a first pattern and a second pattern.

[0029] The first pattern 300 is an ink printing pattern used for printing registration with the second pattern 301. The gray cells in the first pattern 300 represent ink dots.

[0030] The second pattern 301 is a print pattern of colorless and transparent treatment liquid used for printing registration with the first pattern 300. The gray cells of the second pattern represent dots of colorless and transparent treatment liquid.

[0031] The reference pattern 302 is a vertical line pattern extending up and down in the first pattern 300. The reference pattern 302 is a pattern used for aligning the print position of the second pattern 301 with the adjustment pattern 303.

[0032] The adjustment pattern 303 is a central pattern surrounded by a dotted line in the second pattern 301. The adjustment pattern 303 is a partial pattern of the second pattern 301 that is formed by shifting it relative to the first pattern 300. Specifically, the adjustment pattern 303 is formed by shifting it in the left-right direction in FIG. 3(a) (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium).

[0033] The periodic pattern 304 is the second pattern 301 minus the adjustment pattern 303. The periodic pattern 304 has a periodicity that allows the ink and treatment liquid to react optimally. In this embodiment, the first pattern 300 and the second pattern 301 are printed so that at least a portion of them contact each other on the recording medium, and printing registration is performed by aligning the positions of the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303. Hereinafter, the pattern formed by the first pattern 300 and the second pattern 301 will be referred to as the "printing registration alignment pattern."

[0034] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing the print alignment pattern according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The print alignment pattern 305 is a pattern that is printed in a state where the print positions of the first pattern 300 and the second pattern 301 are aligned.

[0036] The print alignment pattern 306 is a pattern in which the second pattern 301 is printed with a shift of three dots to the left relative to the first pattern 300.

[0037] The print alignment pattern 307 is a pattern in which the second pattern 301 is printed with a shift of three dots to the right relative to the first pattern 300.

[0038] The black cells in printing registration pattern 305, printing registration pattern 306, and printing registration pattern 307 indicate that dots in first pattern 300 overlap with dots in second pattern 301. For example, when a treatment liquid is used to obtain a good image without bleeding or uneven density, the treatment liquid reacts optimally at the positions where the dots in first pattern 300 overlap with the dots in second pattern 301, and therefore a printed product without bleeding or uneven density can be obtained.

[0039] FIG. 3(c) is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of print alignment patterns according to the first embodiment printed on a recording medium.

[0040] Print alignment pattern group 308 shows the results of printing multiple print alignment patterns on roll paper 204, each corresponding to the amount of relative print position shift of second pattern 301 with respect to first pattern 300. More specifically, print alignment pattern group 308 refers to multiple print alignment patterns formed on the recording medium by recording device 100 based on the "first print alignment mode." In the first print alignment mode, only adjustment pattern 303 of second pattern 301 is formed shifted with respect to first pattern 300. When there are three print alignment patterns that make up print alignment pattern group 308, recording device 100 prints print alignment pattern 305, print alignment pattern 306, and print alignment pattern 307 in that order.

[0041] For example, when a user performs print registration alignment visually, the user selects a print registration alignment pattern in which the reference pattern 302 and adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction (the conveyance direction of the recording medium) via the input / output device 162. The input / output device 162 then transmits the correct print position based on the selected print registration alignment pattern to the recording device 100. This allows the recording device 100 to perform print registration alignment of the ink and treatment liquid.

[0042] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating print alignment patterns according to the prior art, in which Fig. 4A shows a first pattern and a second pattern.

[0043] The first pattern 400 is an ink printing pattern used for printing registration with the second pattern 401. The gray cells in the first pattern 400 represent ink dots.

[0044] The second pattern 401 is a print pattern of colorless and transparent treatment liquid used for printing registration with the first pattern 400. The gray cells of the second pattern represent dots of colorless and transparent treatment liquid.

[0045] The first pattern 400 includes a reference pattern 402. The second pattern 401 includes an adjustment pattern 403 and a periodic pattern 404. The first pattern 400 has the same configuration as the first pattern 300 described above, and the second pattern 401 has the same configuration as the second pattern 301 described above, so detailed descriptions will be omitted. The print alignment pattern 405 in FIG. 4(b) is the same as the print alignment pattern 305, so detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0046] The print registration pattern 406 is a print registration pattern formed by shifting the second pattern 401 three dots to the left with respect to the first pattern 400.

[0047] The print registration pattern 407 is a print registration pattern formed by shifting the second pattern 401 three dots to the right with respect to the first pattern 400.

[0048] The black cells in the printing registration pattern 406 and the printing registration pattern 407 indicate that the dots of the first pattern 400 and the dots of the second pattern 401 overlap.

[0049] For example, when a processing liquid is used to obtain a good image without bleeding or uneven density, the processing liquid reacts optimally at the positions where the dots of the first pattern 400 and the dots of the second pattern 401 overlap, so that a printed matter without bleeding or uneven density can be obtained.

[0050] FIG. 4(c) is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of print registration patterns printed on a recording medium according to the prior art.

[0051] The print alignment pattern group 408 shows the result of printing, on the roll paper 204, a plurality of print alignment patterns corresponding to the amount of relative print positional deviation of the second pattern 401 with respect to the first pattern 400. More specifically, the print alignment pattern group 408 refers to a plurality of print alignment patterns formed on the recording medium by the recording device 100 based on the "second print alignment mode." In the second print alignment mode, the second pattern 401 is formed with an overall deviation from the first pattern 400. When there are three print alignment patterns that make up the print alignment pattern group 408, the recording device 100 prints them in the order print alignment pattern 405, print alignment pattern 406, and print alignment pattern 407.

[0052] For example, when a user performs print registration alignment visually, the user selects a pattern in which the reference pattern 402 and adjustment pattern 403 match in the vertical direction (the conveyance direction of the recording medium) via the input / output device 162. The input / output device 162 then transmits the correct print position based on the selected print registration alignment pattern to the recording device 100. This allows the recording device 100 to perform print registration alignment of the ink and treatment liquid.

[0053] Conventionally, when observing the print registration pattern 406 and the print registration pattern 407 in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), there has been a problem in that it is difficult for a user to notice that the print positions of the ink and the treatment liquid are misaligned.

[0054] On the other hand, as explained in FIG. 3, when observing the print alignment patterns 306 and 307 according to this embodiment, it is easy for the user to see that the print positions of the ink and treatment liquid are misaligned.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the settings for print registration according to the first embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 5(a) shows a screen of the input / output device 162 according to the first embodiment and print registration settings stored in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123. A menu screen 500 shows print registration settings. The print registration settings include, for example, settings for print position adjustment, paper type selection, and ink type selection. The user can perform print position adjustment via the menu screen 500. The print registration settings 501 include settings for the amount of shift of the adjustment pattern 303 relative to the first pattern 300. A shift amount of "0" indicates that the adjustment pattern 303 of the second pattern 301 is not shifted relative to the reference pattern 302 of the first pattern 300.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the print position adjustment process according to the first embodiment.

[0058] In S601, when the user adjusts the print position on the menu screen 500, the host computer 190 sends a print start instruction to the host I / F 127. When the CPU 128 receives the print start instruction for the print alignment pattern group 308 from the host I / F 127, it starts the process of forming the print alignment pattern group 308. Hereinafter, the recording apparatus 100 having the CPU 128 functions as a control device and performs the process of FIG. 6, but the host computer 190 may also function as a control device and perform the process of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the recording apparatus 100 and the host computer 190 may jointly perform the process of FIG. 6.

[0059] In S602, the CPU 128 prints the first pattern 300 of the print alignment pattern group 308, that is, the print alignment pattern 305, the print alignment pattern 306, and the print alignment pattern 307, on the roll paper 204, and then the process proceeds to S603.

[0060] In S603, the CPU 128 forms adjustment patterns 303 of the second pattern 301 of the printing alignment pattern 305, the printing alignment pattern 306, and the printing alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204, and proceeds to S604. At this time, the adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 305 is formed without being shifted left or right relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 306 is formed shifted three dots to the left relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 307 is formed shifted three dots to the right relative to the first pattern 300.

[0061] In S604, the CPU 128 prints the periodic pattern 304 of the second pattern 301 of the print alignment pattern 305, print alignment pattern 306, and print alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204 without shifting it relative to the first pattern 300, and proceeds to S605.

[0062] In this way, only the adjustment patterns 303 of the second pattern 301 are formed shifted relative to the first pattern 300, and the periodic patterns 304 are formed without being shifted, so that an optimal reaction between the ink and the treatment liquid can be obtained.

[0063] Note that the first pattern 300, the adjustment pattern 303, and the periodic pattern 304 may be stored in advance in the HDD 161 and / or the Flash ROM 123, or may be generated by the CPU 128 when the process of Fig. 6 is executed. For example, when the first pattern 300, the adjustment pattern 303, and the periodic pattern 304 are generated when the process of Fig. 6 is executed, the reference pattern 302 is generated by repeating a four-dot pattern six times vertically, starting from a position four dots from the top of the first pattern 300 and two dots to the left of the center of the pattern in the horizontal direction. This reduces the recording capacity of the patterns stored in the HDD 161 and / or the Flash ROM 123.

[0064] In S604, the CPU 128 uses the optical sensor 155 to measure the print alignment patterns 305, 306, and 307 printed on the roll paper 204. Then, based on the measurement results of the optical sensor 155, the CPU 128 determines the print alignment patterns in which the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction (specifically, the transport direction of the roll paper 204, which is the recording medium), and proceeds to S606.

[0065] For example, if the printing positions of the ink and the treatment liquid are not misaligned relative to each other, the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction is printing alignment pattern 305. On the other hand, if the printing positions of the ink and the treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the left, the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction is printing alignment pattern 306. And if the printing positions of the ink and the treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the right, the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction is printing alignment pattern 307. Note that an appropriate printing alignment pattern may be determined from the printing alignment pattern group 308 without using the optical sensor 155. That is, the user visually determines the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction, and the CPU 128 can acquire the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction based on the user's determination result (user input).

[0066] In S606, the CPU 128 stores the print registration pattern in which the reference pattern 302 and the adjustment pattern 303 match in the vertical direction in the print registration setting 501 of the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123, and ends the process.

[0067] For example, the amount of shift corresponding to a state in which the printing positions of the ink and the treatment liquid are not shifted relative to each other (that is, the printing registration alignment pattern 305) is set to 0.

[0068] If the shift amount of print alignment pattern 305 is set to 0 as the reference, the shift amount of print alignment pattern 306 is +3, and the shift amount of print alignment pattern 307 is -3.

[0069] In this way, by forming the adjustment pattern 303 of the second pattern 301 shifted relative to the first pattern 300, it is possible to achieve printing registration that will obtain an appropriate reaction between the ink and the treatment liquid.

[0070] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, the printing registration of the ink and the treatment liquid is performed by switching between the first printing registration mode and the second printing registration mode depending on the paper type selected by the user. In the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0071] FIG. 5(b) shows a screen of the input / output device 162 of the second embodiment and print registration settings.

[0072] The paper type selection screen 502 is a screen on which the user selects the type of recording medium. Examples of recording medium types include plain paper, recycled paper, high-quality paper, coated paper, matte-coated paper, and special paper. The print alignment setting 503 defines the correspondence between the recording medium and the influence of the periodic pattern. The "no" offset amount setting in the print alignment setting 503 indicates the second print alignment mode. In the second print alignment mode, the second pattern 401 is formed with an overall offset relative to the first pattern 400. On the other hand, the "yes" offset amount setting in the print alignment setting 503 indicates the first print alignment mode. In the first print alignment mode, only the adjustment pattern 303 of the second pattern 301 is formed with an offset relative to the first pattern 300.

[0073] For example, if a periodic pattern is formed on a recording medium to optimize the reaction between the ink and treatment liquid, a pattern optimized for the ink is formed. Specialty paper with an ink-receiving layer on its surface has less ink bleeding, so the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid has less impact on print quality. In other words, special paper is a recording medium that does not have a shift amount, i.e., corresponds to the second print registration mode (recording media A and D). On the other hand, with plain paper that does not have an ink-receiving layer on its surface, the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid has a greater impact on print quality because the treatment liquid improves the water resistance of the plain paper. In other words, plain paper is a recording medium that has a shift amount, i.e., corresponds to the first print registration mode (recording media B and C).

[0074] As described above, taking into consideration the effect of treatment liquid on print quality, the paper type selected by the user on the paper type selection screen 502 is sent to the recording device 100 when feeding paper. The recording device 100 can then determine a print registration mode suitable for the paper type selected by the user from settings 503, and form a print registration pattern based on the determined print registration mode on the recording medium.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid has a large effect on print quality (when the amount of shift is "yes"), the recording device 100 prints the print registration pattern group 308. On the other hand, when the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid has a small effect on print quality (when the amount of shift is "no"), the recording device 100 prints the print registration pattern group 408. In addition, the value of the setting 503 is stored in advance in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the print position adjustment process according to the second embodiment.

[0077] In S701, when the user executes print position adjustment from the menu screen 500, the host computer 190 sends a print start instruction to the host I / F 127. When the CPU 128 receives the print start instruction for the print position alignment pattern group 308 from the host I / F 127, it starts the process of forming the print position alignment pattern group 308. Note that when print position adjustment is executed, the process of forming the print position alignment pattern group 408 may be executed instead of the print position alignment pattern group 308. For example, the user can set in advance whether to execute the print position adjustment of the print position adjustment group 308 or the print position alignment pattern group 408 in the initial settings of the print position adjustment on the menu screen 500. Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the print position adjustment of the first print position alignment mode, print position alignment pattern group 308, is set as the initial setting of the print position adjustment on the menu screen 500.

[0078] In S702, the CPU 128 prints the first pattern 300 of the print registration pattern 305, the print registration pattern 306, and the print registration pattern 307 on the roll paper 204, and then the process proceeds to S703.

[0079] In S703, the CPU 128 acquires from the print registration setting 503 the effect of the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid on the recording medium selected by the user on the paper type selection screen 502 at the time of paper feeding (specifically, information indicating whether only the periodic pattern will be shifted). The CPU 128 determines whether the user-selected recording medium is affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid. If the CPU 128 determines that the user-selected recording medium is affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid (Yes in S703), it maintains the first print registration mode and proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if the CPU 128 determines that the user-selected recording medium is not affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid (No in S703), it changes from the first print registration mode to the second print registration mode and proceeds to S706.

[0080] In S704, the CPU 128 forms the adjustment patterns 303 of the second pattern 301 of the printing alignment pattern 305, the printing alignment pattern 306, and the printing alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204, and proceeds to S705. At this time, the adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 305 is formed without being shifted relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 306 is formed shifted three dots to the left relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 307 is formed shifted three dots to the right relative to the first pattern 300.

[0081] In S705, the CPU 128 prints the periodic pattern 304 of the second pattern 301 of the print alignment pattern 305, the print alignment pattern 306, and the print alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204 without shifting it relative to the first pattern 300, and proceeds to S707.

[0082] In S706, the CPU 128 forms the print alignment pattern 405, the print alignment pattern 406, and the print alignment pattern 407 on the roll paper 204 and proceeds to S707. At this time, the second pattern 401 of the print alignment pattern 406 is formed shifted three dots to the left with respect to the first pattern 400. The second pattern 401 of the print alignment pattern 407 is formed shifted three dots to the right with respect to the first pattern 400. In this way, when the effect of the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid on print quality is small (when the paper type selected by the user corresponds to the second print alignment mode), the second pattern formation process does not need to be performed separately for the adjustment pattern formation process and the periodic pattern formation process, and therefore the second pattern formation process can be simplified. This allows the second pattern formation process time to be shortened when the second patterns are large, complex, or numerous.

[0083] The first pattern 300, adjustment pattern 303, and periodic pattern 304 for the first print alignment mode may be stored in advance in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123, or may be generated by the CPU 128 during the process of FIG. 7 . Here, an example of the process applied to the first print alignment mode is described, but this process can also be applied to the second print alignment mode. For example, when the first pattern 300, adjustment pattern 303, and periodic pattern 304 are generated during the process of FIG. 7 , the reference pattern 302 can be generated by repeating a four-dot pattern six times vertically, starting from a position four dots from the top of the first pattern 300 and two dots to the left of the horizontal center of the pattern. This reduces the recording capacity of the patterns stored in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123.

[0084] In S707, the CPU 128 measures the print alignment pattern group 308 or the print alignment pattern group 408 printed on the roll paper 204 using the optical sensor 155. Then, the CPU 128 determines the print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction (specifically, the transport direction of the roll paper 204, which is the recording medium), and proceeds to S708.

[0085] For example, the print alignment pattern when the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are not misaligned relative to each other is print alignment pattern 305 or print alignment pattern 405. On the other hand, the print alignment pattern when the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the left is print alignment pattern 306 or print alignment pattern 406. And the print alignment pattern when the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the right is print alignment pattern 307 or print alignment pattern 407. Note that an appropriate print alignment pattern may be determined from print alignment pattern group 308 or print alignment pattern group 408 without using the optical sensor 155. That is, the user visually determines the print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction, and the CPU 128 can acquire the print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction based on the user's determination result (user input).

[0086] In S708, the CPU 128 stores the print registration alignment pattern, in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction, in the print registration alignment setting 501 of the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123, and ends the process.

[0087] According to the second embodiment, by switching between the first printing alignment mode and the second printing alignment mode depending on the paper type selected by the user, it is possible to achieve printing alignment of ink and treatment liquid taking into account the influence of the periodic pattern of the second pattern.

[0088] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, the printing registration of the ink and the treatment liquid is performed by switching between the first printing registration mode and the second printing registration mode depending on the ink type selected by the user. Note that in the third embodiment, only the differences from the first and second embodiments will be explained.

[0089] FIG. 5(c) shows a screen of the input / output device 162 of the third embodiment and print registration settings.

[0090] The ink type selection screen 504 is a screen on which the user selects the type of ink to be ejected from the inkjet head 151. The print registration setting 505 is a setting that defines the correspondence between the ink type and the effect of the periodic pattern. A shift amount of "no" in the print registration setting 505 indicates the second print registration mode. In the second print registration mode, the second pattern 401 is formed with an overall shift relative to the first pattern 400. On the other hand, a shift amount of "yes" in the print registration setting 503 indicates the first print registration mode. In the first print registration mode, only the adjustment pattern 303 of the second pattern 301 is formed with a shift relative to the first pattern 300. For example, if the purpose is to mix the treatment liquid with color ink to thicken or gel, the reaction liquid of the treatment liquid differs depending on the ink type, and therefore the effect of the periodic pattern on print quality also differs.

[0091] For example, if the treatment liquid has a periodic pattern optimized for an ink that is resistant to gelling, the following problems occur. For example, if the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid changes, the intended concentration of treatment liquid for the ink cannot be obtained. Also, because the treatment liquid penetrates into the recording medium before the ink, the ink is not fixed to the recording medium. As a result, the inks are attracted to each other, causing bleeding. When using ink that is resistant to gelling, the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid has a significant impact on print quality, so it is best to use "ink type B," which corresponds to a "present" shift amount. On the other hand, ink that is resistant to gelling does not experience the bleeding problem described above, so it is best to use ink types A and C, which correspond to a "not present" shift amount.

[0092] As described above, taking into consideration the effect of treatment liquid on print quality, the ink type selected by the user on the ink type selection screen 504 is sent to the recording device 100 when the ink is installed. This allows the recording device 100 to determine a print registration mode suitable for the ink type selected by the user from the print registration setting 505, and to form a print registration pattern based on the determined print registration mode on the recording medium. Note that the value of the print registration setting 505 is stored in advance in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the print position adjustment process according to the third embodiment.

[0094] In S801, when the user executes print position adjustment from the menu screen 500, the host computer 190 sends a print start instruction to the host I / F 127. When the CPU 128 receives the print start instruction for the print position alignment pattern group 308 from the host I / F 127, it starts the process of forming the print position alignment pattern group 308. Note that when print position adjustment is executed, the process of forming the print position alignment pattern group 408 may be executed instead of the print position alignment pattern group 308. For example, the user can set in advance whether to execute the print position adjustment of the print position adjustment group 308 or the print position alignment pattern group 408 in the initial settings of the print position adjustment on the menu screen 500. Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the print position adjustment of the first print position alignment mode, print position alignment pattern group 308, is set as the initial setting of the print position adjustment on the menu screen 500.

[0095] In S802, the CPU 128 prints the first pattern 300 of the print alignment pattern group 308, that is, the print alignment pattern 305, the print alignment pattern 306, and the print alignment pattern 307, on the roll paper 204, and then the process proceeds to S803.

[0096] In S803, the CPU 128 acquires from the print registration setting 505 the effect of the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid on the ink type selected by the user on the ink type selection screen 504 (specifically, information indicating whether or not only the periodic pattern will be shifted). The CPU 128 determines whether or not the user-selected ink type is affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid. If the CPU 128 determines that the user-selected ink type is affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid (Yes in S803), it maintains the first print registration mode and proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the CPU 128 determines that the user-selected ink type is not affected by the periodic pattern of the treatment liquid (No in S803), it changes from the first print registration mode to the second print registration mode and proceeds to S806.

[0097] In S804, the CPU 128 forms the adjustment patterns 303 of the second pattern 301 of the printing alignment pattern 305, the printing alignment pattern 306, and the printing alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204, and proceeds to S805. At this time, the adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 305 is formed without being shifted relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 306 is formed shifted three dots to the left relative to the first pattern 300. The adjustment pattern 303 of the printing alignment pattern 307 is formed shifted three dots to the right relative to the first pattern 300.

[0098] In S805, the CPU 128 prints the periodic pattern 304 of the second pattern 301 of the print alignment pattern 305, the print alignment pattern 306, and the print alignment pattern 307 on the roll paper 204 without shifting it relative to the first pattern 300, and proceeds to S807.

[0099] In S806, the CPU 128 forms the printing registration alignment pattern 405, the printing registration alignment pattern 406, and the printing registration alignment pattern 407 on the roll paper 204 and proceeds to S807. At this time, the second pattern 401 of the printing registration alignment pattern 406 is formed shifted three dots to the left with respect to the first pattern 400. The second pattern 401 of the printing registration alignment pattern 407 is formed shifted three dots to the right with respect to the first pattern 400. When the effect of the periodicity of the treatment liquid is small for the ink type selected by the user (when the ink type selected by the user corresponds to the second printing registration mode), the second pattern formation process does not need to be performed separately for the adjustment pattern formation process and the periodic pattern formation process, and therefore the second pattern formation process can be simplified. As a result, the second pattern formation process time can be shortened when the second patterns are large in size, complex, or numerous in number.

[0100] The first pattern 300, adjustment pattern 303, and periodic pattern 304 may be stored in advance in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123, or may be generated during the process of FIG. 8. Here, an example of the process applied to the first print alignment mode is described, but this process can also be applied to the second print alignment mode. For example, when the first pattern 300, adjustment pattern 303, and periodic pattern 304 are generated during the process of FIG. 8, the reference pattern 302 can be generated by repeating a four-dot pattern six times vertically, starting from a position four dots from the top of the first pattern 300 and two dots to the left of the center of the pattern in the horizontal direction. This reduces the recording capacity of the patterns stored in the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123.

[0101] In S807, the CPU 128 measures the print alignment pattern group 308 or the print alignment pattern group 408 printed on the roll paper 204 using the optical sensor 155. Then, based on the measurement results of the optical sensor 155, the CPU 128 determines the print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction (specifically, the transport direction of the roll paper 204, which is the recording medium), and proceeds to S608.

[0102] For example, when the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are not misaligned relative to each other, the printing alignment pattern is printing alignment pattern 305 or printing alignment pattern 405, in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the left, the printing alignment pattern is printing alignment pattern 306 or printing alignment pattern 406. When the printing positions of the ink and treatment liquid are misaligned relative to each other by three dots to the right, the printing alignment pattern is printing alignment pattern 307 or printing alignment pattern 407. Note that an appropriate printing alignment pattern may be determined from printing alignment pattern group 308 or printing alignment pattern group 408 without using the optical sensor 155. That is, the user visually determines the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction, and the CPU 128 can acquire the printing alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction based on the user's determination result (user input).

[0103] In S808, the CPU 128 stores the print registration pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in the vertical direction in the setting 501 of the HDD 161 and / or Flash ROM 123, and ends the process.

[0104] As described above, according to the third embodiment, by switching between the first printing alignment mode and the second printing alignment mode depending on the ink type selected by the user, it is possible to achieve printing alignment of the ink and the treatment liquid taking into account the influence of the periodic pattern of the second pattern.

[0105] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0106] The disclosure of this specification includes the following control device, recording device, method, and program. (Item 1) a control means for controlling the formation of a plurality of print registration patterns on a recording medium based on a first print registration mode in which a second pattern formed with treatment liquid based on second image data is partially shifted relative to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data; the first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern; the second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern where the ink and the treatment liquid react with each other; The part of the second pattern that is partially shifted is the adjustment pattern. Control device. (Item 2) the control means controls the formation of the plurality of print registration patterns on the recording medium based on the first print registration mode determined based on a predetermined setting, or based on a second print registration mode in which the second pattern is formed by being entirely shifted relative to the first pattern. Item 1. The control device according to item 1. (Item 3) the predetermined settings include the type of the recording medium; the type of recording medium corresponds to the first print registration mode or the second print registration mode; Item 2. The control device according to item 2. (Item 4) the predetermined settings include the type of ink; the type of ink corresponds to the first printing registration mode or the second printing registration mode; Item 2 or 3. The control device according to item 2 or 3. (Item 5) a determination unit that determines, from the plurality of print alignment patterns, a print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in a predetermined direction of the recording medium, using an optical sensor or based on user input; 5. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) the predetermined direction is the conveyance direction of the recording medium; Item 5. The control device according to item 5. (Item 7) further comprising a storage means for storing the print registration pattern determined by the determination means; Item 5. The control device according to item 5. (Item 8) a display means for displaying on a screen the settings for printing registration of the ink and the treatment liquid; and an input unit for inputting the predetermined setting from among the settings of the print registration displayed on the screen. 5. The control device according to any one of items 2 to 4. (Item 9) the part of the second pattern that is formed to be partially shifted is formed to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium; 9. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) a printing means for printing an image; and a control device according to any one of items 1 to 9. Recording device. (Item 11) A method executed by a controller, comprising: a control step of controlling the formation of a plurality of print registration patterns on a recording medium based on a first print registration mode in which a second pattern formed with treatment liquid based on second image data is partially shifted relative to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data; the first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern; the second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern where the ink and the treatment liquid react with each other; The part of the second pattern that is partially shifted is the adjustment pattern. method. (Item 12) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the control device according to any one of items 1 to 9.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100 Recording device 120 Printer Controller 121 HDDI / F 122 Input / Output Device I / F 123 FlashROM 124 RAM 125 ROMI / F 126 Memory Controller 127 Host I / F 128 CPU 129 Controller Engine I / F 130 Image processing section 132 system bus 150 printer engine 151 Inkjet head 152 Cutter unit 153 Transport motor 154 Interface 155 Optical Sensor 156 System Bus 161 HDD 162 Input / Output Devices 190 Host Computer 191 Network 201 Paper feed section

Claims

1. a control means for controlling the formation of a plurality of print registration patterns on a recording medium based on a first print registration mode in which a second pattern formed with treatment liquid based on second image data is partially shifted relative to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data; the first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern; the second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern where the ink and the treatment liquid react with each other; The part of the second pattern that is partially shifted is the adjustment pattern. Control device.

2. the control means controls the formation of the plurality of print registration patterns on the recording medium based on the first print registration mode determined based on a predetermined setting, or based on a second print registration mode in which the second pattern is formed by being entirely shifted relative to the first pattern. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. the predetermined settings include the type of the recording medium; the type of recording medium corresponds to the first print registration mode or the second print registration mode; The control device according to claim 2 .

4. the predetermined settings include the type of ink; the type of ink corresponds to the first print registration mode or the second print registration mode; The control device according to claim 2 .

5. a determination unit that determines, from the plurality of print alignment patterns, a print alignment pattern in which the reference pattern and the adjustment pattern match in a predetermined direction of the recording medium, using an optical sensor or based on user input; The control device according to claim 1 .

6. the predetermined direction is the conveyance direction of the recording medium; The control device according to claim 5 .

7. further comprising a storage means for storing the print registration pattern determined by the determination means; The control device according to claim 5 .

8. a display means for displaying on a screen the settings for printing registration of the ink and the treatment liquid; and an input unit for inputting the predetermined setting from among the settings of the print registration displayed on the screen. The control device according to claim 2 .

9. the part of the second pattern that is formed to be partially shifted is formed to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium; The control device according to claim 1 .

10. a printing means for printing an image; and a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Recording device.

11. A method executed by a controller, comprising: a control step of controlling the formation of a plurality of print registration patterns on a recording medium based on a first print registration mode in which a second pattern formed with treatment liquid based on second image data is partially shifted relative to a first pattern formed with ink based on first image data; the first pattern includes a reference pattern used for alignment with the second pattern; the second pattern includes an adjustment pattern used for alignment with the first pattern and a periodic pattern where the ink and the treatment liquid react with each other; The part of the second pattern that is partially shifted is the adjustment pattern. method.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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