Transfer condition determination method, transfer condition determination device, program, printing system, transfer method, and transfer device

Abstract

The present invention transfers more appropriately an image onto a transfer target medium which is a fabric.　This transfer condition determination method determines a transfer condition for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium 50 to a transfer target medium 60. The method includes: a transfer target medium information acquisition step of acquiring transfer target medium information indicating characteristics of the transfer target medium 60; and a transfer condition determination step of determining a transfer condition on the basis of the transfer target medium information. The transfer medium 50 includes a base layer 52 and a transfer layer 54. The transfer target medium 60 is a fabric medium. In the transfer target medium information acquisition step, at least fabric texture information that indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the fabric intersect, is acquired as the transfer medium information. In the transfer condition determination step, the transfer condition is determined on the basis of the fabric texture information.

Description

Transfer condition determination method, transfer condition determination device, program, printing system, transfer method, and transfer device

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer condition determination method, a transfer condition determination device, a program, a printing system, a transfer method, and a transfer device.

[0002] Conventionally, a dye sublimation transfer method has been widely used as a transfer printing method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the dye sublimation transfer method, a transfer medium (transfer body) is printed using a dye sublimation transfer ink that can be transferred only to polyester fabrics or polyester-coated surfaces, and the image is then transferred from the transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium (transfer receiving body).

[0003] Re-table 2011 / 132695 publication

[0004] When printing using the dye sublimation transfer method, the materials of the transfer medium that can be used are usually limited. In contrast, when transfer is performed using, for example, an iron transfer (rubber transfer) method or a DTF (direct to film) method, it is possible to use cloth made of materials other than polyester as the transfer medium. However, when transfer is performed using the iron transfer method, the rubber sheet that serves as the adhesive layer may adhere to the transfer medium, thereby degrading the texture of the transfer medium after transfer. This may also result in a loss of the fabric characteristics used as the transfer medium (e.g., the gloss of the fabric). Furthermore, adhesion of the rubber sheet to the transfer medium may reduce the breathability of the transfer medium. Furthermore, when transfer is performed using the iron transfer method, it is necessary to cut the rubber sheet to fit the image to be transferred, which may increase the number of work steps. Furthermore, when transfer is performed using the DTF method, adhesives such as hot melt resins used for transfer may adhere to the transfer medium, easily causing problems such as a deterioration in the texture of the transfer medium after transfer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transfer condition determination method, a transfer condition determination device, a program, a printing system, a transfer method, and a transfer device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The inventors of the present application conducted extensive research into transfer printing methods that allow for more appropriate use of various materials as receiver media. They found that, for example, by printing on a known transfer medium using ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment, and then transferring the image to a cloth receiver medium, it is possible to use various materials as receiver media while minimizing deterioration of the texture of the receiver medium. However, when using various types of receiver media, it is conceivable that the preferred transfer conditions for the transfer process will vary depending on the type of fabric. Furthermore, the types of fabrics that can be used as cloth transfer media are extremely diverse. Furthermore, even fabrics made from the same material (e.g., cotton) can differ in terms of yarn thickness, twist, weaving or knitting method, blend ratio, and other factors. Therefore, optimizing transfer conditions for each type of receiver medium requires the user to manage various characteristics of the fabric used as the receiver medium, significantly increasing the effort required to manage and select transfer conditions. Furthermore, there is a risk that the user will be unable to select transfer conditions if they are unable to grasp some characteristics of the receiver medium.

[0006] In response to this, the inventors of the present application discovered that preferred transfer conditions are particularly susceptible to change depending on the way the threads constituting the fabric intersect. Based on this finding, the inventors conceived of determining transfer conditions based on information about the way the threads constituting the fabric intersect. This configuration allows for more appropriate determination of transfer conditions even when the user does not fully understand the information about the fabric to be used as the transfer medium. This also allows for more appropriate use of various fabrics as the transfer medium. Furthermore, through further research, the inventors of the present application discovered the characteristics necessary to achieve this effect, leading to the present invention.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transfer condition determination method for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for a transfer process in which an image printed on a transfer medium is transferred to a transfer receiving medium, comprising a transfer receiving medium information acquisition step for acquiring transfer receiving medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer receiving medium, and a transfer condition determination step for determining the transfer conditions based on the transfer receiving medium information, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer receiving medium in the transfer process, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material of the transfer medium, and the transfer receiving medium is a cloth medium, and in the transfer receiving medium information acquisition step, at least fabric texture information, which indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the cloth intersect, is acquired as the transfer receiving medium information, and in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on the fabric texture information.

[0008] For textile receiving media, determining transfer conditions based on fabric texture information allows for easy and appropriate determination of transfer conditions tailored to the receiving medium. This also allows for a variety of textile media to be used as the receiving medium. Furthermore, by using a transfer medium having the transfer layer and base layer described above, an image can be appropriately transferred from the transfer medium to the receiving medium without having to adhere rubber or the like to the receiving medium, as is the case when transferring using a rubber transfer method. Therefore, this configuration also prevents damage to the texture of the receiving medium. This also allows for more appropriate image transfer to textile receiving media.

[0009] In this configuration, a paper layer can be used as the base layer of the transfer medium. This configuration allows for easier and more accurate peeling of the base layer, even in cases where the transfer medium is heated during transfer and then the base layer is peeled off before the temperature of the transfer medium drops below room temperature. Furthermore, using a paper layer as the base layer can prevent the surface of the transferred image from becoming excessively smooth, compared to cases where a resin film is used as the base layer. This allows for a more natural appearance of the transferred image. In this configuration, the transfer process includes at least a pressure-bonding process and a peeling process. In the pressure-bonding process, heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium and the transfer medium while they are stacked, thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer of the transfer medium to the transfer medium. In addition, in the peeling process, the base layer is peeled off from the transfer medium that is stacked on the transfer medium. The pressure-bonding process is performed by applying sufficient pressure after heating to a relatively high temperature. Therefore, the conditions for the pressure-bonding process are relatively unlikely to vary depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. On the other hand, the ease of peeling the base layer varies depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. Furthermore, the ease of peeling the base layer is easily affected by the fabric texture. Therefore, in the peeling process, it is preferable to peel the base layer under conditions that match the fabric texture. Therefore, in the transfer condition determination stage, it is preferable to determine the peeling conditions based on fabric texture information. The peeling conditions are conditions under which the base layer is peeled from the transfer medium in the peeling process. Peeling the base layer from the transfer medium means peeling the base layer while the transfer medium and the transfer medium are overlapping. This configuration allows the peeling conditions to be appropriately determined in accordance with the fabric used as the transfer medium. Furthermore, this allows the peeling process to be more appropriately performed in accordance with the fabric used as the transfer medium.

[0010] Furthermore, in the peeling process, it is possible to peel the base layer while adjusting the tension applied to the base layer to be peeled. In this case, in the transfer condition determination stage, the tension applied to the base layer during peeling is determined as a peeling condition based on fabric texture information. With this configuration, the base layer can be more appropriately peeled from the transfer medium in the peeling process. Regarding the method of peeling the base layer, in the peeling process, the base layer may be peeled from the transfer medium by, for example, winding at least one of the transfer medium and the base layer around a roller. In this case, in the transfer condition determination stage, the winding speed of the roller is determined as a peeling condition based on fabric texture information. Furthermore, when such a roller is used in the peeling process, in the transfer condition determination stage, the diameter of the roller used in the peeling process may be determined as a peeling condition based on fabric texture information.

[0011] In this configuration, the base layer may be peeled off from the transfer medium in the peeling step before the temperature of the transfer medium heated in the pressure-bonding step drops to room temperature or below. This configuration allows the peeling step to be performed in a shorter time after the pressure-bonding step. Furthermore, by performing the peeling step before the temperature of the transfer medium drops, the base layer can be peeled off more easily and appropriately. In this case, the temperature at which the base layer is easily peeled varies depending on the weave of the fabric used as the transfer medium. Therefore, in the transfer condition determination step, the temperature of the transfer medium at the time of peeling the base layer may be determined based on fabric weave information as the peeling condition. In this configuration, to perform transfer more appropriately, it is preferable to determine the conditions of the pressure-bonding step in accordance with the transfer medium. Therefore, in the transfer condition determination step, the conditions of the pressure-bonding step may further be determined based on fabric weave information. The conditions of the pressure-bonding step may include at least one of the temperature, pressure, and duration of pressure during transfer.

[0012] As described above, the conditions for the pressing step are relatively unlikely to differ depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. Therefore, it is possible to determine a combination of conditions for the pressing step and the peeling step such that the conditions for the pressing step are the same but the conditions for the peeling step are different. For example, in the transfer condition determination step, assuming that there are first, second, and third fabric texture information that are different from each other, it is possible to determine the same first pressing conditions for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information, determine different pressing conditions for the third fabric texture information, and determine different peeling conditions for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information.

[0013] Furthermore, in the transfer medium information acquisition stage, information other than fabric texture information may be acquired as transfer medium information. For example, material information indicating the material of the fabric may be acquired. In this case, in the transfer condition determination stage, transfer conditions are determined based on the material information. This configuration allows for more appropriate determination of transfer conditions tailored to the transfer medium. In this case, the material information indicates, for example, the type of raw thread that constitutes the fabric as the material of the fabric. Furthermore, the material information may indicate, for the raw thread, the thread thickness and thread density, etc., as the material of the fabric. Furthermore, as a configuration of the present invention, a transfer condition determination device, program, and printing system configuration having the same characteristics as those described above may also be considered. In this case, the transfer condition determination device may be a computer or the like that operates according to a predetermined program. In these cases, the same effects as those described above can also be obtained.

[0014] The inventors of the present application have also conducted extensive research into transfer printing methods that allow for more appropriate use of various materials as receiving media. They have confirmed that by printing on a known transfer medium using ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment, and then transferring the image onto a fabric receiving medium, it is possible to use various materials as receiving media while minimizing deterioration in the texture of the receiving medium. However, the types of fabrics that can be used as fabric receiving media are extremely diverse. Furthermore, when using various fabric receiving media, the preferred transfer conditions for the transfer process may differ depending on the type of fabric. Furthermore, the preferred transfer conditions may also vary depending on the desired quality of the resulting product.

[0015] In response to this, the inventors of the present application conducted various experiments and confirmed preferable transfer conditions according to the type of fabric, the desired quality, etc. Furthermore, through extensive research based on the experimental results, the inventors of the present application discovered that by determining the transfer conditions based on the type of fabric, the desired quality, etc., it is possible to appropriately transfer images to various types of fabric as transfer media. Furthermore, through further extensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered the characteristics necessary to achieve such effects, and arrived at the present invention.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the method comprising a transfer condition determination step for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for the transfer process for transferring the image, and a transfer execution step for executing the transfer process under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layer of resin at least part of which is transferred to the receiving medium when the image is transferred to the receiving medium, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and the type of cloth used as the receiving medium, and the transfer quality conditions are selected from a plurality of preset conditions.

[0017] By using a transfer medium having a transfer layer, at least a portion of which is transferred to the receiving medium during image transfer, it is possible to appropriately transfer images to receiving media made of various fabrics. Furthermore, compared to, for example, when a rubber sheet is attached to the receiving medium during iron transfer, deterioration in the texture of the receiving medium after transfer can be appropriately suppressed. Furthermore, by determining transfer conditions based on transfer quality conditions and the type of fabric during the transfer condition determination stage, it is possible to transfer images with the desired quality to receiving media made of various fabrics. This also allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium to the receiving medium during the transfer execution stage. Known transfer media having a transfer layer and a base layer can be suitably used as the transfer medium for this transfer method. For example, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper available from Neenah Coldenhove, can be suitably used. This configuration allows for appropriate image transfer to receiving media made of various fabrics.

[0018] Furthermore, in the transfer condition determination step, it is conceivable to use at least predetermined standard conditions, namely, reference quality conditions and high color development conditions, as the multiple conditions. High color development conditions are conditions that enhance color development compared to the reference quality conditions. Transfer conditions corresponding to the reference quality conditions and high color development conditions are referred to as reference transfer conditions and high color development transfer conditions. The reference transfer conditions are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under the reference quality conditions. The high color development transfer conditions are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under the high color development conditions. In this case, it is conceivable to determine the transfer conditions so that the high color development transfer conditions are either high-temperature, short-time conditions or low-temperature, long-time conditions compared to the reference transfer conditions. The transfer conditions may be conditions that specify at least the heating temperature and the pressure application time. The heating temperature is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer. The pressure application time is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer. Furthermore, the high-temperature, short-time conditions are conditions in which the heating temperature is higher and the pressure application time is shorter than the reference transfer conditions. The low-temperature, long-time conditions are conditions in which the heating temperature is lower and the pressure application time is longer than the reference transfer conditions. By configuring in this way, it is possible to appropriately determine high color development transfer conditions that can achieve transfer with high color development.

[0019] Furthermore, when the transfer medium is a first type of cloth, the transfer condition determination step determines transfer conditions that are high-temperature, short-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. When the transfer medium is a second type of cloth different from the first type of cloth, the transfer condition determination step determines transfer conditions that are low-temperature, long-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high-color transfer conditions to be appropriately determined according to the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. Examples of different types of cloth include cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth. In this case, if the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer condition determination step determines transfer conditions that are high-temperature, short-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. If the transfer medium is a synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer condition determination step determines transfer conditions that are low-temperature, long-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high-color transfer conditions to be appropriately determined for cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0020] More specifically, when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the heating temperature of the reference transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is, for example, a first temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C. The pressure application time of this reference transfer condition is, for example, a first pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the heating temperature of the high color development transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is higher than the first temperature. The pressure application time of this high color development transfer condition is shorter than the first pressure application time. When the transfer medium is the above-mentioned synthetic fiber cloth, the heating temperature of the reference transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is, for example, a second temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C. The pressure application time of this reference transfer condition is, for example, a second pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is this synthetic fiber cloth, the heating temperature of the high color development transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is lower than the second temperature. Furthermore, the pressurizing time under the high color development transfer condition is longer than the second pressurizing time. By configuring in this way, the standard transfer condition and the high color development transfer condition can be appropriately determined for cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0021] Furthermore, in the transfer condition determination stage, the weave of the fabric may be taken into consideration with regard to the type of fabric. The weave of the fabric refers to the way the threads that make up the fabric intersect. In the transfer condition determination stage, the type of fabric may be considered, for example, the material and weave of the fabric. For example, cotton canvas and cotton broadcloth, which are both made of cotton, have different weaves. If the fabric used as the transfer medium is made of cotton, in the transfer condition determination stage, it is possible to set different standard quality conditions for when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth and when the transfer medium is cotton canvas. In this case, it is possible to set the standard quality conditions for when the transfer medium is cotton canvas as transfer conditions with a higher heating temperature than the standard quality conditions for when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth.

[0022] The features of the present invention can also be considered by focusing on the transfer medium used, specific transfer conditions, etc. In this case, the present invention is a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium such as cloth, the method comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium, and in the transfer execution step, Neenah is used as the transfer medium. The method uses Texcol pigment transfer paper from Coldenhove, and varies the transfer conditions for transferring the image during the transfer execution step depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. The transfer conditions specify at least the heating temperature (temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer) and the pressure time (time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer). For cotton cloth, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. For synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. This configuration allows for proper image transfer from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, whether the transfer medium is cotton cloth or one of the synthetic fiber cloths. In this case, the heating temperature for the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is the above-mentioned synthetic fiber cloth can be set to a lower temperature than the heating temperature for the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth. By configuring in this way, the image can be transferred more appropriately from the transfer medium to the transfer medium.

[0023] The features of the present invention can also be considered by focusing on the transfer conditions when using a specific transfer medium and a specific receiver medium. In this case, the present invention can be considered to be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiver medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiver medium, wherein the transfer execution step uses Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for applying pressure to the transfer medium during transfer. When the receiver medium is cotton fabric, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. This configuration allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium to the receiver medium.

[0024] As an example, when the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. In this case, it is possible to vary the transfer conditions depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. It is possible to vary at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton canvas from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is at least either cotton broadcloth or cotton knit.

[0025] As mentioned above, it is also possible to use synthetic fiber cloth, etc., in addition to cotton cloth, as the transfer medium. In this case, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth may be different from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth. For example, when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is polyester pongee, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is nylon oxford, the transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0026] It is also possible to use a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers as the transfer medium. In this case, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers may be different from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is a cotton fabric. As an example, when the transfer medium is a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds. When the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0027] The present invention also provides a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the method comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein the transfer medium in the transfer execution step is Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is a synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions can be considered to be characterized in that the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. The present invention also provides a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium such as cloth, the method comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure application time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the transfer medium is a blend of cotton and synthetic fiber, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0028] The features of the present invention can also be considered by focusing on the relationship between the fabric weave and the transfer conditions. In this case, the present invention can be considered to be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a fabric receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein the transfer execution step uses Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is woven fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. As an example, when the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain weave cotton fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain weave synthetic fiber fabric whose main component is polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain weave cotton and synthetic fiber blend fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. It is also possible to use knitted fabric as the transfer medium.In this case, the present invention can be considered to be a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is knitted cloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds.

[0029] It is also possible to consider that the transfer conditions may be varied depending on the quality, etc., required for the transfer product. In this case, the present invention can be considered to be a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure application time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and at least one of the heating temperature and the pressure application time is varied between reference transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions, and high color development conditions, which are transfer conditions that enhance color development compared to the reference transfer conditions.

[0030] For example, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds, and when the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 160 to 180°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a cotton knit, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is a cotton knit, the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 160 to 180°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a polyester pongee, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and when the high color development conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 170°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and the high color development conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 180°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds.When the transfer medium is TC broad, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and when the high color development conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 170°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds, and when the high color development conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a knitted fabric, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and the high color development conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0031] The transfer conditions can also be considered in terms of the time required for transfer, etc. In this case, the present invention can be considered to be a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is a temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure application time, which is a time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and the transfer conditions are characterized in that at least the pressure application time is different between reference transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions, and short-time conditions, which are transfer conditions in which the pressure application time is shorter than that of the reference transfer conditions.

[0032] As an example, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 30 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 180 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, while the short-term conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, while the short-term conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds, while the short-term conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is polyester sponge, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 160°C and a pressure application time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds.

[0033] With the above configuration, it is possible to properly transfer images onto various types of fabric as a transfer medium. Furthermore, the present invention can be configured in a transfer device having the same characteristics as described above. In this case, the same effects as described above can also be obtained.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately transfer an image onto a transfer medium such as fabric. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image onto a transfer medium such as various fabrics.

[0035] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a printing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing operation performed in the printing system 10. A diagram illustrating in more detail the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation. FIG. 2A shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. FIG. 2B shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer recipient medium 60 overlap during the pressing process. FIG. 2C shows an example of the state of the transfer recipient medium 60 after the peeling process. FIG. 2D shows an example of a more specific configuration of the peeling unit 16. A diagram illustrating examples of preferred pressing conditions for the transfer recipient medium 60 made of various fabrics. A diagram illustrating examples of preferred pressing conditions for the transfer recipient medium 60 made of various fabrics. A diagram illustrating examples of items to be received from a user regarding transfer recipient medium information. A diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transfer and peeling device 22. A diagram illustrating a printing system 10 that executes a transfer method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 7(b) is a flowchart showing an example of a printing operation executed in the printing system 10. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram explaining in more detail the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 8(b) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. FIG. 8(b) shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer recipient medium 60 overlap when the pressure bonding process is performed. FIG. 8(c) shows an example of the state of the transfer recipient medium 60 after the peeling process has been performed. A diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example. A diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example. A diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example.

[0036] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Except as described below, the printing system 10 of this example and its components may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their components. The printing system 10 of this example is a system that performs transfer printing, in which an image is transferred from a transfer medium to a transfer medium, and includes a printing unit 12, a transfer unit 14, a peeling unit 16, and a control unit 18.

[0037] The printing unit 12 is configured to perform a printing process of printing an image on a transfer medium. A known printing device can be suitably used as the printing unit 12. The printing unit 12 in this example is an inkjet printer that performs printing using an inkjet method. It has multiple inkjet heads and performs color printing on the transfer medium by ejecting multiple colors of ink from the multiple inkjet heads. For example, pigment ink containing a pigment as a colorant is used as the ink for the printing unit 12. The printing unit 12 in this example uses aqueous ink containing an aqueous pigment. The aqueous pigment ink is an example of a textile pigment ink. The printing unit 12 in this example also uses at least yellow (Y color), magenta (M color), cyan (C color), and black (K color) ink as the multiple colors of ink. The printing unit 12 also uses a transfer medium having a base layer that serves as the substrate of the transfer medium, a transfer layer that is a layered portion at least partially transferred to the transfer medium during the transfer process, and a release layer formed between the base layer and the transfer layer. The transfer step is a step of transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium. The characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 12 will be described in more detail later.

[0038] The transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 are configured to perform the transfer process. The transfer process in this example includes a pressure-bonding process and a peeling process. The transfer unit 14 performs the pressure-bonding process. The peeling unit 16 performs the peeling process. In the pressure-bonding process, the transfer unit 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium while they are stacked together, thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer on the transfer medium to the transfer recipient medium. The transfer unit 14 heats the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium to a set temperature of approximately 190°C (approximately 160 to 210°C). A known transfer device can be suitably used as the transfer unit 14. In addition, in the peeling process, the peeling unit 16 peels off the base layer from the transfer medium that is stacked on the transfer recipient medium. The configuration of the peeling unit 16 will be described in more detail later.

[0039] The control unit 18 is configured to control the operation of each unit of the printing system 10. A computer or the like that executes a program for controlling the operation of each unit of the printing system 10 can be suitably used as the control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the operation of the printing unit 12 by supplying print data indicating the image to be printed to the printing unit 12. The control unit 18 in this example also determines transfer conditions, which are the conditions for the transfer process to be performed in the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16. The control unit 18 then controls the operation of the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 based on the determined transfer conditions. The printing system 10 in this example uses various types of fabric (textiles) as the transfer medium. The control unit 18 then determines the transfer conditions in accordance with the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium. The control unit 18 determines at least the peeling conditions, which are the conditions for the peeling process, as the transfer conditions. It is preferable that the control unit 18 also determine the pressure-bonding conditions, which are the conditions for the pressure-bonding process, as the transfer conditions. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately determine transfer conditions in accordance with the characteristics of the fabric when using various types of transfer medium. This also allows the image to be transferred more appropriately from the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium.

[0040] Next, the printing operation performed by the printing system 10 will be described in more detail. FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing operation performed by the printing system 10. As described above, the printing system 10 of this example uses various types of fabric as the transfer medium. Before performing the transfer process in the printing system 10, the control unit 18 acquires transfer medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer medium (S102). The operation of step S102 in this example is an example of an operation in the transfer medium information acquisition stage. The transfer medium information can also be considered to be information indicating the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium. The control unit 18 of this example acquires the transfer medium information by accepting information input from the user. Examples of information used as the transfer medium information will be described in more detail later. The control unit 18 of this example also determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer medium information acquired in step S102 (S104). The operation of step S104 in this example is an example of an operation in the transfer condition determination stage. The operation of determining the transfer conditions in the control unit 18 will also be described in more detail later. After determining the transfer conditions in step S104, the control unit 18 supplies print data to the printing unit 12, causing the printing unit 12 to print an image on the transfer medium (S106). The operation of step S106 in this example is an example of a printing stage operation in which a printing process is performed. In a modified example of the operation of the printing system 10, the operation corresponding to step S106 in this example may be performed before the operation corresponding to step S102. After causing the printing unit 12 to print an image on the transfer medium in step S106, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 to perform a transfer process based on the transfer conditions determined in step S104 (S108). The operation of step S108 in this example is an example of a transfer stage operation in which a transfer process is performed. In the operation of step S108, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 to perform a pressure bonding process (S202), and then causes the peeling unit 16 to perform a peeling process (S204).

[0041] In a modified configuration of the printing system 10, the printing system 10 may further include components other than those described above. In addition, the printing unit 12, transfer unit 14, peeling unit 16, and control unit 18 of the printing system 10 in this example are individual devices. Individual devices are devices for each individual function. In contrast, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, it is also possible to use a single device that corresponds to multiple devices among the printing unit 12, transfer unit 14, peeling unit 16, and control unit 18. For example, it is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 12 and transfer unit 14. It is also possible to configure the transfer unit 14 to also function as the peeling unit 16. It is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 12, transfer unit 14, and peeling unit 16. It is also possible for one of the other devices to also function as the control unit 18.

[0042] Next, the characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram further illustrating the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 2( a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. As described above, the transfer medium 50 of this example has a base layer 52, a transfer layer 54, and a release layer 56. By using a transfer medium 50 with this configuration, an image can be properly transferred from the transfer medium 50 to a transfer medium without attaching rubber or the like to the transfer medium, as is the case with rubber transfer methods. Furthermore, when using a transfer medium such as cloth, this allows for more appropriate image transfer while preventing damage to the texture of the transfer medium. The base layer 52 of this example is a paper layer. Here, "paper layer" means that at least a portion of the base layer 52 in its thickness direction is made of paper. For example, a base layer 52 whose interface on the transfer layer 54 side is made of paper is conceivable. Alternatively, the base layer 52 can be considered to be substantially a paper layer, such as, for example, a layer of cellulose (wood fiber).

[0043] Here, if a resin film layer is used as the base layer 52, for example, the interface of the base layer 52 on the transfer layer 54 side is smoother, which tends to increase the surface smoothness of the transferred image. In contrast, using a paper base layer 52 as in this example can appropriately prevent the surface of the transferred image from becoming excessively smooth, compared to using a resin film base layer, etc. This also allows the transferred image to have a more natural texture. However, when a paper base layer 52 is used, the interface of the base layer 52 on the transfer layer 54 side is rougher than that of a resin film, etc., which may make it difficult to peel the base layer 52 from the transfer layer 54. Furthermore, the paper base layer 52 does not substantially stretch during the peeling process. In contrast, a cloth transfer medium typically stretches due to the force applied during the peeling process. Furthermore, when using multiple types of cloth transfer mediums, as in this example, differences in stretchability between the types of transfer medium are likely to result in differences in peelability from the substantially inelastic base layer 52. Therefore, when using a paper base layer 52, it is important to set conditions for how to peel off the base layer 52 when the peeling process is performed by the peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1). In contrast, in this example, as will be described in detail later, by determining at least the conditions for the peeling process in the control unit 18 (see FIG. 1), the peeling process can be performed more appropriately even when a paper base layer 52 is used.

[0044] The transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 is a layer that separates from the base layer 52 and adheres to the transfer medium during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can also be considered a layer that receives ink ejected from the printing unit 12 (see FIG. 1 ) and transfers to the transfer medium along with the ink during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can be, for example, a resin layer. As described above, the printing unit 12 of this example prints on the transfer medium 50 using ink containing an aqueous pigment. That is, the transfer layer 54 can be considered a layer that can print an image using ink containing an aqueous pigment and that can be peeled off from the base layer 52 during transfer. Alternatively, the transfer layer 54 can be considered an ink-receiving layer that peels off from the base layer 52. As described above, the transfer medium 50 of this example has a release layer 56 between the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. The release layer 56 is a layer that separates the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54 during the peeling process. It is preferable to use a layer that exhibits enhanced peelability due to the heat applied during the pressure-bonding process as the release layer 56. The release layer 56 in this example is a layer of a meltable material. Suitable materials for the release layer 56 include silicone-based materials and various wax-based materials. Furthermore, the release layer 56 in this example is thinner than the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. Therefore, in practice, the release layer 56 can be considered to essentially disappear after the peeling process is performed. The base layer 52, transfer layer 54, and release layer 56 can be preferably layers having the same or similar characteristics as the base layer, transfer layer, and release layer in known transfer media for pigment transfer. The transfer medium 50 in this example is a known transfer medium capable of printing and transferring an image to a transfer medium using an ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment (pigment ink).

[0045] As described above, the transfer unit 14 (see FIG. 1 ) of this example performs a pressure bonding process in which heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium 50 while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped in the transfer unit 14 so that the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are in contact with each other. FIG. 2B shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped during the pressure bonding process. By performing the pressure bonding process in this state, the transfer unit 14 adheres at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 to the transfer receiver medium 60. After the pressure bonding process is performed in the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16 performs a peeling process, peeling the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50. Peeling the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50 means peeling the base layer 52 while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped. As shown in FIG. 2( c), at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 remains on the transfer medium 60 after the peeling process. FIG. 2( c) shows an example of the state of the transfer medium 60 after the peeling process. Furthermore, as described above, in practice, the peeling layer 56 essentially disappears after the peeling process. At this time, the peeling layer 56 remains attached to either the base layer 52 or the transfer layer 54. Alternatively, a portion of the layer may adhere to the base layer 52, and the remaining portion may adhere to the transfer layer 54. As described above, a resin layer is used for the transfer layer 54 in this example. Therefore, some change in texture may occur due to the resin constituting the transfer layer 54 adhering to the transfer medium 60 after transfer. However, even in this case, the change in texture can be sufficiently suppressed compared to the change in texture caused by the adhesion of a rubber sheet during iron transfer. Therefore, according to this example, an image can be transferred from one transfer medium 50 to another while suppressing deterioration in the texture of the transfer medium 60. Furthermore, in the peeling step of this example, it is important to peel off the base layer 52 while appropriately leaving the transfer layer 54 on the transfer medium 60. In response to this, the peeling unit 16 of this example performs the peeling step using the configuration shown in FIG.

[0046] FIG. 2D shows an example of a more specific configuration of the peeling unit 16. The peeling unit 16 in this example includes multiple rollers 102, 104, 106, and 108, and a tension applying unit 110. The rollers 102 and 104 are rollers for transporting the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 before the base layer 52 is peeled off. The rollers 102 and 104 rotate in a predetermined direction with the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 sandwiched between them, thereby transporting the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. In this case, one of the rollers 102 and 104 may be a roller (transport roller) that rotates in response to the driving force of a motor. The other of the rollers 102 and 104 may be a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the other roller. The rollers 102 and 104 in this example define the position on the transport path of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 where the base layer 52 is peeled off. For example, as shown in the drawing, the peeling unit 16 peels off the base layer 52 at a position immediately after the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 have passed through the rollers 102 and 104 .

[0047] In this example, roller 106 is a roller (winding roller) for winding up the base layer 52, and winds up the base layer 52 downstream of rollers 102 and 104 in the transport direction of the base layer 52. Roller 108 is a roller (winding roller) for winding up the transfer medium 60, and winds up the transfer medium 60 downstream of rollers 102 and 104 in the transport direction of the transfer medium 60. Roller 108 winds up the transfer medium 60 downstream of the position where the base layer 52 is peeled off, thereby winding up the transfer medium 60 to which the transfer layer 54 is attached. In this example, rollers 106 and 108 are arranged in different directions relative to rollers 102 and 104, for example, as shown in the figure, thereby guiding the base layer 52 and transfer medium 60 in different directions. With this configuration, the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60 can be properly wound up while the base layer 52 is properly peeled off from the transfer medium 50 overlapping the transfer medium 60 .

[0048] In this example, the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60 are wound up while tension is applied to at least one of the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60 by the tension applying unit 110. The tension applying unit 110 applies tension to at least one of the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60, the tension being determined by the control unit 18 as at least part of the peeling conditions. In response to control by the control unit 18, the tension applying unit 110 applies tension to at least one of the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60, the tension being tailored to the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. In this example, the tension applying unit 110 applies tension to the base layer 52 after it has passed the positions of the rollers 102 and 104, thereby applying a force to the base layer 52 in a direction away from the transfer medium 60. This configuration allows the base layer 52 to be peeled while adjusting the tension applied to the base layer 52 being peeled. This allows the base layer 52 to be peeled more appropriately.

[0049] As described above, the control unit 18 in this example acquires transfer medium information indicating the characteristics of the transfer medium and determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer medium information. Among the steps included in the transfer process, the pressure-bonding process can be performed by applying sufficient pressure while heating the transfer medium to a relatively high temperature. Therefore, the pressure-bonding conditions for the pressure-bonding process are relatively unlikely to vary depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium 60. In contrast, in the peeling process, it is important to peel the base layer 52 while leaving the transfer layer 54 appropriately on the transfer medium 60. The ease of peeling the base layer 52 in the peeling process is likely to vary depending on the elasticity of the transfer medium 60 and the manner in which the transfer layer 54 adheres to the transfer medium 60. In other words, the ease of peeling the base layer 52 is likely to vary depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium 60. Therefore, the control unit 18 in this example determines, as transfer conditions, at least the peeling conditions for the peeling process based on the transfer medium information.

[0050] The inventors of the present application have noticed that the manner in which the transfer layer 54 adheres to the transfer medium 60 is easily affected by the weave of the fabric, which is the way the threads constituting the fabric intersect. Fabric weave refers to the characteristics of the fabric, which are determined by the weaving or knitting method of the fabric. For example, it refers to whether the fabric is woven or knitted, the weaving method of the fabric in the case of woven fabric, and the knitting method of the fabric in the case of knitted fabric. Woven fabric is fabric in which warp threads (vertical threads) and weft threads (horizontal threads) intersect to form a weave. Knitted fabric is fabric formed by knots made with threads corresponding to the weft threads. Knitted fabric can also be considered as fabric in which the weave is formed by yarn loops. The weave of a fabric refers to the way the warp threads and weft threads intersect, such as plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. The knitting method of a fabric refers to the way the threads intersect, such as plain weave (plain knit, melias knit), rib knit (rib knit, rib knit), and purl knit.

[0051] In the operation of step S102 in FIG. 1B , the control unit 18 acquires at least fabric texture information indicating the texture of the fabric as the transfer medium information. Then, in the operation of step S104, the control unit 18 determines peeling conditions based on the fabric texture information as at least a part of the transfer conditions. With this configuration, the peeling conditions can be appropriately determined in accordance with the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. This also makes it possible to more appropriately execute the peeling process in accordance with the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. Furthermore, the control unit 18 in this example determines at least the tension to be applied to the base layer 52 by the tension applying unit 110 as the peeling condition based on the fabric texture information. This makes it possible to more appropriately peel the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50 in the peeling process.

[0052] The control unit 18 may also determine, as a peeling condition, conditions other than the tension applied to the base layer 52 based on the fabric texture information. For example, when the base layer 52 is peeled from the transfer medium 50 by winding at least one of the transfer medium 60 and the base layer 52 around rollers, as in the peeling unit 16 of this example, the control unit 18 may determine, as a peeling condition, the winding speed of the rollers based on the fabric texture information. For example, when the peeling unit 16 configured as shown in FIG. 2D is used, the control unit 18 determines the winding speed of at least one of the rollers 106 and 108 based on the fabric texture information. The control unit 18 may also determine the winding speed of both the rollers 106 and 108. In a modified configuration of the peeling unit 16, it is also possible to wind only one of the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60 around a roller. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the winding speed of this roller based on the fabric texture information. It is also possible to make the rollers 106 and 108 of the peeling unit 16 replaceable. In this case, by changing one of the rollers 106, 108, etc. used in the peeling process to a roller with a different diameter, it is possible to change the way force is applied to the base layer 52, etc. when peeling the base layer 52. In this case, the control unit 18 may determine the diameter of the roller to be used in the peeling process based on the fabric structure information as a peeling condition. Then, before performing the peeling process, at least some of the rollers in the peeling unit 16 are replaced so that rollers with the diameter specified by the peeling condition are used.

[0053] As described above, the transfer unit 14 in this example performs the pressure bonding process while heating the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60. Then, in the peeling process, the peeling unit 16 performs the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium 50, etc., heated in the pressure bonding process, drops below room temperature. This configuration allows the peeling process to be performed in a shorter time after the pressure bonding process. Furthermore, performing the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium 50 drops allows the base layer 52 to be peeled more easily and appropriately. The temperature at which the base layer 52 can be easily peeled may vary depending on the weave of the fabric used as the transfer receiver medium 60. Therefore, the control unit 18 may determine the temperature of the transfer medium 50 when the base layer 52 is peeled based on fabric weave information as a peeling condition. The temperature of the transfer medium 50 when the base layer 52 is peeled can also be considered the temperature of the transfer medium 50 to be maintained during peeling. In this case, the peeling unit 16 performs the peeling process while adjusting the temperature based on the temperature specified in the peeling conditions.

[0054] As described above, among the transfer conditions in this example, the pressure-bonding conditions are considered to be relatively unlikely to vary depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium 60. However, for example, when attempting to achieve higher quality transfer, it is preferable to determine the pressure-bonding conditions in accordance with the transfer medium 60. For example, if it is desired to more reliably transfer areas filled with a specific color, it is preferable to perform transfer at a higher temperature. However, if the temperature during transfer is increased, the amount of resin transferred to the transfer medium 60 along with the ink in the transfer layer 54 may increase or the adhesion may become stronger, which may have a significant impact on the texture of the transfer medium 60. In other words, the preferred pressure-bonding conditions for more appropriately achieving transfer with the desired quality vary depending on the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. Therefore, the control unit 18 in this example further determines the pressure-bonding conditions based on transfer medium information, such as fabric texture information. In this case, the control unit 18 determines at least one of the temperature, pressure, and duration of pressure during transfer as the pressure-bonding conditions. This configuration allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer recipient medium 60. Furthermore, preferred transfer conditions, such as pressure-bonding conditions and peeling conditions, may vary depending on the desired transfer quality. Therefore, the control unit 18 may receive a user specification of the desired transfer quality and determine the transfer conditions based on the specified quality. For example, as described above, changing the pressure-bonding conditions may change the way the resin that transfers to the transfer recipient medium 60 along with the ink on the transfer layer 54 adheres. This may affect the color development and fastness of the transferred image. Therefore, it is possible to consider factors such as color development and fastness as transfer quality. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the pressure-bonding conditions based on transfer quality factors such as color development and fastness. Furthermore, to achieve higher quality transfer and peeling, it is preferable for the control unit 18 to determine the pressure-bonding conditions and peeling conditions based on information other than fabric texture information. For example, it is preferable for the control unit 18 to determine preferred pressure-bonding conditions for various fabrics of the transfer recipient medium 60, taking into account the factors shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of preferred pressing conditions for various cloth receiving media 60. Figure 3 shows an example of pressing conditions for normal quality transfer. Figure 4 shows an example of pressing conditions for a case where high color development and high fastness are required. The items shown in Figures 3 and 4 can also be considered transfer conditions for pigment ink. Furthermore, Figures 3 and 4 primarily illustrate that optimal pressing conditions may vary depending on the characteristics of the cloth used as the receiving medium 60. Therefore, optimal conditions for different cloth weaves are not necessarily clearly shown. Figures 3 and 4 show an example of a range of preferred pressing conditions when using cotton, cotton blends, synthetic fiber blends, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), nylon, and rayon fabrics as the receiving medium 60. Plain weave fabrics and knitted fabrics with specific weaves are used as the receiving medium 60 for these cloths, as appropriate. The thickness of the fabrics is also varied as appropriate. The diagram also shows examples of preferred ranges for the temperature range and the pressure duration, which is the time for which pressure is applied, when the pressure applied in the pressure bonding step is 3 to 6 Bar. The temperatures are set for the device (transfer device) used as the transfer unit 14. In this case, the actual temperature is thought to be about 10°C lower than the temperatures shown.

[0056] As can be seen from the items shown in Figures 3 and 4, the preferred pressing conditions may differ depending on the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. However, as described above, the conditions for the pressing step are less likely to differ depending on the fabric used as the transfer medium 60 than the conditions for the peeling step. Therefore, the pressing conditions do not necessarily have to fall within the range shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this case, predetermined standard conditions may be used without changing the pressing conditions to suit the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. When changing the pressing conditions to suit the fabric used as the transfer medium 60, the control unit 18 may determine the pressing conditions based on factors different from those used when determining the peeling step.

[0057] Next, the operation of acquiring the transfer medium information in the control unit 18 will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of items received from the user regarding the transfer medium information, and shows an example of items displayed on the screen of a computer used as the control unit 18. As described above, the control unit 18 in this example acquires transfer medium information such as fabric texture information and determines transfer conditions based on the transfer medium information. The control unit 18 may also acquire information other than fabric texture information as the transfer medium information. The control unit 18 in this example acquires various information from the user by displaying the screen shown in FIG. 5 to the user. The control unit 18 in this example displays a screen having multiple input units 202, 204, and 206, an OK button 208, and a cancel button 210, and accepts user input via the multiple input units 202, 204, and 206. Of the multiple input units 202, 204, and 206, the input units 202 and 204 are used to input characteristics of the fabric (textile) used as the transfer medium. The characteristics of the cloth can also be considered to be the properties of the material used as the transfer medium 60 .

[0058] The input unit 202 is a section for inputting objective characteristics of a fabric. Objective characteristics of a fabric are characteristics of a fabric that do not typically vary among users. The characteristics input to the input unit 202 in this example can also be considered to correspond to basic requirements of a fabric. In the illustrated example, the control unit 18 receives input from the user via the input unit 202, including the type of raw yarn constituting the fabric, the fabric weave, and other information. The control unit 18 receives information from the user specifying the type of raw yarn, such as cotton, linen, silk, synthetic fiber, or blend, from which the fabric is made. The control unit 18 also receives information from the user corresponding to the fabric weave information as the fabric weave. More specifically, the control unit 18 receives information from the user specifying, for example, the weave or knitting method of the fabric as the fabric weave. The operation of the control unit 18 to acquire information input to the input unit 202 also constitutes an operation to acquire fabric weave information. The control unit 18 also receives from the user, as other information, information specifying additional, more detailed aspects of the fabric that the user has confirmed. The control unit 18 receives from the user, for example, information specifying the thickness of the fabric and more detailed characteristics of the threads that make up the fabric as additional, more detailed aspects of the fabric. The fabric thickness input by the input unit 202 is a thickness specified by objective numerical values. More detailed characteristics of the threads include information specified by the user specifying at least one of the thread thickness, the thread twist, the thread density, and the blend ratio. By acquiring this information via the input unit 202, the control unit 18 can appropriately acquire various objective characteristics of the fabric. In this example, the user inputs each item in the input unit 202 based on the specifications of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. The user may also input objective characteristics obtained by visual inspection for at least some of the items in the input unit 202. For example, the user may visually determine the weaving or knitting method of the fabric. At least some of the information acquired by the input unit 202 in this example is material information. The material information is information that indicates the material of the cloth used as the transfer medium 60. In this example, the type of raw yarn, the thickness of the yarn, the twist of the yarn, the yarn density, and the blend ratio are examples of material information.

[0059] The input unit 204 is a section for inputting subjective characteristics related to the fabric. Subjective characteristics related to the fabric are characteristics related to aspects of the fabric that are likely to vary among users. In this example, the control unit 18 receives input from the user via the input unit 204 as subjective characteristics related to the fabric, such as input related to the texture of the transfer medium 60. The control unit 18 receives input from the user of subjective information related to the texture, such as the softness and hardness of the fabric. The texture of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60 can also be considered a characteristic that the user confirms by touching the transfer medium 60. The control unit 18 may also receive input related to the thickness of the fabric via the input unit 204. The thickness of the fabric received via the input unit 204 is a subjective thickness based on the user's sense. The control unit 18 receives input from the user regarding the impression of thickness or thinness of the fabric. By obtaining this information via the input unit 204, the control unit 18 can appropriately acquire various subjective characteristics related to the fabric. Furthermore, the control unit 18 may predict objective characteristics of the fabric based on various subjective characteristics related to the fabric acquired by the input unit 204. For example, the control unit 18 may predict the weave of the fabric based on subjective characteristics such as the texture of the fabric. In this case, the operation of the control unit 18 acquiring information input to the input unit 204 can also be considered as an operation of acquiring fabric weave information.

[0060] The input unit 206 is a section for inputting conditions (product conditions) related to the product, such as the desired transfer quality. Examples of the product conditions include conditions specifying required quality such as color development and fastness. When performing transfer that requires high color development and fastness, the control unit 18 accepts specifications of the desired product conditions from the user via the input unit 206. Conditions related to the workability of the transfer process may also be accepted as product conditions. For example, if the user desires transfer with good workability, the control unit 18 accepts such specifications from the user via the input unit 206. By accepting input of the above conditions via the input unit 206, the control unit 18 can appropriately acquire the transfer conditions desired by the user. Furthermore, among the screen configurations shown in the figure, the OK button 208 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user indicating that information input is complete. The cancel button 210 is a button for accepting an instruction from the user indicating that information input is complete. By using the screen of the illustrated configuration, the control unit 18 can appropriately acquire information about the transfer medium, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 18 of this example acquires this information in the operation of step S102 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 1B. Then, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on this information in the operation of step S104 in this flowchart. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the transfer conditions suited to the transfer medium. Furthermore, this allows the image to be appropriately transferred from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60 in the transfer process.

[0061] Here, the control unit 18 of this example may accept user input for only some of the items in the input units 202 to 206. The user may also input only some of the various items described above. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer medium information and product conditions corresponding to the items input by the user. This configuration allows the control unit 18 to determine the transfer conditions even if the user does not understand all the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. As described above, the control unit 18 of this example determines the pressure-bonding and peeling conditions as the transfer conditions. The control unit 18 determines the pressure-bonding and peeling conditions using a database or the like prepared in advance. This database may, for example, be a database storing data based on actual measurements obtained in advance through experiments or the like. In this case, the control unit 18 calculates the transfer conditions for a transfer medium 60 made of fabric having characteristics identical to or similar to those of the fabric (actually measured fabric) measured in the experiments or the like used to create the database, based on the corresponding actual measurements. In this case, it is preferable to appropriately update the contents of the database by feeding back the results of transfer performed under the determined transfer conditions to the database. This configuration allows the control unit 18 to more appropriately determine the transfer conditions. As described above, the control unit 18 in this example acquires the transfer medium information by accepting user input regarding various information. In contrast, in a modified configuration and operation of the printing system 10, the control unit 18 may acquire at least a portion of the transfer medium information by a method other than user input. For example, the control unit 18 may acquire at least a portion of the transfer medium information by acquiring information from the transfer medium 60 using a camera, sensor, or the like. This configuration allows for the acquisition of a wider variety of transfer medium information.

[0062] Next, supplementary explanations will be provided regarding the matters explained so far. As described above, in this example, various types of fabrics can be used as the transfer medium 60. Even fabrics made of the same material (e.g., cotton) can differ in terms of thread thickness, twist, weave, knitting, or blend ratio. Preferred transfer conditions vary depending on the characteristics of the fabric. In response to this, the control unit 18 in this example determines the transfer conditions based on transfer medium information, etc., that indicates the characteristics of the fabric used as the transfer medium 50. Therefore, this example makes it possible to appropriately determine transfer conditions tailored to each transfer medium 60, even for transfer mediums 60 made of various types of fabric. This also makes it possible to use various types of fabric as the transfer medium 60. Furthermore, even if the user does not have all the information about the fabric, the transfer conditions can be determined based on information that can be confirmed by touch or visual inspection. More specifically, the control unit 18 in this example can determine the transfer conditions based on subjective characteristics of the fabric. For example, even if the material of the cloth used as the transfer medium 60 is unknown, the control unit 18 can determine the transfer conditions based on information that the user can confirm by visual inspection, touch, etc. In other words, in this example, even if the user does not have much knowledge about the cloth used as the transfer medium 60, the control unit 18 can determine transfer conditions that are somewhat narrowed down to suit the transfer medium 60 based on information that the user can confirm by themselves. This improves the usability of the printing system 10.

[0063] Furthermore, with regard to transfer conditions, the ease of peeling of the base layer 52 during the peeling process performed during the transfer process is easily affected by the elasticity of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. The elasticity of the fabric is also easily affected by the weave of the fabric. For example, when a fabric with a dense weave is used, the fabric has lower elasticity, which generally makes peeling of the base layer 52 easier than when a fabric with a coarse weave and high elasticity is used. Furthermore, the ease of peeling of the base layer 52 during the peeling process is also affected by how the transfer layer 54 adheres to the transfer medium 60 during the pressure-bonding process performed before the peeling process. The adhesion of the transfer layer 54 to the transfer medium 60 is affected by the surface irregularities and density of the transfer medium 60. The surface irregularities and density of the transfer medium 60 reflect the weave of the fabric. Therefore, it can be said that the adhesion of the transfer layer 54 to the transfer medium 60 is also easily affected by the weave of the fabric.

[0064] In contrast, the control unit 18 in this embodiment determines the peeling conditions based on the fabric texture information. This configuration allows for appropriate determination of peeling conditions tailored to the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. Here, even if the peeling conditions are determined based solely on the fabric texture information without considering the material of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60, it is still possible to determine the peeling conditions tailored to the fabric. However, to determine the peeling conditions with greater accuracy, it is preferable to determine the peeling conditions by further considering information on the fabric material. For example, the manner in which the transfer layer 54 adheres to the transfer medium 60 may be affected by the material of the thread that constitutes the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. For example, the manner in which the transfer layer 54 adheres to the transfer medium 60 may differ between the use of fuzzy threads such as cotton threads or linen threads and the use of non-fuzzy threads such as synthetic fibers or silk threads. These factors may affect the ease of peeling the base layer 52. Furthermore, the ease of peeling the base layer 52 may also be affected by the thread thickness, twist, thread density, blend ratio, etc. Therefore, the control unit 18 may determine the transfer conditions, such as the peeling conditions, based on the material information indicating the material of the cloth. In this manner, the transfer conditions can be more appropriately determined according to the cloth used as the transfer medium 60.

[0065] The control unit 18 in this example is an example of a transfer condition determination device that determines transfer conditions. The control unit 18 functions as a transfer condition determination device by executing a predetermined program. The transfer condition determination device is a device that includes a transfer medium information acquisition unit that acquires transfer medium information, a transfer condition determination unit that determines transfer conditions, etc. The transfer medium information acquisition unit and transfer condition determination unit in this example are functionally realized by at least a portion of the control unit 18 in accordance with a predetermined program. Furthermore, the operation of the control unit 18 to determine transfer conditions is also an operation to suggest transfer conditions to the user. The program that controls the operation of the control unit 18 can also be considered as software, etc. that suggests transfer conditions.

[0066] As described above, the transfer medium 50 of this example has a base layer 52, a transfer layer 54, and a release layer 56. These three layers are stacked such that the release layer 56 is sandwiched between the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. The transfer medium 50 can be considered to be composed of at least three layers including these layers. Also, as described above, a paper layer is used for the base layer 52 of this example. The base layer 52 of this example is made of a paper having a weight per square meter of 50 to 120 g (50 to 120 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, as described above, the peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1 ) of this example performs the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium 50, etc., heated in the pressure-bonding process, drops to room temperature or below. In this case, if the base layer 52 is made of resin, the heat may cause the base layer 52 to soften, expand, or contract, which may reduce the peelability of the base layer 52. In contrast, when a paper layer is used as the base layer 52, the base layer 52 becomes substantially non-expandable, allowing the base layer 52 to be more appropriately peeled off even when the peeling process is performed at a high temperature (e.g., 100°C or higher). Therefore, using a paper layer as the base layer 52 is particularly suitable for performing the peeling process when the transfer medium 50 is in a high-temperature state.

[0067] As described above, a resin layer is used as the transfer layer 54 in this example. The transfer layer 54 in this example is made of a material having a weight of 5 to 20 g per square meter (5 to 20 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated during the pressure bonding process can be suitably used as the resin for the transfer layer 54. The transfer layer 54 can be, for example, a layer primarily composed of polyethylene. Alternatively, the transfer layer 54 can be a layer made of a fiber-reactive polymer that includes a crosslinkable polymer. Examples of the fiber-reactive polymer include polymers containing isocyanate groups. The transfer layer 54 may also include other ingredients, such as a binder, a rheology modifier, a defoamer, a pigment (white), a crosslinker, and a wetting agent. Examples of the defoamer include siloxane-based substances. Examples of the binder include a combination of urethane and acrylic or styrene-acrylic.

[0068] Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a surface on which particulate matter solidifies as the printing surface of the transfer layer 54 on which the ink lands. For example, it is conceivable to use an uneven surface with fine irregularities. By configuring the printing surface in this manner, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer 54 can be more appropriately received. It is also conceivable to use a layer configured to suppress the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature, around 60°C (approximately 50-70°C). Suppressing the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature means that the wetting and spreading of ink dots is less likely to occur in a high-temperature environment than at room temperature. In this case, for example, by performing printing while heating the transfer medium 50 in the printing unit 12, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of ink bleeding.

[0069] As described above, the release layer 56 of this example can be made of, for example, a silicone-based material or various wax-based materials. The release layer 56 of this example can be made of a material having a weight of 1 to 10 g per square meter (1 to 10 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. The release layer 56 is formed between the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54, thereby preventing the ink in the transfer layer 54 from reaching the base layer 52. In this example, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer 54 remains almost entirely within the transfer layer 54. Therefore, if a large amount of ink is ejected onto the transfer layer 54, the ink exceeding the allowable amount will pile up on the surface of the transfer layer 54. In this case, almost no ink penetrates into the base layer 52. This configuration can prevent changes in the release properties of the base layer 52 due to ink penetration into the base layer 52.

[0070] As described above, a known transfer medium can be used for the transfer medium 50 of this example. For example, Texcol (registered trademark), a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, can be used. As can be understood from the above description, the printing system 10 of this example can transfer images to various types of fabric as the transfer medium 60 without pre-treatment or post-treatment using water. In other words, the transfer medium 50 can be considered as transfer paper or the like that can transfer images to a wide variety of fabrics (textiles) in one step without using water. For the transfer unit 14, a known transfer device manufactured by Klieverik Heli BV, for example, can be used.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 18 in this example determines the pressure-bonding conditions and the peeling conditions as transfer conditions. Of these conditions, the pressure-bonding conditions are less likely to vary depending on the fabric used as the transfer medium 60 than the peeling conditions. Therefore, the control unit 18 may determine conditions for the same pressure-bonding step but different peeling steps. For example, when there are different first, second, and third fabric texture information, the control unit 18 may determine the same first pressure-bonding conditions for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information, different pressure-bonding conditions for the third fabric texture information, and different peeling conditions for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information.

[0072] As described above, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, it is also possible to use a single device corresponding to multiple devices in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A. For example, it is possible to configure the transfer unit 14 to also function as the peeling unit 16. In this case, the transfer unit 14 configured to also function as the peeling unit 16 is an example of a transfer / peeling device. More specifically, when using roll-shaped transfer medium 50 and transfer receiving medium 60, it is possible to use, for example, a transfer / peeling device 22 configured as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the transfer / peeling device 22 corresponding to the transfer unit 14 configured to also function as the peeling unit 16. It is also possible to use the transfer / peeling device 22 shown in FIG. 6 instead of the transfer unit 14 and peeling unit 16 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0073] The illustrated transfer / separation device 22 includes a drum 302, an endless belt 304, and multiple rollers 306-316. The drum 302 and the endless belt 304 are configured to apply heat and pressure for the pressure bonding process. The drum 302 and the endless belt 304 contact each other with the overlapping transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 sandwiched between them, thereby applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60. The drum 302 contacts the overlapping transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 over a portion of the rotational direction, generating heat as it rotates. The drum 302 is a rotating body that generates heat while rotating. The drum 302 can also be considered to have a cylindrical configuration that generates heat. The endless belt 304 is a belt that moves along a circular path that includes a path that contacts a portion of the drum 302. As shown in the configuration, the endless belt 304 contacts a portion of the drum 302 with the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 sandwiched between them. The endless belt 304 having this configuration moves at a speed that matches the rotation speed of the drum 302. The area where the endless belt 304 and the drum 302 are in contact is the region where heating and pressure are applied in the pressing step.

[0074] Among the multiple rollers 306 to 316, rollers 306, 308, and 310 are rollers for defining the movement path of endless belt 304. Roller 306 contacts drum 302 at the upstream end position in the movement direction of endless belt 304 within the range where endless belt 304 and drum 302 are in contact, with transfer medium 50, transfer receiving medium 60, and endless belt 304 sandwiched between them. Roller 308 contacts drum 302 at the downstream end position in the movement direction of endless belt 304 within the range where endless belt 304 and drum 302 are in contact, with transfer medium 50, transfer receiving medium 60, and endless belt 304 sandwiched between them. Roller 310 contacts endless belt 304 between roller 306 and roller 308 within the range where drum 302 and endless belt 304 are not in contact. With this configuration, heating and pressure application in the pressure bonding process can be performed by the drum 302 and the endless belt 304. In this case, the position where the drum 302 and the roller 306 come into contact is the point where heating and pressure application in the pressure bonding process begins. The position where the drum 302 and the roller 308 come into contact is the separation point where the base layer 52 is separated from the overlapping portion of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60.

[0075] Among the multiple rollers 306-316, rollers 312 and 314 guide the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 so that they overlap. Roller 312 guides the transfer medium 50 toward the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. Roller 314 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 toward the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. This configuration allows the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 to be properly overlapped at the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. Roller 316 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 after it has passed the peeling point. Roller 316 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 in a direction away from roller 308. The base layer 52 continues to move along roller 308 for a while even after it has passed the peeling point. This configuration allows the base layer 52 to be properly peeled off. The drum 302 and the plurality of rollers 308, 316 are components for performing the peeling process in the transfer and peeling device 22. By using the transfer and peeling device 22 configured in this manner, when using roll-shaped transfer medium 50 and transfer receiving medium 60, the pressing process and peeling process can be performed in a single device.

[0076] Furthermore, in the transfer / peeling device 22, it is preferable to peel the base layer 52 under peeling conditions suited to the fabric used as the transfer medium 60. In this case, it is possible to determine the tension to be applied to at least one of the base layer 52 and the transfer medium 60 based on fabric texture information. In this case, the transfer / peeling device 22 further includes a tension applying unit. The tension applying unit applies tension to the transfer medium 60 or the base layer 52 after passing the peeling point based on the determined peeling conditions. As an example of the tension applying unit, it is possible to apply tension to the transfer medium 60 using a roller 316. Furthermore, when using the transfer / peeling device 22, the peeling conditions may also be determined, such as the winding speed at which the transfer medium 60 or the base layer 52 is wound up after the base layer 52 has been peeled, or the diameter of one of the rollers used in the transfer / peeling device 22.

[0077] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 110 that executes a transfer method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7( a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 110. Except for the points described below, the printing system 110 of this example and its respective components may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their respective components. The printing system 110 of this example is a system that performs transfer printing, in which an image is transferred from a transfer medium to a transfer medium, and includes a printing unit 112, a transfer unit 114, a peeling unit 116, and a control unit 118.

[0078] The printing unit 112 is configured to perform a printing process of printing an image on a transfer medium. A known printing device can be suitably used as the printing unit 112. The printing unit 112 in this example is an inkjet printer that performs printing using an inkjet method. It has multiple inkjet heads and performs color printing on the transfer medium by ejecting multiple colors of ink from the multiple inkjet heads. The ink used by the printing unit 112 is pigment ink containing a pigment as a colorant. The printing unit 112 in this example uses aqueous ink containing an aqueous pigment. The ink containing an aqueous pigment is an example of a textile pigment ink. The printing unit 112 in this example also uses at least yellow (Y color), magenta (M color), cyan (C color), and black (K color) ink as the multiple colors of ink. The printing unit 112 also uses a transfer medium that includes a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the substrate of the transfer medium; a transfer layer, which is a layered portion that is at least partially transferred to the transfer medium during the transfer process; and a release layer formed between the base layer and the transfer layer. The transfer step is a step of transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to a medium to receive the image. The characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 112 will be described in more detail later.

[0079] The transfer unit 114 and the peeling unit 116 are configured to perform the transfer process. The transfer process in this example includes a pressure-bonding process and a peeling process. The transfer unit 114 performs the pressure-bonding process. The peeling unit 116 performs the peeling process. In the pressure-bonding process, the transfer unit 114 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium in a state where they are stacked together, thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer on the transfer medium to the transfer recipient medium. A known transfer device can be suitably used as the transfer unit 114. In addition, in the peeling process, the peeling unit 116 peels off the base layer from the transfer medium that is stacked on the transfer recipient medium.

[0080] The control unit 118 controls the operation of each unit of the printing system 110. A computer or the like that executes a program for controlling the operation of each unit of the printing system 110 can be suitably used as the control unit 118. The control unit 118 controls the operation of the printing unit 112 by supplying print data indicating the image to be printed to the printing unit 112. The control unit 118 of this example also determines transfer conditions, which are the conditions for the transfer process performed in the transfer unit 114 and the peeling unit 116. The control unit 118 then controls the operation of the transfer unit 114 and the peeling unit 116 based on the determined transfer conditions. The printing system 110 of this example uses various types of fabrics (textiles) as the transfer medium. The control unit 118 then determines the transfer conditions according to the characteristics of the fabrics used as the transfer medium. This configuration allows for appropriate determination of transfer conditions according to the characteristics of the fabric when using transfer mediums made of various fabrics. This also allows for more appropriate transfer of the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium. The transfer conditions used in this example will be described in more detail below.

[0081] Next, the printing operation performed by the printing system 110 will be described in more detail. FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the printing operation performed by the printing system 110. As described above, the printing system 110 of this example uses various types of fabric as the receiving medium. Before performing the transfer process in the printing system 110, the control unit 118 acquires receiving medium information, which is information indicating the type of fabric to be used as the receiving medium, and determines the type of fabric to be used as the receiving medium based on the receiving medium information (S102). The operation of step S102 in this example is an example of the operation of the receiving medium information acquisition stage. The control unit 118 may also acquire information indicating the characteristics of the fabric to be used as the receiving medium as the receiving medium information. In this case, the control unit 118 determines the type of fabric to be used as the receiving medium based on the fabric characteristics indicated in the receiving medium information. The control unit 118 acquires the receiving medium information by accepting information input from the user. The control unit 118 of this example also determines the transfer conditions based on the receiving medium information acquired in step S102 (S104). The operation of step S104 in this example is an example of an operation in a transfer condition determination stage. The operation of determining the transfer conditions in the control unit 118 will also be described in more detail later. After determining the transfer conditions in step S104, the control unit 118 supplies print data to the printing unit 112, causing the printing unit 112 to print an image on the transfer medium (S106). The operation of step S106 in this example is an example of an operation in a printing stage in which a printing process is performed. In a modified example of the operation of the printing system 110, the operation corresponding to step S106 in this example may be performed before the operation corresponding to step S102. After causing the printing unit 112 to print an image on the transfer medium in step S106, the control unit 118 causes the transfer unit 114 and the peeling unit 116 to perform the operation in the transfer process based on the transfer conditions determined in step S104 (S108). The operation of step S108 in this example is an example of an operation in a transfer execution stage in which a transfer process is performed. The transfer execution stage is a stage in which the transfer process is carried out under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination stage.Furthermore, in the operation of step S108, the control unit 118 of this example causes the transfer unit 114 to perform the pressing step (S202), and then causes the peeling unit 116 to perform the peeling step (S204).

[0082] In a modified configuration of the printing system 110, the printing system 110 may further include components other than those described above. In addition, the printing unit 112, transfer unit 114, peeling unit 116, and control unit 118 of the printing system 110 in this example are individual devices. Individual devices are devices for each individual function. In contrast, in a modified configuration of the printing system 110, it is also possible to use a single device that corresponds to multiple devices among the printing unit 112, transfer unit 114, peeling unit 116, and control unit 118. For example, it is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 112 and the transfer unit 114. It is also possible to configure the transfer unit 114 to also function as the peeling unit 116. It is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 112, transfer unit 114, and peeling unit 116. It is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 112, transfer unit 114, and peeling unit 116. It is also possible for one of the other devices to also function as the control unit 118. As described above, the operation of determining the transfer conditions in step S104 in this example is an operation executed by the control unit 118. In contrast, in a modified example of the operation of determining the transfer conditions, the user may determine the transfer conditions in accordance with the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the operation of acquiring the transfer medium information in step S102 can also be considered an operation performed by the user. In this case, the operation of the user determining the type of fabric used as the transfer medium corresponds to the operation of acquiring the transfer medium information.

[0083] Next, the characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 112 will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram further illustrating the configuration of the transfer medium 150 and the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 8( a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 150. As described above, the transfer medium 150 of this example has a base layer 152, a transfer layer 154, and a release layer 156. By using a transfer medium 150 with this configuration, an image can be properly transferred from the transfer medium 150 to a transfer medium without attaching rubber or the like to the transfer medium, as is the case when performing transfer using a rubber transfer method. This also allows for more appropriate image transfer while properly preventing damage to the texture of the transfer medium, such as when using a cloth transfer medium. Furthermore, the base layer 152 of this example is a paper layer. Here, "paper layer" means that at least a portion of the base layer 152 in its thickness direction is made of paper. For example, a base layer 152 in which the interface on the transfer layer 154 side is made of paper is conceivable. Alternatively, the base layer 152 can be considered to be essentially a paper layer, such as a layer of cellulose (wood fiber). If, for example, a resin film layer is used as the base layer 152, the interface of the base layer 152 on the transfer layer 154 side becomes smoother, which tends to increase the smoothness of the surface of the transferred image. In contrast, by using a paper base layer 152 as in this example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the surface of the transferred image from becoming excessively smooth, compared to when a resin film base layer is used. This also allows the state of the transferred image to have a more natural texture.

[0084] The transfer layer 154 of the transfer medium 150 is a layer that separates from the base layer 152 and adheres to the transfer medium during transfer. The transfer layer 154 can also be considered a layer that receives ink ejected from the printing unit 112 (see FIG. 7 ) and transfers to the transfer medium together with the ink during transfer. The transfer layer 154 can be, for example, a resin layer. As described above, the printing unit 112 of this example prints on the transfer medium 150 using ink containing an aqueous pigment. That is, the transfer layer 154 can be considered a layer that can print an image using ink containing an aqueous pigment and that can be peeled off from the base layer 152 during transfer. Alternatively, the transfer layer 154 can be considered an ink-receiving layer that peels off from the base layer 152. As described above, the transfer medium 150 of this example has a peeling layer 156 between the base layer 152 and the transfer layer 154. The peeling layer 156 is a layer that separates the base layer 152 and the transfer layer 154 during the peeling process. The release layer 156 is preferably a layer whose release properties are enhanced by the heat generated during the bonding process. The release layer 156 in this example is a layer of a meltable material. Suitable materials for the release layer 156 include silicone-based materials and various wax-based materials. Furthermore, the release layer 156 in this example is thinner than the base layer 152 and the transfer layer 154. Therefore, in practice, the release layer 156 can be considered to essentially disappear after the peeling process is performed. The base layer 152, transfer layer 154, and release layer 156 can be preferably layers having the same or similar characteristics as the base layer, transfer layer, and release layer in known transfer media for pigment transfer. The transfer medium 150 in this example is a known transfer medium capable of printing and transferring an image to a transfer medium using an ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment (pigment ink).

[0085] As described above, the transfer unit 114 (see FIG. 7 ) of this example performs a pressure bonding process in which heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium 150 in a state where the transfer medium 150 and the transfer receiver medium 160 are overlapped. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B , in the transfer unit 114, the transfer medium 150 and the transfer receiver medium 160 are overlapped such that the transfer layer 154 of the transfer medium 150 and the transfer receiver medium 160 are in contact with each other. FIG. 8B shows an example of how the transfer medium 150 and the transfer receiver medium 160 overlap during the pressure bonding process. By performing the pressure bonding process in this state, the transfer unit 114 adheres at least a portion of the transfer layer 154 of the transfer medium 150 to the transfer receiver medium 160. Furthermore, after the pressure bonding process is performed in the transfer unit 114, the peeling unit 116 performs a peeling process to peel the base layer 152 from the transfer medium 150. Peeling the base layer 152 from the transfer medium 150 means peeling the base layer 152 while the transfer medium 150 and the transfer recipient medium 160 are overlapping. After the peeling process, at least a portion of the transfer layer 154 remains on the transfer recipient medium 160, as shown in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8C shows an example of the state of the transfer recipient medium 160 after the peeling process. Furthermore, as described above, in practice, the peeling layer 156 essentially disappears after the peeling process. At this time, the peeling layer 156 remains attached to either the base layer 152 or the transfer layer 154. Alternatively, a portion of the peeling layer 156 remains attached to the base layer 152, and the remaining portion remains attached to the transfer layer 154. As described above, a resin layer is used for the transfer layer 154 in this example. Therefore, adhesion of the resin that constituted the transfer layer 154 to the transfer recipient medium 160 after transfer may result in a certain degree of change in texture. However, even in this case, the change in texture can be sufficiently suppressed compared to the change in texture that occurs when a rubber sheet is attached during iron transfer. Therefore, according to this example, an image can be transferred from transfer medium 150 to transfer medium 150 while suppressing deterioration in the texture of transfer medium 160.

[0086] Next, the transfer conditions used during transfer in the transfer process of this example and the operation of the control unit 118 to determine the transfer conditions will be described in more detail. As described above, the control unit 118 of the printing system 110 of this example (see FIG. 7 ) determines the transfer conditions based on the receiver medium information. The receiver medium information uses information indicating the type of fabric used as the receiver medium. Furthermore, the control unit 118 of this example determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality conditions that specify the transfer quality. That is, the control unit 118 of this example determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality conditions and the type of fabric used as the receiver medium. Furthermore, the control unit 118 uses conditions selected from multiple preset conditions as the transfer quality conditions. This allows the control unit 118 to appropriately determine transfer conditions that will achieve the desired quality for receiver mediums of various types of fabric. This also allows the control unit 118 to more appropriately transfer an image from the transfer medium to the receiver medium, even when using receiver mediums of various types of fabric.

[0087] In this example, the multiple conditions available as options for the transfer quality conditions include at least normal transfer conditions, high color development and high fastness conditions, and high productivity conditions. Normal transfer conditions are an example of reference quality conditions, which are predetermined standard conditions. Transfer conditions determined in accordance with these (transfer conditions corresponding to the reference quality conditions) are referred to as reference transfer conditions. The reference quality conditions can also be considered as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined standard conditions. High color development and high fastness conditions are an example of high color development conditions. High color development conditions are conditions that enhance color development compared to the reference quality conditions. Transfer conditions determined in accordance with high color development conditions (transfer conditions corresponding to high color development conditions) are referred to as high color development transfer conditions. The high color development transfer conditions can also be considered as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under high color development conditions. High productivity conditions are conditions that emphasize improving productivity in the transfer process. One possible high productivity condition is to use conditions that shorten the pressure application time during transfer. In this case, the transfer conditions determined in response to the high productivity conditions (transfer conditions corresponding to the high productivity conditions) are short-time conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the reference transfer conditions. Alternatively, the transfer conditions determined in response to the high productivity conditions may be conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the reference transfer conditions and that facilitate peeling of the base layer of the transfer medium, depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium.

[0088] The control unit 118 in this example determines the transfer conditions, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 5. FIGS. 9 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of transfer conditions used in this example, and show examples of transfer conditions determined when a predetermined transfer medium is used. In the illustrated example, the transfer medium is Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, Inc., for example, through sales. By using such a transfer medium, images can be appropriately transferred to various types of fabric as transfer media. Furthermore, by using such a transfer medium, images can be appropriately transferred even when a wide transfer medium is used. A wide piece of fabric wound in a roll could be used as a wide transfer medium. Furthermore, the transfer conditions in this example are conditions that specify at least the heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and the pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer. The transfer conditions are conditions for transferring an image during the transfer execution stage. The heating temperature is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during the pressure bonding process during transfer. The pressure application time is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium in the pressure bonding process during transfer. The heating temperature and pressure application time referred to here are the heating temperature and pressure application time during the pressure bonding process. Also, Figures 9 to 5 show the ranges of heating temperature and pressure application time as transfer conditions for each type of cloth used as the transfer medium. The transfer conditions shown in Figures 9 to 5 differ depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. The heating temperature and pressure application time of the transfer conditions actually used during transfer are predetermined values ​​within the ranges shown in the figures for each type of cloth. The control unit 118 determines the transfer conditions based on the heating temperature and pressure application time that are preset for each type of cloth.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows an example of transfer conditions for a normal transfer quality condition. When the transfer medium is cotton cloth, as shown in the figure, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time of 20 to 60 seconds. The cotton cloth in this example is an example of a natural fiber cloth. It is conceivable that the heating temperature and pressure time could be preset values ​​determined through prior experiments. These points are the same or similar for the transfer conditions described below. Also, as shown in the figure, in this example, when a specific type of cotton cloth is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used according to that type. The above transfer conditions for cotton cloth are standard transfer conditions for cotton cloth. Regarding transfer conditions for a specific cloth, for example, when the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 20 to 50 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 150 to 210°C and a pressure time of 20 to 60 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 20 to 60 seconds. Thus, the transfer conditions for a specific cotton cloth may differ from the standard transfer conditions for cotton cloth. In this case, the specific values ​​used for at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time for the transfer conditions for the specific cloth and the standard transfer conditions for cotton cloth may be different values ​​within the ranges shown in the figure. Furthermore, even among the above-mentioned specific cloths, the transfer conditions may differ depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. For example, the heating temperature and pressure time for cotton canvas may differ from the transfer conditions for cotton broadcloth or cotton knit.

[0090] In addition, it is also possible to use synthetic fiber cloth as the transfer medium in addition to cotton cloth. In this case, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth may be different from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth. For example, a lower temperature than the heating temperature in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth may be used. In this example, when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. Synthetic fiber cloth here refers to cloth in which synthetic fiber is the largest component (e.g., weight ratio). These transfer conditions are standard transfer conditions for synthetic fiber cloth. In this example, even when a specific type of synthetic fiber cloth is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of cloth. For example, when the synthetic fiber cloth used as the medium for receiving the transfer is polyester pongee, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the medium for receiving the transfer is rayon broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the medium for receiving the transfer is nylon oxford, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0091] It is also possible to use a cotton and synthetic fiber blend (e.g., cotton and polyester blend) as the transfer medium. When the transfer medium is a blend, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time in the transfer conditions may be different from those when the transfer medium is cotton or synthetic fiber. In this example, when the transfer medium is a cotton and synthetic fiber blend, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 60 seconds. These transfer conditions are standard transfer conditions for blended fabrics. Furthermore, in this example, when a specific type of blended fabric is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of fabric. For example, when the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is TC broadcloth (e.g., TC broadcloth made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester), the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200° C. and a pressing time of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0092] The transfer conditions described above are material-specific conditions that focus on the material of the cloth used as the transfer medium. Alternatively, the transfer conditions can be considered in terms of their relationship to the weave of the cloth. The weave of the cloth refers to the way the threads that make up the cloth intertwine. In this case, the control unit 118 determines the transfer conditions according to the weave of the cloth. The weave of the cloth can be determined by considering whether the cloth used as the transfer medium is woven or knitted. For example, in the illustrated example, if the transfer medium is woven, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 60 seconds. If the transfer medium is knitted, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 60 seconds. These transfer conditions are standard transfer conditions for woven and knitted cloth. Furthermore, in this example, when a specific type of woven cloth is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of cloth. For example, if the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 60 seconds. If the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven synthetic fiber fabric primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. If the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton and synthetic fiber blend fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, when a specific type of knitted fabric is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions may be used for each specific type of fabric. Furthermore, when using a specific woven or knitted fabric, such as cotton broadcloth, it is possible to use individual transfer conditions for each specific type of fabric. By using transfer conditions suited to the fabric used as the transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image onto a variety of fabrics as transfer receiving media.

[0093] As described above, the control unit 118 in this example determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality condition that specifies the transfer quality. In this example, the transfer conditions shown in FIG. 10 are used for the high color development and high fastness conditions. FIG. 10 shows an example of transfer conditions (high color development and high fastness mode) when the transfer quality condition is high color development and high fastness. Regarding the material-specific conditions for the high color development and high fastness conditions shown in the figure, for example, if the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 20 to 40 seconds. If the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 160 to 180°C and a pressure time of 40 to 50 seconds. If the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 50 seconds. If the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 160 to 180°C and a pressure application time of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is polyester pongee, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 170°C and a pressure application time of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 180°C and a pressure application time of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 170°C and a pressure application time of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. The transfer conditions for the high color development / high fastness mode can also be considered in relation to the fabric weave. For example, in the illustrated example, when the transfer medium is a knitted fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 150 to 190° C. and a pressure time of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0094] As mentioned above, it is also possible to consider high productivity conditions when determining transfer quality conditions. A possible high productivity condition is to shorten the pressure application time during transfer. In this example, the transfer conditions shown in FIG. 11 are used as the high productivity conditions. FIG. 11 shows an example of transfer conditions when the transfer quality condition is high productivity. The transfer conditions shown as high productivity mode 1 in the figure are conditions that shorten the pressure application time during transfer and make it easier to peel off the base layer of the transfer medium. By making it easier to peel off the base layer of the transfer medium, the time required for the transfer process (production time), for example, when peeling off the base layer manually, can be further reduced. The transfer conditions of high productivity mode 1 are suitable for use when a cloth (fabric) with a certain strength, such as cotton cloth or a plain-woven cotton-blend cloth, is used as the transfer medium. Furthermore, the transfer conditions shown as high productivity mode 2 are conditions that shorten the pressure application time during transfer without considering the ease of peeling off the base layer of the transfer medium. The transfer conditions for high-productivity modes 1 and 2 can be considered to be transfer conditions that can shorten production time even if color development and fastness are slightly reduced. Such transfer conditions can be considered to be conditions that shorten the pressure application time by increasing the heating temperature compared to the transfer conditions for normal transfer. Furthermore, as described above, in this example, the transfer conditions determined in accordance with the high-productivity conditions are short-time conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the standard transfer conditions.

[0095] In the examples of high-productivity transfer conditions shown in the figure, for example, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions for high-productivity mode 1 are a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 20 to 30 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions for high-productivity mode 1 are a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, the transfer conditions for high-productivity mode 1 are a heating temperature of 180 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions for high-productivity mode 2 are a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the transfer conditions for high-productivity mode 2 are a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions for high productivity mode 2 include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is polyester pongee, the heating temperature is 140 to 160°C and a pressure time of 40 to 50 seconds. According to this example, by using transfer conditions tailored to the transfer quality conditions, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image with the desired quality. Furthermore, by using a specific transfer medium having a base layer and a transfer layer and using transfer conditions tailored to the type of fabric used as the transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image to a variety of fabrics.

[0096] Next, supplementary explanations will be given regarding the matters explained so far. As described above, the control unit 118 in this example determines the transfer conditions according to the type of fabric used as the transfer medium, etc. In this case, the control unit 118 is an example of a transfer condition determination device that determines the transfer conditions. The control unit 118 in this example functions as a transfer condition determination device by executing a predetermined program. Furthermore, the operation of the control unit 118 to determine the transfer conditions is also an operation to suggest the transfer conditions to the user. The program that controls the operation of the control unit 118 can also be considered as software, etc. that suggests the transfer conditions.

[0097] As described above, the transfer medium of this example has a base layer, a transfer layer, and a release layer. These three layers are stacked such that the release layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the transfer layer. The transfer medium can be considered to be composed of at least three layers including these layers. As described above, a paper layer is used as the base layer. The base layer of this example is made of paper having a weight per square meter of 50 to 120 g (50 to 120 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, the peeling unit 116 (see FIG. 7) of this example performs the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium, etc., heated in the pressure-bonding process, drops to room temperature or below. In this case, if the base layer is made of resin, the heat may cause the base layer to soften, expand, or contract, which may reduce the peelability of the base layer. In contrast, when a paper layer is used as the base layer, the base layer becomes substantially non-expandable, allowing the base layer to be peeled more appropriately even when the peeling process is performed at a high temperature (e.g., 100°C or higher). Therefore, using a paper layer as the base layer is particularly suitable for performing the peeling process when the transfer medium is in a high-temperature state.

[0098] As described above, a resin layer is used as the transfer layer in this example. The transfer layer in this example has a weight of 5 to 20 g per square meter (5 to 20 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated during the pressure bonding process can be suitably used as the resin for the transfer layer. For example, a layer primarily composed of polyethylene can be used as the transfer layer. Alternatively, a layer made of a fiber-reactive polymer containing a crosslinkable polymer can be used as the transfer layer. For example, a polymer containing an isocyanate group can be suitably used as the fiber-reactive polymer. Furthermore, the transfer layer may also contain other ingredients such as a binder, a rheology modifier, an antifoaming agent, a pigment (white), a crosslinking agent, a wetting agent, etc. For example, a siloxane-based substance can be suitably used as the antifoaming agent. For example, a combination of urethane and acrylic or styrene-acrylic can be suitably used as the binder.

[0099] Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a surface on which particulate matter solidifies as the printing surface on which the ink lands in the transfer layer. For example, it is conceivable to use an uneven surface with fine irregularities. By configuring the printing surface in this manner, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer can be more appropriately received. It is also conceivable to use a layer configured to suppress the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature, around 60°C (approximately 50-70°C). Suppressing the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature means that the wetting and spreading of ink dots is less likely to occur in a high-temperature environment than at room temperature. In this case, for example, by performing printing while heating the transfer medium in the printing unit 112 (see FIG. 7), it is possible to reduce the occurrence of ink bleeding.

[0100] As described above, the release layer of this example can be suitably made of, for example, a silicone-based material or various wax-based materials. The release layer of this example can also be made of a material having a weight per square meter of 1 to 10 g (1 to 10 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. The release layer is formed between the base layer and the transfer layer to prevent the ink in the transfer layer from reaching the base layer. In this example, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer remains almost entirely within the transfer layer. Therefore, if a large amount of ink is ejected onto the transfer layer, the ink exceeding the allowable amount will pile up on the surface of the transfer layer. In this case, there is almost no penetration of ink into the base layer. This configuration can prevent changes in the release properties of the base layer due to ink penetration into the base layer.

[0101] As described above, known transfer media can be used as the transfer medium in this example. For example, Texcol (registered trademark), a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, can be suitably used. As can be understood from the above description, the printing system 110 in this example can transfer images to various types of fabric as transfer media without pre- or post-treatment using water. In other words, the transfer medium can be considered as transfer paper or the like that can transfer images to various types of fabric (textiles) in one step without using water. Furthermore, known transfer devices manufactured by Klieverik Heli BV, for example, can be suitably used for the transfer unit 114. When using various types of fabric as the transfer medium, the properties of the fabric may vary depending on the yarn material, the twisting method of the yarn, the knitting method, the weaving method, and the like. As a result, the thickness, texture, softness (or hardness), elongation rate, and the like of the transfer medium vary depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In contrast to this, in this example, by using transfer conditions suited to the type of fabric, it is possible to transfer an image more appropriately to various types of fabric as transfer media.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above-described transfer conditions, the conditions related to the pressure applied to the transfer medium during transfer, other than the pressure application time, can be considered, such as adjusting the pressure. However, as long as the pressure applied is sufficient for transfer, the impact on the quality of the transfer is usually small. Therefore, when determining transfer conditions according to the type of fabric, it is particularly preferable to determine the heating temperature and pressure application time, as described above, according to the fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the pressure applied during transfer can be considered to be the normal pressure used in the transfer device used as the transfer unit 114. More specifically, a pressure of 3 to 6 bar can be considered. The above-described transfer conditions can also be considered as conditions when the pressure applied is set to such a pressure.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, when determining transfer conditions tailored to the type of fabric, the control unit 118 may determine individual transfer conditions for each specific type of fabric for transfer media made of the same material. In this case, the control unit 118 considers at least the material and weave of the fabric when determining the type of fabric. For example, for cotton fabrics that share the commonality of being made of cotton, cotton canvas and cotton broadcloth are considered to have different weaves. For example, when the material of the transfer media used is cotton under the same transfer quality conditions (e.g., normal transfer conditions), the control unit 118 may at least set different transfer conditions for a cotton broadcloth transfer medium than for a cotton canvas transfer medium. For example, the heating temperature may be set higher for a cotton canvas transfer medium than for a cotton broadcloth transfer medium. This configuration allows for more appropriate determination of transfer conditions tailored to the type of fabric.

[0104] As described above, the control unit 118 of this example determines transfer conditions for each of multiple transfer quality conditions, including at least normal transfer conditions, high color development and fastness conditions, and high productivity conditions. The control unit 118 differentiates the transfer conditions for each transfer quality condition for at least some types of fabric receiving media. For example, the control unit 118 may differentiate at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time between normal transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions for normal transfer conditions, and high color development transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions for high color development and fastness conditions. More specifically, the control unit 118 of this example determines transfer conditions for at least some types of fabric receiving media such that the heating temperature and pressure time under the high color development transfer conditions are either high-temperature, short-time conditions or low-temperature, long-time conditions compared to the heating temperature and pressure time under the reference transfer conditions. The high-temperature, short-time conditions are conditions in which the heating temperature is higher and the pressure time is shorter than those under the reference transfer conditions. The low-temperature, long-time conditions are conditions in which the heating temperature is lower and the pressure time is longer than those of the reference transfer conditions, and by configuring in this way, transfer with high color development and fastness can be more appropriately achieved.

[0105] In this case, the control unit 118 determines high-color transfer conditions, which are either high-temperature, short-time conditions or low-temperature, long-time conditions, depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. For example, the control unit 118 may determine only the high-temperature, short-time condition out of the high-temperature, short-time condition or the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition corresponding to some types of fabric. Alternatively, the control unit 118 may determine only the low-temperature, long-time condition out of the high-temperature, short-time condition or the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition corresponding to at least some other types of fabric. Alternatively, the control unit 118 may determine both the high-temperature, short-time condition and the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer conditions corresponding to some types of fabric. For example, when the transfer medium is a first type of fabric, the control unit 118 determines transfer conditions that are high-temperature, short-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. Furthermore, when the transfer medium is a second type of fabric different from the first type of fabric, the control unit 118 determines transfer conditions that are low-temperature, long-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high-color transfer conditions to be appropriately determined depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium.

[0106] Examples of different types of fabric include cotton canvas and synthetic fiber fabric. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the control unit 118 determines transfer conditions that are high-temperature, short-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. On the other hand, when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber fabric primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the control unit 118 determines transfer conditions that are low-temperature, long-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high-color transfer conditions to be appropriately determined for cotton canvas and synthetic fiber fabric. More specifically, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the reference transfer conditions include a first heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a first pressurization time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the high-color transfer conditions determined include a heating temperature higher than the first temperature and a pressurization time shorter than the first pressurization time. Furthermore, when the transfer medium is the above-mentioned synthetic fiber cloth, the standard transfer conditions include a second heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a second pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. The high color development transfer conditions determined when the transfer medium is this synthetic fiber cloth include a heating temperature lower than the second temperature and a pressure application time longer than the second pressure application time. This configuration allows the standard transfer conditions and high color development transfer conditions to be appropriately determined for, for example, cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0107] Furthermore, even when a cloth other than cotton canvas or synthetic fiber cloth is used as the transfer medium, the reference transfer conditions and the high-color transfer conditions can be appropriately determined, as can be understood from the matters described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . Furthermore, in this example, the short-time conditions, which are transfer conditions determined to correspond to high-productivity conditions, can also be appropriately determined according to the type of cloth used as the transfer medium, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11 . In this case, it is possible to differentiate at least the pressure application time between the reference transfer conditions, which correspond to normal transfer, and the short-time conditions, which correspond to high-productivity conditions. For example, the pressure application time under the short-time conditions is set shorter than that under the reference transfer conditions. The short-time conditions in this example are an example of transfer conditions tailored to specific requirements. The control unit 118 may further determine transfer conditions other than the high-color transfer conditions and the short-time conditions as transfer conditions tailored to specific requirements. For example, it is possible to further determine transfer conditions that emphasize the texture of the transfer medium (transfer conditions for a texture-oriented mode). This configuration allows for more appropriate determination of a variety of transfer conditions depending on the desired transfer quality.

[0108] The present invention can be suitably used in a transfer condition determination method, and also in an image transfer method.

[0109] 10...printing system, 102...roller, 104...roller, 106...roller, 108...roller, 110...tension applying unit, 12...printing unit, 14...transfer unit, 16...peel-off unit, 18...control unit, 202...input unit, 204...input unit, 206...input unit, 208...OK button, 210...cancel button, 22...transfer and peel-off device, 302...drum, 304...endless belt, 306...roller, 308...roller, 310...roller, 312...roller, 314...roller, 316...roller, 50...transfer medium, 52...base layer, 54...transfer layer, 56...peeling layer, 60...transfer receiving medium, 110...printing system, 112...printing unit, 114...transfer unit, 116...peeling unit, 118...control unit, 150...transfer medium, 152...base layer, 154...transfer layer, 156...peeling layer, 160...transfer receiving medium

Claims

1. A transfer condition determination method for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for a transfer process in which an image printed on a transfer medium is transferred to a transfer receiving medium, comprising: a transfer receiving medium information acquisition step for acquiring transfer receiving medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer receiving medium; and a transfer condition determination step for determining the transfer conditions based on the transfer receiving medium information, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer receiving medium in the transfer process, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer receiving medium, and the transfer receiving medium is a cloth medium, and in the transfer receiving medium information acquisition step, at least fabric texture information, which indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the cloth intersect, is acquired as the transfer receiving medium information, and in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on the fabric texture information.

2. The transfer process comprises a pressing process in which the transfer medium and the receiving medium are superimposed on each other and heat and pressure are applied to adhere at least a portion of the transfer layer on the transfer medium to the receiving medium, and a peeling process in which the base layer is peeled off from the transfer medium that is superimposed on the receiving medium, and the transfer condition determination method described in claim 1 is characterized in that in the transfer condition determination stage, peeling conditions, which are conditions for peeling off the base layer from the transfer medium in the peeling process, are determined based on the fabric structure information.

3. The transfer condition determination method described in claim 2, characterized in that in the peeling step, the base layer is peeled while adjusting the tension applied to the base layer being peeled, and in the transfer condition determination stage, the tension applied to the base layer during peeling is determined as the peeling condition based on the fabric structure information.

4. The transfer condition determination method described in claim 2, characterized in that in the peeling step, the base layer is peeled from the transfer medium by winding up at least one of the transfer medium and the base layer around a roller, and in the transfer condition determination stage, the peeling condition is determined as the winding speed by the roller based on the fabric texture information.

5. The transfer condition determination method described in claim 2, characterized in that in the peeling process, the base layer is peeled off from the transfer medium by winding up at least one of the transfer medium and the transfer medium around a roller, and in the transfer condition determination stage, the diameter of the roller used in the peeling process is determined as the peeling condition based on the fabric structure information.

6. The transfer condition determination method according to claim 2, characterized in that in the peeling step, the base layer is peeled off from the transfer medium before the temperature of the transfer medium heated in the pressing step drops to a temperature below room temperature, and in the transfer condition determination step, the temperature of the transfer medium at the time of peeling off the base layer is determined based on the fabric structure information as the peeling condition.

7. The method for determining transfer conditions according to claim 2, wherein in the step of determining transfer conditions, conditions for the pressing step are further determined based on the fabric texture information.

8. The transfer condition determination method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the transfer condition determination step, the pressing conditions and the peeling conditions, which are conditions for the pressing process, are determined for the first, second, and third fabric texture information that are different from each other; with regard to the pressing conditions, the same first pressing conditions are determined for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information, and the pressing conditions different from the first pressing conditions are determined for the third fabric texture information; and with regard to the peeling conditions, different peeling conditions are determined for the first fabric texture information and the second fabric texture information.

9. The transfer condition determination method according to claim 2, wherein the base layer is a paper layer.

10. A transfer condition determination method as described in claim 1, characterized in that in the transfer medium information acquisition step, material information indicating the material of the cloth is further acquired as the transfer medium information, and in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined further based on the material information.

11. A transfer condition determination device that determines transfer conditions, which are conditions for a transfer process in which an image printed on a transfer medium is transferred to a transfer recipient medium, comprising: a transfer recipient medium information acquisition unit that acquires transfer recipient medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer recipient medium; and a transfer condition determination unit that determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer recipient medium information, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer recipient medium in the transfer process, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and the transfer recipient medium is a cloth medium, and the transfer recipient medium information acquisition unit acquires, as the transfer recipient medium information, at least fabric texture information that indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the cloth intersect, and the transfer condition determination unit determines the transfer conditions based on the fabric texture information.

12. A program that causes a computer to perform a process for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for a transfer process in which an image printed on a transfer medium is transferred to a transfer receiving medium, the program causing the computer to perform an operation in a transfer receiving medium information acquisition stage of acquiring transfer receiving medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer receiving medium, and an operation in a transfer condition determination stage of determining the transfer conditions based on the transfer receiving medium information, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer receiving medium in the transfer process, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and the transfer receiving medium is a cloth medium, the program causing the computer to acquire, as the transfer receiving medium information in the transfer receiving medium information acquisition stage, at least fabric texture information that indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the cloth intersect, and the program causing the computer to determine the transfer conditions based on the fabric texture information in the transfer condition determination stage.

13. A printing system that performs a transfer process of transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer recipient medium, comprising a transfer condition determination device that determines transfer conditions, which are conditions for the transfer process, and the transfer condition determination device performs an operation in a transfer recipient medium information acquisition stage that acquires transfer recipient medium information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the transfer recipient medium, and an operation in a transfer condition determination stage that determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer recipient medium information, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer recipient medium in the transfer process, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and the transfer recipient medium is a cloth medium, and the transfer condition determination device, in the transfer recipient medium information acquisition stage, acquires at least fabric texture information, which indicates the fabric texture, which is the way the threads that make up the cloth intersect, as the transfer recipient medium information, and in the transfer condition determination stage, determines the transfer conditions based on the fabric texture information.

14. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as cloth, comprising: a transfer condition determination step for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for the transfer process for transferring the image; and a transfer execution step for executing the transfer process under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layer of resin at least part of which is transferred to the receiving medium when the image is transferred to the receiving medium, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium; and wherein, in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and the type of cloth used as the receiving medium, and the transfer quality conditions are selected from a plurality of preset conditions.

15. The transfer method according to claim 14, wherein the transfer medium is Texcol, a pigment transfer paper available from Neenah Coldenhove.

16. A transfer device that transfers an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the device carrying out a transfer process for transferring the image, using transfer conditions for the transfer process that are determined based on transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and the type of cloth used as the receiving medium, the transfer quality conditions being conditions selected from a plurality of preset conditions, the transfer medium having a transfer layer that is a resin layer at least part of which is transferred to the receiving medium when the image is transferred to the receiving medium, and a base layer that is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium.

17. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the method comprising: a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium; in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium; and transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step are varied depending on the type of cloth used as the receiving medium; the transfer conditions specify at least a heating temperature, which is a temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is a time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer; when the receiving medium is cotton cloth, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 210°C, and the pressure time is in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, under the transfer conditions; A transfer method characterized in that, when the transfer medium is a synthetic fiber cloth whose main component is polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include the heating temperature being in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure application time being in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

18. A transfer device that transfers an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the device transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, the device using Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, as the transfer medium, and varying transfer conditions for transferring the image depending on the type of cloth used as the receiving medium, the transfer conditions specifying at least a heating temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer and a pressure time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, wherein when the receiving medium is cotton cloth, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the receiving medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

19. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium such as cloth, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the transfer medium is cotton cloth, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds.

20. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is a synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

21. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is woven cloth, the transfer conditions specify the heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and the pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds.

22. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure application time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and the transfer conditions are characterized in that at least one of the heating temperature and the pressure application time is varied between standard transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined standard conditions, and high color development conditions, which are transfer conditions that enhance color development compared to the standard transfer conditions.

23. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and the transfer conditions are characterized in that at least the pressure time is different between reference transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions, and short-time conditions, which are transfer conditions in which the pressure time is shorter than that of the reference transfer conditions.

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