Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

A printing device and a printing method. The printing device includes: a pattern extraction unit that extracts a pattern area from the second image data based on a comparison between the first image data representing a pattern and the second image data generated by photographing a conveyed fabric; a printed image generation unit that generates printed image data by arranging the third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the pattern area; and a printing control unit that causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data on the conveyed fabric. The pattern extraction unit compares each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data with the second image data, thereby extracting a partial pattern area from the second image data. The printed image generation unit arranges each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data corresponding to the partial pattern area, thereby generating the printed image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method. Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for searching for a candidate similar to the feature of a reference image obtained by photographing a qualified product that is a standard for a product in an inspection target image (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-96750

[0004] Here, in the case where a cloth formed with a pattern is used as a printing medium, it is assumed to extract the pattern from a captured image of the conveyed cloth. The cloth being conveyed may be deformed or stretched (hereinafter referred to as deformation, etc.). In the presence of such deformation, etc., it is necessary to extract the pattern from the captured image or print a pattern in cooperation with the pattern. However, when the size of one pattern amount formed on the cloth is relatively large, due to the influence of deformation, etc., the extraction accuracy of the pattern from the captured image tends to decrease, or the deviation between the printed pattern and the pattern tends to increase.

[0005] In addition, if the size of one pattern amount is large, sometimes it is impossible to complete each process required for extracting the pattern from the captured image, generating data for printing, etc. within the limited time from photographing the cloth to starting printing. In this case, in order to wait for each required process to be completed, the conveyance speed of the cloth is reduced, or the conveyance is temporarily stopped, and the printing efficiency is reduced.

[0006] A method for solving at least one of these problems is sought. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The printing apparatus includes: a conveying unit that conveys a fabric with a pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; an imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit that prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a pattern extraction unit that extracts a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between first image data representing the pattern and second image data generated by imaging the fabric by the imaging unit; a printed image generation unit that generates printed image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; and a printing control unit that causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data on the fabric. The pattern extraction unit extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to a partial pattern represented by the divided first image data from the second image data by comparing each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions with the second image data. The printed image generation unit generates the printed image data by arranging each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions to correspond to the extracted partial pattern region.

[0008] The printing method includes: a conveying step of conveying a fabric with a pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; an imaging step of imaging the conveyed fabric; a pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between first image data representing the pattern and second image data generated by imaging the fabric; a printed image generation step of generating printed image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; and a printing step of printing the printed image data on the conveyed fabric. The pattern extraction step extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to a partial pattern represented by the divided first image data from the second image data by comparing each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions with the second image data. The printed image generation step generates the printed image data by arranging each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions to correspond to the extracted partial pattern region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram simply showing the configuration of the printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 2A is a view showing the configuration of the conveyed fabric and its vicinity from a viewpoint looking from above downward.

[0011] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing a part of the configuration as viewed from upstream to downstream. Figure 2A This is a diagram showing a part of the configuration shown.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing a printing process.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the details of step S100.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the details of step S120.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining step S120 by way of a specific example.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining steps S130 and S140 by way of specific examples.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing Figure 6 examples of different pattern image data and photographed image data.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the extraction accuracy of partial pattern areas in tabular form.

[0019] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0020] 10... Printing apparatus, 11... Control unit, 12... Program, 12a... Pattern registration unit, 12b... Pattern extraction unit, 12c... Printed image generation unit, 12d... Printing control unit, 13... Display unit, 14... Operation reception unit, 15... Photographing unit, 16... Conveyor unit, 17... Printing unit, 18... Storage unit, 19... Print head, 20... Carriage, 22... Endless belt, 30... Fabric, 40, 43... Pattern image data, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f... Divided pattern image data, 41... Pattern area, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g, 44h, 44i, 44j, 44k, 44l, 44m, 44n, 44o, 44p, 44q, 44r, 44s, 44t, 44u, 44v, 44w, 44x... Partial pattern areas, 42, 45... Photographed image data, 50... Colored image data, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d... Divided colored image data, 52... Printed image data. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the respective figures. It should be noted that the respective figures are merely examples for explaining the present embodiment. Since the respective figures are examples, there may be cases where the proportions, shapes are incorrect, or they do not match each other, or a part is omitted.

[0022] 1. Device Configuration:

[0023] Figure 1 The configuration of the printing device 10 according to the present embodiment is simply shown.

[0024] The printing device 10 executes a printing method. The printing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, a photographing unit 15, a conveyance unit 16, a printing unit 17, a storage unit 18, and the like. The control unit 11 is configured to include one or more ICs having a CPU 11a as a processor, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, and other non-volatile memories, and the like.

[0025] In the control unit 11, the processor, i.e., the CPU 11a, uses the RAM 11c and the like as a work area to execute arithmetic processing in accordance with one or more programs 12 stored in the ROM 11b, other memories, etc., thereby controlling the printing device 10. The control unit 11 functions as a pattern registration unit 12a, a pattern extraction unit 12b, a print image generation unit 12c, a print control unit 12d, etc. by conforming to the program 12. It should be noted that the processor is not limited to one CPU, and may be configured to perform processing by a plurality of CPUs, ASICs, etc. hardware circuits, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a CPU and a hardware circuit.

[0026] The display unit 13 is a unit for displaying visual information, and is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The display unit 13 may also be constituted by including a display and a drive circuit for driving the display. The operation reception unit 14 is a unit for receiving user operations, and is realized by, for example, physical buttons, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. Of course, the touch panel may also be realized as a function of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be a part of the configuration of the printing device 10, or may be an external peripheral device with respect to the printing device 10.

[0027] The conveyance unit 16 is a mechanism for conveying a printing medium under the control of the control unit 11. In the present embodiment, as the printing medium, it is assumed to be a jacquard woven fabric, a lace fabric, etc., a fabric formed with a three-dimensional pattern by studying the textile method of lines and fibers. One or a set of certain patterns are formed on the fabric in a repeated arrangement. Hereinafter, one or a set of patterns will be treated as one pattern.

[0028] The conveying unit 16 includes, for example, a pay-off roller that pays out the pre-printed fabric wound in a roll shape towards the downstream of the conveyance, a belt and rollers for further conveying the paid-out fabric, a winding roller that rewinds the printed fabric into a roll shape again for recovery, and a motor for rotating each roller and belt. Hereinafter, the upstream and downstream in the conveying direction conveyed by the conveying unit 16 will also be simply referred to as the upstream and downstream.

[0029] The photographing unit 15 photographs the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The photographing unit 15 includes a light source that irradiates the fabric, a photographing element that receives the reflected light from the fabric and generates and outputs image data as a photographing result, and the like.

[0030] The printing unit 17 prints the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The printing unit 17 is provided downstream of the photographing unit 15. The printing unit 17 performs printing on the fabric based on the printing image data sent from the control unit 11. For example, the printing unit 17 can perform printing by ejecting inks of multiple colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in an inkjet manner. According to the inkjet method, the printing unit 17 ejects dots of ink from nozzles (not shown) based on the printing image data that specifies the presence or absence of each ink for each pixel, thereby printing the fabric.

[0031] The storage unit 18 is a storage unit such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 18 can be understood as a part of the control unit 11. In addition, the RAM 11c can be understood as a part of the storage unit 18.

[0032] The printing device 10 can be referred to as a recording device, an image forming device, a printer, etc. The printing device 10 can be implemented not only by a single independent device but also by a plurality of devices connected in a communicable manner via a communication interface or a network. The printing device 10 composed of a plurality of devices can be referred to as a printing system 10.

[0033] The printing system 10 is configured to include, for example, a printer and one or more information processing devices. The printer includes a photographing unit 15, a conveying unit 16, and a printing unit 17, and the information processing device functions as the control unit 11. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a server, a smart phone, a tablet-type terminal, or a device having a processing ability equivalent to these. In the printing system 10, the device serving as the control unit 11 can be referred to as an image processing device, a printing control device, etc. Of course, a part of the devices constituting the printing system 10 can also be an invention.

[0034] Figure 2A The conveyed fabric 30 and the components near the fabric 30 are shown from a viewpoint facing downward from above. In Figure 2AThe depiction of the pattern pre-formed on the fabric 30 is omitted herein. In Figure 2A the conveying direction in which the conveying unit 16 conveys the fabric 30 is indicated by the reference numeral D1. The reference numeral 22 is an endless belt 22 which is a part of the conveying unit 16. The fabric 30 placed on the endless belt 22 is conveyed from the upstream to the downstream by the rotation of the endless belt 22.

[0035] As Figure 2A shown, a carriage 20 is disposed above the endless belt 22. The carriage 20 can reciprocate in a direction D2 which intersects the conveying direction D1. The intersection mentioned here is orthogonal, but the orthogonal is not only strictly orthogonal, but also can be understood to include the errors generated in the manufacture of the product. The carriage 20 moves in the direction D2 along the long guiding member 21. The direction D2 is also referred to as the main scanning direction of the carriage 20 and the print head 19. In addition, the direction D2 is also referred to as the width direction of the fabric 30.

[0036] The carriage 20 is mounted with a print head 19. That is, the print head 19 reciprocates along with the carriage 20 in the width direction D2. Such a carriage 20 and a print head 19 constitute a printing unit 17. Although not shown, in the print head 19, a plurality of nozzles are opened on the lower surface facing the endless belt 22. The print head 19 ejects ink from the nozzles based on print image data while moving along with the carriage 20 in the width direction D2.

[0037] As Figure 2A shown, an imaging unit 15 is disposed at a predetermined position above the endless belt 22 and upstream of the carriage 20 and the print head 19.

[0038] Figure 2B A part of the configuration shown in Figure 2A is shown from the upstream to the downstream view point. The imaging unit 15 takes the lower surface facing the endless belt 22 as an imaging surface 15a and images the fabric 30 on the endless belt 22 via the imaging surface 15a. The imaging unit 15 is, for example, a line-scan camera in which a plurality of imaging elements are arranged in the width direction D2 inside. The imaging unit 15 repeatedly performs imaging in units of rows via a lens and imaging elements (not shown) provided on the imaging surface 15a. The imaging range of the imaging unit 15 in the width direction D2 is illustrated by a dotted line. The imaging unit 15 can image almost the entire range of the endless belt 22 in the width direction D2 through the function of the lens.

[0039] The configuration of the imaging unit 15 is not limited to Figure 2A , Figure 2BExamples. For example, it may also be configured as follows: A plurality of photographing units 15 are arranged in the width direction D2 above the annular belt 22, and each of the plurality of photographing units 15 is responsible for photographing a part of the entire range of the annular belt 22 in the width direction D2. Alternatively, the photographing unit 15 may also be a line sensor formed by arranging a plurality of photographing elements over almost the entire range of the annular belt 22 in the width direction D2. Alternatively, the photographing unit 15 may also be configured as follows: Similar to the printing head 19 being mounted on the carriage 20, the photographing unit 15 is mounted on a carriage that can move in the width direction D2, and while moving in the width direction D2 by the carriage, it photographs the annular belt 22.

[0040] 2. Printing method:

[0041] Figure 3 The printing process executed by the control unit 11 according to the program 12 is shown by a flowchart.

[0042] In step S100, the pattern registration unit 12a of the control unit 11 registers the pattern image data representing the pattern formed on the fabric 30 in the storage unit 18. The pattern image data corresponds to the "first image data", and step S100 corresponds to the registration process.

[0043] Figure 4 The details of step S100 are shown by a flowchart.

[0044] In step S102, the pattern registration unit 12a acquires the basic image data representing the pattern of the fabric 30. The fabric 30 is, for example, a textile woven by repeating one pattern designed by a designer. Therefore, the basic image data is image data representing the one pattern pre-generated using a prescribed software for design and drafting. The pattern registration unit 12a inputs the basic image data stored in a PC outside the printing apparatus 10 according to the user's operation, for example, from a PC outside the printing apparatus 10, and stores the input basic image data in the storage unit 18.

[0045] In step S104, the pattern registration unit 12a acquires the image data generated by pre-scanning the fabric 30, that is, the pre-scan data. Pre-scanning refers to the reading and photographing performed before the photographing of the fabric 30 starting in step S110 described later. For example, the user causes a scanner outside the printing apparatus 10 to pre-scan the fabric 30. Then, the pattern registration unit 12a inputs the image data generated by this scan from the scanner and stores it in the storage unit 18 as the pre-scan data.

[0046] Alternatively, pre-scanning may also be performed by the imaging unit 15. For example, the control unit 11 causes the conveying unit 16 to start conveying the fabric 30, and stops the conveyance of the fabric 30 at a timing when the leading end of the fabric 30 reaches a position downstream of the imaging unit 15 by a specified distance. The leading end of the fabric 30 refers to the downstream end of the fabric 30. The imaging unit 15 images the fabric 30 that passes under the imaging unit 15 through conveyance, and the pattern registration unit 12a inputs the image data generated by this imaging from the imaging unit 15 and stores it in the storage unit 18 as pre-scanning data.

[0047] In step S106, the pattern registration unit 12a compares the basic image data obtained in step S102 with the pre-scanning data obtained in step S104, and extracts a pattern area corresponding to one pattern of the fabric 30 from the pre-scanning data. At this time, the pattern registration unit 12a uses image recognition technology to extract an image area with a higher similarity to the basic image data from the pre-scanning data, and sets this image area as the pattern area.

[0048] Then, in step S108, the pattern registration unit 12a stores the image data corresponding to the pattern area extracted in step S106 in the storage unit 18 as pattern image data. Thereby, the pattern image data is registered.

[0049] According to the description made in accordance with Figure 4 the pattern image data can be said to be at least a part of the pre-scanning data.

[0050] However, it is also possible that the pattern registration unit 12a simplifies a part of step S100 by registering the basic image data itself as the pattern image data in the storage unit 18.

[0051] Moreover, the pattern registration unit 12a divides the pattern image data into at least one of the longitudinal and transverse directions in step S109, and registers N divided pattern image data in the storage unit 18. N is an integer of 2 or more. The divided pattern image data corresponds to "divided first image data". Through the above, step S100 is completed.

[0052] In the present embodiment, regarding the orientations of the respective image data such as the pattern image data, the captured image data, and the printed image data processed by the control unit 11, they are also described in correspondence with the conveyance direction D1 and the width direction D2. For example, it can be understood that the conveyance direction D1 is the longitudinal direction and the width direction D2 is the transverse direction. If the pattern registration unit 12a divides the pattern image data into three equal parts longitudinally and three equal parts transversely, for example, N = 3 × 3 can be obtained, the pattern image data is set as nine divided pattern image data, and they are stored in the storage unit 18.

[0053] It is predetermined how many times the pattern image data is divided longitudinally and transversely. Alternatively, the pattern registration unit 12a may obtain the respective division numbers in the longitudinal and transverse directions through the operation of the user on the operation reception unit 14 to execute step S109. It should be noted that in step S109, the pattern registration unit 12a may also save the position information of the N divided pattern image data in the pattern image data instead of saving the N divided pattern image data.

[0054] Return to Figure 3 the description of.

[0055] In step S110, the control unit 11 causes the photographing unit 15 to start photographing the fabric 30 being conveyed by the conveying unit 16 at a predetermined speed. That is, in step S110, the "conveying process" of the fabric 30 is started. In addition, the "photographing process" is started through step S110. The image data in units of rows generated by the photographing unit 15 through photographing the fabric 30 is sequentially output to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 sequentially saves the image data in units of rows from the photographing unit 15, thereby obtaining two-dimensional photographed image data. The photographed image data corresponds to the "second image data".

[0056] In step S120, the pattern extraction unit 12b extracts the pattern area corresponding to the pattern of the fabric 30 in the photographed image data based on the comparison between the pattern image data registered in step S100 and the photographed image data generated through the photographing in step S110. It is shown that a plurality of patterns are arranged in the photographed image data. Step S120 corresponds to the "pattern extraction process".

[0057] Figure 5 The detailed content of step S120 is shown by a flowchart.

[0058] In step S121, the pattern extraction unit 12b resets the value n representing the number of the divided pattern image data to n = 0. In the present embodiment, the N divided pattern image data registered in step S109 are assigned numbers 1 to N for description.

[0059] In step S122, the pattern extraction unit 12b increments n by 1. That is, n is updated by adding 1 to the current n.

[0060] In step S123, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the nth divided pattern image data as the extraction reference.

[0061] In step S124, the pattern extraction unit 12b compares the divided pattern image data set as the extraction reference with the photographed image data, and extracts the partial pattern area corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the reference divided pattern image data from the photographed image data.

[0062] The pattern extraction unit 12b uses image recognition technology to extract an image area with a similarity to the segmented pattern image data equal to or higher than a specified level as a partial pattern area. Specifically, the pattern extraction unit 12b extracts the edges of the image in the segmented pattern image data, and similarly extracts the edges of the image in the captured image data. Then, while shifting the distribution of the edges in the segmented pattern image data relative to the distribution of the edges in the captured image data, the segmented pattern image data is additionally deformed, and the areas with a high evaluation of the degree of coincidence of the edge distributions with each other equal to or higher than a specified level are repeatedly compared and extracted as one partial pattern area. Through this process, the pattern extraction unit 12b extracts the partial pattern area from the captured image data. It should be noted that, similarly to the process of step S124, in the above step S106, the pattern registration unit 12a can extract the pattern area in the pre-scanned data based on the degree of coincidence of the edge distributions of the compared images with each other.

[0063] In step S125, for the steps after step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12b outputs the information of the partial pattern area extracted through step S124 to the printed image generation unit 12c. Here, when the width direction D2 is regarded as the X-axis and the conveyance direction D1 is regarded as the Y-axis, the captured image data is defined with coordinates in a two-dimensional plane formed by the orthogonal X and Y axes. The process of extracting the partial pattern area from the captured image data is a process of determining the coordinates of the partial pattern area within the captured image data. The coordinates of the partial pattern area refer to, for example, the center coordinates and the corner coordinates of the partial pattern area. Therefore, in step S125, the pattern extraction unit 12b only needs to output the information of the coordinates of the partial pattern area.

[0064] In step S126, the pattern extraction unit 12b determines whether N = n. If N = n, it is determined as "yes" and step S120 is ended. That N = n at the time of ending step S125 means that all N segmented pattern image data constituting the pattern image data are set as the extraction reference in step S123 and step S124 is executed to completion. On the other hand, in the case of N > n, after the pattern extraction unit 12b passes through the "no" determination in step S126, the steps after step S122 are repeated.

[0065] According to Figure 5 the example, it becomes a process in which the pattern extraction unit 12b sequentially sets the 1st to Nth segmented pattern image data as the extraction reference and repeats step S124 N times. However, depending on the processing capabilities of the CPU 11a, etc., in step S120, the pattern extraction unit 12b can also execute the extraction of N types of partial pattern areas by setting the 1st to Nth segmented pattern image data as the extraction reference in parallel.

[0066] Referring toFigure 6 To illustrate a specific example of step S120. Reference numeral 40 illustrates pattern image data 40. The pattern image data 40 is image data representing a pattern designed with a petal shape as the theme. Of course, such a pattern can also be more complex. The pattern image data 40 is bisected in the conveying direction D1 and bisected in the width direction D2, and thus is divided into four divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d. That is, in the Figure 6 example, N = 4.

[0067] In addition, in the Figure 6 , a part of the captured image data 42 is illustrated. In the captured image data 42, a pattern similar to the pattern represented by the pattern image data 40 is repeatedly represented along each of the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. Each rectangle shown by a solid line in the captured image data 42 is a partial pattern area 41a corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 40a. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the divided pattern image data 40a as the extraction reference, and extracts partial pattern areas 41a similar to the divided pattern image data 40a from multiple parts in the captured image data 42.

[0068] Similarly, each rectangle shown by a dashed line in the captured image data 42 is a partial pattern area 41b corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 40b. The pattern extraction unit 12b sets the divided pattern image data 40b as the extraction reference, and extracts partial pattern areas 41b similar to the divided pattern image data 40b from multiple parts in the captured image data 42. In addition, one of the rectangles shown by a single-dot chain line in the captured image data 42 is one of the partial pattern areas 41c corresponding to the divided pattern image data 40c. Similarly, one of the rectangles shown by a double-dot chain line in the captured image data 42 is one of the partial pattern areas 41d corresponding to the divided pattern image data 40d. Of course, the partial pattern areas 41c and the partial pattern areas 41d are also extracted from multiple parts in the captured image data 42.

[0069] A set of partial pattern areas 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d forms one pattern area 41. In this way, the process of the pattern extraction unit 12b comparing each of the multiple divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d constituting the pattern image data 40 with the captured image data 42 to extract the partial pattern areas 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d is equivalent to the process of extracting the pattern area 41 from the captured image data 42.

[0070] Returning to the Figure 3 explanation.

[0071] In step S130, the print image generation unit 12c performs correction so that the colored image data representing the image to be printed overlapping the pattern of the fabric 30 is consistent with the shape of the pattern area extracted in step S120. The colored image data corresponds to the "third image data". The colored image data is pre-generated color image data indicating the color to be applied to one pattern and the printing range of the color. The colored image data is, for example, pre-saved in the storage unit 18. Alternatively, the control unit 11 inputs the colored image data saved in a PC from the outside of the printing device 10 according to the user's operation, and saves the input colored image data in the storage unit 18.

[0072] The shape of the colored image data is the ideal shape of the pattern area having one pattern, such as a rectangle. On the other hand, although the shape of each pattern area extracted from the captured image data in step S120 is basically a quadrangle, it is not limited to being consistent with the shape of the colored image data. This is because the conveyed fabric 30 may have been deformed or stretched (hereinafter referred to as deformation, etc.). Although not specifically described in Figure 6 each partial pattern area 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d constituting each pattern area 41 extracted from the captured image data 42 may be in a deformed or stretched shape due to deformation, etc. of the fabric 30.

[0073] Therefore, the print image generation unit 12c deforms each of the multiple divided colored image data obtained by dividing the colored image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions to match the shape of each partial pattern area extracted in step S120. The divided colored image data corresponds to the "divided third image data". The print image generation unit 12c divides the colored image data by the same division method as that in which the pattern registration unit 12a divides the pattern image data and obtains N divided pattern image data in step S109, and obtains N divided colored image data. For example, if the pattern registration unit 12a divides the pattern image data into three equal parts vertically and three equal parts horizontally to obtain 9 divided pattern image data, the print image generation unit 12c similarly divides the colored image data into three equal parts vertically and three equal parts horizontally to obtain 9 divided colored image data.

[0074] Moreover, the print image generation unit 12c deforms one divided colored image data in such a way that the position within the pattern area matches the shape of the partial pattern area corresponding to the position of the divided colored image data within the colored image data. As the deformation method, for example, an affine transformation including image enlargement, reduction, rotation, cropping, etc., and other deformation methods are used. This deformation is based on the correction in step S130. It should be noted that depending on the shape of the pattern area, sometimes the correction in step S130 is not required.

[0075] In step S140, the printed image generation unit 12c generates printed image data by arranging the plurality of divided and colored image data that have passed through step S130 in correspondence with the partial pattern areas and the arrangement of the pattern areas in the captured image data. The printed image data is image data obtained by combining the plurality of divided and colored image data that have passed through step S130, and is an image for printing on the area of the fabric 30 that is the object to be captured. These steps S130 and S140 correspond to a "printed image generation process" of generating printed image data by arranging the third image data to match the extracted pattern area.

[0076] Based on Figure 6 the description of, refer to Figure 7 to illustrate a specific example of steps S130 and S140. Reference numeral 50 denotes colored image data 50. The colored image data 50 is color image data representing the colors to be overlapped and colored with a pattern designed with petals as the theme. The colored image data 50 can be understood as an image having the same or substantially the same size as the pattern image data 40 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The colored image data 50 is bisected in the conveyance direction D1 and bisected in the width direction D2 in the same manner as the pattern image data 40, and is divided into four divided and colored image data 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d.

[0077] Reference numeral 51a denotes the divided and colored image data 51a obtained by correcting the divided and colored image data 50a in accordance with the shape of the partial pattern area 41a that constitutes a certain pattern area 41. Similarly, reference numeral 51b denotes the divided and colored image data 51b obtained by correcting the divided and colored image data 50b in accordance with the shape of the partial pattern area 41b that constitutes the said one pattern area 41. Reference numeral 51c is the divided and colored image data 51c obtained by correcting the divided and colored image data 50c in accordance with the shape of the partial pattern area 41c that constitutes the said one pattern area 41. Reference numeral 51d is the divided and colored image data 51d obtained by correcting the divided and colored image data 50d in accordance with the shape of the partial pattern area 41d that constitutes the said one pattern area 41.

[0078] In Figure 7 , the boundaries of the divided and colored image data are shown by a part of dotted lines. In addition, the deformation of the pattern caused by the deformation of the fabric 30, etc. that was omitted from the description in Figure 6 is shown in Figure 7This is shown in [the figure]. As long as the printing image generation unit 12c repeatedly corrects the divided and colored image data 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d for each of the pattern regions 41 including the partial pattern regions 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d extracted in step S130. Then, the divided and colored image data 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d that have undergone such correction are combined as shown by the positional relationship of the partial pattern regions 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d within the pattern region 41 and the arrangement of the pattern region 41 within the captured image data 42, and the resulting data is the printing image data 52.

[0079] As Figure 3 shown by the dotted arrow in [the figure], after the control unit 11 starts capturing the fabric 30 in step S110, it repeats steps S120 to S140 based on the captured image data sequentially obtained from the capturing unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 executes step S120 with the captured image data of a specified size amount sequentially obtained from the capturing unit 15, and executes steps S130 and S140 after receiving the result of step S120. Figure 7 The printing image data 52 shown in [the figure] is the printing image data obtained from the result of one cycle of steps S120 to S140.

[0080] In step S150, the printing control unit 12d starts printing the printing image data generated in step S140 onto the fabric 30. That is, the "printing process" is started through step S150. The printing image generation unit 12c sequentially generates the printing image data by repeatedly performing step S140, and outputs the printing image data to the printing control unit 12d in the order of generation. The printing control unit 12d appropriately performs various required processes such as so-called color conversion processing and halftone processing on the printing image data obtained from the printing image generation unit 12c, and converts it into printing image data in a format used by the printing unit 17 during printing. The printing control unit 12d can temporarily store the transformed printing image data in a buffer.

[0081] Furthermore, the printing control unit 12d transfers the transformed printing image data to the printing unit 17, and at a specified timing when the fabric 30 whose capture was started in step S110 reaches under the print head 19, causes the printing unit 17 to start printing by the movement of the carriage 20 and the ejection of ink from the print head 19 based on the printing image data. Thus, the color images represented by the respective colored image data constituting the printing image data are printed overlapping the patterns in a form consistent with the respective patterns in the fabric 30.

[0082] An encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the rollers and belts that rotate for conveyance is provided in the conveyance unit 16. The printing control unit 12d calculates the conveyance distance of the fabric 30 based on the detection signal from the encoder. Thus, the printing control unit 12d can grasp the current position in the conveyance direction D1 of the position of the fabric 30 that started shooting in step S110, and can start the printing unit 17 to print on the fabric 30 at the timing when the position reaches under the print head 19.

[0083] After starting printing in step S150, the control unit 11 determines whether to end the printing (step S160). When the control unit 11 ends the printing, it determines "yes" and proceeds to the end process of step S170. The control unit 11 determines the end of printing, for example, when receiving an instruction to end printing from the user or when the conveyance of the fabric 30 of a predetermined length amount is completed.

[0084] In the end process of step S170, the control unit 11 stops the imaging unit 15 from imaging the fabric 30. In addition, after the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 17 to perform printing of the print image data generated in one cycle based on the last steps S120 to S140, the control unit 11 stops the driving of the conveyance unit 16 and the printing unit 17, and Figure 3 ends the flowchart. Of course, the control unit 11 may also stop the conveyance unit 16 after controlling the processes required for recovering the fabric 30 by the winding roller and the like.

[0085] 3. Screening of partial pattern regions based on extraction accuracy:

[0086] As described above, the pattern extraction unit 12b extracts partial pattern regions by comparing with the captured image data in units of segmented pattern image data. In this case, when there are multiple similar partial patterns in one pattern, in step S123, when setting a certain segmented pattern image data as the extraction reference and executing step S124, these partial patterns of multiple parts may all be extracted as partial pattern regions. However, originally, one partial pattern region of one part should be extracted from one pattern based on one segmented pattern image data. Considering this situation, as described below, the pattern extraction unit 12b can also calculate the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region in step S120 and screen the information of the partial pattern region required for the processes after step S130.

[0087] Figure 8 Shows the comparison with Figure 6Examples of different pattern image data and captured image data. Reference numeral 43 shows pattern image data 43 representing one pattern. The pattern image data 43 is bisected in the conveyance direction D1 and trisected in the width direction D2, and thus is divided into six divided pattern image data 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, and 43f. That is, in the example of Figure 8 N = 6.

[0088] In addition, in Figure 8 , the partial patterns represented by the divided pattern image data 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, and 43f are simplified and described by a quadrilateral pattern "□", a circle pattern "〇", and a star pattern "☆". Thus, for example, the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43a is similar to the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43e. In addition, the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43b is similar to the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43f. In addition, the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43c is similar to the partial pattern represented by the divided pattern image data 43d.

[0089] In Figure 8 , a part of the captured image data 45 is illustrated. In the captured image data 45, the same pattern as the pattern represented by the pattern image data 43 is repeatedly represented in each of the conveyance direction D1 and the width direction D2. Each rectangle shown by a dotted line in the captured image data 45 is a partial pattern region 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g, 44h, 44i, 44j, 44k, 44l, 44m, 44n, 44o, 44p, 44q, 44r, 44s, 44t, 44u, 44v, 44w, 44x... extracted by the step S124 of Figure 5 .

[0090] When the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the divided pattern image data 43a as the extraction reference in step S123 and executes step S124, according to Figure 8For example, partial pattern regions 44a, 44d, 44h, 44k, 44m, 44p, 44t, and 44w are extracted. However, among these partial pattern regions 44a, 44d, 44h, 44k, 44m, 44p, 44t, and 44w, not only does it contain the segmented pattern image data 43a, but also partial pattern regions that should be extracted when the segmented pattern image data 43e is set as the extraction reference. Therefore, for each partial pattern region extracted in step S124, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy based on the positional relationship between this partial pattern region and other partial pattern regions extracted around it, and the comparison of the positional relationship with multiple segmented pattern image data in the pattern image data. Hereinafter, the extraction accuracy will also be referred to as the "extraction accuracy". Multiple partial pattern regions extracted from multiple positions in the captured image data as regions corresponding to the partial pattern represented by a certain segmented pattern image data respectively correspond to the "first partial pattern region".

[0091] Here, an example of extracting the partial pattern regions 44a and 44h of the four-sided pattern "□" from the captured image data 45 when the segmented pattern image data 43a is set as the extraction reference is cited to illustrate the calculation method of the extraction accuracy of each of the partial pattern regions 44a and 44h. In this case, the partial pattern regions 44a and 44h are respectively the first partial pattern regions. It should be noted that the four-sided pattern "□" is a partial pattern region extracted when the segmented pattern image data 43a or the segmented pattern image data 43e is set as the extraction reference. In Figure 8 In order to facilitate the explanation, the width direction D2 is regarded as the X-axis + direction, the direction opposite to the width direction D2 is regarded as the X-axis - direction, the orientation of the upstream of the conveying direction D1 is regarded as the Y-axis + direction, and the orientation of the downstream of the conveying direction D1 is set as the Y-axis - direction.

[0092] First, calculate the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44a. When referring to the positional relationship between the segmented pattern image data 43a and the segmented pattern image data 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, and 43f in the reference pattern image data 43, in the captured image data 45, the partial pattern region adjacent to the partial pattern region 44a in the X-axis + direction should correspond to the circular pattern "〇". The circular pattern "〇" is a partial pattern region extracted when the segmented pattern image data 43b or the segmented pattern image data 43f is set as the extraction reference. In the captured image data 45, at the position adjacent to the partial pattern region 44a in the X-axis + direction, the partial pattern region 44b of the circular pattern "〇" is extracted. Therefore, based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44a to +1.

[0093] Similarly, referring to the positional relationship between the divided pattern image data 43a and the divided pattern image data 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f, the partial pattern area 2 positions ahead in the +X axis direction from the partial pattern area 44a (adjacent to the adjacent one) should correspond to the star pattern "☆". The star pattern "☆" is the partial pattern area extracted when the divided pattern image data 43c or the divided pattern image data 43d is set as the extraction reference. In the captured image data 45, at the position 2 positions ahead in the +X axis direction from the partial pattern area 44a, the partial pattern area 44c of the star pattern "☆" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44a.

[0094] Moreover, the partial pattern area adjacent to the partial pattern area 44a in the +Y axis direction should correspond to the star pattern "☆". At the position adjacent to the partial pattern area 44a in the +Y axis direction, the partial pattern area 44g of the star pattern "☆" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44a.

[0095] Moreover, the partial pattern area 1 position ahead in the +X axis direction and 1 position ahead in the +Y axis direction relative to the partial pattern area 44a should correspond to the square pattern "□". At the position 1 position ahead in the +X axis direction and 1 position ahead in the +Y axis direction relative to the partial pattern area 44a, the partial pattern area 44h of the square pattern "□" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44a.

[0096] Moreover, the partial pattern area 2 positions ahead in the +X axis direction and 1 position ahead in the +Y axis direction relative to the partial pattern area 44a should correspond to the circle pattern "〇". At the position 2 positions ahead in the +X axis direction and 1 position ahead in the +Y axis direction relative to the partial pattern area 44a, the partial pattern area 44i of the circle pattern "〇" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44a.

[0097] As a result of increasing the extraction accuracy in this way, for the partial pattern area 44a extracted from the captured image data 45 with the divided pattern image data 43a set as the extraction reference, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy as "+5". It should be noted that as Figure 8 shown, in the case where the pattern image data 43 is divided into 6, the extraction accuracy of "+5" means the highest point of the extraction accuracy.

[0098] Similarly, the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h is calculated. As described above, when referring to the positional relationship between the divided pattern image data 43a and the divided pattern image data 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f in the reference pattern image data 43, in the captured image data 45, the partial pattern area adjacent to the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction should correspond to the circle pattern "〇", and at the position adjacent to the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction, the partial pattern area 44i of the circle pattern "〇" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h to +1.

[0099] In addition, at a position two positions ahead of the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction, the partial pattern area 44j of the star pattern "☆" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h.

[0100] However, the partial pattern area adjacent to the partial pattern area 44h in the +Y axis direction should correspond to the star pattern "☆", but at the position adjacent to the partial pattern area 44h in the +Y axis direction, the partial pattern area 44n of the circle pattern "〇" is extracted. Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not increase the value of the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h.

[0101] Moreover, the partial pattern area that is one position ahead of the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction and one position ahead in the +Y axis direction should correspond to the square pattern "□", but at the position that is one position ahead of the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction and one position ahead in the +Y axis direction, the partial pattern area 44o of the star pattern "☆" is extracted. Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not increase the value of the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h.

[0102] Moreover, the partial pattern area that is two positions ahead of the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction and one position ahead in the +Y axis direction should correspond to the circle pattern "〇", but at the position that is two positions ahead of the partial pattern area 44h in the +X axis direction and one position ahead in the +Y axis direction, the partial pattern area 44p of the square pattern "□" is extracted. Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not increase the value of the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44h.

[0103] As a result of increasing the extraction accuracy in this way, for the partial pattern area 44h extracted from the captured image data 45 with the divided pattern image data 43a as the extraction reference, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy as "+2".

[0104] That is to say, when the segmented pattern image data 43a is set as the extraction reference and the partial pattern regions 44a and 44h can be extracted from the captured image data 45, due to the difference in extraction accuracy, as the extraction result based on the segmented pattern image data 43a, it is understood that the partial pattern region 44a is the correct extraction result and the partial pattern region 44h is the incorrect extraction result.

[0105] Next, an example is given in which when the segmented pattern image data 43b is set as the extraction reference, the partial pattern regions 44b and 44i of the circle pattern "〇" are extracted from the captured image data 45, and the calculation of the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern regions 44b and 44i is described.

[0106] First, calculate the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b. When referring to the positional relationship between the segmented pattern image data 43b in the reference pattern image data 43 and the segmented pattern image data 43a, 43c, 43d, 43e, and 43f, in the captured image data 45, the partial pattern region adjacent to the partial pattern region 44b in the X-axis - direction should correspond to the quadrilateral pattern "□", and at the position adjacent to the partial pattern region 44b in the X-axis - direction, the partial pattern region 44a of the quadrilateral pattern "□" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b to +1. In addition, at the position adjacent to the partial pattern region 44b in the X-axis + direction, the partial pattern region 44c of the star pattern "☆" is extracted, so the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b. Moreover, at the position that is 1 ahead in the X-axis - direction and 1 ahead in the Y-axis + direction relative to the partial pattern region 44b, the partial pattern region 44g of the star pattern "☆" is extracted, so the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b. Moreover, at the position adjacent to the partial pattern region 44b in the Y-axis + direction, the partial pattern region 44h of the quadrilateral pattern "□" is extracted, so the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b. Moreover, at the position that is 1 ahead in the X-axis + direction and 1 ahead in the Y-axis + direction relative to the partial pattern region 44b, the partial pattern region 44i of the circle pattern "〇" is extracted, so the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b. Thus, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates that the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern region 44b, which is set as the extraction reference with the segmented pattern image data 43b and extracted from the captured image data 45, is "+5".

[0107] Similarly, the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i is calculated. In the captured image data 45, at a position adjacent to the partial pattern area 44i in the X-axis - direction, the partial pattern area 44h of the four-sided pattern "□" is extracted. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b sets the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i to +1. Additionally, at a position adjacent to the partial pattern area 44i in the X-axis + direction, the partial pattern area 44j of the star pattern "☆" is extracted. Thus, the pattern extraction unit 12b adds +1 to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i. However, the partial pattern area 44n that is one position ahead of the partial pattern area 44i in the X-axis - direction and one position ahead in the Y-axis + direction is not the star pattern "☆". Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not add a value to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i. Moreover, the partial pattern area 44o adjacent to the partial pattern area 44i in the Y-axis + direction is not the four-sided pattern "□". Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not add a value to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i. Also, the partial pattern area 44p that is one position ahead of the partial pattern area 44i in the X-axis + direction and one position ahead in the Y-axis + direction is not the circle pattern "〇". Based on this fact, the pattern extraction unit 12b does not add a value to the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44i. Consequently, for the partial pattern area 44i extracted from the captured image data 45 with the segmented pattern image data 43b as the extraction reference, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy as "+2".

[0108] In this way, when the segmented pattern image data 43b is set as the extraction reference and the partial pattern areas 44b and 44i can be extracted from the captured image data 45, due to the difference in extraction accuracy, as the extraction result based on the segmented pattern image data 43b, it is understood that the partial pattern area 44b is the correct extraction result and the partial pattern area 44i is the incorrect extraction result.

[0109] Figure 9 The extraction accuracy of each combination of the segmented pattern image data set as the extraction reference and the partial pattern areas extracted from the captured image data by the segmented pattern image data set as the extraction reference is shown in tabular form. The pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy for each extracted partial pattern area as described above according to the positional relationship with the surrounding partial pattern areas. According to Figure 9, for example, the partial pattern area 44a is extracted in any one of the cases where the divided pattern image data 43a is used as the extraction reference and the case where the divided pattern image data 43e is used as the extraction reference. However, since the extraction accuracy when the divided pattern image data 43a is used as the extraction reference is "+5" and the extraction accuracy when the divided pattern image data 43e is used as the extraction reference is "+1", it is understood that the partial pattern area 44a extracted with the divided pattern image data 43a as the reference is the correct extraction result, and the partial pattern area 44a extracted with the divided pattern image data 43e as the reference is the incorrect extraction result.

[0110] The pattern extraction unit 12b calculates such extraction accuracy at the timing of step S125. For example, when the extraction accuracy as shown is obtained, the partial pattern areas with an extraction accuracy of "+5" are screened, and as long as the information of the screened partial pattern areas is output as the extraction result to the print image generation unit 12c. Alternatively, the pattern extraction unit 12b screens the partial pattern areas extracted in step S124 in which the calculated extraction accuracy is above a specified threshold, and outputs the information of the screened partial pattern areas as the extraction result to the print image generation unit 12c. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12b provides the print image generation unit 12c with the extraction results of the first partial pattern areas with relatively high extraction accuracy among the first partial pattern areas at multiple positions in order to generate print image data. Figure 9 As can be understood from the description so far, the calculation of the extraction accuracy requires referring to the positional relationship of the multiple partial pattern areas extracted. Therefore, it is performed in a state where multiple partial pattern areas have been extracted based on a certain area of the captured image data. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b repeats steps S122, S123, and S124 multiple times. For example, as shown, as long as the calculation of the extraction accuracy for each partial pattern area and the screening of the partial pattern areas based on the extraction accuracy are performed in step S125 at the timing when the extraction of the partial pattern areas for the consecutive specified-size areas of the captured image data 45 is completed.

[0111] As can be understood from the description so far, the calculation of the extraction accuracy requires referring to the positional relationship of the multiple partial pattern areas extracted. Therefore, it is performed in a state where multiple partial pattern areas have been extracted based on a certain area of the captured image data. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b repeats steps S122, S123, and S124 multiple times. For example, as shown, as long as the calculation of the extraction accuracy for each partial pattern area and the screening of the partial pattern areas based on the extraction accuracy are performed in step S125 at the timing when the extraction of the partial pattern areas for the consecutive specified-size areas of the captured image data 45 is completed. Figure 8 As can be understood from the description so far, the calculation of the extraction accuracy requires referring to the positional relationship of the multiple partial pattern areas extracted. Therefore, it is performed in a state where multiple partial pattern areas have been extracted based on a certain area of the captured image data. Therefore, the pattern extraction unit 12b repeats steps S122, S123, and S124 multiple times. For example, as shown, as long as the calculation of the extraction accuracy for each partial pattern area and the screening of the partial pattern areas based on the extraction accuracy are performed in step S125 at the timing when the extraction of the partial pattern areas for the consecutive specified-size areas of the captured image data 45 is completed.

[0112] Even when it is impossible to extract a plurality of partial pattern area groups equivalent to the amount of one pattern image data, the extraction accuracy can still be calculated. According to the relationship of the speed of generating the captured image data 45, it is assumed that at the time point of step S120, the pattern extraction unit 12b cannot obtain the part of the captured image data 45 having the partial pattern areas 44s, 44t, 44u, 44v, 44w, and 44x. In this case, the pattern extraction unit 12b also calculates the extraction accuracy of, for example, the partial pattern area 44m based on the relationship with the partial pattern area 44n and the partial pattern area 44o.

[0113] Specifically, as long as the pattern extraction unit 12b uses the number of other partial pattern areas referred to for calculating the extraction accuracy of the partial pattern area 44m as the overall parameter, the ratio of the number of partial pattern areas whose positional relationship with the partial pattern area 44m is the same as the positional relationship of the divided pattern image data in the pattern image data 43 can be set as the extraction accuracy. That is to say, for the partial pattern area 44m extracted based on the divided pattern image data 43a, the positional relationship with the referred partial pattern areas 44n and 44o is the same as the positional relationship with the divided pattern image data 43a, divided pattern image data 43b, and divided pattern image data 43c. Therefore, the extraction accuracy is set to 2 / 2, that is, the extraction accuracy is 100%. In this way, when the extraction accuracy is calculated proportionally, the pattern extraction unit 12b only needs to use a threshold value or the like to screen out partial pattern areas with a relatively high extraction accuracy.

[0114] 4. Summary:

[0115] According to this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes: a conveying unit 16 that conveys the cloth 30 with a pattern formed thereon in the conveying direction D1; an imaging unit 15 that images the cloth 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16; a printing unit 17 that prints on the cloth 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16; a pattern extraction unit 12b that extracts a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between the first image data representing the pattern and the second image data generated by imaging the cloth 30 by the imaging unit 15; a printed image generation unit 12c that generates printed image data by arranging the third image data representing the image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; and a printing control unit 12d that causes the printing unit 17 to perform printing of the printed image data on the cloth 30. Further, the pattern extraction unit 12b compares each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions with the second image data, and extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the divided first image data from the second image data. The printed image generation unit 12c arranges each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions corresponding to the extracted partial pattern region, thereby generating printed image data.

[0116] According to the above configuration, the pattern extraction unit 12b compares the second image data not in units of the first image data but in units of the divided first image data, and extracts the partial pattern region from the second image data. Thereby, even when the cloth 30 is deformed or the like, or the size of the first image data becomes larger, the influence thereof can be reduced and the partial pattern region can be accurately extracted. As a result, the splicing of the partial pattern regions, that is, the pattern region, can be extracted with high precision. In addition, the printed image generation unit 12c generates printed image data by arranging the divided third image data in correspondence with the partial pattern region. Therefore, compared with the case of printing by arranging in units of the third image data in cooperation with the pattern region, it is easier to perform fine adjustment and correction, and it is easier to reduce the deviation between the pattern and the image to be printed overlapping the pattern.

[0117] In addition, as according to Figure 2AIt is understood that the distance between the photographing unit 15 and the printing head 19 in the conveying direction D1 is determined in the product specifications. The control unit 11 that acquires the second image data generated by photographing the conveyed fabric 30 by the photographing unit 15 needs to complete the generation of the printing image data required for starting printing before the fabric 30 reaches the printing head 19. However, in the case where each pattern formed on the fabric 30 is large, when the pattern area corresponding to one pattern is extracted from the second image data until the printing image data is generated, it is impossible to catch up with starting printing on the fabric 30, and it becomes necessary to reduce the conveying speed of the fabric 30 or temporarily stop the conveyance. In view of this defect, in the present embodiment, partial pattern areas are extracted from the second image data in units of dividing the first image data, and printing image data is generated in units of dividing the third image data in cooperation with the partial pattern areas. Therefore, it is possible to sequentially generate the printing image data without waiting for the photographing of the entire one pattern and the extraction of the entire pattern area, and it is possible to avoid a reduction in printing efficiency.

[0118] The present embodiment includes a configuration in which the divided first image data obtained by the processing pattern extraction unit 12b dividing the first image data only in the vertical direction and the divided third image data obtained by the processing printing image generation unit 12c dividing the third image data only in the vertical direction. Similarly, the present embodiment includes a configuration in which the divided first image data obtained by the processing pattern extraction unit 12b dividing the first image data only in the horizontal direction and the divided third image data obtained by the processing printing image generation unit 12c dividing the third image data only in the horizontal direction.

[0119] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the pattern extraction unit 12b extracts the first partial pattern area corresponding to the partial pattern represented by one divided first image data from a plurality of positions in the second image data, for each first partial pattern area at the plurality of positions, based on the comparison of the positional relationship between the first partial pattern area and other partial pattern areas extracted around the first partial pattern area and the positional relationship with the positions of the plurality of divided first image data in the first image data, the extraction accuracy is calculated. And, in order to generate the printing image data, the extraction result of the first partial pattern area with relatively high accuracy among the first partial pattern areas at the plurality of positions is provided to the printing image generation unit 12c.

[0120] According to the above configuration, the pattern extraction unit 12b calculates the extraction accuracy, that is, the extraction accuracy, for the partial pattern area. Thus, it is possible to exclude the partially mis-extracted pattern area from the second image data by comparison with the divided first image data, and it is possible to provide information on the correctly extracted partial pattern area for generating the printing image data. Thus, for example, it is possible to avoid a situation where the divided third image data is combined in a wrong configuration to generate the printing image data, and the printing quality can be ensured.

[0121] This embodiment discloses various types of inventions such as systems, programs, and methods in addition to the printing device 10.

[0122] The printing method includes: a conveying step of conveying the fabric 30 with a pattern formed thereon in the conveying direction D1; a photographing step of photographing the conveyed fabric 30; a pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between the first image data representing the pattern and the second image data generated by photographing the fabric 30; a printed image generation step of generating printed image data by arranging the third image data representing the image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; and a printing step of printing the printed image data on the conveyed fabric 30. Further, the pattern extraction step compares each of the plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions with the second image data, and extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the divided first image data from the second image data. The printed image generation step arranges each of the plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions corresponding to the extracted partial pattern region, thereby generating the printed image data.

[0123] In Figure 2A the example, a configuration of a so-called serial printer in which the print head 19 is mounted on the carriage 20 and moves is disclosed, but the print head 19 can also be a so-called line head. That is, the print head 19 can also be a long print head that is not mounted on the carriage 20 and can cover the width of the fabric 30 in the width direction D2.

[0124] In Figure 2A , Figure 2B the configuration shown by the reference numeral 22 can also be an impression plate as a base that supports the fabric 30 from below instead of an endless belt. That is, it can be understood that the fabric 30 conveyed by a roller (not shown) moves on the impression plate.

[0125] In the case where the raw material is other than the fabric 30, for example, a printing medium formed of paper, and the printed medium with a pattern formed thereon is used for printing, this embodiment can also be applied.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, Comprising: A conveying unit that conveys the patterned fabric in the conveying direction; An imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; A printing unit that prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; A pattern extraction unit that extracts a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between first image data representing the pattern and second image data generated by imaging the fabric by the imaging unit; A printed image generation unit that generates printed image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; And A printing control unit that causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data on the fabric, The pattern extraction unit extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to a partial pattern represented by each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions by comparing each of the plurality of divided first image data with the second image data, The printed image generation unit generates the printed image data by arranging each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions to correspond to the extracted partial pattern region.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When first partial pattern regions corresponding to a partial pattern represented by one of the divided first image data are extracted from a plurality of positions in the second image data, the pattern extraction unit calculates the accuracy of extraction for each of the first partial pattern regions at the plurality of positions based on a comparison between the positional relationship between the first partial pattern region and other partial pattern regions extracted around the first partial pattern region and the positional relationship between the plurality of divided first image data in the first image data, In order to generate the printed image data, the pattern extraction unit provides the extraction result of the first partial pattern region with relatively high accuracy among the first partial pattern regions at the plurality of positions to the printed image generation unit.

3. A printing method, comprising: A conveying step of conveying the patterned fabric in the conveying direction; An imaging step of imaging the conveyed fabric; A pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern region corresponding to the pattern in the second image data based on a comparison between first image data representing the pattern and second image data generated by imaging the fabric; A printed image generation step of generating printed image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the pattern to be consistent with the extracted pattern region; And A printing step of printing the printed image data on the conveyed fabric, The pattern extraction process compares each of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions with the second image data, and thereby extracts a partial pattern region corresponding to the partial pattern represented by the divided first image data from the second image data. The printed image generation process arranges each of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions corresponding to the extracted partial pattern region, and thereby generates the printed image data.

Images