Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

This application relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method. The process requires further calculation of the four corners of the pattern area based on information obtained as a pattern extraction result, such as interpolation, resulting in a high computational burden. The printing apparatus includes: a pattern correction unit that modifies the positional relationship between multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting first image data representing a first pattern formed on a fabric, generating corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center; a pattern extraction unit that extracts the pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data and second image data generated by photographing the fabric; a printing image generation unit that generates printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the area with the center of the pattern area as the four corners; and a printing control unit that causes the printing unit to print the printing image data onto the fabric.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printing apparatus and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that a technique is used to find candidates within an image of an object to be inspected that have features similar to those of a standard image obtained by photographing a qualified product that has become a standard product (see Patent Document 1).

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

[0004] Here, when using patterned fabric as a printing medium, it is conceivable to extract the pattern from a photographic image obtained by photographing the conveyed fabric. This extraction is performed to generate printing data, which is used to match the position and shape of the pattern for coloring. However, the information obtained as a result of extracting the pattern from the photographic image is often limited, such as the center coordinates of the pattern. Therefore, to generate printing data, it is necessary to further calculate the four corners of the pattern area using interpolation or other methods based on the information obtained from the pattern extraction, resulting in a high computational burden. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus includes: a conveying unit for conveying fabric having a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; a camera unit for capturing images of the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit for printing on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a pattern correction unit for changing the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting first image data representing the first pattern, and generating corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center; a pattern extraction unit for extracting a pattern area corresponding to a second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by capturing images of the fabric using the camera unit; a print image generation unit for generating print image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing control unit for causing the printing unit to perform printing the print image data on the fabric.

[0006] The printing apparatus includes: a conveying unit for conveying fabric having a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; a camera unit for capturing images of the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit for printing on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a pattern extraction unit for extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by capturing images of the fabric using the camera unit; an image correction unit for changing the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern, and generating corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data centered; a printing image generation unit for generating printing image data by configuring the corrected third image data to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing control unit for causing the printing unit to perform printing the printing image data on the fabric.

[0007] The printing apparatus includes: a conveying unit for conveying fabric having a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; a camera unit for capturing images of the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit for printing on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a pattern correction unit for generating a plurality of segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting corrected first image data obtained by adding blank areas around first image data representing the first pattern; a pattern extraction unit for extracting a plurality of pattern regions corresponding to the patterns represented by the plurality of segmented corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the plurality of segmented corrected first image data with second image data generated by capturing images of the fabric using the camera unit; a print image generation unit for generating print image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the regions centered at the four corners of the extracted pattern regions; and a printing control unit for causing the printing unit to perform printing the print image data on the fabric.

[0008] The printing method includes: a conveying step, in which fabric with a first pattern is conveyed in a conveying direction; a camera step, in which the conveyed fabric is photographed; a pattern correction step, in which the relative positions of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting first image data representing the first pattern are changed to generate corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center; a pattern extraction step, in which a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data is extracted from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by photographing the fabric; a print image generation step, in which a print image data is generated by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing step, in which the print image data is printed on the conveyed fabric.

[0009] The printing method includes: a conveying step, in which fabric with a first pattern is conveyed in a conveying direction; an imaging step, in which the conveyed fabric is photographed; a pattern extraction step, in which a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern is extracted from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by photographing the fabric; an image correction step, in which the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting a third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern is changed, and corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data as the center is generated; a printing image generation step, in which the corrected third image data is configured to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners to generate printing image data; and a printing step, in which the printing image data is printed on the conveyed fabric.

[0010] The printing method includes: a conveying step, conveying a fabric having a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction; an imaging step, imaging the conveyed fabric; a pattern correction step, generating multiple segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting corrected first image data obtained by adding blank areas around the first image data representing the first pattern; a pattern extraction step, extracting multiple pattern regions corresponding to the patterns represented by the multiple segmented corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the multiple segmented corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric; a printing image generation step, generating printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the regions centered at the four corners of the extracted pattern regions; and a printing step, printing the printing image data onto the conveyed fabric. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the structure of a printing apparatus is provided for simplicity.

[0012] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing the conveyed fabric and its surrounding structure from a top-down perspective.

[0013] Figure 2B To show from the perspective of upstream to downstream Figure 2A A diagram showing a portion of the composition.

[0014] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the printing process of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the details of step S100.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the process of segmenting and shifting pattern image data.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate step S130 of the first embodiment by way of a specific example.

[0018] Figure 7 The diagram is for illustrating steps S140 and S150 of the first embodiment through specific examples.

[0019] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the printing process of the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate step S130 of the second embodiment by way of a specific example.

[0021] Figure 10 The diagram is used to illustrate steps S145 and S150 of the second embodiment through specific examples.

[0022] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the printing process of the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate the third embodiment through specific examples.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate the segmented data shifting in the second variation.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating step S130 of the second variation.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 10: Printing apparatus; 11: Control unit; 12: Program; 12a: Pattern recording unit; 12b: Pattern correction unit; 12c: Pattern extraction unit; 12d: Image correction unit; 12e: Printing image generation unit; 12f: Printing control unit; 13: Display unit; 14: Operation receiving unit; 15: Camera unit; 16: Transport unit; 17: Printing unit; 18: Storage unit; 19: Print head; 20: Carriage; 22: Circular belt; 30: Fabric; 40, 43, 47: Pattern image Data; 42, 46, 48: Correction pattern image data; 45: Blank area; 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d: Segmented correction pattern image data; 50, 53, 54: Camera image data; 51, 52, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 55: Pattern area; 60, 61a, 61b, 61c, 63a, 63b, 63c, 64: Colored image data; 62: Corrected colored image data; 61, 63, 65: Printed image data. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are merely illustrative of these embodiments. As the figures are illustrative, there may be inaccuracies in proportions or shapes, inconsistencies between them, or omissions.

[0029] 1. Device Composition:

[0030] Figure 1 The configuration of the printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is briefly shown.

[0031] The printing apparatus 10 performs a printing method. The printing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation receiving unit 14, a camera unit 15, a transport unit 16, a printing unit 17, a storage unit 18, etc. The control unit 11 is configured to include one or more ICs having a CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, etc. as processors, and other non-volatile memory, etc.

[0032] In the control unit 11, the processor, i.e., the CPU 11a, uses RAM 11c and other memory as working areas to execute operations according to one or more programs 12 stored in ROM 11b, other memory, etc., thereby controlling the printing apparatus 10. The control unit 11 functions as a pattern recording unit 12a, a pattern correction unit 12b, a pattern extraction unit 12c, an image correction unit 12d, a printing image generation unit 12e, and a printing control unit 12f, etc., according to the programs 12. It should be noted that the processor is not limited to a single CPU; it can also be configured to process data using multiple CPUs, ASICs, or other hardware circuits, or it can be configured to process data in cooperation between the CPU and hardware circuits.

[0033] Display unit 13 is a unit for displaying visual information, and may be composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. Display unit 13 may also include a display and a driving circuit for driving the display. Operation receiving unit 14 is a unit for receiving user operations, and may be implemented, for example, via physical buttons, a touch panel, a mouse, or a keyboard. Alternatively, a touch panel may be implemented as a function of display unit 13. Display unit 13 and operation receiving unit 14 may be part of the printing apparatus 10, or they may be peripheral devices external to the printing apparatus 10.

[0034] The conveying unit 16 is a mechanism for conveying the printing medium under the control of the control unit 11. In this embodiment, the printing medium is envisioned as a jacquard woven fabric, or a fabric like lace, in which a three-dimensional pattern is formed by working on the weaving method of silk and fibers. In the fabric, one or a set of certain patterns are formed in a repeated arrangement. Hereinafter, one or a set of patterns will be treated as a single pattern.

[0035] The conveying unit 16, for example, includes a release roller that releases the pre-printing fabric rolled into a roll to the downstream of the conveyor, a belt and / or roller for further conveying the released fabric, a take-up roller that re-rolls the printed fabric into a roll for recycling, and a motor for rotating each roller and belt. Hereinafter, the upstream and downstream of the conveying direction of the conveying unit 16 will be simply referred to as upstream and downstream.

[0036] The camera unit 15, under the control of the control unit 11, captures images of the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit 16. The camera unit 15 is composed of a light source that illuminates the fabric, an imaging element that receives reflected light from the fabric to generate image data as the imaging result and outputs it.

[0037] The printing unit 17 prints on the fabric conveyed by the transport unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The printing unit 17 is located downstream of the imaging unit 15. The printing unit 17 prints on the fabric based on printing image data sent from the control unit 11. The printing unit 17 can, for example, use inkjet printing to spray inks of various colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to perform printing. Depending on the inkjet method, the printing unit 17 prints on the fabric by spraying ink dots from a nozzle (not shown) based on printing image data that specifies whether each ink dot is on or off according to each pixel.

[0038] Storage unit 18 is a storage unit such as non-volatile memory or hard disk drive. Storage unit 18 can also be understood as part of control unit 11. Alternatively, RAM 11c can also be understood as part of storage unit 18.

[0039] The printing apparatus 10 can also be referred to as a recording apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a printer, etc. The printing apparatus 10 can be implemented not only as a single device, but also as multiple devices connected to each other via a communication interface or network. The printing apparatus 10, composed of multiple devices, can also be referred to as a printing system 10.

[0040] The printing system 10 is configured, for example, to include a printer and one or more information processing devices that function as a control unit 11, wherein the printer includes a camera unit 15, a transport unit 16, and a printing unit 17. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a server, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a device with equivalent processing capabilities. In the printing system 10, the device that performs the control unit 11 may also be referred to as an image processing device, a printing control device, etc. Of course, any device constituting part of the printing system 10 may also be considered an invention.

[0041] Figure 2A The conveyed fabric 30 and its surrounding structure are shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 2A The depiction of the pattern pre-formed on fabric 30 is omitted. Figure 2A The conveying direction of the fabric 30 by the conveying section 16 is indicated by reference numeral D1. Reference numeral 22 refers to the annular belt 22, which is part of the conveying section 16. The fabric 30, riding on the annular belt 22, is conveyed from upstream to downstream by the rotation of the annular belt 22.

[0042] like Figure 2A As shown, a carriage 20 is mounted above the annular belt 22. The carriage 20 is capable of reciprocating along a direction D2 that intersects the conveying direction D1. Here, "intersection" means orthogonal, which can be understood to include not only strict orthogonality but also errors arising during product manufacturing. The carriage 20 moves along the elongated guide member 21 in direction D2. Direction D2 is also referred to as the main scanning direction of the carriage 20 and the print head 19. Furthermore, direction D2 is also referred to as the width direction of the fabric 30.

[0043] The carriage 20 is equipped with a print head 19. That is, the print head 19 reciprocates along the width direction D2 together with the carriage 20. The carriage 20 and the print head 19 constitute the printing section 17. Although not shown, the print head 19 opens multiple nozzles on its lower surface opposite to the annular belt 22. While moving along the width direction D2 together with the carriage 20, the print head 19 ejects ink from the nozzles based on printing image data.

[0044] like Figure 2A As shown, a camera unit 15 is provided at a predetermined position above the annular belt 22 and upstream of the carriage 20 and the printing head 19.

[0045] Figure 2B It is shown from an upstream to downstream perspective. Figure 2A This is part of the configuration shown. The imaging unit 15 uses its lower surface opposite the annular belt 22 as the imaging surface 15a, and captures images of the fabric 30 on the annular belt 22 through the imaging surface 15a. The imaging unit 15 is, for example, a line-scanning type camera in which multiple imaging elements are arranged internally along the width direction D2. The imaging unit 15 repeatedly captures images line by line using a lens (not shown) and imaging elements provided on the imaging surface 15a. Figure 2B In the diagram, the imaging range of the camera unit 15 in the width direction D2 is illustrated by dashed lines. The camera unit 15 is capable of imaging almost the entire range of the annular strip 22 in the width direction D2 by means of the lens.

[0046] The composition of the camera unit 15 is not limited to Figure 2A , 2B Examples include: For instance, a plurality of camera units 15 may be arranged above the annular belt 22 along the width direction D2, with each camera unit 15 covering a portion of the entire range of the annular belt 22 in the width direction D2 for imaging. Alternatively, the camera units 15 may be row sensors configured to arrange a plurality of imaging elements across almost the entire range of the annular belt 22 in the width direction D2. Alternatively, similar to the case where the print head 19 is mounted on the carriage 20, the camera units 15 may be mounted on a carriage that can move along the width direction D2, and imaging the annular belt 22 while moving along the width direction D2 via the carriage.

[0047] The following describes several implementation methods for the printing method.

[0048] 2. First implementation method:

[0049] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates the printing process involved in the first embodiment, which is executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with procedure 12.

[0050] In step S100, the pattern recording unit 12a of the control unit 11 records pattern image data representing the pattern formed on the fabric 30 into the storage unit 18. The pattern image data is equivalent to "first image data", and step S100 is equivalent to the recording process.

[0051] Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the details of step S100.

[0052] In step S102, the pattern recording unit 12a acquires basic image data representing the pattern of the fabric 30. The fabric 30 is, for example, a textile obtained by repeatedly weaving a pattern designed by a designer. Therefore, it is assumed that the basic image data is image data representing the pattern that is pre-generated using prescribed software for design and drafting. The pattern recording unit 12a inputs the basic image data stored on a PC external to, for example, the printing device 10, according to the user's operation, and saves the input basic image data to the storage unit 18.

[0053] In step S104, the pattern recording unit 12a acquires image data generated by a pre-scan of the fabric 30, i.e., pre-scan data. Pre-scanning refers to reading and capturing images of the fabric 30 prior to the image capture that begins in step S110, described later. For example, the user may have an external scanner of the printing apparatus 10 pre-scan the fabric 30. Then, the pattern recording unit 12a inputs the image data generated by the scan from the scanner and saves it as pre-scan data to the storage unit 18.

[0054] Alternatively, the pre-scan may be performed by the camera unit 15. For example, the control unit 11 causes the conveying unit 16 to start conveying the fabric 30, and stops conveying the fabric 30 at a time when the leading edge of the fabric 30 reaches a position a predetermined distance downstream of the camera unit 15. The leading edge of the fabric 30 is the downstream end of the fabric 30. The camera unit 15 captures images of the fabric 30 passing below the camera unit 15 as it is conveyed, and the pattern recording unit 12a inputs the image data generated by the camera from the camera unit 15 and saves it as pre-scan data to the storage unit 18.

[0055] In step S106, the pattern recording unit 12a compares the basic image data acquired in step S102 with the pre-scan data acquired in step S104, and extracts a pattern area corresponding to a pattern on the fabric 30 from the pre-scan data. At this time, the pattern recording unit 12a uses image recognition technology to extract an image area within the pre-scan data that has a higher similarity to the basic image data, and sets that image area as the pattern area.

[0056] Then, in step S108, the pattern recording unit 12a saves the image data corresponding to the pattern area extracted in step S106 as pattern image data to the storage unit 18. Through the above, the recording of the pattern image data is completed.

[0057] According to Figure 4 The explanation given is that the pattern image data can also be described as at least a portion of the pre-scanned data.

[0058] However, step S100 can be simplified by having the pattern recording unit 12a record the basic image data itself as pattern image data into the storage unit 18.

[0059] In step S110, the pattern correction unit 12b processes the pattern image data recorded in step S100 by changing the relative positions of multiple segmented pattern image data, converting them into corrected pattern image data with the four corners centered. The processing of the pattern image data in step 110 is referred to as "segmented data shifting." Segmenting the pattern image data is equivalent to "segmenting the first image data," and correcting the pattern image data is equivalent to "correcting the first image data." Step S110 is equivalent to a "pattern correction process."

[0060] Reference Figure 5 Explain the process of segmenting and shifting pattern image data. Figure 5 An example is shown of the pattern image data 40 recorded in step S100. The pattern represented by the pattern image data 40 corresponds to the "first pattern". The shape of the pattern image data 40 can be understood as a rectangle. Figure 5 In the example, pattern image data 40 represents a first pattern designed with the shape of flower petals as its theme. Of course, such a pattern can also be more complex. It should be noted that in fabric 30, the same first pattern as pattern image data 40 is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2, respectively. In this embodiment, the orientation of each image data processed by the control unit 11, such as pattern image data, camera image data, and printed image data, is also described in a way that corresponds to the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. In addition, the conveying direction D1 will be simply referred to as longitudinal, and the width direction D2 will be simply referred to as transverse.

[0061] The pattern correction unit 12b divides the pattern image data 40 into four segmented pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d by bisecting the pattern image data 40 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Each segmented pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d contains vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d of the four corners of the pattern image data 40. Figure 5 In the example, segmented pattern image data 40a has vertex 41a, segmented pattern image data 40b has vertex 41b, segmented pattern image data 40c has vertex 41c, and segmented pattern image data 40d has vertex 41d.

[0062] The pattern correction unit 12b alters the relative positions of the segmented pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d by causing vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d to overlap at a single point. While the order of positional changes is not necessarily fixed, it depends on... Figure 5First, the pattern correction unit 12b, considering the positional relationship of the segmented pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, moves the group of segmented pattern image data 40b and 40d that is at the far end in the positive direction of the width direction D2 towards the far end in the negative direction of the width direction D2. In other words, it replaces the positions of the group of segmented pattern image data 40a and 40c with the group of segmented pattern image data 40b and 40d. At this point, vertex 41a overlaps with vertex 41b, and vertex 41c overlaps with vertex 41d.

[0063] In this replacement state, the pattern correction unit 12b further moves the group of segmented pattern image data 40d and 40c, which is located at the far end in the upstream direction of the conveying direction D1, to the end position in the downstream direction of the conveying direction D1. That is, it replaces the positions of the group of segmented pattern image data 40b and 40a with the group of segmented pattern image data 40d and 40c. As a result, a corrected pattern image data 42 is generated centered on point 49 obtained by overlapping vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d. As described above, if the pattern image data 40 is rectangular, the corrected pattern image data 42 is also rectangular. The pattern represented by the corrected pattern image data 42 is equivalent to a "second pattern". It should be noted that in Figure 5 In the pattern image data 40 and the correction pattern image data 42, the solid and dashed lines used to divide the pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are actually not present, and therefore do not constitute the first pattern or the second pattern.

[0064] In step S120, the control unit 11 causes the camera unit 15 to begin imaging the fabric 30 being conveyed by the conveying unit 16 at a predetermined speed. In other words, step S120 initiates the "conveyance process" of the fabric 30. Additionally, step S120 initiates the "imaging process." Image data, generated line-by-line by the camera unit 15 imaging the fabric 30, is sequentially output to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 acquires two-dimensional image data by sequentially saving the line-by-line image data from the camera unit 15. This image data is equivalent to "second image data."

[0065] In step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the corrected pattern image data obtained by transforming the pattern image data from the pattern image data obtained by segmentation data shifting in step S110 with the camera image data generated by imaging in step S120, thereby extracting the pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected pattern image data from the camera image data. Of course, the camera image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 contains multiple first patterns arranged in a pattern. Step S130 corresponds to the "pattern extraction process".

[0066] The pattern extraction unit 12c uses image recognition technology to extract image regions with a similarity to the calibration pattern image data that is at least a certain level, as pattern regions. Specifically, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts the edges of the images in the calibration pattern image data, and similarly, extracts the edges of the images in the camera image data. Then, while shifting the distribution of edges in the calibration pattern image data relative to the distribution of edges in the camera image data, and while deforming the calibration pattern image data, it repeatedly compares the data and extracts regions where the consistency of edge distribution is highly rated as at least a certain level as pattern regions. It should be noted that, similar to the processing in step S130, in the above-described step S106, the pattern recording unit 12a can extract pattern regions within the pre-scanned data based on the consistency of edge distribution between the compared images.

[0067] Here, if the width direction D2 is considered as the X-axis and the transport direction D1 as the Y-axis, then the coordinates of the camera image data are defined in a two-dimensional plane based on the orthogonal X and Y axes. Therefore, the process of extracting a pattern region from the camera image data is the process of specifying the coordinates of the pattern region within the camera image data. More specifically, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains the center coordinates of a region within the camera image data that can be evaluated as a pattern region based on the uniformity of the edge distribution as described above, as a pattern region extraction result. For the processing of steps S140 and S150, the pattern extraction unit 12c outputs the information of the center coordinates of the pattern region obtained as the extraction result to the printing image generation unit 12e.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 A specific example of step S130 will be provided below. Figure 6 The image data 50 is shown as an example. Additionally, for reference, in... Figure 6 The image also shows correction pattern image data 42. Within the camera image data 50, the same first pattern as in the pattern image data 40 is repeated along the transport direction D1 and the width direction D2, respectively. The rectangles shown as dashed lines within the camera image data 50 are pattern regions 51 corresponding to this first pattern. On the other hand, the rectangles shown as solid lines within the camera image data 50 are pattern regions 52 corresponding to the second pattern represented by the correction pattern image data 42. In other words, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains information about the center coordinates of each pattern region 52 from multiple locations within the camera image data 50 by performing extraction based on the correction pattern image data 42. Figure 6 In the diagram, the center coordinates of each pattern region 52 are indicated by black circles. According to... Figure 6 It can be seen that the center coordinates of each pattern area 52 are equivalent to the four corners of each pattern area 51.

[0069] In step S140, the printing image generation unit 12e deforms the color image data representing the image to be printed overlapping the first pattern, so that it matches the shape of the region with the center coordinates of the pattern area extracted in step S130 as the four corners. The color image data is equivalent to "third image data". The color image data is pre-generated color image data representing the color to be colored onto a first pattern and the printing range of the color. The color image data is, for example, pre-saved in the storage unit 18. Alternatively, the control unit 11, following the user's operation, inputs the color image data saved in the PC from the PC outside the printing apparatus 10, and saves the input color image data to the storage unit 18.

[0070] Ideally, in the camera image data, the center coordinates of each patterned area should exist at certain intervals along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. Furthermore, ideally, the patterned areas should be rectangles with specified lengths in both directions. However, the conveyed fabric 30 may become skewed or stretch (hereinafter referred to as skew, etc.). Although not specified in... Figure 6 The following Figure 7 , 9 While specifically depicted in steps S1, S10, S12, and S14, the spacing and arrangement direction of the center coordinates of the multiple pattern regions extracted from the camera image data in steps S130 and above can sometimes be affected by such skewness.

[0071] Therefore, the printing image generation unit 12e deforms the shape of the colored image data to match the shapes of each region with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners. As a deformation method, affine transformations including image enlargement, reduction, rotation, and shearing, or other deformation methods, are used. Depending on the shape of the regions with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners, the deformation processing in step S140 may sometimes be unnecessary.

[0072] In step S150, the printing image generation unit 12e generates printing image data by configuring the multiple colored image data obtained in step S140 in correspondence with the arrangement of regions in the photographic image data with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners. The printing image data is image data that combines the multiple colored image data obtained in step S140, and is an image of printing on a region of the fabric 30 that is the object of the photograph. Such steps S140 and S150 are equivalent to a "printing image generation process" that generates printing image data by configuring the third image data to match (correspond) with the regions with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 Specific examples of steps S140 and S150 are explained below. Reference numeral 60 in the accompanying drawings indicates colored image data 60. Figure 7 In this context, the coloring image data 60 is color image data representing the colors that should overlap with the first pattern designed with petals as the theme. The coloring image data 60 can be understood as an image with dimensions that are the same or substantially the same as the pattern image data 40 and the correction pattern image data 42. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 In, with Figure 6 Similarly, the center coordinates extracted in step S130 are indicated by black circles. Reference numeral 61a indicates the shading image data 61a after being deformed to fit the shape of a region (first region) with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. Similarly, reference numeral 61b indicates the shading image data 61b after being deformed to fit the shape of a region (second region) adjacent to the first region in the width direction D2 and with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners.

[0074] Reference numeral 61c indicates the colored image data 61c after deforming the colored image data 60 by fitting the shape of a region (third region) adjacent to the second region in the width direction D2, with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners. Then, the data obtained by combining such colored image data 61a, 61b, 61c... in the same positional relationship as the first region, second region, third region... in the photographic image data 50 is the printed image data 61. Figure 7 In the diagram, the boundaries of the colored image data 61a, 61b, 61c... are shown with dashed lines. The first region, the second region, the third region... correspond to the pattern region 51, respectively. That is, the printing image generation unit 12e configures the colored image data 60 to match the regions with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners, thereby enabling the colored image data 60 to be configured to match the pattern region 51 representing the first pattern.

[0075] like Figure 3 As indicated by the dashed arrow, after the imaging of the fabric 30 begins in step S120, the control unit 11 repeatedly performs steps S130 to S150 based on the image data sequentially obtained from the imaging unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 executes step S130 with image data of a predetermined size sequentially obtained from the imaging unit 15, and executes steps S140 and S150 upon receiving the result of step S130. Figure 7 The printed image data 61 shown is understood as an example of printed image data obtained as a result of a cycle of steps S130 to S150.

[0076] In step S160, the printing control unit 12f begins printing the printing image data generated in step S150 onto the fabric 30. That is, the "printing process" begins with step S160. The printing image generation unit 12e sequentially generates printing image data by repeatedly performing steps S140 and S150, and outputs the printing image data to the printing control unit 12f in the order of generation. The printing control unit 12f appropriately performs necessary processing on the printing image data obtained from the printing image generation unit 12e, such as color conversion processing and halftone processing, to convert it into printing image data in the form used by the printing unit 17 in printing. The printing control unit 12f may also temporarily store such converted printing image data in a buffer.

[0077] Then, the printing control unit 12f transmits the converted printing image data to the printing unit 17, and at a predetermined timing when the position of the fabric 30, which was photographed in step S120, reaches below the print head 19, the printing unit 17 begins printing by moving the carriage 20 and ejecting ink from the print head 19 based on the printing image data. Thus, the color images represented by the individual color image data constituting the printing image data are printed in a form that matches the individual patterns in the fabric 30, overlapping with the patterns.

[0078] The conveying unit 16 is equipped with an encoder that detects the rotation of the rollers and belt that rotate for conveying. The printing control unit 12f calculates the conveying distance of the fabric 30 based on the detection signal from the encoder. Therefore, the printing control unit 12f can determine the current position of the fabric 30 in the conveying direction D1 after the camera was started in step S120, and when the position reaches below the printing head 19, it causes the printing unit 17 to start printing on the fabric 30.

[0079] After printing begins in step S160, the control unit 11 determines whether to end printing (step S170). If printing has ended, the control unit 11 determines "yes" and proceeds to the end process in step S180. For example, the control unit 11 determines printing to be finished when it receives an instruction from the user that printing has ended or when the transport of a predetermined length of fabric 30 has ended.

[0080] In the final processing of step S180, the control unit 11 stops the camera unit 15 from capturing images of the fabric 30. Furthermore, after the printing unit 17 performs printing based on the printing image data generated in the last cycle of steps S130-S150, the control unit 11 stops driving the transport unit 16 and the printing unit 17, thus ending the process. Figure 3 The flowchart is shown. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can stop the conveying unit 16 after controlling the take-up roller to perform the necessary processing such as retrieving the fabric 30.

[0081] 3. Second implementation method:

[0082] Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0083] Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the printing process involved in the second embodiment, executed by the control unit 11 according to procedure 12. In short, the difference between the second and first embodiments is that the segmentation data shifting is performed on the colored image data, rather than on the pattern image data. Figure 8 Flowcharts and Figure 3 The comparison is performed, with step S110 replaced by step S115, and step S140 replaced by step S145. In the second embodiment, descriptions of content common to the first embodiment are omitted.

[0084] In step S115, the image correction unit 12d performs segmented data shifting on the colored image data. That is, the colored image data is divided into multiple segmented colored image data, and the relative positions of the segmented colored image data are changed, transforming it into corrected colored image data with the four corners of the colored image data centered. Segmenting the colored image data is equivalent to "segmenting the third image data," and correcting the colored image data is equivalent to "correcting the third image data." Step S115 is equivalent to an "image correction process." Since the process of converting colored image data into corrected colored image data is applicable... Figure 5 The process shown is simply converting pattern image data 40 into corrected pattern image data 42 via pattern correction unit 12b, so the explanation is omitted here.

[0085] In the second embodiment, the pattern image data is not segmented or shifted. Therefore, in step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the pattern image data recorded in step S100 with the camera image data generated by the camera in step S120, and extracts the pattern region corresponding to the first pattern represented by the pattern image data from the camera image data. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains the center coordinates of a region within the camera image data that can be evaluated as a pattern region based on its consistency with the edge distribution of the pattern image data as an extraction result of the pattern region. For the processing in steps S145 and S150, the pattern extraction unit 12c outputs the information of the center coordinates of the pattern region obtained as the extraction result to the printing image generation unit 12e.

[0086] Reference Figure 9 A specific example of step S130 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 9 In, with Figure 6 Similarly, a portion of the camera image data 50 is shown as an example. Additionally, for reference, the pattern image data 40 is also shown in... Figure 9 As shown in the image. Figure 9 Within the camera image data 50, each rectangle shown as a solid line represents a pattern region 51 corresponding to the first pattern represented by the pattern image data 40. The pattern extraction unit 12c extracts information about the center coordinates of each pattern region 51 from multiple locations within the camera image data 50 by performing extraction based on the pattern image data 40. Figure 9 The center coordinates of each pattern area 51 are shown with black circles. Figure 9 and Figure 6 As can be seen from the reference, the center coordinates of each pattern region 51 correspond to the four corners of each pattern region 52. Step S130 of the second embodiment is equivalent to the "pattern extraction process" of extracting the pattern region corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data.

[0087] In step S145, the printing image generation unit 12e deforms the corrected color image data obtained by shifting the segmentation data in step S115 so as to match the shape of the regions with the center coordinates of the pattern area extracted in step S130 as the four corners. The corrected color image data can also be described as color image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the second pattern. The description of step S140 is appropriately applied to step S145. In step S150, the printing image generation unit 12e generates printing image data by arranging the multiple corrected color image data obtained in step S145 in correspondence with the arrangement of the regions with the center coordinates of the extracted pattern area as the four corners in the photographic image data. Steps S145 and S150 correspond to a "printing image generation process" that generates printing image data by configuring the corrected third image data to match (correspond) with the regions with the center coordinates of the extracted pattern area as the four corners.

[0088] Reference Figure 10 Specific examples of steps S145 and S150 of the second embodiment will be described. Reference numeral 62 indicates the corrected colorized image data 62 obtained by shifting the segmented data in step S115. The corrected colorized image data 62, like the colorized image data 60, is an image with the same or substantially the same dimensions as the pattern image data 40 and the corrected pattern image data 42. Figure 10 In, with Figure 9Similarly, the center coordinates extracted in step S130 are shown by black circles. Reference numeral 63a indicates the corrected colorized image data 63a after being deformed to fit the shape of a region (fourth region) with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. Similarly, reference numeral 63b indicates the corrected colorized image data 63b after being deformed to fit the shape of a region (fifth region) adjacent to the fourth region in the width direction D2 and with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners.

[0089] Reference numeral 63c indicates the corrected color image data 63c, which is shaped to distort the corrected color image data 62, corresponding to a region adjacent to the fifth region in the width direction D2 and with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners (the sixth region). Then, the data obtained by combining such corrected color image data 63a, 63b, 63c... in the same positional relationship as the fourth, fifth, and sixth regions... in the photographic image data 50 is the printed image data 63. Figure 10 In the diagram, dashed lines represent a portion of the boundaries of the corrected coloring image data 63a, 63b, 63c, etc. The fourth region, fifth region, sixth region, etc., correspond to the pattern region 52, respectively. In other words, the printing image generation unit 12e configures the corrected coloring image data 62 to match the regions with the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as the four corners, thereby enabling the corrected coloring image data 62 to be configured to match the pattern region 52 representing the second pattern. The result of configuring the corrected coloring image data 62 to match the pattern region 52 representing the second pattern is substantially the same as the result of configuring the coloring image data 60 to match the pattern region 51 representing the first pattern.

[0090] 4. Summary of the first and second embodiments:

[0091] According to this first embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes: a conveying unit 16 for conveying fabric 30 with a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction D1; an imaging unit 15 for imaging the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16; and a printing unit 17 for printing on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 also includes: a pattern correction unit 12b for changing the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting first image data representing the first pattern, and generating corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center; a pattern extraction unit 12c for extracting a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 using the imaging unit 15; a print image generation unit 12e for generating print image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing control unit 12f for causing the printing unit 17 to perform printing the print image data on the fabric 30.

[0092] As a result of extracting the pattern area from the camera image data of fabric 30, only limited information such as the center coordinates of the pattern area is obtained. Therefore, in the past, it was necessary to refer to the center coordinates of the extracted result based on the pattern image data, and then further calculate the vertices of the four corners of the pattern area through interpolation operations, thereby determining the shape of the pattern area, and configuring the color image data in accordance with the shape of the pattern area.

[0093] To address this technical problem, the pattern correction unit 12b converts the first image data into corrected first image data centered at its four corners by segmenting and shifting the data. The pattern extraction unit 12c extracts the pattern region corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data based on the corrected first image data. Therefore, the printing image generation unit 12e can generate printing image data that accurately overlaps with the first pattern of the fabric 30 simply by configuring the third image data to match the regions with the center coordinates of the extracted pattern region as its four corners. In other words, interpolation operations as described above are not required for configuring the third image data, reducing the computational burden on the processor. This improves the processing speed of printing image data generation.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes: a conveying unit 16 for conveying fabric 30 with a first pattern formed thereon in the conveying direction D1; an imaging unit 15 for imaging the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16; and a printing unit 17 for printing on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. The printing apparatus 10 further includes: a pattern extraction unit 12c for extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 using the imaging unit 15; an image correction unit 12d for changing the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern, and generating corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data centered; a printing image generation unit 12e for generating printing image data by configuring the corrected third image data to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as its four corners; and a printing control unit 12f for causing the printing unit 17 to perform printing image data on the fabric 30.

[0095] In other words, to address the aforementioned technical problems, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts the pattern region corresponding to the first pattern represented by the first image data from the second image data based on the first image data, and the image correction unit 12d converts the third image data into corrected third image data with its four corners centered by segmenting and shifting the data. Therefore, the printing image generation unit 12e can generate printing image data that accurately overlaps with the first pattern of the fabric 30 simply by configuring the corrected third image data to match the regions with the center coordinates of the extracted pattern region as its four corners. That is, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, does not require interpolation calculations as described above, thus reducing the computational burden on the processor. Consequently, the processing speed for generating printing image data is improved.

[0096] In addition to the printing apparatus 10, this embodiment also discloses inventions in various categories such as systems, programs, and methods.

[0097] The printing method according to the first embodiment includes: a conveying step, conveying a fabric 30 with a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction D1; an imaging step, imaging the conveyed fabric 30; a pattern correction step, changing the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting first image data representing the first pattern, and generating corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center; a pattern extraction step, extracting a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data and second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30; a print image generation step, generating print image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing step, printing the print image data onto the conveyed fabric 30.

[0098] The printing method according to the second embodiment includes: a conveying step, in which fabric 30 having a first pattern is conveyed in a conveying direction D1; an imaging step, in which the conveyed fabric 30 is imaged; a pattern extraction step, in which a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern is extracted from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30; an image correction step, in which the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern is changed, and corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data as the center is generated; a printing image generation step, in which printing image data is generated by configuring the corrected third image data to match the area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners; and a printing step, in which the printing image data is printed on the conveyed fabric 30.

[0099] 5. Third implementation method:

[0100] Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0101] Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates the printing process involved in the third embodiment, in which the control unit 11 follows procedure 12. Figure 11 Flowcharts and Figure 3 In comparison, step S117 is replaced by step S110, and step S135 is replaced by step S130. In the third embodiment, descriptions of content common to the first or second embodiment are omitted.

[0102] In the first and second embodiments, the descriptions were based on the scenario where the first pattern is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a scenario is envisioned where a fabric 30, for example, a scarf, with a large-sized first pattern is printed, matching the coloring image data used to color the first pattern. In the third embodiment, no segmentation data shifting is performed.

[0103] In step S117, the pattern correction unit 12b adds blank areas around the pattern image data and generates multiple segmented correction pattern image data centered at the four corners of the pattern image data by dividing the corrected pattern image data with the added blank areas. Segmenting the correction pattern image data is equivalent to "segmenting and correcting the first image data". Step S117 is equivalent to the "pattern correction process".

[0104] In step S135, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the multiple segmentation and correction pattern image data generated in step S117 with the camera image data generated by the camera in step S120, and extracts multiple pattern regions corresponding to the patterns represented by the multiple segmentation and correction pattern image data from the camera image data. For the processing in steps S140 and S150, the pattern extraction unit 12c outputs the center coordinate information of the pattern regions obtained as extraction results to the printing image generation unit 12e. Step S135 is equivalent to the "pattern extraction process".

[0105] Reference Figure 12 The flow of steps S117, S135, S140, and S150 of the third embodiment will be specifically described. Reference numeral 43 illustrates pattern image data 43 representing the first pattern formed on the fabric 30. Reference numeral 53 illustrates photographic image data 53 of the fabric 30, and reference numeral 64 illustrates color image data 64 corresponding to the first pattern.

[0106] In step S117, the pattern correction unit 12b first adds a blank area 45 around the pattern image data 43 to generate corrected pattern image data 46. When the vertical length of the pattern image data 43 is H and the horizontal length is W, the pattern correction unit 12b sets the vertical length of the corrected pattern image data 46, including the blank area 45, to be 2×H and the horizontal length to be 2×W. In the corrected pattern image data 46, the pattern image data 43 is positioned in the center.

[0107] In step S117, the pattern correction unit 12b further divides the correction pattern image data 46 into four segmented correction pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d by bisecting the correction pattern image data 46 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 12The segmentation and correction pattern image data 46a is centered at vertex 44a, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. Similarly, the segmentation and correction pattern image data 46b is centered at vertex 44b, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. The segmentation and correction pattern image data 46c is centered at vertex 44c, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. The segmentation and correction pattern image data 46d is centered at vertex 44d, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43.

[0108] In step S135, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts multiple pattern regions 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d corresponding to the patterns represented by the segmented and corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d respectively from the camera image data 53 by comparing them with the camera image data 53. It should be noted that, in order to compare the segmented and corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d with the camera image data 53, the pattern extraction unit 12c only needs to add blank areas around the camera image data 53 as needed, and set the size of the camera image data 53 to be larger than or equal to the size of the corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d.

[0109] according to Figure 12 Pattern region 53a is the pattern region corresponding to the segmentation correction pattern image data 46a. Additionally, pattern region 53b corresponds to segmentation correction pattern image data 46b, pattern region 53c corresponds to segmentation correction pattern image data 46c, and pattern region 53d corresponds to segmentation correction pattern image data 46d. Figure 12 In the diagram, the center coordinates of each of the pattern regions 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d are indicated by black circles. That is, in step S135, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains the information of the center coordinates of each of the pattern regions 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d as the extraction result and outputs it to the printing image generation unit 12e.

[0110] In steps S140 and S150, the printing image generation unit 12e generates printing image data 65 by deforming the edges of the colored image data 64 as needed and configuring them to match the regions with the center coordinates of the pattern regions 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d extracted in step S135 as the four corners. In this way, by configuring the colored image data 64 to match the regions with the center coordinates extracted in step S135 as the four corners, the printing image generation unit 12e can configure the colored image data 64 in a way that matches the region representing the first pattern in the photographic image data 53.

[0111] Thus, according to the third embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes: a conveying unit 16 for conveying fabric 30 with a first pattern formed on it in the conveying direction D1; an imaging unit 15 for imaging the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16; and a printing unit 17 for printing on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 also includes: a pattern correction unit 12b, which generates a plurality of segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting the first image data obtained by adding blank areas around the first image data representing the first pattern; a pattern extraction unit 12c, which extracts a plurality of pattern regions corresponding to the patterns represented by the plurality of segmented corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the plurality of segmented corrected first image data with second image data generated by photographing the fabric 30 using the camera unit 15; a printing image generation unit 12e, which generates printing image data by configuring a third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match (correspond to) the regions centered at the four corners of the extracted pattern regions; and a printing control unit 12f, which causes the printing unit 17 to perform printing of printing image data on the fabric 30.

[0112] According to the aforementioned configuration, the printing image generation unit 12e can generate printing image data that accurately overlaps with the first pattern of the fabric 30 by configuring the third image data only by matching the regions with the center coordinates of the pattern region as the extraction result at the four corners. That is, it is not necessary to perform interpolation operations, such as those described above, based on the center coordinates of the pattern region extracted from the camera image data to determine the shape of the pattern region. Therefore, the computational burden on the processor is reduced, and the processing speed for generating printing image data is improved.

[0113] The printing method according to the third embodiment includes: a conveying step, conveying a fabric 30 having a first pattern formed thereon in a conveying direction D1; an imaging step, imaging the conveyed fabric 30; a pattern correction step, generating a plurality of segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting corrected first image data obtained by adding blank areas around the first image data representing the first pattern; a pattern extraction step, extracting a plurality of pattern regions corresponding to the patterns represented by the plurality of segmented corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the plurality of segmented corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30; a printing image generation step, generating printing image data by configuring a third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match the regions centered at the four corners of the extracted pattern regions; and a printing step, printing the printing image data onto the conveyed fabric 30.

[0114] 6. Variation example:

[0115] Several variations of this embodiment will be described.

[0116] First variation:

[0117] Alternatively, the control unit 11 may select which of the first and third embodiments to execute based on the type of pattern formed on the fabric 30. The user determines whether a certain pattern, i.e., the first pattern, is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30 used for printing, or whether a pattern is formed as a whole without such repetition, and inputs the determination result to the control unit 11 through the operation receiving unit 14.

[0118] If the user inputs a determination that the first pattern is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30, the control unit 11 executes the first implementation method with segmented data shifting. Conversely, if the user inputs a determination that the first pattern on the fabric 30 is not a repeated pattern but rather a single first pattern, the control unit 11 executes the third implementation method without segmented data shifting. The control unit 11 may also execute the second implementation method instead of the first implementation method.

[0119] Second variation:

[0120] The number of segments in the pattern image data obtained by shifting the segmented data is not limited to, for example, Figure 5 As explained in the text, it is divided into four parts.

[0121] Figure 13 It is used to illustrate the second variation example through Figure 3 A diagram showing the segmented data shifting performed in step S110 is illustrated. Figure 5 Different examples. In Figure 13 The pattern image data 47 is shown in the image. Figure 13 For convenience, the various parts of the first pattern represented by the pattern image data 47, i.e., the partial patterns, are represented by letters such as "A", "B", "C", and "D". It should be noted that the partial patterns are not actually letters such as "A", "B", "C", and "D". In the fabric 30, the same first pattern as the pattern image data 47 is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2.

[0122] The pattern correction unit 12b divides the pattern image data 47 into four regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d by bisecting it both vertically and horizontally. Figure 13It can be seen that region 47a corresponds to local pattern "A". Similarly, region 47b corresponds to local pattern "B", region 47c corresponds to local pattern "C", and region 47d corresponds to local pattern "D". In the second variation, the pattern correction unit 12b further divides the pattern image data 47 into 16 segmented pattern image data in a 4×4 format by further bisecting regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 13 The second section, starting from the top, shows pattern image data 47 divided into 16 states.

[0123] For such pattern image data 47, the pattern correction unit 12b, in the positional relationship of each segmented pattern image data, moves the column of the segmented pattern image data that is at the very end in the positive direction of the width direction D2 to the very end in the negative direction of the width direction D2, and sets it as pattern image data 47'. The pattern correction unit 12b further moves the row of the segmented pattern image data that is at the very end in the upstream direction of the transport direction D1 to the very end in the downstream direction of the transport direction D1, and sets it as corrected pattern image data 48.

[0124] In the calibration pattern image data 48, solid lines delineate regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d, representing the division of the calibration pattern image data 48 into two parts both vertically and horizontally. That is, regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d are sets of four segmented pattern image data. It can be understood that through... Figure 13 The data shift shown involves overlapping any one of the four corner vertices of the regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d of the pattern image data 47 at the center of each of the regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d of the pattern image data 48. For example, the four corner vertices of region 47a become the centers of regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. Similarly, the four corner vertices of region 47b also become the centers of regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d.

[0125] In the second variation, the local patterns "A", "B", "C", and "D" are also interpreted as first patterns, and the patterns represented by regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d are interpreted as second patterns. Then, step S130 and subsequent steps of the first embodiment are performed. That is, in step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts the pattern regions corresponding to the second patterns represented by regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d from the camera image data by comparing each region in the regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d constituting the correction pattern image data 48 with the camera image data.

[0126] by Figure 13 Based on the content, refer to Figure 14 Step S130 in the second variation will be explained. Figure 14 A portion of the camera image data 54 is illustrated below. Within the camera image data 54, the same first pattern as the pattern image data 47 is repeatedly displayed along both the transport direction D1 and the width direction D2. The rectangles shown as solid lines within the camera image data 54 are pattern regions 55 corresponding to the second patterns displayed in regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. In other words, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains information about the center coordinates of each pattern region 55 from multiple locations within the camera image data 54 by extracting each region from regions 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d that constitute the corrected pattern image data 48. Figure 14 In the diagram, the center coordinates of each pattern region 55 are indicated by black circles. According to... Figure 14 It can be seen that the center coordinates of each pattern area 55 correspond to the four corners of the local patterns "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0127] Therefore, in steps S140 and S150 of the second variation, the printing image generation unit 12e divides the (not shown) colored image data that is overlaid on the pattern image data 47 in the same manner as dividing the pattern image data 47 into regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d. Then, the printing image data is generated by deforming the edges of the image data of each region obtained by dividing the colored image data to match the shape of the regions with the center coordinates of the pattern region 55 extracted in step S130 as the four corners.

[0128] The number of segments of the pattern image data according to the second variation is not limited to, for example, in Figure 13 The pattern image data 47 is divided into 16 parts as described in the text. Alternatively, the pattern correction unit 12b can, for example, divide the pattern image data 47 into nine regions by dividing it into three parts each in the vertical and horizontal directions, and then further divide each of these regions into two parts each in the vertical and horizontal directions, thus dividing the pattern image data 47 into 36 segmented pattern image data in a 6×6 format. In this case, the pattern correction unit 12b also... Figure 13 Similarly, the correction pattern image data is generated by performing segmented data shifting, and the nine quadrilateral regions that constitute the correction pattern image data, which are composed of four sets of segmented pattern image data, are regarded as the first pattern. Step S130 and subsequent steps are then executed.

[0129] Furthermore, following the relationship between the first and second embodiments, the segmentation data shifting in the second variation can of course be performed on the colored image data, rather than on the pattern image data. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts the center coordinates of each pattern region corresponding to each first pattern represented by regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d in the camera image data by comparing each region in the pattern image data 47 with the camera image data. Then, the image correction unit 12d performs the segmentation data shifting of the second variation on the colored image data to generate corrected colored image data. The printing image generation unit 12e generates printing image data by deforming the edges of the image data of each region constituting the corrected colored image data and configuring them to match the shape of the regions with the center coordinates of the extracted pattern regions as their four corners.

[0130] Other notes:

[0131] exist Figure 2A In the example, a so-called serial printer configuration is disclosed, in which the print head 19 is mounted on the carriage 20 and moves. However, the print head 19 can also be a so-called line print head. That is, the print head 19 can also be a long print head that is not mounted on the carriage 20 but can cover the width of the fabric 30 along the width direction D2.

[0132] exist Figure 2A , 2B In the attached drawing, the configuration shown by reference numeral 22 may not be a ring belt, but rather an impression plate serving as a base supporting the fabric 30 from below. That is, it can also be understood that the fabric 30, conveyed by rollers not shown, moves on the impression plate.

[0133] In this embodiment, when referring to image data or a region within the image data, the term "center" does not refer to the center in a strict sense, but rather to the approximate center location including some margin of error, or the centroid.

[0134] This embodiment can also be applied to situations where materials other than fabric 30, such as patterned printing media made of paper, are used for printing.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit conveys fabric in a conveying direction, wherein a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction; The camera unit captures images of the fabric being conveyed by the conveying unit; The printing unit prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; The pattern correction unit changes the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting the first image data representing the first pattern, and generates corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center. The pattern extraction unit extracts a pattern region corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data generated by the camera unit by photographing the fabric; The printing image generation unit generates printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data onto the fabric.

2. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit conveys fabric in a conveying direction, wherein a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction; The camera unit captures images of the fabric being conveyed by the conveying unit; The printing unit prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; The pattern extraction unit extracts the pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by the camera unit capturing images of the fabric. The image correction unit changes the relative positional relationship of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting the third image data that represents an image to be printed overlapping with the first pattern, and generates corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data as the center. The printing image generation unit generates printing image data by configuring the corrected third image data to match the regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data onto the fabric.

3. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit conveys fabric in a conveying direction, wherein a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction; The camera unit captures images of the fabric being conveyed by the conveying unit; The printing unit prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; The pattern correction unit generates multiple segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting the corrected first image data obtained by adding blank areas around the first image data representing the first pattern. The pattern extraction unit compares multiple segmentation-corrected first image data with second image data generated by photographing the fabric using the camera unit, and extracts multiple pattern regions from the second image data that correspond to the patterns represented by the multiple segmentation-corrected first image data respectively. The printing image generation unit generates printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing control unit causes the printing unit to perform printing of the printed image data onto the fabric.

4. A printing method, characterized in that, have: In the conveying process, fabric is conveyed in a conveying direction, and a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The video recording process involves filming the conveyed fabric. The pattern correction process changes the relative positions of multiple segmented first image data obtained by segmenting the first image data representing the first pattern, and generates corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as the center. The pattern extraction process involves comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data generated by photographing the fabric, and extracting the pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data. The printing image generation process generates printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing process involves printing the image data onto the conveyed fabric.

5. A printing method, characterized in that, have: In the conveying process, fabric is conveyed in a conveying direction, and a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The video recording process involves filming the conveyed fabric. The pattern extraction process involves comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by photographing the fabric, and extracting the pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data. The image correction process changes the relative positions of multiple segmented third image data obtained by segmenting the third image data of the image that should be printed overlapping with the first pattern, and generates corrected third image data with the four corners of the third image data as the center. The printing image generation process generates printing image data by configuring the corrected third image data to match the regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing process involves printing the image data onto the conveyed fabric.

6. A printing method, characterized in that, have: In the conveying process, fabric is conveyed in a conveying direction, and a first pattern of the fabric is repeatedly formed along the conveying direction and in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The video recording process involves filming the conveyed fabric. The pattern correction process generates multiple segmented corrected first image data centered at the four corners of the first image data by segmenting the first image data that represents the first pattern and adding blank areas around it. The pattern extraction process involves comparing multiple segmented and corrected first image data with second image data generated by photographing the fabric, and extracting multiple pattern regions from the second image data that correspond to the patterns represented by the multiple segmented and corrected first image data respectively. The printing image generation process generates printing image data by configuring third image data representing an image to be printed overlapping the first pattern to match regions with the center of the extracted pattern region as the four corners. as well as The printing process involves printing the image data onto the conveyed fabric.

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