Recording apparatus and recording method

Abstract

The present application relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method. A technology for facilitating detection of an influence on a recording result caused by ink adhering to a roller is required. A recording apparatus includes a liquid ejecting section that ejects a liquid onto a first face of a medium being transported in a transport direction; a roller that is disposed downstream of the liquid ejecting section in the transport direction and rotates in contact with the first face; and a control section that controls ejection of the liquid by the liquid ejecting section to form a first pattern formed of the liquid on the first face, and forms a detection region for the first pattern at a specific position in the first face contacted by the roller when a rotation angle of the roller reaches m°+360°, where m° is a rotation angle of the roller when the roller contacts the first pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recording apparatus for spraying liquid onto a medium for recording, and a recording method implemented by the recording apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A known inkjet printer has a roller that rotates downstream of the ink ejection head in the transport direction while in contact with the media to further transport the media downstream. If the roller comes into contact with the recorded media, some of the ink on the media may adhere to the roller, potentially causing the ink adhering to the roller to be transferred to the media and contaminating it.

[0003] It should be noted that a recording device is disclosed in which a paper discharge roller and a conveying spike wheel (tapper) are arranged downstream of the recording head and the platform in the conveying direction (see Patent Document 1). According to Document 1, the recorded sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction while sandwiched between the paper discharge roller and the conveying spike wheel. Since the conveying spike wheel has teeth formed around its periphery, the contact area with the surface of the recorded sheet is small, which to some extent inhibits the transfer of ink adhering to the rotating body used for conveying onto the sheet.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-141027

[0005] It is necessary to prevent the degradation of recording quality caused by ink adhering to the rollers. Therefore, a technique that facilitates the detection of the impact of ink adhering to the rollers on the recording results is required. In addition, in the configuration of Document 1, the indentation caused by the teeth of the serrated wheel biting into the medium may affect the recording quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The recording device includes: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a first surface of a medium being conveyed in a conveying direction; a roller disposed downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction and rotating in contact with the first surface; and a control section that controls the ejection of the liquid by the liquid ejection section to form a first pattern formed by the liquid on the first surface, and forms a detection area for the first pattern at a specific position on the first surface in contact with the roller when the rotation angle of the roller relative to the rotation angle m° when the roller contacts the first pattern reaches m°+360°.

[0007] The recording method is implemented by a recording device comprising: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a first surface of a medium being conveyed in a conveying direction; and a roller disposed downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction and rotating in contact with the first surface. The recording method includes a pattern forming step in which a first pattern formed by the liquid is formed on the first surface by the liquid ejection section, and a detection area for the first pattern is formed at a specific position on the first surface in contact with the roller when the rotation angle of the roller relative to the rotation angle m° when the roller contacts the first pattern reaches m°+360°. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the device configuration involved in this embodiment is provided for simplification.

[0009] Figure 2 This diagram is designed to simply illustrate the relationship between the recording head and the medium from a perspective of width.

[0010] Figure 3 This diagram is designed to provide a simplified view of the relationship between the recording head and the medium from an overhead perspective.

[0011] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating a pattern for detecting contamination according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating a pattern for detecting contamination according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating a pattern for detecting contamination according to the third embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating a pattern for detecting contamination according to the fourth embodiment.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] 10: Recording device; 11: Control unit; 12: Program; 12a: Pattern forming unit; 12b: Injection volume setting unit; 13: Display unit; 14: Operation receiving unit; 15: Communication IF; 16: Conveying unit; 16a: First roller; 16b: Second roller; 16c: Third roller; 16d: Fourth roller; 17: Recording head (liquid ejection unit); 19: Platform; 20: Carriage; 30: Medium; 30a: First surface; 30b: Second surface; 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e: First pattern; 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e: Detection area; 33: Third pattern; 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e: Second pattern; 40, 41, 42, 43: Pattern for contamination detection. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely illustrative of these embodiments. Because the drawings are illustrative, there may be inaccuracies in proportions and shapes, mismatches, or omissions.

[0018] 1. Overview of the apparatus:

[0019] Figure 1 The configuration of the recording device 10 according to this embodiment is simplified. The recording device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation receiving unit 14, a communication interface 15, a transport unit 16, and a recording head 17. IF stands for interface. The recording method is implemented by the recording device 10.

[0020] The control unit 11 is configured to include one or more ICs such as a CPU 11a (serving as a processor), ROM 11b, RAM 11c, etc., as well as other non-volatile memory. In the control unit 11, the processor, i.e., the CPU 11a, uses RAM 11c, etc., as a working area to execute arithmetic processing based on the program 12 stored in ROM 11b, other memory, etc. The control unit 11 implements multiple functions such as the pattern forming unit 12a and the injection amount setting unit 12b according to the program 12. It should be noted that the processor is not limited to a single CPU; it can be configured to process through multiple CPUs, ASICs, or other hardware circuits, or it can be configured to process in cooperation between the CPU and hardware circuits.

[0021] 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. Obviously, it is also possible to implement the touch panel as a function of display unit 13. Including display unit 13 and operation receiving unit 14, the entire recording device 10 may be referred to as its operation panel.

[0022] The display unit 13 and the operation receiving unit 14 may be part of the recording device 10, or they may be peripheral devices attached to the recording device 10 from the outside.

[0023] Communication IF 15 is a general term for one or more IFs used by the recording device 10 to perform communication with the outside world via wired or wireless means according to a predetermined communication protocol including known communication standards. The control unit 11 can communicate with, for example, a personal computer, server, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. (not shown) via communication IF 15.

[0024] The conveying unit 16 is a unit for conveying sheet-like media along a predetermined conveying direction under the control of the control unit 11. It includes a roller that rotates to convey the media and an electric motor for driving the roller. Regarding the media, paper is a typical example; however, any medium that can be recorded using a liquid can be a medium made of materials other than paper.

[0025] The recording head 17 has multiple nozzles (not shown), from which liquids such as ink are ejected from the medium being transported to the delivery unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The recording head 17 is equivalent to a "liquid ejection unit". The recording head 17 may also be referred to as a liquid ejection head, printing head, inkjet head, etc. The droplets ejected from the nozzles of the recording head 17 are also referred to as dots.

[0026] As is known, the recording device 10 controls the application of drive signals to drive elements (not shown) provided to each nozzle according to recording data, thereby enabling either ejection or non-ejection from each nozzle or ejection point. The recording head 17 is capable of ejecting inks of various colors, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), inks of other colors, and liquids other than inks for recording.

[0027] Figure 2 The relationship between the recording head 17 and the medium 30 is simply illustrated from the perspective of the width direction intersecting with the transport direction D1. Here, "intersecting" the transport direction D1 with the width direction means orthogonal or nearly orthogonal. The upstream and downstream directions of the transport direction D1 are simply referred to as upstream and downstream. (Further details will follow later.) Figure 3 In the figure, the width direction is shown as width direction D2. Reference numeral 19 refers to the platform 19, which is part of the transport path of the medium 30. The platform 19 supports the medium 30 being transported along the transport direction D1 from below. A recording head 17 is supported at a position above the platform 19.

[0028] A first roller pair, consisting of a first roller 16a and a second roller 16b, is disposed upstream of the recording head 17. A second roller pair, consisting of a third roller 16c and a fourth roller 16d, is disposed downstream of the recording head 17. These roller pairs are part of the transport section 16. The roller pairs transport the medium 30 downstream by rotating it while it is held between the roller pairs. The rollers in the transport section 16 are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0029] The lower surface of the recording head 17, opposite the platform 19, is a nozzle face 18 with multiple nozzle openings. Ink is ejected from each nozzle opening into the nozzle face 18 onto the medium 30 supported by the platform 19. Figure 2It is understood that ink is ejected from the first surface 30a of the medium 30, which is opposite to the nozzle surface 18, and the second surface 30b, which is the back side of the first surface 30a, for recording. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the example, the third roller 16c constituting the second roller pair is equivalent to "a roller that is located further downstream than the liquid ejection section and rotates in contact with the first surface 30a".

[0030] Figure 3 The relationship between the recording head 17 and the medium 30 is simply illustrated from an overhead view. Figure 3 The description of platform 19 is omitted. Although in Figure 1 , Figure 2 Not recorded in the text, but in Figure 3 In this example, the recording head 17 is mounted on the carriage 20. The carriage 20 is powered by an electric motor and can move back and forth along the width direction D2. That is, the recording head 17 ejects ink while moving along the width direction D2 together with the carriage 20 to record on the first surface 30a of the medium 30. The control unit 11 achieves recording on the medium 30 by alternately executing the ejection of ink from the recording head 17 as the carriage 20 moves and the transport unit 16 transporting the medium 30 a certain distance.

[0031] However, it is not necessary for the recording head 17 to move via the carriage 20. For example, it can also be configured such that the recording head 17 has a fixed length across the medium 30 in the width direction D2 (medium width) and ejects ink onto the medium 30 being transported downstream at a predetermined speed for recording.

[0032] exist Figure 3 In the example, multiple first rollers 16a are arranged upstream of the recording head 17 along the width direction D2. The multiple first rollers 16a all have the same function and can be understood as rotating synchronously. Similarly, in Figure 3 In this example, multiple third rollers 16c are arranged downstream of the recording head 17 along the width direction D2. All the multiple third rollers 16c have the same function and rotate synchronously. Although not in Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of second rollers 16b are provided at various positions below the medium 30 corresponding to the plurality of first rollers 16a. Similarly, although not in Figure 3 As shown, however, multiple fourth rollers 16d are provided at various positions below the medium 30 corresponding to the multiple third rollers 16c.

[0033] The recording device 10 can be implemented not only by a single printer, but also by multiple devices that can be connected and communicate with each other. For example, the recording device 10 can also be implemented by a system including an information processing unit and a printer, wherein the information processing unit includes a control unit 11 and the printer includes a transport unit 16 and a recording head 17. The recording device 10 is also referred to as a liquid ejection device, a printing device, an inkjet printer, etc.

[0034] 2. Pattern Formation:

[0035] Next, the pattern forming process according to this embodiment will be described. In the pattern forming process, the control unit 11 controls the liquid ejected from the recording head 17 to form a "first pattern" formed by the liquid on the first surface 30a of the medium 30. Furthermore, at a specific position on the first surface 30a where the rotation angle of the third roller 16c reaches m°+360° relative to the rotation angle m° when the third roller 16c contacts the first pattern, a "detection area" for the first pattern is formed. In other words, in the pattern forming process, at least the first pattern and the detection area are formed on the first surface 30a.

[0036] Here, "the specific position where the third roller 16c contacts the first pattern when its rotation angle m° relative to the rotation angle m° of the third roller 16c when it contacts the first pattern" can also be expressed as: the position where the third roller 16c contacts the first pattern after rotating one full revolution. Therefore, the reference point and angle of the rotation angle m° are not important in practice. Furthermore, since the rotation of the rollers mentioned here is for conveying the medium 30 downstream, the detection area is located upstream of the first pattern corresponding to that detection area.

[0037] Hereinafter, the pattern including the first pattern and the detection area will be referred to as the "pattern for contamination detection". The pattern forming unit 12a of the control unit 11 records the pattern for contamination detection onto the first surface 30a of the medium 30 based on the recording data of the pattern for contamination detection that is pre-stored in a predetermined memory by controlling the recording head 17 and the transport unit 16.

[0038] First embodiment:

[0039] Figure 4 A contamination detection pattern 40, according to a first embodiment, is shown, recorded on the first surface 30a of a medium 30 through a pattern forming process. Figure 4The correspondence between medium 30 and directions D1 and D2 is also shown. In the contamination detection pattern 40, multiple first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e are arranged alternately in the transport direction D1. The first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e are all rectangular full-page patterns (vest patterns) in the width direction D2, which can be understood as all being the same size. A full-page pattern can be understood, for example, as a pattern in which ink dots are evenly or almost evenly distributed, resulting in a state of no or almost no shading within a pattern.

[0040] The length of the first pattern in the conveying direction D1 is set to H. The length of the region between the first patterns in the conveying direction D1 is also set to the same H. Here, when the circumference of the third roller 16c is set to A, in the first embodiment, H = A / n is set.

[0041] n is a positive integer, preferably an odd number. In the first embodiment, n = 3. Since the circumference A is known in the product design, the pattern forming unit 12a sets one-third of the circumference A as the length H and records the dirt detection pattern 40 onto the medium 30.

[0042] The distance H×3 on the conveying direction D1 of the medium 30 is equivalent to the distance of one revolution of the third roller 16c. Therefore, according to Figure 4 If the first pattern 31a is taken as a reference, the area adjacent to the first pattern 31b upstream is a specific position, which becomes the detection area 32a for the first pattern 31a. That is, if the ink of the first pattern 31a adheres to the third roller 16c, the ink is transferred to the detection area 32a by rotating the third roller 16c once. Therefore, by detecting the contamination of the detection area 32a, it can be determined whether the concentration of the first pattern 31a is appropriate in terms of recording quality.

[0043] Thus, the detection area for the first pattern is the area used to detect the transfer of ink in the first pattern.

[0044] Similarly, if the first pattern 31b is taken as a reference, the area adjacent to the first pattern 31c upstream is a specific position, which is the detection area 32b for the first pattern 31b.

[0045] If the first pattern 31c is the reference, then the area adjacent to the first pattern 31d upstream is a specific position, which is the detection area 32c for the first pattern 31c.

[0046] If the first pattern 31d is taken as a reference, then the area adjacent to the first pattern 31e upstream is a specific position, which is the detection area 32d for the first pattern 31d.

[0047] If the first pattern 31e is taken as a reference, then the area at a distance of H×3 upstream is a specific location, which is the detection area 32e for the first pattern 31e.

[0048] According to the first embodiment, detection areas 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e are "non-recording areas" where liquid is not ejected from the recording head 17. The non-recording areas are the surface of the medium 30 itself, also referred to as "blank areas." By setting the detection areas as blank areas, it becomes easier to detect the presence and extent of ink transfer on the first pattern. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the blank areas between the first patterns that are ensured to serve as detection areas are also referred to as forming detection areas.

[0049] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, each of the detection areas 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e is shown in an easily observable manner by being enclosed by dashed boxes. However, in the actual pattern 40 for contamination detection, such boxes may or may not be present.

[0050] Depend on Figure 4 It is understandable that the concentrations of the multiple first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e are different. By recording the concentrations of the multiple first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, it is possible to determine which concentration level will not cause contamination due to ink adhering to the third roller 16c.

[0051] In addition, by Figure 4 It is understood that the pattern forming section 12a forms multiple first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e in a stepwise manner, increasing the concentration of the first pattern from downstream to upstream. According to Figure 4 Among the multiple first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, the downstream first pattern 31a has the lowest concentration, while the upstream first pattern 31e has the highest concentration. If the high-concentration first pattern is recorded earlier than the low-concentration first pattern, some ink adhering from the high-concentration first pattern to the third roller 16c will remain on the third roller 16c after being transferred to the corresponding detection area, which may affect the detection of contamination related to other first patterns. Therefore, to avoid this drawback, multiple first patterns are formed in a stepwise manner, with the concentration of the first pattern increasing from downstream to upstream.

[0052] Of course, in the recording data of the pattern forming unit 12a for recording the stain detection pattern 40, a different concentration is specified for each of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e. In the state of recording data, a first pattern is represented as a collection area of ​​pixels with the same concentration. Each pixel constituting the recording data has, for example, a grayscale value of each of the CMYK. The grayscale value is, for example, a value represented by 256 grayscale values ​​from 0 to 255, where 0 corresponds to a concentration of 0% and 255 corresponds to a concentration of 100%. Therefore, if the grayscale values ​​of CMYK are added together, the pixel can take on a maximum concentration of 400%.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e are all patterns recorded by mixing CMYK inks. Therefore, the density of the first pattern is the density of the pixels constituting the first pattern in the recording data. Obviously, the pattern forming unit 12a supplies the recording head 17 with data that is processed by halftone or the like and converted into data that specifies ejection points (on) or non-ejection points (off) according to pixels and ink color, so that the recording head 17 records the stain detection pattern 40.

[0054] The pattern forming unit 12a includes a first pattern among a plurality of first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, in which the concentration is set to a predetermined maximum value, and records the contamination detection pattern 40 onto the medium 30. Figure 4 In the above example, the first pattern 31e at the very top is the first pattern with the maximum concentration. The maximum concentration mentioned here refers to the concentration achievable by the recording head 17, a concentration set considering characteristics such as ink leakage on the medium 30. For example, if the recording head 17 could mix CMYK inks for color printing, the maximum pixel density for recording data could be 400%, but the maximum concentration mentioned here is set to a lower value, such as 300% or 250%.

[0055] According to this first embodiment, the pattern forming unit 12a forms multiple first patterns of different concentrations in a region having a length equivalent to the circumference of the third roller 16c in the transport direction D1 of the medium 30. Each first pattern has a length H in the transport direction D1, with the value obtained by dividing the circumference by a positive integer n. For example, first patterns 31a and 31b are formed in a region having a length equivalent to the circumference of the third roller 16c in the first surface 30a. Furthermore, the pattern forming unit 12a forms detection regions at multiple specific positions corresponding to the multiple first patterns, such that the length of the detection region in the transport direction D1 corresponds to the length H of the first pattern. "The length in the transport direction D1 corresponds to the length H of the first pattern" means that the length in the transport direction D1 is the same as or nearly the same as the length H of the first pattern. Thus, by distributing multiple first patterns in a region having a length equivalent to the circumference of the third roller 16c, the pattern for contamination detection is compact, which helps to suppress medium consumption and reduce pattern reading time.

[0056] according to Figure 4 The detection area 32d for the first pattern 31d and the detection area 32e for the first pattern 31e are located further upstream than the upstream first pattern 31e and are not sandwiched by the first pattern. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first pattern is a blank area. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to grasp the positions of the detection areas 32d and 32e in the medium 30. For this reason, it is also possible that the pattern forming unit 12a forms a third pattern 33 in the area between the upstream detection area 32e and the upstream detection area 32d located after the upstream detection area 32e in the transport direction D1 of the first surface 30a by ejecting ink from the recording head 17.

[0057] In other words, the pattern forming unit 12a can also record a contamination detection pattern 40, including the third pattern 33, on the first surface 30a of the medium 30. Figure 4 In order to distinguish the third pattern 33 from the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, the third pattern 33 is marked with a diagonal line for convenience. By recording the third pattern 33, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the positions of the detection areas 32d and 32e, which are blank areas. It should be noted that the third pattern 33 does not need to be a full-page pattern; in essence, as long as it functions as a marker that makes the positions of the detection areas 32d and 32e easy to understand, its color, pattern, and shape are all acceptable.

[0058] 3. Post-pattern forming process processing:

[0059] Following the pattern formation process, a contamination detection process and an injection volume setting process are performed. A brief explanation of the contamination detection process and the injection volume setting process is provided below.

[0060] In the stain detection process, stains caused by ink transfer are detected by reading the first surface 30a of the medium 30 on which the stain detection pattern has been recorded by the recording device 10. The medium 30 on which the stain detection pattern has been recorded by the recording device 10 is, of course, the medium 30 that has been recorded by the recording head 17 and then conveyed and discharged by the conveying unit 16. Stains may be caused by ink adhering to the third roller 16c. The stain detection process can be performed by a person visually or by using a reading device such as a scanner or colorimeter. For example, in the stain detection process, a user may visually inspect the degree of staining in the detection area. Alternatively, in the stain detection process, for example, the first surface 30a of the medium 30 may be read by a scanner, and the degree of staining in the detection area from the read data may be compared with a predetermined threshold.

[0061] In the injection volume setting process, the injection volume setting unit 12b of the control unit 11 acquires the detection results of the contamination detection process. For example, the injection volume setting unit 12b acquires the detection results by inputting the detection results through the user operation receiving unit 14. Alternatively, the injection volume setting unit 12b acquires the detection results from a scanner or the like connected to the recording device 10. Alternatively, the injection volume setting unit 12b may also read data from the first surface 30a of the input medium 30 such as a scanner, and parse the read data to obtain the degree of contamination in the detection area as the detection result.

[0062] The injection volume setting unit 12b sets the ink injection volume (ejection volume) according to the acquired detection results. For example, the injection volume setting unit 12b might obtain a detection result where there is no ink contamination in detection areas 32a, 32b, and 32c, but ink contamination in detection areas 32d and 32e. In this case, if a concentration higher than that of the first pattern 31d is used, a decrease in recording quality, such as contamination caused by ink adhering to the third roller 16c, will occur. Therefore, the injection volume setting unit 12b sets, for example, the upper limit of the concentration of recording data that can be taken by driving the recording head 17 to be the concentration of the first pattern 31c, or a concentration higher than that of the first pattern 31c but lower than that of the first pattern 31d, and applies this setting when recording various images desired by the user. As a result, contamination caused by ink adhering to the third roller 16c and resulting from ink on the medium can be eliminated. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to excessively lower the upper limit of the ink injection volume of the recording head 17, a decrease in the color development of the recording result can be suppressed, and recording quality can be maintained.

[0063] 4. Other embodiments:

[0064] Second embodiment:

[0065] Figure 5 The second embodiment shows a contamination detection pattern 41 recorded on the first surface 30a of the medium 30 by a pattern forming process. In the second embodiment, and the third and fourth embodiments described later, the differences between each of the contamination detection patterns 41, 42, and 43 and the contamination detection pattern 40 of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0066] The detection area may not be a non-recording area (blank area), but rather a second pattern formed by sprayed ink. That is, the pattern forming unit 12a can also record the stain detection pattern 41, including the first pattern and the second pattern, onto the first surface 30a based on recording data of the stain detection pattern 41 by controlling the recording head 17 and the transport unit 16. Figure 5 In the example, the detection region 32a used for the first pattern 31a is the second pattern 34a. Similarly, the detection region 32b used for the first pattern 31b is the second pattern 34b, the detection region 32c used for the first pattern 31c is the second pattern 34c, the detection region 32d used for the first pattern 31d is the second pattern 34d, and the detection region 32e used for the first pattern 31e is the second pattern 34e.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In order to distinguish between the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e and the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, for convenience, the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e are shown with diagonal lines different from those of the third pattern 33. Since the detection area is used to detect the presence and degree of ink adhesion of the first pattern, regardless of the color used to form the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, the pattern forming unit 12a will also form the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e with a different color than those of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e.

[0068] In order to make the adhesion of ink on the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e more noticeable, the pattern forming unit 12a may also form the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e with, for example, a color with a lower concentration than the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e.

[0069] In addition, in order to make the adhesion of ink on the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e more noticeable, the pattern forming unit 12a may also form the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e with, for example, colors that are complementary to the colors of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e.

[0070] When the medium 30 is a transparent film, the recording device 10 forms a substrate on the transparent film using white ink, and records on this substrate using other colored inks such as CMYK. Therefore, the pattern forming unit 12a can form the second patterns 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e using white ink by ejecting white ink from the recording head 17. In other words, instead of setting the detection area to the color of the medium 30 itself as in the first embodiment, it can be configured to set the detection area to a white image formed with white ink, thus enabling clearer confirmation of ink transfer from the first pattern. Clearly, regardless of whether the medium 30 is a transparent film or not, the detection area can be set to a white image formed with white ink.

[0071] It should be noted that, although in Figure 5 Not shown, but similar to pattern 40 for contamination detection, pattern 41 for contamination detection may also include a third pattern 33.

[0072] Third embodiment:

[0073] Figure 6 The third embodiment shows a contamination detection pattern 42 recorded on the first surface 30a of the medium 30 by a pattern forming process.

[0074] The first pattern is recorded in contact with the third roller 16c. In other words, it is unnecessary to record the first pattern in a position where it does not contact the third roller 16c. Figure 3 As shown, the third roller 16c is provided in multiple units at intervals along the width direction D2 downstream of the recording head 17.

[0075] Therefore, the pattern forming unit 12a can also control the recording head 17 to record the stain detection pattern 42 onto the first surface 30a in such a way that the first pattern and the multiple predetermined positions existing on the third roller 16c are located in the width direction D2. The stain detection pattern 42 differs from the stain detection pattern 40 in that the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e and the detection areas 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e are all formed in the width direction D2 with a gap corresponding to the multiple predetermined positions existing on the third roller 16c. Obviously, even in the third embodiment, the detection areas 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e may not be blank areas, but rather second patterns. Thus, by recording the first pattern and the multiple predetermined positions existing on the third roller 16c in the width direction D2, ink consumption can be suppressed when recording the stain detection pattern.

[0076] Alternatively, the pattern forming unit 12a may, while the recording head 17 records the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, simultaneously record the density display of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e onto the first surface 30a in a region that avoids the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e in the width direction D2. This region avoiding the first patterns in the width direction D2 is the region where the first patterns are not recorded, and it is the region adjacent to the first patterns in the width direction D2.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In the example, in the area along the width direction D2 that avoids the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e, the concentrations of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e are recorded, for example, as 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, and 300%. These concentrations are defined as the values ​​of the concentrations of the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e in the data recorded for the patterns used for soiling detection. By recording such concentrations on the first surface 30a, the user can more directly identify the concentration of the first pattern.

[0078] Obviously, even in the first and second embodiments, the pattern forming unit 12a can record such a display of concentration along with the first pattern onto the first surface 30a.

[0079] Fourth embodiment:

[0080] Figure 7 The fourth embodiment shows a contamination detection pattern 43 recorded on the first surface 30a of the medium 30 by a pattern forming process.

[0081] The pattern forming unit 12a can also control the recording head 17 to arrange and form multiple first patterns of different concentrations in the width direction D2. According to the contamination detection pattern 43, the first patterns 31a, 31b, and 31c are arranged spatially apart along the transport direction D1, as previously explained. However, the first pattern 31d is arranged in the width direction D2 with the first pattern 31a, and the first pattern 31e is arranged in the width direction D2 with the first pattern 31b. Even in the contamination detection pattern 43, the relative positional relationship between the first pattern 31d and the detection area 32d for the first pattern 31d, and the relative positional relationship between the first pattern 31e and the detection area 32e for the first pattern 31e, are as previously explained.

[0082] Thus, by arranging and forming multiple first patterns of different concentrations on the width direction D2, the consumption of the medium 30 required for recording the pattern for contamination detection can be suppressed. Obviously, even in the fourth embodiment, the pattern forming unit 12a can set the detection areas 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e as second patterns instead of blank areas, and can also record the concentration display together with the first patterns on the first surface 30a.

[0083] 5. Summary:

[0084] Thus, according to this embodiment, the recording apparatus 10 includes: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a first surface 30a of a medium 30 being conveyed in the conveying direction D1; a roller (third roller 16c) disposed downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction D1 and rotating in contact with the first surface 30a; and a control section 11. The control section 11 controls the liquid ejection section to eject liquid, thereby forming a first pattern formed by the liquid on the first surface 30a, and forms a detection area for the first pattern at a specific position on the first surface 30a where the roller contacts the first pattern when the rotation angle of the roller reaches m°+360° relative to the rotation angle m° of the roller when it contacts the first pattern.

[0085] According to the aforementioned configuration, if the liquid sprayed onto the first surface 30a to form the first pattern adheres to the roller, the adhered liquid will be transferred to the detection area when the roller rotates once. Therefore, by detecting contamination in the detection area, the impact on the recording results caused by liquid adhering to the roller can be detected. Furthermore, by utilizing this detection result, it becomes easier to set the amount of liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying section to a suitable value. In addition, since the aforementioned setting can be made to prevent such contamination by detecting contamination in the detection area, it is no longer necessary to use a configuration where the teeth of a spiked wheel bite into the medium to create indentations, as in Document 1.

[0086] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may control the liquid ejection unit to display and record the concentration of the first pattern in the area of ​​the first surface 30a that avoids the first pattern in the width direction D2 that intersects the conveying direction D1.

[0087] According to the configuration, the density of the first pattern is displayed by recording the area adjacent to the first pattern in the width direction D2, thereby enabling the user to easily identify the density of the first pattern.

[0088] It should be noted that although the area used to record the density of the first pattern can be understood as part of the blank area, it can also be an area where the substrate is recorded with white ink, for example, to make the text of the density display more eye-catching.

[0089] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may arrange and form multiple first patterns with different concentrations on the width direction D2.

[0090] According to the configuration, compared with the case where multiple first patterns of different concentrations are arranged and formed only in the transport direction D1, multiple first patterns can be recorded on a smaller area, which can suppress the consumption of medium 30.

[0091] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the detection area can also be configured as a non-recording area where no liquid is ejected by the liquid ejection part.

[0092] According to the aforementioned configuration, by setting the detection area as a non-recording area, that is, a blank area, it is possible to make it easier to detect contamination in the detection area.

[0093] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, a second pattern may be formed in the detection area by a liquid ejection section, wherein the color of the second pattern is equivalent to the complementary color of the first pattern.

[0094] According to the aforementioned configuration, by setting the detection area as a second pattern, the color of the second pattern being the complementary color of the first pattern, it is possible to make it easier to detect dirt in the detection area.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in a region on the conveying direction D1 of the medium 30 that has a length equivalent to the circumference A of the roller, the control unit 11 arranges and forms a plurality of first patterns with different concentrations, where the value obtained by dividing the circumference A by a positive integer n is set as the length H of each pattern on the conveying direction D1. Detection areas are formed at a plurality of specific positions corresponding to the plurality of first patterns, such that the length of the detection area on the conveying direction D1 corresponds to the length H of the first pattern.

[0096] According to the configuration, when multiple first patterns of different concentrations are arranged and formed in the conveying direction D1, multiple first patterns can be recorded on a smaller area, and the consumption of medium 30 can be suppressed.

[0097] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the integer n can also be set to be an odd number.

[0098] By setting the integer n to an odd number such as 3 or 5, the first pattern and the detection area can be alternately arranged in a region having a length equivalent to the circumference A of the roller in the conveying direction D1 of the medium 30.

[0099] However, the disclosure of this embodiment does not preclude setting the integer n to an even number. For example, it can also be set that H = A / 4, a first pattern with a length of H in the conveying direction D1 is formed in the first surface 30a, and a detection area with a length of H in the conveying direction D1 is formed at a specific position based on the first pattern.

[0100] Alternatively, it is also possible to consider forming only one first pattern in a region with a length equivalent to the circumference A in the transport direction D1 of the medium 30. That is, it is also possible to form a first pattern with a length of H in the transport direction D1 in the first surface 30a, assuming H = A, and to form a detection area with a length of H in the transport direction D1 in a specific position based on the first pattern.

[0101] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may form multiple first patterns by progressively increasing the concentration of the first pattern from downstream to upstream in the conveying direction D1.

[0102] According to the aforementioned configuration, it is possible to prevent ink adhering to the roller from a high-concentration first pattern from being transferred to other first patterns and other detection areas after being transferred to the corresponding detection area, thus avoiding adverse effects on contamination detection.

[0103] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may include a first pattern in which the concentration is set to a predetermined maximum value among a plurality of first patterns.

[0104] According to the configuration, by including a first pattern with a predetermined maximum concentration among a plurality of first patterns, it becomes possible to verify whether the concentration using the maximum value in the record is appropriate based on the contamination of the detection area.

[0105] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may control the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit to form a third pattern 33 in the area between the upstream detection area and the upstream detection area located after the upstream detection area in the conveying direction D1 of the first surface 30a.

[0106] According to the configuration, the user can easily identify the positions of the upstream detection area and the upstream detection area, which is located after the upstream detection area, by using the third pattern 33 as a marker.

[0107] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the first patterns 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, and 31e may be patterns recorded with monochrome ink, rather than patterns recorded by mixing CMYK ink colors.

[0108] According to the aforementioned configuration, when recording with monochrome ink, it is possible to detect contamination caused by ink adhering to the third roller 16c and resulting from the ink on the medium, and to make settings for eliminating such contamination.

[0109] This embodiment is not limited to recording devices and systems, but also discloses inventions of various categories such as methods executed by devices and systems, and programs 12 that cause processors to execute methods.

[0110] For example, a recording method implemented by a recording device 10 includes: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a first surface 30a of a medium 30 being conveyed in a conveying direction D1; and a roller (third roller 16c) disposed downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction D1 and rotating in contact with the first surface 30a. The recording method includes a pattern forming step in which a first pattern formed by liquid is formed on the first surface 30a by the liquid ejection section, and a detection area for the first pattern is formed at a specific position on the first surface 30a where the roller is in contact with the first pattern when the rotation angle of the roller reaches m°+360° relative to the rotation angle m° of the roller when it contacts the first pattern.

[0111] The first pattern, the second pattern, the third pattern, and other patterns, as well as the shape of the detection area, can be shapes other than rectangles, such as circles, ovals, or other shapes.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The liquid ejection section ejects liquid from the first surface of the medium being conveyed in the conveying direction; A roller is positioned downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction and rotates in contact with the first surface; as well as Control Department The control unit controls the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit to form a first pattern formed by the liquid on the first surface, and forms a detection area for the first pattern at a specific position on the first surface in contact with the roller when the rotation angle of the roller reaches m°+360° relative to the rotation angle m° when the roller contacts the first pattern.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the liquid ejection unit to display and record the concentration of the first pattern in the area of ​​the first surface that avoids the first pattern in the width direction intersecting the delivery direction.

3. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit arranges multiple first patterns of different concentrations in a width direction that intersects the conveying direction.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection area is the non-recording area where the liquid was not ejected by the liquid ejection part.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the detection area, a second pattern is formed by the liquid ejection portion, and the color of the second pattern is the complementary color of the color of the first pattern.

6. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit arranges multiple first patterns with different concentrations in the conveying direction of the medium in a region having a length equivalent to the circumference of the roller. The first pattern is the length of each pattern in the conveying direction, and the control unit forms multiple first patterns with different concentrations, where the value obtained by dividing the circumference by a positive integer n is the length of each pattern in the conveying direction. The control unit also forms detection areas at multiple specific positions corresponding to the multiple first patterns, the length of which corresponds to the length of the first pattern in the conveying direction.

7. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positive integer n is an odd number.

8. The recording device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The control unit forms multiple first patterns in a stepwise manner, increasing the concentration of the first pattern from downstream to upstream in the conveying direction.

9. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit includes, among a plurality of first patterns, a first pattern in which the concentration is set to a predetermined maximum value.

10. The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit controls the liquid ejection from the liquid ejection unit to form a third pattern in the region between the upstream detection area and the detection area located upstream of the next upstream detection area in the conveying direction of the first surface.

11. A recording method, characterized in that, This is achieved by a recording device, which includes: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a first surface of a medium being conveyed in a conveying direction; and a roller disposed downstream of the liquid ejection section in the conveying direction, which contacts the first surface and rotates therein. The recording method includes a pattern forming process. In the pattern forming process, a first pattern formed by the liquid is formed on the first surface by the liquid ejection part, and a detection area for the first pattern is formed at a specific position on the first surface in contact with the roller when the rotation angle of the roller reaches m°+360° relative to the rotation angle m° of the roller when it contacts the first pattern.

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