Printing data correction method, storage medium, and printing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for correcting print data, a storage medium, and a printing device. The method for correcting print data executed by the printing device includes: printing a first correction chart by a printing unit performing printing, obtaining a first correction value based on the printed first correction chart; printing a second correction chart corresponding to the set first correction value by the printing unit; obtaining a second correction value based on the printed second correction chart; and correcting the print data printed by the printing unit based on the second correction value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field relates to a method for correcting print data, a storage medium, and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, known printing devices (nail printing devices) for printing designs on fingernails etc. In such printing, for example, a print head using an inkjet method is used for printing.

[0003] For the print head, the normal setting state is that it can move in a direction perpendicular to the left and right direction (main scanning direction) relative to the front of the printing device. However, due to errors during design and installation, impact from the outside, etc., it may sometimes tilt from this normal setting state.

[0004] If printing is performed with the print head tilted, the ink landing position will deviate from the originally intended position, and high-quality printing results cannot be obtained.

[0005] In particular, when printing is performed in a multi-pass method in which one area is printed in a plurality of passes, positional deviation occurs in the images printed in each pass, resulting in a significant degradation in print quality.

[0006] Regarding this point, for example, the following recording (printing) method is described in Patent Gazette No. 2009-000836: a test pattern for detecting the inclination amount of the nozzle group of the printing head (recording head) is recorded (printed), and a masking pattern corresponding to the detected inclination amount is selected to reduce the number of ink dots formed by ink ejected from nozzles with a large inclination amount, thereby suppressing the reduction in printing quality. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a method for correcting print data executed by a printing device includes: printing a first correction chart by a printing unit that performs printing, setting a correction value obtained based on the printed first correction chart as a first correction value, printing a second correction chart corresponding to the set first correction value by the printing unit, setting a correction value obtained based on the printed second correction chart as a second correction value, and correcting the print data printed by the printing unit based on the second correction value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external structure of the main parts of the printing device in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a finger arrangement section provided in a printing device.

[0010] Figure 3It is a plan view showing an example of correction paper in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a control block diagram showing a schematic control structure of a printing apparatus and a terminal device cooperating with the printing apparatus in an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5A is a top view showing a structural example of a printing head, Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram for explaining printing using a multi-pass method.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the printing process in a state where the print head is tilted.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of print data correction processing in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8A is a diagram showing an example of a pattern A constituting a correction chart, Figure 8B It means repetition Figure 8A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block A formed with pattern A shown.

[0016] Figure 9A is a diagram showing an example of pattern B constituting a correction chart, Figure 9B It means repetition Figure 9A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block B formed with pattern B shown.

[0017] Figure 10A : is a diagram showing an example of a correction chart in which pattern A and pattern B overlap without deviation. Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of a correction chart in a case where pattern A and pattern B overlap with each other in a deviated manner.

[0018] Figure 11A is a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the correction chart and the correction values ​​obtained from the correction chart. Figure 11B This is a diagram schematically showing the deviation that occurs in the correction chart.

[0019] Figure 12A is a diagram showing an example of a pattern C constituting a correction chart. Figure 12B It means repetition Figure 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block C formed with pattern C shown.

[0020] Figure 13A is a diagram showing an example of a pattern D constituting a correction chart, Figure 13B is repeated Figure 13A FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block D formed with the pattern D shown.

[0021] Figure 14A1 is a diagram showing an example of a block C formed by repeating a pattern C and an example of a block D formed by repeating a pattern D. Figure 14B This is a diagram explaining the correspondence between the correction table and the correction values ​​obtained from the correction table.

[0022] Figure 15 This figure shows an example of printing the second correction chart when the first correction value is "-4". The upper layer in the figure is an example of pattern C constituting the second correction chart printed by the first printing, and the lower layer in the figure is an example of pattern D constituting the second correction chart printed by the second printing.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a printing example in which a first correction chart and a second correction chart are printed on correction paper.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a plan view showing an example of correction paper provided with a first correction value acquisition area and a second correction value acquisition area in a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] refer to Figures 1 to 16 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0026] In addition, various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention are added to the embodiments described below, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0027] For example, in the following embodiments, a printing device is used as an example to print on fingernails. However, the printing device of the present invention is not limited to fingernails and can also print on toenails. Furthermore, objects other than nails, such as nail tips and the surfaces of various ornaments, can also be printed on.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external structure of the main parts of the printing device (nail printing device) in this embodiment.

[0029] In the following embodiments, up and down, left and right, and front and back are defined as Figure 1 In addition, the X direction is set as the left-right direction, and the Y direction is set as the front-back direction.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 1 includes a housing 2 formed substantially in a box shape.

[0031] An operation unit 21 and a display unit 22 are provided on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2 .

[0032] Furthermore, the shapes and configurations of the various components of the housing 2 are not limited to those shown in the illustrations and can be configured as desired. For example, the operating unit 21 and the display unit 22 may be located on the side or back surface of the housing 2, rather than on the top surface. Furthermore, while the illustrated example shows the operating unit 21 as consisting of a single button, the operating unit 21 may also be comprised of multiple buttons, etc., located on the top surface of the housing 2. Furthermore, indicators, etc., may also be provided on the housing 2.

[0033] The operation unit 21 is used by the user to perform various inputs.

[0034] The operation unit 21 is, for example, an operation button (power switch button) for turning the power of the printing apparatus 1 on and off.

[0035] When the user operates the operating unit 21, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 then operates the various components of the printing device 1 by performing control in accordance with the operation signal. For example, if the operating unit 21 is a power switch button, the power of the printing device 1 is turned on and off in response to the user's button operation.

[0036] In this embodiment, the printing device 1 may be connected to a terminal device 8 (see Figure 4 ) etc., instead of the operation unit 21, each unit of the printing apparatus 1 follows the operation unit 83 of the terminal device 8 described later (refer to Figure 4 ) and other input operation signals.

[0037] The display unit 22 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescent display, or other flat panel displays.

[0038] Alternatively, a touch panel for performing various inputs may be integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 22. In this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 21.

[0039] The display unit 22 displays a nail design input and selected by the user through the operation unit 21 or the like, a nail image obtained by photographing the user's nail T, and the like.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the printing head 41 (refer to Figure 4 ) When a correction chart is printed on correction paper P and an image of the printed correction chart is acquired by photographing the image, the image of the correction chart may be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0041] Furthermore, a message screen or the like that displays various instructions, guidance, warnings, etc. to the user may be displayed on the display unit 22 .

[0042] On the front side of the housing 2 of the printing device 1 ( Figure 1 The left and right directions of the printing device 1 ( Figure 1 A finger insertion port 23 is formed in a substantially central portion (in the X direction) of the printing apparatus 1 as an opening into which a finger is inserted when printing.

[0043] The housing 2 contains a finger placement unit 3, a printing mechanism 4, and a camera unit 5 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) etc., an unillustrated device body.

[0044] The finger placement portion 3 is disposed inside the housing 2 at a position corresponding to the finger insertion port 23 .

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the finger placement section 3 as seen from the oblique rear.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the placement unit body 31 of the finger placement unit 3 has an opening 32 corresponding to the finger insertion port 23 , and accommodates the finger (corresponding to the nail to be printed) inserted from the finger insertion port 23 in the opening 32 and is held in a position suitable for printing.

[0047] A window 33 is formed on the upper surface of the finger placement portion 3 so that the nail portion of the finger inserted from the opening 32 is exposed. In this embodiment, the range corresponding to the window 33 becomes the print head 41 described later (see FIG. Figure 4 ) The movable range (printable range) that can be moved at least during printing.

[0048] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the finger placement section 3 of this embodiment places the correction paper P ( Figure 3 Reference) is set as the printing target, a paper placement member 35 for placing the correction paper P at a predetermined position is detachably provided.

[0049] exist Figure 2 FIG. 3 shows a state where the paper placement member 35 is to be mounted on the placement portion main body 31 of the finger placement portion 3. When the paper placement member 35 is mounted on the finger placement portion 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the paper placement member 35 is provided so as to cover the window portion 33 from the rear of the finger placement portion 3 .

[0050] The specific material of the correction paper P is not particularly limited, but preferably has a surface free of irregularities. Furthermore, the correction paper P is a medium of a size that can be placed in the paper placement member 35, for example, a sheet of paper approximately the same size as the movable range (printable range) of the print head 41 (e.g., approximately 30 mm x 30 mm).

[0051] By installing the paper configuration member 35 with the correction paper P placed thereon on the configuration portion main body 31 of the finger configuration portion 3, the surface of the correction paper P (i.e., the printing target surface when the correction paper P is the printing target) is configured at a height position that is approximately flush with the height position of the surface of the nail when the surface of the nail (i.e., the printing target surface when the nail is the printing target) is configured at a suitable position suitable for printing.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the correction paper P of this embodiment has at least a first correction value acquisition area ( Figure 3 Ar1) and the second correction value acquisition area ( Figure 3 In the first correction value acquisition area Ar1, a "first correction chart" is printed by the print head 41 of the printing mechanism 4 (described later), and in the second correction value acquisition area Ar2, a "second correction chart" is printed by the print head 41.

[0053] Note that the correction chart printed on the correction paper P will be described in detail later.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a control block diagram showing a schematic control structure of a printing apparatus and a terminal device cooperating with the printing apparatus.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing mechanism 4 includes a printing head 41 and a head moving mechanism 48 for moving the printing head 41 (see FIG. Figure 2 )wait.

[0056] In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 4 uses the print head 41 as a printing unit to print on a fingernail or the like as a target of main printing and correction paper P (a correction value acquisition medium) as a target of correction printing.

[0057] The print head 41 in this embodiment is an inkjet head. The surface facing the printing target surface (nail surface, correction paper P) serves as an ink ejection surface (not shown) equipped with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink. The ink is converted into droplets and then ejected directly from the ink ejection surface onto the printed surface of the target (nail, correction paper P) to perform printing. The structure of the print head 41 is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a cartridge-integrated head, integrating the ejection mechanism (e.g., the ink ejection surface) with an ink cartridge (not shown) that stores the ink.

[0058] The print head 41 can eject color inks such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Furthermore, the print head 41 can also eject a base ink such as white, which serves as a coating for forming the base. The types of inks used by the print head 41 are not limited to these.

[0059] The head moving mechanism 48 includes an X-direction moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the print head 41 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the apparatus and a Y-direction moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the print head 41 in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the apparatus.

[0060] The X-direction moving mechanism includes an X-direction moving motor 45 (refer to Figure 4 ), the printing head 41 is moved in the left and right direction (X direction) of the device by operating the X direction moving motor 45. In addition, the Y direction moving mechanism includes a Y direction moving motor 47 (refer to Figure 4 ), the print head 41 is moved in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device by operating the Y direction movement motor 47. The X direction movement motor 45 and the Y direction movement motor 47 are, for example, stepping motors.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the left-right direction (X direction) of the device is set as the "main scanning direction", and the direction orthogonal to the "main scanning direction" (that is, the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device) is set as the "sub-scanning direction".

[0062] Here, the structure of the print head 41 of the printing mechanism 4 will be described in detail.

[0063] Figure 5A An example of a printing head in this embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 5B It indicates that Figure 5A The illustrated diagram is an explanatory diagram of a state in which printing is performed while the print head moves in the sub-scanning direction to complete one print block.

[0064] Although omitted in the figure, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the print head 41. In a normal state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown, the arrangement direction of the nozzle rows (the longitudinal direction of the print head 41 ) is parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction X.

[0065] The printing mechanism 4 of the present embodiment performs printing by a multi-pass method in which one area (printing block) PAr is printed by a plurality (n) of passes (ie, scanning in the main scanning direction X).

[0066] In this case, printing in each of the first to nth passes is performed by the first nozzle (nozzle group n1) to the nth nozzle (nozzle group nn), respectively.

[0067] Figure 5A 1 is a diagram schematically showing the print head 41 , and the numbers on the left side of the print head 41 indicate the number of nozzles (nozzle numbers).

[0068] exist Figure 5A , a case where the print head 41 includes 320 nozzles along the longitudinal direction is exemplified, and the nozzles are divided into four nozzle groups (n1 to n4) to perform printing on one area PAr in four passes.

[0069] That is, in Figure 5A In the example shown, nozzle group n1 is composed of nozzles 1 to 80, nozzle group n2 is composed of nozzles 81 to 160, nozzle group n3 is composed of nozzles 161 to 240, and nozzle group n4 is composed of nozzles 241 to 320.

[0070] In this embodiment, if Figure 5B As shown, the following situation is illustrated: each time a pass is performed, the print head 41 is deviated in the sub-scanning direction Y (positive direction Ya in the figure) by the length of one nozzle group (n1 to n4) (in this embodiment, 1 / 4 of the length of all nozzles of the print head 41), and printing is repeated, and one area (printing block) PAr is printed through four passes.

[0071] That is, in Figure 5B In the example shown, when focusing on one area PAr, the printing of the area PAr is completed by the nozzle group n1 which is the first pass, the nozzle group n2 which is the second pass, the nozzle group n3 which is the third pass, and the nozzle group n4 which is the fourth pass. Figure 5B In FIG. 1 , when focusing on a certain area PAr, the group of nozzles used (the group of responsible nozzles) is shown surrounded by a dotted line (as an example, the group of responsible nozzles is shown for each of two areas PAr).

[0072] In response to this, Figure 6 The diagram schematically shows a state where the print head is tilted toward the main scanning direction relative to the sub-scanning direction.

[0073] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the front end side of the print head 41 (at the end of the printing head 41) is shown to be parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y. Figure 6 The nozzle group n1 is located on the right side. Figure 6 An example of tilting to the right in the X direction.

[0074] In this case, Figure 5B Similarly, each time a pass is performed, if the print head 41 is shifted in the secondary scanning direction Y (in the figure, the positive direction Ya) by the length of one nozzle group (n1 to n4) (1 / 4 of the print head 41) and printing is repeated, one area (printing block) PAr ( Figure 6 As shown in the dotted area in the figure, due to the inclination of the print head 41, deviations will occur in the printing in each pass.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, when the print head 41 is tilted relative to the sub-scanning direction Y, a significant misalignment occurs between the first printing pass performed by nozzle group n1 and the nth printing pass (the fourth printing pass) performed by nozzle group nn (nozzle group n4 in the example shown). Therefore, as will be described later, when printing to obtain correction values, the misalignment between the first printing pass performed by nozzle group n1 and the nth printing pass (the fourth printing pass) performed by nozzle group nn (nozzle group n4 in the example shown) is obtained, focusing on a certain area (print block) PAr.

[0076] Specifically, after the first pass of printing by nozzle group n1, the second pass of printing by nozzle group n2 and the third pass of printing by nozzle group n3 are not performed, and the fourth pass of printing by nozzle group n4 is performed. In this way, by comparing the first and last printed patterns with the largest deviation for a single area PAr for correction, a more accurate correction value can be obtained.

[0077] Note that details of the correction table and a method of obtaining correction values ​​based on the correction table will be described later.

[0078] In addition, a shooting section 5 is provided on the inner side of the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2 and above the window section 33 of the finger configuration section 3 (the correction paper P when the paper configuration member 35 is equipped on the finger configuration section 3), which can shoot the nail (including the finger of the nail) exposed from the window section 33 and the correction paper P placed on the paper configuration member 35 and obtain an image.

[0079] The imaging unit 5 includes, for example, a camera 51 such as a small camera including a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type having 2 million pixels or more and a lens, and a light source 52 such as a white LED for illuminating the imaging object (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0080] The imaging unit 5 may be provided at a position where it can capture images of the nail of a finger placed on the finger placement unit 3 or the correction paper P placed on the paper placement member 35, and its specific placement is not particularly limited. For example, the imaging unit 5 may be configured to be movable in the X and Y directions by a head moving mechanism 48 that moves the print head 41.

[0081] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 1 includes a communication unit 25 , a control device 10 , and the like in addition to the printing mechanism 4 and the imaging unit 5 described above.

[0082] The communication unit 25 is configured to be able to transmit and receive information with a terminal device 8 (described later) that operates in cooperation with the printing device 1 .

[0083] Communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 is performed, for example, via a wireless LAN. Furthermore, communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 is not limited to this and can be performed in any manner. For example, a network line such as the Internet can be used, or wireless communication based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi can be performed. Furthermore, this communication is not limited to wireless and can also be configured to transmit and receive various data between the two devices via a wired connection. The communication unit 25 includes an antenna chip, etc., that corresponds to the communication method of the terminal device 8.

[0084] The control device 10 mounted on the printing device 1 is a computer, which includes: a control unit 11 having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown; and a storage unit 12 having a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (both not shown).

[0085] The storage unit 12 stores various programs, various data, and the like for operating the printing device 1 .

[0086] Specifically, various programs such as a print program for printing are stored in the ROM of the storage unit 12 . The control unit 11 develops and executes these programs in a working area of ​​the RAM to comprehensively control the various units of the printing apparatus 1 .

[0087] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the printing mechanism 4 . Each function is realized by cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and the program stored in the ROM 121 of the storage unit 12 .

[0088] The control unit 11, which functions as the first correction value setting unit, sets the correction value obtained based on the "first correction chart" as the "first correction value" when the "first correction chart" is printed in the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 of the correction paper P by the print head 4I of the printing mechanism 4 serving as the printing unit.

[0089] In this embodiment, the following is read Figure 16 Thus, the correction value is acquired corresponding to the portion with the highest density in the “first correction chart” printed in the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 .

[0090] In addition, the method of obtaining the correction value is not particularly limited.

[0091] For example, the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5 captures an image of the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 on which the "first correction chart" is printed, and then processes the image to read the portion with the highest density in the "first correction chart," thereby automatically acquiring the correction value. Alternatively, the image captured by the camera 51 may be displayed on the display unit 22, for example, so that the user can visually check the image, thereby reading the portion with the highest density in the "first correction chart." Furthermore, the portion with the highest density in the "first correction chart" may be visually checked directly on the correction paper P on which the "first correction chart" is printed, without capturing the image with the camera 51.

[0092] When the correction value is automatically acquired, the control unit 11 sets the acquired correction value as the “first correction value”.

[0093] In addition, when the user directly visually looks at the correction paper P, or visually reads the part with the highest concentration in the "first correction chart" from the image displayed on the display unit 22, the correction value is obtained in the control unit 11 by inputting the deviation amount corresponding to the part read by the user from the operation unit 21, etc., and the control unit 11, which serves as the first correction value setting unit, sets the correction value as the "first correction value".

[0094] The control unit 11 functioning as a chart print position setting unit sets the print position of the “second correction chart” in the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 based on the acquired (set) “first correction value”.

[0095] In this embodiment, the "first correction value" is obtained (set) based on the deviation amount corresponding to the part with the highest concentration (the unit block with the highest concentration) in the "first correction chart", and when printing the "second correction chart", the printing position of the "second correction chart" is set so that the center of the "second correction chart" (when the "second correction chart" is composed of multiple unit blocks, it is the center unit block among them) becomes the position where the deviation amount of the "first correction value" can be obtained.

[0096] When the control unit 11 functions as the second correction value setting unit and prints the "second correction chart" at the printing position within the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 via the print head 41, the control unit 11 sets the correction value acquired based on the "second correction chart" as the "second correction value".

[0097] In this embodiment, the "second correction value" is also set similarly to the "first correction value." The highest density portion of the "second correction chart" printed within the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 is read, and the correction value is acquired accordingly. The correction value can be acquired automatically from an image captured by the camera 51, similar to the "first correction value," or visually confirmed by the user.

[0098] When the correction value is automatically acquired, the control unit 11 sets the acquired correction value as the “second correction value”.

[0099] In addition, when the user directly visually looks at the correction paper P, or visually reads the part with the highest density in the "second correction chart" from the image displayed on the display unit 22, the correction value is obtained in the control unit 11 by inputting the deviation amount corresponding to the part read by the user from the operation unit 21, etc., and the control unit 11, which serves as the second correction value setting unit, sets the correction value as the "second correction value".

[0100] The control unit 11, functioning as data correction means, corrects the print data printed by the print head 41 based on the "second correction value." For example, if the "second correction chart" indicates that the printed image is offset by one pixel, the print data is corrected by one pixel.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 11 as the data correction means can perform various corrections such as curved surface correction according to the curvature of the nail to be printed, in addition to correcting the print data according to the inclination of the print head 41 based on the “second correction value”.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can be configured to communicate with the terminal device 8 and execute printing operations and the like based on operation commands from the terminal device 8 .

[0103] The terminal device 8 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet computer. However, the terminal device 8 is not particularly limited as long as it can communicate with the printing device 1. For example, it may be a notebook or desktop personal computer, a gaming terminal, or the like.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, the terminal device 8 includes an operation unit 83 , a display unit 84 , a communication unit 85 , a control device 80 , and the like.

[0105] The operation unit 83 can perform various input / setting operations in response to user operations. When the operation unit 83 is operated, an input signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the control device 80. In addition, in this embodiment, a touch panel is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 84, and the user can also perform various input / setting operations by touching the touch panel.

[0106] The operation unit 83 for performing various input and setting operations is not limited to a touch panel, and may be, for example, various operation buttons, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the user can select a nail design to be printed on the nail by operating the operation unit 83 .

[0108] The touch panel included in the display unit 84 displays various display screens according to the control of the control unit 81 described later.

[0109] Furthermore, the display unit 84 can display a nail design input and selected by the user through the operation unit 83 , an image transmitted from the printing device 1 , and the like.

[0110] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the “first correction chart” and the “second correction chart” may be printed on the correction paper P, and when the camera 51 acquires images of the images, the images may be displayed on the display unit 84 .

[0111] The communication unit 85 can transmit print data to the printing device 1. When data such as nail images is transmitted from the printing device 1, the communication unit 85 receives it. The communication unit 85 includes a wireless communication module that can communicate with the communication unit 25 of the printing device 1.

[0112] The communication unit 85 only needs to be able to communicate with the printing apparatus 1 , and uses a communication standard that matches the communication standard of the communication unit 25 of the printing apparatus 1 .

[0113] The control device 80 is a computer including a control unit 81 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 82 including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like.

[0114] The control unit 81 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 8. The control unit 81 realizes various functions by cooperating with the program stored in the storage unit 82.

[0115] The storage unit 82 stores various programs, various data, and the like for operating each unit of the terminal device 8 .

[0116] Specifically, the storage unit 82 of this embodiment stores, in addition to the action programs for comprehensively controlling the various parts of the terminal device 8, various programs (not shown) such as a nail printing application (hereinafter referred to as "nail printing AP") for performing nail printing using the printing device 1. These programs are expanded and executed, for example, in the working area of ​​the storage unit 82 by the control device 80 to control the terminal device 8.

[0117] Furthermore, the storage unit 82 of the present embodiment stores various design data (nail design data) not shown.

[0118] Next, refer to Figure 7 etc. will now be described a method of correcting print data and an operation of the printing apparatus 1.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of print data correction processing.

[0120] When the power of the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 cooperating therewith is turned on, the nail printing AP of the terminal device 8 is activated.

[0121] Therefore, if Figure 7 As shown, a message prompting the user to place the correction paper P is displayed on the display unit 22 of the printing device 1 or the display unit 84 of the terminal device 8 (step S1). In addition, if the printing device 1 or the terminal device 8 has a sound output unit such as a speaker, it is also possible to provide guidance by sound instead of displaying on the various display units or at the same time as the display on the display units.

[0122] The user receives the guidance, places the correction paper P on the paper placement member 35 , and attaches the paper placement member 35 to the finger placement unit 3 .

[0123] When correction paper P is set, the control unit 11 controls the printing mechanism 4 to print correction charts via the print head 41. In this embodiment, a "first correction chart" and a "second correction chart" are printed on the correction paper P as correction charts.

[0124] Here, the correction chart in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0125] In the following embodiment, the state in which the print head 41 has no deviation (inclination) (the state in which the print head 41 is parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y, Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The state shown) is set to "no deviation" (deviation "0"), and the case where the front end side of the sub-scanning direction Y (positive direction Ya) in the printing head 41 deviates (tilts) to the left relative to the rear end side of the positive direction Ya is set as a deviation in the "+" direction, and the case where it deviates (tilts) to the right is set as a deviation in the "-" direction.

[0126] The "first correction chart" can cope with wide deviations (for example, a deviation from "+6" pixels to "-6" pixels) by printing a relatively narrow area, but the accuracy of the correction value obtained from the correction chart becomes low and cannot cope with high-quality printing.

[0127] In contrast, the "second correction chart" is a correction chart that can obtain correction values ​​corresponding to the deviation from "+3" pixels to "-3" pixels, and can obtain high-precision correction values. In order to cope with a wide range of deviations, it is necessary to print a large correction chart (more unit blocks) in the area for obtaining correction values ​​of a large corresponding amount.

[0128] In order to perform high-precision corrections sufficient for high-quality printing, it is necessary to obtain high-precision correction values. For this purpose, it is preferable to use a high-resolution correction chart (the second correction chart in this embodiment). On the other hand, there is also hope to meet the requirements for wide-width deviations. For example, when printing a correction chart with a high resolution (high resolution) such as 1 pixel unit, as long as the correct deviation is within the range that can be corrected within the chart, correct correction can be performed. However, if the deviation is not within the range that can be corrected within the chart, the correction value cannot be obtained from the correction chart. On the other hand, when printing with a correction chart with a low resolution (low resolution) such as 2 pixel units, a wide range of deviations can be corrected, and the deviation is easily within the range that can be corrected within the chart. However, since correction of the deviation of 1 pixel unit cannot be performed, the accuracy of the correction is reduced. That is, in the past, it was difficult to perform high-precision correction for wide-width deviations in the case of a printing device with a relatively small printing range.

[0129] To this end, in this embodiment, a first correction chart and a second correction chart which is a correction chart with a higher resolution than the first correction chart are printed on correction paper P, correction values ​​are obtained in two stages, and the printed data is corrected using the higher-precision correction values ​​("second correction values") obtained from the second correction chart.

[0130] First, a method for creating a correction chart common to the first correction chart and the second correction chart will be described.

[0131] As described above, the print head 41 as the printing unit of this embodiment prints a certain area (for example, Figure 6 The area PAr in the middle is printed in a multi-pass manner by printing multiple times from the 1st pass to the nth pass. When the 1st nozzle to the nth nozzle are respectively responsible for printing the area PAr in each of the 1st pass to the nth pass, the correction chart is formed by the "1st printing" of the 1st pass using the 1st nozzle and the "2nd printing" of the nth pass using the nth nozzle.

[0132] When the print head 41 is tilted relative to the sub-scanning direction Y, there is a particularly large deviation between the first pass of printing by the nozzle group n1 (i.e., printing by the nozzle group at the front end of the print head 41 that performs the initial pass when printing a certain area PAr) and the nth pass (the fourth pass in the example) of printing by the nozzle group nn (i.e., printing by the nozzle group at the rear end of the print head 41 that performs the final pass when printing a certain area PAr) (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ).

[0133] To this end, the correction chart is formed by the first printing ("first printing") performed by the nozzle group n1 in a certain area PAr and the nth printing (the fourth printing in the example) performed by the nozzle group nn (the nozzle group n4 in the example shown) ("second printing").

[0134] When one area PAr is completed in four passes while the print head 41 is moved sequentially in the sub-scanning direction Y (forward direction Ya) by, for example, 1 / 4 of the head length (nozzle length) of the print head 41, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, after the printing of the area PAr by the nozzle group n1, which is the first pass (referred to as the "first printing"), is performed, the print head 41 is moved in the sub-scanning direction Y (forward Ya) by 1 / 4 of the head length (nozzle length), and in the second pass, the printing of the nozzle group n2 is not performed. The print head 41 is then moved in the sub-scanning direction Y (forward Ya) by 1 / 4 of the head length (nozzle length), and the printing of the nozzle group n3, which is the third pass, is also not performed. The print head 41 is further moved in the sub-scanning direction Y (forward Ya) by 1 / 4 of the head length (nozzle length), and the printing of the area PAr by the nozzle group n4, which is the fourth pass (referred to as the "second printing"), is performed.

[0135] By printing patterns that complement each other through such "first printing" and "second printing", a correction chart is formed.

[0136] For example Figure 8A as well as Figures 8B to 11A as well as Figure 11B This is a diagram illustrating a “second correction chart” which is a correction chart with a higher resolution.

[0137] First, when forming the "second correction chart", as the "first printing", for example, printing will be performed Figure 8A The pattern A is repeatedly printed in the main scanning direction X, with 6 pixels applied instead of 3 pixels as shown. Figure 8B ), as "2nd printing", printing will Figure 9A The pattern B shown in FIG. 1 is not applied with 6 pixels but with 3 pixels, and the block B ( Figure 9B ). In addition, in FIG8 and FIG9, 1 small grid is set as 1 pixel, the small grid with color (with dots) represents the pixel to be coated, and the small grid without color (without dots) represents the pixel to be uncoated.

[0138] If the pattern A and the pattern B are printed without deviation by the "first printing" and the "second printing", then Figure 10A As shown, the coated areas and the uncoated areas overlap. In the accompanying drawings, the different colors (density on the drawing) of the coated areas in pattern A and pattern B are for easy distinction. In practice, the coated areas in pattern A and pattern B can be coated (printed) with the same color without any problem. This also applies to the other drawings.

[0139] In this manner, in the portion where the pattern A and the pattern B overlap without shifting from each other, the overall density becomes high.

[0140] On the other hand, if the pattern A and the pattern B are printed with deviation by the "first printing" and the "second printing", then Figure 10B As shown, the coated portion and the uncoated portion are offset, and the blocks A and B do not overlap perfectly, resulting in gaps.

[0141] In this manner, when the pattern A and the pattern B are printed with deviation, a gap corresponding to the deviation is generated, and the overall density is lower in a portion where the deviation is greater.

[0142] exist Figure 8B The block A of the printing pattern A is shown in FIG. Figure 9B Block B is shown in which pattern B is printed seven times.

[0143] In addition, Figure 8B as well as Figure 9B , the diagram shows a situation where pattern A and pattern B are printed in the same cycle, and the printing is repeated so that the uncoated parts in pattern A overlap with the coated parts in pattern B without deviation. However, in actual printing, when pattern B is repeatedly printed, each time a pattern is printed, the coating start position in the next pattern is deviated (shifted) by 1 pixel and printed continuously.

[0144] That is, assuming that pattern B is repeatedly printed without the amount of deviation caused by the inclination of the print head 41, when 3 pixels are applied starting from the 7th pixel instead of 6 pixels, when printing the first pattern, 3 pixels are applied starting from the 4th pixel instead of 3 pixels (i.e., the deviation is 3 pixels in the "-" direction). When printing the second pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is deviated to the right by 1 pixel, and 3 pixels are applied starting from the 5th pixel instead of 4 pixels (i.e., the deviation is 2 pixels in the "-" direction). When printing the third pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is further deviated to the right by 1 pixel, and 3 pixels are applied starting from the 6th pixel instead of 5 pixels (i.e., the deviation is 1 pixel in the "-" direction). Then, when printing the fourth pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is further deviated to the right by 1 pixel, and 3 pixels are applied starting from the 7th pixel instead of 6 pixels as originally applied (i.e., the deviation is "none").

[0145] In addition, when printing the 5th pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is further deviated to the right by 1 pixel. As a result, compared with the original pattern, the coating start position is deviated to the left by 1 pixel, and 7 pixels are not coated but 3 pixels are coated from the 8th pixel (i.e., the deviation is 1 pixel in the "+" direction). Similarly, when printing the 6th pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is further deviated to the right by 1 pixel, and 8 pixels are not coated but 3 pixels are coated from the 9th pixel (i.e., the deviation is 2 pixels in the "+" direction). When printing the 7th pattern, the coating start position in the pattern is further deviated to the right by 1 pixel, and 9 pixels are not coated but 3 pixels are coated from the 10th pixel (i.e., the deviation is 3 pixels in the "+" direction). As described above, by forming a pattern by deviating the coating position in units of 1 pixel, in the absence of an inclination of the print head 41, as described later Figure 11B That way, the density at the center of the correction chart is highest. On the other hand, if the print head 41 is tilted, the coating position deviates in the main scanning direction according to the tilt of the print head 41. In other words, if the print head 41 is tilted, a different coating result is obtained from the correction chart than when the print head 41 is not tilted (the position of the highest density unit block is at a different position relative to the main scanning direction). This fact can be used to determine a correction value corresponding to the amount of deviation.

[0146] In contrast to the above, the printing of pattern A was repeated by coating 6 pixels and then not coating 3 pixels.

[0147] In addition, examples of “mutually complementary patterns” forming the correction chart are not limited to pattern A (block A where pattern A continues) and pattern B (block B where pattern B continues) as in the illustrated example.

[0148] For example, at a print resolution of 600 dpi, one pixel is approximately 0.0423 mm. To detect the amount of misalignment based on density differences, each unit block, representing the overlap of Pattern A and Pattern B, requires a width (length) of approximately 3 mm, depending on factors such as the resolution of the imaging unit. To detect a misalignment within ±3 pixels per pixel, seven unit blocks are required. With the interval between unit blocks set at 1 mm, the required print length for detection is approximately 27 mm (3 mm × 7 unit blocks + 1 mm × 6 blocks).

[0149] Regarding this point, as mentioned above, the printable range of the print head 41 of the printing device 1 in this embodiment is relatively narrow, but in order to print on a fingernail, a printing width of about 30 mm must be ensured, and the correction paper P placed on the finger arrangement part 3 becomes about 30 mm × 30 mm, which is the same as the printable range.

[0150] Therefore, a correction chart corresponding to seven unit blocks required for detecting a deviation of ±3 pixels can be printed on the correction paper P.

[0151] Figure 11A This is a table showing the correction values ​​(second correction values) read from the second correction chart formed as described above, and is illustrated using a portion of pattern A and pattern B. Figure 11B is a diagram showing an example of actual printing results. Figure 11A In FIG. 1 , the portion surrounded by the thick black line is where pattern A (block A where pattern A is continuous) and pattern B (block B where pattern B is continuous) overlap without shifting, and is the portion with the highest density.

[0152] In addition, Figure 11A as well as Figure 11B In the figure, the lengths of block A, block B, and each overlapping unit block are shortened for the sake of convenience and are different from the actual sense of size.

[0153] For example, when pattern B (a continuous block of pattern B) is printed without deviating from the original coating start position (i.e., 3 pixels are coated starting from the 7th pixel instead of 6 pixels), and pattern B (a continuous block of pattern B) and pattern A (a continuous block of pattern A) are overlapped without deviation, there is no tilt in the print head 41, and there is no need to correct the printing deviation caused by the tilt of the print head 41. In this case, the density becomes the highest at the location where the correction value is "0", and the correction value becomes "0".

[0154] In contrast, for example, if pattern B (a block B of continuous pattern B) is printed 3 pixels to the left of the original coating start position due to the inclination of the print head 41, the density will be highest at the location where the correction value of "+3 pixels" is applied, as pattern B (a block B of continuous pattern B) and pattern A (a block A of continuous pattern A) overlap without any deviation. In this case, the correction value applied to the print data is "+3 pixels."

[0155] For example, if pattern B (a block B of continuous pattern B) is printed 3 pixels to the right of the original coating start position due to the inclination of the print head 41, the density will be highest at the location where the correction value of "-3 pixels" is applied, as the location where pattern B (a block B of continuous pattern B) and pattern A (a block A of continuous pattern A) overlap without deviation. In this case, the correction value applied to the print data is "-3 pixels."

[0156] In this way, by reading which correction value corresponds to the portion with the highest density in the printed correction chart, it is possible to obtain a correction value corresponding to print data operation for print deviation caused by the inclination of the print head 41 .

[0157] In addition, as mentioned above, there is no particular limitation on the method of reading the numerical value corresponding to the area where the concentration becomes the highest from the printed result of the correction chart. It can be automatically read from the image captured by the camera 51, or the image captured by the camera 51 can be displayed on the display unit 22, etc., and read visually by the user, or the printed correction paper P can be temporarily taken out of the device and confirmed by the user, etc.

[0158] Furthermore, while the direction and extent of deviation up to ±3 pixels can be accurately determined by recognizing the highest density of the printed result or the location where two patterns (pattern A and pattern B) overlap without a gap, it is difficult to determine a deviation of +3 pixels or more (-3 pixels or less) when visually confirmed by the user or by recognizing relative density. In this case, the deviation that can be accurately determined is approximately ±2 pixels.

[0159] For the above, for example Figure 12A as well as Figures 12B to 14A as well as Figure 14B This is a diagram explaining the “first correction chart”. Although the “first correction chart” is inferior to the “second correction chart” in terms of resolution, it can cope with a wider range of deviations.

[0160] First, when the "first correction chart" is formed, as the "first printing", the printing Figure 12A The block C ( Figure 12B ), and as "2nd printing", the printing will be e.g. Figure 13A The block D (shown as a pattern D where 12 pixels are not coated and 6 pixels are coated) is obtained by repeatedly printing the pattern D in the main scanning direction X. Figure 13B 12 and 13 , one small grid is set as one pixel, and the colored grid (with dots) represents the coated pixel, and the colorless grid (without dots) represents the uncoated pixel.

[0161] If the pattern C and the pattern D are printed without deviation by the "first printing" and the "second printing", then Figure 10A As shown, the coated areas and the uncoated areas overlap. Furthermore, the different colors (density on the drawing) of the coated areas in pattern C and pattern D are used to distinguish them. In practice, the coated areas in pattern C and pattern D can be coated (printed) with the same color without any problem. This also applies to the other drawings.

[0162] In this manner, in the portion where the pattern C and the pattern D overlap without shifting from each other, the overall density becomes high.

[0163] exist Figure 12B The block C in which the pattern C is printed three times is shown. Figure 13B The block D in which the pattern D is printed three times is shown.

[0164] In addition, Figure 12B as well as Figure 13B In the figure, a situation is shown in which pattern C and pattern D are printed in the same cycle, and the printing is repeated so that the uncoated portion of pattern C overlaps with the portion coated with pattern D without deviation. However, in actual printing, when pattern D is repeatedly printed, each time a pattern is printed, the coating start position in the next pattern is deviated (shifted) by 2 pixels and printed continuously.

[0165] When the "second correction chart" is created, Pattern B is printed by shifting the coating start position by one pixel at a time. In contrast, when the "first correction chart" is created, Pattern D is printed by shifting the coating start position by two pixels at a time. The unit of deviation is two pixels. Therefore, the accuracy of the correction values ​​obtained from the "first correction chart" is half that of the correction values ​​obtained from the "second correction chart," which is a high-resolution correction chart.

[0166] On the other hand, the printing length required to detect a deviation of up to ±6 pixels is 0.0423 mm×(12×4+6×3)×7 unit blocks+1 mm×6··, which is approximately 26 mm.

[0167] Therefore, if there is a 30mm printable range, a correction value corresponding to a deviation of up to ±6 pixels can be obtained.

[0168] Back to Figure 7 If the correction paper P is set, the control unit 11 first prints the "first correction chart" in the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 using the print head 41 of the printing mechanism 4 (step S2, first correction printing process). Then, the camera 51 captures the printed "first correction chart" and displays the image on the display unit 22 or the like (step S3).

[0169] The area with the highest density is read from the “first correction chart” itself or the image displayed on the display unit 22 , and a correction value corresponding to the area is acquired (step S4 ).

[0170] For example, Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B The example shown is a diagram showing an example of correction values ​​when the "first correction chart" corresponding to the deviation amount up to ±6 pixels is printed. Figure 14BThe relationship between pattern printing and deviation is the same as that of Figure 11A Likewise, therefore, a part of pattern printing is exemplified.

[0171] For example, at a deviation of 4 pixels ( Figure 14B 4 pixels to the left) and 6 pixels ( Figure 14B In the case of (6 pixels to the left from the center), there is one area with a high concentration.

[0172] That is, a correction value can be obtained so that when the deviation is 4 pixels, the correction value corresponding to the highest density portion is "+4" pixels, and when the deviation is 6 pixels, the correction value corresponding to the highest density portion becomes "+6" pixels.

[0173] Then, the correction value acquired based on the “first correction table” is set as the “first correction value” (step S5 , first correction value setting step).

[0174] Furthermore, based on the "first correction value", the printing position of the "second correction chart" is set in the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 of the correction paper P (step S6). Figure 11B When a correction chart consisting of seven unit blocks as in the example is used as the "second correction chart", the printing position of the unit blocks of the "second correction chart" is adjusted so that the center block among the seven unit blocks (the central block, the position where the correction value should be "0") becomes the position equivalent to the deviation amount of the "first correction value" (that is, the unit block corresponding to the value of the "first correction value", the position with the highest concentration in the "first correction chart").

[0175] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a printed example of a "second correction chart" in which "-4" pixels are obtained as the "first correction value". Figure 15 , only the central block (central block) among the seven unit blocks constituting the “second correction chart” is shown.

[0176] like Figure 15 As shown, when the "first correction value" is "-4" pixels, pattern A is adjusted as the center block of the "second correction chart" so that when pattern B is offset by 4 pixels, patterns A and B exactly overlap, and the "second correction chart" is printed. In other words, a unit block corrected for the offset of "-4" pixels is printed in the center block of the "second correction chart."

[0177] In addition, when the deviation is 5 pixels ( Figure 14BIn the case of (5 pixels to the left in the middle), there are two locations with the same density, and the two correction values ​​corresponding to them can be "+4" pixels and "+6" pixels. Figure 14B As shown, when the correction value is "+4", there is a slight gap on the right side of pattern D, and when the correction value is "+6", there is a slight gap of the same degree on the left side of pattern D. In this case, it is difficult to recognize whether the correction value is "+4", "+6", or "+5" in the middle.

[0178] In this case, pattern A is first printed, and the position corresponding to either the "+4" pixel or the "+6" pixel, which is the correction value for the portion where the highest density cannot be correctly determined, is printed so that the position of the center block of the "second correction chart" is aligned. The decision as to whether the "+4" pixel or the "+6" pixel is to be used as the second correction value can be automatically determined by the control unit 11 or input by the user through the operation unit 21 or the like.

[0179] In this manner, when the control unit 11 sets the printing position in the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 of the correction paper P, the control unit 11 prints the “second correction chart” at the set printing position (step S7 , second correction printing step).

[0180] As described above, while the accuracy of the correction values ​​obtained from the "first correction chart," printed in two-pixel units, is not high, it allows the approximate extent of the deviation (correction value) to be determined even with a printing device with a narrow printable range. Then, by adjusting the position so that the unit block with the highest density on the "first correction chart" aligns with the center block on the "second correction chart," and printing this high-precision chart in one-pixel units, the true deviation (true correction value) can be determined, which cannot be determined using the "first correction chart."

[0181] Figure 16 This figure shows an example of the correction paper P in which the “first correction chart” is printed in the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 and the “second correction chart” is printed in the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 .

[0182] By printing the "1st correction chart", the "1st correction value" of 2 pixel units ("-6", "-4", "-2", "0", "+2", "+4", "+6") is obtained. For example, when the part with the highest concentration in the "1st correction chart" is the unit block representing "+4", the "1st correction value" becomes "+4".

[0183] Then, the position is adjusted so that the unit block corresponding to the correction value "+4" is positioned at the center block position of the "second correction chart," and the "second correction chart" is printed.

[0184] When the "second correction chart" is printed, the camera 51 captures an image of the "second correction chart," and the image is displayed on the display unit 22 or the like (step S8).

[0185] Then, the area with the highest density is read automatically or visually from the "second correction chart" itself or the image displayed on the display unit 22, and a correction value corresponding to the area is acquired (step S9).

[0186] As described above, by printing the "second correction chart," a "second correction value" is obtained per pixel. For example, when position adjustment is performed so that the unit block corresponding to the "first correction value" of "+4" corresponds to the center block of the "second correction chart," a more detailed deviation amount around the correction value "+4" can be obtained from the "second correction chart." For example, if the "second correction chart" further determines the deviation amounts around "+1," "+2," "+3," "+4," "+5," "+6," and "+7," and the deviation amount determined as "+4" by the "first correction chart" is actually "+5," the control unit 11 sets the obtained correction value "+5" as the "second correction value" (step S10, second correction value setting step), and corrects the print data based on this "second correction value" (step S11, correction step).

[0187] In this way, first, a rough "first correction chart" that can handle a wide range of deviations is printed as a trial. After narrowing the degree and direction of the deviation, the printing range is narrowed so that the area with the highest density in the "first correction chart" is at the center of the "second correction chart", and a higher-resolution "second correction chart" is printed. Figure 16 As shown, in the "Second Correction Chart" (lower layer in the figure), the unit block with the highest concentration is arranged closer to the center than the "First Correction Chart" (upper layer in the figure), so that the degree of deviation that is difficult to determine with a 2-pixel unit can be correctly judged, and the true deviation (true correction value) can be obtained.

[0188] This makes it possible to cope with a wide range of deviations even when the printable range of the print head 41 is narrow, and to obtain a highly accurate correction value.

[0189] As described above, according to this embodiment, it includes: a first correction printing process, in which a print head 41 that prints on at least a correction value acquisition medium, i.e., correction paper P, prints a "first correction chart" in a first correction value acquisition area of ​​the correction paper P; a first correction value setting process, in which a correction value obtained based on the printed "first correction chart" is set as a "first correction value"; a second correction printing process, in which a "second correction chart" is printed by the print head 41 at a printing position set in the second correction value acquisition area of ​​the correction paper P corresponding to the "first correction value"; a second correction value setting process, in which a correction value obtained based on the printed "second correction chart" is set as a "second correction value"; and a correction process, in which the print data printed by the print head 41 is corrected based on the "second correction value".

[0190] Therefore, both the rough "first correction chart" that can handle a wide range of deviation amounts and the high-resolution "second correction chart" can be printed on correction paper P within the 30 mm x 30 mm printable range of the nail printing device 1 .

[0191] Then, first, a rough trial is performed using the "first correction chart", and based on the "first correction value" obtained from the "first correction chart", a "second correction chart" is printed that can obtain a correction value with higher precision, thereby obtaining a high-precision correction value that can correct the printed data with high precision.

[0192] This allows for handling a wide range of deviations even when the printable range of the print head 41 is narrow, and allows obtaining a correction value with sufficient accuracy for correcting the print data.

[0193] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 and the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 are provided within one correction paper P. As shown in FIG.

[0194] This eliminates the need to replace the correction paper P after printing the "first correction chart." Furthermore, since a single sheet of paper is sufficient for printing the "first correction chart" and the "second correction chart," maintenance costs can be reduced for the user.

[0195] In addition, the "second correction chart" in this embodiment is a correction chart with a higher resolution than the "first correction chart".

[0196] As a result, a highly accurate correction value, ie, a "second correction value," can be obtained based on the "second correction table," and print data can be corrected with high accuracy.

[0197] Furthermore, the first correction value setting step and the second correction value acquiring step of the present embodiment acquire correction values ​​based on a high-density portion of the correction chart printed by the print head 41 as the printing unit.

[0198] Thus, the control unit 11 can automatically acquire correction values ​​by analyzing the image obtained by photographing the correction chart. In addition, the user can acquire correction values ​​by visually checking the correction paper P on which the correction chart is printed and photographing the image obtained.

[0199] In addition, the print head 41 in this embodiment prints in a multi-pass manner by printing one area through multiple passes from the 1st pass to the nth pass, and when the 1st nozzle to the nth nozzle are respectively responsible for printing in each of the 1st pass to the nth pass, the correction chart is formed by the first printing of the 1st pass using the 1st nozzle and the second printing of the nth pass using the nth nozzle.

[0200] By adopting the multi-pass method in this manner, even if a defective nozzle occurs in a portion of the print head 41 , the defect can be compensated by using other nozzles, thereby achieving a high-quality printing result.

[0201] Furthermore, in such multi-pass printing, if the print head 41 is tilted, the maximum deviation occurs during the first pass of printing a certain area and the final pass, i.e., the nth pass. Regarding this, as in this embodiment, by creating a correction chart using the first pass ("first printing") using the first nozzle and the nth pass ("second printing") using the nth nozzle, the maximum deviation can be accurately detected, resulting in accurate correction values.

[0202] Furthermore, the correction chart in the present embodiment is formed by printing patterns that complement each other through "first printing" and "second printing."

[0203] This makes it easier to detect a deviation in the printing position between the "first printing" and the "second printing," and to determine the degree of the correction value.

[0204] In the first correction value setting step and the correction information acquiring step, correction values ​​are acquired based on an image obtained by capturing the correction chart printed by the printing unit head 41 .

[0205] Thus, by performing image processing on an image obtained by photographing the correction chart, the control unit 11 can automatically detect a portion having the darkest color and the like, and obtain a correction value.

[0206] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0207] For example, in this embodiment, a correction value acquisition medium is provided with at least a first correction value acquisition area ( Figure 3 Ar1) and the second correction value acquisition area ( Figure 3 Ar2) (reference Figure 3 ), but the medium for obtaining the correction value is not limited to this.

[0208] For example, the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 and the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 may be provided on different correction papers P (correction value acquisition media), respectively.

[0209] In this case, the "first correction chart" is printed on the correction paper P having the first correction value acquisition area Ar1, and after the "first correction value" is acquired, the "second correction chart" is printed at the printing position set corresponding to the "first correction value" on the correction paper P having the second correction value acquisition area Ar2.

[0210] In this manner, when the first correction value acquisition area Ar1 and the second correction value acquisition area Ar2 are provided on different correction papers P (correction value acquisition media), correction charts can be printed using a wider range.

[0211] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the correction value is obtained based on the portion with the highest density in the correction chart is exemplified, but the method of obtaining the correction value is not limited to this.

[0212] For example, as unit blocks of two correction printing patterns, a plurality of straight lines having a width of about 1 to 2 pixels in the main scanning direction and extending in the sub-scanning direction may be printed at given intervals, and correction values ​​may be obtained based on the areas where the patterns cannot be clearly seen due to the overlap of the straight lines of the printed patterns, that is, the areas with the highest sharpness.

[0213] If the print head 41 is misaligned and tilted, the image sharpness is reduced. Specifically, if an image that was previously clearly readable, such as with its outline, appears blurred or blurry, it is determined that the print is misaligned. In this case, the control unit 11 can automatically acquire the correction value by analyzing an image obtained by photographing the correction chart. Alternatively, the user can acquire the correction value by visually checking the correction paper P printed with the correction chart or by photographing it. Furthermore, the unit blocks of the correction pattern can be multiple straight lines themselves, or, in the case of a grid-like printed pattern, the unit blocks with the highest sharpness can be used to acquire the correction value.

[0214] In this embodiment, after printing the "first correction chart" and obtaining the "first correction value," the least deviated portion is brought to the center based on the obtained correction value, and the "second correction chart" is printed in the second correction value obtaining area Ar2. However, such printing of the "second correction chart" may also be performed by printing only unit blocks of the "first correction value," corresponding to the correction values ​​before and after. In other words, after obtaining the "first correction value," the second correction value obtaining area Ar2 may be formed by printing using the "first correction value," printing using the "first correction value" -1, and printing using the "first correction value" +1.

[0215] In this case, for example Figure 17 The correction sheet P shown in the figure has a first correction value acquisition area Ar1 on the upper layer and a second correction value acquisition area Ar2 on the lower layer, which includes a first frame Ar2a, a second frame Ar2b, and a third frame Ar2c. A "first correction chart" is printed in the first correction value acquisition area Ar1. In the first frame Ar2a of the second correction value acquisition area Ar2, a print pattern is printed using the "first correction value" -1. In the second frame Ar2b, a print pattern is printed using the "first correction value" +1. Then, the unit block with the highest density among the unit blocks printed in the first, second, and third frames Ar2c is determined, and the correction value applied to the unit block with the highest density is acquired as the "second correction value."

[0216] In addition, in this embodiment, the example of printing the "first correction chart" and after obtaining the "first correction value" is shown, printing the "second correction chart" at the printing position corresponding to the setting of the "first correction value" and obtaining the "second correction value" is shown, thereby obtaining the true deviation amount (true correction value) in two stages. However, the process of obtaining the true deviation amount (true correction value) is not limited to two stages.

[0217] For example, the correction value may be screened out in more stages, such as three or more stages, to obtain the true deviation amount (true correction value).

[0218] In addition, in this embodiment, a method of reducing the printing range so that the area with the highest density in the "first correction chart" is positioned at the center block of the "second correction chart" is described. However, the factor of interest for reducing the printing range is not limited to "density."

[0219] For example, it may be “lightness.” Furthermore, if pattern A is printed in black and pattern B is printed in any color such as CMY, the correction value may be determined focusing on “chroma” or the like.

[0220] In addition, in this embodiment, the "first correction chart" is a chart for obtaining a correction value of coarse precision, and the "second correction chart" is a chart for obtaining a correction value of higher precision. However, as long as a method is adopted to grasp the degree of rough deviation based on the "first correction chart" and gradually narrow the scope of detailed inspection, the "second correction chart" is not limited to a chart for obtaining a correction value of high precision.

[0221] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given of a case where the correction value acquisition area (first correction value acquisition area Ar1, second correction value acquisition area Ar2, etc.) is pre-set on the correction paper P serving as the correction value acquisition medium. However, as long as it is possible to understand at which position the print for acquiring the correction value is printed, it is not necessary to pre-set the correction value acquisition area on the correction value acquisition medium.

[0222] The correction value acquisition medium on which the "first correction chart" and "second correction chart" are printed is not limited to the correction paper P. For example, a nail or the like may be used as the correction value acquisition medium.

[0223] In addition, although this embodiment illustrates a case where the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 cooperate to form a printing system, and the terminal device 8 selects a nail design, etc., and then the printing device 1 performs a printing operation, the printing device 1 is not limited to the method shown here.

[0224] For example, a user may perform various operations through the operating unit or display of the printing device 1, and the control unit of the printing device 1 may perform these operations. In such a configuration, the printing device 1 may also be configured to perform printing operations independently without cooperating with the terminal device 8. Furthermore, the degree of cooperation (the degree of processing sharing) between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 may be varied from that of the present embodiment, such that, for example, the terminal device 8 may be responsible for substantially all processing other than imaging and printing.

[0225] Furthermore, various data such as the nail design, the captured image of the nail, and the shape information of the nail may be stored in the storage unit 82 of the terminal device 8 or in the storage unit 12 of the printing device 1 .

[0226] Alternatively, various data may be stored in a server device connected via a network line, etc., and the terminal device 8 or the printing device 1 may access the server device to refer to the data. This allows a wider range of nail designs to be selected for printing.

[0227] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. A method for correcting printed data, executed by a printing device, the method comprising: The printing department prints the first correction chart. obtaining a first correction value based on the printed first correction chart, The printing unit prints a second correction chart corresponding to the set first correction value. obtaining a second correction value based on the printed second correction chart, Based on the second correction value, the print data printed by the printing unit is corrected. The printing unit prints one area through multiple passes from the first pass to the nth pass. When the first to nth nozzles are responsible for printing in the first to nth passes respectively, the first correction chart and the second correction chart are formed by the first printing in the first pass using the first nozzle and the second printing in the nth pass using the nth nozzle.

2. The correction method according to claim 1, wherein: The printing unit prints a unit block corresponding to the first correction value at the center of the second correction chart.

3. The correction method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first correction chart and the second correction chart are each printed on one correction value acquisition medium or a plurality of correction value acquisition media.

4. The correction method according to claim 1, wherein: The second correction chart is a correction chart formed of a print pattern having a higher resolution than that of the first correction chart.

5. The correction method according to claim 1, wherein: The first correction value and the second correction value are acquired based on a portion having the highest density or sharpness in the first correction chart and the second correction chart printed by the printing unit.

6. The correction method according to claim 1, wherein: The first correction chart and the second correction chart are formed by printing patterns that complement each other through the first printing and the second printing.

7. The correction method according to claim 1, wherein: The first correction value and the second correction value are acquired based on an image obtained by capturing an image of a correction chart printed by the printing unit.

8. A storage medium having a program recorded thereon, the program being readable by a computer provided in a printing device having a printing unit for printing on a correction value acquisition medium, wherein: The program causes the computer to perform the following functions: a first correction printing function, wherein the printing unit prints a first correction chart; a first correction value acquisition function for acquiring a first correction value based on the printed first correction chart; a second correction printing function, wherein the printing unit prints a second correction chart corresponding to the set first correction value; a second correction value acquisition function for acquiring a second correction value based on the printed second correction chart; and a correction function for correcting the print data printed by the printing unit based on the second correction value; The printing unit prints one area through multiple passes from the first pass to the nth pass. When the first to nth nozzles are responsible for printing in the first to nth passes respectively, the first correction chart and the second correction chart are formed by the first printing in the first pass using the first nozzle and the second printing in the nth pass using the nth nozzle.

9. A printing device, characterized in that: have: a printing department, which performs printing; and processor, The processor performs: obtaining a first correction value printed by the printing unit and based on a first correction table, When a second correction chart corresponding to the set first correction value is printed by the printing unit, a second correction value based on the printed second correction chart is obtained. Correcting the print data printed by the printing unit based on the second correction value, The printing unit prints one area through multiple passes from the first pass to the nth pass. When the first to nth nozzles are responsible for printing in the first to nth passes respectively, the first correction chart and the second correction chart are formed by the first printing in the first pass using the first nozzle and the second printing in the nth pass using the nth nozzle.

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