Printing device, printing control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a printing control method, a printing control device and a storage medium, which can inhibit the reduction of printing quality. In the case where a printing head (41) of a printing unit which prints an object is inclined from a state parallel to a "first direction" which is a sub-scanning direction Y to a "second direction" which is a main scanning direction X intersecting the "first direction", a control section (11) generates correction printing data corresponding to an amount of deviation (amount of inclination) of the printing head (41) to the main scanning direction X and a region which should be printed in the case where the printing head (41) is not inclined to the main scanning direction X, in the case where an "unprintable region (Arn)" in which printing cannot be performed is generated.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and interest in Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-025282, filed on February 2, 2022. The specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-025282 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to printing control methods, printing control devices, and storage media. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, printing devices (nail printing devices) were known for printing designs onto objects such as fingernails. In such printing devices, for example, an inkjet printhead was used for printing.

[0005] The normal setting for the print head is that it can move in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction (main scanning direction) relative to the front of the printing device. However, due to errors in design or assembly, collisions from the outside, etc., it may sometimes tilt from this normal setting.

[0006] If printing is performed with the print head tilted, the ink will fall off the intended position, resulting in a failure to obtain high-quality printing results.

[0007] In particular, when printing is performed in a multi-pass manner by printing an area in multiple passes, the print quality is significantly reduced because the printed image is misaligned in each pass.

[0008] Regarding this point, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-017464 discloses a printing apparatus (referred to as "inkjet recording apparatus" in Patent Document 1), which includes a control unit that controls the operation of the print head when the transport direction (i.e., the sub-scanning direction) of the printing object (the object to be recorded, the recording paper) is not parallel to the arrangement direction of the nozzles provided on the print head, so as to correct the image data based on the correction value and correct the tilt of the pixel column formed by the ink ejected from the openings of the multiple nozzles.

[0009] By performing this data correction, it is possible to correct deviations in the nozzle column direction within the printhead.

[0010] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, in printing devices such as nail printers, which typically print over a limited area such as the surface of a nail, if the image data at both ends of the main scanning direction is insufficient, resulting in step differences at the ends, there is a concern that the printing at the ends of the main scanning direction of the printing range will be uneven, and the finished product will not be aesthetically pleasing. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a printing control method, printing control device, and procedure that can suppress the degradation of printing quality.

[0013] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the printing control method of this disclosure is characterized in that, when a printing unit printing on a printing object tilts from a state parallel to a first direction to a second direction intersecting the first direction, based on the amount of deviation of the printing unit towards the second direction and the areas in the printing unit that should be printed if there is no tilt towards the second direction, and in the case of unprintable areas that cannot be printed, corrective printing data corresponding to the deviation amount is generated.

[0015] [The effects of the invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the reduction in printing quality can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the external structure of the main parts of the printing apparatus in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a control block diagram illustrating a schematic control structure of the printing apparatus and the terminal device cooperating with the printing apparatus in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing an example of printing data when the print head is not tilted.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing an example of tilt correction data applied to printing data when the print head is tilted.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating printing based on a tilted printhead.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the printing results based on a tilted printhead.

[0023] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating a method for correcting printing data in the first mode of printing when printing is performed using a tilted printhead.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a correction method based on the printing data of the first method.

[0025] Figure 9 This is an illustration showing the state where blank pixels are added to the end of the side that produces the non-printable area.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an illustration showing the state in which blank pixels are added to the end on the side opposite to the non-printable area.

[0027] Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the print head during the first printing pass. Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the print head during the second printing pass. Figure 11 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the print head during the third printing pass. Figure 11 (d) is a schematic diagram showing the position of the print head during the fourth printing pass.

[0028] Figure 12 It is explained in the design. Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the state shown in (a).

[0029] Figure 13 (a) and (b) are design descriptions Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the state shown in (b).

[0030] Figure 14 (a) and (b) are design descriptions Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the state shown in (c).

[0031] Figure 15 (a) and (b) are design descriptions Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the state shown in (d).

[0032] Figure 16 It is an illustration of the printing status during the fifth printing pass in the design.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a second method for correcting printing data in the case of printing based on a tilted printhead.

[0034] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the method for calculating the deviation in each pass.

[0035] Figure 19 (a) is an illustration showing the state of significant deviation between passes due to the tilt of the print head. Figure 19 (b) indicates that in Figure 19 An explanatory diagram illustrating the situation where corrections based on the printing data of the second method are performed in the state shown in (a). Detailed Implementation

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 19 (a) and Figure 19 (b) describes one embodiment of the printing control method, printing control device and program involved in this disclosure.

[0037] Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, various technically preferred limitations are imposed for implementing this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0038] For example, in the following embodiments, the printing control device is described as a control device that controls a printing apparatus (nail printing apparatus) that prints on the fingernails of the fingers. However, the controlled object of the printing control device in this disclosure is not limited to a printing apparatus that prints on fingernails; for example, it could also be a printing apparatus that prints on toenails. Furthermore, it could also be a printing apparatus that prints on objects other than nails, such as nail tips or the surface of various ornaments.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main external structure of the printing apparatus (nail printing apparatus) in this embodiment.

[0040] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, up and down, left and right, and front and back refer to... Figure 1 The orientation is shown. Furthermore, the X direction is the left-right direction, referred to as the "second direction" in this embodiment. Furthermore, the Y direction is the front-back direction, referred to as the "first direction" in this embodiment. The "second direction" is the direction that intersects with the "first direction." In this embodiment, the main scanning direction X ("second direction") and the sub-scanning direction Y ("first direction") are orthogonal.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 1 has a housing 2 that is generally box-shaped.

[0042] An operation section 21 and a display section 22 are provided on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the shape and arrangement of each part of the housing 2 are not limited to the example shown in the figure, and can be appropriately set. For example, the operation unit 21 and the display unit 22 may not be provided on the upper surface of the housing 2, but on the side or back. In addition, the example shown in the figure shows the operation unit 21 including a single button, but the operation unit 21 may also include multiple buttons provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. Furthermore, indicators may also be provided on the housing 2.

[0044] The operation unit 21 is a component for users to make various inputs.

[0045] The operation unit 21 includes, for example, an operation button (power switch) for turning the power supply of the printing apparatus 1 on / off.

[0046] If the operation unit 21 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the operation according to the operation signal, causing each part of the printing apparatus 1 to operate. For example, if the operation unit 21 is a power switch button, the power to the printing apparatus 1 is turned ON / OFF according to the button operation.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, the printing device 1 may also be connected to the terminal device 8 described later (see reference 8). Figure 2 In cooperation with other components, it replaces the operation unit 21, and operates according to the operation unit 83 of the terminal device 8 (see below). Figure 2 The input operation signals, such as those from the printing unit 1, cause each part of the printing unit 1 to operate.

[0048] Display unit 22 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting display, or other flat panel displays.

[0049] Alternatively, a touch panel for various inputs can be integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 22. In this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 21.

[0050] The display unit 22 can display nail designs input / selected by the user from the operation unit 21, nail images obtained by taking pictures of the user's nails T, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, the display unit 22 can also display message screens that show various instructions, guidance, warnings, etc. for the user.

[0052] On the front side of the housing 2 of the printing device 1 ( Figure 1 The near-front side in the Y direction (i.e., the left and right directions of the device) Figure 1 The finger insertion port 23 is formed in the approximate central part of the X direction of the printing device 1, where an opening for inserting a finger is formed during printing.

[0053] Inside the housing 2, there is a finger placement unit 3, a printing mechanism 4, and a photographic unit 5 (see reference). Figure 2 (The main body of the device, not shown) etc.

[0054] The finger placement part 3 is disposed inside the housing 2 and at a position corresponding to the finger insertion port 23.

[0055] Although the illustration is omitted, the finger placement part 3 has an opening corresponding to the finger insertion port 23, and receives the finger inserted from the finger insertion port 23 (the finger corresponding to the nail that is to be printed) in the opening and holds it in a position suitable for printing.

[0056] The upper surface of the finger placement section 3 is open, becoming a window (not shown) through which the nail portion of the finger placed in the finger placement section 3 is exposed.

[0057] Figure 2 It is a control block diagram that represents the general control structure of the printing apparatus and the terminal devices that cooperate with the printing apparatus.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing mechanism 4 includes a printing head 41 and a head moving mechanism 48 for moving the printing head 41 (see reference). Figure 2 )wait.

[0059] In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 4 prints on the fingernail or the like, which are the objects to be printed, using the print head 41, which is a printing unit.

[0060] The printhead 41 in this embodiment is an inkjet head that has an ink ejection surface (not shown) with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink on the surface facing the printing target (fingernail surface). It is an inkjet head that micro-droplets ink and directly sprays ink onto the printing target (fingernail, correction paper P) from the ink ejection surface for printing. The structure of the printhead 41 is not particularly limited, but it can be, for example, a cartridge-integrated head where the ink ejection mechanism (such as the ink ejection surface) and an ink cartridge (not shown) are integrated.

[0061] The printhead 41 can eject colored inks such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Additionally, the printhead 41 can also eject base inks such as white, which act as a coating for forming a substrate. However, the types of inks provided in the printhead 41 are not limited to these.

[0062] 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 device, and a Y-direction moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the print head 41 in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device.

[0063] The X-direction movement mechanism includes an X-direction movement motor 45 (see reference). Figure 2 The printing head 41 is moved in the left-right direction (X direction) of the device by an X-direction moving motor 45. Furthermore, the Y-direction moving mechanism includes a Y-direction moving motor 47 (see reference). Figure 2 The X-direction moving motor 45 and the Y-direction moving motor 47 are driven by the Y-direction moving motor 47, which moves the printing head 41 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the device. The X-direction moving motor 45 and the Y-direction moving motor 47 are, for example, stepper motors.

[0064] 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" (i.e. the front-back direction of the device (Y direction)) is set as the "secondary scanning direction".

[0065] Here, the structure of the print head 41 of the printing mechanism 4 will be described in detail.

[0066] Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates a printing process using the printhead described in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 3 In order to facilitate the use of rectangles to represent the printing area of ​​the design that was originally fitted to match the shape of the nail, etc.

[0067] Figure 3 In the diagram, the shaded area within the rectangle represents the design printing data Id, which covers a width equal to one part of the long side of the printing head 41. Additionally, Figure 3 In the above, the printing range as a whole design is set as "Printing Range Ard", and the range for printing by printing data Id is set as "Unit Printing Range".

[0068] In the print head 41, a nozzle row 411 is formed in which multiple nozzles are arranged in a row along the long side direction. Figure 5 (Illustrated in the image) In the normal state where the print head 41 is not tilted, such as Figure 3 As shown, the long side direction of the printhead 41 (the arrangement direction of the nozzle array 411) is parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y ("first direction") which is orthogonal to the main scanning direction X ("second direction").

[0069] The printing mechanism 4 of this embodiment prints by using multiple passes (n times) to print a region (unit area) in a multi-pass manner (i.e., scanning in the main scanning direction X).

[0070] Printing is performed when the print head 41 is moved in the main scanning direction X. The print head 41 is moved from one end of its movable range in the main scanning direction X to the other end, so that the position of the print head 41 is offset by a certain length in the sub-scanning direction Y (the positive direction of the sub-scanning, Ya) (for example, in the case of printing one unit area in 4 passes, it is every 1 / 4 of the head length (nozzle column length)). Then, it is moved again in the main scanning direction X (for example, from the direction opposite to the previous pass) and printing is performed.

[0071] In this case, the printing in each pass from the 1st pass to the nth pass is handled by the 1st nozzle (nozzle group n1) to the nth nozzle (nozzle group nn), respectively.

[0072] For example, when printing one unit area in four passes, the nozzle array 411 of the print head 41 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, from the downstream side of the positive direction Ya in the sub-scanning direction Y, the nozzles are sequentially designated as the first nozzle (nozzle group) n1, the second nozzle (nozzle group) n2, the third nozzle (nozzle group) n3, and the fourth nozzle (nozzle group) n4. The first nozzle n1 is used for printing in the first pass of printing for a unit area, and the second nozzle n2 is used for printing in the second pass. Printing is performed by the nozzle groups that are assigned in sequence.

[0073] In addition, in the printing apparatus 1, the position and shape of the printing object (in this embodiment, a fingernail) are identified from the image captured by the camera 51 described later, and the camera coordinates of the camera 51 and the printing coordinates of the printing head 41 are aligned to perform printing that matches the shape of the printing object (in this embodiment, a fingernail).

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the camera coordinates and printing coordinates are aligned at the upstream end of the printing head 41 in the forward direction Ya. Figure 3 The alignment position (Ap) is indicated by a single-dot dash.

[0075] Furthermore, as will be described later, since the camera unit 5 is fixed in a position that can photograph the fingernail or the like of the finger placed on the finger mounting unit 3, the X / Y axis of the camera unit 5 itself is not deviated from the device.

[0076] Figure 4 It means to print and Figure 3 An illustrative diagram showing the case where the printhead of the same design is tilted relative to the secondary scanning direction on the side of the primary scanning direction.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, when the print head 41 is tilted relative to the sub-scanning direction Y, when it is to be scanned from... Figure 4When printing on the left side, in the example, the print head 41 is on the front side of Ya ( Figure 4 The middle (lower side) tilts to the right of the main scanning direction X and enters the inner side of the printing range Ard. Figure 3 The printed data ID shown here contains an unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed.

[0078] Therefore, tilt corrections are made corresponding to the tilt of the print head 41, such as... Figure 4 As shown, generate tilt correction data CId with a slanted tilt, and then print based on it.

[0079] However, when printing using this tilt correction data CId, the following results in... Figure 4 The problem is that the triangular area shown at the left end of the diagram (let's call it "non-printable area Arn") remains unprinted.

[0080] Figure 5 The text indicates the relationship between printing data showing the state of the unprintable area Arn and the print head 41 (the nozzle array 411 of the print head 41). Additionally, Figure 5 It is Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the area within a box V enclosed by a single-dot dashed line, magnified to the pixel level.

[0081] Figure 5 In this context, each grid cell represents one pixel (Pi). Figure 5 As shown by the dotted line in the figure, the print head 41 is tilted obliquely, and the nozzle array 411 is also tilted accordingly. That is, corresponding to the amount of tilt of the print head 41, the position of the upstream end of the aligned print head 41 in the positive direction Ya and the position of the downstream end of the aligned print head 41 in the positive direction Ya deviate from the state parallel to the sub-scanning direction Y (in the example in the figure, the downstream side is tilted to the right of the main scanning direction X).

[0082] The pixel Pi selected corresponding to such an inclined print head 41 (i.e., the pixel Pi that can be printed by the corresponding nozzle) is represented by a thick diagonal shading as "selected pixel Pc".

[0083] For the "selection pixel Pc" corresponding to the nozzle column in pixel Pi, as shown in the figure, it can print correctly even when the print head 41 is tilted.

[0084] In contrast, for pixels Pi represented by thin diagonal shading, although there is data indicating the existence of pixels Pi to be printed, the position of the print head 41 (the nozzle column 411 of the print head 41) does not correspond, so printing cannot be performed. Therefore, these pixels Pi constitute the "unprintable area Arn" that cannot be printed.

[0085] Furthermore, on the other hand, in this case, the generation of information about Figure 4 The right end of the diagram shows a triangular area (let's call it the "Excess Area Arm") that extends beyond the printing area and is thus printed. As a result, as... Figure 6 As shown, the two ends of the main scanning direction X in the printed image ( Figure 4 The portion enclosed by a single-dot dash may not be straight, may be uneven, or may appear lighter in color.

[0086] In this embodiment, the following method is applied: tilt correction data CId is generated by tilt correction of printing data Id, and when printing is performed by tilted print head 41 using tilt correction data CId, the unevenness of the printed image generated at the end of the main scanning direction X is suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, the specific methods will be described later.

[0088] Furthermore, a camera unit 5 is fixed on the inner side of the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2, above the window of the finger placement part 3. This camera unit 5 is capable of capturing images of the fingernail (including the finger) exposed from the window.

[0089] The photography unit 5 includes, for example, a camera 51, which is a small camera equipped with a solid-state photographic element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) with more than 2 million pixels, and a lens; and a light source 52, including a white LED for illuminating the photographic subject (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0090] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the camera unit 5 is not particularly limited, but it is fixedly positioned to capture images of the fingernail or similar parts placed on the finger placement unit 3. Additionally, the camera unit 5 can be configured to move in the XY direction via a head movement mechanism 48 that moves the printing head 41. In this case, the alignment of the camera coordinates of the camera 51 with the printing coordinates of the printing head 41 is obtained separately.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the printing mechanism 4 and the photographic unit 5 mentioned above, the printing apparatus 1 also includes a communication unit 25, a control device 10, etc.

[0092] The communication unit 25 is configured to send and receive information between the terminal devices 8 (described later) that cooperate with the printing device 1.

[0093] Communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 is conducted, for example, via a wireless LAN. However, the communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 8 is not limited to this; it can be any type of communication. For example, a network line such as the Internet can be used, or wireless communication based on short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi can be performed. Furthermore, this communication is not limited to wireless; it can also be configured to enable the transmission and reception of various data between the two via a wired connection. The communication unit 25 includes an antenna chip and the like corresponding to the communication method of the terminal device 8.

[0094] The control unit 10 mounted on the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 with at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and a storage unit 12 with at least one ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (both not shown) as memory, and functions as a computer as a printing control device.

[0095] The storage unit 12 stores various programs and data used to operate the printing device 1.

[0096] Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores various programs, such as printing control programs for performing various printing control processes, in the ROM or the like. The control unit 11 expands and executes these programs in the working area of ​​RAM, thereby performing overall control of each part of the printing apparatus 1.

[0097] The control unit 11 functions as a printing control unit that controls the operation of the printing mechanism 4, a photography control unit that controls the operation of the photography unit 5, a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit 22, and a communication control control unit that controls the communication unit 25. It also functions as a deviation acquisition unit and a printing data correction unit. These functions are achieved through the cooperation of the CPU of the control unit 11 and the program stored in the ROM 121 of the storage unit 12.

[0098] The control unit 11, which functions as a deviation acquisition unit, acquires the deviation amount of the print head 41 in the "second direction" (the tilt amount in the case of oblique tilt) when the print head 41, which is a printing unit, tilts from a state parallel to the "first direction", i.e., the sub-scanning direction Y, to the "second direction", i.e., the main scanning direction X, which intersects the "first direction".

[0099] The deviation (tilt) is obtained, for example, by printing a test pattern for obtaining correction values ​​in advance, and is stored in the storage unit 12, etc. The control unit 11, which functions as the acquisition unit, reads the deviation (tilt) from the storage unit 12, etc., and acquires / sets it as a correction value (correction information) to be applied during printing.

[0100] The control unit 11, which functions as the printing control unit, controls the printing head 41 of the printing mechanism 4, the X-direction moving motor 45, the Y-direction moving motor 47, etc., which constitute the head moving mechanism 48.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11, which functions as a printing control unit, also functions as a printing data generation unit, generating printing data Id of the printing range Ard of the printing design (nail design) printed by the print head 41, which is a printing unit. For example, the control unit 11 performs image processing on a nail image obtained by the camera 51 of the nail of the finger positioned on the finger placement unit 3, detects the nail outline of the defined nail area (nail region), and generates printing data Id by merging the desired design selected by the user within the range of the nail outline. Specifically, the image data of the design (nail design) is extracted, appropriately enlarged or reduced, and the placement is adjusted, and then fitted to the nail outline detected from the nail image. In addition, blank pixels Pb are allocated to the pixels outside the nail outline, forming a rectangle as the entire printing data. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding and explanation, the allocation of blank pixels Pb outside the nail outline is not performed.

[0102] Furthermore, when obtaining the curvature of a nail from an image of a nail, the control unit 11 can appropriately perform various corrections, such as surface correction, on the printing data based on the curvature of the nail. After performing surface correction, printing data that more closely matches the shape of the nail can be generated.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11, which functions as a printing control unit, also functions as a printing data correction unit, and performs corrections based on the deviation (tilt) of the printing data obtained by the control unit 11, which functions as an acquisition unit.

[0104] That is, the control unit 11, which functions as a printing data correction unit, generates corrected printing data corresponding to the deviation amount (tilt amount) of the print head 41 obtained by the deviation amount acquisition unit, and generates an unprintable area (hereinafter referred to as "unprintable area Arn") in the area to be printed when the print head 41 is not tilted in the "second direction".

[0105] Specifically, firstly, the control unit 11 generates tilt correction data CId corresponding to the tilt amount of the print head 41. Then, it controls each part of the printing mechanism 4 to perform printing using the tilt correction data CId.

[0106] As described above, tilt correction data CId is generated by performing tilt correction corresponding to the tilt of printhead 41, as described above, to generate tilt correction data CId for oblique tilt (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0107] Furthermore, when printing using the tilt correction data CId, the control unit 11 in the embodiment generates correction printing data to suppress unevenness of the printed image generated at the end of the main scanning direction X.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first method and the second method are envisioned as correction methods for suppressing the irregularity of the printed image generated at the end of the main scanning direction X.

[0109] Furthermore, the choice between Method 1 and Method 2 can be set by default or arbitrarily selected / set by the user. Additionally, the control unit 11 can appropriately select the application method based on factors such as the type of design and the amount of deviation (degree of tilt) generated in the print head 41.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where either the first method or the second method can be selectively applied, but it is also possible to imagine using only one method, corresponding to only one method.

[0111] Furthermore, the details of Method 1 and Method 2 will be described later.

[0112] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above to be able to communicate with the terminal device 8 and perform printing operations based on the action instructions from the terminal device 8.

[0113] Terminal device 8 can be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet computer. However, terminal device 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can communicate with printing device 1. For example, it can also be a laptop or stationary personal computer, a gaming terminal, etc.

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 8 includes an operation unit 83, a display unit 84, a communication unit 85, a control unit 80, etc.

[0115] The operation unit 83 can perform various inputs / settings according to the user's operation. When the operation unit 83 is operated, the input signal corresponding to the operation is sent 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 inputs / settings by touching the touch panel.

[0116] Furthermore, the operation unit 83, which performs various input / setting operations, is not limited to a touch panel. For example, it can also be provided as an operation unit 83, such as various operation buttons, keyboards, or indicator devices.

[0117] In this embodiment, the user can operate the operation unit 83 to select nail designs for nail printing.

[0118] The touch panel configured as the display unit 84 displays various display screens under the control of the control unit 81, which will be described later.

[0119] In addition, the display unit 84 can display nail designs input / selected by the user from the operation unit 83, images sent from the printing device 1, etc.

[0120] The communication unit 85 is capable of transmitting printing data to the printing apparatus 1. Furthermore, the communication unit 85 receives data such as nail images transmitted from the printing apparatus 1. The communication unit 85 includes a wireless communication module capable of communicating with the communication unit 25 of the printing apparatus 1.

[0121] In addition, as long as the communication unit 85 can communicate with the printing device 1, a component that conforms to the communication standard of the communication unit 25 of the printing device 1 can be used.

[0122] The control device 80 is a computer that includes a control unit 81 containing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and a storage unit 82 containing ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown).

[0123] The control unit 81 provides overall control over the operation of each part of the terminal device 8. The control unit 81 performs various functions in cooperation with the programs stored in the storage unit 82.

[0124] The storage unit 82 stores various programs and data used to operate the various parts of the terminal device 8.

[0125] Specifically, in the storage unit 82 of this embodiment, in addition to storing the operation program for overall control of each part of the terminal device 8, various programs (not shown) such as the nail printer application (hereinafter referred to as "nail printer AP") for using the nail printer of the printing device 1 are also stored. The control device 80 expands and executes these programs in, for example, the working area of ​​the storage unit 82, thereby controlling the terminal device 8.

[0126] In addition, the storage unit 82 of this embodiment stores various design data (nail design data) not shown.

[0127] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the printing control method of printing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0128] If the power supply to the printing device 1 and its cooperating terminal device 8 is ON, the nail printer AP of the terminal device 8 will start.

[0129] Therefore, information prompting the user to place their nails can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 22 of the printing device 1 and the display unit 84 of the terminal device 8. Furthermore, if the printing device 1 or the terminal device 8 has a sound output unit such as a speaker, it can replace the display on various display units, or provide sound-based guidance along with the display on the display unit.

[0130] The user is guided to place the finger corresponding to the nail they want to print on the finger placement section 3.

[0131] If the finger corresponding to the nail is placed, the control unit 11 reads the pre-acquired correction value and corrects the printing data of the nail design.

[0132] In this embodiment in particular, a correction value (correction information) related to the tilt amount of the print head 41 when it is tilted from a configuration state orthogonal to the main scanning direction X is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 or the like. After the control unit 11 corrects the printing data based on the correction value, it controls the printing mechanism 4 to print the design (nail design) of the printing object such as a nail through the print head 41.

[0133] Here, the correction of the printing data corresponding to the tilt amount of the print head 41 is explained in detail.

[0134] In this embodiment, two types of correction methods (the first method and the second method) can be applied as a method for correcting printing data.

[0135] First, the first method is as follows: In the case of a region that becomes unprintable due to the tilt of the print head 41 (i.e., "unprintable region Arn"), a correction print data is generated that allocates blank pixels Pb that will not be printed to the end region of the print data and expands the print data so that all pixels Pi to be printed are located within the printable region.

[0136] Figure 7 This is a flowchart representing the processing of this first method.

[0137] In the first method, if the control unit 11 first obtains a correction value corresponding to the tilt amount of the print head 41 (step S1), based on this, tilt correction is performed on the print data Id to generate tilt correction data CId (step S2). Then, when printing is performed using the tilt correction data CId, it is determined whether an unprintable area Arn is generated at the end of the main scanning direction X in the print range Ard (step S3).

[0138] In the case of an unprintable area Arn (step S3: Yes), data for an "extended area Are" is generated, consisting of pixels Pi (blank pixels Pb, columns of blank pixels Pb) that are the same width as the maximum width (maximum number of pixels) of the unprintable area Arn in the main scanning direction X. This "extended area Are" is then attached to the end of the printing range Ard to generate corrected printing data (step S5).

[0139] Then, based on the corrected printing data, printing is performed through the print head 41 (step S6). Thus, the corrected printing range Ard, which is expanded by the pixels Pi attached to the tilt of the print head 41, is printed.

[0140] On the other hand, without generating an unprintable area Arn (step S3: no), the original printing range Ard is printed based on the printing data (tilt correction data CId, which corrects the tilt of the printing data Id).

[0141] Figure 8 This diagram schematically illustrates the state of a blank pixel Pb with an extended print data Id (print range Ard) appended to the left of the area to be printed by the pre-corrected print data (tilt-corrected data CId, which has undergone tilt correction on print data Id). Additionally, Figure 8 In the xy printing coordinate system, the area to be printed (the printing range Ard before correction) is represented by a quadrilateral with width w × height h (w > 0, h > 0). The coordinates of the upper left corner of this area are set as P0(X0, Y0). Coordinate P0 is the coordinate of the starting position (printing reference point) of the printing before correction.

[0142] In addition, the region whose width a (a>0) is extended from the original printing range Ard by adding a pixel Pi to the left of the area to be printed is set as the "extended region Are", and the upper left coordinate of the printing range Ard with the "extended region Are" added is set as P1(X0-a, Y0).

[0143] Figure 9 It will be with Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the area enlarged to pixel level within the box IX enclosed by a single-dot dash.

[0144] Figure 9 In, with Figure 5 Each grid cell represents one pixel (Pi).

[0145] like Figure 9 As shown, the "Extended Area Are" is the area where pixels Pi, corresponding to the width of the print head 41, are added to the print range Ard.

[0146] like Figure 5 As shown, when there is a maximum deviation of 3 pixels in the main scanning direction X, resulting in a maximum unprintable area Arn of 3 pixels in the main scanning direction X, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, an "Extended Area Are" consisting of columns of 3-pixel pixels Pi is added to extend the print data Id, and the area with width w + a × height h is set as the corrected print range Ard.

[0147] Additionally, within this extended area Are, "blank pixels Pb" that are not actually printed are allocated.

[0148] Thus, by adjusting the maximum number of pixels relative to the deviation of the main scanning direction X caused by the tilt of the print head 41 ( Figure 5 In the example shown, the same number of "blank pixels Pb" (an "extended area Are" of 3-pixel blank pixel column × height h in the main scanning direction X) are added to the left of the printing data Id to extend the printing range Ard. As a result, the unprintable area Arn disappears, and by allocating selected pixels Pc to the unprintable area Arn, the entire area to be printed can be printed.

[0149] Thus, when the corrected printing data is data of the extended printing data ID, the corrected printing data contains information on the change of coordinates of the starting position (printing reference point) at which printing begins.

[0150] That is, in Figure 8In the example shown, P0(X0, Y0) is the original coordinate of the starting position of printing, but the starting position of printing (printing reference point) is changed to P1(X0-a, Y0) to print the printing range Ard.

[0151] also, Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the corrected printing data on the right side of the printing data ID. Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the area within the box X enclosed by a single-dot dashed line, magnified to the pixel level.

[0152] like Figure 8 As shown, when an extended area Are is added to the left of the non-printable area Arn, i.e. the printing data Id, thereby expanding the printing range Ard, the printing data Id becomes prominent in the end area on the opposite side of the non-printable area Arn, i.e. the area that was not originally printed.

[0153] In this case, such as Figure 10 As shown, in this protruding area (designated as the "excess area Arm"), "blank pixels Pb" that are not printed are allocated according to the tilt amount of the print head 41. That is, the same number of "blank pixels Pb" as the number of pixels in the main scanning direction X of the "extended area Are" attached to the left (the blank pixel column corresponding to the "excess area Arm" with a main scanning direction X of 3 pixels × height h) are attached to the right side of the print data Id. Thus, the "excess area Arm" generated in accordance with the amount of the "extended area Are" can be set not to be printed.

[0154] Additionally, due to the position of the nozzle array 411 of the print head 41, there may be a situation where the selected pixel Pc exceeds the width w+a. In this case, the additional blank pixel Pb is treated as the selected pixel Pc for printing.

[0155] Next, the second method is as follows: When the print head 41, which is a printing unit, prints one area (unit area) in multiple passes by using multiple passes from the first pass to the nth pass, modified printing data is generated to change the assignment of each nozzle, so that when the first nozzle to the nth nozzle respectively undertake the printing of each pass from the first pass to the nth pass, the unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed by the nozzle that should have undertaken it due to the tilt of the print head 41 is replaced by the nozzle that undertakes printing in other passes.

[0156] Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 (d) is an example of printing one area (unit area) through the first to fourth printing passes, illustrating the nozzle configuration for each pass.

[0157] like Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 As shown in (d), in this case, if printing is performed in each pass, the print head 41 is moved by 1 / 4 of its nozzle array 411 in the positive direction Ya of the sub-scanning direction Y to perform the next pass of printing. Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle array 411 of the print head 41 consists of the first nozzle (nozzle group) n1, the second nozzle (nozzle group) n2, the third nozzle (nozzle group) n3, and the fourth nozzle (nozzle group) n4, from the downstream side of the positive direction Ya of the sub-scanning direction Y. The width of each unit area is shown by the dotted line in the figure and is consistent with 1 / 4 of the length of the print head 41 (the nozzle array 411 of the print head 41).

[0158] Figure 11 (a) indicates the first pass of printing for the first unit area (the printing start position of print head 41).

[0159] like Figure 11 As shown in (a), firstly, in the first pass, the print head 41 moves from left to right along the main scanning direction X. Figure 11 In (a), the first nozzle n1 moves from left to right to perform the first pass of printing the first unit area. If the print head 41 is tilted at this time, the upstream and downstream positions in the sub-scanning direction Y of the print head 41 will deviate, thus creating unprintable pixel areas (unprintable areas Arn). Figure 11 In the example shown in (a), the width is approximately 3 pixels. Figure 11 In (a), the width “d1” becomes an unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed in the first pass of printing based on the first nozzle n1.

[0160] Figure 11 (b) indicates the second pass of printing for the first unit area (the end position of printing of print head 41).

[0161] like Figure 11 As shown in (b), firstly, in the second pass, the print head 41 moves from right to left along the main scanning direction X. Figure 11 (b) Moving from right to left, the second nozzle n2 performs the second pass of printing on the first unit area. Figure 11 In the example shown in (b), the width is approximately 2 pixels. Figure 11 In (b), the width “d2” also becomes an unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed in the second pass of printing based on the second nozzle n2.

[0162] In addition, when the second nozzle n2 performs the second pass of printing for the first unit area, the first nozzle n1 moves to the next second unit area and performs the first pass of printing for the second unit area.

[0163] Figure 11 (c) indicates the third pass of printing for the first unit area (the printing start position of print head 41).

[0164] like Figure 11 As shown in (c), firstly, in the third pass, the print head 41 moves from left to right along the main scanning direction X. Figure 11 (b) Moving from left to right, the third nozzle n3 performs the third pass of printing on the first unit area.

[0165] As mentioned above, the printhead 41 is aligned upstream of the sub-scanning direction Y. Therefore, the nozzles closer to the upstream side of the sub-scanning direction Y have a smaller tilt compared to the nozzles farther from the upstream side (closer to the downstream side) of the sub-scanning direction Y. Figure 11 In the example shown in (c), even in the third pass of printing based on the third nozzle n3, there is a width of approximately 1 pixel. Figure 11 The width “d3” in (c) becomes the unprintable area Arn.

[0166] Furthermore, during the third printing pass for the first unit area performed by the third nozzle n3, the first nozzle n1 moves to the third unit area and performs the first printing pass for the third unit area. Similarly, the second nozzle n2 moves to the second unit area and performs the first printing pass for the second unit area.

[0167] Figure 11 (d) indicates the fourth pass of printing for the first unit area (the end position of printing of print head 41).

[0168] like Figure 11 As shown in (d), firstly in the third pass, the print head 41 moves from right to left along the main scanning direction X. Figure 11 (d) moves from right to left along one side and is printed 4 times in the 1st unit area by the 4th nozzle n4.

[0169] like Figure 11 As shown in (d), in the fourth pass of printing based on the fourth nozzle n4, the pixels Pi of the entire region up to the end of the first unit region become printable selected pixels Pc, and no unprintable region Arn is generated.

[0170] Furthermore, during the fourth printing pass for the first unit area performed by the fourth nozzle n4, the first nozzle n1 moves to the fourth unit area and performs the first printing pass for that unit area. Similarly, the second nozzle n2 moves to the third unit area and performs the first printing pass for that unit area. Additionally, the third nozzle n3 moves to the second unit area and performs the first printing pass for that unit area.

[0171] Figures 12-16 This is explained in the actual design. Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 The diagram showing the situation indicated by (d).

[0172] Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 The diagram corresponding to (a) represents the first pass of printing for the first unit area.

[0173] The parallelogram box shown on the right side of the print head 41 in the figure represents the unit area printed by the print head 41 in the first pass of printing. In this case, the first nozzle n1 undertakes the printing, but the front end side of the print head 41 where the first nozzle n1 is located enters the inside of the printing range Ard in the positive direction Ya of the sub-scanning direction Y, and therefore remains as an unprintable area Arn (the "unprintable area Arn1" left by the first nozzle n1).

[0174] Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 (b) is with Figure 11 The diagram corresponding to (b) shows the second pass of printing for the first unit area. In this case, the second nozzle n2 is responsible for printing the first unit area.

[0175] like Figure 13 As shown in (b), the second nozzle n2 can print to a position further to the left than the first nozzle n1, and thus can print a portion of the "unprintable area Arn1" left by the first nozzle n1, but the unprintable area Arn (the "unprintable area Arn2" left by the second nozzle n2) remains.

[0176] Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is with Figure 11 The diagram corresponding to (c) represents the third pass of printing for the first unit area. In this case, the third nozzle n3 undertakes the printing of the first unit area.

[0177] like Figure 14As shown in (b), the third nozzle n3 can print further to the left than the second nozzle n2, and thus can print a portion of the "unprintable area Arn2" left by the second nozzle n2, but the unprintable area Arn (the "unprintable area Arn3" left by the third nozzle n3) still remains.

[0178] In response, Figure 15 (a) and Figure 15 (b) is with Figure 11 The diagram corresponding to (d) represents the fourth pass of printing for the first unit area. In this case, the fourth nozzle n4 undertakes the printing of the first unit area.

[0179] like Figure 15 As shown in (b), the fourth nozzle n4 can print further to the left than the third nozzle n3, and can print approximately the entire printing area. Therefore, it is also possible to print the "unprintable area Arn3" that remains after being coated by the third nozzle n3, without creating an unprintable area Arn.

[0180] Figure 16 This indicates the 5th printing pass. For the next unit area, unprintable areas Arn1 to Arn3 are generated in the same way as in the 1st unit area, but the 1st unit area is left uncoated. In subsequent passes, as described above, printing is performed using nozzles other than the nozzles that were originally intended to be used, thereby filling in the unprintable areas and completing the printed image.

[0181] Figure 17 This is a flowchart representing the processing in this second method.

[0182] In the second method, similar to the first method, the control unit 11 first obtains a correction value corresponding to the tilt amount of the print head 41, and based on this, determines whether an unprintable area Arn is generated at the end of the main scanning direction X of the printing range Ard.

[0183] If no unprintable area Arn is generated, no correction processing based on the second method is performed. Instead, printing is carried out in all passes by the usual tilt correction based on the tilt correction data CId.

[0184] In contrast, when an unprintable area Arn is generated, for the final pass (the nth pass) among multiple passes used to complete one unit area, the ink ejection from the nozzle (the nth nozzle nn) undertaking that pass is assigned to fill the unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed by other nozzles. Specifically, the ejection (printing) setting is performed only for the nth nozzle nn to fill the unprintable area Arn.

[0185] Furthermore, printing based on other nozzles (n1 to nn-1 nozzles) is performed using a standard tilt correction based on the tilt correction data CId. Therefore, Figure 17 The injection settings of the nth nozzle nn, which are characteristic of the second method, are explained.

[0186] In this embodiment, for example, when printing one unit area in four passes, the spray setting of the fourth nozzle n4, which is responsible for printing in the fourth pass of one unit area, is illustrated.

[0187] Furthermore, regarding the direction and degree of tilt of the print head 41 (the amount of tilt (deviation) of the print head 41), use... Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 The conditions shown in (d) will be explained.

[0188] like Figure 17 As shown, if the control unit 11 reads and obtains the tilt amount (deviation amount) "a" of the print head 41 from the storage unit 12, etc. (refer to...) Figure 8 (Step S11) then obtain the degree of deviation that occurred in each pass (i.e., the degree of width of the unprintable area Arn in the main scanning direction that cannot be printed in each pass). Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 (d) contains “d1”, “d2”, “d3” (step S12).

[0189] Furthermore, for the values ​​of deviation in each pass, “d1”, “d2”, “d3”... (d1>0, d2>0, d3>0, ...), if the tilt of the print head 41 and the conditions for printing a unit area in several passes are determined, they can be derived based on the ratio of general similarity relationships.

[0190] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating how the correction values ​​are obtained in each iteration.

[0191] like Figure 18 As shown, when considering right triangle OPQ, the distance between PQ, "d1", is equal to the tilt (deviation) "a" of printhead 41 (d1 = a).

[0192] Furthermore, in each pass, since the print head 41 moves in the sub-scanning direction Y by dividing the length of the print head 41 (the length of the nozzle column 411 of the print head 41) equally, the moving distance of the print head 41 after each pass is all equal.

[0193] Therefore, the relationships d2 = 2 / 3 × d1 and d3 = 1 / 3 × d1 hold true, and we can find “d1”, “d2”, and “d3”.

[0194] Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines, based on the spraying conditions of the nozzle (nozzle group, fourth nozzle n4 in this embodiment) responsible for printing on a unit area in the last pass (the fourth pass in this embodiment) when printing on a unit area through multiple passes, whether it is a pixel that should have been sprayed on the unit area in the fourth pass based on that nozzle (i.e., the fourth nozzle n4) (step S13). And for pixels that should have been printed by the fourth nozzle n4 (step S13: yes), spraying settings are configured so that spraying based on the fourth nozzle n is performed directly (step S14).

[0195] On the other hand, if a pixel is not one that should be printed by the fourth nozzle n4 (step S13: No), the control unit 11 determines whether the value of the pixel's position (X coordinate) x (x > 0) in the main scanning direction X is less than "d3" (step S15). If it is less than "d3" (step S15: Yes), it determines whether the pixel is one that should be sprayed by the third nozzle n3 in the third pass to that unit area (step S16). Then, if it is determined that the pixel is one that should be sprayed by the third nozzle n3 in the third pass (step S16: Yes), spraying settings are performed to enable spraying based on the fourth nozzle n4 (step S14).

[0196] On the other hand, if the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction X is not less than "d3" (step S15: No) or if it is not a pixel that should be sprayed by the third nozzle n3 in the third pass (step S16: No), then the control unit 11 determines whether the value of the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction X is less than "d2" (step S17). Then, if it is less than "d2" (step S17: Yes), it determines whether the pixel is a pixel that should be sprayed by the second nozzle n2 in the second pass to the unit area (step S18). Then, if it is a pixel that should be sprayed by the second nozzle n2 in the second pass (step S18: Yes), spraying settings are performed to enable spraying based on the fourth nozzle n4 (step S14).

[0197] On the other hand, if the value of the pixel's position in the main scanning direction X is not less than "d2" (step S17: No) or if it is not a pixel that should be sprayed by the second nozzle n2 in the second pass (step S18: No), the control unit 11 further determines whether the value of the pixel's position in the main scanning direction X is less than "d1" (step S19). Then, if it is less than "d1" (step S19: Yes), it determines whether the pixel is a pixel that should be sprayed by the first nozzle n1 in the first pass to the unit area (step S20). Then, if it is a pixel that should be sprayed by the first nozzle n1 in the first pass (step S20: Yes), spraying settings are performed to enable spraying based on the fourth nozzle n4 (step S14).

[0198] On the other hand, if a pixel is not the one that should be sprayed by the first nozzle n1 in the first pass (step S20: No), the process ends without implementing the spray setting based on the fourth nozzle n4.

[0199] In addition, in steps S15, S17, and S19, if the value of the position of the pixel in the main scanning direction X is equal to the value of each deviation (i.e., “d1”, “d2”, and “d3” respectively), it can be set to “yes” or “no” arbitrarily.

[0200] In this way, by setting the spraying based on the fourth nozzle n4, for areas where spraying based on the first nozzle n1 cannot be performed in the first pass, areas where spraying based on the second nozzle n2 cannot be performed in the second pass, and areas where spraying based on the third nozzle n3 cannot be performed in the third pass, spraying can be performed by the nozzle (the fourth nozzle n4 in this embodiment) in the last pass of printing that unit area (the fourth pass in this embodiment).

[0201] in addition, Figure 11 (a)~ Figure 11 (d) Figure 17 The explanation uses the deviation between each pass as an example, such as 3 pixels in "d1", 2 pixels in "d2", and 1 pixel in "d3", to illustrate the case of a deviation of 1 pixel at a time. However, the corresponding deviation is not limited to this.

[0202] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown in (a), in cases where a further large deviation occurs between each pass (e.g., in...), Figure 19In the example shown in (a), where the largest deviation of 7 pixels occurs, it is difficult to completely correct it using only this method. However, when printing one unit area in 4 passes, it can be addressed by adjusting the spray setting based on the 4th nozzle n4 in the 4th pass, thus achieving the desired result. Figure 19 As shown in (b), it is possible to reduce unprintable areas to 1 pixel, which can be expected to help improve print quality.

[0203] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the print head 41, which is a printing unit for printing on a printing object, tilts from a state parallel to the "first direction," i.e., the sub-scanning direction Y, to the "second direction," i.e., the main scanning direction X, which intersects the "first direction," the control unit 11 generates corrective printing data corresponding to the deviation amount (tilt amount) of the print head 41 towards the main scanning direction X, and the area in the print head 41 that should be printed when it is not tilted towards the main scanning direction X. In the case of generating an "unprintable area Arn" that cannot be printed, the control unit 11 generates corrective printing data corresponding to the deviation amount (tilt amount).

[0204] Therefore, even when the print head 41 is tilted from the correct orientation, the effect of tilt can be minimized, thereby improving print quality.

[0205] Furthermore, the corrected printing data in this embodiment is formed by expanding the printing data by allocating blank pixels Pb that will not be printed to the end region of the printing data when an unprintable area Arn is generated due to the tilt of the print head 41.

[0206] Therefore, the printing data is expanded so that the pixels that should be printed are located within the printable area, which can reduce the irregularities generated at the ends of the main scanning direction X, thereby achieving a high-quality finished product.

[0207] Furthermore, even when the printhead 41 is tilted significantly, it can be adequately handled by allocating a large number of blank pixels Pb.

[0208] Furthermore, when the revised printing data is formed by expanding the printing data, the revised printing data includes information on the coordinate changes of the starting position where printing will begin.

[0209] Therefore, the area containing the additional blank pixel Pb can be identified as the printing area, and it can be adjusted so that the area where there is no nozzle is not printed.

[0210] Furthermore, the printing data is corrected so that blank pixels Pb are allocated to areas (excess areas Arm) that should not be printed when the printing head 41 is tilted to the "second direction" (i.e., the main scanning direction X) and there is no tilt in the printing head 41 to the "second direction" (i.e., the main scanning direction X).

[0211] Thus, by adding blank pixels Pb corresponding to the unprintable area Arn, the excess data area Arm generated at the opposite end can be effectively left unprinted.

[0212] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print head 41 performs printing of one unit area in multiple passes from the first to the nth passes in the "second direction," i.e., the main scanning direction X. When the first nozzle n1 to the nth nozzle nn respectively undertake the printing in each of the first to the nth passes, the printing data is modified to change the assignment of the nozzles, so that: for areas in the unprintable area Arn that cannot be printed due to the print head 41 tilting towards the "second direction," a nozzle different from the original nozzle (e.g., the nth nozzle nn that undertakes the last pass) is used instead.

[0213] Therefore, even without processing such as expanding the printing data or changing the coordinates of the printing start position, the reduction in printing quality caused by the tilt of the print head 41 can be eliminated.

[0214] In addition, the print head 41 performs printing on a unit area by filling the unprintable area Arn with the nozzles that bear the printing in the nth pass.

[0215] Therefore, the reduction in printing quality caused by the tilt of the print head 41 can be eliminated relatively easily.

[0216] Furthermore, while the embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can certainly be made without departing from its spirit.

[0217] For example, in this embodiment, a printing device 1 and a terminal device 8 cooperate to form a printing system. The printing action is performed on the printing device 1 side based on the selection of nail design on the terminal device 8 side. However, the printing device 1 is not limited to the case shown here.

[0218] For example, the user can perform various operations through the operation unit and display unit of the printing apparatus 1, and the control unit of the printing apparatus 1 can perform these processes. In this configuration, the printing apparatus 1 can complete the printing operation independently without cooperating with the terminal device 8. Furthermore, the degree of cooperation (processing sharing) between the printing apparatus 1 and the terminal device 8 can be changed from the structure of this embodiment. For example, the terminal device 8 can handle most of the processing other than photography and printing. In addition, in this embodiment, when the control unit of the terminal device 8 performs the processing that is performed by the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 as a printing control unit, the control unit 80 of the terminal device 8 functions as a printing control unit. Furthermore, the program for processing as a printing control unit is also stored in the storage unit 82 or the like on the control unit 80 side.

[0219] In addition, various data such as nail design, photographed nail images, and nail shape information can be stored in the storage unit 82 of the terminal device 8 or in the storage unit 12 of the printing device 1.

[0220] Alternatively, various data can be stored in a server device or the like that can be connected via a network line, and the terminal device 8 or the printing device 1 can access the server device or the like to refer to that data. In this way, a design can be selected from a wider range of nail designs for printing.

[0221] The above description describes several embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus in which, whenever a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranging ink jets in a sub-scanning direction moves a first distance in a main scanning direction, the print head is moved a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein, The printing apparatus includes a generating unit that generates printing data corresponding to the angle when, due to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles being tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction, none of the plurality of nozzles corresponds to a first position where ink should be ejected during the initial printing in the multiple printings. This data is such that, during the printing after the initial printing, a nozzle that is any of the plurality of nozzles and corresponds to the first position performs both the ejection of ink corresponding to the printing after the initial printing and the ejection of ink corresponding to the initial printing, as the ejection of ink to the first position.

2. A printing apparatus wherein, each time a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranging ink jets in a sub-scanning direction moves a first distance in a main scanning direction, the print head is moved a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein, The printing apparatus includes a generation unit that generates printing data corresponding to the angle when, due to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles being tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction, none of the plurality of nozzles corresponds to a first position where ink should be sprayed during printing before the last printing in the multiple printings, such that a nozzle that is any of the plurality of nozzles and corresponds to the first position during the last printing performs, during the last printing, both the spraying of ink corresponding to the last printing and the spraying of ink corresponding to the printing before the last printing, as the spraying of ink to the first position.

3. A printing control method, executed by a printing apparatus, wherein whenever a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranging ink jets in a sub-scanning direction is moved a first distance in a main scanning direction, the print head is moved a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein... The printing control method includes: a generation process, wherein, when the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles is tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction such that none of the plurality of nozzles corresponds to a first position where ink should be ejected during the initial printing in the multiple printings, printing data corresponding to the angle is generated such that any of the plurality of nozzles that corresponds to the first position during printing after the initial printing performs ink ejection corresponding to the printing after the initial printing and ink ejection corresponding to the initial printing during printing after the initial printing, respectively.

4. A printing control method, executed by a printing apparatus, wherein each time a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranging ink jets in a sub-scanning direction is moved a first distance in a main scanning direction, the print head is moved a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein... The printing control method includes: a generation process, wherein, when the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles is tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction such that none of the plurality of nozzles corresponds to a first position where ink should be sprayed during printing prior to the last printing in the plurality of printings, printing data corresponding to the angle is generated such that, during the last printing, any nozzle among the plurality of nozzles that corresponds to the first position during the last printing performs, during the last printing, both the spraying of ink corresponding to the last printing and the spraying of ink corresponding to the printing prior to the last printing, as the spraying of ink to the first position.

5. A storage medium, a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing a program that enables a computer of a printing apparatus to perform functions, wherein whenever a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranging ink jets in a sub-scanning direction is moved a first distance in a main scanning direction, the print head is moved a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein... The program enables the computer of the printing apparatus to generate printing data corresponding to the angle, in cases where none of the multiple nozzles can correspond to the first position where ink should be ejected during the initial printing in the multiple printings due to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzles being tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction, so that any of the multiple nozzles that corresponds to the first position during the printing after the initial printing performs ink ejection corresponding to the printing after the initial printing and ink ejection corresponding to the initial printing, as ink ejection to the first position during the printing after the initial printing.

6. A storage medium that is a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing a program that enables a computer of a printing apparatus to perform functions, wherein the printing apparatus, whenever a print head comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in a sub-scanning direction for ejecting ink is moved a first distance in a main scanning direction, moves the print head a second distance in the sub-scanning direction that is shorter than the arrangement length of the plurality of nozzles, thereby performing multiple prints at the same position, wherein... The program enables the computer of the printing apparatus to generate printing data corresponding to the angle, in cases where none of the multiple nozzles can correspond to the first position where ink should be sprayed during printing before the last printing in the multiple printings due to the arrangement direction of the multiple nozzles being tilted at a given angle relative to the sub-scanning direction, so that any of the multiple nozzles that can correspond to the first position during the last printing performs ink spraying corresponding to the last printing and ink spraying corresponding to the printing before the last printing, as ink spraying to the first position.

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