Printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a printing apparatus capable of automatically calculating a scaling ratio and making the size of a printing image at the time of recovery substantially coincide with the size of original printing data. In a printing apparatus (100), a control unit (6) has: an imaging unit (62) that obtains imaging data (DT3) from an imaging unit (5); a measurement unit (63) that acquires a photographing measurement value from the photographing data; a calculation unit (64) that calculates a zoom ratio from the photographing measurement value; and a correction means (65) that generates second print data (DT2) obtained by scaling the print image in accordance with the scaling ratio, the error range between the print image (7) in the first print data (DT1) and the print image (9) printed in accordance with the second print data (DT2) being within + / -1.0 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device for printing an image on a medium according to printing data, and more particularly to a printing device capable of making the size of a printed image upon recycling substantially consistent with the size of the original printing data through an automatic scaling correction function. Background Art

[0002] In the field of printing, a printing device is a device that prints on a medium according to print data while conveying the medium and fixes the printed image.

[0003] However, in a printing device, a certain tension is usually applied to the medium to pull the medium toward the recovery unit, thereby causing the medium to stretch during transport.

[0004] It should be noted that, along with this, a phenomenon occurs in which the width direction of the medium is shortened.

[0005] Furthermore, fixing the printed image requires drying and solidifying the ink, which can also cause the media to shrink.

[0006] Due to the above reasons, there may be a problem that the size of the original print data does not match the size of the print image actually printed when it is recycled.

[0007] For this purpose, the original print data is corrected in advance.

[0008] For example, an image printing method is known in which, when printing image data on a medium, a user uses a ruler or the like to measure the length of a reference line actually printed on the medium according to the reference data along the conveying direction of the medium, compares it with the calculated length of the reference line, calculates the image scaling ratio, and corrects the image data to print the corresponding image at the calculated position on the medium (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0009] In addition, a printing device is known, which includes: a reference print data storage unit, which stores reference print data that is printed within a specified reference length in a sub-scanning direction when printing is performed in a reference temperature atmosphere; a print mode setting unit, which sets a specified print mode; a first print control unit, which prints the reference print data stored in the reference print data storage unit on a sheet when the specified print mode is set by the print mode setting unit; a measured length input unit, in which a user measures the measured length in the sub-scanning direction of the reference print data printed on the sheet by the first print control unit and inputs the measured value; a calculation unit, which calculates an enlargement ratio for enlarging the print data to be printed based on the measured length value input by the measured length input unit and the reference length value of the reference print data; a print data processing unit, which enlarges the print data to be printed in the sub-scanning direction based on the enlargement ratio calculated by the calculation unit; and a second print control unit, which prints the print data processed by the print data processing unit on a sheet (for example, refer to patent document 2).

[0010] Prior art literature

[0011] Non-patent literature:

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-245472

[0013] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-245868 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0015] However, in the printing apparatus using the image printing method described in Patent Document 1 and the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 2, since the actual measurement values are measured by humans, there is a disadvantage that human errors may occur.

[0016] Furthermore, since the actual measurement values are not necessarily performed by skilled personnel, the measurement accuracy may be poor.

[0017] Furthermore, since the printing device needs to be stopped during the actual measurement by a person, production efficiency is poor.

[0018] The present invention has been implemented in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that can automatically calculate the zoom ratio so that the size of the printed image when recovered is substantially consistent with the size of the original print data.

[0019] Solutions for solving problems

[0020] After in-depth research to solve the above problems, the inventors found that the first printing data with a mark added to the printed image can be used, and the printed image can be photographed multiple times after it is actually fixed. The zoom ratio is calculated based on the reference measurement value and the photographed measurement value, and the printed image can be corrected based on the zoom ratio.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to achieve this object, the control unit includes a first transmitting unit, an imaging unit, a measuring unit, a calculating unit, a correcting unit, and a second transmitting unit, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem and completing the present invention.

[0022] The present invention is a printing device comprising: a supply unit for supplying a medium; a print-related unit having a printing unit and a fixing unit, the printing unit being used to print at least a print image on the medium according to print data, and the fixing unit being used to fix the print image to the medium to form a print medium; a recycling unit being used to recycle the print medium; a photographing unit being arranged between the print-related unit and the recycling unit and being used to photograph the print medium; and a control unit being used to control printing, wherein the print data is the first print data or the second print data, and the control unit at least comprising: a first sending unit which sends a print start instruction to the printing unit according to the first print data in which a plurality of marks are added to the print image; and a photographing unit which causes the photographing unit to photograph the print medium and obtain a photographic image. data; a measuring unit that measures the distance between marks in the conveying direction and the distance between marks in the width direction in the photographic data and obtains photographic measurement values composed of these values; a calculating unit that calculates the scaling ratio based on the reference measurement value composed of the values of the distance between marks in the conveying direction and the distance between marks in the width direction in the first print data and the photographic measurement value; a correcting unit that generates second print data obtained by scaling the print image according to the scaling ratio; and a second sending unit that sends a print start command to the printing section based on the second print data, wherein the error range of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the print image in the first print data and the print image printed based on the second print data are both within ±1.0 mm.

[0023] In the printing device of the present invention, the preferred calculation unit calculates the scaling ratio XX1 in the conveying direction according to XX1=A1 / B1 based on the value A1 of the distance between marks in the conveying direction in the first print data and the value B1 of the distance between marks in the conveying direction in the shooting data; and calculates the scaling ratio XX2 in the width direction according to XX2=A2 / B2 based on the value A2 of the distance between marks in the width direction in the first print data and the value B2 of the distance between marks in the width direction in the shooting data. The correction unit calculates the value D1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the second print data according to D1=C1×XX1 based on the value C1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction and the scaling ratio XX1 in the conveying direction in the first print data; calculates the value D2 of the distance of the print image in the width direction in the second print data according to D2=C2×XX2 based on the value C2 of the distance of the print image in the width direction in the first print data and the scaling ratio XX2 in the width direction; and enlarges or reduces the print image in the first print data to correspond to the value D1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the second print data and the value D2 of the distance of the print image in the width direction in the second print data, thereby generating the second print data.

[0024] In addition, the present invention is a printing device comprising: a supply unit for supplying a medium; a printing-related unit having a first printing unit and a second printing unit and a first fixing unit and a second fixing unit, the first printing unit and the second printing unit being used to print at least a print image on the medium according to print data, the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit being used to fix the print image to the medium to form a print medium; a recovery unit for recovering the print medium; a photographing unit arranged between the printing-related unit and the recycling unit and being used to photograph the print medium; and a control unit for controlling printing, wherein, in the printing-related unit, the first printing unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit and the second fixing unit are controlled from the upstream side. The first printing unit and the second fixing unit are sequentially arranged, the print data is the first print data, or the second print data composed of the first correction data and the second correction data, and the control unit at least comprises: a first sending unit, which sends a print start instruction to the first printing unit and the second printing unit based on the first print data in which a plurality of marks composed of the first mark and the second mark are added to the print image; a shooting unit, which causes the shooting unit to shoot the print medium to obtain shooting data; a measuring unit, which measures the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the first marks printed by the first printing unit in the shooting data, and obtains a second printing data composed of their values. a first photographic measurement value, and a distance between second marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction printed by the second printing unit in the photographic data, to obtain a second photographic measurement value consisting of these values; a calculation unit that calculates a first scaling ratio for the first printing unit based on a first reference measurement value consisting of the values of the distance between the first marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the first printing data and the first photographic measurement value, and calculates a first scaling ratio for the first printing unit based on the second reference measurement value consisting of the values of the distance between the second marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the first printing data and the second photographic measurement value, Calculating a second scaling ratio for the second printing section; a correction unit that scales the data of the portion of the printed image that the first printing section is responsible for according to the first scaling ratio to generate first correction data, and scales the data of the portion of the printed image that the second printing section is responsible for according to the second scaling ratio to generate second correction data; and a second sending unit that sends a print start instruction to the first printing section according to the first correction data, and sends a print start instruction to the second printing section according to the second correction data, wherein the error range of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image in the first printing data and the printed image printed according to the second printing data are both within ±1.0 mm.

[0025] In the printing device of the present invention, the calculation unit preferably calculates the first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction according to X11=A11 / B11 based on the value A11 of the distance between the first marks in the first print data in the conveying direction and the value B11 of the distance between the first marks in the shooting data in the conveying direction, calculates the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction according to X12=A12 / B12 based on the value A12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the first print data and the value B12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the shooting data, and calculates the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction according to X12=A12 / B12 based on the value A21 of the distance between the second marks in the first print data in the conveying direction and the value B12 of the distance between the second marks in the shooting data in the conveying direction. 21, according to X21=A21 / B21, the second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction is calculated, and according to X22=A22 / B22, the second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction is calculated based on the value A22 of the distance between the second marks in the first print data and the value B22 of the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the photographic data. The correction unit calculates the value D11 of the distance in the conveying direction of the printed image in the first correction data based on the value C11 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data of the first printing portion in the printed image in the first print data and the first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction. The value C12 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the responsible portion of the printing unit and the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction are calculated according to D12=C12×X12, and the value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the first correction data is calculated, so that the data of the responsible portion of the first printing unit in the printed image in the first print data is enlarged or reduced to correspond to the value D11 of the distance in the conveying direction of the printed image in the first correction data and the value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the first correction data, and the first correction data is generated. According to the value C21 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data of the responsible portion of the second printing unit in the printed image in the first print data and the second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction, according to According to D21=C21×X21, the value D21 of the distance of the printed image in the conveying direction in the second correction data is calculated. Based on the value C22 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the responsible part of the second printing unit in the printed image in the first print data and the second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction, according to D22=C22×X22, the value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the second correction data is calculated. The data of the responsible part of the second printing unit in the printed image in the first print data is enlarged or reduced to correspond to the value D21 of the distance in the conveying direction of the printed image in the second correction data and the value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the second correction data, thereby generating the second correction data.

[0026] In the printing device of the present invention, preferably, in the first print data, the marks are provided at four corners of the print image.

[0027] In the printing device of the present invention, preferably, in the first print data, the marks are provided at positions of the four defective corners of the print image.

[0028] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferred that the marks are provided at the four defective corners of the printed image, a space is provided between the marks and the printed image, and the shortest distance between the marks and the printed image is 10 mm or more.

[0029] In the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the mark has at least a horizontal line for measuring a distance in a conveyance direction and a vertical line for measuring a distance in a width direction.

[0030] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferred that the first printing data adds multiple marks and attachments to the printed image, the attachments having an upper refresh line set above the upper horizontal line and multiple intermediate refresh lines set at equal intervals between the upper horizontal line and the lower horizontal line, and the multiple marks and attachments are printed in the same color.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] The printing device of the present invention includes a supply unit, a printing-related unit, and a collection unit. Therefore, it is possible to continuously supply a medium, continuously print an image on the medium, fix the printed image, and collect the medium.

[0033] In this case, the printing device further includes an imaging unit and a control unit, and the control unit includes a first transmission unit, an imaging unit, a measuring unit, and a calculation unit. Therefore, the zoom ratio can be automatically calculated.

[0034] According to this, human errors can be eliminated in the printing device.

[0035] Furthermore, since the control unit performs measurement between marks, the accuracy of measurement is improved.

[0036] In addition, since the trouble of actual measurement by humans is eliminated, production efficiency can be improved.

[0037] In the printing apparatus, since the control unit further includes the correction unit and the second transmission unit, the second print data obtained by scaling the print image according to the scaling ratio can be automatically generated.

[0038] Therefore, the printing apparatus has an automatic scaling correction function that automatically measures the scaling ratio and corrects the print data according to the scaling ratio.

[0039] It should be noted that, as needed, the automatic calculation of the zoom ratio and the correction of the print data based on the calculation (hereinafter also referred to as "automatic zoom correction") may be performed only once or repeatedly.

[0040] Furthermore, by making the error ranges of the distance in the conveyance direction and the distance in the width direction fall within the above-mentioned ranges, the size of the printed image at the time of collection can be made a desired size.

[0041] That is, the size of the printed image at the time of collection can be made substantially consistent with the size of the original print data.

[0042] Here, in the printing-related portion, since printing is performed with tension applied and the printed image is also fixed, expansion and contraction of the medium is most likely to occur.

[0043] Therefore, in the printing device, the imaging unit is arranged between the printing-related unit and the collecting unit.

[0044] With this configuration, the printing apparatus can calculate the scaling ratio while fully considering the scaling of the medium in the printing-related portion.

[0045] Furthermore, in the printing-related portion, the zoom ratio also changes depending on the amount of ink used to print the image.

[0046] Therefore, in the printing apparatus, data obtained by adding a plurality of marks to the print image itself is used as the first print data.

[0047] That is, in order to measure the distance between the marks, only the marks may be printed, but by also printing the print image itself, the scaling ratio based on the influence of ink in printing the print image can be calculated.

[0048] In the printing device of the present invention, the printing-related part includes a first printing part, a first fixing part, a second printing part, and a second fixing part. When they are arranged in this order, the first scaling ratio in the first printing part and the second scaling ratio in the second printing part are calculated based on one shooting data.

[0049] Moreover, by scaling the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is responsible for the first printing unit according to the first scaling ratio, first correction data is generated, and by scaling the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is responsible for the second printing unit according to the second scaling ratio, second correction data is generated. Thus, even in the case of having two printing units and fixing units, the size of the printed image at the time of recovery can be made roughly consistent with the size of the original print data, as described above.

[0050] Furthermore, since the printing-related section includes the first printing section and the second printing section, multi-color printing, back-side printing using white ink, and the like can be performed.

[0051] In the printing device of the present invention, the calculation unit calculates the scaling ratio according to the above formula, and the correction unit corrects the printed image according to the above formula, so that the size of the printed image when recycled can be roughly consistent with the size of the original print data in an efficient manner.

[0052] In the printing device of the present invention, when the marks of the first print data are respectively provided at the four corners of the printed image, the zoom ratio can be calculated with higher accuracy.

[0053] In the printing device of the present invention, when the marks are respectively provided at the positions of the defective four corners of the printed image, the marks can be easily detected in the imaging data, and thus the distance between the marks can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0054] In addition, the width of the media can be minimized to match the size of the printed image.

[0055] In the printing device of the present invention, when the printing-related portion includes a first printing portion and a second printing portion, the size of the medium may be enlarged in the first fixing portion, but by providing a blank space in the above-mentioned range between the mark and the printed image, the mark can be easily detected, thereby enabling the distance between the marks to be measured with higher accuracy.

[0056] Furthermore, when the second printing unit prints the second mark, it is possible to suppress the second mark from overlapping with the portion of the printed image that is printed by the first printing unit.

[0057] In the printing device of the present invention, when the mark has horizontal and vertical lines, the mark can be easily detected in the imaging data, and thus the distance between the marks can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0058] In this case, the first print data includes an attachment, and by printing a plurality of marks and the attachment in the same color, it is possible to suppress clogging of the nozzle when printing a plurality of marks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the control unit in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 4 Is shown in the use Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when the first print data is printed.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining how the correction unit generates the second print data in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining automatic scaling correction in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0067] Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 8 The diagram shows image data on a print medium when the first print data is printed.

[0068] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by a printing apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0069] Description of Reference Numerals

[0070] 1: Supply Department

[0071] 100, 101: Printing device

[0072] 11: Feed roller

[0073] 2: Preprocessing unit

[0074] 20: Corona treatment device

[0075] 21: Coating treatment device

[0076] 22: Dryer

[0077] 23, 33, 33a, 33b: cooling rollers

[0078] 3.3a: Print related parts

[0079] 30: Printing Department

[0080] 30a: 1st printing section

[0081] 30b: Second printing section

[0082] 31: Fixing unit

[0083] 31a: 1st fixing section

[0084] 31b: Second fixing section

[0085] 32, 32a, 32b: Line recording heads

[0086] 4: Recycling Department

[0087] 41: Feed roller

[0088] 5: Photography Department

[0089] 6: Control Department

[0090] 6a: First Computer

[0091] 6b: Second Computer

[0092] 60: Processing unit

[0093] 61: First sending unit

[0094] 62: Shooting unit

[0095] 63: Measurement unit

[0096] 64: Computing unit

[0097] 65: Correction unit

[0098] 66: Second sending unit

[0099] 7, 9: Print image

[0100] 70, 711: Mark

[0101] 71, 73, 75: 1st mark

[0102] 71a, 71a1, 72a, 75a, 76a: horizontal lines

[0103] 71b, 71b1, 72b, 75b, 76b: vertical lines

[0104] 72, 74, 76: Second Mark

[0105] 7a, 91a, 92a, R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a, R5a, R6a: Distance in the conveying direction

[0106] 7b, 91b, 92b, R1b, R2b, R3b, R4b, R5b, R6b: Distance in the width direction 8: Accessory

[0107] 81: Refresh line

[0108] 82: Middle refresh line

[0109] DS1: Data of the first printing unit in the first printing data DT1

[0110] DS2: Data of the second printing unit in the first printing data DT1

[0111] DT1, DT1a, DT4: 1st print data

[0112] DT2: 2nd print data

[0113] DT3, DT3a: Shooting data

[0114] H1: 1st calibration data

[0115] H2: Second calibration data

[0116] X: Medium

[0117] X1: Print media DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as needed.

[0119] It should be noted that the same elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0120] In addition, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings.

[0121] Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0122] The printing device of the present invention is suitable for a device that prints an image on a medium according to print data.

[0123] In the printing device, the medium is not particularly limited, and paper, film, cloth, non-woven fabric, rubber, metal, etc. can be used.

[0124] Among them, the medium is preferably a film that easily expands and contracts due to tension or the like.

[0125] In this case, the effects of the present invention can be fully enjoyed.

[0126] The medium can be in the form of a long strip or cut into a shape of a specified size.

[0127] It should be noted that the medium is preferably in an elongated shape. In this case, the effects of the present invention can be fully enjoyed.

[0128] The printed image is composed of patterns, characters, colors, or a combination thereof, and its size is not particularly limited.

[0129] As a printing method, a drop-on-demand inkjet method such as a piezoelectric method or a thermal method can be preferably used.

[0130] In addition, as the printing head system, a serial head system or a line head system can be adopted.

[0131] It should be noted that the printing device of this embodiment adopts a line head method.

[0132] In this specification, “upstream” refers to “upstream” in the direction in which the medium is conveyed, and “downstream” refers to “downstream” in the direction in which the medium is conveyed.

[0133] The “print medium” refers to the medium on which a print image is printed and fixed.

[0134] That is, the medium that has passed through the print-related unit 3 is the print medium.

[0135] (First embodiment)

[0136] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. Note that the printing apparatus of the first embodiment is an example of a line inkjet method using a long medium.

[0137] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment includes: a supply unit 1 for supplying a medium X; a pre-processing unit 2 for pre-processing the medium X; a print-related unit 3 including a first print unit 30a and a second print unit 30b and a first fixing unit 31a and a second fixing unit 31b, wherein the first print unit 30a and the second print unit 30b are configured to print at least a print image on the medium X according to print data, and the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b are configured to fix the print image to the medium X to form a print medium X1; a recovery unit 4 for recovering the print medium X1; an imaging unit 5 disposed between the print-related unit 3 and the recovery unit 4 and configured to image the print medium X1; and a control unit 6 for controlling printing.

[0138] In the printing apparatus 100 , the medium X is continuously fed out by the supply unit 1 .

[0139] First, the medium X is pre-processed in the pre-processing unit 2 .

[0140] Then, a print image is continuously printed on the medium X in the print-related unit 3 , and the print image is fixed by drying to form a print medium X1 .

[0141] Next, the printing medium X1 is taken up and recovered in the recovery unit 4 .

[0142] Therefore, in the printing apparatus 100 , the printing medium X1 on which the printed image is provided can be continuously obtained.

[0143] The supply unit 1 is a portion for supplying the medium X to the downstream side from a supply roll 10 in which the long medium X is wound into a roll.

[0144] In the supply unit 1 , the medium X is nipped between a feed roller 11 and a nip roller (not shown), and the feed roller 11 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), thereby actively feeding the medium X.

[0145] At this time, since a rotational resistance is applied to the supply roll 10 by a magnetic powder brake (not shown), a tension having a value corresponding to the magnitude of the rotational resistance (braking force) is applied to the medium X.

[0146] The pre-processing section 2 is a portion for performing pre-processing such as forming an ink receiving layer on the medium X.

[0147] The pretreatment section 2 includes a corona treatment device 20 for performing surface modification treatment (corona treatment) on the medium X, a coating treatment device 21 for applying an ink-receiving liquid to the medium X by flexographic printing, and a dryer 22 for drying the medium X coated with the ink-receiving liquid to form an ink-receiving layer.

[0148] Furthermore, the pre-processing unit 2 includes a cooling roller 23 on the downstream side of the dryer 22. The medium X is cooled by the cooling roller 23.

[0149] The print-related unit 3 includes a first printing unit 30a and a second printing unit 30b for printing a print image and marks, etc. (the first print data described later) or a print image (the second print data described later) on the medium X based on the print data, and a first fixing unit 31a and a second fixing unit 31b for fixing the print image to the medium X by drying to form a print medium X1.

[0150] The printing-related sections 3 are arranged in this order from the upstream side: a first printing section 30 a , a first fixing section 31 a , a second printing section 30 b , and a second fixing section 31 b .

[0151] Therefore, the print image printed by the first printing unit 30a is fixed by the first fixing unit 31a, and the print image printed by the second printing unit 30b is fixed by the second fixing unit 31b.

[0152] The printing-related section 3 includes a cooling roller 33 a on the downstream side of the first fixing section 31 a and a cooling roller 33 b on the downstream side of the second fixing section 31 b .

[0153] Therefore, the medium X passing through the first fixing section 31 a and the second fixing section 31 b is cooled.

[0154] Here, in the printing apparatus 100 , printing of an image is completed by printing the data for the portion in charge of the first printing unit 30 a and printing the data for the portion in charge of the second printing unit 30 b .

[0155] The mark and the like include the first mark printed by the first printing unit 30a, the second mark printed by the second printing unit 30b, and attachments printed by both of them.

[0156] It should be noted that the above details are described below.

[0157] The first printing unit 30a includes a line head 32a capable of printing with ink, and the second printing unit 30b also includes a line head 32b capable of printing with ink.

[0158] It should be noted that the ink used is water-based ink or oil-based ink.

[0159] Specifically, the first printing unit 30a includes a line head 32a capable of printing with yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, and black ink, and the second printing unit 30b includes a line head 32b capable of printing with white ink.

[0160] In this case, after the first printing unit 30 a prints a full-color print image, for example, the second printing unit 30 b prints a print image using white ink, thereby forming a so-called back-side printed print image.

[0161] Note that, by printing a print image using white ink in the first printing unit 30 a and then printing a full-color print image in the second printing unit 30 b , a so-called surface-printed print image can be formed.

[0162] The first fixing section 31 a and the second fixing section 31 b are both hot air dryers that blow hot air toward the medium X on which a printed image is provided to fix the printed image.

[0163] Therefore, the first fixing section 31 a and the second fixing section 31 b apply heat energy to the medium X sufficient to dry the ink.

[0164] At this time, the liquid components contained in the ink vaporize by absorbing a certain amount of heat energy.

[0165] That is, the amount of thermal energy applied to the medium X changes depending on the amount of ink.

[0166] Here, in the printing apparatus 100 , a certain tension is applied to the medium X by the supply unit 1 and the recovery unit 4 , and in this state, thermal energy is applied to the medium X by the first fixing unit 31 a and the second fixing unit 31 b .

[0167] Then, if heat energy is further applied to the medium X on which the printed image is fixed, the medium X softens, and thus shrinkage of the medium X is likely to occur.

[0168] Specifically, the medium X tends to expand in the conveying direction in which it is pulled, and tends to shrink in the width direction.

[0169] In this way, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image on the printing medium X1 to which the printed image is fixed differ from the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image of the first print data.

[0170] Furthermore, the printed image of the data responsible for the first printing unit 30a is provided with thermal energy by both the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b. In contrast, the printed image of the data responsible for the second printing unit 30b is provided with thermal energy only by the second fixing unit 31b. Therefore, the effects of scaling of the medium X on the printed image of the data responsible for the first printing unit 30a and the printed image of the data responsible for the second printing unit 30b are different, and the scaling ratios are also different.

[0171] Therefore, in the printing apparatus 100 , second print data is generated in advance based on these scaling factors, and printing is performed based on the generated second print data.

[0172] The collecting unit 4 is a portion for collecting the printing medium X1 as a collection roll 40 while winding the printing medium X1 around a shaft.

[0173] In the recovery unit 4 , the print medium X1 is clamped between a feed roller 41 and a nip roller (not shown). The feed roller 41 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), thereby feeding the print medium X1 into the recovery roll 40 with a constant tension.

[0174] The imaging unit 5 captures an image of the printed image side of the printing medium X1 and creates imaging data.

[0175] That is, the imaging data is data obtained by imaging the printed image, mark, and accessories fixed to the printing medium X1 by the imaging unit 5 .

[0176] The imaging unit 5 is disposed between the printing-related unit 3 and the collecting unit 4 .

[0177] As described above, since the medium X is easily expanded or contracted in the printing-related section 3 , arranging the imaging section 5 between the printing-related section 3 and the collecting section 4 allows the expansion / contraction ratio to be calculated based on the expansion / contraction of the medium X in the printing-related section 3 .

[0178] In addition, since the print-related section 3 has a first print section 30a and a second print section 30b, by arranging the photographing section 5 between the print-related section 3 and the recovery section 4, the first zoom ratio in the first print section 30a and the second zoom ratio in the second print section 30b can be calculated based on one photographing data.

[0179] As the imaging unit 5 , a scanning sensor is preferably used.

[0180] Specifically, as the imaging unit 5 , for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor can be used.

[0181] Among them, it is particularly preferable that the imaging unit 5 adopts a CIS which is compact and consumes little power.

[0182] The control unit 6 is a portion for controlling printing.

[0183] Figure 2 This is a block diagram for explaining the control unit in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0184] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 6 includes at least a processing unit 60 , a first transmitting unit 61 , an imaging unit 62 , a measuring unit 63 , a calculating unit 64 , a calibration unit 65 , and a second transmitting unit 66 .

[0185] Note that, in the control section 6 , the first transmitting unit 61 , the imaging unit 62 , the measuring unit 63 , the calculating unit 64 , and the second transmitting unit 66 are housed in the first computer 6 a , and the processing unit 60 and the calibration unit 65 are housed in the second computer 6 b .

[0186] It should be noted that data exchange between the first computer 6a and the second computer 6b can be performed via wired or wireless communication as appropriate.

[0187] The processing unit 60 is a so-called RIP (Raster Image Processor), which converts the submitted raw data into a raster image and further converts the raster image data into print data in a format that can be printed by the printing apparatus 100 .

[0188] It should be noted that since the conversion of the processing unit 60 is already known, a detailed description is omitted.

[0189] Here, the print data is composed of the first print data or the second print data.

[0190] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0191] Note that, regarding the second print data, see the following description.

[0192] like Figure 3 As shown, the first print data DT1 is composed of a print image 7 , a plurality of marks 70 composed of first marks 71 and second marks 72 , and an attachment 8 .

[0193] That is, the first print data DT1 adds a plurality of marks 70 consisting of the first marks 71 and the second marks 72 to the print image 7 , and further adds the attachment 8 .

[0194] By intentionally adding the print image 7 to the first print data DT1 , it is possible to calculate a zoom ratio based on the influence of ink on the printing of the print image 7 in the print-related portion 3 .

[0195] Here, the marks 70 are provided at the four corners of the printed image 7 .

[0196] This allows sufficient space for the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction, and thus allows calculation of a zoom ratio with higher accuracy.

[0197] In addition, the printed image 7 is missing at the four corners of the setting mark 70 .

[0198] That is, the marks 70 are provided at the positions of the four defective corners of the printed image 7. This makes it easier to detect the marks 70 in the imaged data, and thus the distances between the marks 70 can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0199] Furthermore, by not providing the mark 70 outside the printed image 7 but cutting out the printed image 7 itself and providing the mark 70 there, the size of the printed image 7 can be increased as much as possible in accordance with the width of the medium X.

[0200] At this time, a sufficient space is provided between the mark 70 and the printed image 7 .

[0201] Here, it is preferable that the shortest distance between the mark 70 and the printed image 7 is 10 mm or more.

[0202] In this case, the markers 70 are easily detected, and thus the distance between the markers 70 can be measured with higher accuracy.

[0203] Furthermore, the size of the medium X may be enlarged in the first fixing unit 31a, and when the second printing unit 30b prints the second mark 72, it is possible to suppress the second mark 72 from overlapping with the portion of the printed image 7 that is printed by the first printing unit 30a.

[0204] The first mark 71 includes at least a horizontal line 71 a and a vertical line 71 b .

[0205] Specifically, the first marking 71 is a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71 a and a vertical line 71 b intersect each other at the center.

[0206] By making the first mark 71 linear in this manner, the first mark 71 can be easily detected in the imaging data.

[0207] Furthermore, the distance R1a in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal lines 71a, and the distance R1b in the width direction can be measured using the vertical lines 71b, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

[0208] Similarly, the second mark 72 has at least a horizontal line 72a and a vertical line 72b.

[0209] Specifically, the second mark 72 is a rectangular pattern composed of a pair of horizontal lines 72 a and a pair of vertical lines 72 b .

[0210] By providing the second mark 72 in a linear shape in this manner, the second mark 72 in the imaging data can be easily detected.

[0211] Furthermore, since a distance R2a in the conveying direction described later can be measured using the horizontal lines 72a and a distance R2b in the width direction described later can be measured using the vertical lines 72b, measurement accuracy is improved.

[0212] Here, the cross pattern of the first mark 71 is printed so as to be arranged at the center of the rectangular pattern of the second mark 72 .

[0213] This allows visual recognition of the displacement of the first mark 71 relative to the second mark 72 .

[0214] That is, it can be recognized that the positional shift due to the expansion and contraction of the medium X in the first mark 71 printed by the first printing unit 30 a and the positional shift due to the expansion and contraction of the medium X in the second mark 72 printed by the second printing unit 30 b are different in degree.

[0215] In the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 , the lengths of the horizontal lines and the vertical lines can be arbitrarily set according to the size of the printed image 7 .

[0216] It should be noted that when the distance 7 a of the printed image 7 in the conveyance direction is less than 30 inches, it is preferable that the lengths of the horizontal lines and the vertical lines are the same.

[0217] On the other hand, when the distance 7 a of the printed image 7 in the transport direction is 30 inches or more, the length of the vertical line is preferably longer than the length of the horizontal line, considering that the medium X is enlarged.

[0218] The first mark 71 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32a in the first printing unit 30a, and the second mark 72 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32b in the second printing unit 30b.

[0219] In these cases, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of printing deviation between the line heads.

[0220] That is, it is possible to prevent the misalignment of printing between the line heads from being confused with the misalignment caused by the expansion and contraction of the medium X.

[0221] When printing so that the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 overlap, it is preferable that the color of the first mark 71 printed by the first printing unit 30 a and the color of the second mark 72 printed by the second printing unit 30 b are different.

[0222] Note that, when the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 are not printed so as to overlap, these colors may be the same color.

[0223] In addition, when the medium X is transparent, these colors are not limited. However, when the medium X is colored, these colors are preferably different from the color of the medium X.

[0224] The attachment 8 includes an automatic registration mark (not shown), an upper refresh line 81 , and a middle refresh line 82 .

[0225] By providing an automatic registration mark as an accessory 8 , the registration of the printed image 7 can be automatically adjusted.

[0226] It should be noted that the automatic registration mark may be automatically scaled according to a scaling ratio described later, or may be added without scaling.

[0227] In addition, the upper refresh line 81 is set, for example, above the upper left horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72) and above the upper right horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72), and the middle refresh lines 82 are set in plurality at equal intervals between the upper left horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72) and the lower left horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72), and between the upper right horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72) and the lower right horizontal line 72a (the second mark 72).

[0228] Here, the plurality of marks 70 and the attachment 8 are printed in the same color. Thus, since the upper refresh line 81 or the middle refresh line 82 is printed immediately before the plurality of marks 70 are printed, clogging of the nozzle can be suppressed when the plurality of marks 70 are printed.

[0229] It should be noted that the upper refresh line 81 and the middle refresh line 82 are horizontal lines, but their shapes are not particularly limited.

[0230] In addition, the number and intervals of the intermediate refresh lines 82 are not particularly limited.

[0231] Back to Figure 2 In the control unit 6 , the first sending unit 61 sends a print start command to the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b based on the first print data DT1 generated by the processing unit 60 .

[0232] Specifically, the print start command sent to the first printing unit 30a is an instruction for causing the first printing unit 30a to print the data of the first print data DT1 for which the first printing unit 30a is responsible, and the print start command sent to the second printing unit 30b is an instruction for causing the second printing unit 30b to print the data of the first print data DT1 for which the second printing unit 30b is responsible.

[0233] Note that the settings of the portion in charge of the first printing unit 30 a and the portion in charge of the second printing unit 30 b in the first printing data DT1 can be appropriately set according to the ink etc. arranged in each printing unit.

[0234] In the printing apparatus 100 , in response to a print start command from the first transmission unit 61 , the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b start printing at a preset timing.

[0235] For example, the print start command sent to the first printing unit 30 a is a command to start printing from a desired print start position on the medium X.

[0236] The print start command sent to the second printing unit 30b is a command to read the print start mark (not shown) printed by the first printing unit 30a and start printing from the print start position.

[0237] The imaging unit 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to image the print medium X1 on which the first print data DT1 is printed by the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b , and acquires the imaged still image as imaging data.

[0238] It should be noted that the captured data may be data of a still image captured at an appropriate time on the printing medium X1 or data of a moving image captured temporarily on the conveyed printing medium X1 and a still image extracted therefrom.

[0239] Figure 4 Is shown in the use Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when the first print data is printed.

[0240] It should be noted that Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the content regarding the offset of the printed image 7 is omitted.

[0241] like Figure 4 As shown, the measuring unit 63 measures the distance R3a in the transport direction and the distance R3b in the width direction between the first marks 73 printed by the first printing unit 30a in the imaging data DT3, and obtains a first imaging measurement value consisting of these values.

[0242] Furthermore, the distance R4a in the transport direction and the distance R4b in the width direction between the second marks 74 printed by the second printing unit 30b in the imaging data DT3 are measured, and a second imaging measurement value consisting of these values is acquired.

[0243] That is, the first photographic measurement value corresponds to printing by the first printing unit 30 a , and the second photographic measurement value corresponds to printing by the second printing unit 30 b .

[0244] Note that, if the print medium X1 in the imaging data DT3 is tilted, rotation correction is appropriately performed on the imaging data DT3 as needed so that the longitudinal direction of the print medium X1 and the conveyance direction coincide with each other.

[0245] Here, the first photographic measurement value and the second photographic measurement value may be values measured based on one piece of photographic data DT3 or may be average values of values measured based on a plurality of photographic data DT3.

[0246] From the viewpoint of the accuracy of the zoom ratio, it is preferable that the first and second photographic measurement values be average values of values measured based on 5 to 100 pieces of photographic data DT3 .

[0247] The calculation unit 64 calculates the first reference measurement value (see FIG1 ) consisting of the distance R1a between the first marks 71 in the conveying direction and the distance R1b between the first marks 71 in the width direction in the first print data DT1. Figure 3 ) and the above-mentioned first photographic measurement value, calculate the first zoom ratio for the first printing unit 30a.

[0248] In addition, the second reference measurement value (see FIG. 1 ) consisting of the distance R2a between the second marks 72 in the conveying direction and the distance R2b between the second marks 72 in the width direction in the first print data DT1 is obtained. Figure 3 ) and the above-mentioned second imaging measurement value, calculate the second zoom ratio for the second printing unit 30b.

[0249] In the calculation unit 64 , the first scaling ratio and the second scaling ratio are calculated according to the following method.

[0250] Based on the value A11 of the distance R1a between the first marks 71 in the conveying direction in the first print data DT1 and the value B11 of the distance R3a between the first marks 73 in the conveying direction in the shooting data DT3, the first scaling ratio X11 of the first printing unit 30a in the conveying direction is calculated according to X11=A11 / B11.

[0251] In addition, based on the value A12 of the distance R1b in the width direction between the first marks 71 in the first print data DT1 and the value B12 of the distance R3b in the width direction between the first marks 73 in the shooting data DT3, the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction of the first printing unit 30a is calculated according to X12=A12 / B12.

[0252] In this way, a first scaling ratio, that is, a first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction and a first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction are obtained.

[0253] Similarly, based on the value A21 of the distance R2a between the second marks 72 in the conveying direction in the first print data DT1 and the value B21 of the distance R4a between the second marks 74 in the conveying direction in the shooting data DT3, the second scaling ratio X21 of the second printing unit 30b in the conveying direction is calculated according to X21=A21 / B21.

[0254] In addition, based on the value A22 of the distance R2b in the width direction between the second marks 72 in the first print data DT1 and the value B22 of the distance R4b in the width direction between the second marks 74 in the shooting data DT3, the second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction of the second printing unit 30b is calculated according to X22=A22 / B22.

[0255] In this way, a second scaling ratio, that is, a second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction and a second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction are obtained.

[0256] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining how the correction unit generates the second print data in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0257] like Figure 5 As shown, the correction unit 65 scales the data DS1 of the portion responsible for the first printing section 30a in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 according to the first scaling ratio to generate the first correction data H1, and scales the data DS2 of the portion responsible for the second printing section 30b in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 according to the second scaling ratio to generate the second correction data H2.

[0258] That is, the second print data DT2 is composed of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2.

[0259] It should be noted that the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2 ) do not include the mark 70 and the like, and only include the print image 9 .

[0260] In addition, the four corners of the printed image 9 are not chipped.

[0261] Here, in the first print data DT1, the distance in the transport direction of the data DS1 for the portion responsible for the first printing unit 30a is the same as the distance 7a of the print image 7 in the transport direction, and the distance in the width direction of the data DS1 for the portion responsible for the first printing unit 30a is the same as the distance 7b of the print image 7 in the width direction (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0262] In the first print data DT1, the distance in the transport direction of the data DS2 for the portion responsible for the second printing unit 30b is the same as the distance 7a of the print image 7 in the transport direction, and the distance in the width direction of the data DS2 for the portion responsible for the second printing unit 30b is the same as the distance 7b of the print image 7 in the width direction (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0263] That is, in the first print data DT1, the sizes of the data DS1 of the first printing unit 30a and the data DS2 of the second printing unit 30b are the same as the sizes of the first print data DT1 (print image 7) in both the transport direction and the width direction.

[0264] Therefore, the data DS1 for the portion that the first printing unit 30a is responsible for also includes the portion that the first printing unit 30a does not print, and the data DS2 for the portion that the second printing unit 30b is responsible for also includes the portion that the second printing unit 30b does not print.

[0265] It should be noted that the sizes of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 are data that are scaled in the conveyance direction and the width direction, and do not match the size of the first print data DT1 .

[0266] In the correction unit 65 , the print image 9 in the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2 ) is corrected in the following method.

[0267] Based on the value C11 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data DS1 of the part responsible for the first printing unit 30a in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 and the first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction, the value D11 of the distance 91a in the conveying direction in the first correction data H1 is calculated according to D11=C11×X11.

[0268] In addition, based on the value C12 of the distance in the width direction of the data DS1 of the part responsible for the first printing unit 30a in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 and the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction, the value D12 of the distance 91b in the width direction in the first correction data H1 is calculated according to D12=C12×X12.

[0269] The correction unit 65 enlarges or reduces the data DS1 of the portion responsible for the first printing unit 30a in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 to correspond to the value D11 of the distance 91a in the conveying direction in the first correction data H1 and the value D12 of the distance 91b in the width direction in the first correction data H1, thereby generating the first correction data H1.

[0270] Similarly, based on the value C21 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data DS2 for the part responsible for the second printing unit 30b in the print image 7 in the first printing data DT1 and the second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction, the value D21 of the distance 92a in the conveying direction in the second correction data H2 is calculated according to D21=C21×X21.

[0271] In addition, based on the value C22 of the distance in the width direction of the data DS2 of the part responsible for the second printing unit 30b in the print image 7 in the first printing data DT1 and the second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction, the value D22 of the distance 92b in the width direction in the second correction data H2 is calculated according to D22=C22×X22.

[0272] The correction unit 65 enlarges or reduces the data DS2 of the portion responsible for the second printing unit 30b in the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 to correspond to the value D21 of the distance 92a in the conveying direction in the second correction data H2 and the value D22 of the distance 92b in the width direction in the second correction data H2, thereby generating the second correction data H2.

[0273] In this way, the second print data DT2 composed of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 is obtained.

[0274] The second transmission unit 66 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b based on the second print data DT2 generated by the correction unit 65 .

[0275] Specifically, the print start command sent to the first printing unit 30a causes the first printing unit 30a to print the first correction data H1, and the print start command sent to the second printing unit 30b causes the second printing unit 30b to print the second correction data H2.

[0276] Note that the timing of starting printing by the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b is the same as that of the first transmission unit 61 .

[0277] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining automatic scaling correction in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0278] In the printing apparatus 100 , first, original data is input to the second computer 6 b .

[0279] Then, the processing unit 60 converts the original data and adds the mark 70 and the attachment 8 to generate the first print data DT1 (first step).

[0280] Note that, in the first print data DT1, when converting the original data, the responsible portions for printing by the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b are set.

[0281] Next, the printing apparatus 100 is activated, and the first transmission unit 61 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b based on the first print data DT1 (second step).

[0282] The first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b , which have received the print start command, start printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0283] Next, the imaging unit 62 causes the imaging section 5 to image the print medium X1 that has passed through the print-related section 3 , and obtains imaging data DT3 (third step).

[0284] It should be noted that the above-mentioned shooting can also be performed multiple times as needed.

[0285] Then, in the first computer 6a, the measuring unit 63 measures the first shooting measurement value and the second shooting measurement value based on the shooting data DT3 (step 4), and the calculating unit 64 calculates the first scaling ratio based on the first reference measurement value and the first shooting measurement value of the first printing data DT1, and calculates the second scaling ratio based on the second reference measurement value and the second shooting measurement value of the first printing data DT1 (step 5).

[0286] Next, in the second computer 6b, the correction unit 65 generates first correction data H1 for the first printing unit 30a and second correction data H2 for the second printing unit 30b based on the calculated first and second scaling ratios (step 6). In other words, second print data DT2 is generated.

[0287] Next, the second transmission unit 66 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a based on the first correction data H1, and transmits a print start command to the second printing unit 30b based on the second correction data H2 (step 7).

[0288] The first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b , which have received the print start command, start printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0289] Then, after printing of a desired number of sheets or a predetermined length based on the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2) is performed, printing is completed.

[0290] In the printing apparatus 100 , automatic zoom correction is performed through steps 1 to 7.

[0291] Furthermore, if necessary, steps 1 to 7 may be repeated after step 7.

[0292] Also, if you need more time while performing steps 3 to 6, you can temporarily stop printing.

[0293] In the printing device 100, the error range of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image 7 in the first printing data DT1 and the printed image 9 printed according to the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second printing data DT2) are both within ±1.0 mm, preferably within ±0.1 mm.

[0294] That is, in the printing apparatus 100 , it is important to accurately adjust the size of the printed image at the time of collection to a desired size.

[0295] This allows the size of the printed image at the time of collection to be substantially equal to the size of the original print data.

[0296] As described above, the printing device 100 has an automatic zoom correction function. Specifically, the printing device 100 includes an imaging unit 5 and a control unit 6. Since the control unit 6 includes a first transmission unit 61, an imaging unit 62, a measuring unit 63, and a calculation unit 64, it can automatically calculate the zoom ratio. Furthermore, since the control unit 6 includes a correction unit 65 and a second transmission unit 66, it can automatically generate first correction data H1 and second correction data H2 (second print data DT2) by scaling the print image 7 according to the zoom ratio.

[0297] According to this, human errors can be avoided in the printing apparatus 100 .

[0298] Furthermore, since the measurement between the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 is performed by the control unit 6 , the accuracy of the measurement is improved.

[0299] In addition, since the trouble of actual measurement by humans is eliminated, production efficiency can be improved.

[0300] (Second embodiment)

[0301] Figure 7 This is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

[0302] It should be noted that the printing apparatus of the second embodiment is an example of using a long medium and a line inkjet method.

[0303] like Figure 7As shown, the printing device 101 of the second embodiment includes: a supply unit 1 for supplying a medium X; a pre-processing unit 2 for pre-processing the medium X; a printing-related unit 3a including a printing unit 30 and a fixing unit 31, wherein the printing unit 30 is configured to print at least a print image on the medium X according to print data, and the fixing unit 31 is configured to fix the print image to the medium X to form a print medium X1; a recovery unit 4 for recovering the print medium X1; an imaging unit 5 disposed between the printing-related unit 3a and the recovery unit 4 and configured to image the print medium X1; and a control unit 6 for controlling printing.

[0304] That is, the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment is the same as the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment except for the printing-related portion.

[0305] The print-related unit 3a includes: a printing unit 30 for printing a print image and marks, etc. (the first print data described later) or a print image (the second print data described later) on a medium X according to print data; a fixing unit 31 for fixing the print image to the medium X by drying to form a print medium X1; and a cooling roller 33 for cooling the medium X.

[0306] In the printing-related section 3 a , the print image printed by the printing section 30 is fixed by the fixing section 31 and cooled by the cooling roller 33 .

[0307] The printing unit 30 includes a line head 32 capable of printing ink.

[0308] It should be noted that the ink used is water-based ink or oil-based ink.

[0309] There is no particular limitation on the color.

[0310] The fixing unit 31 is a hot air dryer that blows hot air toward the medium X on which a printed image is applied to fix the printed image.

[0311] Therefore, the fixing unit 31 applies heat energy sufficient to dry the ink to the medium X.

[0312] At this time, the liquid components contained in the ink vaporize by absorbing a certain amount of heat energy.

[0313] That is, the amount of thermal energy applied to the medium X changes depending on the amount of ink.

[0314] Here, in the printing apparatus 101 , a certain tension is applied to the medium X by the supply unit 1 and the recovery unit 4 , and in this state, thermal energy is applied to the medium X by the fixing unit 31 .

[0315] Then, if heat energy is further applied to the medium X on which the printed image is fixed, the medium X softens, and thus shrinkage of the medium X is likely to occur.

[0316] Specifically, the medium X tends to expand in the conveying direction in which it is pulled, and tends to shrink in the width direction.

[0317] In this way, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image on the printing medium X1 to which the printed image is fixed differ from the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the printed image of the first print data.

[0318] Note that the supply unit 1 , pre-processing unit 2 , recovery unit 4 , and imaging unit 5 are the same as those in the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0319] Furthermore, the imaging unit 5 is disposed between the printing-related unit 3 a and the collecting unit 4 .

[0320] The control unit 6 is similar to the control unit 6 in the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, and includes at least a processing unit 60, a first transmitting unit 61, an imaging unit 62, a measuring unit 63, a calculating unit 64, a calibration unit 65, and a second transmitting unit 66. The first transmitting unit 61, the imaging unit 62, the measuring unit 63, the calculating unit 64, and the second transmitting unit 66 are housed in a first computer 6a, and the processing unit 60 and the calibration unit 65 are housed in a second computer 6b (see Figure 2 ).

[0321] The processing unit 60 is a so-called RIP (Raster Image Processor), which converts the submitted raw data into a raster image and further converts the raster image data into print data in a format that can be printed by the printing apparatus 101 .

[0322] Here, the print data is composed of the first print data or the second print data.

[0323] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0324] like Figure 8 As shown, the first print data DT1 a includes a print image 7 , marks 711 provided at the four corners of the defect in the print image 7 , and an attachment 8 having at least an upper refresh line 81 and a middle refresh line 82 .

[0325] That is, the first print data DT1a is identical to the first print data DT1 in the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment except that it does not include the second marker 72. In this case, the marker 711 corresponds to the first marker 71.

[0326] In the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, since only one printing unit 30 and one fixing unit 31 are provided, only one type of mark 711 provided at the four corners is sufficient.

[0327] In other words, the number of types of marks only needs to be a number at least corresponding to the number of units constituted by the printing section 30 and the fixing section 31 .

[0328] The mark 711 has at least a horizontal line 71 a 1 and a vertical line 71 b 1 .

[0329] Specifically, the mark 711 is a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71 a 1 and a vertical line 71 b 1 intersect each other at the center.

[0330] By making the mark 711 linear in this manner, the mark 711 in the imaging data can be easily detected.

[0331] Furthermore, since the distance R5 a in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal lines 71 a 1 and the distance R5 b in the width direction can be measured using the vertical lines 71 b 1 , the measurement accuracy is improved.

[0332] The mark 711 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32 in the printing unit 30 .

[0333] In this case, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of printing deviation between the line heads 32 .

[0334] That is, it is possible to prevent misalignment of printing between line heads from being confused with misalignment caused by scaling of the medium X. Note that the color of the marks 711 is not limited, but when the medium X is colored, the color is preferably different from that of the medium X.

[0335] In the control unit 6 , the first transmission unit 61 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the first print data DT1 a generated by the processing unit 60 .

[0336] In the printing apparatus 101 , the printing unit 30 starts printing at a preset time in response to a print start command from the first transmission unit 61 .

[0337] For example, the print start command sent to the printing unit 30 is a command to start printing from a desired print start position on the medium X.

[0338] The imaging unit 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to image the printing medium X1 on which the first print data DT1 a is printed by the printing unit 30 , and acquires the imaged still image as imaging data.

[0339] It should be noted that the captured data may be data of a still image captured at an appropriate time on the printing medium X1 or data of a moving image captured temporarily on the conveyed printing medium X1 and a still image extracted therefrom.

[0340] Figure 9 It is shown in accordance with Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when the first print data is printed.

[0341] It should be noted that Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , the content regarding the offset of the printed image 7 is omitted.

[0342] like Figure 9 As shown, the measuring unit 63 measures the distance R6a in the conveying direction and the distance R6b in the width direction between the marks 731 printed by the printing unit 30 in the imaging data DT3a, and acquires imaging measurement values consisting of these values.

[0343] Note that, if the print medium X1 in the imaging data DT3 a is tilted, rotation correction is appropriately performed on the imaging data DT3 a as needed so that the longitudinal direction of the print medium X1 and the conveyance direction coincide with each other.

[0344] Note that the photographic measurement value may be a value measured based on one piece of photographic data DT3 a or an average value of values measured based on a plurality of photographic data DT3 a .

[0345] The calculation unit 64 calculates the reference measurement value (see FIG. 1 ) consisting of the distance R5a between the marks 711 in the conveying direction and the distance R5b between the marks 711 in the width direction in the first print data DT1a. Figure 8 ) and the above-mentioned photographic measurement values, calculate the zoom ratio for the printing unit 30.

[0346] In the calculation unit 64, the scaling ratio is calculated according to the following method.

[0347] Based on the value A1 of the distance R5a between the marks 711 in the conveying direction in the first print data DT1a and the value B1 of the distance R6a between the marks 731 in the conveying direction in the imaging data DT3a, the zoom ratio XX1 of the printing unit 30 in the conveying direction is calculated according to XX1=A1 / B1.

[0348] In addition, based on the value A2 of the distance R5b in the width direction between the marks 711 in the first print data DT1a and the value B2 of the distance R6b in the width direction between the marks 731 in the imaging data DT3a, the zoom ratio XX2 of the printing unit 30 in the width direction is calculated according to XX2=A2 / B2.

[0349] In this way, the scaling ratios are obtained, namely, the scaling ratio XX1 for the conveying direction and the scaling ratio XX2 for the width direction.

[0350] The correction unit 65 scales the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 a according to the scaling ratio to generate second print data.

[0351] It should be noted that the second print data does not include the mark 711 and the like, and only includes the print image.

[0352] In addition, the four corners of the printed image are not chipped.

[0353] In the correction unit 65 , the print image in the second print data is corrected in the following manner.

[0354] Based on the value C1 of the distance 7a of the print image 7 in the conveying direction in the first print data DT1a and the scaling ratio XX1 in the conveying direction, the value D1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the second print data is calculated according to D1=C1×XX1.

[0355] Furthermore, based on the value C2 of the widthwise distance 7b of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a and the widthwise scaling ratio XX2, the widthwise distance D2 of the print image in the second print data is calculated as D2 = C2 × XX2.

[0356] The correction unit 65 enlarges or reduces the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a so as to correspond to the distance D1 of the print image in the conveying direction and the distance D2 of the print image in the width direction in the second print data, thereby generating the second print data.

[0357] The second transmission unit 66 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the second print data generated by the correction unit 65 .

[0358] It should be noted that the printing start timing of the printing unit 30 is the same as that of the first transmission unit 61 .

[0359] The automatic scaling correction in the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment is performed in the same manner as the automatic scaling correction in the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment.

[0360] It should be noted that in the printing device 101, Figure 6 In the flowchart shown, "the first printing unit and the second printing unit" are replaced with "the printing unit".

[0361] In the printing apparatus 101, first, original data is input to the second computer 6b.

[0362] Then, the processing unit 60 converts the original data and adds the mark 711 and the attachment 8 to generate the first print data DT1a (first step).

[0363] Then, the printing apparatus 101 is operated, and the first transmission unit 61 transmits a print start command to the printing section 30 based on the first print data DT1a (second step).

[0364] The printing unit 30 , which has received the print start command, starts printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0365] Next, the imaging unit 62 causes the imaging section 5 to image the printing medium X1 that has passed through the print-related section 3 a and obtains imaging data DT3 a (third step).

[0366] It should be noted that the above-mentioned shooting can also be performed multiple times as needed.

[0367] Then, in the first computer 6a, the measuring unit 63 measures the photographic measurement value based on the photographic data DT3a (step 4), and the calculating unit 64 calculates the zoom ratio based on the reference measurement value and the photographic measurement value of the first print data DT1a (step 5).

[0368] Next, in the second computer 6b, the correction unit 65 generates second print data based on the calculated zoom ratio (step 6).

[0369] Next, the second transmission unit 66 transmits a print start command to the printer unit 30 based on the second print data (step 7).

[0370] The printing unit 30 , which has received the print start command, starts printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0371] Then, after printing of a desired number of sheets or a predetermined length based on the second print data is performed, printing is completed.

[0372] In the printing apparatus 101 , automatic zoom correction is performed through steps 1 to 7.

[0373] Furthermore, if necessary, steps 1 to 7 may be repeated after step 7.

[0374] Alternatively, if steps 3 to 6 take time, you can temporarily stop printing.

[0375] In the printing device 101 , the distance between the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a and the print image printed based on the second print data has an error range of ±1.0 mm in the transport direction and within ±0.1 mm in the width direction.

[0376] That is, in the printing apparatus 101 , it is important to accurately adjust the size of the printed image at the time of collection to a desired size.

[0377] This allows the size of the printed image at the time of collection to be substantially equal to the size of the original print data.

[0378] In addition, the printing apparatus 101 has the automatic zoom correction function as described above.

[0379] That is, the printing device 101 is provided with a photographing unit 5 and a control unit 6. Since the control unit 6 has a first sending unit 61, a photographing unit 62, a measuring unit 63 and a calculating unit 64, it can automatically calculate the zoom ratio. Since it also has a correction unit 65 and a second sending unit 66, it can automatically generate the second print data obtained by scaling the print image 7 according to the zoom ratio.

[0380] This allows the printing apparatus 101 to avoid human errors.

[0381] Furthermore, since the measurement between the marks 711 is performed by the control unit 6 , the accuracy of the measurement is improved.

[0382] In addition, since the trouble of actual measurement by humans is eliminated, production efficiency can be improved.

[0383] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0384] The printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment includes a supply unit 1 , a pre-processing unit 2 , a printing-related unit 3 , a collection unit 4 , an imaging unit 5 , and a control unit 6 . However, the pre-processing unit 2 is not essential.

[0385] That is, in the pre-treatment section 2 , an ink receiving layer is formed on the medium X. However, a medium provided with an ink receiving layer in advance may be used as the medium X.

[0386] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0387] The printing device 100 of the first embodiment includes a mechanism of a first printing section 30a and a first fixing section 31a, and a mechanism of a second printing section 30b and a second fixing section 31b. The printing device 101 of the second embodiment includes a mechanism of a printing section 30 and a fixing section 31, but the above-mentioned mechanism may also include more than three mechanisms.

[0388] In the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, aqueous ink or oil-based ink is used in the first printing unit 30 a and the second printing unit 30 b . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and energy beam curable ink such as ultraviolet curable ink or electron beam curable ink may be used.

[0389] In this case, an energy beam irradiator is used as the first fixing section 31 a and the second fixing section 31 b instead of the hot air dryer.

[0390] Furthermore, in this case, since the volume changes due to the curing of the energy beam curable ink, the medium X may also be deformed.

[0391] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0392] In the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 5 captures the printed image side of the printing medium X1 , but may capture both sides.

[0393] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0394] In the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the recovery unit 4 recovers the printing medium X1 as the recovery roll 40 while winding the printing medium X1 around the shaft. However, the recovery may be performed by so-called “swing drop”.

[0395] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0396] In the printing device 100 of the first embodiment, the first sending unit 61, the shooting unit 62, the measuring unit 63, the calculating unit 64 and the second sending unit 66 are housed in the first computer 6a, and the processing unit 60 and the correction unit 65 are housed in the second computer 6b, but there is no particular limitation on the number of computers used to house them.

[0397] In addition, these computers are ordinary computers and include an input unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and the like.

[0398] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0399] In the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the scaling ratio is calculated for each mechanism of the printing unit and the fixing unit. However, the scaling ratio can also be calculated for each ink used.

[0400] In this case, correction data is generated for each ink.

[0401] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0402] In the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the first print data DT1 is composed of the print image 7 , a plurality of marks 70 composed of first marks 71 and second marks 72 , and the attachment 8 , but the attachment 8 is not essential.

[0403] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0404] In the printing device 100 of the first embodiment, the first mark 71 is a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71a and a vertical line 71b intersect each other at the center, and the second mark 72 is a rectangular pattern consisting of a pair of horizontal lines 72a and a pair of vertical lines 72b ( Figure 3 Reference), but not limited thereto.

[0405] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by a printing apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0406] like Figure 10 As shown, in the first print data DT4, the first mark 75 is an inverted L-shaped pattern formed by connecting the ends of a horizontal line 75a and a vertical line 75b, and the second mark 76 is an inverted L-shaped pattern formed by connecting the ends of a horizontal line 76a and a vertical line 76b.

[0407] In this case, the distance in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal line 75a, and the distance in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 75b. The distance in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal line 76a, and the distance in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 76b.

[0408] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0409] In the printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, steps 1 to 6 may be performed as a product processing preparation stage or simultaneously during the product processing.

[0410] In the latter case, by performing automatic scaling correction at regular intervals, the size of the printed image at recycling (the size of the product printed image) can be stably kept consistent with the size of the original print data, thereby maintaining a high yield.

[0411] Note that the same applies to the printing apparatus 101 of the second embodiment.

[0412] Industrial Applicability

[0413] The printing device of the present invention can be used as a device for printing an image on a medium according to print data.

[0414] Furthermore, according to the printing apparatus of the present invention, the automatic scaling correction function can make the size of the printed image at the time of recycling substantially consistent with the size of the original print data.

Claims

1. A printing device comprising: a supply portion for supplying a medium; a printing-related unit comprising a printing unit and a fixing unit, wherein the printing unit is configured to print at least a print image on the medium according to print data, and the fixing unit is configured to fix the print image to the medium to form a print medium; a recycling unit, configured to recycle the printing medium; a photographing unit, disposed between the printing-related unit and the recycling unit, for photographing the printing medium; and a control unit for controlling the printing, in, The print data is the first print data or the second print data, The control unit at least has: a first sending unit for sending a print start instruction to the printing unit based on the first print data in which a plurality of marks are added to the print image; a photographing unit configured to cause the photographing section to photograph the printing medium to obtain photographing data; a measuring unit configured to measure a distance between the marks in the conveying direction and a distance between the marks in the width direction in the photographic data, and acquire a photographic measurement value consisting of these values; a calculation unit for calculating a zoom ratio based on a reference measurement value consisting of values of the distance between the marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the marks in the width direction in the first print data and the photographic measurement value; a correction unit configured to generate second print data by scaling the print image according to the scaling ratio; and a second sending unit that sends a print start instruction to the printing unit based on the second print data; The error ranges of the distance in the conveyance direction and the distance in the width direction between the print image in the first print data and the print image printed according to the second print data are both within ±1.0 mm.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The calculation unit calculates the zoom ratio XX1 in the conveying direction according to XX1=A1 / B1 based on the value A1 of the distance between the marks in the conveying direction in the first print data and the value B1 of the distance between the marks in the conveying direction in the photographic data. The calculation unit calculates the zoom ratio XX2 in the width direction according to XX2=A2 / B2 based on the value A2 of the distance between the marks in the width direction in the first print data and the value B2 of the distance between the marks in the width direction in the photographic data. The correction unit calculates the value D1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the second print data according to the value C1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the first print data and the scaling ratio XX1 in the conveying direction, according to D1=C1×XX1. The correction unit calculates the value D2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the second print data according to the value C2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first print data and the zoom ratio XX2 in the width direction, according to D2=C2×XX2. The correction unit enlarges or reduces the print image in the first print data so that it corresponds to a value D1 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction and a value D2 of the distance of the print image in the width direction in the second print data, thereby generating second print data.

3. A printing device comprising: a supply portion for supplying a medium; a printing-related unit comprising a first printing unit and a second printing unit and a first fixing unit and a second fixing unit, wherein the first printing unit and the second printing unit are configured to print at least a print image on the medium according to print data, and the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit are configured to fix the print image to the medium to form a print medium; a recycling unit, configured to recycle the printing medium; a photographing unit, disposed between the printing-related unit and the recycling unit, for photographing the printing medium; and a control unit for controlling the printing, in, The printing-related parts are arranged in the order of the first printing part, the first fixing part, the second printing part, and the second fixing part from the upstream side. The print data is first print data, or second print data consisting of first correction data and second correction data. The control unit at least has: a first sending unit for sending a print start command to the first printing unit and the second printing unit based on first print data in which a plurality of marks consisting of a first mark and a second mark are added to the print image; a photographing unit configured to cause the photographing section to photograph the printing medium to obtain photographing data; a measuring unit configured to measure the distance between the first marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the first marks in the width direction printed by the first printing unit in the imaging data, and obtain a first imaging measurement value consisting of these values; and to measure the distance between the second marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction printed by the second printing unit in the imaging data, and obtain a second imaging measurement value consisting of these values; a calculation unit for calculating a first scaling ratio for the first printing section based on a first reference measurement value consisting of values of the distance between the first marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the first printing data and the first photographic measurement value, and calculating a second scaling ratio for the second printing section based on a second reference measurement value consisting of values of the distance between the second marks in the conveying direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the first printing data and the second photographic measurement value; a correction unit that scales the data of the portion of the printed image that is responsible for the first printing unit according to the first scaling ratio to generate the first correction data, and scales the data of the portion of the printed image that is responsible for the second printing unit according to the second scaling ratio to generate the second correction data; and a second sending unit that sends a print start command to the first printing unit based on the first correction data and sends a print start command to the second printing unit based on the second correction data; The error range of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the print image in the first print data and the print image printed according to the second print data is within ±1.0 mm. The printing device according to claim 3 , wherein: The calculation unit calculates the first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction according to X11=A11 / B11 based on the value A11 of the distance between the first marks in the conveying direction in the first print data and the value B11 of the distance between the first marks in the conveying direction in the photographic data. The calculation unit calculates the first zoom ratio X12 in the width direction according to X12=A12 / B12 based on the value A12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the first print data and the value B12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the photographic data. The calculation unit calculates the second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction according to X21=A21 / B21 based on the value A21 of the distance between the second marks in the conveying direction in the first print data and the value B21 of the distance between the second marks in the conveying direction in the imaging data. The calculation unit calculates the second zoom ratio X22 in the width direction according to X22=A22 / B22 based on the value A22 of the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the first print data and the value B22 of the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the photographic data. The correction unit calculates the distance value D11 of the printed image in the conveying direction in the first correction data according to D11=C11×X11, based on the distance value C11 of the data of the portion in charge of the first printing unit in the printed image in the first printing data in the conveying direction and the first scaling ratio X11 in the conveying direction. The correction unit calculates the value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data according to D12=C12×X12 based on the value C12 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the portion in charge of the first printing unit in the print image in the first print data and the first scaling ratio X12 in the width direction. The correction unit generates the first correction data by enlarging or reducing data of a portion of the print image in the first print data that is responsible for the first printing unit so as to correspond to a value D11 of a distance in the conveying direction of the print image in the first correction data and a value D12 of a distance in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data. The correction unit calculates the value D21 of the distance in the conveying direction of the print image in the second correction data according to D21=C21×X21 based on the value C21 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data of the portion in charge of the second printing unit in the print image in the first print data and the second scaling ratio X21 in the conveying direction. The correction unit calculates the value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the second correction data according to D22=C22×X22 based on the value C22 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the portion in charge of the second printing unit in the printed image in the first printing data and the second scaling ratio X22 in the width direction. The correction unit enlarges or reduces the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that the second printing unit is responsible for, so as to correspond to the value D21 of the distance of the print image in the conveying direction in the second correction data and the value D22 of the distance of the print image in the width direction in the second correction data, thereby generating the second correction data.

5. The printing device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein: In the first print data, the marks are respectively provided at four corners of the print image.

6. The printing device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein: In the first print data, the marks are respectively provided at positions of four defective corners of the print image.

7. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The marks are respectively set at the positions of the four defective corners of the printed image. A blank is provided between the mark and the printed image, The shortest distance between the mark and the printed image is greater than 10 mm.

8. The printing device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein: The marking has at least a horizontal line for measuring a distance in a conveying direction and a vertical line for measuring a distance in a width direction.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein: The first printing data adds a plurality of marks and attachments to the printed image. The attachment has an upper refresh line provided above the upper horizontal line and a plurality of intermediate refresh lines provided at equal intervals between the upper horizontal line and the lower horizontal line. The multiple marks and the attachments are printed in the same color.

Images