Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

The invention provides a printing apparatus and a printing method which can easily adjust the ejection position of liquid with low visual confirmation. A printing control unit (402) of a printing apparatus (1) according to the present disclosure performs printing of a first test pattern for adjusting a drop position of a first ink on a medium. And control for at least one of printing of a second test pattern for adjusting the ejection position of a second ink, which is lower in visibility than the first ink, on the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by successively changing a setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the ejection position of the first ink by a first change amount. The second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by successively changing a setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the ejection position of the second ink by a second change amount.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A known technique involves printing an image onto a medium by spraying not only colored ink but also a functional liquid that assists in the formation of an image achieved by the colored ink. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that inhibits ink penetration or improves the water resistance of a recording by spraying a treatment liquid that insolubles dyes in the ink onto the medium. Furthermore, this document discloses that, since such a treatment liquid is a transparent liquid, it is difficult to visually confirm the concentration pattern used as a test pattern for judging poor printing, etc.

[0003] As mentioned in the aforementioned literature, when the sprayed liquid has low visual confirmability, confirmation using test patterns is not easy. In particular, in this case, it is not easy to adjust the spray position of the liquid on the medium using test patterns. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that allows for easy adjustment of the spray position of liquids with low visual confirmability.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-230627 Summary of the Invention The printing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a printhead unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink, which has lower visual confirmability compared to the first ink, onto the medium; and a printing control unit for controlling printing using the printhead unit, the printing control unit controlling at least one of printing a first test pattern and printing a second test pattern, wherein the printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles on the medium, the first test pattern comprising a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the first ink by a first variation amount, and the second test pattern comprising a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount, the second variation amount being greater than the first variation amount.

[0005] In the printing method disclosed herein, a printing apparatus performs the printing of a test pattern. The printing apparatus has a printhead unit with a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink, which has lower visual confirmability compared to the first ink, onto the medium. The printing apparatus performs the printing of at least one of a first test pattern and a second test pattern. The printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles on the medium. In this printing method, the first test pattern comprises a plurality of patterns printed by successively changing the set value of an adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the first ink by a first change amount. The second test pattern comprises a plurality of patterns printed by successively changing the set value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the second ink by a second change amount, where the second change amount is greater than the first change amount. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of the printing apparatus involved in the embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram to represent the head unit.

[0008] Figure 3 A table representing the liquid ejected from each liquid nozzle.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the control unit involved in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first test pattern.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a local pattern included in a test pattern.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second test pattern.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the second test pattern.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the control unit involved in Embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern used to adjust the position of ink droplets in the direction of media transport. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same symbols are used for the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed. In the drawings, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes will be designated as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The direction in which the arrows in each drawing point will be designated as positive (+), and the opposite direction will be designated as negative (-). Furthermore, the directions of the three spatial axes, which are not defined as positive and negative, will be described as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction.

[0019] Implementation Method 1 Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the general structure of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1As shown, printing apparatus 1 is a so-called serial printer, wherein the printing apparatus 1 has a head unit U for ejecting liquid, and performs printing by conveying the medium S along the X-axis direction, and ejecting liquid from the head unit U toward the medium S in the +Z direction while moving the head unit U back and forth in the Y-axis direction. The head unit U is a specific example of a printing head unit. In this embodiment, the medium S is cloth as an example. Therefore, printing apparatus 1 is a printing and dyeing printer for printing on cloth. However, as the medium S, any material such as recording paper or resin film can be used, in addition to cloth. Furthermore, the liquid ejected by printing apparatus 1 is generally divided into colored ink containing color materials and functional liquid. Colored ink is a colored liquid containing certain color materials such as dyes and pigments. Functional liquid is also called functional ink. Here, functional liquid refers to a colorless liquid (transparent liquid) with a predetermined function used to assist in the formation of an image achieved by colored ink. More specifically, a functional liquid refers to a liquid that interacts with color inks to improve the quality of an image formed on a medium compared to the case where no functional liquid is used. In this embodiment, as an example, the head unit U ejects a penetrating liquid that functions as a functional liquid that promotes the penetration of color inks into the medium S.

[0020] Such a printing apparatus 1 includes a head unit U, a liquid storage unit 3, a control unit 4, a conveying mechanism 5 for delivering the medium S, and a moving mechanism 6.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the head unit U has multiple liquid ejection heads H1 U To H9 U H1 L To H9 L Hereinafter, without special distinction, these liquid nozzles will be referred to simply as liquid nozzles H. Furthermore, the number and configuration of liquid nozzles H in the head unit U are merely an example; any structure can be adopted for the head unit U.

[0022] The liquid nozzle H ejects liquid as droplets from the liquid storage section 3, which stores the liquid, in the +Z direction. The liquid storage section 3 stores multiple types of liquids of different colors or compositions ejected from the liquid nozzle H individually.

[0023] like Figure 4As shown, the control unit 4 is, for example, a computer equipped with a processor 400 and a memory 410. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the liquid nozzle H, etc., via external wiring (not shown). Typically, the control unit 4 comprehensively controls the various elements of the printing apparatus 1, namely the liquid nozzle H, the conveying mechanism 5, the moving mechanism 6, etc., based on the printed image data obtained from an external device such as a personal computer.

[0024] The conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S along the X-axis and includes a conveying roller 5a. Specifically, the conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S along the X-axis by rotating the conveying roller 5a. The conveying roller 5a is driven by a conveying motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the conveying of the medium S by controlling the drive of this conveying motor. Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 5 for conveying the medium S is not limited to a mechanism with a conveying roller 5a; for example, it could also be a mechanism that conveys the medium S via a belt or rollers.

[0025] The moving mechanism 6 is a mechanism for reciprocating the head unit U in the Y-axis direction, and includes a carriage 7 and a conveyor belt 8. The carriage 7 holds the head unit U. The carriage 7 is fixed to the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 8 is a seamless belt that is mounted along the Y-axis direction. The conveyor belt 8 is rotated by a conveyor motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the rotation of the conveyor belt 8 by controlling the drive of the conveyor motor, thereby causing the head unit U and the carriage 7 to reciprocate together in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the carriage 7 may be a structure that mounts the liquid storage section 3 together with the liquid ejector head H.

[0026] Multiple liquid ejector heads H mounted on the head unit U, under the control of the control unit 4, perform an ejection action, ejecting liquid supplied from the liquid reservoir 3 as droplets from each of the multiple nozzles in the +Z direction. The ejection action performed by the liquid ejector head H is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium S by the transport mechanism 5 or the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejector head H by the moving mechanism 6, thereby performing a so-called printing process of coating the medium S with liquid to form an image on the medium S.

[0027] In this embodiment, so-called bidirectional printing is implemented as an example. Hereinafter, the case where the head unit U moves once in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a cycle. In bidirectional printing, the printing apparatus 1 performs a +Y direction printing process, in which liquid is ejected while the head unit U moves in the +Y direction, thereby forming a local image on the medium S with a bandwidth corresponding to the first cycle. Next, the printing apparatus 1 performs a movement process, in which the medium S moves by a bandwidth in the X-axis direction, and performs a -Y direction printing process, in which liquid is ejected while the head unit U moves in the -Y direction, thereby forming a local image on the medium S with a bandwidth corresponding to the second cycle. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus 1 repeatedly performs the +Y direction printing process and the -Y direction printing process until an image is formed on the medium S. Furthermore, bidirectional printing can perform the movement process either after performing the +Y direction printing process and the -Y direction printing process, or after performing multiple +Y direction printing processes and -Y direction printing processes respectively.

[0028] Next, we will provide a detailed explanation of the structure of the head unit U. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the head unit U viewed from the -Z direction. Furthermore, the directions of the head unit U will be explained based on its orientation when mounted on the printing apparatus 1, namely the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0029] In the head unit U, a pair of liquid nozzles, consisting of two liquid nozzles H arranged along the X-axis, are arranged along the Y-axis at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the middle, the liquid ejector head H located in the upper section of the head unit U faces the -Y direction and is sequentially referred to as liquid ejector head H1. U To H9 U The liquid ejector heads H located in the lower section of the head unit U are oriented in the -Y direction and are sequentially referred to as liquid ejector heads H1. L To H9 L Therefore, in Figure 2 For example, liquid ejector head H1 U and liquid nozzle H1 L The above-mentioned liquid nozzle consists of a pair.

[0030] exist Figure 2In the structure shown, each liquid nozzle H has four nozzle chips Hc arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis. Here, the staggered arrangement of the nozzle chips Hc along the X-axis means that the nozzle chips Hc arranged side-by-side in the X-axis direction are alternately staggered in the Y-axis direction. That is, two columns of nozzle chips Hc arranged along the X-axis are arranged along the Y-axis, and the two columns of nozzle chips Hc are staggered in the X-axis direction. By arranging the nozzle chips Hc in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction in this way, the nozzle columns of two nozzle chips Hc partially overlap in the X-axis direction, thereby forming a column of nozzles that is continuous across the X-axis direction.

[0031] The head chip Hc has two rows of nozzles capable of ejecting liquid. Each nozzle row is arranged in a single column along the X-axis. The nozzle rows are separated from each other along the Y-axis. Figure 2 In this design, the two nozzle rows along the -Y direction are referred to as nozzle row La and nozzle row Lb, respectively. Nozzle rows La and Lb are configured in the X-axis direction with a spacing of half the distance between the nozzles, a so-called half-spacing arrangement. In other words, the nozzles constituting nozzle rows La and Lb are arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, as an example, each of the four head chips Hc included in a liquid ejector head H ejects a nozzle array La of the same type of liquid, and each of the other nozzle array Lb of the four head chips Hc included in a liquid ejector head H ejects a liquid of the same type but different from the liquid ejected by the nozzle array La.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a table representing the liquids ejected from each liquid ejector head H. Furthermore, since the four head chips Hc included in a single liquid ejector head H eject the exact same combination of two liquids, therefore... Figure 3 The table shown omits the information for each head chip Hc. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the following liquids are ejected from each liquid nozzle H.

[0034] At the liquid nozzle H1 U and liquid nozzle H1 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects yellow ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects orange ink.

[0035] At the liquid nozzle H2 U and liquid nozzle H2 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects red ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects blue ink.

[0036] At liquid nozzle H3 U and liquid nozzle H3L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects gray ink, while each nozzle row Lb ejects magenta ink or crimson ink.

[0037] At liquid nozzle H4 U And liquid nozzle H4 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects blue-green ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects black ink.

[0038] At the liquid nozzle H5 U And liquid nozzle H5 L In the process, each nozzle row La and each nozzle row Lb spray out a permeate that serves as the functional fluid.

[0039] At liquid nozzle H6 U And liquid nozzle H6 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects black ink, while each nozzle row Lb ejects blue-green ink.

[0040] At liquid nozzle H7 U And liquid nozzle H7 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects magenta or scarlet ink, while each nozzle row Lb ejects gray ink.

[0041] At liquid nozzle H8 U And liquid nozzle H8 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects blue ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects red ink.

[0042] At the liquid nozzle H9 U And liquid nozzle H9 L In the process, each nozzle row La ejects orange ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects yellow ink.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, a row of nozzles for ejecting the permeating liquid is arranged at the center in the Y-axis direction, and the types of liquid ejected from each nozzle row are linearly symmetrical about the X-axis. Furthermore, this is merely an example, and the types of liquid ejected from each liquid ejector head H are not limited to the combinations described above.

[0044] However, since the deviation of the sprayed liquid's landing position on the medium S affects the quality of the image formed on the medium S, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the sprayed liquid's landing position on the medium S. Therefore, in order to adjust the landing position, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 prints a test pattern. Hereinafter, the processing related to the printing of the test pattern for adjusting the landing position will be specifically described.

[0045] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the control unit 4, which focuses on the processing related to the adjustment of the spray position. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 4 includes a processor 400 and a memory 410. Thus, the control unit 4 functions as a computer.

[0046] The memory 410 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 410 is used to store programs executed by the processor 400, as well as data used in various processes.

[0047] The processor 400 reads and executes a program from the memory 410. Thus, the processor 400 performs the functions of the input receiving unit 401 and the printing control unit 402, which will be described later. The processor 400 may also be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 400 may also include multiple processors.

[0048] The input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user. The input receiving unit 401 can also receive input selecting which ink, the first ink or the second ink described later, should be sprayed at a specific position. Furthermore, the input receiving unit 401 can also receive input determining a setting value for controlling the spray position of the ink. The input receiving unit 401 receives user input via any input device. The input device can be, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that is connected to the printing apparatus 1 in a communicative manner. Alternatively, the input device can be an operation panel or the like provided on the printing apparatus 1.

[0049] The printing control unit 402 implements various controls related to printing. Specifically, the printing control unit 402 controls the printing process using the head unit U. The head unit U has multiple first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink to a medium S, and multiple second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink to the medium S that has lower visual verifiability compared to the first ink. In this embodiment, colored ink corresponds to the first ink described above, and the nozzles constituting the nozzle array La or Lb for ejecting the colored ink correspond to the first nozzles described above. Furthermore, transparent penetrant corresponds to the second ink described above, and the nozzles constituting the nozzle array La or Lb for ejecting the penetrant correspond to the second nozzles described above. Hereinafter, the first ink will be referred to as high visual verifiability ink, and the second ink will be referred to as low visual verifiability ink. Additionally, the first ink (high visual verifiability ink) can also be defined as a liquid having a color difference of more than a predetermined threshold between itself and the color of the medium S on which the test pattern described below is printed. Similarly, the second ink (low visual confirmability ink) can also be defined as a liquid having a color difference of less than a predetermined threshold between itself and the color of the medium S on which the test pattern described below is printed. Furthermore, colors with a color difference of less than the predetermined threshold between themselves and the color of the medium S also include colorless ink.

[0050] In this embodiment, the printing control unit 402 controls the printing of a test pattern used to adjust the positional relationship between the liquid ejection position in the +Y direction printing process and the liquid ejection position in the -Y direction printing process. Specifically, the printing control unit 402 controls the printing by printing either the first test pattern or the second test pattern (described later) onto the medium S. Furthermore, the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is, for example, white.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a first test pattern used to adjust the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink) described above. The printing control unit 402 controls the printing of the first test pattern PA, which is used to adjust the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle on the medium S. Figure 5 As shown, the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns Pa0 to Pa10. Hereinafter, without special distinction, patterns Pa0 to Pa10 will be referred to as pattern Pax. Additionally, pattern Pax may also be referred to as a partial pattern. Although in Figure 5In this example, the first test pattern PA includes 11 pattern Pax, but the first test pattern PA may include multiple pattern Pax, and the number of multiple pattern Pax is not limited to 11. In the first test pattern PA, each pattern Pax is configured separately from the others. Furthermore, the first test pattern PA also includes index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10, which indicate the degree to which the setting value used for printing each pattern Pax deviates from a predetermined reference value. That is, index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10 indicate the degree of change of the used setting value from the predetermined reference value. Patterns Pa0 to Pa10 are patterns printed by successively changing the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the first ink with a first change amount. That is, each pattern Pax is a pattern printed by using different values ​​as the setting value for the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position. Hereinafter, without special distinction, index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10 will be referred to as index values ​​Iax. The index value Iax corresponding to the pattern Pax is printed near the pattern Pax. Specifically, in Figure 5 In this example, the index value Iax is configured at the top or bottom of the pattern Pax.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a partial pattern included in the test pattern. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the partial pattern, i.e., pattern Pax, is composed of a first color stop Q1, a second color stop Q2, and a third color stop Q3. Here, in this embodiment, as an example, the first color stop Q1 and the second color stop Q2 are printed on the medium S in a bidirectional printing process in the +Y direction, and the third color stop Q3 is printed on the medium S in a bidirectional printing process in the -Y direction. However, it is also possible to do the opposite, with the first color stop Q1 and the second color stop Q2 printed on the medium S in the -Y direction and the third color stop Q3 printed on the medium S in the +Y direction. The printing control unit 402 changes the setting value used when printing the third color stop Q3 for each partial pattern. As a result, the position of the third color stop Q3 shifts in the Y-axis direction. Figure 5As shown in pattern Pa0, an appropriate setting value is used to achieve printing where the third color mark Q3 is positioned at the center of the gap between the first color mark Q1 and the second color mark Q2. Specifically, the printing control unit 402 can print multiple partial patterns on the medium S by successively changing the ejection timing of the liquid used for printing the third color mark Q3 by a first change amount, or by successively changing the movement speed of the head unit U when printing the third color mark Q3 by a first change amount. That is, the setting value of the adjustment item described above for adjusting the ejection position can be either a setting value for adjusting the ejection timing or a setting value for adjusting the movement speed of the head unit U (carriage 7). Alternatively, the third color mark Q3 can be omitted, and the positions of the first color mark Q1 and the second color mark Q2 can be staggered according to each partial pattern.

[0053] Through the control described above by the printing control unit 402, thus as Figure 5 As shown, multiple patterns Pax are printed with the third color mark Q3 at different positions as the first test pattern PA. If the set value is inappropriate, the position of the third color mark Q3 will deviate from the center of the gap between the first color mark Q1 and the second color mark Q2. Therefore, as shown in patterns Pa1 to Pa10, an overlapping area C1 and a blank area C2 are formed on the medium S. The overlapping area C1 is the area where the third color mark Q3 overlaps with either the first color mark Q1 or the second color mark Q2 and is printed more densely. The blank area C2 is the gap between the third color mark Q3 and either the first color mark Q1 or the second color mark Q2. As shown in patterns Pa1 to Pa10, the width of the overlapping area C1 and the blank area C2 in the Y-axis direction varies according to each pattern Pax.

[0054] As mentioned above, the index value Iax represents the degree of change in the set value used in printing the pattern Pax from a predetermined reference value. More specifically, the index value Iax represents how many times the change in the set value from the predetermined reference value is a predetermined unit quantity. Here, the unit quantity used for the index value Iax is the change in the set value that causes the liquid spray position to change by a predetermined first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). Figure 5As shown, the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns Pax whose index values ​​Iax differ from each other by 2. Therefore, whenever the index value Iax increases by 2, the liquid spray position moves twice a predetermined first distance in the +Y direction. Similarly, whenever the index value Iax decreases by 2, the liquid spray position moves twice a predetermined first distance in the -Y direction. Therefore, it can also be said that the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns printed with the spray positions of the first ink successively offset by a first offset (specifically, twice the first distance). More specifically, it can also be said that the first test pattern PA includes color marks for a portion (e.g., Figure 6 The third color mark Q3) causes the spraying position of the first ink to be successively offset by a first offset (specifically, twice the first distance) to print multiple patterns.

[0055] Although Figure 5 In the example shown, a portion of the first test pattern PA is printed in the upper segment, and other portions are printed in the lower segment, but they do not necessarily have to be printed in multiple segments. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, each local pattern is preferably configured in ascending or descending order according to its corresponding index value (set value).

[0056] When adjusting the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink), for example, the user... Figure 5 The printing result of the first test pattern is visually confirmed, and appropriate setting values ​​are indicated for the printing apparatus 1. Specifically, the user determines an index value that makes printing possible, based on the printing result of the first test pattern, such that the position of the third color mark Q3 is centered in the gap between the first color mark Q1 and the second color mark Q2. Then, the user instructs the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing with setting values ​​corresponding to the determined index values. Thus, the setting value used when ejecting the first ink is adjusted. More specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, the setting value for the ejection of the first ink in the -Y direction printing process is adjusted. In addition, although in Figure 5In the example shown, proper printing can be achieved in pattern Pa0 with an index value of "0", but this is not always the case. For example, proper printing may also be achieved in pattern Pa2 with an index value of "+4", pattern Pa8 with an index value of "-6", etc. Furthermore, the intermediate partial pattern between the two partial patterns printed as the first test pattern PA may sometimes correspond to proper printing. For example, the intermediate value between the setting values ​​of pattern Pa2 and pattern Pa3 may also achieve proper printing. Therefore, the index value determined based on the printing result of the first test pattern to determine the setting value can be an integer multiple of the unit quantity described above, or it can be an index value not printed in the test pattern. For example, in the example described above, the index value determined based on the printing result of the first test pattern is "+5". That is, the setting value can be adjusted in units of the unit quantity used for the index value Iax. As mentioned above, the unit quantity used for the index value Iax is the change in the setting value that causes the liquid spray position to change by a predetermined first distance. Therefore, in this embodiment, a predetermined first distance is used as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink to determine the setting value for the first ink.

[0057] Next, the test pattern used to adjust the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) described above will be explained. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a second test pattern used to adjust the spray position of a second ink (low visual confirmability ink). The printing control unit 402 controls the printing of the second test pattern PB, which is used to adjust the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle on the medium S.

[0058] The following details the differences between the second test pattern PB and the first test pattern PA, while omitting descriptions identical to those of the first test pattern PA. As mentioned above, the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns Pax printed with settings for adjustment items used to adjust the spray position of the first ink, which are changed sequentially by a first variation amount. In contrast, the second test pattern PB includes multiple patterns (the multiple patterns Pbx described below) printed with settings for adjustment items used to adjust the spray position of the second ink, which are changed sequentially by a second variation amount. More specifically, the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns Pax, which are multiple color marks (e.g., ...) printed with settings for adjustment items used to adjust the spray position of the first ink, which are changed sequentially by a first variation amount. Figure 6The pattern of the third color mark (Q3). In contrast, the second test pattern PB includes multiple patterns Pbx, which are color marks (e.g., Q3) printed on the ink mark by successively changing the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the second ink with a second change amount. Figure 6 The pattern is the third color mark (Q3). Here, although the adjustment items set when printing the first test pattern PA are the same as those set when printing the second test pattern PB, the amount of variation when printing a partial pattern is different in the first test pattern PA and the second test pattern PB. Specifically, the second amount of variation described above is greater than the first amount of variation described above.

[0059] In the case of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink), since the contrast between the overlapping area C1 or the blank area C2 described above and the background is large, it is easy to distinguish the differences in each local pattern even if the width difference of the overlapping area C1 or the blank area C2 of each local pattern is small. In contrast, in the case of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), since the contrast between the overlapping area C1 or the blank area C2 and the background is smaller compared to the high visual confirmation ink, it is difficult to distinguish the differences in each local pattern if the width difference of the overlapping area C1 or the blank area C2 of each local pattern is small. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the spray position of the second ink, the printing control unit 402 prints the second test pattern PB, which is composed of multiple local patterns that vary greatly compared to the first test pattern PA used in adjusting the spray position of the first ink. As a result, the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) can be easily adjusted. However, errors in the spray position of high visual confirmability inks can significantly impact image quality. Therefore, high-precision adjustment of the spray position is required for high visual confirmability inks. However, since low visual confirmability inks have lower visual confirmability compared to high visual confirmability inks, errors in the spray position have a smaller impact on image quality. Therefore, the same level of precision in spray position adjustment is not required for low visual confirmability inks. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be said that a test pattern suitable for adjusting the spray position of low visual confirmability inks can be provided.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the second test pattern PB used for adjusting the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) includes multiple patterns Pb0 to Pb10. Hereinafter, without special distinction, patterns Pb0 to Pb10 will be referred to as pattern Pbx. Furthermore, pattern Pbx is also referred to as a local pattern. Figure 7In the example shown, pattern Pbx is printed on a substrate image D using low visual confirmation ink, which is an image printed on a medium S using colored ink such as black ink. The substrate image D is an image formed by uniformly spraying colored ink across a predetermined area. More specifically, the substrate image D is an image printed with a predetermined amount of ink sprayed per unit area (e.g., 50% of the maximum spray amount). When transparent ink (low visual confirmation ink) is overlapped on the substrate image D, the areas in the substrate image D with the overlapping ink appear darker compared to the areas in the substrate image D without the overlapping ink. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced with further overlap of transparent ink. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, multiple patterns Pbx that can be visually confirmed are formed on the medium S. Furthermore, the phenomenon described above is believed to be due to the bleeding of colored ink in the overlapping areas when transparent ink is superimposed on the substrate image D, resulting in a denser color due to the increased dot size of the colored ink. Moreover, although this... Figure 7 In the example shown, the second test pattern PB includes a substrate image D and multiple patterns Pbx printed on the substrate image D. However, the substrate image D can be omitted if the patterns Pbx can be visually confirmed even without the substrate image D.

[0061] Although Figure 7 In the example, the second test pattern PB includes 11 patterns Pbx, but the second test pattern PB can include any number of patterns Pbx, and the number of patterns Pbx is not limited to 11. In the second test pattern PB, the patterns Pbx are also configured in a mutually separate manner. Although in Figure 7 In the example shown, the second test pattern PB is configured with pattern Pbx in the same manner as the first test pattern PA, but the number and configuration of the local patterns do not necessarily have to be common to the first and second test patterns.

[0062] The partial pattern constituting the second test pattern, namely pattern Pbx, is also composed of the same elements as pattern Pax. Figure 6 The pattern Pbx is composed of the first color mark Q1, the second color mark Q2, and the third color mark Q3 shown. The first color mark Q1, the second color mark Q2, and the third color mark Q3 that constitute the pattern Pbx are printed using the same printing method as the first test pattern PA, except that the ink used for printing is different.

[0063] Under the control of the printing control unit 402, thus... Figure 7As shown, multiple patterns Pbx with different positions of the third color mark Q3 are printed as the second test pattern PB. Therefore, as shown in patterns Pb1 to Pb10, an overlapping region C1 and a blank region C2 are formed on the medium S. The overlapping region C1 is the area where the third color mark Q3 overlaps with either the first color mark Q1 or the second color mark Q2, resulting in a denser print. The blank region C2 is the gap between the third color mark Q3 and either the first color mark Q1 or the second color mark Q2. As shown in patterns Pb1 to Pb10, the width of the overlapping region C1 and the blank region C2 in the Y-axis direction varies for each pattern Pbx. However, since the variation in each local pattern in the second test pattern PB is larger compared to the first test pattern PA, the variation in the width of the overlapping region C1 and the blank region C2 in the Y-axis direction is also larger than in the first test pattern. Therefore, although the visual confirmability of the local pattern itself is worse than that of the first test pattern PA, the differences in the local patterns are easier to grasp.

[0064] As described above, patterns Pb0 to Pb10 are patterns printed by successively varying the setting values ​​of the adjustment items used to adjust the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount. The second test pattern PB also includes index values ​​Ib0 to Ib10, which indicate the degree to which the setting values ​​used to print each pattern Pbx deviate from a predetermined reference value. Hereinafter, index values ​​Ib0 to Ib10 will be referred to as index values ​​Ibx unless otherwise specified. In the second test pattern PB, the index value Ibx corresponding to pattern Pbx is also printed near pattern Pbx.

[0065] The index value Ibx indicates the degree of change in the set value used for printing pattern Pbx from a predetermined reference value. More specifically, the index value Ibx, like the index value Iax, indicates how many times the change in the set value from the predetermined reference value is relative to a predetermined unit quantity. Figure 7 In the example shown, the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx is the same as that used for the index value Iax. Therefore, the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx is also the amount of change in a set value that causes the liquid's spray position to change by a predetermined first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). Figure 7 As shown, with Figure 5The first test pattern PA shown differs from the second test pattern PB, which includes multiple patterns Pbx whose index values ​​Ibx differ from each other by 4. Therefore, whenever the index value Ibx increases by 4, the liquid spray position moves four times a predetermined first distance in the +Y direction. Similarly, whenever the index value Ibx decreases by 4, the liquid spray position moves four times a predetermined first distance in the -Y direction. Therefore, it can also be said that the second test pattern PB includes multiple patterns printed with the spray positions of the second ink successively offset by a second offset (specifically, four times the first distance). More specifically, it can also be said that the second test pattern includes color marks for a portion (e.g., Figure 6 The third color mark Q3) causes the spraying position of the second ink to be successively offset by a second offset amount (specifically, 4 times the first distance) to produce multiple patterns. Furthermore, although in Figure 7 In the example shown, the unit quantity used for the indicator value Ibx is the same as that used for the indicator value Iax, but as will be discussed later, the unit quantity used for the indicator value Ibx may also be different from that used for the indicator value Iax.

[0066] Although Figure 7 In the example shown, a portion of the second test pattern PB is printed in the upper segment, and other portions are printed in the lower segment, but they do not necessarily have to be printed in multiple segments. However, as... Figure 7 As shown, each local pattern is preferably configured in ascending or descending order according to its corresponding index value (set value).

[0067] When adjusting the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), for example, the user... Figure 7 The printing result of the second test pattern PB is visually confirmed, and an appropriate setting value is indicated to the printing apparatus 1. Specifically, the user determines an index value that makes printing the third color mark Q3 located in the center of the gap between the first color mark Q1 and the second color mark Q2 possible based on the printing result of the second test pattern PB. Then, the user instructs the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing with a setting value corresponding to the determined index value. Thus, the setting value used when ejecting the second ink is adjusted. More specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, the setting value for ejecting the second ink in the -Y direction printing process is adjusted. In addition, although in Figure 7In the example shown, proper printing can be achieved in pattern Pa0 where the index value is "0". However, as with the explanation for the first test pattern, this result is not always guaranteed. Furthermore, the middle partial pattern among the two partial patterns printed as the second test pattern PB may sometimes correspond to proper printing. The index value determined based on the printing result of the second test pattern PB to determine the setting value can be any value that is an integer multiple of the unit quantity described above, or it can be an index value not printed on the test pattern. For example, the index value determined based on the printing result of the second test pattern can also be "+1", "+2", "+3", "-1", "-2", "-3", etc. That is, the setting value can be adjusted in units of the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx. Here, in Figure 7 In the example shown, as described above, the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx is the change in a set value that causes the liquid's spray position to change by a predetermined first distance. Therefore, in this example, the set value for the second ink is determined using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink. Thus, in the example above, the unit for adjusting the spray positions of both the first and second inks is the first distance, and they are the same. That is, in this case, the input receiving unit 401 accepts the first input and the second input using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the spray positions of both the first and second inks. Here, the first input is an input for determining the set value for adjusting the spray position of the first ink, and it is an input received from the user after the first test pattern PA is printed. Furthermore, the second input is an input for determining the set value for adjusting the spray position of the second ink, and it is an input received from the user after the second test pattern PB is printed.

[0068] By making the adjustment unit of the spray position of the second ink (low visual recognition ink) the same as the adjustment unit of the spray position of the first ink (high visual recognition ink), the processing can be simplified compared to the case where the adjustment unit of the spray position of the second ink is changed to the adjustment unit of the spray position of the first ink. For example, the processing of the user interface for accepting inputs for determining setting values, and the processing of reflecting the setting values ​​in the printing device 1, makes it easier to make the processing common in the adjustment of the spray position of the first ink and the adjustment of the spray position of the second ink. In addition, the memory capacity required to implement these processes can also be suppressed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Furthermore, by making the adjustment unit of the spray position of the second ink the same as the adjustment unit of the spray position of the first ink, the spray position of the second ink can be finely adjusted, just like the first ink.

[0069] When the input receiving unit 401 receives a first input, the printing control unit 402 determines the setting value to be used during printing with the first ink based on the first input. Specifically, the printing control unit 402 sets the setting value corresponding to the index value specified in the first input as the setting value to be used during printing with the first ink. Then, the printing control unit 402 uses the setting value determined according to the first input to control the printing performed with the first ink. Similarly, when the input receiving unit 401 receives a second input, the printing control unit 402 determines the setting value to be used during printing with the second ink based on the second input. Specifically, the printing control unit 402 sets the setting value corresponding to the index value specified in the second input as the setting value to be used during printing with the second ink. Then, the printing control unit 402 uses the setting value determined according to the second input to control the printing performed with the second ink.

[0070] The unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) may also differ from the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink). Specifically, the unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink may be larger than the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink. In this case, the printing control unit 402 may also adjust the spray position of the second ink. Figure 5 The pattern shown was printed as the first test pattern and replaced... Figure 7 The test pattern shown will be Figure 8 The second test pattern PB shown is used as the second test pattern for printing. Figure 8 The second test pattern PB is also similar to Figure 7 Similarly, the second test pattern PB includes multiple patterns Pbx (patterns Pb0 to Pb10) printed by successively varying the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the second ink with a second variation amount. However, for Figure 8 For the second test pattern PB, the values ​​of the index values ​​Ibx (index values ​​Ib0 to Ib10) that correspond to each pattern Pbx are... Figure 7 The second test pattern PB is different.

[0071] Figure 8 The index value Ibx shown in the second test pattern PB also indicates that the change in the set value from the predetermined reference value is several times the predetermined unit amount. However, in Figure 8 In the example shown, the unit used for the indicator value Ibx is different from the unit used for the indicator value Iax. Specifically, in Figure 8In the example shown, the unit used for the index value Ibx is the amount of change in a set value that causes the liquid drop position to change by a predetermined second distance. Here, the second distance, as an example, is twice the first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). Therefore, whenever the index value Ibx increases by 2, the liquid drop position moves in the +Y direction by twice the predetermined second distance, which is four times the predetermined first distance. Similarly, whenever the index value Ibx decreases by 2, the liquid drop position moves in the -Y direction by twice the predetermined second distance, which is four times the predetermined first distance.

[0072] Here, in Figure 8 In the example shown, a predetermined second distance is used as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink to determine the setting value for the second ink. Therefore, in this example, the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink is a first distance, and the unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink is a second distance larger than the first distance. That is, in this case, the input receiving unit 401 accepts the first input for determining the setting value for the spray position adjustment item of the first ink, using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink. Furthermore, the input receiving unit 401 accepts the second input for determining the setting value for the spray position adjustment item of the second ink, using the predetermined second distance as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink. Thus, the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) is adjusted by a unit larger than the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink).

[0073] By adjusting the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmability ink) in larger units than the adjustment unit of the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmability ink), the spray position can be adjusted in units according to the change in the local pattern in the second test pattern. Therefore, the total number of candidate input values ​​that the user inputs to the printing device 1 to determine the setting value can be suppressed. That is, since the user only needs to select from a smaller number of options instead of a large number of options, user convenience is improved.

[0074] Next, the operation flow of the printing device 1 related to the adjustment of the set value will be explained. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing device 1 related to the adjustment of a set value. The following is a reference to... Figure 9 At the same time, the operation process of printing device 1 will be explained.

[0075] In step S100, the input receiving unit 401 receives the input from the user to specify the ink of the object to be adjusted at the spray position.

[0076] Next, in step S101, the printing control unit 402 determines whether the ink to be adjusted at the spray position is a predetermined ink. Here, the predetermined ink is the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) described above, and in this embodiment, specifically, a penetrant. If the ink to be adjusted at the spray position is not the predetermined ink, that is, if the ink to be adjusted at the spray position is the first ink (high visual confirmation ink), the process proceeds to step S102. Conversely, if the ink to be adjusted at the spray position is the predetermined ink, that is, if the ink to be adjusted at the spray position is the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0077] When the process moves to step S102, the printing control unit 402 prints the first test pattern PA described above onto the medium S. Conversely, when the process moves to step S103, the printing control unit 402 prints the second test pattern PB described above onto the medium S. Alternatively, in step S100, as the object of adjusting the spray position, both the first ink and the second ink may be specified. In this case, the printing control unit 402 prints the first test pattern PA and the second test pattern PB onto the medium S. When the test patterns have been printed, the process moves to step S104.

[0078] In step S104, the input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user who has confirmed the test pattern for deciding on the set value.

[0079] Next, in step S105, the printing control unit 402 determines the setting value for the ink ejection of the target object based on the input received in step S104. That is, thereafter, when printing any image using the ink, the printing control unit 402 ejects the ink according to the determined setting value.

[0080] The first embodiment has been described above. According to this embodiment, when adjusting the spray position of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), a second test pattern composed of multiple local patterns with larger variations is printed, compared to the first test pattern used in adjusting the spray position of the first ink (high visual confirmation ink). Therefore, even if the object of adjustment is the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), the spray position can be easily adjusted.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a specific example of the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) is a penetrating liquid. Since the penetrating liquid is a functional liquid that reacts with the colored ink, it is sufficient for it to be sprayed in a manner that covers an area slightly larger than the area sprayed by the colored ink; precise adjustment of the spray position is not required as with colored inks. Therefore, it can be said that when the second ink (low visual confirmation ink) is a penetrating liquid, even if the spray position of the second ink is adjusted using the aforementioned technique, it will have almost no adverse effect on image quality.

[0082] Furthermore, although a penetrating liquid is listed as a specific example of a second ink (low visual confirmability ink) in this embodiment, the second ink can also be other transparent functional liquids. Moreover, the second ink need only be an ink with low visual confirmability when sprayed onto the medium S; it does not necessarily have to be a transparent liquid. For example, the second ink can also be a colored liquid whose color difference with the predetermined color (e.g., white) of the predetermined medium S is predetermined to be less than a predetermined threshold.

[0083] Implementation Method 2 The visual confirmability of ink is affected by the color difference between the medium S and the ink. Therefore, in the embodiments described above, when the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is unclear, there is a possibility of applying the first test pattern or the second test pattern to an inappropriate ink. Therefore, in this embodiment, a technique for selecting a suitable test pattern for an ink by determining whether the ink for which the spray position is to be adjusted is a high visual confirmability ink or a low visual confirmability ink based on the color of the medium S will be described.

[0084] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the control unit 4a according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 4 is replaced by the control unit 4a. The control unit 4a also includes an information acquisition unit 403 and a visual confirmation judgment unit 404. Figure 4 The control unit 4 shown is different. The functions of the information acquisition unit 403 and the visual confirmation judgment unit 404 are also implemented, for example, by the processor 400 reading from the memory 410 and executing the program. Hereinafter, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be described, and descriptions of structures or processes that are repeated in Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0085] The information acquisition unit 403 acquires media information of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed. The media information is only required to determine the color of the medium S; it is not limited to information directly representing the color of the medium S, but can also be information indirectly representing the color of the medium S. For example, if the identification information of the medium and the color information of the medium are stored in a memory 410 or similar device in a correspondence manner, the information acquisition unit 403 can also acquire the identification information of the medium S as media information. The information acquisition unit 403 can acquire media information input by the user, i.e., media information received by the input receiving unit 401, or color information of the medium S detected by a sensor (e.g., a scanner or camera) connected to the printing apparatus 1 in a communicable manner.

[0086] The visual confirmation determination unit 404 compares the color of the target ink with the color of the medium S determined by the medium information obtained by the information acquisition unit 403, thereby determining whether the target ink, which is the ink to be adjusted as the spraying position, conforms to either a first ink (high visual confirmation ink) or a second ink (low visual confirmation ink). For example, if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S is above a predetermined threshold, the visual confirmation determination unit 404 determines that the target ink is a first ink (high visual confirmation ink). Conversely, if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S is less than the predetermined threshold, the visual confirmation determination unit 404 determines that the target ink is a second ink (low visual confirmation ink). Furthermore, the color information of each ink that can be sprayed by the printing device 1 is pre-stored in the memory 410 or the like, and the visual confirmation determination unit 404 determines the color of the target ink by referring to the pre-stored color information of the target ink. Furthermore, although color difference is defined, for example, based on the distance in a color space using the L*a*b* color system, it can also be defined based on the distance in a color space using the RGB color system.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the printing control unit 402 determines, by the visual confirmation determination unit 404, that the target ink conforms to the first ink (high visual confirmation ink), it uses the target ink to perform printing the first test pattern onto the medium S as described above. Conversely, if the printing control unit 402 determines, by the visual confirmation determination unit 404, that the target ink conforms to the second ink (low visual confirmation ink), it uses the target ink to perform printing the second test pattern onto the medium S as described above.

[0088] Next, the operation flow of the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, [the following will describe the process of operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2]. Figure 9 The differences in the flowcharts shown are explained, and repeated explanations are omitted as appropriate. Figure 11 The flowchart shown is in Figure 9 Step S101 is replaced by step S200, and this is consistent with the fact that step S201 is replaced by step S200. Figure 9 The flowcharts shown are different.

[0089] In this embodiment, in step S100, when the input receiving unit 401 receives from the user the specified input of the ink (i.e., the target ink) for adjusting the spray position, the process transfers to step S200.

[0090] In step S200, the information acquisition unit 403 acquires the medium information of the medium S. That is, the information acquisition unit 403 acquires information for determining the color of the medium S. After step S200, the process transfers to step S201.

[0091] In step S201, the visual confirmation judgment unit 404 determines whether the object ink specified in step S100 conforms to either a first ink (high visual confirmation ink) or a second ink (low visual confirmation ink) based on the color of the object ink and the color of the medium S determined in step S200. If the object ink has a small color difference with the medium S, that is, if the color difference between the object ink and the medium S determined in step S200 is less than a threshold, the object ink is determined to be a second ink (low visual confirmation ink). In this case, the process proceeds to step S103. Conversely, if the object ink has a large color difference with the medium S, that is, if the color difference between the object ink and the medium S is greater than or equal to a threshold, the object ink is determined to be a first ink (high visual confirmation ink). In this case, the process proceeds to step S102. Since the processing after proceeding to step S102 or step S103 is different from... Figure 9 The flowcharts shown are identical, therefore explanations are omitted.

[0092] The above describes Embodiment 2. According to this embodiment, the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is used to determine whether the target ink is a high visual confirmability ink or a low visual confirmability ink. Therefore, even if the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is not known beforehand, it is possible to appropriately distinguish between the use of the first test pattern and the second test pattern. Therefore, even for inks whose visual confirmability clearly depends on the color of the medium S, such as opaque inks, the second test pattern can be appropriately applied.

[0093] While embodiments 1 and 2 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the user confirms the printing result of the first test pattern or the second test pattern by visual inspection, and inputs are used to determine appropriate setting values. However, appropriate setting values ​​can also be determined by performing image analysis processing performed by a computer on the image obtained by reading the medium with the test pattern printed using a scanner or the like. Therefore, in this disclosure, visual confirmability refers not only to whether it is easy to visually confirm with the human eye, but also to whether it is easy to detect with a sensor.

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the printing control unit 402 distinguishes between two test patterns (a first test pattern and a second test pattern) for the test pattern used to adjust the ink ejection position in the moving direction (Y-axis direction) of the head unit U. However, the printing control unit 402 may also distinguish between two test patterns used to adjust the ink ejection position in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the medium S. For example, the printing control unit 402 may also use... Figure 12 The test pattern PC shown is printed as a test pattern for adjusting the ink drop position in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the medium S.

[0095] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a test pattern used to adjust the ink drop position in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of medium S. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, the test mode PC includes multiple patterns Pc0 to Pc4. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, patterns Pc0 to Pc4 will be referred to as mode Pcx. Although in Figure 12 In the example, the test pattern PC includes 5 pattern Pcx, but it is acceptable to include multiple pattern Pcx, and the number of multiple pattern Pcx is not limited to 5.

[0096] The pattern Pcx is composed of a first color mark R1 and a second color mark R2. Here, the first color mark R1 is the color mark printed during the first movement of the head unit U, and the second color mark R2 is the color mark printed during the second movement of the head unit U. Here, the second movement is performed after the delivery of the medium S, which is carried out after the first movement. Alternatively, the first color mark R1 can be the color mark printed through one of the two adjacent head chips Hc included in the liquid ejection head H, and the second color mark R2 can be the color mark printed through the other one. The printing control unit 402 prints multiple patterns Pcx whose positions of the second color mark R2 are offset by changing the number of nozzles used when printing the second color mark R2. More specifically, the printing control unit 402 prints various patterns Pcx by changing which nozzle is not used from the end of the nozzle column in the X-axis direction for each pattern Pcx. Thus, patterns Pcx with overlapping areas C1 or blank areas C2 of varying widths are printed. The printing control unit 402 changes the offset of the second color mark R2 position for each pattern Pcx based on whether the ink drop position adjustment target is a first ink (high visual confirmation ink) or a second ink (low visual confirmation ink), thereby printing the test pattern. Specifically, when the ink drop position adjustment target is a first ink (high visual confirmation ink), the printing control unit 402 prints multiple patterns by successively offsetting the ink drop position of the first ink for the second color mark R2 by a first offset. Furthermore, when the ink drop position adjustment target is a second ink (low visual confirmation ink), the printing control unit 402 prints multiple patterns by successively offsetting the ink drop position of the second ink for the second block R2 by a second offset that is larger than the first offset. Furthermore, although in the example described above, the setting value for the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position in the X-axis direction is the number of nozzles that are not used during printing, the conveying volume of the medium S can also be used as the setting value for the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position in the X-axis direction. In this case, multiple patterns Pcx can also be printed in a manner arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0097] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the program includes a set of commands (or software code) for causing a computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments when read by the computer. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable medium or physical storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium. As a non-limiting example, the temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals.

[0098] Some or all of the above-described embodiments and variations may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following methods.

[0099] Postscript 1 A printing apparatus includes: a printhead unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink, which has lower visual confirmability compared to the first ink, onto the medium; and a printing control unit for controlling printing using the printhead unit, the printing control unit controlling at least one of printing a first test pattern and printing a second test pattern, wherein the printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles on the medium, the first test pattern comprising a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a set value of an adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the first ink by a first variation amount, and the second test pattern comprising a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a set value of the adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount, the second variation amount being greater than the first variation amount.

[0100] Appendix 2 As described in Appendix 1, in the printing apparatus, the second ink is a permeating liquid that promotes the penetration of the first ink into the medium.

[0101] Appendix 3 As described in Appendix 1 or 2, the printing apparatus wherein the second ink is a transparent ink.

[0102] Appendix 4 The printing apparatus described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3 includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires medium information as information for determining the color of the medium; a visual confirmation determination unit that determines whether the target ink conforms to the first ink or the second ink by comparing the color of the target ink, which is the ink to be adjusted as the spray position, with the color of the medium determined according to the medium information; the printing control unit performs printing of the first test pattern onto the medium when it is determined that the target ink conforms to the first ink, and performs printing of the second test pattern onto the medium when it is determined that the target ink conforms to the second ink.

[0103] Appendix 5 The printing apparatus described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4 includes an input receiving unit that receives a first input and a second input, wherein a predetermined distance is used as a unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink and the second ink, wherein the first input is an input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item regarding the first ink, and the second input is an input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item regarding the second ink, wherein the printing control unit controls the printing performed by the first ink using the setting value determined according to the first input, and controls the printing performed by the second ink using the setting value determined according to the second input.

[0104] Appendix 6 The printing apparatus described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4 includes an input receiving unit that receives a first input by using a predetermined distance as a unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink, and receives a second input by using a predetermined second distance as a unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink. The first input is an input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item regarding the first ink, and the second input is an input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item regarding the second ink. The printing control unit controls the printing performed by the first ink using the setting value determined according to the first input, and controls the printing performed by the second ink using the setting value determined according to the second input. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0105] Appendix 7 A printing method comprising a printing apparatus for printing a test pattern, wherein the printing apparatus has a printhead unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink, which has lower visual confirmability compared to the first ink, onto the medium; the printing apparatus performs printing of at least one of printing a first test pattern and printing a second test pattern; wherein the printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles on the medium; in the printing method, the first test pattern comprises a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a set value of an adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the first ink by a first variation amount; the second test pattern comprises a plurality of patterns printed by successively varying a set value of the adjustment item for adjusting the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount, wherein the second variation amount is greater than the first variation amount.

[0106] Symbol Explanation 1…Printing apparatus; 3…Liquid storage unit; 4…Control unit; 4a…Control unit; 5…Conveying mechanism; 5a…Conveying roller; 6…Moving mechanism; 7…Carriage; 8…Conveyor belt; 400…Processor; 401…Input receiving unit; 402…Printing control unit; 403…Information acquisition unit; 404…Visual confirmation judgment unit; 410…Memory; C1…Overlapping area; C2…Blank area; D…Substrate image; H…Liquid ejector head; Hc…Head chip; Iax…Indicator value; Ibx…Indicator value; La…Nozzle array; Lb…Nozzle array; PA…First test pattern; Pax…Pattern; PB…Second test pattern; Pbx…Pattern; PC…Test pattern; Pcx…Pattern; Q1…First color mark; Q2…Second color mark; Q3…Third color mark; R1…First color mark; R2…Second color mark; S…Media; U…Head unit.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: A printhead unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink onto the medium that is less visually verifiable than the first ink; The printing control unit controls the printing process using the printhead unit. The printing control unit controls at least one of the printing of the first test pattern and the printing of the second test pattern, wherein... The printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle on the medium. The first test pattern includes multiple patterns printed by successively varying the setting value of an adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the first ink by a first variation amount. The second test pattern includes multiple patterns printed by successively varying the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount. The second change is greater than the first change.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second ink is a permeating liquid that promotes the penetration of the first ink into the medium.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second ink is a transparent ink.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, have: The information acquisition unit acquires medium information, which serves as information for determining the color of the medium; The visual confirmation judgment unit determines whether the target ink matches either the first ink or the second ink by comparing the color of the target ink (which is the ink to be adjusted at the spray position) with the color of the medium determined based on the medium information. If the printing control unit determines that the target ink conforms to the first ink, it performs printing of the first test pattern onto the medium; and if the printing control unit determines that the target ink conforms to the second ink, it performs printing of the second test pattern onto the medium.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes an input receiving unit that receives a first input and a second input, using a predetermined distance as the unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink and the second ink. The first input is for determining a setting value for the adjustment item related to the first ink, and the second input is for determining a setting value for the adjustment item related to the second ink. The printing control unit uses a setting value determined according to the first input to control the printing performed by the first ink, and uses a setting value determined according to the second input to control the printing performed by the second ink.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes an input receiving unit that receives a first input by using a predetermined distance as a unit for adjusting the spray position of the first ink, and receives a second input by using a predetermined second distance as a unit for adjusting the spray position of the second ink. The first input is for determining a setting value for the adjustment item related to the first ink, and the second input is for determining a setting value for the adjustment item related to the second ink. The printing control unit uses a setting value determined according to the first input to control the printing performed by the first ink, and uses a setting value determined according to the second input to control the printing performed by the second ink. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

7. A printing method comprising printing a test pattern using a printing apparatus, wherein, The printing apparatus has a printhead unit, which has a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink onto the medium that has lower visual confirmability compared to the first ink. The printing apparatus performs printing of at least one of a first test pattern and a second test pattern, wherein the printing of the first test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle on the medium, and the printing of the second test pattern is for adjusting the spray position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle on the medium. In the printing method, The first test pattern includes multiple patterns printed by successively varying the setting value of an adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the first ink by a first variation amount. The second test pattern includes multiple patterns printed by successively varying the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the spray position of the second ink by a second variation amount. The second change is greater than the first change.

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