Inkjet recording apparatus
By introducing height measurement and image data correction functions into the inkjet recording device, the problem of matching the color and pattern of the media printing area was solved, and high-precision three-dimensional pattern printing was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONICA MINOLTA INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing inkjet recording devices struggle to accurately print matching images when forming a three-dimensional pattern in the same color as the original material of the medium in the printing area of the medium.
The inkjet recording device is equipped with a transport unit, a printing unit, a height measurement unit, and an image data correction unit. It generates height data by measuring the height of the printing area and adjusts the image data to match the position of the height data, thereby achieving accurate image printing.
Even if the printing area of the medium is the same color as the raw material, it can accurately print images that match the 3D pattern, improving printing accuracy and efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN122143486A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to inkjet recording apparatus. Background Technology
[0002] In jacquard or lace-woven fabrics, three-dimensional patterns can be created by designing the weaving method. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a growing demand in inkjet recording devices such as inkjet textile printers for printing images that match the three-dimensional patterns formed on the printed area of the fabric.
[0003] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, with the fabric (referred to as cloth in Patent Document 1) supported on the conveying surface of the conveying unit, a camera captures images of the printing area of the fabric to generate image data (referred to as captured image data in Patent Document 1). Next, the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus extracts a pattern area corresponding to a three-dimensional pattern from the captured data. Then, the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus corrects the image data so that the position of the image data (referred to as colored image data in Patent Document 1) used to form an image in the printing area matches the position (shape) of the extracted pattern area.
[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-84359
[0005] However, since the 3D pattern formed in the printed area of the fabric is the same color as the raw material of the fabric, it is not easy to identify the shape (position) of the 3D pattern from the image data generated by the camera. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to print an image that matches the 3D pattern of the same color as the raw material of the fabric. Moreover, this problem not only occurs when the 3D pattern is formed in the printed area of the fabric, but also when the 3D pattern of the same color as the raw material of the medium is formed in the printed area of the medium other than fabric, such as resin sheet. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device that can easily print an image matching the three-dimensional pattern in the printing area even if the three-dimensional pattern formed on the printing area of the medium is the same color as the raw material of the medium.
[0007] One aspect of the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention is that the inkjet recording apparatus comprises:
[0008] The conveying unit conveys the medium with the three-dimensional pattern formed in the printing area along the conveying direction;
[0009] A printing unit is disposed above the conveying surface of the aforementioned conveying unit, and prints an image in the aforementioned printing area;
[0010] The height measuring unit measures the height of the printed area relative to the conveying surface.
[0011] The height data generation unit generates height data representing the height of the printed area using two-dimensional coordinates, based on the measurement results from the height measurement unit.
[0012] The image data correction unit zooms in and out of the image data so that the position of the image data used to form the two-dimensional coordinates of the image in the printed area matches the position of the height data.
[0013] According to the present invention, even if the three-dimensional pattern formed in the printing area of the medium is the same color as the raw material of the medium, an image matching the three-dimensional pattern can be easily printed in the printing area. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view showing the state of a piece of cloth, as an example of a medium, being supported on the conveying surface of a conveying unit.
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view showing the area around the carriage, including the printing unit and the height sensor.
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing the height of the printed area of the fabric relative to the conveying surface of the conveying section, as measured by a height sensor.
[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view showing the carriage perimeter, including the printing section and multiple height sensors, in other ways.
[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation where other height sensors measure the height of the printed area of the fabric relative to the conveying surface of the conveyor section.
[0020] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.
[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram representing image data in two-dimensional coordinates.
[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram representing feature point data in two-dimensional coordinates.
[0023] Figure 10 It is a schematic top view representing the measurement trajectory of the height sensor.
[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic top view representing other measurement trajectories of the height sensor.
[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic top view showing other aspects of the carriage surrounding the printing unit and height sensor.
[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram representing the height data of two-dimensional coordinates.
[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overlay display of two-dimensional coordinate image data and two-dimensional coordinate height data on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen.
[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation where the positions of feature points in the feature point data are matched with the positions of feature points in the height data.
[0029] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus of Modification 1 of this embodiment.
[0030] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus of Modification 2 of this embodiment.
[0031] Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus of Modification 3 of this embodiment.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals: 10…Inkjet recording device; 12…Conveyor section; 14…Conveyor roller; 16…Conveyor roller; 18…Conveyor motor; 20…Conveyor belt; 20s…Conveying surface; 22…Encoder; 24…Gantry frame; 24b…Support section; 26…Linear guide; 28…Carriage; 30…Sliding component; 32…Moving motor; 34…Encoder; 36…Printing section; 38…Head unit; 38Y…Head unit; 38M…Head unit; 38C…Head unit; 38K…Head unit; 40…Inkjet head; 40n…Nozzle; 42…Height sensor; 44…Height sensor; 46…GUI screen; 48…Display section; 50…Control section; 5 2…CPU; 54…ROM; 56…RAM; 58…Storage unit; 60…Communication unit; 10A…Inkjet recording device; 62…Second gantry frame; 62b…Support unit; 64…Linear guide; 66…Second carriage; 68…Second moving motor; 70…Encoder; 10B…Inkjet recording device; 10C…Inkjet recording device; 72…Printing unit; 74…Head unit; 74M…Head unit; 74Y…Head unit; 74C…Head unit; 74K…Head unit; ID…Image data; FD…Feature point data; HD…Height data; LB…Laser (light); W…Fabric (media); Wa…Printing area; Wp…3D pattern. Detailed Implementation
[0033] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and claims of this application, the conveying direction is the direction in which the medium, such as cloth, is conveyed; in this embodiment, it is the forward direction. In the specification and claims of this application, the downstream side refers to the downstream side of the conveying direction, and the upstream side refers to the upstream side of the conveying direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the X direction is the main scanning direction, which is a left-right direction. The Y direction is the secondary scanning direction, which is a front-back direction. One side of the Y direction is the conveying direction (forward direction).
[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic top view showing the state in which fabric W, as an example of a medium, is supported on the conveying surface 20s of the conveying section 12. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view showing one aspect of the carriage 28, including the printing unit 36 and the height sensor 42. Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W relative to the conveying surface 20s of the conveying section 12 measured by the height sensor 42. Figure 5 This is a schematic top view showing the surrounding area of the carriage 28, including the printing unit 36 and multiple height sensors 42, in other ways. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the situation where other height sensors 44 measure the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W relative to the conveying surface 20s of the conveying section 12.
[0035] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a printing apparatus that prints an image (color image) by spraying four colors of ink onto a fabric W, which serves as an example of a medium, while the fabric W is being conveyed in a conveying direction. The fabric W has multiple printing areas Wa for printing the same image, and these multiple printing areas Wa are continuously arranged in the X direction (width direction of the fabric W) and the Y direction (length direction of the fabric W). The fabric W is, for example, a jacquard woven fabric, and a three-dimensional pattern Wp is formed in each printing area Wa of the fabric W through jacquard weaving. The fabric W is fed from a feed roller (not shown) to the inkjet recording apparatus 10. The fabric W with the printed image is fed from the inkjet recording apparatus 10 and wound onto a winding roller (not shown).
[0036] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fabric W has multiple printing areas Wa, but it is sufficient to have at least one printing area Wa. Regarding the medium to be printed, it is not limited to fabric W, as long as a three-dimensional pattern Wp is formed in the printing area Wa; it can also be a medium other than fabric W, such as a resin sheet.
[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a transport section 12 that transports the fabric W fed from the feed roller along the transport direction. The transport section 12 has a pair of rotatable transport rollers 14 and 16, which are separated in the Y direction. One transport roller 14 is a drive roller, and the rotation axis (not shown) of the other transport roller 14 is connected to a transport motor 18. The other transport roller 16 is a driven roller that rotates in response to the rotation of the other transport roller 14.
[0038] The conveying section 12 has an annular conveyor belt 20 supporting the fabric W, which is wound around a pair of conveyor rollers 14 and 16. The conveyor belt 20 extends in the Y direction, and the portion located on the upper side of the conveyor belt 20 forms the conveying surface 20s of the conveying section 12. By driving the pair of conveyor rollers 14 and 16 to rotate using the conveyor motor 18, the fabric W can be conveyed along the conveying direction by the conveyor belt 20.
[0039] The conveyor motor 18 has an encoder 22 that detects its rotation count, which corresponds to the conveying distance of the fabric W conveyed by the conveyor unit 12. In other words, the inkjet recording device 10 has an encoder 22 that serves as a distance detection unit for detecting the conveying distance of the fabric W conveyed by the conveyor unit 12.
[0040] The inkjet recording device 10 includes a portal frame 24 configured to span the transport section 12. The portal frame 24 has a support portion 24b extending in the X direction, which is located above the transport surface 20s of the transport section 12. A pair of linear guides 26 extending in the X direction are provided on the support portion 24b of the portal frame 24, and the pair of linear guides 26 are separated in the vertical direction.
[0041] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 28 is configured to move in the X direction (main scanning direction) via a pair of linear guides 26. In other words, the carriage 28 is configured to move in the X direction via a pair of linear guides 26 on the support portion 24b of the portal frame 24. Furthermore, the carriage 28 is configured to move in the X direction via the support portion 24b of the portal frame 24 above the transport surface 20s of the transport section 12. The carriage 28 moves in the X direction by being driven by a linear motor or similar moving motor 32. An encoder 34 is provided at a suitable position on the carriage 28 to detect its position in the X direction. The transport distance of the fabric W detected by the encoder 22 (which is a distance detection unit) corresponds to the position (movement amount) of the carriage 28 relative to the fabric W in the Y direction.
[0042] A printing unit 36 is provided on the carriage 28 for printing images on the printing area Wa of the fabric W. In other words, the printing unit 36 is configured to move along the X direction (main scanning direction) above the transport surface 20s of the transport unit 12, and the printing unit 36 moves integrally with the carriage 28 in the X direction. Furthermore, the printing unit 36 has multiple head units 38 (38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K) for ejecting ink onto the printing area Wa of the fabric W to form an image. The multiple head units 38 (38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K) are units corresponding to the four colors of ink: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The multiple head units 38 (38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K) are arranged at intervals in the X direction.
[0043] Each head unit 38 has multiple inkjet heads 40 for ejecting ink from the fabric W, and the multiple inkjet heads 40 are disposed on the carriage 28. The multiple inkjet heads 40 in each head unit 38 are arranged in a staggered manner along the Y direction. Multiple nozzles 40n for ejecting ink are formed at the front end of each inkjet head 40.
[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a height sensor 42, serving as a height measuring unit, is provided on the side of the carriage 28. This height measuring unit measures the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W relative to the conveying surface 20s of the conveying unit 12. In other words, the height sensor 42 is positioned above (upper side) the conveying surface 20s of the conveying unit 12 and is configured to move in the X-direction via the carriage 28 and the support portion 24b of the portal frame 24. The height sensor 42 moves integrally in the X-direction with the carriage 28 and the printing unit 36.
[0045] A height sensor 42 is configured parallel to the Y-direction and emits a strip-shaped laser (an example of light) LB parallel to the Y-direction. The height of the printed area Wa of the fabric W is measured by time-of-flight. The measurement range of the height sensor 42 is linear. The width of the laser LB emitted from the height sensor 42 is, for example, 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The resolution of the height sensor 42 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Furthermore, the method of measuring the height of the printed area Wa of the fabric W using the height sensor 42 is not limited to time-of-flight.
[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple height sensors 42 can be used, arranged in a staggered pattern along the Y direction on the carriage 28. Alternatively, instead of placing the height sensors 42 directly on the carriage 28, a different method can be used... Figure 6As shown, a height sensor 44, a region measurement type, is set up to measure the height of the printed area Wa of the fabric W. The height sensor 44 emits a rectangular laser (an example of light) LB, measuring the height of the printed area Wa of the fabric W via time-of-flight. The measurement range of the height sensor 44 is rectangular. Alternatively, the height sensor 42 or height sensor 44 may be referred to as height sensor 42, etc.
[0047] Here, as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the linear motor or other moving motor 32 described above corresponds to a moving part that moves the height sensor 42 (printing unit 36) in the X direction. The encoder 34 corresponds to a position detection part that detects the position of the height sensor 42 (printing unit 36) in the X direction. The conveying distance of the fabric W detected by the encoder 22, which is a distance detection part, corresponds to the position (movement amount) of the height sensor 42 (printing unit 36) relative to the fabric W in the Y direction.
[0048] Near the portal frame 24, there is a graphical user interface (GUI) display screen 46 (see reference). Figure 14 The display unit 48 (see reference) Figure 7 The display unit 48 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel. The display unit 48 has various operation keys such as numeric keys and a start key, and displays various operation screens, image status, and the operation status of various functions.
[0049] Reference Figures 7 to 15 The control structure of the inkjet recording device 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is a control block diagram of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram representing the image data ID of two-dimensional coordinates. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram representing feature point data FD in two-dimensional coordinates. Figure 10 This is a schematic top view showing the measurement trajectory of the height sensor 42. Figure 11 This is a schematic top view representing other measurement trajectories of the height sensor 42. Figure 12 This is a schematic top view showing the surrounding area of the carriage 28, including the printing unit 36 and the height sensor 42.
[0050] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram representing the height data (HD) of two-dimensional coordinates. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation where image data ID and height data HD of two-dimensional coordinates are overlaid on the GUI screen 46. Figure 15This is a schematic diagram illustrating the situation where the positions of feature points in feature point data FD are matched with the positions of feature points in height data HD.
[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, the inkjet recording device 10 includes a control unit 50 that controls the transport unit 12 (transport motor 18), the motion motor 32, the printing unit 36, and the display unit 48. Encoders 22 and 34, and a height sensor 42 are connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 56. A storage unit 58 and a communication unit 60 are connected to the control unit 50.
[0052] The CPU 52 provides unified control over the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 10. The CPU 52 reads various control programs and setting data stored in the ROM 54 and stores them in the RAM 56, then executes the programs to perform various calculations. Additionally, the RAM 56 provides operating memory space to the CPU 52 and stores temporary data. The RAM 56 may also include non-volatile memory.
[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, when performing various calculations, the CPU 52 refers to various data stored in the storage unit 58. The storage unit 58 is, for example, composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 58 stores image data ID (referencing) for printing an image (color image) in the printing area Wa of the fabric W. Figure 8 ), and feature point data FD (refer to the two-dimensional coordinates of feature points of the 3D pattern Wp representing the printed area Wa of the fabric W). Figure 9 )wait.
[0054] CPU 52 communicates with external devices (such as personal computers) connected to communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) via communication unit 60, transmitting and receiving various types of data. For example, CPU 52 receives print jobs from external devices via communication unit 60. Communication unit 60 may be composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card.
[0055] like Figure 7As shown, the control unit 50 monitors the detection results of encoder 22, encoder 34, and the measurement results of height sensor 42, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 50 executes various control programs, and functions as a motion control unit, height data generation unit, and image data correction unit as described in the claims, as follows. The structure of each function of the control unit 50 is as follows.
[0056] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the control unit 50, which is the motion control unit, controls the operation of the motion motor 32 and the height sensor 42, etc., so that the height sensor 42, etc., continuously measures the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W while moving along the X direction. The control unit 50 monitors the detection results of the encoder 34, etc., and controls the operation of the motion motor 32 and the height sensor 42, etc. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the motion motor 32, the height sensor 42, etc., and the conveyor motor 18, so that the measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W and the conveying of the fabric W over a predetermined distance are alternately and repeatedly performed. The predetermined distance refers to the distance corresponding to the measurement width in the Y direction of the height sensor 42, etc., which is the same as the measurement width in the Y direction of the height sensor 42, etc., or a distance slightly shorter than the measurement width in the Y direction of the height sensor 42, etc.
[0057] That is, the control unit 50, which is the motion control unit, controls the operation of the motion motor 32, the height sensor 42, and the conveyor motor 18, so that the height sensor 42 and the others measure the height of the entire printing area Wa of the fabric W. Furthermore, the control unit 50 can also control the operation of the motion motor 32 and the height sensor 42, so that the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W is measured only when the height sensor 42 moves to one side in the X direction.
[0058] like Figure 7 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the control unit 50, which is the motion control unit, can also control the movement of the motion motor 32 and the height sensor 42, so that the height sensor 42 intermittently measures the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W while moving along the X direction. In this case, the height sensor 42 is arranged in a direction inclined to the Y direction and emits a strip-shaped laser (an example of light) LB in a direction inclined to the Y direction. The measurement interval (measurement cycle) of the height sensor 42 is set so that the position of one end of the previous measurement trajectory in the height sensor 42 overlaps with the position of the other end of the subsequent measurement trajectory in the X direction.
[0059] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 13As shown, the control unit 50, which is the height data generation unit, generates two-dimensional coordinate height data HD based on the measurement results of the height sensor 42, etc., and the detection results of the encoders 22 and 34 in measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W. The two-dimensional coordinate height data HD represents the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W relative to the conveying surface 20s of the conveying unit 12. The height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W is represented, for example, by brightness.
[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 50, which is the image data correction unit, will set the image data ID (refer to...) Figure 13 ) scaling up and down in the X and / or Y directions to make the image data ID (refer to Figure 8 The positions of feature points such as the edges of the image data ID are matched with the positions of feature points such as the edges of the height data HD. Specifically, the control unit 50 zooms in and out of the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions using the following two control methods.
[0061] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 14 As shown, in the first control method, the control unit 50 displays a GUI screen 46 on the display unit 48, and overlays two-dimensional coordinate image data and two-dimensional coordinate height data HD on the GUI screen 46. Then, the control unit 50 operates the image data ID on the GUI screen 46 by the user using a mouse (not shown) or the like, so that the position of the feature point of the image data ID matches the position of the feature point of the height data HD, thereby zooming in and out of the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions.
[0062] like Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, in the second control method, the control unit 50 magnifies and reduces the feature point data FD stored in the storage unit 58 in the X and / or Y directions, so that the positions of the feature points in the feature point data FD match the positions of the feature points in the height data HD. The control unit 50 also magnifies and reduces the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions at the same magnification / reduction rate as the feature point data FD. In other words, the control unit 50 magnifies and reduces the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions so that the positions of the feature points in the image data ID match the positions of the feature points in the height data HD via the feature point data FD.
[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fabric W supported on the conveying surface 20s of the conveying section 12 is assumed to have constant expansion and contraction, and there is no internal strain in the fabric W, or it is negligible. Therefore, by simply magnifying and reducing the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions, it is possible to match the positions of the feature points of the image data ID with the positions of the feature points of the height data HD.
[0064] The control unit 50, acting as the motion control unit, controls the operation of the printing unit 36 based on the magnified and reduced image data ID, so that an image matching the 3D pattern Wp is printed in the printing area Wa of the fabric W. During the printing process on the printing area Wa of the fabric W, the control unit 50 monitors the detection results of the encoder 34 and controls the operation of the transport motor 18 and the movement motor 32. While monitoring the detection results of the encoder 34, the control unit 50 repeatedly controls the operation of the printing unit 36, the transport motor 18, and the movement motor 32, so that images matching the 3D pattern Wp are printed in multiple printing areas Wa of the fabric W.
[0065] With the above structure, the control unit 50, acting as the motion control unit, controls the operation of the conveyor motor 18, etc., so that the front end of the fabric W is positioned directly below or near the height sensor 42. Next, the control unit 50, acting as the motion control unit, controls the operation of the movement motor 32, the height sensor 42, etc., and the conveyor motor 18, thereby alternately and repeatedly measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W and conveying the fabric W over a predetermined distance. Then, the control unit 50, acting as the height data generation unit, generates height data HD based on the measurement results from the height sensor 42, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 50, acting as the image data correction unit, magnifies and reduces the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions so that the positions of the feature points of the image data ID match the positions of the feature points of the height data HD.
[0066] Subsequently, the control unit 50, acting as the motion control unit, controls the operation of the conveyor motor 18, etc., to temporarily reverse the flow of the fabric W (conveying it in the opposite direction of the conveying direction), so that the front end of the fabric W is located directly below or near the printing unit 36. Then, the control unit 50, acting as the motion control unit, controls the operation of the printing unit 36 based on the magnified and reduced image data ID, thereby printing an image matching the 3D pattern Wp in the printing area Wa of the fabric W. Furthermore, while monitoring the detection results of the encoder 34, the control unit, acting as the motion control unit, repeatedly controls the operation of the printing unit 36, the conveyor motor 18, and the movement motor 32, thereby printing images in multiple printing areas Wa of the fabric W.
[0067] However, since the image data ID is scaled up and down in pixels, zeros less than one pixel are generated as errors when scaling up or down the image data ID. Furthermore, the conveying distance of the fabric W is sometimes over 100m, and when printing images on multiple printing areas Wa arranged along the Y direction, the cumulative error accompanying the scaling up and down of the image data ID cannot be ignored. Therefore, the control unit 50 preferably has the following structure.
[0068] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 7As shown, the control unit 50, which is the motion control unit, controls the movement of the motion motor 32, the height sensor 42, and the conveyor motor 18, so that the height sensor 42 and the others measure the height of the entire area of the designated other printing area Wa. Based on the measurement results of the height sensor 42 and the others, and the detection results of the encoders 22 and 34 in the measurement of the height of the designated other printing area Wa of the fabric W, the control unit 50 generates other height data in two-dimensional coordinates (not shown). The designated other printing area Wa refers to other printing areas Wa located downstream of the printed area Wa that has been printed.
[0069] The control unit 50, acting as the image data correction unit, calculates the difference in the Y direction (transport direction) between other height data and the scaled-down image data ID. If the difference in the Y direction between other height data is greater than half a pixel, the control unit 50 scales the final 1-pixel row data in the Y direction of the scaled-down image data ID to a 2-pixel row data. If the difference in the Y direction between other height data is greater than half a pixel on the negative side, the control unit 50 deletes the final 1-pixel row data in the Y direction of the scaled-down image data ID. In other words, the control unit 50, acting as the image data correction unit, adjusts the scaled-down image data ID so that the difference in the Y direction between other height data is within an acceptable range of half a pixel.
[0070] According to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the height sensor 42 and the like measure the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W relative to the transport surface 20s of the transport unit 12. The control unit 50 generates two-dimensional coordinate height data HD based on the measurement results from the height sensor 42 and the like. The control unit 50 magnifies and reduces the image data ID in the X and / or Y directions so that the positions of the feature points of the image data ID match the positions of the feature points of the height data HD. Therefore, the control unit 50 can correct the image data ID not only based on the shooting data generated by the camera, but also based on the two-dimensional coordinate height data HD, so that an image matching the three-dimensional pattern Wp can be printed.
[0071] Therefore, according to the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, even if the three-dimensional pattern Wp formed on the printing area Wa of the fabric W is the same color as the raw material of the fabric W, the shape (position) of the three-dimensional pattern Wp can be easily identified based on the height data HD. As a result, an image (color image) matching the three-dimensional pattern Wp can be easily printed on the printing area Wa of the fabric W.
[0072] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the moving motor 32 and the height sensor 42, etc., so that the height sensor 42, etc., moves along the X direction while measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the moving motor 32, the height sensor 42, etc., and the transport motor 18, so that the measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W and the transport of the fabric W over a predetermined distance are alternately and repeatedly performed. Based on the measurement results of the height sensor 42, etc., the control unit 50 generates two-dimensional coordinate height data HD. Therefore, by continuously measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W while the height sensor 42, etc., moves along the X direction, it is possible to generate two-dimensional coordinate height data HD with high accuracy.
[0073] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can print an image matching the three-dimensional pattern Wp with high precision in the printing area Wp of the fabric W.
[0074] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 in this embodiment, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the moving motor 32 and the height sensor 42, so that the height sensor 42 intermittently measures the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W while moving along the X direction. Therefore, the measurement time of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W can be shortened.
[0075] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the speed of a series of processes from the initial measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W to the final zoom-in / zoom-out process of the image data ID.
[0076] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 in this embodiment, the control unit 50 zooms in and out of the image data ID by having the user operate on the GUI screen 46 to match the position of the image data ID with the position of the height data HD. Therefore, the zooming in and out processing of the image data ID by the control unit 50 can be simplified.
[0077] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the speed of a series of processes from the initial measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W to the final zoom-in / zoom-out process of the image data ID.
[0078] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 50 zooms in and out of the image data ID so that the positions of the feature points of the image data ID are matched with the positions of the feature points of the height data HD via the feature point data FD. Therefore, the zooming in and out processing of the image data ID by the control unit 50 can be made more efficient.
[0079] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the speed of a series of processes from the initial measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W to the final zoom-in / zoom-out process of the image data ID.
[0080] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of height sensors 42 are arranged on the carriage 28 along the Y direction. Therefore, the distance corresponding to the measurement width of the height sensors 42 in the Y direction can be increased accordingly with the number of height sensors 42, thereby shortening the measurement time of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W.
[0081] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the speed of a series of processes from the initial measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W to the final zoom-in / zoom-out process of the image data ID.
[0082] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a height sensor 44 with a rectangular measuring range can be used instead of a height sensor 42. Therefore, in this case, the measuring range of the height sensor 44 can be sufficiently ensured, and the measurement time for the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W can be shortened.
[0083] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can improve the speed of a series of processes from the initial measurement of the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W to the final zoom-in / zoom-out process of the image data ID.
[0084] Furthermore, according to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 in this embodiment, the control unit 50 generates additional height data based on the measurement results of the height sensor 42, etc., and the detection results of the encoders 22 and 34 in measuring the height of other printing areas Wa of the fabric W. The control unit 50 adjusts the enlarged / reduced image data ID so that the difference in the Y direction of the additional height data is within an allowable range. Therefore, when printing images of multiple printing areas Wa arranged along the Y direction, it is possible to avoid errors accompanying the enlargement / reduction of the image data ID exceeding the allowable range.
[0085] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can suppress deviations in image quality even when printing images on multiple printing areas Wa arranged along the Y direction.
[0086] Reference Figure 16 The structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A of Modified Example 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A of Modified Example 1 of this embodiment.
[0087] like Figure 16 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 10A of Modified Example 1 of this embodiment has the same characteristics as the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment (refer to...). Figure 1 The structure is the same. The differences between the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A in Modified Example 1 of this embodiment and the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in this embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.
[0088] The inkjet recording apparatus 10A includes a second portal frame 62 configured to span the transport section 12, and the second portal frame 62 is positioned upstream of the printing section 36 (portal frame 24). The second portal frame 62 has a support portion 62b extending in the X direction, and the support portion 62b is located above the transport surface 20s of the transport section 12. A linear guide 64 extending in the X direction is provided on the support portion 62b of the second portal frame 62.
[0089] The second carriage 66 is supported on the linear guide 64 via multiple sliding members (not shown) in a manner that allows it to move in the X direction (main scanning direction). In other words, the second carriage 66 is configured to move in the X direction via the linear guide 64, etc., on the support portion 62b of the second portal frame 62. Furthermore, on the upstream side of the printing section 36 above (upper side) the transport surface 20s of the transport section 12, the second carriage 66 is configured to move in the X direction via the support portion 62b, etc., of the second portal frame 62. Additionally, the second carriage 66 moves in the X direction by being driven by a second motion motor 68, such as a linear motor. An encoder 70 is provided at an appropriate position on the second carriage 66 to detect its position in the X direction.
[0090] In the inkjet recording apparatus 10A, the height sensor 42 is not located on the side of the carriage 28, but rather at a suitable position on the second carriage 66. In other words, on the upstream side of the printing section 36 above (upper side) the transport surface 20s of the transport section 12, the height sensor 42 is configured to move in the X direction via the second carriage 66 and the support portion 62b of the second portal frame 62. The height sensor 42 moves integrally with the second carriage 66 in the X direction.
[0091] Here, the second moving motor 68, such as a linear motor, functions as a moving part that moves the height sensor 42 along the X direction (main scanning direction). The encoder 70 functions as a position detection part that detects the position of the height sensor 42 in the X direction.
[0092] Although the illustration is omitted, in the inkjet recording device 10A, the control unit 50 (see reference) Figure 7The second moving motor 68 is controlled, and an encoder 70 is connected to the control unit 50. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 50 functions as a motion control unit, a height data generation unit, and an image data correction unit.
[0093] According to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A of Modified Example 1 of this embodiment, the height sensor 42 is configured to move in the X direction upstream of the printing unit 36 above the transport surface 20s of the transport unit 12. Therefore, after the height sensor 42 measures the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W, the printing unit 36 can print an image in the printing area Wa of the fabric W without reverse transporting the fabric W through the transport unit 12. Furthermore, during the printing of the image by the printing unit 36, the height sensor 42 can measure the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W.
[0094] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10A according to the modified example 1 of this embodiment can improve the convenience of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A.
[0095] Reference Figure 17 The structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment.
[0096] like Figure 17 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment has the same characteristics as the inkjet recording apparatus 10A of Modified Example 1 of this embodiment (see reference). Figure 16 The structure is the same. The differences between the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B in Modification 2 of this embodiment and the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10A in Modification 1 of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in Modification 1 of this embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.
[0097] In the inkjet recording device 10B, the linear guide 64, the second carriage 66, the second motion motor 68, and the encoder 70 (see reference) are omitted. Figure 9 Furthermore, a plurality of height sensors 42 are provided on the support portion 62b of the second portal frame 62. In other words, a plurality of height sensors 42 are provided on the upstream side of the printing portion 36 above (upper side) the conveying surface 20s of the conveying portion 12. The plurality of height sensors 42 are arranged in an alternating pattern along the X direction.
[0098] Although the illustration is omitted, in the inkjet recording device 10B, as described above, the control unit 50 (see reference) Figure 7 It functions as a motion control unit, a height data generation unit, and an image data correction unit.
[0099] According to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment, a plurality of height sensors 42 are disposed on the upstream side of the printing unit 36 above the transport surface 20s of the transport unit 12, arranged along the X direction. Therefore, the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W can be measured without moving the height sensors 42 along the X direction. In addition, after measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W, the printing unit 36 can print an image on the printing area Wa of the fabric W without reverse conveying the fabric W through the transport unit 12. Moreover, during the printing of the image by the printing unit 36, the plurality of height sensors 42 can measure the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W.
[0100] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10B according to Modification 2 of this embodiment can improve the convenience of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B.
[0101] Reference Figure 18 The structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10C of Modified Example 3 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 18 This is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus of Modification 3 of this embodiment.
[0102] like Figure 18 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus 10C of Modified Example 3 of this embodiment has the same characteristics as the inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment (see reference). Figure 17 The structure is the same. The differences between the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B in Modification 3 of this embodiment and the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10B in Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in Modification 2 of this embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.
[0103] In the inkjet recording device 10C, the gantry frame 24, linear guide 26, carriage 28, motion motor 32, encoder 34, and printing unit 36 (see reference) are omitted. Figure 17 Additionally, a printing unit 72 is provided above (on the upper side) the transport surface 20s of the transport unit 12, for printing images (color images) on the fabric W in a one-pass operation. The printing unit 72 has multiple head units 74 (74Y, 74M, 74C, 74K) that eject ink into multiple printing areas Wa of the fabric W to form images in a single pass. The multiple head units 74 (74Y, 74M, 74C, 74K) are units corresponding to the four colors of ink: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The multiple head units 74 (74Y, 74M, 74C, 74K) are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, and each head unit 74 extends in the X direction (main scanning direction).
[0104] Each head unit 74 has multiple inkjet heads (not shown) for ejecting ink onto the fabric W, and the multiple inkjet heads 40 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the Y direction. Multiple nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink are formed at the front end of each inkjet head in each head unit 74. Each head unit 74 may also be configured to be movable in the main scanning direction via a carriage (not shown).
[0105] Although the illustration is omitted, in the inkjet recording device 10C, the control unit 50 (see reference) Figure 7 The printing control unit 72 is also included. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 50 functions as a motion control unit, a height data generation unit, and an image data correction unit.
[0106] According to the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 10C in Modification 3 of this embodiment, the printing unit 72 prints an image on the fabric W in a single stroke. Therefore, high-speed printing can be performed using the printing unit 72 without moving it in the X direction.
[0107] The inkjet recording apparatus 10B of Modified Example 2 of this embodiment (see reference) Figure 17 Similarly, in the case of the structure, the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W can be measured without moving the height sensor 42 in the X direction. Furthermore, after measuring the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W, the printing unit 72 can print an image on the printing area Wa of the fabric W without reverse conveying the fabric W via the transport unit 12. Moreover, during the printing of the image by the printing unit 72, multiple height sensors 42 can measure the height of the printing area Wa of the fabric W.
[0108] Therefore, the inkjet recording apparatus 10C according to Modification 3 of this embodiment can improve the convenience of the inkjet recording apparatus 10C.
[0109] The present invention has been described in detail above, but it is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Furthermore, various modifications and alterations to the specific examples described in the above embodiments are possible within the scope of the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.
[0110] [Industry availability]
[0111] The present invention is useful as an inkjet recording device that can easily print an image matching the three-dimensional pattern in the printing area even if the three-dimensional pattern formed on the printing area of the medium is the same color as the raw material of the medium.
Claims
1. An inkjet recording device, wherein, have: The conveying unit conveys the medium with the three-dimensional pattern formed in the printing area along the conveying direction; A printing unit is disposed above the conveying surface of the conveying unit and prints an image in the printing area; The height measuring unit measures the height of the printing area relative to the conveying surface. The height data generation unit generates height data in two-dimensional coordinates representing the height of the printing area based on the measurement results of the height measurement unit. as well as The image data correction unit zooms in and out of the image data so that the position of the image data used to form the two-dimensional coordinates of the image in the printed area matches the position of the height data.
2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inkjet recording device further includes an action control unit that controls the action of the height measuring unit to measure the height of the printing area, and controls the action of the printing unit based on the image data magnified and reduced by the image data correction unit to print an image in the printing area that matches the stereoscopic pattern.
3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The height measuring unit is configured to move above the conveying surface along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The inkjet recording device also includes: The distance detection unit detects the conveying distance of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; The moving part moves the height measuring part along the main scanning direction; and The position detection unit detects the position of the height measurement unit in the main scanning direction. The motion control unit controls the movements of the moving unit and the height measuring unit, so that the height measuring unit moves along the main scanning direction while measuring the height of the printing area. It also controls the movements of the moving unit, the height measuring unit, and the transport unit to alternately and repeatedly measure the height of the printing area and transport media at a distance corresponding to the measurement width of the height measuring unit. The height data generation unit generates the height data based on the measurement results of the height measurement unit, the detection results of the distance detection unit, and the detection results of the position detection unit.
4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The motion control unit controls the movement of the moving unit and the height measuring unit so that the height measuring unit continuously measures the height of the printing area while moving along the main scanning direction.
5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The motion control unit controls the movement of the moving unit and the height measuring unit, so that the height measuring unit intermittently measures the height of the printing area while moving along the main scanning direction.
6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inkjet recording device also includes a display unit for displaying a GUI screen. The image data correction unit zooms in and out of the image data by having the user operate on the GUI screen to match the position of the image data with the position of the height data.
7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The image data correction unit enlarges or reduces the feature point data representing the two-dimensional coordinates of the feature points of the 3D pattern in the printed area so that the position of the feature point data matches the position of the height data, and enlarges or reduces the image data at the same magnification or reduction rate as the feature point data.
8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The motion control unit controls the movement of the height measuring unit to measure the height of other printed areas located downstream of the printed area after printing. Based on the measurement results from the height measurement unit, the height data generation unit generates additional height data, representing the two-dimensional coordinates of the heights of the other printed areas. The image data correction unit calculates the difference between the other height data and the enlarged / reduced image data in the transport direction.
9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The image data correction unit adjusts the enlarged / reduced image data to ensure that the difference is within an acceptable range.
10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inkjet recording device also includes a carriage configured to move above the transport surface along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The printing unit and the height measuring unit are respectively disposed on the carriage and move integrally with the carriage along the main scanning direction.
11. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The number of height measuring units is multiple, and the multiple height measuring units are arranged on the carriage along the conveying direction.
12. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inkjet recording device also includes a carriage configured to move above the transport surface along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The printing unit is disposed on the carriage and moves integrally with the carriage along the main scanning direction. The height measuring unit is configured to move along the main scanning direction on the upstream side of the printing unit above the conveying surface.
13. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inkjet recording device also includes a carriage configured to move above the transport surface along a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The printing unit is disposed on the carriage and moves integrally with the carriage along the main scanning direction. The number of height measuring units is multiple, and the multiple height measuring units are disposed on the upstream side of the printing unit above the conveying surface and arranged along the main scanning direction.
14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The printing unit prints an image on the medium in a single stroke. The number of height measuring units is multiple, and the multiple height measuring units are disposed on the upstream side of the printing unit above the conveying surface and arranged along the main scanning direction.
15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement range of the height measuring unit is linear.
16. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring range of the height measuring unit is rectangular.