Printing system, and control method of printing system

Abstract

The present application provides a printing system and a control method of the printing system, which can perform processing based on a reading result with high accuracy even if a medium and a reading section vibrate relatively. The printing system includes: a recording head configured to eject droplets for forming a printed image to a medium; a driving section configured to change a relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium; a reading section configured to read a state of the droplets landed on the medium within a reading range; a control section configured to control ejection of the droplets from the recording head and to perform processing based on a reading result obtained by the reading section; a holding section configured to be transmitted with a vibration transmitted to the medium; and a reference mark adding section configured to be provided on the holding section and to cause a reference mark indicating a reference of a landing position of the droplets with respect to the medium to exist within the reading range or to cause the reference mark to be displayed, and the control section performs the processing with the reference mark included in the reading result as the reference of the landing position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing system and its control method for forming a printed image by means of droplets ejected from a recording head onto a medium. Background Technology

[0002] As a printing apparatus, an inkjet printer is known to form a printed image by ejecting droplets from a recording head onto a medium. To achieve high-precision printing, it is necessary to manage the droplet ejection position. For example, in the case of a main scan and sub-scan in an inkjet printer, to achieve high-precision bidirectional printing, Bi-d adjustment (bidirectional adjustment) is required to align the ink droplet ejection positions during the outward and return strokes. Paper feed adjustment is also required to achieve high-precision sub-scans. Density adjustment is necessary to control the density of the printed image.

[0003] In order to suppress unevenness of the printed image caused by deviations in the amount of ink ejected from the recording head and offsets in the ink drop position, the inkjet printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms a test pattern on the recording medium. This inkjet printer reads the test pattern and generates correction data using a read sensor mounted on the carriage, thereby performing recording in a manner independent of the nozzle characteristics of each recording head.

[0004] To create a test pattern, not only are additional ink and media required, but there is also downtime, which prevents the printing of the image the user wants to print. However, during the printing process, the movement of the carriage and other factors can cause relative vibrations on the recording medium and the readout sensor. Therefore, if the readout sensor is used to read the printed image during printing, there is a possibility of reduced reading accuracy.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-264194 Summary of the Invention The printing system of the present invention comprises: a recording head capable of ejecting droplets for forming a printed image onto a medium; a driving unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium; a reading unit that reads the state of the droplets ejected onto the medium within a reading range; a control unit that controls the ejection of the droplets from the recording head and performs processing based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit; a holding unit that transmits vibrations to the medium; and a reference mark attachment unit disposed on the holding unit, wherein a reference mark indicating the ejection position of the droplets relative to the medium exists within the reading range or the reference mark is displayed, and the control unit performs the processing using the reference mark included in the reading result as a reference for the ejection position.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for the printing system of the present invention includes the following: the printing system comprises: a recording head capable of ejecting droplets for forming a printed image onto a medium; a driving unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium; and a reading unit that reads the state of the droplets ejected onto the medium within a reading range. The printing system controls the ejection of the droplets from the recording head and performs processing based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit. In the control method of the printing system, the printing system further comprises: a holding unit that transmits vibrations to the medium; and a reference mark attachment unit disposed on the holding unit, which ensures that a reference mark indicating the ejection position of the droplets relative to the medium exists within the reading range or displays the reference mark. The control method of the printing system includes: a reading step of obtaining the reading result including the reference mark; and a processing step of performing the processing using the reference mark included in the reading result as a reference for the ejection position. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of a printing system.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example of a recording head and a spray label section.

[0009] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of how a printed image is formed by repeatedly performing main and sub-scans.

[0010] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of a dot configuration until a printed image is formed in the repeating area.

[0011] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of a dot configuration until a printed image is formed in the repeating area.

[0012] Figure 6 The figure is a schematic representation of a first specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a retaining part.

[0013] Figure 7 A top view is provided to schematically illustrate a first specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a roller holding section, wherein the reference mark attachment includes a reference mark present within the reading range of the included point.

[0014] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an example of a reading result that includes point and reference markers.

[0015] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of printer adjustment processing.

[0016] Figure 10 This diagram is an example of a process that schematically illustrates the state of the spray mark.

[0017] Figure 11 The figure is a schematic representation of a second specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a media pressing part.

[0018] Figure 12 The figure is a schematic representation of a third specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a holding part.

[0019] Figure 13 A top view is provided to schematically illustrate a third specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a roller holding section, wherein the reference mark attachment includes a reference mark present within the reading range of the included point.

[0020] Figure 14 The figure is a schematic representation of a fourth specific example of a printing system including a reference mark attachment and a media pressing part.

[0021] Figure 15 The figure is a fifth specific example of a printing system that schematically illustrates a reference mark attachment and a holding part.

[0022] Figure 16 A diagram schematically illustrating the ejection section of the sixth specific example.

[0023] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating the reference identification table for the sixth specific example.

[0024] Figure 18 A top view is provided to schematically illustrate a seventh specific example of a printing system including a reference mark appendage, the reference mark appendage including a reference mark present within the reading range of the included point.

[0025] Figure 19 The flowchart illustrates the reference identification color control process for the eighth specific example.

[0026] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating a comparative example of reading results containing points. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention, and not all features shown in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution provided by the invention.

[0028] (1) Summary of the methods included in this invention: First, refer to Figures 1 to 20 The examples shown illustrate the general outline of the methods included in this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are schematic illustrations of examples; to make the various parts of these drawings identifiable, there may be instances where the scale of the various parts differs from the actual size, there may be instances where the magnification in different directions shown in these drawings differs, and there may be instances where the various drawings are not integrated. Of course, the elements of this method are not limited to the specific examples indicated by symbols. In the "Summary of the Methods Included in this Invention," the words in parentheses indicate supplementary explanations of the preceding terms.

[0029] Method 1 like Figure 1 , 6 As illustrated in examples 9 and 12, a printing system 1 according to one embodiment includes a recording head 30, a drive unit 50, a reading unit 80, a control unit U1, a holding unit 3, and a reference marker attachment unit 60. The recording head 30 is capable of ejecting droplets 37 onto a medium ME0 to form a printed image IM3. The drive unit 50 changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head 30 and the medium ME0. The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplets 37 ejected onto the medium ME0 within a reading range AR1. The control unit U1 controls the ejection of the droplets 37 from the recording head 30 and performs processing based on the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80. The holding unit 3 is subjected to vibrations transmitted to the medium ME0. The reference marker attachment unit 60 is provided on the holding unit 3, and a reference marker 62 indicating the reference position of the droplets 37 relative to the medium ME0 is present within the reading range AR1, or the reference marker 62 is displayed. The control unit U1 performs the processing by using the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading result RS0 as the reference for the drop position.

[0030] Vibrations are transmitted to the medium ME0 from the drive unit 50, etc. Since the vibration of the read unit 80 is different from the vibration of the medium ME0, therefore... Figure 20 As illustrated, relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80. In the above-described manner, a reference mark attachment 60 is provided on the holding part 3 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0, and the reference mark 62 is read by the reading unit 80 when it enters the reading range AR1 via this reference mark attachment 60. Even if relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, by providing the reference mark attachment 60 on the holding part 3 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0, the vibration of the reference mark 62 based on the medium ME0 is reduced, thereby... Figure 8 As illustrated, this reduces the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0. Therefore, by using this reference mark 62 as a reference for the ejection position, processing based on the reading result RS0, which includes the reference mark 62 with less positional error, is performed. Thus, the above method provides a printing system that can perform processing based on the reading result with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur between the medium and the reading unit.

[0031] Various examples can be listed in the above methods.

[0032] The medium includes a wide variety of media such as paper, cloth, and film.

[0033] The aforementioned change in relative position refers to the movement of at least one of the recording head and the medium. Therefore, the drive unit may move the recording head without moving the medium, move the medium without moving the recording head, or move both the recording head and the medium.

[0034] Examples of reading units include shooting units such as cameras, line sensors, etc.

[0035] The processing based on the reading results includes Bi-d adjustment (bidirectional adjustment) to align the spray position of the outgoing and returning processes, paper feed adjustment (adjustment of media delivery volume), and concentration adjustment.

[0036] The holding part can be any part that transmits vibration from the vibration source. It can be a roller holding part that holds a rotatable roller in contact with the medium in a rotatable manner, a medium holding part that holds the back of the medium, a medium pressing part that presses the edge of the medium toward one side of the medium holding part, or the frame of a printer, etc.

[0037] Vibration can be transmitted from a common vibration source to the medium and the holding part, or from the medium to the holding part, or from the holding part to the medium.

[0038] Using a reference marker as a reference for the spray position includes: determining the spray position with the position of the reference marker as the origin based on the reading results and performing processing based on the spray position; and extracting a predetermined area centered on the reference marker from the reading results and performing processing based on the area, etc.

[0039] In addition, the postscript described above can also be applied in the following ways.

[0040] Method 2 like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 11As illustrated, the reference identifier attachment 60 may also be configured such that the reference identifier 62 is located within the reading range AR1, and the base 61 is disposed on the holding part 3 and connected to the reference identifier 62.

[0041] In the above scenario, the reference marker 62, connected to the base 61 on the holding part 3 that transmits vibrations to the medium ME0, is read by the reading unit 80 when it enters the reading range AR1. This reduces the positional error of the reference marker 62 relative to the medium ME0, and the reading result RS0 containing the reference marker 62 is used as a reference for the drop position. Therefore, the above method provides a preferred example for accurately performing processing based on the reading result even when relative vibrations occur between the medium and the reading unit. Furthermore, since the reference marker itself does not require power, the reading unit can read the reference marker semi-permanently.

[0042] Method 3 like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As illustrated, the drive unit 50 may also be configured to transport the medium ME0 in a predetermined direction (e.g., transport direction D3). Alternatively, the printing system 1 may also include a rotatable roller 5 that contacts the medium ME0, which is movable in the predetermined direction. Alternatively, the holding unit 3 may also include a roller holding unit 40 that holds the roller 5 in a rotatable manner. Alternatively, the base 61 may be connected from the roller holding unit 40 to the reference mark 62.

[0043] Since the roller holding part 40 presses the medium ME0 via the roller 5, the vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the roller holding part 40 via the roller 5. There is also a possibility that the vibration of the roller holding part 40 is transmitted to the medium ME0. Because the base 61 of the reference mark attachment part 60 connects to the reference mark 62 from the roller holding part 40, the vibration of the medium ME0 is indirectly transmitted to the reference mark 62. This further reduces the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0. Therefore, the above method provides a better example for performing processing based on the reading result with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur on the medium and the reading part.

[0044] Here, the roller can be either a drive roller that moves the medium in a specified direction or a driven roller that rotates in coordination with the movement of the medium in a predetermined direction. This note also applies in the following ways.

[0045] Method 4 like Figure 11As illustrated, the medium ME0 may also be configured such that it has a first surface F1 from which the droplet 37 is ejected, and a second surface F2 opposite to the first surface F1. The holding portion 3 may include a medium holding portion (e.g., a medium support portion 58) that holds the second surface F2, or a medium pressing portion 45 that presses the edge portion E1 of the medium ME0 in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction (e.g., the main scanning direction D1) from the first surface F1 toward the medium holding portion (58). Alternatively, the base portion 61 may be connected from the medium pressing portion 45 to the reference mark 62.

[0046] In the above situation, since the media pressing part 45 presses the edge portion E1 of the medium ME0 from the first surface F1 toward the media holding part 58, the vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the media pressing part 45. There is also a possibility that the vibration of the media pressing part 45 is transmitted to the medium ME0. Because the base 61 of the reference mark attachment part 60 connects from the media pressing part 45 to the reference mark 62, the vibration of the medium ME0 is indirectly transmitted to the reference mark 62. Therefore, the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0 can be further reduced. Thus, the above method can also provide a more preferred example for performing processing based on the reading result with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur on the medium and the reading part.

[0047] Method 5 like Figures 12 to 15 As shown, it can also be configured such that the reference mark attachment 60 illuminates the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1 with light LT0, causing the reference mark 62 to be displayed.

[0048] In the above situation, by irradiating the reference mark attachment 60 provided on the retaining part 3 that transmits vibrations to the medium ME0 with light LT0, the reference mark 62 displayed on the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1 is read by the reading part 80 when it enters the reading range AR1. As a result, the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0 can be reduced, and processing based on the reading result RS0 including the reference mark 62 is performed using the reference mark 62 as a reference for the drop position. Therefore, the above method also provides a preferred example for performing processing based on the reading result with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur between the medium and the reading part. Furthermore, no deformation of the displayed reference mark occurs. Moreover, by not irradiating light or by weakening the irradiated light in the event of a malfunction in the reference mark attachment, the malfunction of the reference mark attachment is easily determined.

[0049] Method 6 like Figures 12 to 15 As illustrated, the printing system 1 may also be configured to include a rotatable roller 5 that contacts the medium ME0. The holding part 3 may include either a medium holding part (58) that holds the second surface F2 or a roller holding part 40 that holds the roller 5 in a rotatable manner. Alternatively, the reference mark attachment part 60 may be provided on the roller holding part 40 or the medium holding part (58).

[0050] In the above cases, since the roller holding part 40 presses the medium ME0 via the roller 5, the vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the roller holding part 40 via the roller 5. There is also a case where the vibration of the roller holding part 40 is transmitted to the medium ME0. Since the medium holding part (58) holds the second surface F2 of the medium ME0, the transmitted vibration is transmitted to the medium ME0. The reference mark attachment part 60, which illuminates the reference mark 62 by irradiating it with light LT0, is provided on the roller holding part 40 or the medium holding part (58), so that the vibration of the reference mark 62 follows the vibration of the medium ME0. Therefore, the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0 can be further reduced. Therefore, the above method provides a better example for performing processing based on the reading result with good accuracy even with relative vibrations generated on the medium and the reading part.

[0051] Method 7 like Figure 16 , Figure 17 As illustrated, the reference identifier attachment 60 may also be configured to change at least one of the size and color of the displayed reference identifier 62. Alternatively, the control unit U1 may control the illumination of the light LTO from the reference identifier attachment 60 in such a manner that at least one of the size and color of the reference identifier 62 changes according to the size of the droplet 37 ejected into the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1.

[0052] In the above cases, processing based on the reading results can be implemented according to the size of the droplets ejected into the portion of the medium that becomes the reading range.

[0053] Method 8 like Figure 7 , 13 As illustrated, the reference identifier 62 can also be configured to be a cross shape.

[0054] Because the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading result RS0 becomes cross-shaped under the above conditions, it is easy to determine the position of the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading result RS0. Therefore, the above method can further implement processing based on the reading result with good accuracy.

[0055] In addition, when the reference mark attachment includes a base and a cross-shaped reference mark, the distance between the base and the cross-shaped reference mark can be made thinner than the reference mark.

[0056] Method 9 like Figure 3 As illustrated, the drive unit 50 can also be configured to perform a main scan SC1 that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head 30 and the medium ME0 along the main scan direction D1, and a sub-scan SC2 that changes the relative positional relationship between the medium ME0 and the recording head 30 along the sub-scan direction D2 that intersects the main scan direction D1. The control unit U1 can also control the main scan SC1 performed by the drive unit 50, the sub-scan SC2 performed by the drive unit 50, and the ejection of the droplet 37 from the recording head 30. Furthermore, the recording of the printed image IM3 can be completed through multiple passes of the main scan SC1. Moreover, as... Figure 3 , Figure 9 As illustrated, the control unit U1 can also perform the following processing.

[0057] (a1) During the middle of the multiple strokes, control is implemented to form an intermediate image IM1 on the medium ME0, which includes the spray mark part MA0 that can be read by the reading unit 80, based on the input image IM0.

[0058] (a2) In a later stroke compared to the intermediate stroke, control is implemented to form the remaining image IM2 of the printed image IM3, excluding the intermediate image IM1, onto the medium ME0.

[0059] (a3) If the reading result RS0 includes the spray mark MA0, the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 is used as the reference for the spray position to determine the state of the spray mark MA0.

[0060] (a4) The process is performed based on the state of the spray mark MA0.

[0061] In the above scenario, during an intermediate stroke in multiple strokes, an intermediate image IM1, including the ejection marker MA0 which can be read by the reading unit 80, is formed on the medium ME0 based on the input image IM0. If the ejection marker MA0 is included in the reading result RS0, the state of the ejection marker MA0 is determined using the reference marker 62 included in the reading result RS0 as a reference for the ejection position. The remaining image IM2 in the printed image IM3, excluding the intermediate image IM1, is formed on the medium ME0 in a stroke that occurs later than the intermediate strokes. Although the ejection marker MA0 is filled in the printed image IM3, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed based on the state of the ejection marker MA0.

[0062] By employing the methods described above, it is unnecessary to print test patterns separately for adjusting the characteristics of the printed image IM3. Therefore, this method reduces liquid consumption, media consumption, and printing time for printing test patterns. In particular, the effectiveness of this method is enhanced because the smaller the spray mark portion, the greater the impact of relative vibration between the media and the reading unit.

[0063] Here, the intermediate journey in method 9 above refers to any journey from the start time of recording the printed image to the last journey when the printed image is completed, including the first journey.

[0064] The status of the spray marking section includes its location and the concentration of the spray marking section.

[0065] The recording method for printed images is not particularly limited as long as there are portions of the printed image that are recorded using multiple passes. It can be a method that records on both the outgoing and return passes during the main scan, or a method that records only on one of the outgoing and return passes during the main scan. Recording portions of the printed image that are completed using multiple passes can be either multi-pass recording where the entire printed image is formed using two or more passes, or recording portions of the printed image that are completed using a single pass, as in tape printing where the recording areas partially overlap. In multi-pass recording of printed images, the number of passes can also vary partially. The relative movement of the recording head during sub-scans in the sub-scanning direction can be the same each time, or it can vary over multiple passes.

[0066] In addition, the postscript described above can also be applied in the following ways.

[0067] Method 10 like Figure 9 , Figure 10As illustrated, the control unit U1 can determine the adjustment value (e.g., adjustment value V1 to V3) for adjusting the characteristics of the printed image IM3 based on the state of the spray mark unit MA0, and can also adjust the characteristics of the printed image IM3 according to the adjustment value.

[0068] Under the above circumstances, the characteristics of the printed image can be adjusted even without printing a test pattern.

[0069] Method 11 like Figure 18 As illustrated, it can also be configured such that the reference mark 62 includes a contrasting color portion 65 around the reference mark 62, which is a different color from the reference mark 62.

[0070] If the reference mark 62 is not provided with a contrasting color portion 65 in the reference mark appendage portion 60, it is not easy to determine the reference mark 62 from the reading result RS0 if the color of the reference mark 62 is close to the color of the medium ME0. By making the reference mark 62 different from the surrounding contrasting color portion 65, the reference mark can be easily determined from the reading result regardless of the color of the medium.

[0071] Method 12 like Figure 19 As shown, the reference identifier attachment 60 can also be configured to change the color of the light LTO. The control unit U1 can also obtain information indicating the color of the medium ME0, and can also control the color of the light LTO from the reference identifier attachment 60 to be a different color from the color indicated by the information.

[0072] If the color of the reference identifier 62 is close to the color of the medium ME0, it is not easy to determine the reference identifier 62 from the reading result RS0. By controlling the display color of the reference identifier 62 to be a different color from the medium ME0, the reference identifier can be easily determined from the reading result regardless of the color of the medium.

[0073] Method 13 In another embodiment of the control method for the printing system 1, the printing system 1 includes the recording head 30, the driving unit 50, and the reading unit 80, and controls the ejection of the droplet 37 from the recording head 30, and performs processing based on the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80. The printing system 1 also includes the holding unit 3 and the reference mark attachment unit 60. Figure 9 As illustrated, this control method includes the following steps.

[0074] (b1) Reading process ST2, to obtain the reading result RS0 containing the reference identifier 62.

[0075] (b2) Processing step ST4, which uses the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading result RS0 as the reference for the spray position to perform the processing.

[0076] The above method provides a control method for a printing system that can perform processing based on reading results with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur between the medium and the reading unit.

[0077] In this application, "first," "second," ... are terms used to refer to the structural elements included in a plurality of structural elements that have similarities, and do not necessarily indicate an order.

[0078] Furthermore, the methods described above can be applied to the control methods of the printing apparatus included in the printing system described above, the control program of the printing system described above, the control program of the printing apparatus described above, and a computer-readable non-transitory medium recording any of the control programs described above. In addition, the printing apparatus described above can also be composed of multiple separate parts.

[0079] (2) An example of a printing system that utilizes the mid-stroke process to form the spray-off markings: Figure 1 A printing system 1, including a printer 2, a host device HO1, and a reader 80, is schematically illustrated. If the printer 2 has the functionality of the host device HO1, the host device HO1 may not be included in the printing system 1. The reader 80 can read the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 from outside the printer 2, or it may be installed on the printer 2. The printing system 1 may also include... Figure 1 Additional elements not shown in the text. Figure 2 The nozzle array 33 of the recording head 30 and the spray mark MA0 on the medium ME0 are schematically illustrated. Figure 3 The illustration schematically illustrates the process of repeatedly performing a main scan SC1 and a sub-scan SC2 to form a printed image IM3. The printer 2 in this specific example is a serial printer that repeatedly performs the main scan SC1 and the sub-scan SC2 in a manner that creates overlapping areas between scans. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The point configuration is schematically illustrated up to the point where the printed image IM3 is formed in the overlapping area OL1 between strokes.

[0080] Figure 1The printer 2 shown is an inkjet printer that ejects droplets 37 onto the medium ME0 to form a printed image IM3 corresponding to the input image IM0. The holding part 3 of the printer 2 includes a frame component disposed within the printer 2's housing and a media support part 58 fixed to the frame component. The media support part 58 is an example of a media holding part that holds a second surface F2 opposite to the first surface F1 from which the droplets 37 are ejected. The printer 2 includes a controller 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21 (which is a semiconductor memory), a communication I / F (interface) 22, a storage unit 23, an operation panel 24, a recording head 30, a drive unit 50, and a reference marker attachment unit 60. The controller 10 and the host device HO1 are examples of a control unit U1. The controller 10, RAM 21, communication I / F 22, storage unit 23, and operation panel 24 are connected to a bus and are configured to input and output information to each other.

[0081] The reference mark attachment 60 includes a base 61 disposed on the holding part 3 and a reference mark 62 existing within the reading range AR1 of the reading part 80. Details of the reference mark attachment 60 will be described later.

[0082] The controller 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a processor, a color conversion unit 12, a halftone processing unit 13, a rasterization processing unit 14, and a drive signal transmission unit 15. The controller 10 controls the main scan SC1 and sub-scan SC2 performed by the drive unit 50, and the ejection of the droplets 37 performed by the recording head 30, based on raw image data DA1 obtained from any device such as the host device HO1 or a memory card (not shown). In essence, the controller 10 controls the drive unit 50 and the recording head 30 in such a way that a printed image IM3 corresponding to the raw image data DA1 is formed on the medium ME0. For example, in the raw image data DA1, 2D pixels with R (red), G (green), and B (blue) can be used. 8 grayscale or 2 16 RGB data with integer grayscale values.

[0083] The controller 10 can be constructed from a SoC (System on a Chip) or similar components.

[0084] CPU11 is the main device for information processing and control in printer 2.

[0085] The color conversion unit 12, for example, refers to a color conversion LUT (lookup table) that specifies the correspondence between the grayscale values ​​of R, G, and B and the grayscale values ​​of C (blue-green), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and converts the RGB data into 2D representations of each pixel with C, M, Y, and K values. 8 grayscale or 2 16 The ink quantity data DA2 is an integer value of grayscale. The ink quantity data DA2 shows the amount of liquid 36 used in C, M, Y, and K in pixels. Furthermore, when the resolution of the RGB data is different from the printing resolution, the color conversion unit 12 first converts the resolution of the RGB data to the printing resolution, or converts the resolution of the ink quantity data DA2 to the printing resolution.

[0086] The halftone processing unit 13 performs halftone processing on the grayscale values ​​of each pixel constituting the ink quantity data DA2 using any method such as dithering or error diffusion, thereby reducing the grayscale value and generating dot data DA3. Dot data DA3 shows the formation state of dots 38 of the droplet 37 in pixels. Dot data DA3 can be binary data indicating the presence or absence of dots, or multi-valued data with 3 or more grayscale values ​​corresponding to dots of different sizes such as small, medium, and large.

[0087] The rasterization processing unit 14 generates raster data DA4 by performing rasterization processing that rearranges the point data DA3 according to the order in which the points 38 are formed using the driving unit 50.

[0088] The drive signal transmitting unit 15 generates a drive signal SG1 based on the grid data DA4 and outputs it to the drive circuit 31 of the recording head 30. The drive signal SG1 corresponds to the voltage signal applied to the drive element 32 of the recording head 30. For example, if the dot data DA3 is "dot formation", the drive signal transmitting unit 15 will output the drive signal SG1 to eject droplets for dot formation. Furthermore, when the dot data DA3 is data with a value of 3 or higher, the drive signal transmitting unit 15 outputs the drive signal SG1 to eject droplets for large dots when the dot data DA3 is "large dot formation", and outputs the drive signal SG1 to eject droplets for small dots when the dot data DA3 is "small dot formation". The printed image IM3 is formed on the medium ME0 according to the drive signal SG1.

[0089] The adjustment process described later is implemented in controller 10 (see below). Figure 9 In the case of ), the original image data DA1 can also be applied to the input image IM0. Alternatively, the ink volume data DA2, dot data DA3, or raster data DA4 can also be applied to the input image IM0.

[0090] The elements described above (11 to 15) can be constructed by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the data of the object to be processed can be read directly from RAM21, or the processed data can be written directly to RAM21.

[0091] The drive unit 50, controlled by the controller 10, includes a carriage drive unit 51 containing a servo motor and a roller drive unit 55 containing a servo motor, and is fixed to the frame member. Under the control of the controller 10, the drive unit 50 drives the carriage 52 to reciprocate along the main scanning direction D1 via the carriage drive unit 51, and feeds the medium ME0 along the transport path 59 in the feed direction D3 via the roller drive unit 55. Therefore, the drive unit 50 is a potential source of vibration, and vibrations from the drive unit 50 are transmitted to the medium support unit 58, etc., via the frame member. Figure 2 As shown, the main scanning direction D1 is the direction that intersects with the arrangement direction D4 of the nozzles 34 in the nozzle array 33, for example, it is the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction D4. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a scenario where the right direction is the outgoing direction D11 of the main scan SC1, and the left direction is the return direction D12 of the main scan SC1. The feed direction D3 is a direction that intersects with the main scan direction D1, for example, a direction orthogonal to the main scan direction D1. Figure 1 In the middle, the feed direction D3 is the right direction. Figure 2 The sub-scanning direction D2 shown is opposite to the feed direction D3. Alternatively, the carriage drive unit 51 performs a main scan SC1 that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head 30 and the medium ME0 along the main scan direction D1. The roller drive unit 55 includes a transport roller pair 56 and a discharge roller pair 57. Under the control of the controller 10, the roller drive unit 55 performs a sub-scan SC2 that feeds the medium ME0 in the feed direction D3 by rotating the drive transport roller of the transport roller pair 56 and the drive discharge roller of the discharge roller pair 57. Alternatively, the roller drive unit 55 performs a sub-scan SC2 that changes the relative positional relationship between the medium ME0 and the recording head 30 along the sub-scanning direction D2, which intersects the main scan direction D1. Although... Figure 2 The carriage 52 shown does not move in the sub-scanning direction D2, but the drive unit 50 can also achieve sub-scanning SC2 by moving the carriage 52 in the sub-scanning direction D2. In this case, the medium ME0 can also remain stationary in the sub-scanning direction D2, and the drive unit 50 can achieve sub-scanning SC2 by moving both the carriage 52 and the medium ME0 in the sub-scanning direction D2. Figure 3 As shown, the control unit U1 completes the recording of the printed image IM3 through multiple main scans SC1.

[0092] Medium ME0 is the printed material used to hold the printed image. The material of medium ME0 is not particularly limited; various materials such as paper, resin, and metal can be considered. The shape of medium ME0 is also not particularly limited; various shapes such as rectangles, rolls, and even three-dimensional shapes can be considered.

[0093] The medium support 58 is located below the conveying path 59 and holds the medium ME0 by contacting the second surface F2 of the medium ME0 on the conveying path 59.

[0094] A recording head 30 is mounted on a carriage 52. A liquid reservoir 35 may also be mounted on the carriage 52 to supply liquid 36, which is ejected as droplets 37, to the recording head 30. Alternatively, liquid 36 may be supplied to the recording head 30 from a liquid reservoir 35 located outside the carriage 52 via a tube. Liquid 36 may also be supplied to the recording head 30 via a tube from an ink reservoir (not shown). The carriage 52 is fixed to a seamless belt (not shown) and can move along a guide 53 that extends along a strip oriented in the main scanning direction D1.

[0095] The recording head 30, controlled by the controller 10, includes a drive circuit 31, a drive element 32, etc., and ejects droplets 37 toward the medium ME0 supported by the medium support 58, thereby causing liquid 36 to adhere to the medium ME0. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit U1 controls the ejection of droplets 37 from the recording head 30.

[0096] The drive circuit 31 applies a voltage signal to the drive element 32 according to the drive signal SG1 input from the drive signal transmission unit 15. The drive element 32 can be a piezoelectric element that applies pressure to the liquid 36 in the pressure chamber connected to the nozzle 34, or a drive element that generates bubbles in the pressure chamber by heat, thereby causing droplets 37 to be ejected from the nozzle 34. The liquid 36 is supplied from the liquid cartridge 35 to the pressure chamber of the recording head 30. The liquid 36 in the pressure chamber is ejected as droplets 37 from the nozzle 34 toward the medium ME0 by the drive element 32. As a result, dots 38 of droplets 37 are formed on the medium ME0, and a printed image IM3 formed on the medium ME0 is formed by the pattern of dots 38. During the movement of the recording head 30 in the main scanning direction D1, dots 38 are formed according to the raster data DA4, and by repeatedly performing the operation of feeding the medium ME0 in the feed direction D3 by one sub-scan, a printed image IM3 is formed on the medium ME0. In addition, printer 2 can perform bidirectional printing by using both the main scan in the outgoing direction D11 and the main scan in the returning direction D12 to form the printed image IM3, or it can perform unidirectional printing by using only one of the main scan in the outgoing direction D11 and the main scan in the returning direction D12 to form the printed image IM3.

[0097] RAM 21 stores raw image data DA1 and the like received from the host device HO1 or a memory (not shown). Communication I / F 22 connects to the host device HO1 via wired or wireless means and inputs / outputs information to the host device HO1. The host device HO1 includes computers such as personal computers or tablet computers, mobile phones such as smartphones, digital cameras, digital camcorders, etc. Storage unit 23 can be a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory or a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk. Operation panel 24 includes an output unit 25 such as an LCD panel for displaying information and an input unit 26 such as a touch panel for handling operations on the display screen.

[0098] The reading unit 80 can be installed either outside or inside the printer 2. Since the reading unit 80 has a reading range AR1, it reads the state of the droplets 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1. In this specific example, the reading unit 80 reads the state of the spray mark MA0 included in the intermediate image IM1 together with the reference mark 62. Figure 1 , Figure 3 The reading unit 80 shown is mounted on the printer 2 independently of the carriage 52 so that it does not move in the main scanning direction D1, and detects the concentration of the reading range AR1 in the medium ME0 in units of detection elements such as imaging elements.

[0099] The reading unit 80 can be a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) area sensor (or line sensor) like in a digital camera, or an image sensor of the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or CCD type. A digital camera, or similar external device, can also be connected to the printer 2 as the reading unit 80. In this specific example, the reading unit 80 can detect the density of the pattern of dots 38 formed on the medium ME0 on a per-detection-element basis, and output a digital value representing the density per detection-element basis to the controller 10. The reading unit 80 can read the position, density, and other states of the spray mark MA0 on a per-dot basis. Therefore, even if the dots 38 included in the spray mark MA0 are discretely arranged, the reading unit 80 can still read the state of the spray mark MA0. When the reading unit 80 is a camera, it can be said that the reading unit 80 captures the intermediate image IM1 containing the spray mark unit MA0.

[0100] Figure 2 The recording head 30 shown has a nozzle array 33 on a nozzle surface 30a. The nozzle array 33 is formed by multiple nozzles 34 capable of ejecting droplets 37 to the medium ME0, arranged at predetermined nozzle pitch intervals in the arrangement direction D4. Here, a nozzle refers to a small orifice for ejecting droplets, and a nozzle array refers to an arrangement of multiple nozzles. The nozzle surface 30a is the ejection surface of the droplets 37. The nozzle array 33 includes, for example, a C-nozzle array 33C capable of ejecting C-type droplets 37 to the medium ME0, an M-nozzle array 33M capable of ejecting M-type droplets 37 to the medium ME0, a Y-nozzle array 33Y capable of ejecting Y-type droplets 37 to the medium ME0, and a K-nozzle array 33K capable of ejecting K-type droplets 37 to the medium ME0. It can be said that the recording head 30 has multiple nozzle arrays 33, which are arranged along the main scanning direction D1. Figure 2 In each of the nozzle rows (33C, 33M, 33Y, 33K) shown, multiple nozzles 34 are arranged in a row along the arrangement direction D4 at predetermined nozzle spacing intervals. The multiple nozzles 34 in each nozzle row (33C, 33M, 33Y, 33K) can also be arranged in an alternating pattern along the arrangement direction D4 at predetermined nozzle spacing intervals, i.e., arranged in two rows. Here, the arrangement direction of the multiple nozzles 34 arranged in an alternating pattern is defined with reference to the arrangement direction of the nozzles in each of the two rows.

[0101] like Figure 3As shown, in the printing system 1 of this specific example, during a midway through multiple passes targeting the overlapping area OL1, an intermediate image IM1 is formed on the medium ME0 based on the input image IM0, and the remaining image IM2 is formed on the medium ME0 in subsequent passes. The formed printed image IM3 is not a test pattern for adjustments such as Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, or density adjustment, but rather an image intended for printing as a material that the user wants to use for various purposes. The printed image IM3 can also be referred to as an image for non-adjustment purposes. For example, the printed image IM3 includes natural images or photographs used by users to decorate their rooms or for sales, or document images such as line drawings for presentations. The intermediate image IM1 is formed from these illustrated input images IM0. By including the spray mark MA0, which can be read by the reading unit 80, in the intermediate image IM1, and filling the surrounding area of ​​the spray mark MA0 with the remaining image IM2 after the intermediate image IM1 is formed, it is possible to obtain a printed material with a printed image IM3 that the user wants to use for the various purposes described above.

[0102] After the intermediate image IM1 is formed and before the remaining image IM2 is formed, printer 2 reads the state of the ejection mark MA0 along with the reference mark 62 via the reading unit 80. When performing position adjustments such as Bi-d adjustment or paper feed adjustment, printer 2 reads the position of the ejection mark MA0 as the state of the ejection mark MA0 via the reading unit 80, using the reference mark 62 as the reference for the ejection position. When adjusting the density of the printed image IM3, printer 2 reads the density of the ejection mark MA0 as the state of the ejection mark MA0 via the reading unit 80, using the reference mark 62 as the reference for the ejection position. The read state of the ejection mark MA0 is used in adjustment processes such as position adjustment and density adjustment described above.

[0103] Using the above method, there is no need to print test patterns separately for printer 2 adjustments. Therefore, the liquid consumption, media consumption, and printing time used for printing test patterns can be reduced.

[0104] Figure 2 The spray mark MA0 shown is a pattern of droplets 37 sprayed onto medium ME0, where the pattern is an intersection of the main scan line LN1 along the main scan direction D1 and the sub-scan line LN2 along the sub-scan direction D2. The intersection pattern can be as follows: Figure 2The pattern shown is a crosshair where the main scan line LN1 and the sub-scan line LN2 are orthogonal. Other patterns include an L-shaped pattern where the end of the main scan line LN1 connects to the end of the sub-scan line LN2; a T-shaped pattern where the end of the sub-scan line LN2 connects to the middle of the main scan line LN1; and a pattern where the end of the main scan line LN1 connects to the middle of the sub-scan line LN2. The main scan line LN1 and the sub-scan line LN2 may also intersect. By making the ejection marking section MA0 an intersecting pattern, both Bi-d adjustment and paper feed adjustment can be performed.

[0105] exist Figure 2 In the intermediate image IM1 shown, point 38 is not present at the spray position PO1 adjacent to the cross pattern (LN1, LN2). The adjacent spray position PO1 only needs to have at least one point.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 3 Let's illustrate this with an example of bidirectional, multi-pass printing. Figure 3 In the main scan SC1, the outgoing direction D11 is to the right, and the return direction D12 is to the left. Furthermore, the feed direction D3, which is the direction in which the medium ME0 moves during the sub-scan, is downward, and the sub-scan direction D2, which is the relative movement direction of the recording head 30 based on the medium ME0, is upward. The tape regions B1 to B4, which represent the units of recording the printed image IM3, correspond to half the length of the nozzle array 33 in the sub-scan direction D2. The tape regions B2 to B4 complete the recording of the printed image IM3 through two strokes of the main scan SC1.

[0107] At time t1, the control unit U1 controls the main scan SC1 in such a way that while ejecting the droplets 37 from the recording head 30 in a manner aligned with the tape regions B1 and B2, the recording head 30 is moved in the forward direction D11. Here, regarding tape region B2, an intermediate image IM1 is formed through the first stroke. This first stroke in tape region B2 is designated as the first stroke PA1. Furthermore, although not shown, regarding tape region B1, a printed image IM3 is formed by forming the remaining image IM2 on the intermediate image IM1 formed in the previous stroke. In addition, for tape region B1, after the formation of the intermediate image IM1 and before the formation of the remaining image IM2, the control unit U1 obtains the state of the ejection mark unit MA0 based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit 80, using the reference mark 62 as a reference for the ejection position.

[0108] At the next timing t2, the control unit U1 controls the sub-scan SC2 in such a way that the medium ME0 moves along the sub-scan direction D2 until the recording head 30 is aligned with the tape regions B2 and B3. Furthermore, for tape region B2, after the formation of the intermediate image IM1 and before the formation of the remaining image IM2, the control unit U1 obtains the state of the ejection marker MA0 based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit 80, using the reference marker 62 as a reference for the ejection position.

[0109] At the next timing t3, the control unit U1 controls the main scan SC1 in the following manner: while ejecting droplets 37 from the recording head 30 in a manner aligned with the tape regions B2 and B3, the recording head 30 is moved in the return direction D12. Here, with respect to tape region B3, an intermediate image IM1 is formed through the first stroke, and with respect to tape region B2, a printed image IM3 is formed through the second stroke. The second stroke in tape region B2 is designated as the second stroke PA2.

[0110] At the next timing t4, the control unit U1 controls the sub-scan SC2 in such a way that the medium ME0 moves along the sub-scan direction D2 until the recording head 30 is aligned with the tape regions B3 and B4. Furthermore, for tape region B3, after the formation of the intermediate image IM1 and before the formation of the remaining image IM2, the control unit U1 obtains the state of the ejection marker MA0 based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit 80, using the reference marker 62 as a reference for the ejection position.

[0111] At the next timing t5, the control unit U1 controls the main scan SC1 in such a way that, while ejecting droplets 37 from the recording head 30 in alignment with the tape regions B3 and B4, the recording head 30 is moved in the forward direction D11. Here, with respect to tape region B4, an intermediate image IM1 is formed during the first stroke, and with respect to tape region B3, a printed image IM3 is formed during the second stroke.

[0112] As explained above, the control unit U1 controls the bidirectional multi-stroke printing process that forms the printed image IM3 on the medium ME0 while repeatedly performing the main scan SC1 and the sub-scan SC2.

[0113] As mentioned above, during timings t1 to t3, region B2 becomes the overlapping region OL1, where the image recording areas overlap using the first stroke PA1 and the second stroke PA2, which is later than the first stroke PA1 (see reference). Figures 4 to 7 ).exist Figure 3In the example shown, the control unit U1 implements control to form the spray mark MA0 in the overlapping area OL1 using a single advance stroke. By forming the spray mark MA0 using only one stroke, the error generated on the spray mark MA0 is reduced compared to the case where the spray mark MA0 is formed using two or more strokes.

[0114] Furthermore, although the first stroke in band region B2 is designated as the first stroke PA1 and the second stroke in band region B2 is designated as the first stroke PA2 in the above text, the areas where the first stroke PA1 and the second stroke PA2 are executed are not limited to band region B2. The first stroke PA1 and the second stroke PA2 refer to a predetermined main scan SC1 and a subsequent main scan SC1 relative to the main scan SC1, respectively, for any region, which can be executed in band region B1 or in regions after band region B3.

[0115] First, refer to Figure 4 This example illustrates how an input image IM0, which forms a point 38 at a 100% recording rate, is decomposed into a printed image IM3 by each pass. Figure 4 In the illustrative example shown, the input image IM0 corresponds to the overlapping area OL1, and the printer 2 forms the printed image IM3 in the overlapping area OL1 using two strokes, including a first stroke PA1 and a second stroke PA2.

[0116] The control unit U1 first decomposes the input image IM0 into an intermediate image IM1 and a remaining image IM2. Here, the control unit U1 generates the intermediate image IM1 based on the input image IM0, in a manner that includes the spray marker MA0. The point 38 of the spray marker MA0 originates from the input image IM0. Figure 4 The diagram shows a main scan line LN1 with multiple points 38 continuous in the main scan direction D1, and a sub-scan line LN2 with multiple points 38 continuous in the sub-scan direction D2. Furthermore, the control unit U1 does not place points 38 at the spray position PO1 adjacent to the spray marker MA0 in the intermediate image IM1. While generating the intermediate image IM1, the control unit U1 generates the remaining image IM2 by removing the arrangement of points 38 formed by the intermediate image IM1 from the arrangement of points 38 formed by the input image IM0.

[0117] After the input image IM0 is decomposed, the control unit U1 performs control to form the intermediate image IM1 on the medium ME0 in the first stroke PA1, and performs control to form the remaining image IM2 on the medium ME0 in the second stroke PA2. As a result, the surrounding area, including the ejection position PO1 adjacent to the ejection marker MA0, is filled by the remaining image IM2, thereby completing the printing of image IM3 on the medium ME0. In other words, no trace of the ejection marker MA0 remains in the printed image IM3. Furthermore, the control unit U1 obtains the state of the ejection marker MA0 from the reading unit 80 using the reference marker 62 as a reference for the ejection position before the remaining image IM2 is formed, thereby enabling processing based on the state of the ejection marker MA0.

[0118] The recording rate of 38 dots in printed IM3 images is sometimes less than 100%. Figure 5 As an example, the illustration shows a case where the input image IM0, formed by points 38 at a recording rate of 50%, is decomposed into a printed image IM3 for each stroke. In this case, the control unit U1 also decomposes the input image IM0 into an intermediate image IM1 and a remaining image IM2. As a result, the arrangement of points 38 on the spray mark becomes discrete. Figure 5 The diagram shows a main scan line LN1 with multiple points 38 discretely arranged in the main scan direction D1, and a sub-scan line LN2 with multiple points 38 discretely arranged in the sub-scan direction D2. Here, the control unit U1 also does not place points 38 at the spray position PO1 adjacent to the spray marker MA0 in the intermediate image IM1. Of course, while generating the intermediate image IM1, the control unit U1 generates the remaining image IM2 by removing the arrangement of points 38 from the arrangement of points 38 formed by the input image IM0.

[0119] After the input image IM0 is decomposed, the control unit U1 performs control to form the intermediate image IM1 on the medium ME0 in the first stroke PA1, and performs control to form the remaining image IM2 on the medium ME0 in the second stroke PA2. As a result, the surrounding area, including the spray position PO1 adjacent to the spray mark MA0, is filled by the remaining image IM2, thereby completing the printing of image IM3 on the medium ME0.

[0120] (3) Comparison example of reading results including points: Printer 2 has a vibration source such as drive unit 50, and vibrations from this vibration source are transmitted to the medium ME0. For example, when carriage drive unit 51 moves carriage 52 or roller drive unit 55 feeds medium ME0, printer 2 vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to medium ME0. For example, when read unit 80 is outside printer 2, the medium ME0 vibrates with reference to read unit 80, thereby... Figure 20 As illustrated, the reading range AR9 of the reading unit 80 for the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 will vary. Furthermore, even when the reading unit 80 is within the printer 2, the reading range AR9 for the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 will also vary because the path of vibration transmitted from the vibration source to the medium ME0 is different from the path of vibration transmitted from the vibration source to the reading unit 80. In any case, because the vibration of the medium ME0 and the vibration of the reading unit 80 are different, relative vibrations will occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80.

[0121] Figure 20 The reading results RS91 to RS93 of the identification section MA0 in the comparative example are shown schematically. As described above, point 38 is formed by droplets 37 ejected from nozzle 34 landing on the first surface F1 of medium ME0.

[0122] When relative vibrations occur between the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80 as described above, the reading range AR9 for the medium ME0 will change. Figure 20 As shown in the rectangle with the solid line, when a point 38 is near the center of the reading range AR9, the reading unit 80 obtains a reading result RS92 indicating that point 38 is near the center. Here, the upper left corner of the reading results RS91 to RS93 is set as the origin (0, 0), and the position of point 38, i.e., the spray position of droplet 37, is set as the coordinates (x, y). Figure 20 As shown in the rectangle with double-dotted lines, when the reading range AR9 shifts to the upper left relative to a point 38, the point 38 contained in the reading result RS91 will shift to the lower right. Therefore, the coordinates (x, y) of point 38 will move away from the origin (0, 0). Figure 20 As shown in the rectangle with a single dotted line, when the reading range AR9 shifts to the lower right based on a certain point 38, point 38 included in the reading result RS93 will shift to the upper left. Therefore, the coordinates (x, y) of point 38 will approach the origin (0, 0). In summary, due to the relative vibration between the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, a large error will occur in the spray position of the droplet 37 obtained from the reading results RS91 to RS93.

[0123] When adjusting a printer by printing and reading a test pattern, the test pattern can be read by placing it on a flatbed scanner or similar surface. However, in situations such as... Figure 3 When the sprayed marking MA0 is formed on the medium ME0 in real time as shown, it is necessary to accurately read the position of the feature point during the printing process. Since the feature point is embedded in the intermediate image IM1 and filled by the remaining image IM2, it cannot be enlarged. Because the feature point of the object being read is small, there is a tendency for the influence of the movement of the carriage 52 or the transport of the medium ME0 during printing to become greater compared to when using a test pattern.

[0124] In this specific example, when the reference mark 62 of the reference mark attachment 60, which transmits vibrations matching those of the medium ME0, is set within the reading range AR1, the reading unit 80 reads the reading range AR1. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position to adjust the printer 2. Therefore, even if relative vibrations occur between the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, adjustments based on the reading results can be performed with high accuracy.

[0125] (4) A first specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: Figure 6 A first specific example of a printing system 1, including a reference mark attachment 60 and a holding part 3, is schematically shown. Figure 7 For the purpose of schematically showing a top view of a first specific example of a printing system 1 including a reference mark attachment 60 and a roller holding part 40, the reference mark attachment 60 includes a reference mark 62 present within a reading range AR1 containing point 38.

[0126] The roller drive unit 55 described above includes a conveying roller pair 56 and a discharge roller pair 57, and conveys the medium ME0 in a feed direction D3, which is a predetermined direction. The conveying roller pair 56 includes a driving conveying roller 56a and a driven conveying roller 56b. The discharge roller pair 57 includes a driving discharge roller 57a and a driven discharge roller 57b. The retaining unit 3, which transmits vibrations to the medium ME0, includes a medium support unit 58 and a roller retaining unit 40 that holds the driven conveying roller 56b in a rotatable manner. In this case, the driven conveying roller 56b is an example of a rotatable roller 5 that contacts the medium ME0, which can move in the predetermined direction. Vibrations of the medium ME0 are transmitted to the roller retaining unit 40 via the driven conveying roller 56b. Furthermore, since the roller retaining unit 40 is fixed to the frame member, there is also a possibility that vibrations of the roller retaining unit 40 are transmitted to the medium ME0 via the driven conveying roller 56b.

[0127] Figure 7The driven conveying roller 56b shown includes a plurality of contact portions 56c that contact the first surface F1 of the medium ME0, and a shaft portion 56d along the main scanning direction D1. The plurality of contact portions 56c and the shaft portion 56d are integrated and can rotate together with the shaft portion 56d about the center line of the shaft portion 56d. The roller holding portion 40 includes a plurality of protrusions 41 protruding in the feed direction D3 from both sides of the contact portions 56c in the main scanning direction D1. A reference marking attachment portion 60 is provided on one of these protrusions 41.

[0128] The reference mark attachment 60 includes a cross-shaped reference mark 62 located within the reading range AR1, and a base 61 provided on the protrusion 41. It can be said that the reference mark attachment 60 ensures that the reference mark 62, indicating the spray position of the droplet 37 relative to the medium ME0, exists within the reading range AR1. The base 61 extends from the protrusion 41 and connects to the reference mark 62 from the protrusion 41. The tip 61a of the base 61 is thinner than the reference mark 62. It can also be said that the boundary between the base 61 and the reference mark 62 is thinner. Vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the reference mark 62 via the driven conveying roller 56b, the roller holding portion 40, and the base 61. Furthermore, there is also a case where vibration of the roller holding portion 40 is transmitted to the medium ME0 via the driven conveying roller 56b and to the reference mark 62 via the base 61.

[0129] The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplet 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 along with the reference mark 62 within the reading range AR1. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80 as a reference for the spray position, and performs adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0. For example, by setting the center of the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 as the origin (0, 0), and setting the position of point 38, i.e., the spray position of droplet 37, as coordinates (x, y), the spray position of droplet 37 can be obtained with good accuracy. Point 38 can also be... Figures 2 to 5 The point included by the spray mark MA0 shown. In this case, the position of the spray mark MA0 can be obtained with good accuracy.

[0130] Figure 8 The reading result RS0, which includes point 38 and reference identifier 62, is illustrated schematically.

[0131] When relative vibrations occur between the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the reading range AR1 for the medium ME0 will change. For example... Figure 8 As shown by the rectangle with the solid line, when a point 38 is near the center of the reading range AR1, the reading unit 80 obtains the reading result RS2, indicating that point 38 is near the center. Figure 8As shown in the rectangle with double-dotted lines, when the reading range AR1 shifts to the upper left with reference to a certain point 38, the point 38 included in the reading result RS1 will shift to the lower right. Here, by providing a reference marker appendix 60 on the roller holding part 40 that transmits vibrations to the medium ME0, the reference marker 62 included in the reading result RS1 will also shift to the lower right. As a result, the coordinates (x, y) of point 38 with reference to the origin (0, 0) are approximately consistent in reading results RS1 and RS2. Figure 8 As shown in the rectangle with a single dotted line, when the reading range AR1 is shifted to the lower right based on a certain point 38, the point 38 included in the reading result RS3 will shift to the upper left. Here, by providing a reference mark attachment 60 on the roller holding part 40 that transmits vibration to the medium ME0, the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS3 will also shift to the upper left. As a result, the coordinates (x, y) of point 38 based on the origin (0, 0) are approximately the same in the reading result RS3 and the reading result RS2.

[0132] By making the reference mark 62 a cross shape, the x-coordinate in the main scanning direction D1 and the y-coordinate in the sub-scanning direction D2 can be easily determined in the reading result RS0. In other words, the position of the reference mark 62 contained in the reading result RS0 can be easily determined. Furthermore, by making the base 61 thinner than the reference mark 62, the center of the reference mark 62, i.e., the origin (0, 0), can be easily determined. Therefore, the droplet 37's ejection position based on the reference mark 62 can be obtained with good accuracy, thereby enabling precise adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0.

[0133] Furthermore, the shape of the reference mark 62 can also be a polygon such as a quadrilateral, an ellipse including a circle, a rod, etc. In addition, even if the distance between the base 61 and the reference mark 62 is not thin, the spray position of the droplet 37 based on the reference mark 62 can be obtained.

[0134] and, Figure 7 The shaft portion 56d shown can be fixed to the protrusion 41 in a non-rotatable manner, or it can be used as a roller 5 to hold one or more contact portions 56c in a rotatable manner.

[0135] Furthermore, roller 5 can be either a driven discharge roller 57b, a driving conveying roller 56a, or a driving discharge roller 57a.

[0136] Figure 9 The adjustment process of printer 2 is illustrated schematically. The adjustment process is achieved through... Figure 1The control unit U1 shown is used for this purpose. In the case where the printing system 1 includes a main unit HO1, the main unit HO1 can also be the main unit for performing the adjustment process. Alternatively, the controller 10 of the printer 2 can also be the main unit for performing the adjustment process. In the following description, the structure in which the controller 10 is the main unit for performing the adjustment process will be explained. Figure 9 In the adjustment process shown, steps S102 to S104 correspond to the intermediate image formation process ST1, step S106 corresponds to the reading process ST2, step S108 corresponds to the remaining image formation process ST3, and step S110 corresponds to the processing process ST4.

[0137] Hereinafter, the description of "step" will sometimes be omitted, and the symbol of the step will be shown in parentheses. The printing control processing of S102 to S108 begins when the controller 10 receives a printing instruction to form a printed image IM3 that is not for adjustment test pattern. The printing instruction may be triggered by a printing request from the host device HO1 to the printer 2, or by a printing start operation triggered by the input section 26 of the printer 2, etc. The adjustment of S110 may be triggered by the implementation of the printing control processing of S102 to S108, or it may be performed independently of the printing control processing at a predetermined period such as once a month, or it may be performed when the controller 10 receives an adjustment instruction. The adjustment instruction may be triggered by an adjustment request from the host device HO1 to the printer 2, or by a adjustment start operation triggered by the input section 26 of the printer 2, etc.

[0138] The following also refers to Figures 1 to 8 Let me explain the adjustment process.

[0139] When the adjustment process begins, the controller 10 decomposes the input image IM0 into an intermediate image IM1 and a remaining image IM2 (S102). For example, the controller 10 first generates the intermediate image IM1 based on the input image IM0, in a manner that includes a spray marker MA0 that can be read by the reading unit 80. The controller 10 may also generate the intermediate image IM1 without placing a point 38 at the spray position PO1 adjacent to the spray marker MA0. Alternatively, as long as the state of the spray marker MA0 can be read by the reading unit 80, a point 38 may be placed at the adjacent spray position PO1. Next, the controller 10 generates the remaining image IM2 by removing the configuration of the points 38 formed by the intermediate image IM1 from the configuration of the points 38 formed by the input image IM0.

[0140] After the input image IM0 is decomposed, the controller 10 controls the recording head 30 and the drive unit 50 in such a way that, during an intermediate stroke in multiple strokes, such as the first stroke PA1, the intermediate image IM1 containing the spray mark MA0 is formed in the overlapping region OL1 (S104). For example, as Figure 3 As shown in the timing t1, the controller 10 ejects the droplet 37 from the recording head 30 in a manner aligned with the tape region B1 and the tape region B2, which is the overlapping region OL1, while simultaneously moving the recording head 30 in the forward direction D11. When the droplet 37 ejected from the recording head 30 in the main scan SC1 lands on the medium ME0, the controller 10 controls the sub-scan SC2 in such a way that, in the subsequent stroke, such as the second stroke PA2, the droplet 37 is ejected from the recording head 30 toward the overlapping region OL1. For example, as Figure 3 As shown in the timing t2, the controller 10 controls the sub-scan SC2 in such a way that the medium ME0 moves along the sub-scan direction D2 until the recording head 30 is aligned with the tape regions B2 and B3.

[0141] As described above, the control unit U1 performs control during the intermediate stroke to form an intermediate image IM1 containing the spray mark MA0 on the medium ME0.

[0142] After the spray mark MA0 is formed, the reading unit 80 reads the spray mark MA0 (refer to...) Figures 2 to 5 Entering reference marker 62 (refer to) Figures 6 to 8 The controller 10 reads the medium ME0 by taking a picture of the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 while it is in the reading range AR1. As a result, the state of the spray mark MA0 is read along with the reference mark 62 in the reading range AR1, and the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80 includes both the reference mark 62 and the spray mark MA0. The controller 10 obtains the reading result RS0 (S106) containing the reference mark 62 and the spray mark MA0 from the reading unit 80.

[0143] Furthermore, based on the input image IM0, it may be impossible to detect the spray mark MA0 from the overlapping area OL1. In this case, the controller 10 only needs to obtain the status of the spray mark MA0 from the reading unit 80 in the next subsequent stroke.

[0144] After obtaining the reading result RS0, the controller 10 controls the recording head 30 and the drive unit 50 in such a way that, in a subsequent stroke, such as the second stroke PA2, the remaining image IM2 is formed in the overlapping region OL1 (S108). For example, as Figure 3As shown in the timing t3, the controller 10 ejects the droplet 37 from the recording head 30 in a manner aligned with the strip regions B2 and B3, which are the overlapping region OL1, while simultaneously moving the recording head 30 in the return direction D12. As a result, the surrounding area including the drop position PO1 adjacent to the drop mark MA0 is filled with the remaining image IM2, thereby completing the recording of the printed image IM3 within the overlapping region OL1.

[0145] While repeatedly performing the main scan SC1 and the sub-scan SC2, the controller 10 also repeatedly controls the recording of the printed image IM3 to the overlapping area OL1.

[0146] Subsequently, at the timing of the adjustment, the controller 10 uses the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading result RS0 as the reference for the spray position, and performs adjustment based on the state of the spray identifier MA0 contained in the reading result RS0 (S110), thereby ending the adjustment process. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, when the spray mark MA0 is a cross pattern, the controller 10 reads the result RS0 as follows: Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, with the center of reference mark 62 as the origin (0, 0), the y-coordinate of the main scan line LN1 on the sub-scan direction D2 and the x-coordinate of the sub-scan line LN2 on the main scan direction D1 are obtained.

[0147] like Figure 10 As illustrated, the adjustments based on the state of the spray mark MA0 include Bi-d adjustment, PF adjustment (paper feed adjustment), and density adjustment.

[0148] Figure 10 The adjustment based on the state of the spray mark MA0 is illustrated schematically.

[0149] Bi-d adjustment refers to the setting of adjustment value V1 used to align the droplet 37's ejection position in the outgoing direction (D1) with the droplet 37's ejection position in the return direction (D1). Here, outgoing refers to the main scan SC1 where the recording head 30 moves in the outgoing direction (D11), and return refers to the main scan SC1 where the recording head 30 moves in the return direction (D12). For example, as... Figure 10As shown, the return stroke's spray position, which should be aligned with the outgoing stroke's spray position in the main scanning direction D1, is offset in the outgoing direction D11 compared to the outgoing stroke's spray position. In this case, the x-coordinate of the sub-scan line LN2 formed on the medium ME0 during the return stroke is offset in the outgoing direction D11 compared to the x-coordinate of the sub-scan line LN2 formed on the medium ME0 during the outgoing stroke. Since the x-coordinate of the sub-scan line LN2 is obtained based on the reference mark 62 of the reference mark appendage 60 provided on the retaining part 3 that transmits vibrations to the medium ME0, the error is small. The controller 10 can accurately calculate the adjustment value V1 corresponding to the position offset of the sub-scan line LN2 based on the x-coordinate of the sub-scan line LN2 with small error. The controller 10 can perform Bi-d adjustment by storing the adjustment value V1 in the storage part 23 of the printer 2. For example, the controller 10, in conjunction with the adjustment value V1, delays the timing of the liquid ejected from the recording head 30 during the return stroke, thereby aligning the droplet 37's ejection position in the main scan direction D1 during both the outgoing and return strokes. Of course, if the return stroke's ejection position, which should be aligned with the outgoing stroke's ejection position in the main scan direction D1, shifts towards the return stroke direction D12 compared to the removed ejection position, the adjustment value V1 can also be used to align the droplet 37's ejection position in the main scan direction D1 during both the outgoing and return strokes.

[0150] Furthermore, the preferred spray mark MA0 for Bi-d adjustment only needs to have a sub-scan line LN2, and the main scan line LN1 may not be provided. However, since the position of the spray mark MA0 in the main scan direction D1 can be read even if the sub-scan line LN2 is not provided in the spray mark MA0, Bi-d adjustment can be performed.

[0151] PF adjustment refers to the setting of adjustment value V2 used to precisely match the delivery amount of medium ME0 during sub-scanning SC2 in the sub-scanning direction D2. If the delivery amount of medium ME0 during sub-scanning SC2 is too large, gaps will appear between the band areas, such as light-colored stripes. If the delivery amount of medium ME0 during sub-scanning SC2 is too small, overlapping stripes will appear between the band areas, such as dark-colored stripes. For example, as... Figure 10As shown, in the sub-scanning direction D2, the interval between the droplet 37 spray positions between sub-scans SC2 is wider than the designed width WB of the strip area. In this case, the interval between the main scan line LN1 formed on the medium ME0 in a certain stroke and the main scan line LN1 formed on the medium ME0 in the previous stroke is greater than the width WB of the strip area. Since the y-coordinate of the main scan line LN1 is obtained with reference to the reference mark 62 of the reference mark appendage 60 provided on the retaining part 3 that transmits vibration to the medium ME0, the error is small. The controller 10 can calculate the adjustment value V2 with good accuracy based on the y-coordinate of the main scan line LN1 with less error, which corresponds to the offset of the interval between the main scan lines LN1 relative to the width WB of the strip area. The controller 10 can perform PF adjustment by storing the adjustment value V2 in the storage part 23 of the printer 2. For example, by cooperating with the adjustment value V2, the controller 10 reduces the amount of medium ME0 transported during sub-scan SC2, thereby enabling precise matching of the amount of medium ME0 transported during sub-scan SC2 in the sub-scan direction D2. Of course, even when the interval between the droplet 37 ejection positions between sub-scans SC2 in the sub-scan direction D2 is narrower than the designed band width WB, the amount of medium ME0 transported during sub-scan SC2 can still be precisely matched by setting the adjustment value V2.

[0152] Furthermore, the preferred spray mark MA0 for PF adjustment only needs to have a main scan line LN1, and the sub-scan line LN2 may not be provided. However, since the position of the spray mark MA0 in the sub-scan direction D2 can be read even if the main scan line LN1 is not provided in the spray mark MA0, PF adjustment can be performed.

[0153] Density adjustment refers to the setting of adjustment value V3 used to match the density of the printed image IM3 with the density of the input image IM0. The spray mark MA0 for density adjustment can be... Figure 10 The two-dimensional image shown, such as a rectangle, can also be a thin line representing a nozzle unit. Here, when relative vibration occurs on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the position of the spray mark MA0 within the reading range AR1 will change. By including a reference mark 62 in the reading range AR1, the position of the spray mark MA0 can be accurately determined by using the reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position.

[0154] For example, such as Figure 10As shown, the printed image IM3 is lighter than the input image IM0. In this case, the output density of the spray mark MA0 is higher than the density of the spray mark data DAM used to form the spray mark MA0. The controller 10 can perform density adjustment by storing an adjustment value V3 corresponding to the deviation of the output density of the spray mark MA0 from the density of the spray mark data DAM in the storage unit 23 of the printer 2. For example, the controller 10 can reduce the output density of the spray mark MA0 corresponding to the spray mark data DAM to the density of the spray mark data DAM by cooperating with the adjustment value V3, thereby matching the density of the printed image IM3 with the density of the input image IM0. Of course, even when the printed image IM3 is lighter than the input image IM0, the density of the printed image IM3 can be matched with the density of the input image IM0 by setting the adjustment value V3.

[0155] As explained above, the state of the ejection mark MA0 contained in the intermediate image IM1 formed during the intermediate stroke is detected, and a printed image IM3 is formed with the trace of the ejection mark MA0 being eliminated by the remaining image IM2 formed in the subsequent stroke. On the one hand, a printed image IM3 that is not a test pattern is formed; on the other hand, processing based on the state of the ejection mark MA0 is performed, such as Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, density adjustment, etc. Since it is not necessary to print a test pattern separately for the adjustment of printer 2, the liquid consumption, media consumption, and printing time used for printing test patterns can be reduced.

[0156] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the base 61 of the reference mark attachment 60 is held by the roller holding part 40, thereby reducing the vibration of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0 and reducing the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0. As a result, processing based on the reading result RS0 of the reference mark 62, which has less positional error, can be performed using this reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position. Examples of processing include Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, and density adjustment. Therefore, even if relative vibration occurs between the medium ME0 and the reading part 80, the first embodiment can perform processing based on the reading result RS0 with good accuracy. Furthermore, since the reference mark 62 itself does not require power, the reading part 80 can semi-permanently read the reference mark 62.

[0157] (5) A second specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: Figure 11 A second specific example of a printing system 1, including a reference mark attachment 60 and a holding part 3, is schematically shown. Figure 11Within the double-dotted line frame shown, a top view is displayed of the reference mark appendage 60, including the reference mark 62, and the media pressing part 45, which are located within the reading range AR1 including the point 38. Figure 11 In the example above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the second specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0158] As described above, the media support 58 holds the second surface F2 of the medium ME0 being conveyed in the feed direction D3. In this media support 58, media pressing parts 45 are mounted on two edge portions 58a, 58a on the main scanning direction D1, which intersects the feed direction D3, respectively, in a manner that wraps around the edge portions E1, E1 on the main scanning direction D1 of the medium ME0. Each media pressing part 45 presses the edge portion E1 of the medium ME0 from the first surface F1 toward the media support 58, thereby preventing the edge portion E1 from lifting off the media support 58. Vibration of the media support 58 is transmitted to the medium ME0 and the media pressing part 45. In other words, vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the media pressing part 45. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that vibration of the media pressing part 45 is transmitted to the medium ME0.

[0159] The reference mark attachment 60 includes a cross-shaped reference mark 62 located within the reading range AR1 and a base 61 disposed on the media pressing part 45. The base 61 is connected to the reference mark 62 from the media pressing part 45. The tip portion 61a of the base 61 is thinner than the reference mark 62. Vibrations of the media ME0 are transmitted to the reference mark 62 via the media pressing part 45 and the base 61. Furthermore, vibrations of the media pressing part 45 are sometimes transmitted to the media ME0 and then to the reference mark 62 via the base 61.

[0160] The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplets 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1, along with the reference mark 62. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80 as a reference for the spray position, and then performs adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0.

[0161] When relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the reading range AR1 for the medium ME0 will change. Here, by providing a reference mark appendage 60 on the medium pressing part 45 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0, the reading result (e.g., reference) is evenly measured. Figure 8 The position of point 38 contained in the reading results (RS1 to RS3) shown is offset, and the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading results is also offset in a manner that is approximately consistent with the position offset of point 38.

[0162] By holding the base 61 of the reference mark attachment 60 on the media pressing part 45, the vibration of the reference mark 62 based on the media ME0 can be reduced, and the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the media ME0 can be reduced. As a result, processing based on the reading result RS0 of the reference mark 62, which has less positional error, can be performed using the reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position. For example, Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, density adjustment, etc. Therefore, in the second embodiment, even if relative vibration occurs on the media ME0 and the reading part 80, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed with good accuracy.

[0163] (6) A third specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: Figure 12 A third specific example of a printing system 1, including a reference mark attachment 60 and a holding part 3, is schematically shown. Figure 13 To schematically illustrate a top view of a third specific example of a printing system 1 including a reference mark attachment 60 and a roller holding part 40, the reference mark attachment 60 includes a reference mark 62 present within the reading range containing point 38. Figure 12 , 13 In the example above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the third specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0164] In the third specific example, the driven conveying roller 56b is an example of a rotatable roller 5 that is in contact with the medium ME0. Vibrations of the medium ME0 are transmitted to the roller holding portion 40 via the driven conveying roller 56b. Alternatively, vibrations of the roller holding portion 40 may also be transmitted to the medium ME0 via the driven conveying roller 56b. The holding portion 3, which receives vibrations transmitted to the medium ME0, includes a medium support portion 58 and a roller holding portion 40 that rotatably holds the driven conveying roller 56b. The roller holding portion 40 includes a plurality of protrusions 41, one of which is provided with a reference marking appendage 60.

[0165] The reference mark attachment 60 includes an ejection section 63 and a base 61 disposed on the protrusion 41. The ejection section 63 is capable of ejecting light LT0 that displays a cross-shaped reference mark 62 on the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1. Essentially, the reference mark attachment 60 displays a reference mark 62, indicating the position of the droplet 37 relative to the medium ME0, within the reading range AR1. The ejection section 63 includes a light source such as a semiconductor laser or an LED (light-emitting diode) and a light-passing section having a cross-shaped slit through which light LT0 from the light source passes, thereby displaying the cross-shaped reference mark 62. The base 61 connects to the ejection section 63 from the protrusion 41. Vibrations of the medium ME0 are transmitted to the displayed reference mark 62 via the driven transport roller 56b, the roller holding section 40, and the base 61. In addition, there are cases where the vibration of the roller holding part 40 is transmitted to the medium ME0 side via the driven conveying roller 56b and to the displayed reference mark 62 via the base 61.

[0166] In addition, the shape of the reference mark 62 can also be a polygon such as a quadrilateral, an ellipse including a circle, a rod, etc.

[0167] The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplets 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1, along with the reference mark 62. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 of the reading unit 80 as a reference for the spray position and performs adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0.

[0168] When relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the reading range AR1 for the medium ME0 will change. Here, by providing a reference mark appendage 60 on the roller holding part 40 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0, even if the reading result (e.g., reference) is not changed, the reference mark appendage 60 is provided. Figure 8 The position of point 38 contained in the reading results (RS1 to RS3) shown is offset, and the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading results is also offset in a manner that is approximately consistent with the position offset of point 38.

[0169] By holding the base 61 of the reference mark attachment 60 on the roller holding part 40, the vibration of the reference mark 62 displayed by the reference mark attachment 60 follows the vibration of the medium ME0. Therefore, the vibration of the reference mark 62 based on the medium ME0 can be reduced, and the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the medium ME0 can be reduced. As a result, processing based on the reading result RS0 of the reference mark 62 with less positional error can be performed, such as Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, and density adjustment, using the reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position. Therefore, in the third embodiment, even if relative vibration occurs between the medium ME0 and the reading part 80, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed with good accuracy. Furthermore, the displayed reference mark 62 will not deform as a component. Moreover, by not illuminating the light LT0 or by weakening the illuminated light LT0 when a malfunction occurs in the reference mark attachment 60, the malfunction of the reference mark attachment 60 can be easily determined.

[0170] (7) A fourth specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: Figure 14 A fourth specific example of a printing system 1, including a reference mark attachment 60 and a holding part 3, is schematically shown. Figure 14 Within the double-dotted line frame shown, a top view is displayed of the reference mark appendage 60, including the reference mark 62, and the media pressing part 45, which are located within the reading range AR1 including the point 38. Figure 14 In the example above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the fourth specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0171] As described above, the media pressing part 45 presses the edge E1 of the medium ME0 in the main scanning direction D1 from the first surface F1 toward the media support part 58. The reference mark attachment part 60 includes an ejection part 63 and a base 61 disposed on the media pressing part 45, wherein the ejection part 63 is capable of ejecting light LT0 that displays a cross-shaped reference mark 62 on the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1. The base 61 is connected to the ejection part 63 from the media pressing part 45. Vibration of the medium ME0 is transmitted to the displayed reference mark 62 via the media pressing part 45. In addition, there is also a case where the vibration of the media pressing part 45 is transmitted to both the medium ME0 and the displayed reference mark 62.

[0172] The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplets 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1, along with the reference mark 62. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80 as a reference for the spray position, and then performs adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0.

[0173] When relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the reading range AR1 for the medium ME0 will change. Here, by providing a reference mark appendage 60 on the medium pressing part 45 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0, the reading result (e.g., reference) is evenly measured. Figure 8 The position of point 38 contained in the reading results (RS1 to RS3) shown is offset, and the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading results is also offset in a manner that is approximately consistent with the position offset of point 38.

[0174] By holding the base 61 of the reference mark attachment 60 on the media pressing part 45, the vibration of the reference mark 62 displayed by the reference mark attachment 60 follows the vibration of the media ME0. Therefore, the vibration of the reference mark 62 with the media ME0 as a reference can be reduced, and the positional error of the reference mark 62 relative to the media ME0 can be reduced. As a result, processing based on the reading result RS0 of the reference mark 62, which has less positional error, can be performed using this reference mark 62 as a reference for the spray position. Examples of processing include Bi-d adjustment, paper feed adjustment, and density adjustment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, even if relative vibration occurs between the media ME0 and the reading part 80, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed with good accuracy.

[0175] (8) A fifth specific example of a printing system with a reference marking attachment: Figure 15 A fifth specific example of a printing system 1, including a reference mark attachment 60 and a holding part 3, is schematically shown. Figure 15 In the example above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the fourth specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0176] As described above, the medium support 58 holds the second surface F2 of the medium ME0 being conveyed in the feed direction D3. In the fifth specific example, the medium ME0 allows light LT0 to be transmitted in the thickness direction of the medium ME0. Figure 15The media support portion 58 shown has a hole 64 extending through the thickness direction of the media support portion 58. The shape of the hole 64 is the shape of the reference mark 62 to be displayed, for example, a cross shape. An ejection portion 63 is provided on the holding portion 3, which can emit light LT0 through the hole 64 to the second surface F2 of the medium ME0. When the ejection portion 63 emits light LT0 through the hole 64 to the second surface F2 of the medium ME0, the reference mark 62 is displayed on the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 by the light LT0 transmitted through the medium ME0. In the fifth specific example, it can be said that the reference mark attachment portion 60 has an ejection portion 63 and a hole 64. The reference mark 62, whose shape corresponds to the shape of the hole 64, is displayed at the position of the hole 64, so it can be said that the reference mark attachment portion 60 is provided on the media support portion 58. The reference mark attachment portion 60 irradiates light LT0 through the hole 64 to the second surface F2 of the medium ME0, thereby displaying the reference mark 62 on the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1. The vibration of the medium support 58 that transmits the vibration to the medium ME0 will be transmitted to the displayed reference mark 62.

[0177] The reading unit 80 reads the state of the droplets 37 sprayed onto the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1, along with the reference mark 62. The control unit U1 uses the reference mark 62 included in the reading result RS0 obtained by the reading unit 80 as a reference for the spray position, and then performs adjustment processing based on the reading result RS0.

[0178] When relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, the reading range AR1 for the medium ME0 will change. Here, by providing a reference mark appendage 60 on the medium support 58 that transmits the vibrations to the medium ME0, the reading result (e.g., reference) is also adjusted. Figure 8 The position of point 38 contained in the reading results (RS1 to RS3) shown is offset, and the reference identifier 62 contained in the reading results is also offset in a manner that is approximately consistent with the position offset of point 38.

[0179] By providing the reference marker attachment 60 on the medium support 58, the vibration of the reference marker 62 displayed using the reference marker attachment 60 follows the vibration of the medium ME0. Therefore, the vibration of the reference marker 62 with reference to the medium ME0 can be reduced, and the positional error of the reference marker 62 relative to the medium ME0 can be reduced. As a result, processing based on the reading result RS0, which includes the reference marker 62 with less positional error, can be performed using the reference marker 62 as a reference for the spray position. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, even if relative vibration occurs between the medium ME0 and the reading unit 80, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed with good accuracy.

[0180] Furthermore, the ejection section 63 provided on the holding section 3 can also emit light LT0 that displays the reference mark 62 smaller than the aperture 64. By providing the ejection section 63 of the reference mark attachment 60 on the holding section 3 that transmits vibrations to the medium ME0, processing based on the reading result RS0 can be performed with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur on the medium ME0 and the reading section 80.

[0181] (9) A sixth specific example of a printing system with a reference marking attachment: like Figure 16 , Figure 17 As illustrated, the ejection section 63 may also be able to change at least one of the size and color of the displayed reference mark 62. Figure 16 The ejection section 63 of the sixth specific example is shown schematically. Figure 16 The ejection section 63 shown can also be applied to any of the third to fifth examples. Figure 17 The reference identification table T1 of the sixth specific example is schematically shown. Figure 16 , Figure 17 In the example above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the sixth specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0182] Figure 16 The emission section 63 shown includes a light source 63a, a color-tuning section 63b, and an illumination size variable section 63c. The light source 63a can mix and emit light with the R (red) component Ri, the G (green) component Gi, and the B (blue) component Bi. The light source 63a can be configured, for example, by a red light source emitting R component Ri, a green light source emitting G component Gi, and a blue light source emitting B component Bi. The red, green, and blue light sources can also be integrated as a single light-emitting element. Examples of light sources 63a include semiconductor lasers and LEDs. The color-tuning section 63b can change the intensity of the R component Ri, G component Gi, and B component Bi respectively according to the instructions of the controller 10. The illumination size variable section 63c can change the diffusion degree of the light LTO emitted from the light source 63a according to the instructions of the controller 10.

[0183] Figure 17The reference identifier table T1 shown indicates the correspondence between the size of the droplets 37 ejected into the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1 and the size and color of the reference identifier 62. For example, as for the size of the droplets 37, there are large sizes for forming large dots, medium sizes for forming medium dots, and small sizes for forming small dots. Of course, large sizes are larger than medium sizes, and medium sizes are larger than small sizes. The size of the reference identifier 62 is the largest when large droplets 37 are ejected, the smallest when small droplets 37 are ejected, and an intermediate size when medium droplets 37 are ejected. The color of the reference identifier 62 is red when large droplets 37 are ejected, green when medium droplets 37 are ejected, and blue when small droplets 37 are ejected.

[0184] When the controller 10 sprays large-sized droplets 37 into the reading range AR1, it controls the color mixing unit 63b to make the reference mark 62 red according to the reference mark table T1, and controls the irradiation size variable unit 63c to make the reference mark 62 the largest. When the controller 10 sprays medium-sized droplets 37 into the reading range AR1, it controls the color mixing unit 63b to make the reference mark 62 green according to the reference mark table T1, and controls the irradiation size variable unit 63c to make the reference mark 62 a medium size. When the controller 10 sprays small-sized droplets 37 into the reading range AR1, it controls the color mixing unit 63b to make the reference mark 62 blue according to the reference mark table T1, and controls the irradiation size variable unit 63c to make the reference mark 62 the smallest.

[0185] As described above, the control unit U1 controls the illumination of light LT0 from the reference mark attachment 60 in such a way that at least one of the size and color of the reference mark 62 changes according to the size of the droplet 37 ejected toward the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1.

[0186] For example, when a large droplet 37 is sprayed into the reading range AR1, if the reference marker 62 is small, the control unit U1 may have difficulty identifying the reference marker 62 contained within the reading range AR1. By spraying a large droplet 37 into the reading range AR1, making the reference marker 62 larger, the control unit U1 can easily identify the reference marker 62 contained within the reading range AR1, thereby easily obtaining the coordinates of the large point that uses the reference marker 62 as the reference for the spray position. Furthermore, by making the reference marker 62 red, the control unit U1 can determine that the object of coordinate acquisition is a large point. Conversely, when a small droplet 37 is sprayed into the reading range AR1, if the reference marker 62 is large, the control unit U1 may have difficulty identifying the small point contained within the reading range AR1. By spraying a small droplet 37 into the reading range AR1, making the reference marker 62 smaller, the control unit U1 can easily identify the small point contained within the reading range AR1, thereby easily obtaining the coordinates of the small point that uses the reference marker 62 as the reference for the spray position. Furthermore, by making the reference mark 62 blue, the control unit U1 can determine the case where the coordinate acquisition target is a small point.

[0187] Based on the above, it is possible to perform processing based on the reading result RS0 according to the size of the droplet 37 ejected into the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1.

[0188] Furthermore, even if the color of the reference mark 62 does not change because the color-adjusting section 63b is not provided in the injection section 63, by including the irradiation size variable section 63c in the injection section 63, the size of the reference mark 62 can be changed according to the size of the droplets 37 ejected into the reading range AR1. Moreover, even if the size of the reference mark 62 does not change because the irradiation size variable section 63c is not provided in the injection section 63, by including the color-adjusting section 63b in the injection section 63, the color of the reference mark 62 can be changed according to the size of the droplets 37 ejected into the reading range AR1.

[0189] Furthermore, the ejection unit 63 may also include a reference mark shape changing unit capable of changing the shape of the reference mark 62 according to the instructions of the controller 10. The controller 10 may also control the irradiation of light LT0 from the reference mark attachment unit 60 in such a way that the shape of the reference mark 62 is changed according to the size of the droplet 37 ejected into the portion of the medium ME0 that becomes the reading range AR1.

[0190] (10) A seventh specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: like Figure 18As illustrated, the reference mark attachment 60 may also include a contrasting color portion 65 around the reference mark 62, which is a different color from that of the reference mark 62. Figure 18 A top view of a seventh specific example of a printing system 1 including a reference mark attachment 60 is shown schematically. The reference mark attachment 60 includes a reference mark 62 present within a reading range AR1 containing point 38. Figure 18 The reference identifier appendix 60 shown can also be applied to either the first or second specific example. Figure 18 In the examples above, elements that have already appeared are labeled with their corresponding numbers. In the seventh specific example, detailed descriptions of elements already described in the examples above are omitted.

[0191] For example, in Figure 7 In the example shown, when the background color of medium ME0 is white, if the reference identifier 62 is not white, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the reading result RS0. Here, when the background color of medium ME0 is red, it is difficult to identify the reference identifier 62 from the reading result RS0 when the reference identifier 62 is red.

[0192] Figure 18 The reference mark 62 shown is circular, and the portion in the reference mark attachment 60 that combines the reference mark 62 and the contrasting color portion 65 is cross-shaped. For example, the reference mark 62 is red, and the contrasting color portion 65 is yellow. Furthermore, Figure 18 The background color of the medium ME0 shown in the upper section is white. Figure 18 The background color of medium ME1 shown in the middle section is red. Figure 18 The background color of medium ME2 shown in the lower section is yellow.

[0193] exist Figure 18 In the example shown above, since both the reference identifier 62 and the contrasting color portion 65 are colors different from the background color of the medium ME0, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the reading result RS0. Furthermore, even if the density of points 38 within the reading range AR1 is high, the reference identifier 62 can still be identified from the reading result RS0 by making at least one of the reference identifier 62 and the contrasting color portion 65 a different color from the point 38.

[0194] exist Figure 18 In the example shown in the middle section, although the color of the reference identifier 62 is the same as the background color of the medium ME0, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the reading result RS0 because the color of the dissimilar part 65 is different from the background color of the medium ME0. Of course, even if the density of points 38 within the reading range AR1 is high, the reference identifier 62 can still be identified from the reading result RS0.

[0195] exist Figure 18 In the example shown in the lower paragraph, although the color of the dissimilar part 65 is the same as the background color of the medium ME0, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the reading result RS0 because its color is different from the background color of the medium ME0. Of course, even if the density of point 38 within the reading range AR1 is high, the reference identifier 62 can still be identified from the reading result RS0.

[0196] As explained above, by making the reference mark 62 different in color from the surrounding discolored portion 65, the reference mark can be easily determined from the reading results regardless of the color of the medium.

[0197] Furthermore, in the third to sixth specific examples, when the reference identifier appender 60 displays the reference identifier 62 within the reading range AR1, the reference identifier appender 60 may also display a different colored portion around the reference identifier 62. In this case, the reference identifier can be easily determined from the reading results regardless of the color of the medium.

[0198] (11) Eighth specific example of a printing system with a reference mark attachment: like Figure 19 As shown, the control unit U1 can also control the color of the light LT0 from the reference mark attachment unit 60 to be a color different from the color of the medium ME0. Figure 19 The reference identification color control process of the eighth specific example is illustrated schematically. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the controller 10 controls the emission unit 63, which is capable of changing the color of light LTO. Through... Figure 19 The reference identifier appendix 60, which is controlled by the reference identifier color control process shown, can also be applied to any of the third to sixth examples. In the eighth example, detailed descriptions of the elements already described in the above examples are omitted.

[0199] The reference color control process begins, for example, when the control unit U1 receives a setting for the type of media ME0. The host unit HO1 stores information related to media ME0, such as the background color, for each type of media ME0. The host unit HO1 sends information to the printer 2 that establishes an association between the type of media ME0 and its background color.

[0200] When the reference mark color control process begins, the controller 10 acquires information indicating the background color associated with the type of medium ME0 (S202). Next, the controller 10 determines the color of the light LTO emitted from the emission section 63 of the reference mark attachment section 60 based on the information indicating the background color (S204). For example, when the background color of the medium ME0 is white, the color of the light LTO is determined to be a color different from white, such as red. When the background color of the medium ME0 is red, the color of the light LTO is determined to be a color different from red, such as yellow. When the background color of the medium ME0 is green, the color of the light LTO is determined to be a color different from green, such as white. When the background color of the medium ME0 is yellow, the color of the light LTO is determined to be a color different from yellow, such as green. Finally, the controller 10 controls the color adjustment section 63b in a manner that makes the color of the light LTO the determined color, so that the light source 63a emits the light LTO, and the reference mark 62 of the determined color is displayed on the first surface F1 of the medium ME0 within the reading range AR1 (S206).

[0201] For example, if the background color of medium ME0 is white, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the read result RS0 by making the reference identifier 62 red. If the background color of medium ME0 is red, the reference identifier 62 can be identified from the read result RS0 by making the reference identifier 62 yellow.

[0202] As explained above, by controlling the display color of the reference identifier 62 to be a different color from that of the medium ME0, the reference identifier 62 can be easily determined from the reading result RS0 regardless of the color of the medium ME0.

[0203] (12) Variation example: Various variations of the present invention are possible.

[0204] For example, the direction of movement of the recording head 30 in the second stroke PA2 can be the same as the direction of movement of the recording head 30 in the first stroke PA1. In this case, the direction of movement of the recording head 30 in both strokes (PA1, PA2) can be either the outbound direction D11 or the return direction D12.

[0205] The recording of the printed image IM3 in the overlapping area OL1 can also be carried out using more than three passes.

[0206] Even in partial overlay printing where the printing image IM3 of the area B1 to B3, which is not the overlapping area OL1, is recorded using a single stroke, adjustments such as PF adjustment can be made by forming a spray mark MA0 on the overlapping area OL1.

[0207] Part of the processing described above can be implemented by the host device HO1. In this case, the combination of controller 10, drive unit 50 and host device HO1 is an example of control unit U1, and the combination of printer 2 and host device HO1 is an example of printing device 1.

[0208] The entity performing the processing described above is not limited to the CPU; it can also be an electronic component other than the CPU, such as an ASIC. Of course, multiple CPUs can work together to perform the processing described above, or the CPU can work together with other electronic components (such as an ASIC) to perform the processing described above.

[0209] Although in the example above, the coordinates (x, y) of point 38 with the center position of reference marker 62 as the origin (0, 0) were calculated and adjustment processing was performed based on these coordinates (x, y), using reference marker 62 as a reference for the spray position is not limited to the example described above. For example, control unit U1 may also extract a rectangular area centered on reference marker 62 from the reading result RS0 and perform adjustment processing such as concentration adjustment based on this rectangular area.

[0210] The reading unit 80 can also be mounted on the carriage 52. Although in this case the reading range AR1 changes according to the movement of the carriage 52, by providing reference markers 62 at multiple locations that can be the reading range AR1, the reference markers included in the reading results can be used as a reference for adjusting the spray position. For example, in Figure 2 In the printer 2 shown, reference mark attachments 60 can also be provided on multiple protrusions 41. Furthermore, since there are cases where it is not necessary to adjust across the entire area of ​​the main scanning direction D1 of the medium ME0, multiple reference marks 62 may not be provided even if the reading unit 80 is provided on the carriage 52.

[0211] The printer 2's frame houses the frame components, including the media support 58. Since vibrations from the frame components are transmitted to the frame, the frame can also serve as a retainer 3 for transmitting vibrations transmitted to the media ME0. Therefore, a reference mark attachment 60 can also be provided on the frame.

[0212] (13) Summary: As explained above, according to the present invention, structures that can perform processing based on reading results with good accuracy even when relative vibrations occur between the medium and the reading unit can be provided in various ways. Of course, the basic functions and effects described above can also be obtained in a configuration consisting only of structural elements involved in the independent technical solutions.

[0213] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement structures that involve replacing or altering the structures disclosed in the examples described above, or structures that involve replacing or altering the structures disclosed in the examples described above with known technologies. This invention also includes these structures.

[0214] Symbol Explanation 1…Printing system; 2…Printer; 3…Holding section; 5…Roller; 10…Controller; 30…Recording head; 33…Nozzle array; 34…Nozzle; 36…Liquid; 37…Droplet; 38…Dot; 40…Roller holding section; 45…Media pressing section; 50…Drive section; 52…Carriage; 56…Conveyor roller pair; 57…Discharge roller pair; 58…Media support section; 60…Reference mark attachment section; 61…Base; 62…Reference mark; 63…Injection section; 63a…Light source; 63b…Tonal adjustment section; 63c…Variable illumination size section; 64…Orifice; 65…Different color section; 80…Reading section; AR1…Reading range; B1 to B4…Zone area; D1…Main scanning direction; D2…Sub-scanning direction; D3…Feed direction; D4…Arrangement direction; E1…Edge; F1…First surface; F2…Second surface; HO1…Main unit; IM0…Input image; IM1…Intermediate image; IM2…Remaining image; IM3…Printed image; LN1…Main scan line; LN2…Sub-scan line; LT0…Light; MA0…Spray marking section; ME0…Media; OL1…Overlapping area; PA1…First stroke; PA2…Second stroke; RS0, RS1 to RS3…Reading results; SC1…Main scan; SC2…Sub-scan; ST1…Intermediate image forming process; ST2…Reading process; ST3…Remaining image forming process; ST4…Processing process; T1…Reference marking table; U1…Control section; V1 to V3…Adjustment value.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: A recording head that ejects droplets onto a medium to form a printed image; A drive unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium; A reading unit that reads the state of the droplets sprayed onto the medium within a reading range; The control unit controls the ejection of the droplets from the recording head and performs processing based on the reading results obtained by the reading unit; A retaining part, which transmits vibrations to the medium; A reference mark attachment is provided on the holding part, and the reference mark, which indicates the position of the droplet relative to the medium, is present within the reading range or is displayed. The control unit performs the processing by using the reference identifier contained in the reading result as the reference for the drop position.

2. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The reference identifier appendix includes the reference identifier within the reading range and the base portion disposed on the holding portion and connected to the reference identifier.

3. The printing system as described in claim 2, wherein, The drive unit transports the medium in a predetermined direction. The printing system also includes a rotatable roller that contacts the medium, which is movable in the predetermined direction. The holding part includes a roller holding part that holds the roller in a rotatable manner. The base is connected from the roller retainer to the reference mark.

4. The printing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The drive unit transports the medium in a predetermined direction. The medium has a first surface for the droplets to be sprayed onto, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The retaining part includes: A medium holding part that holds the second surface; The medium pressing part presses the edge of the medium in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction from the first surface toward the medium holding part. The base is connected to the reference mark from the medium pressing part.

5. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The reference mark attachment illuminates the portion of the medium that becomes the reading range with light, causing the reference mark to be displayed.

6. The printing system of claim 5, wherein, The printing system also includes a rotating roller that comes into contact with the medium. The medium has a first surface for the droplets to be sprayed onto, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The retaining part includes: A medium holding part that holds the second surface; A roller holder that holds the roller in a rotatable manner. The reference mark attachment is provided on the roller holding part or the medium holding part.

7. The printing system of claim 5, wherein, The reference identifier attachment can change at least one of the size and color of the displayed reference identifier. The control unit controls the illumination of light from the reference mark attachment in such a way that at least one of the size and color of the reference mark changes according to the size of the droplet ejected into the portion of the medium that becomes the reading range.

8. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The reference mark is in the shape of a cross.

9. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The drive unit is capable of performing a main scan that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium along the main scan direction, and a sub-scan that changes the relative positional relationship between the medium and the recording head along a sub-scan direction that intersects the main scan direction. The control unit controls the main scan performed by the drive unit, the sub-scan performed by the drive unit, and the ejection of the droplets from the recording head, and completes the recording of the printed image through multiple strokes of the main scan. Furthermore, during the middle strokes of the multiple strokes, the control unit implements control to form an intermediate image, including the sprayed marking portion that can be read by the reading unit, onto the medium based on the input image, and during strokes later than the middle strokes, it implements control to form the remaining image of the printed image, excluding the intermediate image, onto the medium. If the reading result includes the spray mark, the control unit uses the reference mark included in the reading result as a reference for the spray position to determine the state of the spray mark, and performs the processing based on the state of the spray mark.

10. The printing system of claim 9, wherein, The control unit determines an adjustment value for adjusting the characteristics of the printed image based on the state of the spray mark unit, and adjusts the characteristics of the printed image according to the adjustment value.

11. The printing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The reference mark appendage includes a different colored portion around the reference mark, which is different from the color of the reference mark.

12. The printing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The reference mark attachment can change the color of the light. The control unit acquires information representing the color of the medium and controls the color of the light from the reference identifier appender to be different from the color represented by the information.

13. A control method for a printing system, wherein, The printing system includes: A recording head that ejects droplets onto a medium to form a printed image; A drive unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head and the medium; The reading unit reads the state of the droplets sprayed onto the medium within its reading range. The printing system controls the ejection of the droplets from the recording head and performs processing based on the reading results obtained by the reading unit. In the control method of the printing system, The printing system also features: A retaining part, which transmits vibrations to the medium; A reference mark attachment is provided on the holding part, and the reference mark, which indicates the position of the droplet relative to the medium, is present within the reading range or is displayed. The control method for the printing system includes: The reading process obtains the reading result containing the reference identifier; The processing step involves using the reference identifier contained in the reading result as a reference for the spray position.

Images