Liquid discharge device and liquid discharge method

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device which reduces variation in image quality occurring due to variation in quality of a transfer base material in DTF image formation.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device has: a liquid discharge part 23 for discharging a liquid onto a transfer base material; an imaging part 130; a heating part that applies energy to the transfer base material onto which the liquid is discharged and heats the same; and a control part. The liquid discharge part forms a test patch 55 on the transfer base material aside from a portion becoming an image, and the test patch is formed by using an ink as the discharging liquid. The imaging part images the test patch, and the control part determines an ink bleeding amount of the transfer base material on the basis of an imaging result of the imaging part, and controls heating of the heating part on the basis of the ink bleeding amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid ejection method. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a liquid ejection device is a DTF (Direct To Film) printer. DTF printers apply color ink to a transfer substrate such as a film and then heat it to form an image to be transferred. For example, a heat-soluble adhesive powder is applied to the image to be transferred, and the color ink on the film is transferred to a recording medium such as clothing.

[0003] As a technique for forming an image on a medium such as a film, for example, the following techniques are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of printing a test pattern, reading the test pattern with a scanner, matching pixel rows in the read data with row areas in which the test pattern is formed on a one-to-one basis, and calculating the density (read gradation value) of each row area for each band-shaped pattern. In Patent Document 1, print data that has undergone density correction processing and the like is sent to a printer, and the printer executes printing based on the received print data to form an image on a medium such as paper or film.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses measuring the transmittance and / or reflectance of an OHP sheet using an optical property measuring means. It also discloses determining whether the paper is an OHP sheet or paper, and if it is an OHP sheet, whether the OHP sheet is a genuine OHP sheet or a non-genuine OHP sheet. Patent Document 2 aims to determine whether the OHP sheet is the intended one.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses that a transparent liquid that hardens when irradiated with light and contains a catalyst having a yellow component is ejected, the liquid is hardened by irradiating it with light, and light that bleaches the yellow component of the catalyst is irradiated. Patent Document 3 also discloses that a liquid can be ejected onto a medium such as paper, cloth, or a transparent film sheet using transparent UV ink, and that an image of good quality can be printed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the prior art, when there is variation in the quality of a medium such as film, the image quality is greatly affected by the medium.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejection apparatus that reduces variations in image quality caused by variations in the quality of the transfer substrate in DTF image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejection device of the present invention has a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, an imaging unit, a heating unit that applies energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat it, and a control unit, wherein the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separate from the part that will become an image, and the test patch is formed using ink as the ejected liquid, the imaging unit images the test patch, and the control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging result of the imaging unit and controls the heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection apparatus that reduces variations in image quality caused by variations in the quality of the transfer substrate in DTF image formation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an example of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a heater in an example of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a liquid ejection unit and a sensor. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of dots on a transfer substrate. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of dots on a transfer substrate. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a test patch. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are schematic plan views illustrating an example of interference between inks in a test patch. [Figure 10] 1 is an example of a flowchart. [Figure 11] 10 is another example of a flowchart. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correlation between the heater temperature and the ink reception amount. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing other examples of the arrangement of the liquid ejection unit and the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The liquid ejection device and the liquid ejection method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any aspect is within the scope of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0012] (First embodiment) The liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, an imaging unit, a heating unit that applies energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat it, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separate from the part that will become an image, and the test patch is formed using ink as the ejected liquid, the imaging unit images the test patch, and the control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging result of the imaging unit and controls the heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding.

[0013] The liquid ejection method of this embodiment includes a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate, an imaging step, a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat it, and a control step, wherein the liquid ejection step forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separate from the portion that will become an image, and the test patch is formed using ink as the ejected liquid, the imaging step images the test patch, and the control step determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging result of the imaging step and controls heating in the heating step based on the amount of ink bleeding.

[0014] According to the present invention, in DTF image formation, it is possible to reduce variations in image quality depending on the transfer substrate, and it is possible to perform image formation suitable for the transfer substrate, in particular, heating suitable for the transfer substrate, and it is possible to stably form images of good quality.

[0015] It is preferable to create the test patches at a plurality of locations, which is effective in reducing variations in image quality caused by variations in the quality of the transfer substrate.

[0016] Transfer substrates vary in quality even if they are the same type, and even within a single transfer substrate, differences in dot formation can occur depending on the location. For example, the thickness of the receptor layer applied to a film, which is an example of a transfer substrate, can vary depending on the location, which can result in differences in pinning of a liquid (e.g., ink) (the shape of a liquid such as ink ejected onto the transfer substrate being fixed and becoming solid) depending on the location. Furthermore, if the film is stored in a humid environment, for example, the receptor layer can absorb moisture, resulting in differences in dot formation.

[0017] In contrast, in the present invention, a test patch is formed, an image is taken, the amount of ink bleeding is determined, and the heating unit is controlled according to the determined amount of ink bleeding, thereby enabling stable, high-quality images to be formed regardless of the quality of the transfer substrate. In addition, in the present invention, the reflectivity of the transfer substrate is measured to determine the thickness of the receiving layer, and the heating section is controlled according to the determined thickness of the receiving layer, thereby making it possible to form a stable, high-quality image regardless of the quality of the transfer substrate. In addition, in the present invention, a test patch is formed, the density is measured, and the thickness of the receiving layer is determined, and the heating section is controlled according to the determined thickness of the receiving layer, thereby enabling stable, high-quality images to be formed regardless of the quality of the transfer substrate.

[0018] The liquid ejection device of the present invention can be used as an image forming device, a recording device, a printing device, an inkjet recording device, a DTF printer, or the like.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment includes a device main body 10 and a support base 11 that supports the device main body 10.

[0020] Side plates 10A and 10B are provided on the left and right sides of the device body 10. Guide members, a guide rod 12 and a guide stay 13, are hung between the side plates 10A and 10B. The liquid ejection device 1 also includes a sub-metal guide 14. The guide rod 12 and the guide stay 13 slidably hold a carriage 15.

[0021] The main scanning mechanism 16 that moves and scans the carriage 15 includes a main scanning motor 17 arranged on one side in the main scanning direction, a drive pulley 18 that is rotationally driven by the main scanning motor 17, a driven pulley 19 arranged on the other side in the main scanning direction, and a timing belt 20 that is a pulling member that is wound around between the drive pulley 18 and the driven pulley 19. A tension spring applies tension to the driven pulley 19 in the outward direction (in the direction away from the drive pulley 18).

[0022] The carriage 15 moves in the direction of arrow A (main scanning direction) via a timing belt 20 that is driven to rotate by a main scanning motor 17. The carriage 15 also has an optical sensor 21 mounted thereon that detects the edge of the medium (edge of the paper).

[0023] The carriage 15 is provided with a liquid ejection head 23 that ejects ink droplets of each color, such as black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), etc., according to the ink cartridge 22 that is installed.

[0024] The liquid ejection head 23 of this example is an example of a liquid ejection section, and includes, for example, heads 23a, 23b, and 23c. When the heads 23a, 23b, and 23c are not to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as the liquid ejection head 23. The liquid ejection head 23 has a nozzle row, and the nozzle row is arranged in the direction of arrow B (sub-scanning direction). Here, the sub-scanning direction is a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The head 23 is mounted with the droplet ejection direction facing downward.

[0025] The liquid ejection heads 23 are grounded, for example, at positions offset from one another in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage 15 is equipped with sub-tanks to supply ink of each color to the liquid ejection heads 23. Other inks such as white ink and clear ink may also be supplied.

[0026] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a cartridge loading section 2 into which ink cartridges 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of various colors are detachably mounted. The ink in the ink cartridges 22 is replenished and supplied to sub-tanks of the carriage 15 via supply tubes 24 of the respective colors by a supply pump unit. The ink cartridges 22 may include a white ink cartridge, for example.

[0027] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a maintenance and recovery mechanism 3 in a non-printing area on one side in the main scanning direction of the carriage 15. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 3 maintains or recovers the state of the liquid ejection head .

[0028] The maintenance and recovery mechanism 3 includes a cap 31 for capping each nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 23, and a wiping unit 32 for wiping the nozzle surface. In addition, a replaceable waste liquid tank is provided below the maintenance and recovery mechanism 3 for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance and recovery operation.

[0029] Paper 41 is set in paper feed means 40, but paper 41 of different width sizes can also be set. A transfer substrate may be used as the paper.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a control unit 100, an operation panel 120, a sensor 130, a head driver 140, a main scanning motor 17, a sub-scanning motor 150, a carriage 15, a conveyor belt 160, a printer driver 170, a fan 180, and a heater 190.

[0031] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103.

[0032] The CPU 101 controls the entire liquid ejection device 1. The ROM 102 stores fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 temporarily stores image data and the like.

[0033] The control unit 100 includes a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 104 and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 105.

[0034] The NVRAM 104 is a non-volatile memory that retains data even when power is cut off from the liquid ejection device 1. The ASIC 105 processes various types of signal processing and image processing such as rearrangement of image data, as well as input / output signals for controlling the entire liquid ejection device 1.

[0035] The control unit 100 has a print control unit 106. The carriage 15 transfers data for driving the liquid ejection head 23 to a head driver 140. The head driver 140 drives the liquid ejection head 23 provided on the carriage 15, causing the liquid ejection head 23 to eject ink.

[0036] The control unit 100 has a motor drive unit 107. The motor drive unit 107 drives a main scanning motor 17 and a sub-scanning motor 150. The main scanning motor 17 is driven to move and scan the carriage 15. The sub-scanning motor 150 is driven to move the conveyor belt 160 in a circular motion.

[0037] The control unit 100 has an I / O 108. The I / O 108 acquires information from a sensor 130 and extracts information used to control each part of the main body of the liquid ejection device 1. For example, the sensor 130 corresponds to a group of sensors such as a photosensor, a temperature sensor, and an encoder sensor. The operation panel 120 inputs and outputs various types of information.

[0038] The control unit 100 has a host I / F 109. The host I / F 109 transmits and receives data and signals to and from the host side. Specifically, it transmits and receives data and signals from the printer driver 170 side of a host such as an information processing device such as a client PC, an image reading device, or an image capturing device via a cable or a network. The CPU 101 reads and analyzes the print data in the receive buffer included in the host I / F 109. Then, the ASIC 105 performs image processing, data sorting, and the like, and the image data is transferred from the print control unit 106 to the head driver 140.

[0039] The print control unit 106 transfers the image data as serial data, and outputs a transfer clock, latch signal, control signal, and the like required for transferring the image data to the head driver 140. Based on image data corresponding to one line of the liquid ejection head 23 that is input serially, the head driver 140 selectively provides drive pulses that constitute a drive waveform provided by the print control unit 106 to the pressure generating means of the liquid ejection head 23. This drives the liquid ejection head 23 and ejects liquid.

[0040] By selecting some or all of the pulses that make up the drive waveform, or some or all of the waveform elements that form the pulses, it is possible to print dots of different sizes, such as large droplets, medium droplets, and small droplets.

[0041] The control unit 100 has a fan control unit 110 and a heater control unit 111. The fan control unit 110 controls the output of the fan 180 so that air is blown at a predetermined temperature and volume. The heater control unit 111 controls the heater 190 so that the temperature is set to a predetermined value.

[0042] When driven, the fan 180 promotes air convection inside the liquid ejection device 1, and prevents excessive temperature rise due to stagnation of heated air at the top of the liquid ejection device 1. The fan 180 is connected to a fan control unit 110 of the control unit 100.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heater 190 of the liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment. For simplicity, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the illustration of some of the liquid ejection heads 23 is omitted.

[0044] 4, the heater 190 includes a preheater 190a, a print heater 190b, a print heater 190c, a postheater 190d, and a drying heater 190e. Each of these heaters 190 is provided with a temperature sensor such as a thermistor for temperature control.

[0045] The preheater 190a is a device that preheats the medium P to a temperature suitable for forming a liquid application surface. For example, the preheater 190a is an aluminum foil cord heater. The preheater 190a is attached to the back surface of the transport guide plate 191. The preheater 190a warms the medium P by heating the transport guide plate 191 itself.

[0046] The print heaters 190b and 190c are devices that heat the medium P when forming a liquid application surface on the medium P. For example, the print heaters 190b and 190c are cord heaters embedded in the platen 192, which is made of aluminum. The print heaters 190b and 190c heat the medium P by, for example, heating the platen 192 itself.

[0047] The post heater 190d and the drying heater 190e are devices that warm the medium P on which a liquid-coated surface has been formed in order to dry and fix the liquid, such as ink. For example, the post heater 190d is an aluminum foil cord heater. The post heater 190d is affixed to the back surface of the transport guide plate 191. The post heater 190d warms the medium P by heating the transport guide plate 191 itself. Also, for example, the drying heater 190e is an IR heater. The drying heater 190e dries the liquid-coated surface of the medium P by emitting IR radiation to the liquid-coated surface of the medium P. The drying heater 190e may be configured to include a fan and blow hot air onto the liquid-coated surface of the medium P.

[0048] Next, an example of the operation of the liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0049] The CPU 101 reads and analyzes the print data in the reception buffer of the host I / F 109, and performs necessary image processing, data rearrangement processing, etc. in the ASIC 105 before transferring the data to the print control unit 106.

[0050] The print control unit 106 outputs image data and drive waveforms at the required timing to the head driver 140. In detail, the print control unit 106 generates a drive waveform consisting of one drive pulse or multiple drive pulses by D / A converting and amplifying the drive pulse pattern data stored in the ROM 102 and read by the CPU 101.

[0051] The image data for image output may be generated, for example, by storing font data in ROM 102, or by using a host-side printer driver to convert the image data into a bitmap and transfer it to the liquid ejection device 1.

[0052] The head driver 140 drives the liquid ejection head 23 by selectively applying drive pulses constituting a drive waveform provided by the print control unit 106 to the pressure generating means of the liquid ejection head 23 based on the input image data.

[0053] The heater 190 turns on when waking up from sleep mode and is controlled to a set temperature according to the medium P and mode. When the heater 190 starts up, the liquid ejection device 1 is ready to form a liquid coated surface and starts the initial operation for forming the liquid coated surface. The drying heater 190e starts to turn on when formation of the liquid coated surface begins.

[0054] The medium P is set on the preheater 190a side. The medium P is transported in the direction of arrow B by a transport belt 160 to which a driving force is applied from a sub-scanning motor 150, and a liquid-coated surface is formed by the ejection of liquid from the liquid ejection head 23. For example, the medium P may be a roll-type transfer substrate, or a flexible packaging medium such as PET, PVC, or OPP, or a sheet-like medium.

[0055] The medium P sent from the preheater 190a side is first preheated by the preheater 190a to a temperature suitable for forming a liquid application surface. The preheated medium P is then sent by the conveyor belt 160 to the image forming unit 193 where the liquid ejection head 23 is arranged.

[0056] In the image forming unit 193, the medium P is kept warm by print heaters 190b and 190c, and a liquid such as ink is ejected onto the medium P from the liquid ejection head 23 to form a liquid-coated surface. The heated air rises together with the vapor, but to prevent the temperature of the upper part of the liquid ejection device 1 from rising excessively due to the air remaining there, the fan 180 promotes air convection.

[0057] The medium P is transported in the sub-scanning direction, and the carriage 15 scans in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the medium P, forming an image. When forming an image, the number of scans can be changed depending on the resolution of the image to be created, allowing for the formation of a high-resolution image.

[0058] The medium P on which the liquid-coated surface has been formed in the image forming unit 193 is sent further downstream.

[0059] The drying heater 190e preheats the filament to the target temperature before the medium P with the liquid-coated surface arrives. After that, when the medium P with the liquid-coated surface arrives, the drying heater 190e turns on in synchronization with the timing at which the sub-scanning stops. The timing at which the heater turns on can be changed depending on the type and mode of the medium P.

[0060] The post heater 190d and the drying heater 190e that blows hot air dry and fix the liquid such as ink on the medium P. After drying and fixing, the medium P is further wound up in a roll downstream.

[0061] Next, a detailed example of the liquid ejection apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. The liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, an imaging unit that takes an image of the transfer substrate, a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected, and a control unit.

[0062] The liquid ejection unit may be, for example, a head 23. The imaging unit may be, for example, a sensor 130. The heating unit may be, for example, a print heater 190b or a print heater 190c. The control unit may be, for example, a control unit 100.

[0063] For example, a film is used as the transfer substrate. The film is composed of, for example, a base layer and a receiving layer on the base layer. The film is originally glossy, and applying a receiving layer changes the film to a matte finish. In films, the thickness of the receiving layer can vary, and this can result in differences in ink pinning. Even when there is no receiving layer, variations in the thickness of the transfer substrate can result in differences in ink pinning.

[0064] Variations in the quality of transfer substrates include, for example, variations in the thickness of the receiving layer applied during film production, which can lead to differences in ink pinning. For example, in areas where the receiving layer is thin, the ink receiving capacity decreases, causing ink overflow and resulting in beading and color boundary bleeding. Furthermore, if the film is stored in a humid environment, the ink receiving capacity decreases due to moisture absorption by the receiving layer, resulting in ink overflow. Differences in ink pinning can also occur depending on the type of receiving layer and ink, the combination of the film and ink, the wettability of the film, and other factors.

[0065] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate (medium P) separately from the portion that will become the image. The imaging unit captures an image of the test patch. The control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging results of the imaging unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding. In this embodiment, by controlling heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding, it is possible to prevent variations in image quality caused by variations in the quality of the transfer substrate.

[0066] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging unit. The imaging unit in this example uses a sensor 130, which captures an image of a test patch 55. The sensor 130 can be a known camera sensor or the like.

[0067] A liquid ejection head is used as the liquid ejection section, and head 23 is shown as the liquid ejection head. In this example, three liquid ejection heads are used, and heads 23a to 23c are shown. The number of liquid ejection heads and the types of colors are not particularly limited.

[0068] The liquid ejection device of this example has a carriage 15 that carries a liquid ejection unit (heads 23a to 23c) and an imaging unit (sensor 130). In the figure, arrow A indicates the scanning direction of carriage 15, and arrow B indicates the transport direction of the transfer substrate (medium P). By using carriage 15 that carries a liquid ejection unit and an imaging unit, as in this example, the device layout can be improved.

[0069] The heating units in this example are, for example, print heaters 190b and 190c shown in Fig. 4. As can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5, in this example, the heating units (print heaters 190b and 190c) are provided at locations facing the carriage 15 across the transport location of the transfer substrate (medium P). This allows for a good device layout, and by controlling the print heaters 190b and 190c, it becomes easier to adjust the heating temperature for each location on the transfer substrate.

[0070] 4, the transfer substrate is transported on a platen 192, and therefore the transport location of the transfer substrate corresponds to, for example, the top of the platen 192. The print heaters 190b and 190c apply energy (infrared rays in this example) to the medium P via the platen 192 to heat the medium P.

[0071] The head 23 forms a test patch 55 on the medium P separately from the portion that will become the image, and the imaging unit captures an image of the test patch 55. The control unit 100 acquires the imaging results of the imaging unit. The control unit 100 determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging results of the imaging unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding. This makes it possible to form a stable image without being affected by the state of the transfer substrate.

[0072] 5, in one example of image formation in this embodiment, a test patch 55 is formed by the head 23, an imaging unit (sensor 130) images the test patch 55, and the control unit 100 determines the amount of ink bleeding based on the image results and adjusts the amount of energy for the print heaters 190b and 190c. While the carriage 15 moves back and forth in the scanning direction, the head 23 ejects liquid to form the image area, and the print heaters 190b and 190c heat the transfer substrate with the adjusted amount of energy. In this way, a stable, high-quality image can be formed.

[0073] The preheater 190a, postheater 190d, and drying heater 190e may be included in the heating unit, but in this embodiment, as described above, the heating unit controlled based on the imaging results of the imaging unit is preferably a heating unit provided in a position facing the carriage 15 or the head 23, such as print heaters 190b and 190c. This has the advantage of being easy to control based on the imaging results of the imaging unit.

[0074] It is preferable that the heating unit can change the amount of energy for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate, and the control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding for each predetermined region and adjusts the amount of energy for the heating unit for each predetermined region according to the amount of ink bleeding. In this case, since the heating temperature can be changed for each location on the transfer substrate, image deterioration can be prevented, excessive heating can be prevented, and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0075] The method for changing the amount of energy supplied to the heating unit for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate can be selected as appropriate. For example, the print heaters 190b and 190c may be divided in the scanning direction A and / or the medium transport direction B. This allows the heating temperature to be adjusted for each region of the transfer substrate.

[0076] The range of the predetermined region is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of predetermined regions to be measured is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate.

[0077] The amount of ink bleeding can be determined, for example, based on the extent to which dots spread in the captured image. Alternatively, the amount of ink bleeding can be determined by capturing an image of the interference between inks in a test patch and recognizing the degree of interference between the inks through image recognition.

[0078] The transfer substrate in this embodiment can be selected appropriately and is not particularly limited. A transfer substrate for DTF can be publicly used. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use with a transfer substrate having a receiving layer. An example of this will be described. The transfer substrate in this example has a base layer and a receiving layer formed on the base layer and onto which a liquid is ejected. The control unit determines unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer based on the image capture results of the imaging unit, and determines the amount of ink bleeding based on the unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer. In this way, by determining the amount of ink bleeding by determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer, the accuracy of determining the amount of ink bleeding can be improved.

[0079] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a transfer substrate (medium P) for explaining the receiving layer. Medium P, which is a transfer substrate, has a base layer 51 and a receiving layer 52. Liquid is ejected onto receiving layer 52 to form dots 53.

[0080] (A) is an example of a case where the thickness of the receiving layer 52 is uniform, and shows an example of the state before heating. (B) is a diagram showing an example of the state after heating compared to (A). As shown in the figure, when the thickness of the receiving layer 52 is uniform, there is less variation in dot formation, and a good image is formed.

[0081] (C) is an example where there is unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer 52. In the example shown in (C), the dots 53 (on the right side of the paper) where the receiving layer 52 is thick do not spread in the surface direction, but the dots 53 (on the left side of the paper) where the receiving layer 52 is thin do spread in the surface direction. The spread of dots can also be expressed as the dot area being large. Whether the dots are spreading or not can be determined by comparing the degree of spread between dots formed in different positions.

[0082] In this example, the amount of ink bleeding can be determined by observing the extent to which the dots spread in the image capture. The amount of ink bleeding can be evaluated by the area of the dots. If the dots spread, the amount of ink bleeding is large, and if the dots do not spread, the amount of ink bleeding is small. For example, if the amount of ink bleeding is large, the amount of energy applied by the heating unit is increased and the heating temperature is raised. By doing this, it is possible to suppress the spreading of dots when forming the image area, and it is possible to stably form a good image.

[0083] (D) is an example of adjusting the amount of energy applied by the heating unit. As shown in the figure, it is possible to prevent the dots 53 (left side of the drawing) where the thickness of the receiving layer 52 is small from spreading in the surface direction. For example, the amount of energy applied to the dots 53 (left side of the drawing) where the amount of ink bleeding is large is increased, and the heating temperature is raised.

[0084] If the amount of ink bleeding differs depending on the location, the amount of energy applied by the heating unit is adjusted for each location. When forming an image area, the medium P is transported while the carriage 15 is scanned, so the amount of energy applied to the print heaters 190b and 190c for each location is adjusted taking into account the liquid discharge from the head 23 on the carriage 15 and the transport speed of the medium P, etc.

[0085] In the example shown in (C), the dots 53 (on the right side of the drawing) where the receiving layer 52 is thick do not spread in the surface direction, and the dots 53 (on the left side of the drawing) where the receiving layer 52 is thin spread in the surface direction, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Depending on the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, this relationship may be reversed. Depending on the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, the dots where the receiving layer is thick may spread in the surface direction, and the dots where the receiving layer is thin may not spread in the surface direction.

[0086] An example of this case is shown in Figure 7, which is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 6. As shown in the figure, dots 53 (on the right side of the paper) where the thickness of receiving layer 52 is large spread in the surface direction, and dots 53 (on the left side of the paper) where the thickness of receiving layer 52 is small do not spread in the surface direction. Taking these into consideration, it is effective to determine the amount of ink bleeding by taking an image of the extent to which the dots spread in the test patch, regardless of the thickness of the receiving layer.

[0087] Next, another example of the method for determining the amount of ink bleeding in this embodiment will be described. In this example, the test patch has a boundary portion for determining interference between inks within the test patch, and the interference between inks at the boundary portion is imaged by the imaging unit, and the amount of ink bleeding is determined by the control unit.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a medium P to illustrate an example of a test patch. In the figure, the portion indicated by A is an image area 54, and the portion indicated by B is a test patch 55. As shown in the figure, it is preferable to form the test patch 55 in multiple locations on the medium P. In this manner, the amount of ink bleeding on the medium P can be determined for each location. In this example, there is a boundary within the test patch 55, and the interference between inks at the boundary is captured by the imaging unit, and the amount of ink bleeding is determined by the control unit. The amount of ink bleeding can be determined by capturing an image of the boundary and determining the degree of erosion at the boundary. Known image processing techniques can be used to analyze the captured image results.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 8, test patch 55 is formed in a blank area of medium P. In DTF applications, relatively small images are often imposed and printed repeatedly, resulting in blank areas on the transfer substrate. By forming test patch 55 in this blank area, unused areas of the transfer substrate can be effectively utilized without generating waste paper.

[0090] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the image areas 54 are printed imposed. Although not particularly limited, in the figure, 12 image areas 54 are formed, and when one image area 54 is transferred onto, for example, one T-shirt, the 12 image areas 54 can be transferred onto 12 T-shirts.

[0091] When forming a test patch 55 in a marginal portion of the medium P, feedback control is possible during printing. For example, while the carriage 15 is scanned, the following operations are performed in order: forming the test patch 55, capturing an image using the sensor 130, determining the amount of ink bleeding using the control unit 100, ejecting a liquid (e.g., ink) using the head 23, and heating using the print heaters 190b, 190c controlled according to the amount of ink bleeding. In this manner, feedback control during printing is possible. Note that the carriage 15 does not need to always scan at a constant speed, and can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be temporarily stopped for capturing an image.

[0092] To form a boundary within the test patch 55, for example, two or more types of ink of different colors are used to form the test patch 55. There are no particular restrictions on the inks used, and it is advisable to use, for example, inks of colors that make it easy to observe the interference between inks when an image is taken.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of interference between inks at a boundary within a test patch. FIG. 9(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of a boundary 56 within a test patch 55. Reference numeral 55a denotes a solid black portion printed with black ink. The portion of the test patch 55 designated by reference numeral 55a is also referred to as the first region 55a. Reference numeral 55b denotes a portion printed with an ink other than black ink, for example, cyan ink. The portion of the test patch 55 designated by reference numeral 55b is also referred to as the second region 55b. As shown in the figure, the first region 55a and the second region 55b form the boundary 56.

[0094] FIG. 9(B) is a diagram showing an example where interference between inks occurs. Reference numerals 55a and 55b refer to the same elements as in FIG. 9(A). As shown in the figure, when interference between inks occurs, overflow occurs at boundary 56. In the example shown, one region 55a overflows the boundary in FIG. 9(A) and is formed on the side of another region 55b. The amount of ink bleeding can be determined by determining the degree of erosion of boundary 56 by one region 55a.

[0095] Fig. 9(C) is a diagram showing a protruding portion 55c when one area 55a protrudes from the boundary portion 56 in Fig. 9(A) as shown in Fig. 9(B). The amount of ink bleeding can be calculated from the protruding portion 55c.

[0096] FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart of this embodiment. In S1, the liquid ejection unit creates a test patch. In S2, the imaging unit captures an image of the test patch. In S3, the control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the imaging result of the imaging unit. In S4, the control unit sets the heating conditions of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding determined by the control unit, and controls the heating of the heating unit based on the heating conditions. In S5, the heating unit performs heating according to the heating conditions.

[0097] The amount of energy applied to the transfer medium by the heating unit can be set as appropriate. For example, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the amount of energy as follows. In this example, the upper limit of the amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate is defined as ink receiving capacity 1. The liquid ejection device in this example also has an information storage unit that stores a table created in advance that determines the lower limit of the amount of energy for the heating unit according to ink receiving capacity 1. The control unit calculates ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with ink receiving capacity 1 in the table, determines the lower limit of the amount of energy for the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit of the amount of energy for the heating unit.

[0098] The following method can be used to calculate ink receiving capacities 1 and 2 to prevent bleeding using the determined amount of ink bleeding: For example, the amount of ink bleeding can be converted into an area, the relationship between the area and the amount of ink adhesion (volume) to prevent bleeding can be determined, and the amount of ink adhesion can be set as ink receiving capacities 1 and 2.

[0099] FIG. 11 is another example of a flowchart according to this embodiment. In S11, the information storage unit saves (stores) the relationship (the above table) between the ink receiving capacity 1 and the lower limit value of the amount of energy of the heating unit corresponding to the ink receiving capacity 1. There are no particular restrictions on the timing of performing S11, and it may be performed before S12. The above table is created in advance before executing S12. In S12, the liquid ejection unit creates a test patch. In S13, the imaging unit captures an image of the test patch. In S14, the control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the image pickup result of the image pickup unit. In S15, the control unit calculates an ink receiving volume 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding. In S16, the control unit replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with the ink receiving capacity 1 in the table, finds the lower limit of the amount of energy for the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit of the amount of energy for the heating unit as the heating conditions for the heating unit. The control unit controls the heating of the heating unit based on these heating conditions. In S17, the heating unit performs heating according to the heating conditions.

[0100] By setting the amount of energy applied by the heating unit in this manner, heating can be performed appropriately according to the amount of ink bleeding, and beading and bleeding at color boundaries caused by ink overflow can be further suppressed.

[0101] The above table is created, for example, as follows. Heating is performed at a certain temperature and ink is ejected, and whether ink bleeding occurs when the amount of ink per unit area is increased is observed. The relationship between the amount of ink when ink bleeding occurs and the heating temperature at that time is determined. In this way, the above table can be created in advance. The above table can be used as a threshold determination table created for each substrate based on the relationship between ink boundary bleeding and temperature. The table can be saved in a personal computer or the printer itself.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a diagram for providing a supplementary explanation of this embodiment, showing an example of the relationship between heater temperature and ink receiving capacity. The ink receiving capacity described here corresponds to ink receiving capacity 1. The relationship shown in the figure represents the upper limit amount of ink at which ink bleeding does not occur. The example shown in the figure represents the correlation between ink receiving capacity and heater temperature in a transfer substrate without a receiving layer. A similar correlation exists even when a receiving layer is present. This means that regardless of whether a receiving layer is present or not, heating with a heater increases the ink receiving capacity, and increasing the heater temperature increases the ink receiving capacity.

[0103] For example, if the ink acceptance volume is 100% when the heater temperature is 25°C, increasing the heater temperature to 50°C increases the ink acceptance volume to approximately 400%. In other words, increasing the heater temperature to 50°C increases the ink acceptance volume by approximately four times compared to the ink acceptance volume at 25°C.

[0104] Furthermore, once the temperature reaches a certain level, the ink receiving capacity will no longer increase even if the temperature is further increased. For example, in the example shown, at temperatures above 50°C, the ink receiving capacity remains at around 400%.

[0105] Ink acceptance is the upper limit of the amount of ink that can be applied per unit area of the transfer substrate without causing ink bleeding. The ink acceptance value varies depending on the type of transfer substrate and the type of ink. Note that the ink acceptance example explained here is expressed as a percentage, but as explained in the example above, ink acceptance can also be defined as a quantity.

[0106] In this embodiment, the heating unit applies energy to the transfer substrate. In the above example, a heater is used as the heating unit, and in this case, the energy can be infrared. In this embodiment, the heating unit is not limited to a heater, and may be an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates (may also be referred to as applying) ultraviolet light as energy. When the heating unit is an ultraviolet irradiation device, the liquid ejected by the liquid ejection unit is preferably an ultraviolet-curable liquid composition.

[0107] (Second embodiment) Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described, and a description of the same matters as those in the above embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, the reflectance of the transfer substrate is measured. A film, which is an example of a transfer substrate, is originally glossy and is transformed into a matte quality by applying a receiving layer. Different thicknesses of the receiving layer result in different glossiness of the transfer substrate. Therefore, the thickness of the receiving layer can be determined by measuring the reflectance of the transfer substrate. In this embodiment, the reflectance of the transfer substrate is measured to determine the thickness of the receiving layer, and the amount of energy applied by the heating unit is controlled according to the thickness of the receiving layer. This prevents variations in image quality due to variations in film quality.

[0108] In this embodiment, the transfer substrate does not need to have a receiving layer. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate is determined based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measuring unit, and heating of the heating unit is controlled based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. This prevents variation in image quality due to variation in film quality.

[0109] The liquid ejection apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, a reflectance measurement unit that measures the reflectance of the transfer substrate, a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected, and a control unit. The control unit determines whether or not the transfer substrate has a receiving layer based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measurement unit, and controls the heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer.

[0110] The liquid ejection method of this embodiment is a liquid ejection method performed by the liquid ejection device of this embodiment. The reflectance measurement step measures the reflectance of the transfer substrate. The control step determines whether or not the transfer substrate has a receiving layer based on the reflectance measured in the reflectance measurement step, and controls heating in the heating step based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer.

[0111] The details of the control can be selected as appropriate. For example, if it is determined that there is no receptive layer, the control is performed assuming that the receptive layer thickness is 0. Since the details are appropriately selected depending on the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, there are no limitations, but for example, if it is determined that there is no receptive layer, higher heat is applied.

[0112] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected, and the control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer, thereby further suppressing variation in image quality.

[0113] For example, if the measured reflectance is high, it can be determined that the thickness of the receiving layer is large, and if the measured reflectance is low, it can be determined that the thickness of the receiving layer is small. Although not particularly limited, for example, the thickness of the receiving layer can be determined by predetermining a reference value of the reflectance and the thickness of the receiving layer at that time, and comparing the measured reflectance with the reference value.

[0114] The location of the reflectance measuring unit can be selected appropriately. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a sensor 130 is used as the reflectance measurement unit. The reflectance measurement unit (sensor 130) may be mounted on the carriage 15 together with the head 23. In this case, the device layout can be improved.

[0115] 4 and 13, the liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a carriage 15 that mounts a liquid ejection unit (head 23) and a reflectance measurement unit (sensor 130), and the heating unit is preferably provided at a location facing the carriage 15 across the transfer substrate transport location. In this case, feedback control can be performed to control the heating unit using the measurement results from the reflectance measurement unit, and the device layout can be improved.

[0116] The location of the reflectance measurement unit is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 13 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the reflectance measurement unit may not be mounted on the carriage 15, but may be located upstream of the liquid ejection unit. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the reflectance measurement unit may be located upstream of the conveyor belt 160. For example, the reflectance measurement unit may be located at a position opposite the preheater 190a.

[0117] The sensor 130 may include a plurality of sensors 130. For example, both a reflectance measurement unit and an imaging unit may be provided as the sensor 130. Both the determination of the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate and the measurement of the thickness of the receiving layer may be performed using the reflectance measurement unit, or both may be measured using the imaging unit. Furthermore, the determination of the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate may be performed using the reflectance measurement unit, and the measurement of the thickness of the receiving layer may be performed using the imaging unit.

[0118] In this embodiment as well, it is preferable that the heating section can adjust the heating temperature for each predetermined region. This example will be described again. It is preferable that the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined area of the transfer substrate, and the control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer for each predetermined area and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined area according to the thickness of the receiving layer. In this case, the heating temperature can be changed for each location on the transfer substrate, which prevents image deterioration and excessive heating, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0119] In this embodiment, too, it is preferable that the upper limit amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate is defined as ink receiving capacity 1, and that the device has an information storage unit that stores a pre-created table that determines the lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit corresponding to ink receiving capacity 1, and that the control unit calculates ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with ink receiving capacity 1 in the table, determines the lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit to the heating unit.

[0120] A supplementary explanation will be given regarding this embodiment. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate is determined based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measurement unit, and heating of the heating unit is controlled based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. The details of the control can be appropriately changed taking into account the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, etc. For example, if there is no receiving layer or if the receiving layer is thin, the ink receiving capacity decreases, the ink is more likely to overflow, and beading and color boundary bleeding are more likely to occur. Therefore, the heating temperature is increased in areas where there is no receiving layer or where the receiving layer is thin. In addition, for example, in areas where there is a receiving layer but the receiving layer is thick, the heating temperature is controlled to the minimum temperature.

[0121] (Third embodiment) Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described, and a description of the same matters as those in the above embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, a test patch is formed and the density of the test patch is measured. If the thickness of the receiving layer differs, the density of the test patch will differ. Therefore, the thickness of the receiving layer can be determined by measuring the density of the test patch formed on the transfer substrate. The amount of energy applied by the heating unit is then controlled according to the thickness of the receiving layer. This prevents variations in image quality due to variations in film quality.

[0122] In this embodiment, the transfer substrate does not necessarily have to have a receiving layer. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate is determined based on the measurement results of the density measurement unit, and the heating unit is controlled based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. This prevents variations in image quality due to variations in film quality.

[0123] The liquid ejection apparatus of this embodiment will be described. The liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, a concentration measurement unit that measures the concentration of the liquid ejected onto the transfer substrate, a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected, and a control unit. The liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separate from the area that will become the image. The test patch was formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected. The density measurement unit measures the density of the test patch. The control unit determines whether or not the receiving layer is present on the transfer substrate based on the measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls the heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer.

[0124] The liquid ejection method of this embodiment is a liquid ejection method performed by the liquid ejection device of this embodiment. In the liquid ejection step, a test patch is formed on a transfer substrate separately from the portion that will become an image. The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected. In the density measurement step, the density of the test patch is measured. In the control step, the presence or absence of a receiving layer on the transfer substrate is determined based on the measurement results of the density measurement step, and heating in the heating step is controlled based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer.

[0125] In this embodiment, the same test patch as in the first embodiment can be used.

[0126] The details of the control can be selected as appropriate. For example, if it is determined that there is no receptive layer, the control is performed assuming that the receptive layer thickness is 0. Since the details are appropriately selected depending on the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, there are no limitations, but for example, if it is determined that there is no receptive layer, higher heat is applied.

[0127] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected, and the control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on the measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer, thereby further suppressing variation in image quality.

[0128] 4 and 13, the liquid ejection device of this embodiment has a carriage 15 that mounts a liquid ejection unit (head 23) and a concentration measurement unit (sensor 130), and the heating unit is preferably provided at a location facing the carriage 15 across the transport location of the transfer substrate. In this case, feedback control can be performed to control the heating unit using the measurement results of the concentration measurement unit, and the device layout can be improved.

[0129] In this embodiment as well, it is preferable that the heating section can adjust the heating temperature for each predetermined region. This example will be described again. It is preferable that the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined area of the transfer substrate, and the control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer for each predetermined area and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined area according to the thickness of the receiving layer. In this case, the heating temperature can be changed for each location on the transfer substrate, which prevents image deterioration and excessive heating, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0130] In this embodiment, too, it is preferable that the upper limit amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate is defined as ink receiving capacity 1, and that the device has an information storage unit that stores a pre-created table that determines the lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit corresponding to ink receiving capacity 1, and that the control unit calculates ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with ink receiving capacity 1 in the table, determines the lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit to the heating unit.

[0131] A supplementary explanation of this embodiment will be provided. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a receptor layer on the transfer substrate is determined based on the measurement results of the density of the test patch measured by the density measurement unit, and heating of the heating unit is controlled based on the determination results of the presence or absence of the receptor layer. The details of the control can be appropriately changed taking into account the combination of the liquid and the transfer substrate, etc. For example, if there is no receptor layer or if the receptor layer is thin, the ink receiving capacity decreases, the ink is more likely to overflow, and beading and color boundary bleeding are more likely to occur. Therefore, the heating temperature is increased in areas where there is no receptor layer or where the receptor layer is thin. In addition, for example, in areas where there is a receptor layer but the receptor layer is thick, the heating temperature is controlled to the minimum temperature.

[0132] In addition, in an embodiment, the amount of ink bleeding may be determined using the measurement results of the density of a test patch measured by the density measurement unit. For example, when measuring the density of a halftone patch, it is determined whether the density exceeds a certain threshold. If the density exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the ink has spread, causing bleeding in a solid gradation, and excessive ink adhesion. In this case, for example, the heating temperature of the heating unit in that area is increased to prevent deterioration of image quality.

[0133] (Fourth embodiment) In the above embodiment, the transfer substrate does not necessarily have to have a receiving layer. In this embodiment, the transfer substrate must have a receiving layer. Explanations of matters similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0134] The liquid ejection device of this embodiment includes a transfer substrate having a base layer and a receiving layer formed on the base layer onto which liquid is ejected, a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the transfer substrate, a receiving layer thickness determination unit that determines unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer, a heating unit that applies energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat it, and a control unit, and the control unit controls the heating of the heating unit in accordance with the unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer.

[0135] The liquid ejection method of this embodiment includes a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate having a base layer and a receiving layer formed on the base layer onto which the liquid is ejected, a receiving layer thickness determination step of determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer, a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat it, and a control step, wherein the control step controls the heating in the heating step in accordance with the unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer.

[0136] The receiving layer thickness determination unit in this embodiment can use the imaging unit, reflectance measurement unit, and concentration measurement unit described in the above embodiment. The receiving layer thickness determination process in this embodiment is performed by the receiving layer thickness determination unit. The receiving layer thickness can be determined, for example, by imaging a test patch, measuring the reflectance of a transfer substrate, measuring the concentration of a transfer substrate, or imaging a test patch to measure the concentration. These can use the configurations described in the above embodiment.

[0137] As in the above embodiment, the thickness of the receiving layer is determined, and the heating unit is controlled according to the unevenness of the thickness of the receiving layer. The thickness of the receiving layer is determined for each predetermined region, and the heating temperature, for example, is controlled for each determined region.

[0138] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; An imaging unit; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separately from the portion that will become the image; The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, the imaging unit images the test patch; The control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the image pickup result of the image pickup unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding. A liquid ejection device characterized by: <2> the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines unevenness in the thickness of the ink receiving layer based on the imaging result of the imaging unit, and determines the amount of ink bleeding based on the unevenness in the thickness of the ink receiving layer. Characterized by <1> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <3> a transfer substrate having a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which a liquid is ejected; a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a receiving layer thickness determination unit for determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer; a heating unit that applies energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control unit; The control unit controls the heating of the heating unit in accordance with unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by: <4> the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate, The control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding for each predetermined area, and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined area according to the amount of ink bleeding. Characterized by <1> or <2> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <5> the test patch has a boundary portion for determining interference between inks within the test patch; The interference between inks at the boundary portion is imaged by the imaging unit, and the amount of ink bleeding is determined by the control unit. Characterized by <1> , <2> or <4> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <6> a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the imaging unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate. Characterized by <1> from <5> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <7> an information storage unit that stores a table that determines the upper limit of the amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate, where the ink receiving capacity is 1, and determines the lower limit of the amount of energy of the heating unit corresponding to the ink receiving capacity 1, The control unit calculates an ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with the ink receiving capacity 1 in the table, obtains a lower limit value for the amount of energy of the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value for the amount of energy of the heating unit to the heating unit. Characterized by <1> from <6> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <8> a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a reflectance measuring unit for measuring the reflectance of the transfer substrate; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; The control unit determines whether or not the transfer substrate has a receiving layer based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by: <9> the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines a thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measuring unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer. Characterized by <8> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <10> a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a concentration measuring unit that measures the concentration of the liquid ejected onto the transfer substrate; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separately from the portion that will become the image; The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, the density measurement unit measures the density of the test patch; The control unit determines whether or not a receiving layer is present on the transfer substrate based on the measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by: <11> the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines a thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on a measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer. Characterized by <10> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <12> the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate, The control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer for each predetermined region, and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined region according to the thickness of the receiving layer. Characterized by <9> or <11> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <13> a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the reflectance measurement unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate. Characterized by <8> , <9> or <12> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <14> a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the concentration measurement unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate. Characterized by <10> , <11> or <12> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <15> an information storage unit that stores a table that determines the upper limit of the amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate, where the ink receiving capacity is 1, and determines the lower limit of the amount of energy of the heating unit corresponding to the ink receiving capacity 1, The control unit calculates an ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with the ink receiving capacity 2 in the table, obtains a lower limit value of the obtained amount of energy for the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value of the amount of energy for the heating unit to the heating unit. Characterized by <9> or <11> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <16> a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate; An imaging process; a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control step, In the liquid ejection step, a test patch is formed on the transfer substrate separately from the image portion, The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, The imaging step includes imaging the test patch, The control step determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the image pickup result of the image pickup step, and controls heating in the heating step based on the amount of ink bleeding. A liquid ejection method comprising: <17> a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate having a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; a receiving layer thickness determination step of determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer; a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control step, The controlling step controls the heating in the heating step in accordance with unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 15 Carriage 23 Liquid ejection head 55 Test Patch 56 Boundary 100 control section 130 sensors [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0140] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-51111 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-175369 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-169764

Claims

1. a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; An imaging unit; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separately from the portion that will become the image; The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, the imaging unit images the test patch; The control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the image pickup result of the image pickup unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the amount of ink bleeding. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines unevenness in the thickness of the ink receiving layer based on the imaging result of the imaging unit, and determines the amount of ink bleeding based on the unevenness in the thickness of the ink receiving layer. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. a transfer substrate having a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which a liquid is ejected; a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a receiving layer thickness determination unit for determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer; a heating unit that applies energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control unit; The control unit controls the heating of the heating unit in accordance with unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate, The control unit determines the amount of ink bleeding for each predetermined area, and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined area according to the amount of ink bleeding. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. the test patch has a boundary portion for determining interference between inks within the test patch; The interference between inks at the boundary portion is imaged by the imaging unit, and the amount of ink bleeding is determined by the control unit. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

6. a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the imaging unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

7. an information storage unit that stores a table that determines the upper limit of the amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate, where the ink receiving capacity is 1, and that determines the lower limit of the amount of energy of the heating unit corresponding to the ink receiving capacity 1, The control unit calculates an ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined amount of ink bleeding, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with the ink receiving capacity 1 of the table, obtains a lower limit value for the amount of energy of the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value for the amount of energy of the heating unit to the heating unit. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

8. a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a reflectance measuring unit for measuring the reflectance of the transfer substrate; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; The control unit determines whether or not the transfer substrate has a receiving layer based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

9. the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines a thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on the reflectance measured by the reflectance measuring unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8.

10. a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a concentration measuring unit that measures the concentration of the liquid ejected onto the transfer substrate; a heating unit that applies energy to heat the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected; a control unit; the liquid ejection unit forms a test patch on the transfer substrate separately from the portion that will become the image; The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, the density measurement unit measures the density of the test patch; The control unit determines whether or not a receiving layer is present on the transfer substrate based on the measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

11. the transfer substrate has a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; The control unit determines a thickness of the receiving layer of the transfer substrate based on a measurement result of the concentration measurement unit, and controls heating of the heating unit based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10 .

12. the heating unit is capable of changing the amount of energy for each predetermined region of the transfer substrate, The control unit determines the thickness of the receiving layer for each predetermined region, and adjusts the amount of energy of the heating unit for each predetermined region according to the thickness of the receiving layer.

12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9 or 11.

13. a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the reflectance measurement unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8.

14. a carriage on which the liquid ejection unit and the concentration measurement unit are mounted, The heating unit is provided at a location facing the carriage across a transport location of the transfer substrate. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10 .

15. an information storage unit that stores a table that determines the upper limit of the amount of ink that does not cause ink bleeding per unit area of the transfer substrate, where the ink receiving capacity is 1, and that determines the lower limit of the amount of energy of the heating unit corresponding to the ink receiving capacity 1, The control unit calculates an ink receiving capacity 2 to prevent bleeding based on the determined thickness of the receiving layer, replaces the calculated ink receiving capacity 2 with the ink receiving capacity 2 in the table, obtains a lower limit value of the obtained energy amount of the heating unit, and sets the obtained lower limit value of the energy amount of the heating unit to the heating unit.

12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9 or 11.

16. a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate; An imaging process; a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control step, In the liquid ejection step, a test patch is formed on the transfer substrate separately from the image portion, The test patch is formed using ink as the liquid to be ejected, The imaging step includes imaging the test patch, The control step determines the amount of ink bleeding on the transfer substrate based on the image pickup result of the image pickup step, and controls heating in the heating step based on the amount of ink bleeding. A liquid ejection method comprising:

17. a liquid ejection step of ejecting a liquid onto a transfer substrate having a substrate layer and a receiving layer formed on the substrate layer and onto which the liquid is ejected; a receiving layer thickness determination step of determining unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer; a heating step of applying energy to the transfer substrate onto which the liquid has been ejected to heat the transfer substrate; a control step, The controlling step controls the heating in the heating step in accordance with unevenness in the thickness of the receiving layer. A liquid ejection method comprising:

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