Print data creation program and print data creation method

Abstract

To provide a print data creation program and a print data creation method that contribute to a creator of print data controlling image quality.SOLUTION: A printer includes: an ink discharge part for forming an ink layer by discharging ink; and a processing liquid discharge part for forming a base layer serving as a base of the ink layer or a processing layer formed on the ink layer or on the base layer by discharging the processing liquid. A print data creation device creates print data for causing the printer to print an image. A print data creation program causes a computer of the print data creation device to execute: reception processing for receiving designation of a discharge method including a method in which the ink discharge part discharges ink and a method in which the processing liquid discharge part discharges the processing liquid; and creation processing for creating print data including information indicating the designated discharge method received in the reception processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print data creation program and a print data creation method. [Background technology]

[0002] The textile printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a pretreatment liquid application device and an ink ejection unit. The pretreatment liquid application device ejects a pretreatment liquid onto a medium to aggregate the ink. The ink ejection unit ejects ink onto the medium onto which the pretreatment liquid has been ejected by the pretreatment liquid application device. This forms an ink layer on the medium, thereby printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-193943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the textile printing apparatus, the ejection method of the pretreatment liquid and the ejection method of the ink are thought to affect the quality of the image printed on the medium. The ejection methods of other treatment liquids that are ejected after the pretreatment liquid may also affect the image quality. If the ejection methods of the pretreatment liquid, the ink, and the other treatment liquids are determined by the textile printing apparatus, it may be difficult for the creator of the print data for printing an image on the medium to control the image quality.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a print data creation program and a print data creation method that contribute to the creator of print data controlling image quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A print data creation program according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer included in a print data creation device that creates print data for printing an image on a printer that has an ink ejection unit that forms an ink layer by ejecting ink, and a treatment liquid ejection unit that forms a base layer that serves as a base for the ink layer, or a treatment layer that is formed on the ink layer or on the base layer, by ejecting a treatment liquid different from the ink, to execute a reception process that receives designation of an ejection method, including a method by which the ink ejection unit ejects the ink and a method by which the treatment liquid ejection unit ejects the treatment liquid, and a creation process that creates the print data that includes information indicating the designated ejection method received in the reception process.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the creator of the print data can specify the ejection method, thereby including information indicating the ejection method in the print data. The ejection method may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program contributes to the creator of the print data being able to control image quality.

[0008] In the print data creation program, the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method, which includes the number of ink layers, which is the number of ink layers to be stacked, and the number of processing layers, which is the number of base layers and processing layers to be stacked.

[0009] In this case, the ejection method includes the number of ink layers and the number of processed layers. The number of ink layers and the number of processed layers may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control image quality.

[0010] In the print data creation program, the ink ejection unit includes a white ink ejection unit that forms a white ink layer by ejecting white ink, and a color ink ejection unit that forms a color ink layer by ejecting color ink for printing a color image on the white ink layer, and the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method including the number of white ink layers, which is the number of ink layers on which the white ink layer is stacked.

[0011] In this case, the ejection method includes the number of white ink layers, which may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control image quality.

[0012] In the print data creation program, the receiving process may receive the designation of the ejection method, which designation includes an order in which the base layer or the processing layer and the ink layer are stacked.

[0013] In this case, the ejection method includes the order in which the base layer or treatment layer and the ink layer are stacked. The order in which the base layer or treatment layer and the ink layer are stacked can affect the image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control the image quality.

[0014] In the print data creation program, the ink ejection unit includes a white ink ejection unit that ejects white ink to form a white ink layer, and a color ink ejection unit that ejects color inks for printing a color image to form a color ink layer on the white ink layer, and the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method, including whether to perform a first parallel scan in which a scan in which the white ink layer is formed by the white ink ejection unit and a scan in which the color ink layer is formed by the color ink ejection unit are performed in parallel.

[0015] In this case, the ejection method includes whether or not to perform the first parallel scan. Whether or not to perform the first parallel scan may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control image quality.

[0016] In the print data creation program, the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method, including whether to perform a second parallel scan in which a scan in which the ink layer is formed by the ink ejection unit and a scan in which the base layer or the processing layer is formed by the processing liquid ejection unit are performed in parallel.

[0017] In this case, the ejection method includes whether or not to perform the second parallel scan. Whether or not to perform the second parallel scan may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control image quality.

[0018] In the print data creation program, the reception process includes a first reception process and a second reception process executed after the first reception process, and the print data creation program causes the computer to execute a storage process that stores the specified ejection method received by the first reception process as a designation history, and the second reception process may receive the designation of the ejection method stored as the designation history by the storage process.

[0019] In this case, the print data creation program contributes to easily specifying the same ejection method as the ejection method specified in the past.

[0020] The print data creation program may cause the computer to execute a display process that displays an estimate of the time it will take for the image to be printed by the printer based on the specified ejection method accepted by the acceptance process, when the specification of the ejection method is accepted by the acceptance process.

[0021] In this case, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to know the time when the image will be printed.

[0022] In the print data creation program, the receiving process may receive the designation of the ejection method including at least one of a resolution of the ink layer and a resolution of the base layer or the processing layer.

[0023] In this case, the ejection method includes at least one of the resolution of the ink layer and the resolution of the base layer or the processing layer. The resolution of the ink layer and the resolution of the base layer or the processing layer may affect the image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data to control the image quality.

[0024] In the print data creation program, the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method, which includes at least one of the amount of ink ejected by the ink ejection unit and the amount of treatment liquid ejected by the treatment liquid ejection unit.

[0025] In this case, at least one of the amount of ink ejected by the ink ejection unit and the amount of treatment liquid ejected by the treatment liquid ejection unit is included. The amount of ink ejected by the ink ejection unit and the amount of treatment liquid ejected by the treatment liquid ejection unit may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program contributes to the creator of the print data being able to control image quality.

[0026] In the print data creation program, the reception process may receive the specification of the ejection method including the time from the completion of formation of a first layer of any one of the ink layer, the base layer, and the processing layer to the start of formation of a second layer of any one of the ink layer, the base layer, and the processing layer that is to be stacked next to the first layer.

[0027] In this case, the time between the end of formation of the first layer and the start of formation of the second layer is included. The time between the end of formation of the first layer and the start of formation of the second layer may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation program helps the creator of the print data control image quality.

[0028] A print data creation method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for creating print data for printing an image on a printer that includes an ink ejection unit that forms an ink layer by ejecting ink, and a treatment liquid ejection unit that forms a base layer that serves as a base for the ink layer, or a treatment layer that is formed on the ink layer or on the base layer, by ejecting a treatment liquid different from the ink, and is characterized by comprising a reception process that receives designation of an ejection method, including a method by which the ink ejection unit ejects the ink and a method by which the treatment liquid ejection unit ejects the treatment liquid, and a creation process that creates the print data that includes information indicating the designated ejection method received in the reception process.

[0029] The second aspect contributes to achieving the same effect as the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a printing system 100, including a plan view of a printer 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the printer 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1 and the print data creation device 20. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of print data. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a flow of forming layers on a medium M. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print setting screen 50 in which a preset designation screen 60 is displayed. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print setting screen 50 in which a basic setting screen 70 is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print setting screen 50 in which a layer configuration screen 80 is displayed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a discharge information designation table. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of discharge information A. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of discharge information B. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of discharge information C. [Figure 14] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The left, right, bottom, and top of Fig. 1 correspond to the left, right, front, and rear of the printer 1, respectively. The left, right, bottom, and top of Fig. 2 correspond to the front, rear, bottom, and top of the printer 1, respectively.

[0032] A printing system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The printing system 100 includes a print data creation device 20 and a printer 1. The print data creation device 20 and the printer 1 are connected to each other for communication. The print data creation device 20 is a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. The print data creation device 20 creates print data for printing by the printer 1 and sends the created print data to the printer 1. The printer 1 is an inkjet printer that prints on a medium M based on the print data received from the print data creation device 20. The medium M is fabric, paper, etc. The medium M is, for example, a T-shirt.

[0033] The schematic configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The printer 1 includes a platen transport mechanism 11, a platen 7, a head transport mechanism 12, and multiple heads 10. The platen transport mechanism 11 includes a pair of guide rails 11A and 11B and a support base 8 (see FIG. 2). The pair of guide rails 11A and 11B each extend in the front-rear direction and are aligned with each other in the left-right direction. The pair of guide rails 11A and 11B are fixed to a frame (not shown) of the printer 1. The support base 8 is supported by the pair of guide rails 11A and 11B. The support base 8 moves in the front-rear direction along the pair of guide rails 11A and 11B. The platen 7 is attached to the upper end of the support base 8. The platen transport mechanism 11 transports the platen 7 in the front-rear direction by driving a sub-scanning motor 14 shown in FIG. 3 (see arrow Y2). Therefore, the front-rear direction of the printer 1 is the sub-scanning direction. The platen 7 has a plate shape and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. A mounting surface 7A is formed on the upper surface of the platen 7. The medium M is placed on the mounting surface 7A of the platen 7, and the medium M is set thereon.

[0034] The head transport mechanism 12 includes a pair of guide rails 12A, 12B and a carriage 2. The pair of guide rails 12A, 12B each extend in the left-right direction and are aligned with each other in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of guide rails 12A, 12B are fixed to a frame (not shown) of the printer 1. The carriage 2 is plate-shaped and extends in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The carriage 2 is supported by the pair of guide rails 12A, 12B. The carriage 2 moves left-to-right along the pair of guide rails 12A, 12B. Multiple heads 10 are mounted on the carriage 2. The head transport mechanism 12 transports the multiple heads 10 left-to-right by driving a main scanning motor 13 shown in FIG. 3 (see arrow Y1). Therefore, the left-to-right direction of the printer 1 is the main scanning direction.

[0035] The multiple heads 10 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and in this embodiment, include a white head 3, a color head 4, a first treatment liquid head 5, and a second treatment liquid head 6. The white head 3, color head 4, first treatment liquid head 5, and second treatment liquid head 6 are arranged in a line from front to rear in the following order: color head 4, second treatment liquid head 6, first treatment liquid head 5, white head 3.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower surfaces of the white head 3, the color head 4, the first treatment liquid head 5, and the second treatment liquid head 6 are located above the mounting surface 7A of the platen 7 and are exposed downward from openings (not shown) provided in the carriage 2.

[0037] Multiple nozzle rows are formed on the underside of the white head 3. In this embodiment, the multiple nozzle rows of the white head 3 include four nozzle rows: a first nozzle row, a second nozzle row, a third nozzle row, and a fourth nozzle row. Each of the multiple nozzle rows of the white head 3 has multiple nozzles 3A. The multiple nozzles 3A are aligned in the front-to-back direction. While the spacing between the nozzle rows of the white head 3 is not limited to a specific interval, in this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 3A are aligned at intervals of 300 dpi in the front-to-back direction. The multiple nozzle rows of the white head 3 are aligned in the left-to-right direction.

[0038] White ink is supplied from a white ink container (not shown) to the white head 3. The white head 3 ejects white ink downward from multiple nozzles 3A. The ejected white ink forms the base of a color image or represents the white parts of a color image.

[0039] A plurality of nozzle rows are formed on the underside of the color head 4. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzle rows of the color head 4 includes four nozzle rows: a first nozzle row, a second nozzle row, a third nozzle row, and a fourth nozzle row. Each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the color head 4 has a plurality of nozzles 4A. The plurality of nozzles 4A are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. While the nozzle rows of the color head 4 are not limited to a specific spacing, in this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 4A are aligned at intervals of 300 dpi in the front-to-rear direction. The plurality of nozzle rows of the color head 4 are aligned in the left-to-right direction.

[0040] Color inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) are supplied to the color head 4 from multiple color ink containers (not shown). The color head 4 ejects the color inks downward from multiple nozzles 4A. For example, cyan color ink is ejected from a first nozzle row of multiple nozzles 4A, magenta color ink is ejected from a second nozzle row of multiple nozzles 4A, yellow ink is ejected from a third nozzle row of multiple nozzles 4A, and black ink is ejected from a fourth nozzle row of multiple nozzles 4A. The ejected color inks form a color image.

[0041] A plurality of nozzle rows are formed on the underside of the first treatment liquid head 5. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzle rows of the first treatment liquid head 5 includes four nozzle rows: a first nozzle row, a second nozzle row, a third nozzle row, and a fourth nozzle row. Each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the first treatment liquid head 5 has a plurality of nozzles 5A. The plurality of nozzles 5A are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. While the nozzle rows of the first treatment liquid head 5 are not limited to a particular spacing, in this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 5A are aligned at intervals of 300 dpi in the front-to-rear direction. The plurality of nozzle rows of the first treatment liquid head 5 are aligned in the left-to-right direction.

[0042] The first treatment liquid head 5 is supplied with a first treatment liquid from a first treatment liquid container (not shown). The first treatment liquid head 5 ejects the first treatment liquid downward from multiple nozzles 5A. The first treatment liquid is an aqueous solution containing an aggregating component and improves the color development of the white ink. The aggregating component aggregates solid components in the white ink. Hereinafter, aggregating solid components in the white ink will also be simply referred to as "aggregating the white ink." The first treatment liquid is, for example, ejected before the white ink and used as a pretreatment liquid. In other words, the first treatment liquid layer serves as a base for the white ink layer. In this case, the first treatment liquid aggregates the white ink, thereby fixing the solid components in the white ink to the medium M. The solid components in the white ink are, for example, pigments or resin components in the white ink. The aggregating component is a cationic polymer, a polyvalent metal salt, a carboxylic acid, etc. The polyvalent metal salt is a calcium salt, a magnesium salt, etc. The carboxylic acid is formic acid, acetic acid, etc.

[0043] A plurality of nozzle rows are formed on the bottom surface of the second treatment liquid head 6. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzle rows of the second treatment liquid head 6 include four nozzle rows: a first nozzle row, a second nozzle row, a third nozzle row, and a fourth nozzle row. Each of the plurality of nozzle rows of the second treatment liquid head 6 has a plurality of nozzles 6A. The plurality of nozzles 6A are aligned in the front-to-rear direction. Although the nozzle rows of the second treatment liquid head 6 are not limited to a particular spacing, in this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 6A are aligned at intervals of 300 dpi in the front-to-rear direction. The plurality of nozzle rows of the second treatment liquid head 6 are aligned in the left-to-right direction.

[0044] The second treatment liquid head 6 is supplied with the second treatment liquid from a second treatment liquid container (not shown). The second treatment liquid head 6 ejects the second treatment liquid downward from a plurality of nozzles 6A. The second treatment liquid is an aqueous solution containing a resin emulsion, an aqueous solution containing a crosslinking agent, or the like. The second treatment liquid is ejected after the color ink, for example, and is used as a post-treatment liquid. In this case, the second treatment liquid functions as a coating liquid, protecting the color image and improving the glossiness of the color image.

[0045] The platen 7 is transported in the front-to-rear direction between a front end position P1 and a rear end position P2 by a platen transport mechanism 11. At the front end position P1, the platen 7 is positioned forward of the first treatment liquid head 5, and at the rear end position P2, it is positioned rearward of the white head 3. The platen 7 is transported rearward from the front end position P1 toward the rear end position P2, and turns back forward at the rear end position P2. The platen 7 is transported forward from the rear end position P2 toward the front end position P1, and turns back rearward at the front end position P1. For example, a medium M is set on the platen 7 when the platen 7 is positioned at the front end position P1.

[0046] In a plan view, the movement paths of the multiple heads 10 and the movement path of the platen 7 intersect with each other (see arrows Y1 and Y2 in FIG. 1 ). When the multiple heads 10 and the platen 7 are arranged in a region where the movement paths of the multiple heads 10 and the movement path of the platen 7 intersect with each other in a plan view, at least one of the lower surface of the white head 3, the lower surface of the color heads 4, and the lower surface of the second treatment liquid head 6 and the mounting surface 7A of the platen 7 face each other in the vertical direction with the medium M between them. Hereinafter, the state in which at least one of the lower surface of the white head 3, the lower surface of the color heads 4, and the lower surface of the second treatment liquid head 6 and the mounting surface 7A of the platen 7 face each other in the vertical direction with the medium M between them will be referred to as the "facing state."

[0047] The operation of causing the head 10 to eject liquid while transporting the head 10 in the left-right direction in the opposed state is called the "ejection scan of the head 10." For example, the ejection scan of causing the white head 3 to eject white ink from the nozzles 3A while transporting the white head 3 in the left-right direction in the opposed state is called the "ejection scan of the white head 3." The operation of transporting the platen 7 from front to rear or rear to front is called the "sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to rear" or the "sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front."

[0048] The first treatment liquid ejection operation, the second treatment liquid ejection operation, the white ink ejection operation, the color ink ejection operation, the white ink / color ink ejection operation, and the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation will be described below. Hereinafter, the first treatment liquid ejection operation, the second treatment liquid ejection operation, the white ink ejection operation, the color ink ejection operation, the white ink / color ink ejection operation, and the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation will also be referred to as "each ejection operation."

[0049] The printer 1 prints on the medium M by performing each ejection operation. The printer 1 may perform only some of the ejection operations. The printer 1 may change the order in which the ejection operations are performed. The printer 1 may perform some or all of the ejection operations multiple times in succession, or may perform one ejection operation multiple times with other ejection operations in between.

[0050] The first treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation that repeats an ejection scan of the first treatment liquid head 5 and a predetermined amount of sub-scan of the platen 7 from one side to the other, front or rear. When the first treatment liquid ejection operation is performed, the first treatment liquid ejected from the first treatment liquid head 5 lands on the medium M on the platen 7. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the front end position P1 to the rear end position P2 by the repeated predetermined amount of sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to rear. A first treatment liquid layer is formed on the medium M by the first treatment liquid ejection operation. The first treatment liquid layer is a layer made of the first treatment liquid.

[0051] The second treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation that repeats an ejection scan of the second treatment liquid head 6 and a predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 from one side to the other, front or rear. When the second treatment liquid ejection operation is performed, the second treatment liquid ejected from the second treatment liquid head 6 lands on the medium M on the platen 7. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the front end position P1 to the rear end position P2 by the repeated predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 from front to rear. A second treatment liquid layer is formed on the medium M by the second treatment liquid ejection operation. The second treatment liquid layer is a layer made of the second treatment liquid.

[0052] The white ink ejection operation is an operation that repeats an ejection scan of the white head 3 and a predetermined amount of sub-scan of the platen 7 from one side to the other, either forward or backward. When the white ink ejection operation is performed, the white ink ejected from the white head 3 lands on the medium M. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the rear end position P2 to the front end position P1 by repeated sub-scans of the platen 7 from rear to front by a predetermined amount. A white ink layer is formed on the medium M by the white ink ejection operation. The white ink layer is a layer made of white ink, and forms the base of a color image.

[0053] The color ink ejection operation is an operation that repeats an ejection scan of the color head 4 and a predetermined amount of sub-scan of the platen 7 from one side to the other, either forward or backward. When the color ink ejection operation is performed, the color ink ejected from the color head 4 lands on the medium M. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the rear end position P2 to the front end position P1 by repeated predetermined amount of sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front. A color ink layer is formed on the medium M by the color ink ejection operation. The color ink layer is a layer made up of color ink, and forms a color image.

[0054] The white ink / color ink ejection operation is an operation that repeats ejection scans of the white head 3 and color heads 4 and sub-scans of the platen 7 a predetermined distance from one side to the other, either forward or backward. In this embodiment, the color heads 4 are positioned forward of the white head 3, and color ink layers are formed on white ink layers. For this reason, the white ink / color ink ejection operation involves sub-scans of the platen 7 from backward to forward. If the color heads 4 were positioned behind the white head 3, the white ink / color ink ejection operation could involve sub-scans of the platen 7 from front to backward.

[0055] In the white ink / color ink ejection operation, the ejection scan of the white head 3 and the ejection scan of the color head 4 are performed in parallel. When the white ink / color ink ejection operation is performed, the white ink ejected from the white head 3 and the color ink ejected from the color head 4 each land on the medium M. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the rear end position P2 to the front end position P1 by repeatedly sub-scanning the platen 7 a predetermined distance from rear to front. By the color ink ejection operation, a white ink layer and a color ink layer are formed on the medium M in the order of white ink layer first, then color ink layer, moving upward.

[0056] The color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation that repeats ejection scans of the color head 4 and the second treatment liquid head 6 and sub-scans of the platen 7 a predetermined distance from one side to the other, either forward or backward. In this embodiment, the second treatment liquid head 6 is disposed behind the color head 4, and a second treatment liquid layer is formed on a color ink layer. For this reason, the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation involves sub-scans of the platen 7 from front to rear. If the second treatment liquid head 6 were disposed ahead of the color head 4, the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation could involve sub-scans of the platen 7 from rear to front.

[0057] In the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation, the ejection scan of the color head 4 and the ejection scan of the second treatment liquid head 6 are performed in parallel. When the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is performed, the color ink ejected from the color head 4 and the second treatment liquid ejected from the second treatment liquid head 6 each land on the medium M. The printer 1 transports the platen 7 from the leading edge position P1 to the trailing edge position P2 by repeatedly performing sub-scans of the platen 7 from front to rear by a predetermined amount. By the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation, a color ink layer and a second treatment liquid layer are formed on the medium M in the order of the color ink layer and the second treatment liquid layer moving upward.

[0058] Wet-on-wet printing will now be described. The printer 1 performs so-called wet-on-wet printing, in which ink is ejected onto a medium M that is wetted with a first treatment liquid. For example, if the medium M is permeable, it is preferable to perform wet-on-wet printing in order to improve fixation of the white ink layer to the medium M. The medium M is permeable if it contains, for example, polyester fiber.

[0059] As an example of wet-on-wet printing, the printer 1 performs each ejection operation in the following order: a first treatment liquid ejection operation, a white ink ejection operation, a first treatment liquid ejection operation, a white ink ejection operation, a color ink ejection operation, and a second treatment liquid ejection operation. In this case, the following layers are stacked on the medium M from the surface of the medium M upward: a first treatment liquid layer, a white ink layer, a first treatment liquid layer, a white ink layer, a white ink layer, a color ink layer, and a second treatment liquid layer. For example, in the first white ink ejection operation, a white ink layer is formed on the medium M wetted with the first treatment liquid. Therefore, for example, the first first treatment liquid layer serves as a base for the second white ink layer. For example, the third first treatment liquid layer is formed on the second white ink layer. Note that the first treatment liquid layer may be formed on the first treatment liquid layer, the second treatment liquid layer, or the color ink layer. Like the first treatment liquid layer, the second treatment liquid layer, the white ink layer, and the color ink layer may be formed on any of the layers.

[0060] In this embodiment, "a layer is formed on the medium M" and "a layer is laminated on the medium M" are essentially synonymous and mean that a liquid is applied to the medium M by ejecting the liquid onto the medium M. In the printed product, even when a layer is not formed because the applied liquid soaks into the medium M or mixes with the underlying layer, this is also included in "a layer is formed on the medium M" and "laminate on the medium M."

[0061] Specifically, when a first treatment liquid is ejected onto the surface of the medium M, the ejected first treatment liquid may soak into the medium M. In this case, it is also expressed as "a first treatment liquid layer is formed or laminated on the medium M." When white ink is ejected onto the first treatment liquid layer on the medium M, it is also expressed as "a first treatment liquid layer is formed or laminated on the medium M." When white ink is ejected onto the first treatment liquid layer on the medium M, it is also expressed as "a first treatment liquid layer is formed or laminated on the medium M."

[0062] The electrical configurations of the printer 1 and the print data creation device will be described with reference to Figure 3. The printer 1 includes a CPU 91 and a memory 92. The CPU 91 and memory 92 are electrically connected to each other. The CPU 91 controls the printer 1. The memory 92 is non-volatile and stores various types of information. For example, the memory 92 stores programs and print data. The CPU 91 executes the programs to perform printing based on the print data.

[0063] The CPU 91 is electrically connected to the main scanning motor 13, the sub-scanning motor 14, the white head drive unit 33, the color head drive unit 34, the first treatment liquid head drive unit 35, the second treatment liquid head drive unit 36, the display 97, the operation unit 98, and the communication unit 93. The main scanning motor 13 is controlled by the CPU 91 to transport the plurality of heads 10 in the left-right direction together with the carriage 2. The sub-scanning motor 14 is controlled by the CPU 91 to transport the platen 7 in the front-rear direction together with the support base 8.

[0064] The white head driver 33 is, for example, a heating element or a piezoelectric element, and is provided corresponding to each of the multiple nozzles 3A. The white head driver 33 is controlled by the CPU 91 to cause the white head 3 to selectively eject white ink from the multiple nozzles 3A. The color head driver 34 is, for example, a heating element or a piezoelectric element, and is provided corresponding to each of the multiple nozzles 4A. The color head driver 34 is controlled by the CPU 91 to cause the color head 4 to selectively eject color ink from the multiple nozzles 4A.

[0065] The first treatment liquid head driving units 35 are, for example, heat generating elements or piezoelectric elements, and are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 5A. The first treatment liquid head driving units 35 cause the first treatment liquid head 5 to eject the first treatment liquid from the plurality of nozzles 5A under the control of the CPU 91. The second treatment liquid head driving units 36 are, for example, heat generating elements or piezoelectric elements, and are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 6A. The second treatment liquid head driving units 36 cause the second treatment liquid head 6 to selectively eject the second treatment liquid from the plurality of nozzles 6A under the control of the CPU 91.

[0066] The display 97 displays various screens under the control of the CPU 91. The operation unit 98 is, for example, a button or touch panel, and outputs signals to the CPU 91 in response to user operations. For example, the user can operate the operation unit 98 to input print instructions to the printer 1 to cause the printer 1 to print based on print data. The print instructions specify the print data to be controlled. The communication unit 93 is a module for establishing a wired or wireless communication connection with the print data creation device 20.

[0067] The print data creation device 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The CPU 21 and the memory 22 are electrically connected to each other. The CPU 21 controls the print data creation device 20. The memory 22 is non-volatile and stores various information. For example, the memory 22 stores programs, print data, and presets, which will be described later. The programs include a control program that causes the CPU 21 to perform the main processing (see FIG. 9), which will be described later.

[0068] The CPU 21 is electrically connected to a display 27, an operation unit 28, and a communication unit 23. The display 27 displays various screens under the control of the CPU 21. The various screens include a print setting screen 50 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) described below. The operation unit 28 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and outputs a signal to the CPU 21 in response to an operation by the user. For example, the user can operate the operation unit 28 to input an instruction to create print data to the print data creation device 20. The communication unit 23 is a module for establishing a wired or wireless communication connection with the printer 1.

[0069] The print data will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The print data is created by a creator in the print data creation device 20. Hereinafter, the creator of the print data will be referred to as a "user." The print data includes image data and ejection information. The print data is created as a single file with the ejection information associated with the image data. The image data indicates an image to be printed by the printer 1. In the example of FIG. 4, the image data indicates image A.

[0070] The ejection information indicates an ejection method. The ejection method includes a method in which the white head 3 ejects white ink, a method in which the color head 4 ejects color inks, a method in which the first treatment liquid head 5 ejects the first treatment liquid, and a method in which the second treatment liquid head 6 ejects the second treatment liquid. In detail, the ejection method includes a layer number, a layer type, a layer resolution, an ejection amount, and a waiting time.

[0071] The layer number is an identifier for the layer and is assigned in increments of one, starting with layer number "1." In the discharge information, the layer type, layer resolution, discharge amount, and waiting time are associated with the layer number. In the example of Figure 4, the discharge information includes six layer numbers: "1," "2," "3," "4," "5," and "6."

[0072] The layer numbers indicate the stacking order. In other words, the ejection method includes the stacking order. The stacking order is the order in which the layers (white ink layer, color ink layer, first treatment liquid layer, or second treatment liquid layer) formed on the medium M are stacked on the medium M. The stacking order is the order in which the liquids forming the layers are ejected onto the medium M, and is counted upward from the medium M. In other words, the layer formed first on the medium M has the stacking order of "1." The layer numbers indicate the stacking order. In other words, in the example of Figure 4, for example, the layer with layer number 1 is the first layer in the stacking order. Similarly, the layers with layer numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth layers in the stacking order, respectively.

[0073] The maximum value of the layer number indicates the number of layers. In other words, the discharge method includes the number of layers. The number of layers is the number of layers stacked on the medium M. The number of layers is the sum of the number of white ink layers, the number of color ink layers, the number of first treatment liquid layers, and the number of second treatment liquid layers. The number of white ink layers is the number of white ink layers stacked on the medium M. The number of color ink layers is the number of color ink layers stacked on the medium M. The number of first treatment liquid layers is the number of first treatment liquid layers stacked on the medium M. The number of second treatment liquid layers is the number of second treatment liquid layers stacked on the medium M. In the example of Figure 4, the maximum value of the layer number is "6", so the number of layers is six.

[0074] The layer type indicates the type of liquid that constitutes the layer. In this embodiment, the layer type is any one of a white ink layer, a color ink layer, a first treatment liquid layer, a second treatment liquid layer, and a combination thereof.

[0075] The layer type indicates whether or not to perform a white ink / color ink ejection operation, and whether or not to perform a color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation. In other words, the ejection method includes whether or not to perform a white ink / color ink ejection operation, and whether or not to perform a color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation.

[0076] When the layer type is one of two types, a white ink layer and a color ink layer, it indicates that the layer type will perform the white ink / color ink ejection operation. When the layer type is not one of two types, a white ink layer and a color ink layer, it indicates that the layer type will not perform the white ink / color ink ejection operation. In the example of Figure 4, the layer with layer number 5 has two layer types, a white ink layer and a color ink layer, so it indicates that the white ink / color ink ejection operation will be performed. In the example of Figure 4, the layer types other than layer number 5 do not have two types, a white ink layer and a color ink layer, so it indicates that the white ink / color ink ejection operation will not be performed.

[0077] When the layer type is one of two types, a color ink layer and a second treatment liquid layer, the layer type indicates that a color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is to be performed. When the layer type is not one of two types, a color ink layer and a second treatment liquid layer, the layer type indicates that a color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is not to be performed. In the example of FIG. 4, none of the layers with layer numbers 1 to 6 are one of two types, a color ink layer and a second treatment liquid layer, so the layer type indicates that a color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is not to be performed.

[0078] The layer resolution includes the resolution of the white ink layer, the resolution of the color ink layer, the resolution of the first treatment liquid layer, and the resolution of the second treatment liquid layer. In the example of Figure 4, the resolution is expressed as "resolution in the sub-scanning direction (see arrow Y2 in Figure 1) x resolution in the main scanning direction (see arrow Y1 in Figure 1)." Layers numbered 1 to 5 each correspond to a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi. Layer number 6 corresponds to a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 300 dpi.

[0079] The ejection amounts include a white ink amount, a first treatment liquid amount, and a second treatment liquid amount. The white ink amount is the amount of white ink ejected by the white head 3 by the white ink ejection operation or the white ink / color ink ejection operation. The first treatment liquid amount is the amount of first treatment liquid ejected by the first treatment liquid head 5 by the first treatment liquid ejection operation. The second treatment liquid amount is the amount of second treatment liquid ejected by the second treatment liquid head 6 by the second treatment liquid ejection operation or the color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation.

[0080] In this embodiment, the amount of white ink ejected from all nozzles 3A in one nozzle row of the multiple nozzles 3A in one white head 3 ejection scan (one pass) is set to 100%, and the ejection amount is shown as a ratio. For example, if the white head 3 ejects from all nozzles 3A in all (four) nozzle rows of the multiple nozzles 3A in one white head 3 ejection scan (one pass), the ejection amount (white ink amount) is 400%. For example, if the white head 3 ejects from all nozzles 3A in all (four) nozzle rows of the multiple nozzles 3A in two white head 3 ejection scans (two passes), the ejection amount (white ink amount) is 800%.

[0081] The amount of color ink ejected by the color head 4 from all the nozzles 4A in one nozzle row among the plurality of nozzles 4A in one ejection scan (one pass) of the color head 4 is also 100%. The amount of first treatment liquid ejected by the first treatment liquid head 5 from all the nozzles 5A in one nozzle row among the plurality of nozzles 5A in one ejection scan (one pass) of the first treatment liquid head 5 is also 100%. The amount of second treatment liquid ejected by the second treatment liquid head 6 from all the nozzles 6A in one nozzle row among the plurality of nozzles 6A in one ejection scan (one pass) of the second treatment liquid head 6 is also 100%.

[0082] 4, a first treatment liquid amount of 100% corresponds to the layer with layer number 1. Similarly, layers with layer numbers 2 to 6 correspond to a white ink amount of 150%, a first treatment liquid amount of 100%, a white ink amount of 100%, a white ink amount of 150%, and a second treatment liquid amount of 100%, respectively.

[0083] The first layer and the second layer are defined. The first layer is any one of the multiple layers (white ink layer, color ink layer, first treatment liquid layer, or second treatment liquid layer) formed on the medium M. The second layer is the layer that is stacked next to the first layer among the multiple layers (white ink layer, color ink layer, first treatment liquid layer, or second treatment liquid layer) formed on the medium M. In other words, the second layer is the layer that follows the first layer in the stacking order. The standby time is the time from the end of formation of the first layer to the start of formation of the second layer. In the printer 1, when formation of the first layer is completed, the head 10 is placed in a predetermined standby position until formation of the second layer is started. The standby time is, for example, the time that the head 10 is stopped at the predetermined standby position.

[0084] In the example of Figure 4, the layer with layer number 1 corresponds to a waiting time of "0 seconds." Similarly, the layers with layer numbers 2 to 6 correspond to waiting times of "0 seconds," "0 seconds," "20 seconds," "0 seconds," and "0 seconds," respectively. For example, a waiting time of "0 seconds" for the layer with layer number 1 indicates that the time from the completion of the formation of the layer with layer number 1 until the start of the formation of the layer with layer number 2 is 0 seconds. For example, a waiting time of "20 seconds" for the layer with layer number 4 indicates that the time from the completion of the formation of the layer with layer number 4 until the start of the formation of the layer with layer number 5 is 20 seconds.

[0085] With reference to Figure 5, the flow of printing an image on the medium M by the printer 1 based on the print data shown in Figure 4 will be described. In Figure 5, the first treatment liquid is indicated by diagonal lines, white ink is indicated by horizontal lines, color inks are indicated by vertical lines, and the second treatment liquid is indicated by grid lines. Image A shown in Figure 4 is assumed to be an image in which a circular color image is placed in the center and an annular white area is placed around the color image.

[0086] 4, the layers are formed in order from layer number 1 to layer number 6. That is, for layer number 1, the first treatment liquid is ejected at a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi with a first treatment liquid volume of 100%, and a first treatment liquid layer S1 is formed on the medium M. The first treatment liquid layer S1 is formed over the entire medium M.

[0087] After a waiting time of 0 seconds has elapsed since the formation of layer number 1 has finished, the formation of layer number 2 begins. For layer number 2, a white ink ejection operation is performed with a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi and a white ink amount of 150%, and a white ink layer W1 is formed on medium M. The white ink layer W1 is formed in a white area based on image A.

[0088] After a waiting time of 0 seconds has elapsed since the formation of layer number 2 has finished, formation of layer number 3 begins. For layer number 3, a first treatment liquid ejection operation is performed with a layer resolution of 1200 dpi × 1200 dpi and a first treatment liquid volume of 100%, and a first treatment liquid layer S2 is formed on the medium M. The first treatment liquid layer S2 is formed over the entire medium M.

[0089] After a waiting time of 0 seconds has elapsed since the formation of layer number 3 has finished, the formation of layer number 4 begins. For layer number 4, a white ink ejection operation is performed with a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi and a white ink amount of 100%, and a white ink layer W2 is formed on medium M. The white ink layer W2 is formed in a white area based on image A.

[0090] After a waiting time of 20 seconds has elapsed since the formation of layer number 4 has finished, the formation of layer number 5 begins. For layer number 5, a white ink / color ink ejection operation is performed with a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi and a white ink amount of 100%, and a white ink layer W3 and a color ink layer C1 are formed on medium M. The white ink layer W3 is formed in the white area based on image A, and the color ink layer C1 is formed in the color image area based on image A.

[0091] After a waiting time of 0 seconds has elapsed since the formation of layer number 5 has finished, the formation of layer number 6 begins. For layer number 6, the second treatment liquid is ejected at a layer resolution of 1200 dpi x 300 dpi and with a volume of the second treatment liquid of 100%, and a second treatment liquid layer OC1 is formed on the medium M. The second treatment liquid layer OC1 is formed in the white area and the color image area based on image A. This completes printing by the printer 1 based on the print data shown in FIG. 4.

[0092] 6 to 8, the screens displayed on the display 27 when print data is created will be described. When creation of print data begins, a print setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 27. The print setting screen 50 is displayed on the display 27 when print data is created. The print setting screen 50 includes tabs 51, 52, 53, a screen display area 54, a cancel button 55, and an OK button 56. The tab 51 is an operation area for displaying a preset designation screen 60, which will be described later. The tab 52 is an operation area for displaying a basic setting screen 70, which will be described later. The tab 53 is an operation area for displaying a layer configuration screen 80, which will be described later.

[0093] The screen display area 54 is an area for displaying a screen corresponding to the selected tab from tabs 51, 52, and 53. For example, FIG. 6 shows a state in which tab 51 is selected and a preset designation screen 60 is displayed in the screen display area 54. FIG. 7 shows a state in which tab 52 is selected and a basic setting screen 70 is displayed in the screen display area 54. FIG. 8 shows a state in which tab 53 is selected and a layer configuration screen 80 is displayed in the screen display area 54.

[0094] The cancel button 55 is a button for canceling the creation of print data. When the cancel button 55 is selected, the print data being created is discarded. The OK button 56 is a button for confirming the print data. When the OK button 56 is selected, the ejection method specified at the time of selection is associated with the image data and print data is created.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, the preset designation screen 60 includes a preset designation area 61. The preset designation area 61 is an area for designating a preset, and includes a pull-down mark 61A. A preset is ejection information included in print data created in the past. In other words, a preset is one of the history of ejection methods designated in the past. The preset is stored in the memory 22 when the OK button 56 is selected and the print data is confirmed.

[0096] When the user selects the pull-down mark 61A, a choice screen 62 is displayed. The choice screen 62 displays choice presets that can be specified. In FIG. 6, the choice screen 62 displays four choices: default, preset A, preset B, and preset C. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the preset specification area 61 displays preset A and preset A is specified.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, the basic settings screen 70 includes, from top to bottom, an ink type specification area 71, a highlight specification area 72, a mask specification area 73, and a white ink amount display area 74. The ink type specification area 71 is an area for specifying the type of ink to be used for printing, and includes a pull-down mark 71A. The user selects the pull-down mark 71A and specifies one of multiple ink type options, such as "color ink," "white ink," and "color ink + white ink." FIG. 7 shows a state in which the ink type specification area 71 displays "color ink + white ink," and "color ink + white ink" has been specified as the ink type to be used for printing.

[0098] The highlight specification area 72 is an area for specifying the highlight level. A highlight is an area of a white ink layer that is not covered by a color ink layer, that is, an exposed area of a white ink layer. The highlight level corresponds to the amount of white ink in the highlight. The range of highlight levels is not limited to a specific range, but in this embodiment, they are level 1 to level 13. For example, highlight level 1 indicates the smallest amount of white ink that can be specified in the highlight, and highlight level 13 indicates the largest amount of white ink that can be specified in the highlight. In this embodiment, level 5 corresponds to a white ink amount of 400%. Each increase in level increases the white ink amount by 50%. Therefore, for example, level 7 corresponds to a white ink amount of 800%.

[0099] The highlight designation area 72 includes a slide bar 72A and a highlight display area 72B. The user operates the slide bar 72A left or right to designate the highlight level. The highlight display area 72B displays the designated highlight level. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the highlight display area 72B displays "5," indicating that the designated highlight level is level 5.

[0100] The mask designation area 73 is an area for designating the mask level. The mask is the area of the white ink layer that is covered by the color ink layers, that is, the area of the white ink layer that is not exposed. The mask level corresponds to the amount of white ink in the mask. The range of mask levels is not limited to a specific range, but in this embodiment, it is level 1 to level 5.

[0101] The relationship between the mask level and the amount of white ink ejected is the same as the relationship between the highlight level and the amount of white ink. For example, mask level 1 indicates the smallest amount of white ink that can be specified in the mask, and indicates the same amount of white ink as highlight level 1. Mask level 5 indicates the largest amount of white ink that can be specified in the mask, and indicates the same amount of white ink as highlight level 5. The upper limit of the mask level is the same as the specified highlight level. Therefore, for example, if the specified highlight level is level 13, the upper limit of the mask level will be level 13.

[0102] The mask specification area 73 includes a slide bar 73A and a mask display area 73B. The user operates the slide bar 73A left or right to specify the mask level. The mask display area 73B displays the specified mask level. Figure 7 shows a state in which the mask display area 73B displays "3" and the specified mask level is level 3.

[0103] The white ink amount display area 74 displays the white ink amount corresponding to the specified highlight level. In Figure 7, the specified highlight level is level 5, which corresponds to 400%, so the white ink amount display area 74 displays 400%.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8, the layer configuration screen 80 includes, from the top, a preset name input area 81, a number of layers specification area 82, a layer number specification area 83, a layer type specification area 84, a waiting time specification area 85, a resolution specification area 86, a discharge amount specification area 87, an estimated time display area 88, and an estimated print time display area 89.

[0105] The preset name input area 81 is an area for inputting or editing a preset name. The preset name specified in the preset specification area 61, for example, is displayed in the preset name input area 81. The user inputs or edits the preset name in the preset name input area 81. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the preset name input area 81 displays "Preset A" and "Preset A" is input in the preset name input area 81.

[0106] The number of layers specification area 82 is an area for specifying the number of layers, and includes a pull-down mark 82A. The user selects the pull-down mark 82A and specifies one of multiple options for the number of layers, such as "1," "2," or "3." Figure 8 shows a state in which the number of layers specification area 82 displays "3," indicating that "3" has been specified as the number of layers.

[0107] The layer number specification area 83 is an area for specifying a layer number and includes a pull-down mark 83A. The user selects the pull-down mark 83A to specify one of multiple layer number options, such as "1," "2," and "3." The lowest layer number that can be specified is "1." The highest layer number that can be specified is the same as the number of layers specified in the number-of-layers specification area 82. Figure 8 shows a state in which the layer number specification area 83 displays "1," indicating that "1" has been specified as the layer number. Hereinafter, the layer with the layer number specified in the layer number specification area 83 will be referred to as the "target layer."

[0108] The layer type designation area 84 is an area for designating the layer type of the target layer, and includes a pull-down mark 84A. The user selects the pull-down mark 84A to designate one of six layer type options: "white ink layer," "color ink layer," "first treatment liquid layer," "second treatment liquid layer," "white ink layer + color ink layer," and "color ink layer + second treatment liquid layer." Figure 8 shows a state in which the layer type designation area 84 displays "white ink layer," and "white ink layer" has been designated as the layer type of the target layer.

[0109] The waiting time specification area 85 is an area for specifying the waiting time of the target layer. The waiting time of the target layer means the waiting time when the target layer becomes the first layer. The user inputs the waiting time in the waiting time specification area 85. Figure 8 shows a state in which the waiting time specification area 85 displays "20", indicating that "20 seconds" has been specified as the waiting time of the target layer.

[0110] The resolution specification area 86 is an area for specifying the layer resolution of the target layer, and includes options 86A, 86B, 86C, and 86D. In this embodiment, option 86A corresponds to 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi HQ (high quality). Option 86B corresponds to 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi. Option 86C corresponds to 1200 dpi x 900 dpi. Option 86D corresponds to 1200 dpi x 600 dpi. Figure 8 shows a state in which option 86B is specified and "1200 dpi x 1200 dpi" is specified as the layer resolution of the target layer.

[0111] The discharge amount specification area 87 is an area for specifying the discharge amount of the target layer, and includes a slide bar 87A and a discharge amount display area 87B. The user operates the slide bar 87A left and right to specify the discharge amount level of the target layer. For example, if the target layer is a white ink layer, the user specifies the white ink amount level of the target layer. The white ink amount of the target layer is equal to or less than the white ink amount corresponding to the white ink amount level specified in the highlight specification area 72. The discharge amount display area 87B displays the specified discharge amount level. Figure 8 shows that the discharge amount display area 87B displays "5", indicating that the discharge amount level of the specified target layer is level 5.

[0112] The estimated time display area 88 displays the estimated layer time for the target layer. The estimated layer time is an estimate of the time it takes for the printer 1 to form a layer. For example, the estimated layer time is an estimate of the time it takes for the head 10 to move from a predetermined standby position, form a layer, and then return to the predetermined standby position. In this embodiment, the estimated layer time corresponds to the ejection amount and is stored in advance in the memory 22.

[0113] For example, the time required for one ejection scan of the head 10 is set to the reference time "1." The estimated layer time required for N ejection scans of the head 10 is the reference time "1" x "N." For ejection volume levels from level 1 to level 5, a layer is formed with one ejection scan (one pass) of the head 10, so the estimated layer time is "x 1." For ejection volume levels from level 6 to level 13, a layer is formed with two ejection scans (two passes) of the head 10, so the estimated layer time is "x 2." In Figure 8, the ejection volume level of the target layer is "5," so the estimated time display area 88 displays "x 1," and the estimated layer time of the target layer is the time corresponding to the time required for one ejection scan of the head 10.

[0114] The estimated print time display area 89 displays the estimated print time. The estimated print time is an estimate of the time it takes for the printer 1 to print an image. In this embodiment, the estimated print time is the sum of the estimated layer times from the layer with the lowest layer number to the layer with the highest layer number. In FIG. 8, the estimated print time display area 89 displays "x5", and the estimated print time, that is, the sum of the estimated layer times for each layer, corresponds to the time required for five ejection scans of the head 10.

[0115] An example of the procedure for creating print data will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The user selects tab 51 to display preset designation screen 60 shown in Figure 6. The user designates a preset in preset designation area 61. As a result, the display contents of basic setting screen 70 and layer configuration screen 80 are updated based on the discharge information corresponding to the designated preset.

[0116] The user selects tab 52 to display the basic settings screen 70 shown in Fig. 7. The user specifies the ink type in an ink type specification area 71. The user specifies the amount of white ink for highlighting in a highlight specification area 72. The user specifies the amount of white ink for masking in a mask specification area 73.

[0117] The user selects tab 53 to display a layer configuration screen 80 shown in Fig. 8. On the layer configuration screen 80, the user specifies whether or not to form each of the white ink layer, color ink layer, first treatment liquid layer, and second treatment liquid layer, as well as the layering order, number of layers, standby time, discharge amount, and layer resolution.

[0118] When the user registers a new preset, the user changes the preset name in the preset name input area 81. The user specifies the number of layers in the layer number specification area 82. The user specifies the layer number in the layer number specification area 83. The layer with the specified layer number becomes the target layer.

[0119] The user specifies the layer type of the target layer in a layer type specification area 84. The user specifies the wait time of the target layer in a wait time specification area 85. The user specifies the layer resolution of the target layer in a resolution specification area 86. The user specifies the discharge amount of the target layer in a discharge amount specification area 87.

[0120] The user changes the layer number in the layer number specification area 83. This changes the target layer from the layer with the previous layer number to the layer with the new layer number. The user specifies the layer type, waiting time, layer resolution, and discharge amount for the new target layer.

[0121] Once all layers with layer numbers have been designated as target layers and the layer type, waiting time, layer resolution, and discharge amount have been specified for each, the user selects the OK button 56. This creates print data that includes discharge information indicating the designated discharge method.

[0122] The main processing will be described with reference to Fig. 9. When the power of the print data creation device 20 is turned on, the CPU 21 executes the main processing by reading and running a control program from the memory 22. In the main processing, processing related to the creation of print data is performed.

[0123] When the main process starts, the CPU 21 determines whether an instruction to create print data has been received via the operation unit 28 (S21). For example, the user operates the operation unit 28 to specify an image for which print data is to be created, that is, an image to be printed by the printer 1, thereby inputting the creation instruction to the print data creation device 20.

[0124] If the CPU 21 has not received a creation instruction (S21: NO), the process returns to the determination of S21 and waits until a creation instruction is received. If the CPU 21 has received a creation instruction (S21: YES), the CPU 21 displays the print setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 6 on the display 27 (S22).

[0125] The CPU 21 accepts the user's operation of the operation unit 28 (S23). The user operates the operation unit 28 to switch between the tabs 51, 52, and 53, specify the discharge method, select the OK button 56, and so on.

[0126] The CPU 21 determines whether the operation received in the process of S23 is the selection of the OK button 56 (S23). If the OK button 56 is not selected (S23: NO), the CPU 21 updates the screen based on the received operation (S24).

[0127] 6 to 8, a specific example of screen updating by the processing of S24 will be described. For example, when a pull-down mark 61A is designated and a preset A is designated, the CPU 21 displays preset A in the preset designation area 61. In this case, the CPU 21 reads out discharge information corresponding to preset A from the memory 22. Furthermore, when the screen is switched to the basic setting screen 70 or the layer configuration screen 80, the CPU 21 performs various displays according to the read discharge information.

[0128] When a selection operation of the tab 52 is performed, the CPU 21 displays the basic setting screen 70 in the screen display area 54. When a movement operation of the slide bar 72A is performed, the CPU 21 displays the destination level in the highlight display area 72B, and displays the white ink amount corresponding to the destination level in the white ink amount display area 74.

[0129] When the slide bar 87A is moved, the CPU 21 displays the destination level in the discharge amount display area 87B. Furthermore, the CPU 21 displays the estimated layer time corresponding to the destination level in the estimated time display area 88. Furthermore, the CPU 21 calculates the sum of the estimated layer time of the target layer and the estimated layer times of all other layers, and displays the calculated sum in the estimated print time display area 89 as the estimated print time.

[0130] Returning to the explanation of the main processing, as shown in Fig. 9, the CPU 21 updates the screen (S24) and then returns the processing to the processing of S23. That is, the CPU 21 repeats the process of accepting an operation (S23) and updating the screen (S24) until the OK button 56 is selected. When the OK button 56 is selected (S23: YES), the CPU 21 stores the discharge information indicating the currently accepted designated discharge method as one preset in the memory 22 (S31). In this case, the preset name is the preset name input in the preset name input area 81.

[0131] The CPU 21 associates the ejection information indicating the currently accepted designated ejection method with the image data designated in the process of S21, creates print data as one file, and stores the created print data in the memory 22 (S32). The CPU 21 returns the process to the determination of S21.

[0132] As described above, in the above embodiment, the ejection methods include a method in which the white head 3 ejects white ink, a method in which the color head 4 ejects color inks, a method in which the first treatment liquid head 5 ejects the first treatment liquid, and a method in which the second treatment liquid head 6 ejects the second treatment liquid. The method in which the white head 3 ejects white ink, the method in which the color head 4 ejects color inks, the method in which the first treatment liquid head 5 ejects the first treatment liquid, and the method in which the second treatment liquid head 6 ejects the second treatment liquid may affect image quality. The CPU 21 accepts a designation of the ejection method (S23) and creates print data including the accepted designated ejection information (S32). Therefore, by designating the ejection method, the user can include the ejection information in the print data. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the number of layers is included in the ejection method. The number of layers may affect image quality. For example, the greater the number of layers, the better the image quality may be. In particular, since the white ink layer serves as a base for the color ink layers, the number of white ink layers may affect image quality. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes the layering order. The layering order may affect image quality. For example, when the second treatment liquid layer is layered on top of the color ink layer, the color development of the color image may be improved compared to when the second treatment liquid layer is layered on top of the color ink layer. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes whether or not to perform the first parallel scanning. Whether or not to perform the first parallel scanning can affect image quality. For example, if the first parallel scanning is not performed, the time from when the white ink layer is formed to when the color ink layers are formed increases. In this case, ink bleeding may be suppressed. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes whether or not to perform the second parallel scanning. Whether or not to perform the second parallel scanning may affect image quality. For example, when the second parallel scanning is performed, the time from when the first processing layer is formed to when the white ink layer is formed is shortened. In this case, aggregation of the white ink is promoted, which may improve image quality. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 stores a preset (S31) and then accepts a designation of the ejection method stored as a preset (S23). This allows the print data creation device 20 to contribute to the user easily designating the same ejection method as a previously designated ejection method.

[0138] The CPU 21 displays an estimate of the time it will take for the printer 1 to print the image based on the specified ejection method (S24). This allows the print data creation device 20 to help the user understand the time it will take for the image to be printed.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes layer resolution. Layer resolution may affect image quality. For example, a higher layer resolution may improve image quality. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 helps the user control image quality.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes the ejection amount. The ejection amount may affect image quality. For example, a larger amount of white ink may improve image quality. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the ejection method includes a waiting time. The waiting time may affect image quality. For example, if the time between the formation of the white ink layer and the formation of the color ink layer is long, ink bleeding may be suppressed, potentially improving image quality. Therefore, the print data creation device 20 contributes to the user's control of image quality.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the white head 3 and the color head 4 correspond to the "ink ejection unit" of the present invention. The first treatment liquid head 5 and the second treatment liquid head 6 correspond to the "treatment liquid ejection unit" of the present invention. The printer 1 corresponds to the "printer" of the present invention. The print data creation device 20 corresponds to the "print data creation device" of the present invention. The CPU 21 corresponds to the "computer" of the present invention. The processing of S23 corresponds to the "reception processing" of the present invention. The processing of S32 corresponds to the "creation processing" of the present invention.

[0143] The color head 4 corresponds to the "color ink ejection unit" of the present invention. The white head 3 corresponds to the "white ink ejection unit" of the present invention. The white ink / color ink ejection operation corresponds to the "first parallel scan" of the present invention. The color ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation corresponds to the "second parallel scan" of the present invention. The processing of S31 corresponds to the "storage processing" of the present invention. The processing of S24 corresponds to the "display processing" of the present invention.

[0144] The present invention may be modified in various ways from the above embodiment. For example, a discharge information designation table shown in FIG. 10 may be stored in the memory 22. As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge information designation table determines discharge information according to the white ink amount and the printing classification. For example, discharge information A is determined for a cell corresponding to a white ink amount of 450% and the printing classification "high speed." Similarly, discharge information B and C are determined for cells corresponding to a white ink amount of 450% and the printing classifications "normal" and "high image quality," respectively. Discharge information D, E, and F are determined for cells corresponding to a white ink amount of 500% and the printing classifications "high speed," "normal," and "high image quality," respectively.

[0145] The discharge method indicated by discharge information A is configured to enable printing at a higher speed than the discharge method indicated by discharge method B. The discharge method indicated by discharge information C is configured to enable printing with a higher image quality than the discharge method indicated by discharge method B.

[0146] Each piece of discharge information, including discharge information A shown in FIG. 11, discharge information B shown in FIG. 12, and discharge information C shown in FIG. 13, is stored in the memory 22. As shown in FIG. 11, in discharge information A, the number of layers is three, and the waiting time for each layer is 0 seconds. The total amount of white ink is 450% (layer number 2). As shown in FIG. 12, in discharge information B, the number of layers is four. The waiting time for layer number 2 is 10 seconds, and the waiting time for each of the other layer numbers is 0 seconds. The total amount of white ink is 225% (layer number 2) + 225% (layer number 3), which is 450%. As shown in FIG. 13, in discharge information C, the number of layers is six. The waiting time for layer number 4 is 20 seconds, and the waiting time for each of the other layer numbers is 0 seconds. The total amount of white ink is 150% (layer number 2) + 100% (layer number 4) + 200% (layer number 5), which is 450%.

[0147] For example, in the process of S22, the CPU 21 displays a screen on the display 27 for accepting designation of the printing classification and the amount of white ink. In this case, the user can specify the ejection method simply by designating the amount of white ink and the printing classification. Note that the printing classification may be classified according to the quality of image quality or according to the type of medium M. The type of medium M may be determined, for example, by the type of fiber that constitutes the medium M, such as polyester, polyurethane, silk, etc.

[0148] In the process of S24, the CPU 21 may display a display 99 shown in Fig. 14 on the display 27. As shown in Fig. 14, the display 99 displays each layer in order of layer number, and each layer is associated with a Rayleigh number, layer type, layer resolution, and estimated layer time. Furthermore, the display 99 displays the estimated print time as the sum of the estimated layer times for each layer.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the CPU 91 may execute part or all of the main processing in the printer 1. In other words, the printer 1 may function as the print data creation device 20. For example, the CPU 91 may accept designation of part of the printing methods that can be designated by the print data creation device 20, such as changing the stacking order. The CPU 91 may also accept designation of all of the printing methods that can be designated by the print data creation device 20.

[0150] In the above embodiment, when there are multiple print data, the CPU 21 may accept an operation to add part or all of the ejection information included in one print data to another print data. For example, the CPU 21 may accept an operation to add the ejection information included in one print data to another print data in layer units.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may not accept designation of the number of layers. In this case, the number of layers may be a predetermined, fixed number. The CPU 21 may not accept designation of some of the number of white ink layers, the number of color ink layers, the number of first treatment liquid layers, and the number of second treatment liquid layers. In this case, the number of layers for which designation cannot be accepted may be a predetermined, fixed number.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may not accept designation of the stacking order. In this case, the stacking order may be predetermined and fixed. The CPU 21 may not accept designation of the stacking order of some of the white ink layer, color ink layer, first treatment liquid layer, and second treatment liquid layer. In this case, the stacking order of the layers for which designation cannot be accepted may be predetermined and fixed.

[0153] In the above embodiment, a display for the CPU 21 to decide whether or not to perform the white ink / color ink ejection operation may be displayed separately from the layer type on the layer configuration screen 80. A display for the CPU 21 to decide whether or not to perform the color ink / second ejection liquid ejection operation may be displayed separately from the layer type on the layer configuration screen 80.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 does not have to accept a designation as to whether or not to perform the white ink / color ink ejection operation. The CPU 21 does not have to accept a designation as to whether or not to perform the color ink / second ejection liquid ejection operation. For example, whether or not to perform the white ink / color ink ejection operation and whether or not to perform the color ink / second ejection liquid ejection operation may be determined in advance, or may be determined by the printer 1 at the time of printing.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may receive a designation as to whether or not to perform a color ink / first treatment liquid ejection operation, a designation as to whether or not to perform a white ink / first treatment liquid ejection operation, a designation as to whether or not to perform a white ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation, or a designation as to whether or not to perform a first treatment liquid / second treatment liquid ejection operation. The color ink / first treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation in which an ejection scan of the color head 4 and the first treatment liquid head 5 and a predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 are repeated. The white ink / first treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation in which an ejection scan of the white head 3 and the first treatment liquid head 5 and a predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 are repeated. The white ink / second treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation in which an ejection scan of the white head 3 and the second treatment liquid head 6 and a predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 are repeated. The first treatment liquid / second treatment liquid ejection operation is an operation in which an ejection scan of the first treatment liquid head 5 and the second treatment liquid head 6 and a predetermined amount of sub-scanning of the platen 7 are repeated.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 does not have to store the presets. When the OK button 56 is selected, the CPU 21 may allow the user to select whether or not to store the presets.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 does not need to display the estimated layer time. It is preferable to display the estimated layer time in a manner that allows the difference in length from the estimated layer times of other layers to be recognized. For example, the layer time may be displayed as "short," "normal," "long," etc., or may be displayed as a specific numerical value such as 3 minutes or 5 minutes. The estimated print time may be changed in a similar manner. The CPU 21 does not need to display the estimated print time. For example, the estimated total print time may be calculated taking into account the printing capacity of the printer 1. The printing capacity of the printer 1 is, for example, the transport speed of the head 10 and the transport speed of the platen 7. The estimated layer time and estimated print time may take into account standby time.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 does not have to accept a specification of the layer resolution. The CPU 21 may accept a specification of some, for example, only one, of the resolution of the white ink layer, the resolution of the color ink layer, the resolution of the first treatment liquid layer, and the resolution of the second treatment liquid layer. For example, the layer resolution may be determined in advance, or may be determined by the printer 1 at the time of printing.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 does not have to accept a designation of the ejection amount. The CPU 21 may accept a designation of only some of the white ink amount, the first treatment liquid amount, and the second treatment liquid amount, for example, only one of them. For example, the ejection amount may be determined in advance, or may be determined by the printer 1 at the time of printing.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may accept the designation of the waiting time for only some of the layer types, or may not accept the designation of the waiting time for all of the layer types. For example, the waiting time may be determined in advance, or may be determined by the printer 1 at the time of printing.

[0161] The configuration of the printer 1 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the printer 1 may be provided with a spray for discharging the first treatment liquid instead of or in addition to the first treatment liquid head 5. For example, if the printer 1 is provided with the first treatment liquid head 5 and a spray for discharging the first treatment liquid, the CPU 21 may receive a designation as to whether the first treatment liquid is to be discharged by the first treatment liquid head 5 or by the spray as the method for discharging the first treatment liquid. The first treatment liquid head 5 may discharge different types of treatment liquid when forming one layer and when forming another layer.

[0162] The multiple heads 10 may be line heads fixed to the housing of the printer 1 and extending across the printing range of the medium M in the main scanning direction. In this case, the operation of causing the heads 10 to eject liquid in an opposed state is the "ejection scan of the heads 10." The operation of causing the heads 10 to eject liquid once in an opposed state is one pass.

[0163] Instead of the CPU 21, a microcomputer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used as a processor. The main processing may be distributed among multiple processors. A non-transitory storage medium such as the memory 22 may be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the period for which the information is stored. A non-transitory storage medium may not include a temporary storage medium (e.g., a transmitted signal). The control program may be downloaded (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) from a server connected to a network (not shown) and stored in the memory 22. In this case, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as an HDD provided in the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Printer 20 Printing data creation device 21 CPU 22 Memory

Claims

1. a computer provided in a print data creation device that creates print data for a printer that includes an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to form an ink layer, and a treatment liquid ejection unit that ejects a treatment liquid different from the ink to form a base layer that is a base for the ink layer, or a treatment layer that is formed on the ink layer or the base layer; a receiving process for receiving designation of a discharge method including a method for the ink discharge unit to discharge the ink and a method for the treatment liquid discharge unit to discharge the treatment liquid; a creation process for creating the print data including information indicating the specified ejection method accepted in the acceptance process; A print data creation program that causes the program to execute the above steps.

2. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method, which includes a number of ink layers, which is the number of ink layers to be stacked, and a number of processing layers, which is the number of base layers and processing layers to be stacked.

2. The print data creation program according to claim 1.

3. The ink ejection unit a white ink ejection section that ejects white ink to form a white ink layer; a color ink ejection unit that ejects color inks for printing a color image onto the white ink layer to form a color ink layer; Equipped with The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method including the number of white ink layers, which is the number of ink layers on which the white ink layers are stacked.

3. The print data creation program according to claim 2.

4. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method including the order in which the base layer or the processing layer and the ink layer are stacked.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

5. The ink ejection unit a white ink ejection section that ejects white ink to form a white ink layer; a color ink ejection unit that ejects color inks for printing a color image onto the white ink layer to form a color ink layer; Equipped with The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method, which includes whether to perform a first parallel scan in which a scan in which the white ink layer is formed by the white ink ejection unit and a scan in which the color ink layers are formed by the color ink ejection unit are performed in parallel.

3. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

6. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method, including whether to perform a second parallel scan in which a scan in which the ink layer is formed by the ink ejection unit and a scan in which the base layer or the treatment layer is formed by the treatment liquid ejection unit are performed in parallel.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

7. the reception process includes a first reception process and a second reception process that is executed after the first reception process, The print data creation program is installed on the computer. executing a storage process for storing the designated ejection method accepted by the first acceptance process as a designation history; The second receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method stored as the designation history by the storage process.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

8. The computer, A print data creation program as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the specification of the ejection method is accepted by the acceptance process, a display process is executed to display an estimate of the time it will take for the image to be printed by the printer based on the specified ejection method accepted by the acceptance process.

9. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method including at least one of a resolution of the ink layer and a resolution of the base layer or the processing layer.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

10. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method, which designates at least one of the amount of ink ejected by the ink ejection unit and the amount of treatment liquid ejected by the treatment liquid ejection unit.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

11. The receiving process receives the designation of the ejection method including a time period from the end of formation of a first layer of the ink layer, the base layer, or the processing layer to the start of formation of a second layer of the ink layer, the base layer, or the processing layer that is to be stacked next to the first layer.

4. The print data creation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data creation program is a program for creating a print data file.

12. A method for creating print data for printing an image on a printer including an ink ejection unit that ejects ink to form an ink layer, which is a layer of the ink, and a treatment liquid ejection unit that ejects a treatment liquid different from the ink to form a base layer that is a base for the ink layer, or a treatment layer that is a layer formed on the ink layer or the base layer, comprising: a receiving process for receiving designation of a discharge method including a method for the ink discharge unit to discharge the ink and a method for the treatment liquid discharge unit to discharge the treatment liquid; a creation process for creating the print data including information indicating the specified ejection method accepted in the acceptance process; A print data creation method comprising:

Images