Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can automatically calculate an expansion / contraction rate to make a size of a printed image being collected nearly match a size of original printing data.SOLUTION: A printing device 100 comprises a supply part 1, a printing-related part 3, a collecting part 4, an imaging part 5 and a control part 6. Printing data are first printing data or second printing data. The control part 6 has: first transmitting means that transmits printing-start commands to printing parts 30a and 30b; imaging means that makes the imaging part image a printing medium X1 and obtains imaging data; measuring means that obtains an imaging measured value from the imaging data; calculating means that calculates an expansion / contraction rate from a reference measured value and the imaging measured value; correcting means that creates second printing data in which a printed image is expanded and / or contracted based on the expansion / contraction rate; and second transmitting means that transmits the printing-start commands to the printing parts, on the basis of the second printing data. Error ranges of a distance in a conveying direction and a distance in a width direction between the printed image in the first printing data and a printed image printed based on the second printing data are respectively within ± 1.0 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device for printing images on a medium based on print data, and more particularly to a printing device that uses an automatic enlargement / reduction correction function to make the size of the printed image at the time of collection approximately equal to the size of the original print data. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of printing, a printing device is a device that prints on a medium based on print data while transporting the medium, and fixes the printed image. In a printing device, a certain tension is usually applied to the medium to pull the medium toward the collection unit, which causes the medium to stretch during transport. In addition, this causes a phenomenon in which the medium shrinks in the width direction. Furthermore, in order to fix the printed image, the ink is dried and hardened, which also causes the medium to expand and contract. These factors result in a problem in that the size of the original print data does not match the size of the print image that is actually printed at the time of collection.

[0003] To address this issue, the original print data is corrected in advance. For example, when printing image data on a medium, a known image printing method involves a user using a ruler or the like to measure the length of a reference line actually printed on the medium based on reference data along the medium transport direction, comparing this with the calculated length of the reference line to calculate the image expansion / contraction ratio, and correcting the image data so that the corresponding image is printed at the calculated position on the medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known is a printing device that includes a reference print data storage means that stores reference print data that is printed within a predetermined reference length range in the sub-scanning direction when printing is performed in an atmosphere at a reference temperature; a print mode setting means that sets a predetermined print mode; a first print control means that prints the reference print data stored in the reference print data storage means onto a sheet when the predetermined print mode is set by the print mode setting means; an actual length input means that allows a user to measure the actual length in the sub-scanning direction of the reference print data printed on the sheet by the first print control means and input the measured value; a calculation means that calculates an enlargement rate for enlarging the print data to be printed based on the actual length value input by the actual length input means and the reference length value of the reference print data; a print data processing means that processes the print data to be printed by enlarging it in the sub-scanning direction using the enlargement rate calculated by the calculation means; and a second print control means that prints the print data processed by the print data processing means onto a sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-245472 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-245868 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the printing device using the image printing method described in Patent Document 1 and the printing device described in Patent Document 2 have the drawback that the actual measurements are performed by a person, which can lead to human error. Furthermore, since the actual measurements are not necessarily taken by skilled personnel, the accuracy of the measurements may be poor. Furthermore, the printing device must be stopped for the amount of time required for manual measurement, which reduces productivity.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a printing device that can automatically calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio and make the size of the printed image at the time of collection approximately equal to the size of the original print data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have come up with the idea of ​​using first print data in which marks are added to the printed image, actually fixing the printed image, then photographing it, calculating the enlargement / reduction ratio from the reference measurement value and the photographed measurement value, and correcting the printed image based on the enlargement / reduction ratio. To achieve this, the inventors discovered that the above problem could be solved by providing a control unit with a first transmitting means, an imaging means, a measuring means, a calculating means, a correcting means, and a second transmitting means, and thus completed the present invention.

[0008] The present invention is a printing device comprising a supply unit for supplying a medium, a print-related unit having a print unit for printing at least a print image on the medium based on print data and a fixing unit for fixing the print image on the medium to form a print medium, a recovery unit for recovering the print medium, an imaging unit arranged between the print-related unit and the recovery unit for imaging the print medium, and a control unit for controlling printing, wherein the print data is first print data or second print data, and the control unit has first transmission means for transmitting a print start command to the print unit based on at least the first print data in which a plurality of marks are added to the print image, imaging means for causing the imaging unit to image the print medium and obtain the image data, a calculation means for calculating a scaling ratio from a reference measurement value consisting of the distance between marks in the transport direction and the distance between marks in the width direction in the first print data and the imaging measurement value; a correction means for creating second print data in which the printed image is scaled based on the scaling ratio; and a second transmission means for transmitting a print start command to the printing unit based on the second print data, wherein the error ranges of the distance in the transport direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image in the first print data and the printed image printed based on the second print data are both within ±1.0 mm.

[0009] In the printing device of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the transport direction from the value A1 of the distance in the transport direction between the marks in the first print data and the value B1 of the distance in the transport direction between the marks in the image data, as follows: X1=A1 / B1 The widthwise enlargement / reduction ratio X2 is calculated from the value A2 of the widthwise distance between the marks in the first print data and the value B2 of the widthwise distance between the marks in the image data. X2=A2 / B2 The correction means calculates the distance value D1 in the transport direction of the print image in the second print data from the distance value C1 in the transport direction of the print image in the first print data and the enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the transport direction, as follows: D1=C1×X1 The value C2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first print data and the enlargement / reduction ratio X2 in the width direction are used to calculate the value D2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the second print data. D2=C2×X2 and then enlarging or reducing the print image in the first print data to correspond to the value D1 of the distance in the transport direction of the print image in the second print data and the value D2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the second print data, thereby creating the second print data.

[0010] The present invention also provides a printing device comprising a supply unit for supplying a medium, a print-related unit having first and second print units for printing at least a print image on the medium based on print data, and first and second fixation units for fixing the print image on the medium to form a print medium, a recovery unit for recovering the print medium, an imaging unit arranged between the print-related unit and the recovery unit for imaging the print medium, and a control unit for controlling printing, wherein the print-related unit is arranged in the order of the first print unit, first fixation unit, second print unit, and second fixation unit from the upstream side, and the print data is The control unit includes a first transmitting means for transmitting a print start command to the first printing unit and the second printing unit based on the first printing data in which at least a plurality of marks consisting of first marks and second marks are added to a print image, an imaging means for imaging the print medium with the imaging unit and acquiring imaging data, and a first imaging measurement value consisting of the distance in the transport direction between the first marks printed by the first printing unit in the imaging data and the distance in the width direction between the first marks, and a second imaging measurement value consisting of the distance in the transport direction between the first marks printed by the second printing unit in the imaging data. a measuring means for measuring the distance between the second marks in the transport direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction and acquiring second image-captured measurement values ​​consisting of these values; a calculating means for calculating a scaling ratio for the first print section from first reference measurement values ​​consisting of the distance between the first marks in the transport direction and the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the first print data and the first image-captured measurement values, and for calculating a scaling ratio for the second print section from second reference measurement values ​​consisting of the distance between the second marks in the transport direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the first print data and the second image-captured measurement values; The printing device has a correction means that enlarges or reduces data for a portion of the printed image that is the responsibility of a first printing unit based on a first enlargement / reduction ratio to create first correction data, and enlarges or reduces data for a portion of the printed image that is the responsibility of a second printing unit based on a second enlargement / reduction ratio to create second correction data, and a second transmission means that sends a print start command to the first printing unit based on the first correction data and sends a print start command to the second printing unit based on the second correction data, and the error ranges for the distance in the transport direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image in the first printing data and the printed image printed based on the second printing data are both within ±1.0 mm.

[0011] In the printing device of the present invention, the calculation means calculates a first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the conveying direction from a value A11 of the distance in the conveying direction between the first marks in the first print data and a value B11 of the distance in the conveying direction between the first marks in the imaging data, as follows: X11=A11 / B11 The first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction is calculated from the value A12 of the distance between the first marks in the first print data and the value B12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the image data. X12=A12 / B12 The second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the conveying direction is calculated from the value A21 of the distance in the conveying direction between the second marks in the first print data and the value B21 of the distance in the conveying direction between the second marks in the image data, as follows: X21=A21 / B21 The second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction is calculated from the value A22 of the distance between the second marks in the first print data and the value B22 of the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the image data. X22=A22 / B22 The correction means calculates a distance value D11 in the conveying direction of the print image in the first correction data from a distance value C11 in the conveying direction of the data of the part of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first printing unit and a first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the conveying direction, as follows: D11=C11×X11 The value of the distance C12 in the width direction of the data of the part of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first print unit and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction are used to calculate the value of the distance D12 in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data. D12=C12×X12 The data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first print unit is enlarged or reduced to correspond to the value D11 of the distance in the transport direction of the print image in the first correction data and the value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data, and the value D21 of the distance in the transport direction of the print image in the second correction data is calculated from the value C21 of the distance in the transport direction of the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the second print unit and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction. D21=C21×X21 The value of the distance C22 in the width direction of the data of the part of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the second print unit and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction are used to calculate the value of the distance D22 in the width direction of the print image in the second correction data. D22=C22×X22 and then enlarging or reducing the data of the portion of the printed image in the first print data that is the responsibility of the second printing unit so as to correspond to the value D21 of the distance in the transport direction of the printed image in the second correction data and the value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the second correction data, thereby creating the second correction data.

[0012] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the marks are provided in each of the four corners of the print image in the first print data.

[0013] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the marks in the first print data are provided at positions where the four corners of the print image are cut out.

[0014] In the printing device of the present invention, marks are provided at the positions where the four corners of the printed image are cut out, and a margin is provided between the mark and the printed image, and it is preferable that the shortest distance between the mark and the printed image is 10 mm or more.

[0015] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the mark has at least a horizontal line for measuring the distance in the transport direction and a vertical line for measuring the distance in the width direction.

[0016] In the printing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first printing data has a plurality of marks and accessories attached to the printed image, the accessories having an upper refresh line arranged above the upper horizontal line and a plurality of intermediate refresh lines arranged at equal intervals between the upper horizontal line and the lower horizontal line, and the plurality of marks and accessories are printed in the same color. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The printing device of the present invention is equipped with a supply section, a printing-related section, and a recovery section, so that by continuously supplying media, it is possible to continuously print images on the media, fix the images, and recover them. In this case, the printing device further includes an imaging unit and a control unit, and the control unit has the first transmitting means, the imaging means, the measuring means, and the calculating means, so that the enlargement / reduction ratio can be calculated automatically. This makes it possible to eliminate human error in the printing device. Furthermore, since the measurement between the marks is performed in the control section, the accuracy of the measurement is improved. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for manual measurements, thereby improving productivity.

[0018] In the printing device, the control unit further includes the correction means and the second transmission means, so that the second print data can be automatically created by enlarging or reducing the print image based on the enlargement or reduction ratio. Therefore, the printing device has an automatic enlargement / reduction correction function that automatically measures the enlargement / reduction ratio and corrects the print data based on the enlargement / reduction ratio. Furthermore, if necessary, the automatic calculation of the enlargement / reduction ratio and the correction of the print data based on that (hereinafter also referred to as "automatic enlargement / reduction correction") may be performed only once, or the automatic enlargement / reduction correction may be performed repeatedly. By setting the error ranges of the distance in the transport direction and the distance in the width direction within the above ranges, the size of the printed image at the time of collection can be set to a desired size. That is, the size of the print image at the time of collection can be made to approximately match the size of the original print data.

[0019] Here, in the printing-related portion, printing is performed under tension, and the printed image is then fixed, so the medium is most likely to expand or contract. For this reason, in the printing device, the imaging unit is disposed between the printing-related unit and the collection unit. This makes it possible for the printing device to calculate an enlargement / reduction ratio that fully takes into account the enlargement / reduction of the medium in the print-related section.

[0020] In addition, in the printing-related section, the enlargement / reduction ratio also varies depending on the amount of ink used to print the print image. For this reason, the printing device employs a print image itself with a plurality of marks added as the first print data. In other words, while it is possible to measure the distance between marks by printing only the marks, by deliberately printing the printed image itself, it is possible to calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio taking into account the effect of ink in printing the printed image.

[0021] In the printing device of the present invention, when the printing-related parts have a first printing part, a first fixing part, a second printing part, and a second fixing part, which are arranged in this order, a first enlargement / reduction ratio in the first printing part and a second enlargement / reduction ratio in the second printing part are calculated from one piece of imaging data. Then, the data for the portion of the printed image in the first print data that is responsible for the first printing unit is enlarged or reduced based on a first enlargement or reduction ratio to create first correction data, and the data for the portion of the printed image in the first print data that is responsible for the second printing unit is enlarged or reduced based on a second enlargement or reduction ratio to create second correction data.As described above, even if there are two printing units and fixing units, the size of the printed image at the time of collection can be made to approximately match the size of the original print data. Furthermore, since the printing-related section has the first printing section and the second printing section, it is possible to perform multi-color printing, reverse printing using white ink, and the like.

[0022] In the printing device of the present invention, the calculation means calculates the enlargement / reduction ratio based on the above-mentioned formula, and the correction means corrects the printed image based on the above-mentioned formula, thereby efficiently making the size of the printed image at the time of recovery approximately equal to the size of the original print data.

[0023] In the printing device of the present invention, if the marks of the first print data are provided at each of the four corners of the print image, it becomes possible to calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio with higher accuracy.

[0024] In the printing device of the present invention, when marks are provided at positions where the four corners of the printed image are cut out, the marks are easier to detect in the image data, making it possible to measure the distance between the marks with greater accuracy. Furthermore, the width of the medium can be made as small as possible in accordance with the size of the printed image.

[0025] In the printing device of the present invention, when the printing-related section comprises a first printing section and a second printing section, there is a possibility that the size of the medium will expand in the first fixing section. However, by providing a margin of the above range between the mark and the printed image, the mark becomes easier to detect, and the distance between the marks can be measured with greater accuracy. Furthermore, when the second mark is printed by the second printing unit, it is possible to prevent the second mark from overlapping the printing of the portion of the print image that is covered by the first printing unit.

[0026] In the printing device of the present invention, when a mark has horizontal and vertical lines, the mark is more easily detected in the image data, and the distance between marks can be measured with even higher accuracy. In this case, by having the first print data include accessories and printing the multiple marks and accessories in the same color, it is possible to prevent nozzle clogging when printing the multiple marks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control unit in the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when printing is performed using the first print data shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the creation of second print data by the correction unit in the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining automatic enlargement / reduction correction in the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when printing is performed using the first print data shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by a printing device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right will be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0029] A printing device according to the present invention is a device for printing an image on a medium based on print data. In the printing device, the medium is not particularly limited, and paper, film, fabric, nonwoven fabric, rubber, metal, etc. can be used. Among these, the medium is preferably a film that is prone to expansion and contraction due to tension or the like. In this case, the effects of the present invention can be fully enjoyed. The medium may be in a continuous length or cut to size. The medium is preferably long, in which case the effects of the present invention can be fully enjoyed. The printed image may be a pattern, a character, a color, or a combination thereof, and its size is not particularly limited. As the printing method, an on-demand inkjet method such as a piezo method or a thermal method can be suitably adopted. As the print head system, a serial head system or a line head system can be adopted. The printing device according to this embodiment employs a line head system.

[0030] In this specification, "upstream" means "upstream" in the direction of transport of the medium, and "downstream" means "downstream" in the direction of transport of the medium. The term "printed medium" refers to the above-mentioned medium on which a printed image is printed and fixed. That is, the medium that has passed through the print-related section 3 becomes the print medium.

[0031] (First embodiment) 1 is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a printing device according to the present invention. The printing device according to the first embodiment is an example that uses a long medium and employs a line-type inkjet system. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a supply unit 1 for supplying a medium X, a pre-processing unit 2 for pre-processing the medium X, a print-related unit 3 having a first print unit 30a and a second print unit 30b for printing at least a print image on the medium X based on print data, and a first fixation unit 31a and a second fixation unit 31b for fixing the print image on the medium X to form a print medium X1, a recovery unit 4 for recovering the print medium X1, an imaging unit 5 arranged between the print-related unit 3 and the recovery unit 4 for capturing an image of the print medium X1, and a control unit 6 for controlling printing.

[0032] In the printing device 100, the medium X is continuously fed by the supply unit 1. First, the medium X is pre-processed in the pre-processing section 2 . Next, the medium X is continuously printed with print images in the print-related unit 3, and the print images are fixed by drying, becoming the print medium X1. The print medium X1 is then wound up and collected by the collection unit 4. Therefore, in the printing device 100, it is possible to continuously obtain print media X1 in which print images are provided on the medium X.

[0033] The supply unit 1 is a section for supplying a long medium X downstream from a supply roll 10 on which the medium X is wound in a roll. In the supply unit 1, the medium X is sandwiched between a feed roller 11 and a nip roller (not shown), and the medium X is actively fed out by rotating the feed roller 11 using a drive motor (not shown). At this time, a rotational resistance is applied to the supply roll 10 by a powder brake (not shown), and therefore a tension corresponding to the magnitude of the rotational resistance (brake force) is applied to the medium X.

[0034] The pre-treatment section 2 is a section for performing pre-treatments on the medium X, such as forming an ink-receiving layer. The pre-treatment unit 2 has a corona treatment unit 20 for performing a surface modification treatment (corona treatment) on the medium X, a coater treatment unit 21 for applying an ink-receiving liquid to the medium X using a flexographic method, and a dryer 22 for drying the medium X to which the ink-receiving liquid has been applied to form an ink-receiving layer. The pre-treatment section 2 also has a cooling roller 23 downstream of the dryer 22. This allows the medium X to be cooled.

[0035] The printing-related unit 3 has a first printing unit 30a and a second printing unit 30b for printing printed images and marks, etc. (first printing data described later) or printed images (second printing data described later) on the medium X based on printing data, and a first fixing unit 31a and a second fixing unit 31b for fixing the printed images to the medium X by drying to form the printing medium X1. In the print-related section 3, a first printing section 30a, a first fixing section 31a, a second printing section 30b, and a second fixing section 31b are arranged in this order from the upstream side. Therefore, the printed image printed by the first printing unit 30a is fixed by the first fixing unit 31a, and the printed image printed by the second printing unit 30b is fixed by the second fixing unit 31b. The print-related unit 3 also has a cooling roller 33a downstream of the first fixing unit 31a, and a cooling roller 33b downstream of the second fixing unit 31b. Therefore, the medium X is cooled after passing through the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b.

[0036] Here, in the printing device 100, a printed image is completed by printing based on the data of the portion in charge of the first printing unit 30a and printing based on the data of the portion in charge of the second printing unit 30b. The marks and the like include a first mark printed by the first printing unit 30a, a second mark printed by the second printing unit 30b, and accessories printed by both the first and second printing units. These will be described in detail later.

[0037] The first printing unit 30a has a line head 32a capable of printing ink, and the second printing unit 30b also has a line head 32b capable of printing ink. As such ink, water-based ink, oil-based ink, or the like is used. Specifically, the first printing unit 30a has a line head 32a capable of printing yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, and black ink, and the second printing unit 30b has a line head 32b capable of printing white ink. In this case, after printing, for example, a full-color print image in the first printing unit 30a, the second printing unit 30b prints a print image in white ink, thereby forming a so-called reverse-printed print image. It is also possible to form a so-called surface-printed print image by printing a print image in white ink at the first printing unit 30a and then printing a full-color print image at the second printing unit 30b.

[0038] The first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b are both hot air dryers that blow hot air onto the medium X on which the printed image has been applied, to fix the printed image. Therefore, the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b apply to the medium X enough heat energy to sufficiently dry the ink. At this time, the liquid components contained in the ink are vaporized by absorbing a certain amount of thermal energy. That is, the amount of heat energy applied to the medium X varies depending on the amount of ink.

[0039] Here, in the printing device 100, a certain tension is applied to the medium X in the supply unit 1, the recovery unit 4, etc., and in this state, thermal energy is applied to the medium X in the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b. When further heat energy is applied to the medium X on which the print image has been fixed, the medium X softens, making it more likely to expand or contract. Specifically, the medium X tends to expand in the transport direction in which it is pulled, and accordingly tends to shrink in the width direction. As a result, the print medium X1 on which the print image is fixed will have a print image with a different vertical and horizontal size from the print image of the first print data.

[0040] Furthermore, while thermal energy is applied to the printed image of the data portion handled by the first printing unit 30a by the first fixing unit 31a and the second fixing unit 31b, thermal energy is applied to the printed image of the data portion handled by the second printing unit 30b only by the second fixing unit 31b. Therefore, the influence of the enlargement or reduction of the medium X on the printed image of the data portion handled by the first printing unit 30a is different from the influence of the enlargement or reduction of the medium X on the printed image of the data portion handled by the second printing unit 30b, and the enlargement or reduction ratios are also different. Therefore, in the printing device 100, second print data is created in advance taking these enlargements and reductions into consideration, and printing is performed based on this data.

[0041] The recovery unit 4 is a section for recovering the print medium X1 as a recovery roll 40 while winding it around a shaft. In the recovery section 4, the print medium X1 is clamped between a feed roller 41 and a nip roller (not shown), and the feed roller 41 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), thereby feeding the print medium X1 into the recovery roll 40 with a constant tension.

[0042] The imaging unit 5 captures an image of the print image side of the print medium X1 and converts it into image data. That is, the image data is obtained by capturing an image of the print image, mark, and accessories fixed on the print medium X1 by the image capturing unit 5. The imaging unit 5 is disposed between the print-related unit 3 and the collection unit 4. As described above, since the printing-related part 3 is prone to enlargement and reduction of the medium X, by placing the imaging part 5 between the printing-related part 3 and the recovery part 4, it is possible to calculate an enlargement / reduction ratio that fully takes into account the enlargement and reduction of the medium X in the printing-related part 3. Furthermore, since the printing-related section 3 has a first printing section 30a and a second printing section 30b, by placing the imaging section 5 between the printing-related section 3 and the collection section 4, it becomes possible to calculate the first enlargement / reduction ratio in the first printing section 30a and the second enlargement / reduction ratio in the second printing section 30b from one piece of imaging data.

[0043] As the imaging unit 5, a scanner sensor is preferably used. Specifically, the imaging unit 5 may be, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like. Among these, it is preferable that the imaging unit 5 employs a CIS, which is small and consumes little power.

[0044] The control unit 6 is a part for controlling printing. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control unit in the printing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 6 includes at least a processing means 60, a first transmitting means 61, an imaging means 62, a measuring means 63, a calculating means 64, a correcting means 65, and a second transmitting means 66. In the control unit 6, the first transmitting means 61, the imaging means 62, the measuring means 63, the calculating means 64 and the second transmitting means 66 are stored in the first computer 6a, and the processing means 60 and the correcting means 65 are stored in the second computer 6b. Data exchange between the first computer 6a and the second computer 6b can be performed by wire or wirelessly as appropriate.

[0045] The processing means 60 is a so-called RIP (Raster Image Processor), which converts the submitted original data into a raster image and further converts the raster image data into print data in a format that can be printed by the printing device 100. The conversion performed by the processing means 60 is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Here, the print data consists of first print data or second print data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing device according to the first embodiment. The second print data will be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the first print data DT1 includes a print image 7, a plurality of marks 70 including first marks 71 and second marks 72, and an accessory 8. That is, the first print data DT1 is a print image 7 to which a plurality of marks 70, each consisting of a first mark 71 and a second mark 72, are added, and further to which an accessory 8 is added. In the first print data DT1, the print image 7 is intentionally added, so that it is possible to calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio taking into account the influence of ink when the print-related unit 3 prints the print image 7.

[0047] Here, the marks 70 are provided at the four corners of the print image 7, respectively. This allows for a sufficient distance in the transport direction and the width direction, making it possible to calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio with higher accuracy. In addition, the print image 7 is cut out at the four corners where the marks 70 are provided. That is, the marks 70 are provided at positions where the four corners of the printed image 7 are cut out. This makes it easier to detect the marks 70 in the image data, and therefore makes it possible to measure the distance between the marks 70 with higher accuracy. Furthermore, instead of providing the mark 70 on the outside of the printed image 7, the printed image 7 itself is cut out and the mark 70 is provided there, thereby making it possible to maximize the size of the printed image 7 in accordance with the width of the medium X.

[0048] At this time, a sufficient margin is provided between the mark 70 and the printed image 7. Here, it is preferable that the shortest distance between the mark 70 and the printed image 7 is 10 mm or more. In this case, the marks 70 are easier to detect, and the distance between the marks 70 can be measured with higher accuracy. Furthermore, while there is a possibility that the size of the medium X may increase in the first fixing unit 31a, when the second mark 72 is printed by the second printing unit 30b, it is possible to prevent the second mark 72 from overlapping with the printing of the part of the printed image 7 that is the responsibility of the first printing unit 30a.

[0049] The first mark 71 has at least a horizontal line 71a and a vertical line 71b. Specifically, the first mark 71 has a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71a and a vertical line 71b intersect at the center. By forming the first marks 71 in a line shape in this way, the first marks 71 can be more easily detected in the imaging data. Furthermore, the distance R1a in the transport direction can be measured using the horizontal line 71a, and the distance R1b in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 71b, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurements.

[0050] Similarly, the second mark 72 has at least a horizontal line 72a and a vertical line 72b. Specifically, the second mark 72 has a rectangular pattern made up of a pair of horizontal lines 72a and a pair of vertical lines 72b. In this way, by forming the second marks 72 in a line shape, the second marks 72 can be easily detected in the imaging data. Furthermore, the horizontal line 72a can be used to measure a distance R2a in the conveying direction, which will be described later, and the vertical line 72b can be used to measure a distance R2b in the width direction, which will be described later, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurements.

[0051] Here, the cross pattern of the first mark 71 is printed so as to be positioned at the center of the rectangular pattern of the second mark 72. This makes it possible to visually recognize the deviation of the first marks 71 from the second marks 72. In other words, it can be recognized that the degree of positional shift due to the expansion or contraction of the medium X of the first mark 71 printed by the first printing unit 30a differs from the degree of positional shift due to the expansion or contraction of the medium X of the second mark 72 printed by the second printing unit 30b.

[0052] In the first mark 71 and the second mark 72, the lengths of the horizontal and vertical lines can be set arbitrarily according to the size of the printed image 7. When the distance 7a of the printed image 7 in the transport direction is less than 30 inches, it is preferable that the horizontal and vertical lines have the same length. On the other hand, when the distance 7a of the printed image 7 in the transport direction is 30 inches or more, it is preferable to make the length of the vertical line longer than the length of the horizontal line, taking into consideration that the enlargement of the medium X will be large.

[0053] The first mark 71 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32a in the first printing unit 30a, and the second mark 72 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32b in the second printing unit 30b. In these cases, it is possible to eliminate the occurrence of misalignment in printing between line heads. That is, it is possible to prevent misalignment of printing between line heads from being confused with misalignment due to expansion or contraction of the medium X.

[0054] When printing the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 so that they overlap, it is preferable that the color in which the first printing unit 30a prints the first mark 71 is different from the color in which the second printing unit 30b prints the second mark 72. When the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 are not printed so as to overlap, they may be the same color. Furthermore, if the medium X is transparent, there are no restrictions on these colors, but if the medium X is colored, it is preferable that these colors be different from the color of the medium X.

[0055] The accessory 8 has automatic register marks (not shown), an upper refresh line 81, and an intermediate refresh line 82. By providing automatic register marks as accessories 8, the register of the print image 7 can be automatically adjusted. The automatic register marks may be automatically enlarged or reduced in accordance with a scaling factor, which will be described later, or may be added without being enlarged or reduced. Furthermore, the upper refresh lines 81 are provided, for example, above the upper left horizontal line 72a (second mark 72) and above the upper right horizontal line 72a (second mark 72), respectively, and multiple intermediate refresh lines 82 are provided at equal intervals between the upper left horizontal line 72a (second mark 72) and the lower left horizontal line 72a (second mark 72) and between the upper right horizontal line 72a (second mark 72) and the lower right horizontal line 72a (second mark 72).

[0056] Here, the marks 70 and the accessory 8 are printed in the same color. As a result, the upper refresh line 81 or the middle refresh line 82 is printed immediately before the printing of the marks 70, which makes it possible to prevent nozzle clogging when the marks 70 are printed. Although the top refresh line 81 and the middle refresh line 82 are horizontal lines, there is no particular limitation on their shapes. Furthermore, the number and spacing of the intermediate refresh lines 82 are not particularly limited.

[0057] Returning to Figure 2, in the control unit 6, the first transmitting means 61 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b based on the first printing data DT1 created by the processing means 60. Specifically, the print start command to the first printing unit 30a is a command to have the first printing unit 30a print the data in the first printing data DT1 that is the part of the data that is the responsibility of the first printing unit 30a, and the print start command to the second printing unit 30b is a command to have the second printing unit 30b print the data in the first printing data DT1 that is the part of the data that is the responsibility of the second printing unit 30b. The part of the first print data DT1 that is assigned to the first print unit 30a and the part that is assigned to the second print unit 30b can be set appropriately based on the ink and the like that is to be placed in each print unit.

[0058] In the printer 100, the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b start printing at a preset timing in response to a printing start command from the first transmitting means 61. For example, the print start command to the first print unit 30a is a command to start printing from a desired print start location on the medium X. The print start command to the second print unit 30b is a command to read the print start mark (not shown) printed by the first print unit 30a and start printing from the print start location.

[0059] The imaging means 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to capture an image of the printing medium X1 on which the first printing data DT1 has been printed by the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b, and acquires the captured still image as imaging data. The imaging data may be a still image of the print medium X1 captured at the appropriate time, or may be a still image of the print medium X1 captured as it is conveyed.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when printing is performed using the first print data shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the deviation of the printed image 7 is omitted. As shown in Figure 4, the measurement means 63 measures the distance R3a in the conveying direction between the first marks 73 printed by the first printing unit 30a in the imaging data DT3, and the distance R3b in the width direction between the first marks 73, and obtains a first imaging measurement value consisting of these values. In addition, the distance R4a in the conveying direction between the second marks 74 printed by the second printing unit 30b in the imaging data DT3 and the distance R4b in the width direction between the second marks 74 are measured, and a second imaging measurement value consisting of these values ​​is obtained. That is, the first captured measurement value corresponds to the printing by the first printing unit 30a, and the second captured measurement value corresponds to the printing by the second printing unit 30b. If the print medium X1 in the image data DT3 is tilted, rotation correction is applied to the image data DT3 as needed so that the length direction of the print medium X1 coincides with the transport direction.

[0061] Here, the first imaging measurement value and the second imaging measurement value may be measured from one piece of imaging data DT3, or may be an average of measurements from multiple pieces of imaging data DT3. From the viewpoint of the accuracy of the enlargement / reduction ratio, it is preferable that the first imaging measurement value and the second imaging measurement value are average values ​​obtained by measuring values ​​from 5 to 100 pieces of imaging data DT3.

[0062] The calculation means 64 calculates the first enlargement / reduction ratio for the first printing section 30a from a first reference measurement value (see Figure 3) consisting of the distance R1a in the transport direction between the first marks 71 in the first printing data DT1 and the distance R1b in the width direction between the first marks 71, and the above-mentioned first imaging measurement value. In addition, a second enlargement / reduction ratio for the second printing section 30b is calculated from a second reference measurement value (see Figure 3) consisting of the distance R2a in the transport direction between the second marks 72 in the first printing data DT1 and the distance R2b in the width direction between the second marks 72, and the second imaging measurement value described above.

[0063] In the calculation means 64, the first enlargement / reduction ratio and the second enlargement / reduction ratio are calculated as follows. The first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the transport direction of the first print unit 30a is calculated from the value A11 of the distance R1a in the transport direction between the first marks 71 in the first print data DT1 and the value B11 of the distance R3a in the transport direction between the first marks 73 in the image data DT3, as follows: X11=A11 / B11 It is calculated as follows. Furthermore, the first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction of the first print section 30a is calculated from the value A12 of the distance R1b in the width direction between the first marks 71 in the first print data DT1 and the value B12 of the distance R3b in the width direction between the first marks 73 in the image data DT3, as follows: X12=A12 / B12 It is calculated as follows. In this way, the first enlargement / reduction ratios, that is, the first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the transport direction and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction, are obtained.

[0064] Similarly, the second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction of the second print unit 30b is calculated from the value A21 of the distance R2a in the transport direction between the second marks 72 in the first print data DT1 and the value B21 of the distance R4a in the transport direction between the second marks 74 in the image data DT3, as follows: X21=A21 / B21 It is calculated as follows. Furthermore, the second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction of the second print section 30b is calculated from the value A22 of the width direction distance R2b between the second marks 72 in the first print data DT1 and the value B22 of the width direction distance R4b between the second marks 74 in the imaging data DT3, as follows: X22=A22 / B22 It is calculated as follows. In this way, the second enlargement / reduction ratios, that is, the second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction, are obtained.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the creation of second print data by the correction unit in the printing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the correction means 65 enlarges or reduces data DS1 of the portion of the printed image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is responsible for the first print section 30a based on a first enlargement / reduction ratio to create first corrected data H1, and enlarges or reduces data DS2 of the portion of the printed image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is responsible for the second print section 30b based on a second enlargement / reduction ratio to create second corrected data H2. That is, the second print data DT2 is made up of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2. The first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2) do not include the marks 70 and the like, and only include the print image 9. Moreover, the four corners of the print image 9 are not cut out.

[0066] Here, in the first printing data DT1, the distance in the transport direction of the data DS1 of the part responsible for the first printing unit 30a is the same as the distance 7a in the transport direction of the printed image 7, and the distance in the width direction of the data DS1 of the part responsible for the first printing unit 30a is the same as the distance 7b in the width direction of the printed image 7 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, in the first printing data DT1, the distance in the transport direction of the data DS2 of the part responsible for the second printing unit 30b is the same as the distance 7a in the transport direction of the printed image 7, and the distance in the width direction of the data DS2 of the part responsible for the second printing unit 30b is the same as the distance 7b in the width direction of the printed image 7 (see Figure 3). That is, in the first printing data DT1, the size of the data DS1 for the portion handled by the first printing unit 30a and the size of the data DS2 for the portion handled by the second printing unit 30b are the same as the size of the first printing data DT1 (printed image 7) in both the conveying direction and the width direction. Therefore, the data DS1 for the portion handled by the first printing unit 30a includes portions that are not printed by the first printing unit 30a, and the data DS2 for the portion handled by the second printing unit 30b includes portions that are not printed by the second printing unit 30b. The sizes of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 are expanded or contracted in the transport direction and width direction, and therefore do not match the size of the first print data DT1.

[0067] In the correction means 65, the print image 9 in the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2) is corrected as follows. The value D11 of the distance 91a in the conveying direction in the first correction data H1 is calculated from the value C11 of the distance in the conveying direction of the data DS1 of the portion of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is assigned to the first printing unit 30a and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the conveying direction, as follows: D11=C11×X11 It is calculated as follows. Furthermore, the value D12 of the widthwise distance 91b in the first correction data H1 is calculated from the value C12 of the widthwise distance of the data DS1 of the portion of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is assigned to the first print unit 30a and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the widthwise direction, as follows: D12=C12×X12 It is calculated as follows.

[0068] The correction means 65 enlarges or reduces the data DS1 of the portion of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is responsible for the first printing section 30a to correspond to the value D11 of the distance 91a in the conveying direction in the first correction data H1 and the value D12 of the distance 91b in the width direction in the first correction data H1, thereby creating the first correction data H1.

[0069] Similarly, the value D21 of the distance 92a in the transport direction in the second correction data H2 is calculated from the value C21 of the distance in the transport direction of the data DS2 of the portion of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is assigned to the second print unit 30b, and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction, as follows: D21=C21×X21 It is calculated as follows. Furthermore, the value D22 of the widthwise distance 92b in the second correction data H2 is calculated from the value C22 of the widthwise distance of the data DS2 of the portion of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1 that is assigned to the second print section 30b, and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the widthwise direction, as follows: D22=C22×X22 It is calculated as follows.

[0070] The correction means 65 enlarges or reduces the data DS2 of the portion of the printed image 7 in the first printing data DT1 that is responsible for the second printing section 30b to correspond to the value D21 of the distance 92a in the conveying direction in the second correction data H2 and the value D22 of the distance 92b in the width direction in the second correction data H2, thereby creating the second correction data H2. In this way, the second print data DT2 consisting of the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 is obtained.

[0071] The second transmitting means 66 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b based on the second print data DT2 created by the correcting means 65. Specifically, the printing start command to the first printing unit 30a is a command to have the first printing unit 30a print the first correction data H1, and the printing start command to the second printing unit 30b is a command to have the second printing unit 30b print the second correction data H2. The timing at which the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b start printing is the same as that of the first transmitting means 61.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining automatic enlargement / reduction correction in the printing device according to the first embodiment. In the printing device 100, first, the original data is input to the second computer 6b. Next, the processing means 60 converts the original data and adds the marks 70 and accessories 8 to create the first print data DT1 (first step). In the first print data DT1, the portions to be printed by the first print unit 30a and the second print unit 30b are set when the original data is converted.

[0073] Then, the printing device 100 is operated, and the first transmitting means 61 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b based on the first print data DT1 (second step). Upon receiving the print start command, the first print unit 30a and the second print unit 30b start printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0074] Next, the imaging means 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to capture an image of the print medium X1 that has passed through the print-related unit 3, and acquires the image data DT3 (third step). Such imaging may be performed multiple times as necessary. Then, in the first computer 6a, the measurement means 63 measures the first imaging measurement value and the second imaging measurement value from the imaging data DT3 (fourth step), and the calculation means 64 calculates the first enlargement / reduction ratio from the first reference measurement value of the first print data DT1 and the first imaging measurement value, and calculates the second enlargement / reduction ratio from the second reference measurement value of the first print data DT1 and the second imaging measurement value (fifth step).

[0075] Next, in the second computer 6b, the correction means 65 generates first correction data H1 for the first print unit 30a and second correction data H2 for the second print unit 30b based on the calculated first and second enlargement / reduction ratios (sixth step), i.e., generates second print data DT2.

[0076] Next, the second transmitting means 66 transmits a print start command to the first printing unit 30a based on the first correction data H1, and transmits a print start command to the second printing unit 30b based on the second correction data H2 (seventh step). Upon receiving the print start command, the first print unit 30a and the second print unit 30b start printing on the medium X at a preset timing. Then, after printing is performed on a desired number of sheets or a predetermined length based on the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second print data DT2), printing ends.

[0077] In the printing device 100, automatic enlargement / reduction correction is performed through the first to seventh steps. Furthermore, if necessary, steps 1 to 7 may be repeated after step 7. Furthermore, if it takes time to execute the third to sixth steps, printing may be temporarily stopped.

[0078] In the printing device 100, the error ranges of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image 7 in the first printing data DT1 and the printed image 9 printed based on the first correction data H1 and the second correction data H2 (second printing data DT2) are both within ±1.0 mm, and preferably within ±0.1 mm. That is, in the printing device 100, it is important to print the desired size with high precision when the paper is collected. This allows the size of the print image at the time of collection to be approximately the same as the size of the original print data.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the printing device 100 has an automatic enlargement / reduction correction function. That is, the printing device 100 includes the imaging unit 5 and the control unit 6, and the control unit 6 has the first transmitting means 61, the imaging means 62, the measuring means 63, and the calculating means 64, so that the enlargement / reduction ratio can be calculated automatically, and further includes the correcting means 65 and the second transmitting means 66, so that the first corrected data H1 and the second corrected data H2 (second print data DT2) that are enlarged or reduced based on the enlargement / reduction ratio of the print image 7 can be automatically created. This allows the printer 100 to eliminate human error. Furthermore, since the measurement between the first mark 71 and the second mark 72 is performed by the control unit 6, the accuracy of the measurement is improved. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for manual measurements, thereby improving productivity.

[0080] (Second embodiment) FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of a printing device according to the present invention. The printing device according to the second embodiment is an example that uses a long medium and employs a line-type inkjet system. As shown in FIG. 7, the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment includes a supply unit 1 for supplying a medium X, a pre-processing unit 2 for pre-processing the medium X, a printing unit 30 for printing at least a print image on the medium X based on print data, and a fixing unit 31 for fixing the print image on the medium X to form a print medium X1, a recovery unit 4 for recovering the print medium X1, an imaging unit 5 arranged between the print-related unit 3a and the recovery unit 4 for imaging the print medium X1, and a control unit 6 for controlling printing. That is, the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the printing-related parts are different.

[0081] The printing-related unit 3a has a printing unit 30 for printing print images and marks, etc. (first print data described later) or print images (second print data described later) on the medium X based on print data, a fixing unit 31 for fixing the print images to the medium X by drying to form the print medium X1, and a cooling roller 33 for cooling the medium X. In the print-related section 3 a , the print image printed by the printing section 30 is fixed by the fixing section 31 and cooled by the cooling roller 33 .

[0082] The printing unit 30 has a line head 32 that can print ink. As such ink, water-based ink, oil-based ink, or the like is used. There is no particular limitation on the color. The fixing unit 31 is a hot air dryer that blows hot air onto the medium X on which the printed image has been applied, to fix the printed image. Therefore, the fixing unit 31 applies to the medium X enough heat energy to sufficiently dry the ink. At this time, the liquid components contained in the ink are vaporized by absorbing a certain amount of thermal energy. That is, the amount of heat energy applied to the medium X varies depending on the amount of ink.

[0083] In the printing device 101, a certain tension is applied to the medium X in the supply unit 1, the recovery unit 4, etc., and in this state, thermal energy is applied to the medium X in the fixing unit 31. When further heat energy is applied to the medium X on which the print image has been fixed, the medium X softens, making it more likely to expand or contract. Specifically, the medium X tends to expand in the transport direction in which it is pulled, and accordingly tends to shrink in the width direction. As a result, the print medium X1 on which the print image is fixed will have a print image with a different vertical and horizontal size from the print image of the first print data.

[0084] The supply unit 1, pre-processing unit 2, recovery unit 4 and imaging unit 5 are the same as the supply unit 1, pre-processing unit 2, recovery unit 4 and imaging unit 5 in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. Incidentally, the imaging unit 5 is disposed between the print-related unit 3a and the collection unit 4.

[0085] The control unit 6, like the control unit 6 in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, has at least a processing means 60, a first transmitting means 61, an imaging means 62, a measuring means 63, a calculating means 64, a correcting means 65 and a second transmitting means 66, and the first transmitting means 61, the imaging means 62, the measuring means 63, the calculating means 64 and the second transmitting means 66 are stored in a first computer 6a, and the processing means 60 and the correcting means 65 are stored in a second computer 6b (see FIG. 2).

[0086] The processing means 60 is a so-called RIP (Raster Image Processor), which converts the submitted original data into a raster image and further converts the raster image data into print data in a format that can be printed by the printing device 101.

[0087] Here, the print data consists of first print data or second print data. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by the printing device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the first print data DT1a consists of a print image 7, marks 711 provided at each of the four cut-out corners of the print image 7, and an accessory 8 having at least an upper refresh line 81 and an intermediate refresh line 82. That is, the first print data DT1a is the same as the first print data DT1 in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that it does not have the second mark 72. In this case, the mark 711 corresponds to the first mark 71.

[0088] The printing device 101 according to the second embodiment has only one printing unit 30 and one fixing unit 31, so only one type of mark 711 is required to be provided at the four corners. In other words, the number of types of marks may be at least equal to the number of units each consisting of the printing unit 30 and the fixing unit 31 .

[0089] The mark 711 has at least a horizontal line 71a1 and a vertical line 71b1. Specifically, the mark 711 has a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71a1 and a vertical line 71b1 intersect at the center. By forming the mark 711 in a line shape in this way, the mark 711 can be more easily detected in the imaging data. Furthermore, the distance R5a in the transport direction can be measured using the horizontal line 71a1, and the distance R5b in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 71b1, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurements.

[0090] The mark 711 is preferably printed by one of the line heads 32 in the printing unit 30. In this case, it is possible to prevent misalignment of printing between the line heads 32. That is, it is possible to prevent misalignment of printing between line heads from being confused with misalignment due to expansion or contraction of the medium X. There are no restrictions on the color of the marks 711, but if the medium X is colored, it is preferable that these colors be different from the color of the medium X.

[0091] In the control unit 6, the first transmitting means 61 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the first print data DT1a created by the processing means 60. In the printing device 101, in response to a print start command from the first transmitting means 61, the printing unit 30 starts printing at a preset timing. For example, the print start command to the print unit 30 is a command to start printing from a desired print start location on the medium X.

[0092] The imaging means 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to capture an image of the print medium X1 on which the first print data DT1a has been printed by the printing unit 30, and acquires the captured still image as imaging data. The imaging data may be a still image of the print medium X1 captured at the appropriate time, or may be a still image of the print medium X1 captured as it is conveyed.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing image data on a print medium when printing is performed using the first print data shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the deviation of the printed image 7 is omitted. As shown in Figure 9, the measurement means 63 measures the distance R6a in the conveying direction between the marks 731 printed by the printing unit 30 in the imaging data DT3a, and the distance R6b in the width direction between the marks 731, and obtains imaging measurement values ​​consisting of these values. If the print medium X1 in the imaging data DT3a is tilted, rotation correction is applied to the imaging data DT3a as needed so that the length direction of the print medium X1 coincides with the transport direction. The imaging measurement value may be measured from one piece of imaging data DT3a, or may be an average of measurements from a plurality of pieces of imaging data DT3a.

[0094] The calculation means 64 calculates the enlargement / reduction ratio for the printing unit 30 from the reference measurement values ​​(see Figure 8) consisting of the distance R5a in the transport direction between the marks 711 in the print data DT1a and the distance R5b in the width direction between the marks 711, and the above-mentioned imaging measurement values.

[0095] In the calculation means 64, the enlargement / reduction ratio is calculated as follows. The enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the transport direction of the printing unit 30 is calculated from the value A1 of the distance R5a in the transport direction between the marks 711 in the print data DT1a and the value B1 of the distance R6a in the transport direction between the marks 731 in the imaging data DT3a, as follows: X1=A1 / B1 It is calculated as follows. The enlargement / reduction ratio X2 of the printing unit 30 in the width direction is calculated from the value A2 of the distance R5b between the marks 711 in the print data DT1a in the width direction and the value B2 of the distance R6b between the marks 731 in the image data DT3a in the width direction, as follows: X2=A2 / B2 It is calculated as follows. In this way, the enlargement / reduction ratios, that is, the enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the conveying direction and the enlargement / reduction ratio X2 in the width direction, are obtained.

[0096] The correction means 65 enlarges or reduces the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a based on the enlargement or reduction ratio to create the second print data. The second print data does not include the marks 711 and the like, and only contains the print image. Also, the four corners of the print are not cut out.

[0097] In the correction means 65, the print image in the second print data is corrected as follows. The distance value D1 in the transport direction of the print image in the second print data is calculated from the distance value C1 in the transport direction of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a and the enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the transport direction, as follows: D1=C1×X1 It is calculated as follows. The value D2 of the width direction distance of the print image in the second print data is calculated from the value C2 of the width direction distance 7b of the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a and the width direction enlargement / reduction ratio X2, as follows: D2=C2×X2 It is calculated as follows.

[0098] The correction means 65 enlarges or reduces the print image 7 in the first print data DT1a to correspond to the distance value D1 in the transport direction of the print image in the second print data and the distance value D2 in the width direction of the print image in the second print data, thereby creating the second print data.

[0099] The second transmitting means 66 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the second print data created by the correcting means 65. The timing at which the printing unit 30 starts printing is the same as that of the first transmitting means 61.

[0100] The automatic enlargement / reduction correction in the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment is performed in the same manner as the automatic enlargement / reduction correction in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. In the printing device 101, the "first printing unit, second printing unit" in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is replaced with "printing unit."

[0101] In the printing device 101, first, the original data is input to the second computer 6b. Next, the processing means 60 converts the original data and adds the mark 711 and the accessory 8 to create the first print data DT1a (first step).

[0102] Then, the printing device 101 is operated, and the first transmitting means 61 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the first print data DT1a (second step). Upon receiving the print start command, the print unit 30 starts printing on the medium X at a preset timing.

[0103] Next, the imaging means 62 causes the imaging unit 5 to capture an image of the print medium X1 that has passed through the print-related unit 3a, and acquires the image data DT3a (third step). Such imaging may be performed multiple times as necessary. Then, in the first computer 6a, the measurement means 63 measures the imaging measurement values ​​from the imaging data DT3a (fourth step), and the calculation means 64 calculates the enlargement / reduction ratio from the reference measurement values ​​of the first print data DT1a and the imaging measurement values ​​(fifth step).

[0104] Next, in the second computer 6b, the correction means 65 creates second print data based on the calculated enlargement / reduction ratio (sixth step).

[0105] Next, the second transmitting means 66 transmits a print start command to the printing unit 30 based on the second print data (seventh step). Upon receiving the print start command, the print unit 30 starts printing on the medium X at a preset timing. Then, after the desired number of sheets or a predetermined length of printing based on the second print data has been performed, printing ends.

[0106] In the printing device 101, automatic enlargement / reduction correction is performed through the first to seventh steps. Furthermore, if necessary, steps 1 to 7 may be repeated after step 7. Furthermore, if it takes time to execute the third to sixth steps, printing may be temporarily stopped.

[0107] In the printing device 101, the error range of the distance in the conveying direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image 7 in the first printing data DT1a and the printed image printed based on the second printing data is preferably within ±1.0 mm, and more preferably within ±0.1 mm. That is, in the printing device 101, it is important to print the image at the time of collection to a desired size with high precision. This allows the size of the print image at the time of collection to be approximately the same as the size of the original print data.

[0108] As described above, the printing device 101 also has an automatic enlargement / reduction correction function. That is, the printing device 101 is equipped with an imaging unit 5 and a control unit 6, and the control unit 6 has a first transmitting means 61, an imaging means 62, a measuring means 63 and a calculating means 64, so that the enlargement / reduction ratio can be calculated automatically, and further has a correction means 65 and a second transmitting means 66, so that second printing data can be automatically created by enlarging or reducing the print image 7 based on the enlargement / reduction ratio. This allows the printing device 101 to eliminate human error. Furthermore, since the measurement between the marks 711 is performed by the control unit 6, the accuracy of the measurement is improved. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for manual measurements, thereby improving productivity.

[0109] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0110] The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a supply unit 1, a pre-processing unit 2, a printing-related unit 3, a collection unit 4, an imaging unit 5, and a control unit 6, but the pre-processing unit 2 is not required. That is, in the pre-treatment section 2, an ink-receiving layer is formed on the medium X, but the medium X may be one on which an ink-receiving layer is provided in advance. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0111] The printing device 100 according to the first embodiment has a unit of the first printing section 30a and the first fixing section 31a, and a unit of the second printing section 30b and the second fixing section 31b, and the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment has a unit of the printing section 30 and the fixing section 31, but may have three or more such units.

[0112] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first printing unit 30a and the second printing unit 30b use water-based ink, oil-based ink, etc., but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use energy beam curable ink such as UV curable ink or electron beam curable ink. In this case, energy ray irradiators are used as the first fixing section 31a and the second fixing section 31b instead of the hot air dryers. In this case, the volume of the energy beam curable ink changes as it hardens, and the medium X may also be deformed. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0113] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 5 images the print image side of the print medium X1, but may also image both sides. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0114] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the recovery unit 4 recovers the print medium X1 as a recovery roll 40 while winding the print medium X1 around a shaft, but it may also recover the print medium X1 by shaking it off. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0115] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first transmitting means 61, the imaging means 62, the measuring means 63, the calculating means 64 and the second transmitting means 66 are stored in the first computer 6a, and the processing means 60 and the correcting means 65 are stored in the second computer 6b, but the number of computers used to store these is not particularly limited. These computers are general-purpose computers and include an input unit, a calculation unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and the like. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0116] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the enlargement / reduction ratio is calculated for each unit of the printing section and the fixing section, but it is also possible to calculate the enlargement / reduction ratio for each ink used. In this case, correction data is created for each ink. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0117] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first printing data DT1 consists of a printing image 7, a plurality of marks 70 consisting of first marks 71 and second marks 72, and an accessory 8, although the accessory 8 is not required. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0118] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first mark 71 is a cross pattern in which a horizontal line 71a and a vertical line 71b intersect at the center, and the second mark 72 is a rectangular pattern consisting of a pair of horizontal lines 72a and a pair of vertical lines 72b (see FIG. 3), but is not limited to this.

[0119] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing first print data to be printed by a printing device according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, in the first print data DT4, the first mark 75 has an inverted L-shaped pattern in which a horizontal line 75a and a vertical line 75b are connected at their ends, and the second mark 76 has an inverted L-shaped pattern in which a horizontal line 76a and a vertical line 76b are connected at their ends. In this case, the distance in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal line 75a, the distance in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 75b, the distance in the conveying direction can be measured using the horizontal line 76a, and the distance in the width direction can be measured using the vertical line 76b. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0120] In the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, steps 1 to 6 may be performed as preparation steps for processing the product, or may be performed simultaneously while the product is being processed. In the latter case, automatic scaling correction can be performed at regular intervals to stably match the size of the printed image at the time of collection (the size of the printed image of the product) with the size of the original print data with good yield. The same applies to the printing device 101 according to the second embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0121] The printing device according to the present invention can be used as a device for printing images on a medium based on print data. Furthermore, according to the printing device of the present invention, the size of the print image at the time of collection can be made to approximately match the size of the original print data by the automatic enlargement / reduction correction function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1...Supply section 100,101 Printing device 11. Feed roller 2. Preprocessing section 20 Corona treatment device 21 Coater processing device 22...Dryer 23, 33, 33a, 33b Cooling roller 3,3a Printing-related parts 30 Printing section 30a···First printing section 30b...Second printing section 31 Fixing section 31a First fixing part 31b Second fixing part 32, 32a, 32b... Line head 4. Recovery section 41 Feed roller 5. Imaging unit 6. Control section 6a···First computer 6b Second computer 60 Processing means 61...First transmission means 62 Imaging means 63...Measurement means 64...Calculation method 65...Correction means 66···Second transmission means 7,9...Printed image 70 marks 71,711,73,75...1st Mark 71a, 71a1, 72a, 75a, 76a... Horizontal lines 71b, 71b1, 72b, 75b, 76b... Vertical lines 72, 74, 76... 2nd mark 7a, 91a, 92a, R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a, R5a, R6a...Distance in the conveying direction 7b, 91b, 92b, R1b, R2b, R3b, R4b, R5b, R6b... Distance in width direction 8. Accessories 81···Upper refresh line 82···Intermediate refresh line DS1: Data for the first print section in the first print data DT1 DS2: Data for the second printing section in the first printing data DT1 DT1, DT1a, DT4: First print data DT2: Second print data DT3, DT3a...imaging data H1: First correction data H2: Second correction data X...medium X1...Print medium

Claims

1. a supply unit for supplying the medium; a print-related section including a printing section for printing at least a print image on the medium based on print data, and a fixing section for fixing the print image on the medium to form a print medium; a recovery unit for recovering the print medium; an imaging unit disposed between the print-related unit and the collection unit for capturing an image of the print medium; a control unit for controlling the printing; A printing device comprising: the print data is first print data or second print data, The control unit includes at least a first transmitting means for transmitting a print start command to the printing unit based on first print data in which a plurality of marks are added to the print image; an imaging unit that captures an image of the print medium with the imaging unit and acquires image data; a measuring means for measuring the distance between the marks in the conveyance direction and the distance between the marks in the width direction in the imaging data, and acquiring imaging measurement values ​​including these values; a calculation means for calculating an enlargement / reduction ratio from the captured measurement value and a reference measurement value including a distance between the marks in the first print data in the transport direction and a distance between the marks in the width direction; a correction means for generating second print data by enlarging or reducing the print image based on the enlargement or reduction ratio; second transmitting means for transmitting a print start command to the printing unit based on the second print data; and A printing device in which the error ranges of the distance in the transport direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image in the first print data and the printed image printed based on the second print data are both within ±1.0 mm.

2. The calculation means The enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the conveying direction is calculated from a value A1 of the distance between the marks in the first print data and a value B1 of the distance between the marks in the conveying direction in the imaging data. X1 = A1 / B1 Calculated by The enlargement / reduction ratio X2 in the width direction is calculated from the value A2 of the distance between the marks in the first print data and the value B2 of the distance between the marks in the width direction in the imaging data, as follows: X2 = A2 / B2 It is calculated by The correction means A distance value D1 in the conveying direction of the print image in the second print data is calculated from a distance value C1 in the conveying direction of the print image in the first print data and the enlargement / reduction ratio X1 in the conveying direction. D1 = C1 x X1 Calculated by A value C2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first print data and a value D2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the second print data are calculated from the value C2 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first print data and the enlargement / reduction ratio X2 in the width direction. D2 = C2 x X2 Calculated by 2. A printing device according to claim 1, wherein the second print data is created by enlarging or reducing the print image in the first print data to correspond to a distance value D1 in the transport direction of the print image in the second print data and a distance value D2 in the width direction of the print image in the second print data.

3. a supply unit for supplying the medium; a print-related section including a first printing section and a second printing section for printing at least a print image on the medium based on print data, and a first fixing section and a second fixing section for fixing the print image on the medium to form a print medium; a recovery unit for recovering the print medium; an imaging unit disposed between the print-related unit and the collection unit for capturing an image of the print medium; a control unit for controlling the printing; A printing device comprising: The print-related unit is arranged in the following order from the upstream side: the first print unit, the first fixing unit, the second print unit, and the second fixing unit; the print data is first print data or second print data consisting of first correction data and second correction data, The control unit includes at least a first transmitting means for transmitting a print start command to the first printing unit and the second printing unit based on first print data in which a plurality of marks, each consisting of a first mark and a second mark, are added to the print image; an imaging unit that captures an image of the print medium with the imaging unit and acquires image data; a measuring means for measuring the distance in the transport direction between the first marks printed by the first printing unit in the imaging data and the distance in the width direction between the first marks, and acquiring first imaging measurement values ​​consisting of these values, and for measuring the distance in the transport direction between the second marks printed by the second printing unit in the imaging data and the distance in the width direction between the second marks, and acquiring second imaging measurement values ​​consisting of these values; a calculation means for calculating an enlargement / reduction ratio for the first printing unit from first reference measurement values ​​consisting of values ​​of the distance between the first marks in the first print data in the transport direction and the distance between the first marks in the width direction, and the first captured measurement values, and for calculating an enlargement / reduction ratio for the second printing unit from second reference measurement values ​​consisting of values ​​of the distance between the second marks in the first print data in the transport direction and the distance between the second marks in the width direction, and the second captured measurement values; a correction means for enlarging or reducing data of a portion of the printed image that is assigned to the first printing unit based on the first enlargement / reduction ratio to create the first correction data, and for enlarging or reducing data of a portion of the printed image that is assigned to the second printing unit based on the second enlargement / reduction ratio to create the second correction data; a second transmitting means for transmitting a print start command to the first printing unit based on the first correction data and transmitting a print start command to the second printing unit based on the second correction data; and A printing device in which the error ranges of the distance in the transport direction and the distance in the width direction between the printed image in the first print data and the printed image printed based on the second print data are both within ±1.0 mm.

4. The calculation means The first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the conveying direction is calculated from a value A11 of the distance in the conveying direction between the first marks in the first print data and a value B11 of the distance in the conveying direction between the first marks in the imaging data. X11=A11 / B11 Calculated by The first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction is calculated from a value A12 of the distance between the first marks in the first print data and a value B12 of the distance between the first marks in the width direction in the imaging data. X12=A12 / B12 Calculated by The second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction is calculated from a value A21 of the distance between the second marks in the first print data and a value B21 of the distance between the second marks in the transport direction in the imaging data. X21=A21 / B21 Calculated by The second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction is calculated from a value A22 of the distance between the second marks in the first print data and a value B22 of the distance between the second marks in the width direction in the imaging data. X22=A22 / B22 It is calculated by The correction means A distance value D11 of the print image in the conveying direction in the first correction data is calculated from a distance value C11 of the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first printing unit in the conveying direction and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X11 in the conveying direction. D11=C11×X11 Calculated by A value C12 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first print unit and the first enlargement / reduction ratio X12 in the width direction are used to calculate a value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data. D12=C12×X12 Calculated by creating the first correction data by enlarging or reducing the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the first printing unit so as to correspond to the value D11 of the distance in the transport direction of the print image in the first correction data and the value D12 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the first correction data; A distance value D21 in the transport direction of the print image in the second correction data is calculated from a distance value C21 in the transport direction of the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the second printing unit and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X21 in the transport direction. D21=C21×X21 Calculated by A value C22 of the distance in the width direction of the data of the portion of the print image in the first print data that is assigned to the second print unit and the second enlargement / reduction ratio X22 in the width direction are used to calculate a value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the print image in the second correction data. D22=C22×X22 Calculated by 4. A printing device as described in claim 3, wherein the second correction data is created by enlarging or reducing the data of the portion of the printed image in the first printing data that is the responsibility of the second printing unit to correspond to the value D21 of the distance in the transport direction of the printed image in the second correction data and the value D22 of the distance in the width direction of the printed image in the second correction data.

5. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein in the first print data, the marks are provided at four corners of the print image.

6. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein in the first print data, the marks are provided at positions where four corners of the print image are cut out.

7. The marks are provided at positions where four corners of the printed image are cut out, A margin is provided between the mark and the printed image, 4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein the shortest distance between the mark and the printed image is 10 mm or more.

8. The mark comprises at least a horizontal line for measuring the distance in the conveying direction; 4. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a vertical line for measuring a distance in the width direction.

9. the first print data is a print image with a plurality of marks and accessories added thereto; The accessory is an upper refresh line provided above the upper horizontal line; a plurality of intermediate refresh lines provided at equal intervals between the upper horizontal line and the lower horizontal line, 9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein the marks and the accessories are printed in the same color.

Images